Thrill of the Hunt 
By Diaz Allen
One day I went with a couple of co-workers to a nearby shopping center for lunch. They told me to hurry and eat so we could go shopping. I was a little confused but I obliged and shortly after we proceeded through this strip mall. As we walked through, I recognized many of the names above the storefronts. As we made a left around a corner, a bright glow almost blinded me. As I regained my sight, I discovered that this overpowering brightness was the sign above a store that I had only been able to shop in other large cities. I discovered that this luxury department store was a discount store or outlet. Maybe I had been so consumed with work that I did not realize this treasure right around the corner. Needless to say, I cut a fool. I was a little late getting back to work that day, but it was okay because I was the boss.
The store became one of my ‘go to’ spots in the area. Some have frowned upon outlet stores. They gawked, “Those are last seasons’ clothes” or “I do not like to hunt for anything.” The key is purchasing items that are not too trendy. I only buy classic looks. And as far as hunting, most of the outlets that I have encountered since then are displayed and arranged just as well, if not better than the ‘regular’ store. So what if my Gucci sunglasses hit the runway in the fall of 2007, I purchased it in the fall of 2008 for less than half price. Yes I said Gucci! Names like Diane von Furstenberg, Giorgio Armani, Roberto Cavalli, Balenciaga, Escada, Fendi, Prada, and Dior will make your mouth water.
Some of the finest names in retail have opened stores across our country in outlet malls. It is a very smart marketing strategy that benefits the “Average Joe” (not Joe six pack, Average Joe). They rid themselves of fashions that are a season or so behind and items that might not have sold in the abundance they were expecting. So the next time you are out and see a sign that says “Outlet Next Exit”, brace yourself and get ready for a sure adrenaline rush.
