Theory Outlet

I love this store. The inventory is generally good and often the same as you find in the department stores. The prices are good and are often accompanied by an additional discount, usually on holiday weekends. The sale area in the back always has some heavily discounted items. Also if you find an item that is not in your size color it can be ordered at the register from other Theory outlet store for a small shipping fee.
The old review of this location on Unilocal no longer seems pertinent as I don’t believe those employees are there any longer. In my opinion the store employs helpful, good natured people.

I don’t leave too many reviews on retail stores, but I feel compelled to leave one for this store.
1. Theory is not cheap, and neither are the prices here. You can get a good deal on clearance sometimes, and they sometimes do additional 30% etc…
2. While the employees are somewhat helpful, I find it despicable that they sit around and talk about their other customers (that have just left the store). In fact, I think it’s the manager lady that instigates that type of conversation! At least I think she’s the manager — lady with short blonde hair. They were talking smack like «he does it all the time» etc etc… «did he buy it?» «yes he did, but still etc etc…» Yes, there can be customers that do really annoying things, but it’s rather unprofessional to talk crap about them in front of your other customers.
In fact, she couldn’t help herself and talk about me (at least I assume it was about me) while I was just finishing ringing up. She rang me up, and I did have a multi-​item purchase. It was the gentleman that helped me, so I’m assuming he was getting the credit for it. As she was wrapping up with my transaction, she commented to him something like «you got lucky today.» Something along those lines. I’m assuming because most people go in there to browse and leave empty handed.
Funny thing is, I remember being at the Cabezon Theory Men’s store several months ago, and distinctly recall the staff there griping about how customers never buy or something along those lines. They weren’t speaking too loudly, but is talking crap about your customers all that necessary? Theory might be a fancy brand (to some), so I’m guessing there is an air of elitism just cause you work there??? Or some prejudice against outlet shoppers? I’ve been to Theory retail stores and they’re not like that? Who knows, but I still have to go back there, because my husband needs clothes.

I have been shopping at this location for the past 4 years whenever I need to upgrade my slacks or get some staple shirts for work or events. I often bring friends of mine in to get them decked out in some nice looks suits as well.
The cuts and the fabric are both an incredible value for the price. If you are lucky, you can walk out of there with an entire suit for just over $ 100. Right now they are giving each customer between 10−25% off their purchases on top of other discounts. Pretty generous.
Their materials in some of their styles have a subtle stretch to them that provides a very comfortable fit. I personally love their MARLO slacks and jackets and have them in pretty much every color possible.
Today I arrived with my only complaint I have ever had with their products. A pair of my favorite Navy blue slacks tore at the back pocket. I wasn’t expecting much since I purchased them last year but just wanted to show them and let them know.
The manager, Saira, was very receptive and surprised me with exchanging them for a new pair. She also informed me the fabric has since been upgraded so that the type of tear I experience shouldn’t happen again. Overall a very pleasant experience. I will continue to get all my dressy needs from this store, they never fail to impress me.

I like the product in the store. However, the sales associates are not helping at all. They just stand their talking to each other instead of helping me out. I’m a serious buyer. However, they don’t want to help me find the right size at all. One woman who is fat and blonde just standing there. She never came to check on me. I need to do is to find the size by myself. The only thing she asks me is” are you done with your dressing room”? Sounds like she wants to kick me out. And then, she even asked «are you done with shopping today?’ Come on. That’s not your business at all. Why did you have to make yourself so annoying and unfriendly? Seriously, what’s wrong with you? Are you on drugs? Yes, she was very lazy and her attitude was ugly. Seriously, why people like that can have a job? It really annoys me.

My daughter & I were shocked at the sales associates! All they did was talk amongst themselves up by the register and act like we didn’t exist. My daughter was trying on clothes and I was trying to find the right sizes by myself. I did ask a few questions thinking they might realize we were serious about buying some clothes. Even my daughter who spent most of her time in the dressing room couldn’t believe the lack of help. We got so annoyed we left without buying the clothes she had decided on. We headed straight to Joes and bought some nice jeans instead! Joes customer service was amazing. They were actually happy to help us!

I think this must be one of the best stores in this outlet mall. Currently they are having extra 25% off on marked down price. Staff are friendly and attentive.
Their selection is much better than online shop and they still take return for a store credit within 14 days unlike online store. They stock new items quite often unlike other shops in the mall.
Also they have all petit and small sizes for most items while online shop pretty much left with large sizes.
I found a cute summer dress which was originally over $ 250 + tax for $ 90! Theory offers not too crazy, not too trendy design so I don’t feel like out of style.
Not too far from Irvine, worth driving down once in a while and enjoy ocean view on the way.

Buyers beware, rude manager! I have been a loyal customer for around six years. I generally only shop at Theory Las Vegas because the manager and staff are so rude at Carlsbad. So after spending over one thousand dollars on clothes, the Theory Carlsbad manager refused to allow an exchange on two (unworn, new with tags) items. Flat out refused! Luckily, the Theory in Las Vegas was gracious enough to look up my receipts and fax them to Carlsbad store just so I could exchange these items. I know their clothes are expensive but they should lose their arrogant attitude because they need to keep the customers who buy from them. I hope more customers share their negative experiences with the Corporate Office so the Carlsbad staff will receive the customer service training they so desperately need. Btw, the one star represents the nice treatment we received from the young salesman, Ariaz (wish they would hire more staff like him).

A wool blazer for less than $ 100? Almost unheard of, especially with a tailored fit. Snagged two blazers and a skirt here in the past, and I’ve gotten plenty of wear out of them. The employees are helpful; shout out to James for searching for various styles in my size.
My first world problems include returning empty handed after many shopping trips. They also include flat feet and bad vision, but I digress.
If you’re slender, sizing options are a bit slim (no pun intended) since the popular sizes are usually the first to go. I do enjoy the minimalist and modern take on classic basics. Never pay full price at department stores when you can come here!

I used to buy theory at full price from
Bloomingdales before I found this store in carlsbad and have been coming here since they
Opened their doors. Each time I’ve shopped here I’ve always been greeted by a warm and welcoming staff who have always helped me with locating different sizes, a particular style, or color… Whatever I need they were always accommodating. I have been fortunate that I never had a problem with the «blond woman» some reviewers had the misfortune of dealing with. I know most of the staff by name, but most especially Zack and Jennifer who treat me like I’m part of the Theory family everytime I come in to shop. They are always courteous to me and they even help entertain my little girl so I have a chance to look around and try on clothes. For that reason, I rarely leave the store empty-​handed, at least I don’t recall a time when I left without purchasing something, which is why I come to theory in the first place– with the intent to buy. I’ve always gotten something that becomes an indispensable piece in my closet, my «go-​to» choice for every occassion big and small. I covet everything theory, and I cherish all the clothing I get from theory. They are well-​made and suit my body type perfectly. I’ve not once returned anything I bought from theory. There may always be a chance in the future that I may, but in the last 5 – 6 years, I havent returned anything with the «Theory» label on it. My only regret about this store which I don’t dock off points for is that they don’t carry «Theysken’s theory» which is a bit more expensive and offer edgier pieces. So far I have had to buy theyskens theory pieces on-​line on Rue La La. I hope they someday have a outlet dedicated to theysekens, if not, I’ve live. :-P

I have been shopping at the Carlsbad Theory outlet store for years and love the sales staff (Jennifer and Zack). If something is not available in my size, they immediately check a different store location and I can always count on them to be honest about styling of items I have selected.
They are the Nordstrom of the outlet world!

The suit was great quality.
However the service was awful. I bought a suit jacket + matching skirt + pants from here and the manager (she’s older than most staff at the store and blonde) at this outlet was extremely rude. I needed to exchange the suit skirt and pant size so brought it in within their 14-​day exchange time frame, and the lady gave a huge attitude about it. She said I couldn’t exchange it without giving a reason why, and blamed me for wanting an exchange that was within the exchange time anyways. Then she said she’d do the exchange, so went to the back of the store to get a new skirt for me. Strange, I thought — why didn’t she just go to the front of the store where all the skirts are? I didn’t think much of it, and took the exchanged skirt and pant and left. Back at my car, I felt strange about her going to the back of the store, and decided to inspect the skirt. Sure enough, it had a hole in the back as well as white paint splattered. I was extremely offended that she would trick me like this on purpose, giving me a ruined skirt. I went back to the store immediately and asked for her to exchange it. She knew exactly what she did, and gave me a condescending look. Then she went to the front of the store (as I requested) like she should have the first time to get a skirt that was not defective. During the entire exchange, she was extremely rude to me, and kept giving me looks as if she did not think much of me.
The next time they want to look down on someone for spending over $ 500 on a suit, think again. I was utterly disappointed by the service and this is the last time I will purchase a suit from Theory. Yes, it may be a good suiting brand, but for the way they treat people, I would much rather spend the same amount of money at a different store.

So, I read the reviews on the store before I went in with my husband. As many people have said, the old blond woman was horrible.
My husband and I were looking at suits and as we were looking she approached us and didn’t ask if we needed help but started saying we were looking at the wrong sizes for my husband – we were just browsing and he needed to be measured. B****. I told her if she would have helped us, then maybe it wouldn’t have been trial and error. Just because of her attitude, we almost didn’t buy a suit there and left to go try on suits at Barneys.
When we came back, she knew we would we buying something and acted like a puppy following us around the store.
I really like Theory and spent $$$ but someone should do something about her.

I very rarely ask for help from associates at any retail clothing store, so I won’t be able to comment on the service that I did or did not receive. Actually, I prefer not to be approached at all. I know that sounds arrogant/​aloof, and that’s because it is.
I grew up in an NYC suburb, so my fashion sense has been honed over a period of two decades. An associate working at an outlet store in Carlsbad will offer me little to no advice on fashion or what will work for me, so I don’t bother with them. But I understand that people do care about customer service, especially if they’re paying a premium price for uninspired, out of season clothing.
So what works at Theory? The clothes are well made and they keep their color schemes within a small range of hues. The sizes are true so don’t think you’ll fit into a medium if you’re a large. If you’re in Theory, then you have some sense of fashion and make a decent amount of coin.
Just don’t sweat the associates here; they obviously won’t be sweating you.
That’s right…

Upon reading other reviews, I have to say the older, blond woman hadn’t offended me because her younger male counterpart did it first.
I was prepared to spend. A friend of mine just brought over her recent finds and I had to go get my own, so to Theory I went.
Immediately upon entering, I overheard the blond male clerk behind the counter commenting to the customer he was assisting about my outfit. I had just left La Costa. I was wearing my warm up. What does that have to do with him, the customer, or the money in my wallet? This is an OUTLET MALL, not Neiman Marcus. I am sure you have seen worse! I am also sure I make more money that you in a day but I digress.
The diva then came out and asked if there was anything she could assist me with. Nah, I wouldn’t give a penny to a place that employs such garbage. Off to Nordies…

I’ve gone here about five times now, and I’m in love with the store! Great clothes, especially the polos, they’re amazing. I fee the store is very clean and welcoming when you walk in, it makes you feel great. The customer service is the BEST. When I shop, it’s one of the huge reasons why or why not I go to that particular store; and Zac at Theory is perfect at his job. He makes you feel at ease and so comfortable. He’s the reason why I will get my polos from Theory, instead of the Barney’s near by. overall, if you haven’t checked out this store, it really is worth stopping by, it’s wonderful.

On a recent exploration for European style suits, I found myself walking into the Theory outlet for help. My wife and two coworkers needed to update their suits to classy, breathable and stylish material.
The prices are decent for suits but on the higher end for shirts, sweaters and other casual wear. I can’t see a difference between the $ 100 dress shirts here and the $ 50 dress shirts at express. Perhaps I am just not as in-​tune with fashion for the higher end.
The sales associate Sara was really helpful and knew which suits would fit best for everyone’s body types. We were in and out with nine full suits in 30 minutes. Much more helpful than the store manager.

I too had an unpleasant experience at the Theory Outlet in Carlsbad. I’m a regular shopper there. I went there a few days after the Presidents Day Sale to buy a gray shirt that my daughter had bought on the weekend. They had about 30 of the identical shirt. When I asked a sales assoc. if they could honor the additional 25% off… she went off and checked and came back with a negative answer. With so many in stock, you’d think they would still want to sell one. I felt bad as I had made a special trip to get it and it left me with a bad feeling. Again it was and older blonde woman in a short skirt who was busy photographing the window display as I came in. Maybe the same one others have had problems with.

I still love Theory outlets and all things Theory, but the shorter blonde-​haired, older staff member with the ‘tude (mentioned in the previous two reviews) gets one thumb down!
If a size is unavailable in-​store, an associate can quickly look it up in the system and see if any other Theory outlet has it. Upon my asking, the blonde woman rudely dismissed me, saying they were busy and couldn’t possibly «call ALL the other stores» during a sale. I asked if she could just look in the system and I would call… but no … no … she even barked at a staff member who tried to help me.
I left my name and # and two days later got a call back saying there were none left nationwide. I then picked up the phone myself. The kind sales associate at Theory outlet Vegas looked it up in the system, and in 5 seconds found the item I wanted at another location.

I LOVE Theory, clothes are GREAT. Very good deals at this outlet too. However, will agree that there is a lady there with a HORRIBLE attitude but there is a sales guy there named «Zack» that is AWESOME. Makes up for it, but she is ignorant to how much he has to compensate for her diva behavior. All in all, its worth it, I just refuse to deal with her. Ask for Zack…

OK, first, let me say that I LOVE Theory. Their classic suits fit me like they’re custom made, and USUALLY the staff is great — knowledgeable, fun, and helpful. I’ve spent more time and money here than I want to admit.
BUT, there’s a lady in this particular store (blond, a bit older than the rest of the staff) who has a TERRIBLE attitude. I went in there to see if they could look up an older material for me, and she was extremely brusque and impatient, almost like she was offended to have to answer my (simple) questions (not to mention she completely ignored me and continued chatting with her coworker for a while). I’m sorry, but last I checked, the staff is there to assist customers. When a customer has a legitimate question or request, the staff should at least TRY to fulfill that request. There was absolutely no effort on her part — she was about 3 seconds away from physically shooing me out the door. («No, there’s nothing you can do. Bye.»)
WHAT. THE. FECK. This was also NOT the first time I’ve seen her be impatient like this, but this was worse than the other time.
As much as I like Theory, I will hesitate before patronizing this particular store next time.