Mulberry Bayswater Shop or Outlet?

[haveaglassofwine]

I've wanted a Mulberry Bayswater in Oxblood for several years I have a big birthday coming up and might possibly finally buy one.

I was at Cheshire Oaks last week and they had one in the Outlet, it was beautiful, had soft leather and lining, it was £885.

In store they are £995.

I spoke to the sales assistant and asked if there was any difference between the outlet bag and the store version and she explained they used a different type of leather? She showed me a purse in oxblood in the leather used in store and I couldn't see any difference.

Does anyone have any advice re buying from the outlet rather than the store? Leather quality etc or any Mulberry advice in general?

I've done some research and it appears that the newer bags in store are a harder leather?
The outlet bag was so lovely and soft, I'm not sure I'd want one that is stiffer.

The bag is an expensive purchase and although the saving is over £100 I'd prefer to purchase it in store if the outlet was a lower quality etc?

This a purchase I am planning on making once and need to make the right choice.
Thank you

I'm really interested in the replies for this (I don't have the answers though sorry!) I have a big birthday coming up and I want a bayswater too. I was also considering an outlet store - I was thinking the saving would be more than that but it doesn't sound as much as I thought - hope you get answers and enjoy your bag

I'd pay the extra.Mainly because you might find that you need to resell it.
I'd have that niggling doubt that the in-store purchase might be better.

I prefer the old bayswater so would buy a 2nd hand one.

@orangepeelsz

I'm really interested in the replies for this (I don't have the answers though sorry!) I have a big birthday coming up and I want a bayswater too. I was also considering an outlet store - I was thinking the saving would be more than that but it doesn't sound as much as I thought - hope you get answers and enjoy your bag

Thank you, I thought the saving would be more too, the sales assistant said in store the bag should be £1195 but I've looked on the mulberry site along with other sites and everywhere has it priced at £995, it was definitely the same bag.

@WhoppingBigBackside

I'd pay the extra.Mainly because you might find that you need to resell it. I'd have that niggling doubt that the in-store purchase might be better.

I prefer the old bayswater so would buy a 2nd hand one.

Thats my thoughts, I keep thinking its worth paying the extra for the store one. I'm worried that leather wont be as soft as the outlet one but I'm going to try and go into a store to check, there isn't one locally so will need to travel.

Can I ask what the difference is between the old and new bayswater?

old vs new

Outlets are where the last seasons/previous seasons styles go. With a Bayswater, the only real difference is colours.

I buy from the outlets, resale price has no reflection on the price you pay - with a classic style they hold their value way more.
You get the same warranty/receipt/dust bags/aftercare sales that you'd get in their stores.
Enjoy your purchase.

It's 'the' bag IMO. I've seen lots of them when I was commuting to The City/Canary Wharf.

Check the weight of it. It is quite weighty empty,, and might be too heavy with contents for it to get full use.

Many outlets have an outlet range not part of their shop stock. I wouldn't think Mulberry did, but the outlet may stock samples or seconds.

@WhoppingBigBackside

old vs new

Thank you for the link! Its really helpful.

I bought an outlet Bayswater in 2013. They had outlet "specials" which were small runs of an interesting colour, often didn't have feet, or no little cloche with a key. Mine is Oak Printed and was an end-of-line that they discontinued as they replaced with a physically lighter leather. So there is allsorts in the outlet shops! She may be correct in that it's a different leather made for the outlets even if the same colour dye was used.

Hi All

i note you are discussing Mulberry bags here. I am going to collect a zipped Bayswater at Cheshire Oaks store tomorrow but I have asked whether they can serve champagne / include a bottle of something with the purchase as I’ve read of this happening elsewhere. Store have said they can’t as it’s the weekend even though it’s on hold for me and I have told them exactly g and I am coming. Personally, I think that is a bit unreasonable giving the amount of money I’m going to drop on this bag and it’s my first time buying a mulberry. I have complained to customer services who said they have raised it with management at the store. Has anyone experience of going to this store and any thoughts? Sinead

I have a Bayswater bought from Bicester in 2004. I still love it and have used it for both a day bag and an overnight bag for hotel stays. The interior belt on the original makes it far more versatile as you can make it smaller or keep it at full capacity. My outlet version didn’t have the feet studs but otherwise I am not aware of any other differences. It is one of the best investment pieces I own. It still looks good after almost 20 years despite being used a lot including being shoved into the car boot, pushed along airport floors (when my arms were full of a child or two!) and even used as a teething device by my youngest 😆 Enjoy your bag. You’re making an excellent choice and the oxblood is gorgeous.

I have been to this outlet a few times as well as the one in York, they were always very helpful and the service lovely, to be honest but I don't think champagne was needed as I was one of a large amount of people buying a bag and it was a standard transaction from the retail side, if that makes sense? It isn't an everyday purchase for a lot of people (me included) but compared to the person who I saw spend a huge amount of money on multiple things I wasn't particularly standout customer. Maybe have a nice treat at a cafe and celebrate your new purchase? The staff there will be lovely I'm sure but with the day and time of year it is maybe don't have the time or resources to do extra things.

Lol it’s a Mulberry - yes not an everyday purchase but not exactly collecting a Birkin from an Hermes store or picking up a Rolex from Watches of Switzerland 😂 I’m not sure why you would expect champagne? They stock them in house of Fraser 😬

@haveaglassofwine Bicester village outlet has 25% off the oxblood range.

@SineadM88 , you reopened a thread that was over 2 years old to complain that an outlet selling handbag seconds doesn't intend to serve you a complimentary glass of champagne when you collect you purchase.
Have you been to Cheshire Oaks before?