A Wrentham, Mass., shopper walks into the Nike Factory store at the Wrentham Village Premium Outlets to try to score a deal. However, she notices something strange about the price tag.
In a video with over 242,000 views, TikToker Britni Riopel (@britniriopel) holds up the tag of a tan, water-resistant Nike jacket.
“OK, Nike. $89.99, slapped $130 over it,” she says, pointing to the small discount sticker on the tag. The first discount price reads, “$89.99.” However, the retailer appears to have tried to cover it with another sticker, pricing it at $130.
She tosses the tag toward the Nike jacket in frustration.
Do outlet malls actually sell at a discount?
Many shoppers choose outlet malls over brands’ primary stores to get deals on out-of-season items. In some cases, brands manufacture outlet-only lines of merchandise that were initially intended to sell at low prices.
However, some shoppers notice that the prices aren’t as discounted as they expect.
On the r/explainlikeimfive subreddit, users question whether the “discounted” prices at outlet malls are actually worth it.
“So back BACK in the day they were [worth it]. However, these days, Outlet Malls as we know them are tailored to give you the illusion of getting a good deal,” one writes.
Another suggests, “Outlet malls sell high end stuff that hasn’t sold in regular stores. So you’re paying for expensive items at a discount. You’re better off buying regular items at Target or Walmart, IMHO.”
Why did Nike change the tag?
In the comments, viewers question why the Nike outlet store would raise the price of one of its already discounted items.
“That’s so when they put it on clearance for $89.99 You think you’re getting a great deal,” one suggests.
Another suspects the store raised prices for Christmas shoppers, writing, “The day after Christmas, they’re gonna take the $130 tag off of it and make it $89.99 again as if you’re getting a good deal.”
“These tariffs finally hitting yall in the face,” a third writes.
Nike isn’t the only store to slap a higher price on its merchandise. Viewers share other places they’ve noticed the practice of “dynamic pricing,” in which retailers frequently adjust prices in response to inflation and demand.
“So many damn stores are doing that, especially Target. It’s a shame,” a viewer notes.
“Old Navy and Walmart are doing a lot of that too,” a second suggests.
@britniriopel Aaaaaand #Nike ♬ original sound – Britni Riopel
A third commenter shares, “I was just at Marshall’s, and they did this also.”
However, some suggest that Riopel could still score the lower price on the item.
Another viewer says, “Peel off that top sticker and get it for the other price lol gotta honor what’s printed.”
“Ross DD’s Marshall all them type of stores have them same clothes in them for $20-$30,” a second writes.
The Mary Sue reached out to Riopel via Instagram direct message and to Nike via email for comment.
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