Handbag addicts have plenty to look forward to at Dooney & Bourke outlet stores. Discounted handbags and accessories are ripe for the taking, with many from recent collections and everything in new condition. The difference is in the remarkable prices.
Finding Dooney & Bourke Outlet Stores
Visit Dooney & Bourke's website for a list of outlet stores (and retail stores) across the country. There are currently 19 outlet stores in 11 states, but you should check frequently for new store openings. As long as the handbag of your choice is available at an outlet location, you can order it by phone as well. Two of the most popular outlet locations to score a fabulous (and discounted) Dooney & Bourke bag are Orlando Premium Outlets and the Tanger Outlets.
How Much You Can Expect to Save
There are a few ways you can save money on a great bag at this popular brand's outlet locations.
General Savings
Outlet stores are famous for one thing: great prices. You'll find just that at Dooney & Bourke outlets, which feature everything from the occasional selection of vintage bags to more recent selections of Dooney & Bourke purses. Merchandise is typically between 20 to 40 percent off original price, but some items are even more deeply discounted.
Sales Events
When buying your Dooney & Bourke handbag at an outlet store, you can also take advantage of semi-annual and annual sales that offer additional discounts on merchandise that is already marked down. The exact sale times depend on the outlet you visit, so call ahead.
Holiday Specials
If you do happen to have an outlet near you, make sure you pay the store a special visit during the holiday season - namely on Black Friday or President's Weekend, when the sales are generally highest and select stores offer up to 60 percent off certain collections. Get there early to get your hands on the best stock.
Coupons
The only thing better than discounted designer handbags is when they come with additional coupons. Many Dooney & Bourke outlets offer coupons to make your purchase even more reasonable. If you happen to visit the aforementioned Tanger Outlet or Orlando Premium Outlet for example, you are rewarded with an additional 20 percent off of the regular sale price of your handbag from a specific collection.
- Most Dooney & Bourke factory stores are located in malls. Stop by the mall's main office and see if they have any coupon books for that day.
- When you arrive at a store, ask a sales person for any active coupons, then check to see exactly what the coupons offer. (Not all coupons cover all styles and lines.)
- Note that the coupons are not always valid at all outlet locations, so be sure to read the fine print carefully in order to avoid any disappointments.
To receive additional coupons and alerts on special deals, sign up for Dooney & Bourke's email list.
What You Can Expect at the Outlet
Dooney & Bourke is a very popular brand, and their styles change frequently: don't think of a design as outdated, but as a limited edition! Outlet shopping can be rewarding, but there are some things you'll want to consider when shopping:
- Dooney & Bourke sell their retail store merchandise at the outlet stores, including close outs, discontinued designs, and discounted styles. They do not have a separate factory store line, so you are getting the best quality for your dollar.
- Discounts at factory stores vary widely, often between 20 and 60 percent. Frequent markdowns, seasonal changes, and even special sales can result in even deeper discounts.
- Dooney & Bourke is very careful of its image and reserves the right to limit the number of factory store purchases to guard against their products being resold at flea markets, online, etc. If you plan to purchase bags for gifts, check out the purchase limits so you won't be disappointed. This may vary by store; purchase limits may be placed on the number of items bought daily, monthly, or yearly.
- Keep your receipt; outlet locations will allow you to return your unused merchandise for exchange or store credit within 30 days. Clearance items, however, are considered final sales and cannot be returned.
The Condition of the Bags
Many people express concern about purchasing handbags from outlet stores. They wonder if the bags they're about to spend their hard-earned money on are damaged in any way, are factory throwaways, returned items, or somehow imperfect. At Dooney & Bourke, shoppers can rest assured that the items are not secondhand products or returned items of any kind.
If, however, the item in question has a small defect, it will be marked as irregular. It's important to note that even the most determined shoppers won't always be able to detect the irregularity. Often, it's something extremely small and barely visible to the naked eye. In other words, it's a minor cosmetic detail that won't in any way affect the bag's beauty or its ability to carry your daily essentials in style.
Scoring Dooney Deals Online
You may have noticed there are only a handful of outlets located in various outlet malls across the country. If you're not fortunate enough to live by one, you can still take advantage of some great deals.
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Dooney.com: Your first stop is the Dooney & Bourke Web site, which features two sections devoted to lower-priced items. Click on "Under $100" for a great selection of products that won't break the bank. Products available include shoes, jewelry, cosmetic cases, watches, charms, key fobs, umbrellas, wallets and, of course, handbags.
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ilovedooney.com: This website sells only Dooney & Bourke products in original packaging (not used or returned.) Ilovedooney partners with Dooney & Bourke, so you know merchandise is authentic, and sales discounts on this website can reach 60 percent.
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6pm.com: This discount web store offers Dooney & Bourke online deals and lists the manufacturer's suggested retail price (MSRP). The discounts can be substantial, but always shop around and check the deals against other sites for the best value.
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eBay: Ebay has a strong selection of Dooney & Bourke bags. Finding what you want - and making sure it's authentic - can be a tricky feat, but it's less challenging than finding more elite styles such as a genuine Louis Vuitton purse. Keep an eye out for free shipping deals to increase your savings.
Saving at Retail and Department Stores
Many department stores carry Dooney & Bourke products. The bags generally go on sale from time to time, particularly right before a major holiday, so mark your calendar and take advantage of these sales. You can also add to your discount by signing up for a store card (which usually knocks 10 to 15 percent off your purchase) or using an active store coupon (read the fine print so you know if any products are excepted from the discount.)
Don't be afraid to ask the store manager whether they have a better discount than the one marked on the floor (the sales associates can't make that decision.) Some of the top stores include: Macy's, Dillard's, Nordstrom, and Belk.
If you'd rather see the bags in person, visit discount stores like Marshalls and T.J. Maxx. Both are known to carry Dooney & Bourke handbags at discounted prices. Again, the selection will not be as vast as it would be at an outlet, but you can expect to find a handful of styles. Bear in mind that not all locations will carry Dooney & Bourke bags.
In the Bag
If there is one essential item that most women seem impossible to be without, it's their handbag. Dooney & Bourke is a popular handbag line, largely due to the construction of their bags. A top-quality handbag from this line doesn't have to break the bank, though. Get the best deal on a top-of-the-line bag by shopping their outlet stores and sweeten the deal even more by being on the lookout for special sales and coupons.
