Outlet malls have the same chain stores you'll find anywhere, so the quality will be the same. But be aware that not ALL stores at outlet malls are actually outlet stores. They also have stores they call "anchor stores", I think. Those stores are not outlet stores, and will have regular prices. Look for stores that say "factory store" or outlet in the title. Those are true outlets. We have an outlet mall within an hour of us, and I do shop there, but mostly to get the end of season sales. Seems like they generally have a lot more stock of the end of season sale stuff, like maybe other stores ship it in or somthing. I bought my son's entire 2010 fall/winter wardrobe, including shoes last year at the end of the season sales, and paid peanuts for everything. Literally, I got many things for under $2. If you can predict your kids sizes, that's the way to maximize on outlet shopping. Stay ahead of yourself and buy next years clothes at this year's end of season sales... and the sales get really good at the way end of the season. Other than that, the prices at outlets aren't spectacular. At the actual outlet stores, they may have some discounts on things, but pricier stores are still going to have pricey clothes, just not quite as pricey as if you bought them at the regular mall store. Also, some of the discounted clothes might be last season's styles, which for kids, who cares, right?