On outlet shopping...When Nordstrom in Seattle first opened its Rack, all the merchandise was from the flagship store. Returns, overstocks, sale items, etc. Now, now like almost every outlet today, the majority of the items are made specifically for the outlet. While they carry a “brand name,” you get what you pay for, of lesser quality and usually not a deal at all. Depending on your location, some Racks have a rack marked, “Just in from Nordstrom’s,” which have not been manufactured just for an outlet. A few other items are also from Nordstrom’s, some coats for example. I do find that shoes, especially designer shoes, at the Rack can be first quality name brands and good deals. I check the Rack weekly but rarely outlet shop elsewhere anymore or even find much there. I miss the days when outlets were really outlets!