Coach Boutique or Factory? Three Easy Ways to Tell

Since losing my Coach virginity last week, I’ve gone on to learn a lot about the brand. From it’s modest origins, to it’s recent drop in the stock market; from fears the brand is losing it’s edge as a result of stiff competition, diversification and outlets, to claims its return to classic looks is reviving their image - I’ve read it all. 

By far the most interesting thing I’ve learned this weekend, however, will empower any Coach outlet (or internet) shopper looking to score a deal.   Most bags in the outlets (as many as 80%) were designed for outlets - also known as Made For Factory (MFF). 

MFF bags were never intended for the boutiques and therefore are not necessarily up to the same standards that boutique bags are held to. Furthermore, because outlets always have sales off the sticker price, the suggested retail price is a scam - Coach never assumed the bag would sell at that price. 

Now I have no objections whatsoever to mass market sister-lines for designer brands.  It’s wonderful to have stores like Armani Exchange and fashion partnerships between high end designers and accessible stores like H&M. It’s kind of fun to pick up something  inexpensively that represents the mood and ‘flavour’ of your favourite brands and designers.  

Having said that, I resent designer lines opening outlet stores under their official brand identity but selling merchandise they would never put in their real stores. The assumption is that the outlet sells products that are out of season, over produced or left over inventory from around the country. It’s insulting to customers to develop entire product lines of a lesser quality to fool them.  

I am fighting back against that dishonesty by sharing three simple ways to ensure you’re making an informed purchase at Coach outlets. 

1) The logo on Coach boutique bags’ price tags are different than factory bags. The boutique bags feature the full horse and carriage logo, while factory bags just have the Coach symbol and “established 1941” print.  

Boutique tag on the left with horse and carriage.  Factory tag on the right.

2) Coach boutique items have serial number that begins with a number.  Made for factory bags have a serial number that begins with an “F”.  This is clearly visible on the price tag as well as on the logo inside the bag. 

Boutique item serial numbers don't start with an "F" (left).
Made for factory items  do (right). 

3) Coach boutique items come with a dust bag inside - factory bags don’t.  Even when a boutique bag is sold in an outlet, you will still find a dust bag inside. 

Happy deal finding!