Kenneth Cole

what is the different between a Kenneth Cole shoe from Burlington coat factory and same shoe from say Macy's?

or the different between merchandise in dolar stores and regular stores?
I mean in terms of quality? which one is better and why ?

Burlington Coat Factory tends to buy in large quantity of fewer items. You will see 25 of the same coat in different sizes not just 2 or 3 of each size. This bulk buying strategy along with minimal advertising, minimalist store decor, and a store credit only return policy keeps their costs to a minimum and they can offer much lower prices as a result. (Recently they claim to have gone to a 30-day refund policy if you have your receipt and the tags are still attached. I have no personal knowledge if this is true or not, but for 30 years it was "store credit only for returns".)

Personally I find their styles lag a few months behind regular department stores like Macy's. They claim their styles are "current",

So yes - in many ways the difference is the name at the top of the receipt, but it is also a matter of timing and selection. If they HAVE the Kenneth Cole shoes you want you will get them at a bargain. If they don't have them, they probably never will and cannot order them for you.

Here is what they have to say on their website:

"The roots of Burlington Coat Factory Warehouse Corporation (the "Company") go back to 1924 with wholesale sales of ladies coats and junior suits. In 1972, the Company opened its first outlet store in Burlington, New Jersey. Coats were the primary offering at the original Burlington Coat Factory, but over time the concept evolved into a one-stop shopping experience. Extensive selections of men's and women's suits, sportswear, shoes, and accessories developed. Highly successful baby and youth departments were created. A linens department was added in 1987.
Burlington Coat Factory has remained successful by making value a priority. The Company, through strategic purchasing, has always been able to offer the latest in designer clothing, shoes, accessories, baby products, and home furnishings at great savings. Burlington Coat Factory maintains a minimalist approach to merchandising, keeping stores modern and attractive, without passing on the high cost of fixtures and decor to its customers.
Today, the Company is a national department store retail chain which offers current, high quality, designer merchandise at prices up to 60% below those at other department stores. Burlington Coat Factory stores feature coats, apparel, shoes, accessories for the entire family, baby clothes, furniture, toys, home decor items, and gifts. Over 394 stores can be found in 44 states nationwide."

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"Dollar" stores tend to buy overstocked merchandise or merchandise that has come off of damaged trucks (the merchandise is not damaged). Some even buy "seconds" or merchandise that the manufacturer considers flawed. Dollar stores may carry Jockey underware today, but when it is gone it is gone and they may never have it in stock again. A regular department store will carry a variety of brands and carry them for extended periods of time - years or decades even.

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Ok - you asked "I mean in terms of quality? which one is better and why ?"

I thought this was pretty much answered above. Burlington sells the same merchandise NO DIFFERENCE IN QUALITY but a huge difference in variety and customer service.

Dollar type stores may sell seconds (which means flawed and not sold in main line department stores - or lesser quality) or firsts that have come off over stocked items or from damaged in transit trucks.