Columbia Retail vs. Factory Outlet vs. Employee Store: Differences, Quality & Price 2025
How About Columbia?
Born in 1938, Columbia Sportswear was founded in Portland, Oregon, where it still resides. The company was originally named Columbia Hat Company and focused on creating hats for fisherman. These years, Columbia's main products are casual outdoor clothing, shoes, hats, etc. At first, it mainly manufactured raincoats and rain hats. Later, it continued to develop diversified products and research high-tech fabrics. Among them, it exclusively developed the supreme classic patented fabrics – Omni-Tech (windproof, waterproof and breathable fabric), Omni-Dry (quick-drying fabric), It has passed strict quality technology testing (Tested Tough), coupled with the excellent three-dimensional cutting design and Interchange System three-in-one design, it fully meets personal needs and provides the best convenience and flexibility.
Columbia sportswear makes outdoor gear for the masses but has made moves of late to incorporate better technology. Columbia jackets have very traditional or classic lines to them. Typically Columbia waterproof jackets have a slightly more relaxed fit, even on their slimmer models.
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What's the Difference Between Columbia Retail, Factory Outlet And Employee Store?
1.Columbia Retail vs. Factory Outlet vs. Employee Store
（1）What is Columbia Retail?
Retail store is a place of business usually owned and operated by a retailer but sometimes owned and operated by a manufacturer or by someone other than a retailer in which merchandise is sold primarily to ultimate consumers. Retailers satisfy demand identified through a supply chain.
Columbia Sportswear distributes its products in more than 72 countries and 13,000 retailers. Columbia also operates its own chain of retail stores, including its flagship store located in downtown Portland, Oregon
The great thing about the Columbia Company Retail Store is that the merchandise on the floor is mostly new and in-season, unlike other Columbia factory stores or outlet stores (where you’ll find mostly older stuff or things in really horrendous colors).
Today, consumer can shop for Columbia goods and services in a wide variety of stores. The important types of Columbia retail stores are: speciality store, department store, super market, convenience store, discount store, superstore, hypermarket, etc.
Click here to find Columbia Retail Store Locator.
（2）What is Columbia Factory Store?
An outlet store, factory outlet or factory store is a brick and mortar or online store where manufacturers sell their merchandise directly to the public.Traditionally, a factory outlet was a store attached to a factory or warehouse, sometimes allowing customers to watch the production process.
Traditionally, these outlets used to be a brick and mortar store besides the factory or warehouse but now along with the previous mode of operation, outlet centers are present in outlet malls and as online stores.
The reason of heavily discounted price at factory outlet centers is attributed to elimination of distributor costs and retailer costs, the minor defects which may be present in the product, to clear up the surplus stock etc. Also, heavy discounts are given to clear the outdated.
Tip:Columbia Factory Store has been serving customers some of the best deals and discounted fashion online(https://www.columbiaoutletfactoryusa.com/ ) since 2012.
(3)What is Columbia Outlet Store?
If you like Columbia - and especially like to get good deals on Columbia products - then outlet stores might be a good choice for you. There is no shortage of Columbia Outlet Stores (sometimes called Columbia Factory Stores) throughout the country, as they can be found at most of the Premium Outlet Malls and many of the other large- to medium-sized outlet centers.
Based in Portland, Oregon, Columbia Outlet Sportswear is a global outdoor brand that crafts active lifestyle gear fortified with industry-leading technologies and tested in our own backyard. Columbia's apparel, footwear, and accessories reflect our Pacific Northwest heritage and indomitable spirit.
Clik Here for Columbia online Outlet Store.
（4）What is Columbia Employee Store?
The Columbia Sportswear Company Employee Store is a private store for Columbia employees, friends and family. The store is not open to the public as the pricing is at our employee discount, about 40-50% below retail on current merchandise from our family of brands Columbia, Mountain Hardwear, SOREL and prAna.
2.The Columbia Products Quality
(1)Columbia Retail's Quality
Columbia Sportswear is known for producing high-quality, functional, and stylish outdoor apparel, footwear, accessories, and equipment:
Comfort: Columbia apparel is known for its comfort.
Performance: Columbia products are designed to support a healthy outdoor lifestyle and drive performance.
Durability: Columbia products are designed to be enduring
Columbia products are available in stores and online. They're suited for a variety of activities, including: hiking, trail running, snow, and fishing and hunting.
Columbia Retail's products benefit from Columbia expertise and quality. They are thus guaranteed against any manufacturing faults. If a manufacturing fault occurs, Columbia Retail stores will repair your purchase free of charge, or exchange it.
(2)Columbia Outlet/Factory Store Quality
Mostly,Columbia major retailers rely on outlet stores to sell out-of-season products or overstock commodities - and they do this at a cheaper price. These commodities are of high quality- it's only that the retailers don't have the space to stock them.
Besides, today's outlet or factory Store sell products made specifically for the outlet - they may use the lower-quality material in the products sold at those outlets than the material they use for items they sell at retail locations. And some outlet stores sell damaged, gently used or new merchandise that has some type of blemish or irregularity.
And Factory stores often sell lower-quality products than regular stores. For example, a factory store might sell a lower-quality version of a brand's product, or a product made specifically for the factory store
This often occurs in outlets that don't sell discounted name-brand goods but rather sell merchandise specifically made for the outlet that isn't sold at any retail location.
(3)Columbia Employee Store Quality
The Columbia Employee Store, Well, it’s basically a huge Columbia store, filled with the best in-season products at a fraction of the price you’d pay at a regular store! These super-stores carry a large variety of current (and past) season products.
Columbia Employee Stores also carry prAna, Mountain Hardwear, and SOREL merchandise which is a huge added bonus. That’s like four separate employee stores rolled up in one–a real dream come true for the outdoor enthusiast looking to upgrade some gear, footwear, or clothing!
All in all, if you know you’re in the market to buy outdoor gear, especially gear for snowboarding, hiking, or camping, start making your shopping list for a trip to the Columbia Employee Store!
3.The Columbia Products Price & Discount
(1)Columbia Retail's Price
In fact, Columbia Sportswear Company has long been a more affordable staple brand for outdoor activity lovers. .Their jackets are moderately priced and there are both cheap and expensive options, which range from $50 all the way up to $500 and above for certain designs, mostly the Titanium parkas.These expensive parkas are made of several technologies and are completely weatherproof.
Local Columbia retail stores actually view columbia.com sort of like a competitor. The retail store wants to keep your business and hopes you won't shop online. In fact, local stores and columbia.com operate so independently that sale prices, markdowns, and coupons are almost always unique.
However, some Columbia retail price match columbia.com, as long as the lower-priced item isn’t on clearance. The practice might vary by location, so be sure to ask a team member next time you go in retail store.
But Columbia's online store has some promotions throughout the year, for example there are up to 50% off at the Sale zone. You might just find your new favorite items that's almost gone. Check back often as there's always something that's sure to surprise and delight.
(2)Columbia Outlet/Factory Store Price
Modern-day outlet stores primarily sell different, lower-quality products than the regular retail stores, made specifically for the outlet to be sold at lower prices.
While Outlet/Factory stores used to sell overstock or past-season items at discount prices, today's outlets instead mostly sell products made or bought specifically for the outlet—with the designers and vendors creating familiar-looking items at a lower cost and quality.
You can enjoy up to 50-70% off your items at Columbia Outlet or Factory Stores. In order to hit the price points, the items sold will compromise on other areas such as fabric quality and design complexity.
(3)Columbia Employee Store Price
As soon as you walk in Columbia Employee Stores, you’ll notice that most of the price tags have two prices on them. You’ll find the regular price (boring), as well as the discount price (yay!), which is 40-50% off the suggested retail price.
Yes, you read that right! You’ll get 40-50% off most in-season clothing and gear from these top outdoor brands.
This is a great deal, especially if you’ve been eyeing that pricey snow/rain jacket, pair of boots, sleeping bag, or tent that hardly ever goes on sale.
Again, it’s important to note that the discount applies to Prana, Mountain Hardwear, Columbia, and SOREL products as well, so you can get some really great deals on gear that never ends up on clearance racks.
On the flip side, if you’re looking for the absolute best bargain bin deals (and don’t care too much about color/design or whether something is in-season), you can probably find better deals shopping at the Columbia outlets, factory stores, or sale section online.
4.The Target Audience
(1)Columbia Retail Store Customers
People prefer to prioritize longevity over price, knowing that they will get more wear out of their purchase, even if the initial cost is higher. The Columbia retail clothing tends to be made of higher quality material and therefore is likely to have better longevity.
If you are one of these people, then shopping from Columbia retail will be more suitable for you, as you can expect a certain level of quality when it comes to their garments.
Columbia's target market is middle to upper class men and women. Columbia is also made to withstand the elements for active people who engage in outdoor activities.
(2)Columbia Outlet/Factory Store Customers
The customers of Columbia Outlet or Factory Store are usually who want great deals on Columbia items. They maybe not have so much budget, but they like the style or products of Columbia brand.
And they are not care about whether it's the latest model.However, it does mean that you have to sacrifice some quality.
(3)Columbia Employee Store Customers
The Columbia Sportswear Company Employee Store is a private store for Columbia employees, friends and family.
The Columbia Employee store is not open to the public, it's just open to invited community members, including:
Columbia employees: Original customers of the store
Friends and family of Columbia employees: Can shop at the store
Seniors (65+): Can shop on Tuesdays with photo ID
Real estate professionals: Can shop on Wednesdays with photo ID and proof of affiliation
Active, retired, reserves, and veteran military: Have year-round access with proof of affiliation
Active or retired law enforcement officers, firefighters, emergency medical technicians, and 911 dispatchers: Have year-round access with proof of affiliation
Healthcare professionals: May receive access to the store and discounts, depending on the location and time of year
5. Columbia Store Returns & Exchanges
Columbia Retail/Outlet/Factory Store Return Policy
If a consumer is not completely satisfied with their purchase, they may return it for an exchange or refund within 60 days of original purchase date. Returns with original receipt or looked up from a consumer profile are refunded in the same tender paid. Purchases with a merchandise credit, gift card, or items returned without original receipt will be refunded with a merchandise credit. All returns without original receipt require a government issued photo identification and will receive the lowest price sold within past 60 days.
Tips: Returns by mail are not accepted at any Columbia Sportswear retail store location. Irregular quality or defaced-label items purchased from our Factory Outlet stores are not eligible for return
How are the rewards points I used on this order refunded?
In-Store Returns with Points - Rewards points used for in-store purchases and are returned in-store, points are refunded back to the account upon return.
Online Returns with Points - Rewards points used for online purchases and that are returned in-store, points are refunded onto a Merchandise Credit upon return.
Where is my closest store?
Please click Here to find the closest Columbia retail or outlet/factory store to you. You will want to click "Category" and choose Branded and Factory Outlet.
How to Get into the Columbia Employee Store?
For those of you who don’t know, access to the Columbia Employee Store is by invitation only. The bottom line is, you’ll have to be affiliated with some sort of an organization Columbia works with or granted access by somebody who works for Columbia (or one of its affiliated brands).
Here are a few ways you can get your hands on a Columbia Employee Store pass:
Be an employee for Columbia, PrAna, SOREL, or Mountain Hardware.
Know somebody who works for any of these companies who is willing to give you one of their guest passes.
Senior Tuesdays- Seniors (65+) are invited to shop at the Columbia Employee Store every Tuesday, show photo ID at check-in for entry
Real Estate Wednesdays - Real Estate Professionals are invited to shop at the Columbia Employee Store every Wednesday, show photo ID and proof of affiliation at check-in for store entry.
Military Year-Round Access - Active, Retired, Reserves, Veterans can enjoy year-round access to the Columbia Sportswear Employee Store.
First Responder Year-Round Access - Active or Retired Law Enforcement Officers, Firefighters, Emergency Medical Technicians, and 911 Dispatchers can enjoy year-round access to the Columbia Sportswear Employee Store. *Proof of affiliation required.
Each pass generally grants you + 4 other people access to the employee store. From there, you are all able to shop for the discounted goods!
That’s right, unlike other stricter employee stores, the Columbia Employee Store only requires one invitation for a total of 5 people. So if you have two invitations, you’ll be able to roll in with a group of 10 people.
Shopping Tips at Columbia Retail, Outlet/Factory Stores And Employee Store
There are some essrntial tips for visting Columbia retail stores, outlet/factory stores and Employee store:
Outlet stores mostly sell the defects, seconds, etc., so always check it for damage. It might just be a small imperfection in a spot that isn't noticeable at all, and you got an otherwise perfect item for a fraction of the price.
Don't believe the retail price on the tag. No one pays the retail price at an outlet. It's a mental game. You'd best don't buy anything at a factory outlet unless it's at least 40% off, because that is the normal everyday discount.
Check quality carefully. Outlet prices are often a reflection of the quality, so inspect it and make sure you are ok with it.
Columbia stores have great deals in footwear. The boots are a steal, especially if you do a little research before you go.
The in-store kiosk price can be slightly different from the in-store price. Chances are, you’ll get a better deal if the item is actually in-store. Do a quick check before you head to the register!
Don’t forget to bring your invitation/shopping pass on the day of if you want to shop at Columbia Employee Store.
Before your trip, do some research on items you’re looking to buy on the Columbia Sportswear website. If the store doesn’t carry what you’re looking for, you can order additional products on the in-store kiosk.
The Columbia Employee Store has pretty good pricing if you care for in-season products or classic products that hardly ever go on sale. If you don’t care about having this season’s latest styles, you can find better prices on Columbia’s website by searching the clearance section or in-person at their factory stores.
Depending on which store you end up going to, it can get really crowded on the weekends.
Bring some water with you! You might be shopping for a few hours, so be prepared.
Lastly, if you’re not able to secure a Columbia Employee Store invitation pass, the next best thing is to check out what’s on sale on the Columbia site!
FAQs
1.What is the difference between a factory outlet and retail?
A majority of the products sold by clothing and accessory manufacturers at outlet stores are specifically manufactured for outlets using lower-quality materials and manufacturing processes than their higher-priced products sold in regular stores.
2.Is the Columbia Sportswear employee store the same as Columbia Sportswear outlet store?
No, the Columbia Sportswear Employee Store is not the same as a Columbia Sportswear Outlet store.
The Employee Store is only accessible to Columbia Sportswear employees and their guests who have been invited to shop at the store, and offers discounted prices on Columbia Sportswear products.
The Outlet stores, on the other hand, are open to the public and offer discounted prices on discontinued or overstocked items, as well as irregular items that may have minor defects.
While both stores offer discounted prices, they have different access requirements and offer different types of discounted products.
3.Where is the Columbia Employee Store located?
Columbia employee stores include the Global Headquarters located in Portland, Oregon; the Mountain Hardwear’s Headquarters located in Richmond, California; the Canadian Headquarters located in London, Ontario; and prAna’s headquarters located in Carlsbad, California.
You can click here to find all the Columbia Employee Store Locations.
4.What other brands can you find at the Columbia employee store?
Columbia Sportswear Company is a brand that specializes in outdoor and active lifestyle apparel, accessories, and equipment under the following brands: Columbia, SOREL, Mountain Hardwear, and prAna.
5.How many people can visit the Columbia employee store with one pass?
Each pass generally grants you and 4 other people access to the employee store. From there, you are all able to shop for discounted goods inside!
6.How much of a discount can you get at Columbia employee stores?
40-50% off the suggested retail price. When you enter the store, you’ll notice that most of the price tags have two prices on them. You’ll find the regular price as well as the discount price.
7.Are the prices at the Columbia Employee Store really discounted?
Yes, the prices at the Columbia Employee Store are typically discounted from the regular retail prices. However, the discounts may vary depending on the product and the season.
8.Can I return or exchange products purchased at the Columbia Employee Store?
Yes, products purchased at the Columbia Employee Store can be returned or exchanged, as long as they are in new and unused condition and are accompanied by a receipt.
9.Can I order things online at the Columbia employee store?
Yes! If the store you’ve visited doesn’t carry what you’re looking for, you can use the in-store kiosk to order stuff online with the employee discount. This thing has got to be the best perk of getting a Columbia Employee Store pass.
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