Theory Outlet vs. Retail: Differences, Quality & Price 2024

Theory Brand Origin and History

Theory is a New York-based men's and women's contemporary fashion label which sells clothes and accessories. American fashion mogul Andrew Rosen launched Theory in 1997 with a popular women's collection focused on flattering, precisely tailored pants and sleek shirts at contemporary price points. 

In 2000, shortly after the brand moved into the Japanese market, its local licensing partner Link International acquired the label. The brand is owned by "Fast Retailing" of Japan since 2009.

As a subsidiary of Uniqlo's parent company Fast Retailing, the newly formed Link Theory invested in the label's global expansion. The brand currently has more than 220 retail locations and global sales approaching $1 billion in 2014.  

Theory's Style & Design

The main idea of "Theory" is that woman and men want to feel comfortable and sexy in modern but simple clothing. The main feature of this fashion brand is clean-line and simple, but luxurious clothes and accessories. This brand wants to answer the needs of a customer who lives fast and demanding life, but still in style.  

Twenty years ago, a pair of pants changed the way American women dress. Recognizing the need for clothes that felt great and fit perfectly, they developed an innovative stretch fabric that would dramatically improve a pant's performance. These pants had the power to make women feel confident, smart, and stylish. Never before had American sportswear been so easy to wear to work and everywhere else. When Theory for men was established, similar foundation principles were used, so that they, too, could get dressed in innovative, highly functional, and stylish clothes.

What is the Difference between Theory Retail and Outlet?

Theory Outlet vs Retail Prices

• Theory Retail / Boutique items' Prices

The function of a retail store is to sell quality products at a retail price, which means there are few discounts unless there's a sale or special event. On Theory online offcial site, we can see Theory items' prices: women's clothing: $45 -$1,677;  women's Shoes $90 - $575 ; women's Bags $221.25- $395; men's clothing:$30 - $2,195; mens accessories: $14.90- $440.

• Theory Outlet items' Prices

We can see the outlet items price from the Theory outlet website: womens: $22.50-$1,497.5; mens: $51 -$697.5. Most Theory outlet items are 50-70% off , and the Last Chance items  on outlet online website can be up to 80% OFF! That's amazing!

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Theory Retail vs Outlet Different Target Audience

• Theory Retail's Customers

Theory's target customers are mainly office workers. They are a group of smart, active and fashionable professional women or men, and they are white-collar beauties who are looking for high-quality and classic designs, but also need to keep up with trends and wear innovative fabrics.

• Theory Outlet's Customers

Theory Outlet offers shoppers lower prices and everyday bargains.The customers of outlet stores are usually who want great discount on luxury items. They can get the brand them love with less money. They are not care about whether it's the newest styles or popular styles in classic colors.

Theory Retail vs Outlet Quality

• Theory Retail items' Quality

Theory is not a luxury brand, but it is a very high-end contemporary clothing brand. It has the most important element that any brand wants to have, such as high fabric quality, stylish pieces, and impeccable tailoring.Theory's clothes often last a long time.

Theory clothes are quite pricey because of the top-quality materials used in making them. The time, energy, and expertise spent in making these clothes are part of what you are paying for - this, the higher price tag. 

• Theory Outlet items' Quality

Theory outlet stores sell overstock items and out-of-season items at a cheaper price. The clerk said that in the Theory outlet store, they are the same clothes that are currently in the department stores. When the department store clothes go on sale, then these are items from the previous season. These products are of good quality, but retailers lack the room to stock these items. And they also sell damaged, gently used or new merchandise that has some type of blemish or irregularity. 

Theory Outlet Store Near You

There are Theory outlet stores in United State, China, France, Hong Kong, Japan, Korea and UK. Click here to find your nearest Theory store! You can also shopping at the Theory outlet online website. They offer latest services in store and online, From personal styling by appointment to in-home try-on program. Plus, receive 15% off your first Theory Outlet Edit.

• Theory Outlet store adresses:

There are total of 39 Theory stores and outlet stores in United State. Eg:  

• THEORY SAWGRASS MEN

1800 Sawgrass Mills Circle, Space #2650 Sunrise, Florida 33323

(954) 838-0584

• THEORY WOODBURY WOMEN

912 Adirondack Way Central Valley, New York 10917

(845) 928-1130

• THEORY LAS VEGAS

555 South Grand Central Parkway Suite #3485 Las Vegas, Nevada 89106

(702) 386-5022

• THEORY CAMARILLO WOMEN

850 E Ventura Blvd, Space #728 Camarillo, California 93010

(805) 388-5628

Shopping Tips at a Theory Outlet

1) Call ahead - ask when their last big shipment came in or when it is expected. This is best done about a week in advance of when you would like to target your trip.

2) Make a list of items you'd like to keep an eye out for. Given that it's an outlet, they may not have as full selection as a department store. But knowing what your wardrobe needs will make this a more productive and targeted experience.

3) Be willing to leave empty handed. Going with the right attitude is important. "I'd love to find new items, but I don't just want to spend money." To that end, only buy pieces that you would at least consider paying full price for. Cheap isn't cheap if you never wear it!

4) Be aware of 'factory brands' - these are not the same items as you'd see in the store, but cheaper versions made especially for the outlet.

5) At Theory, it's a good idea to swing by the outlet for any in-season items you might want to invest in. Or, if you can wait, you might be better off going to the big department store sales in August, January, and March for deals on the past season's merchandise. 

6) Nothing beats online shopping when it comes to convenience. But, with outlet shopping, I steadfastly recommend seeing the item in person. Outlet items can be irregular, damaged, or of subpar quality. It's best to see it, feel it, and then choose to buy it.

Where to Buy Theory Cheapest?

Theory items are available in Theory boutiques and outlet store worldwide and online. And you can also get a second-hand Theory items on some resale websites! Sign up at Extrabux.com, you can get up to 10% cash back on your purchase at these sites！

outlet.theory.com (8% -10% cashback)

shopbop.com (7.6%- 9.6%  cashback)

nordstromrack.com （1.5-2% cashback）

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