I have this same theory for many things and am tending to believe it. Such as John Deere mowers at the big box stores not being as sturdy as the ones from a dealer. I have been hearing this from many sources on many things for some time. Such as things made for Walmart being made specially for them with a lower grade. In fact I heard this just today about outlet stores. They are knock offs and lower grade products not nearly the quality at the Coach stores etc.