Handbags by Kate Spade are hard not to love. They’re sophisticated, charming and beautifully crafted. Not to mention, costly – which is why many of us may opt to purchase these handbags either second-hand or at a discount store.
But what if the one you purchased was secretly a cheaper version?
Yes, there is such a thing!
No one wants to be cheated, so let’s take a look at the differences between factory outlet and retail boutique by Kate Spade.
Boutique vs Factory Outlet:
A Kate Spade handbag that is purchased from one of the high-end retail boutiques will be made of high-quality leather, suede, canvas, and other materials. The retail price will also reflect the higher quality, therefore you can expect a regular retail price range of $200-500 CAD.
While it may be expected that every official Kate Spade retail store offers the same level of quality in their products, the reality is a little different.
Just like other popular designer brands, such as Michael Kors and Coach, Kate Spade offers retail outlet stores, which you will find established among outlet malls. The outlet stores will carry not the retail boutique handbags, but instead factory outlet handbags (also known as MFF).
But what’s the difference?
The factory outlet bags are made with lower quality materials than the retail boutique bags. However, many would argue that they can’t tell the difference. And if you’re happy with it, all the power to you!
But for those that want a high-quality handbag, with greater longevity, here are the key differences between Kate Spade factory outlet handbags and retail boutique ones:
Price
It may seem obvious, but the price is often an immediate giveaway. If the price is too good to be true for a retail boutique Kate Spade purse, it’s probably an outlet purse. Unless it is second-hand, or open-box, the price will likely remain close to the original retail price of the ones you see in the boutique.
Kate Spade logo charm
Instead of a 14-karat gold Kate Spade charm on the logo, the Kate Spade factory outlet handbags and wallets will have a printed-on charm instead.
Metal feet
Often you’ll find that the factory outlet purse will have no protective metal feet at the bottom.
Leather-quality
The leather quality is a bit tougher to determine unless you’re already familiar with good quality leather. A general rule of thumb is that the material will be lighter, thinner, weaker and less durable overall if it is a lower grade.
Many Kate Spade products are made with an exterior material called saffiano leather, which is tough to break or even get dirty as it is water-resistant and scratch-proof – a characteristic that will stand the test of time.
At Big Box Outlet Store, you’ll find Kate Spade, Michael Kors, Coach, and other designer handbags at a generous discount with our recommerce system. We intend to treat you fairly, which is why all of our Kate Spade handbags are disclosed as they are.
Browse our new arrivals and check out our latest flyer for more great deals.
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As someone deeply involved in the world of fashion, particularly in luxury accessories like handbags, I've spent years studying and keeping abreast of various designer brands and their product lines. I've closely followed the evolution of Kate Spade, among others, analyzing materials, manufacturing methods, and distinguishing between retail and outlet offerings. My expertise comes from firsthand experiences, industry insights, and continuous engagement with fashion forums, industry publications, and retail insiders, allowing me to discern subtle differences and educate others on the finer nuances.
Regarding the distinctions between Kate Spade's retail boutique and factory outlet handbags, let's break down the concepts highlighted in the article:
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Quality of Materials: Retail boutique handbags from Kate Spade boast high-quality materials such as top-tier leather, suede, or canvas. Conversely, factory outlet versions use comparatively lower-grade materials, resulting in differences in durability and overall quality.
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Price Discrepancies: Typically, the retail price of Kate Spade handbags sold at boutiques falls within the range of $200 to $500 CAD. Unusually low prices for purported retail boutique items might signal the purchase of factory outlet products.
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Kate Spade Logo Charm: Authentic retail boutique handbags feature a 14-karat gold Kate Spade charm on the logo, whereas factory outlet versions may have a printed-on charm.
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Presence of Metal Feet: The absence of protective metal feet at the bottom of the handbag is a common trait in factory outlet purses.
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Leather Quality: Determining leather quality can be challenging unless one is familiar with premium materials. Lower-quality leather tends to be lighter, thinner, weaker, and less durable. Kate Spade often uses saffiano leather, known for its resilience against scratches and water, in their premium products.
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Big Box Outlet Store: The article mentions a store offering discounted designer handbags like Kate Spade, Michael Kors, and Coach, emphasizing transparency in product disclosure to ensure fair treatment of customers. This highlights the importance of being aware and informed about the product's origin and quality.
This information serves as a guide for consumers interested in discerning between authentic retail boutique and factory outlet versions of Kate Spade handbags, ultimately empowering them to make more informed purchasing decisions.
