At our outlets, you can get furniture for less than $5 (couches, chairs, etc.) .... it is the items that haven't sold in the stores. 99% of the clothing I buy still has the tags on it from the GW stores. A lot still have the original tags when donated. I am not sure what goes into determining how long an items remains at a GW store before it goes to the Outlet.
Hardlines .... computer stuff and most electronics, expect to find broken and only good for parts. Glassware is usually put on shelves and sold at .39/lbs. Books are an awesome find at the outlets with paperbacks usually only being .29/each. Toys and stuffed animals you can find in really good to new condition. Kitchen ware is iffy. Smaller items you can find in nice condition, larger items like toasters, etc. probably not. They do have a testing center so you can see if things work before buying. You do have to DIG. I wear gloves just because it lessens the chance of being cut by a broken piece of glass or something pokey.
Yes, the Outlets do have a large turn over of items usually only allowing bins to be out about an hour before going back into the warehouse to .... I am guessing, be shipped to another outlet. I don't know. They do cord off an area and will not allow people to look through the new bins until a bell rings and Yep, the digging and ruffling begins but the hard core shoppers. I never take part in that and wait until the fever dies down before looking into a "new" bin. So that part of the shopping an outlet is very true and sometimes it can get nasty ... have to admit, that is another reason why I quit going to the one in Seattle. Those people are ruthless and will spend ALL day hanging out at the outlet just to get items.
It may be something to check out once and see if you are game

Not sure if it would be worth it if you are only looking for hardlines but a one time trip will either have you smiling from finding good things or thinking you'll never go again

. For holiday items to upcycle or even to use as you find them, it isn't a bad way to go. I found a blow mold I had been looking for for some time ... the little ghost that holds a candle. The candle was missing but the blow mold was in perfect shape so I got it ... paid a whole .59 for it too
