The Real Reason Ross Dress For Less Clothing Is So Cheap - The List (2024)

The Real Reason Ross Dress For Less Clothing Is So Cheap - The List (4)

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ByAgnes Erickson/Updated: May 4, 2022 10:24 am EST

Getting your hands on a summer dress you feel like you're going to live in, or that bag you've been lusting over ever since you saw it in Vogue last year will make your day! Especially if you've found this perfect-for-you merchandise at a discount. Enter Ross Dress for Less. Often referred to as just, Ross. The deep-discount clothing store has turned even the most skeptical of bargain hunters into die-hard devotees. And it's Ross' loyal customer base that's kept this retail store swimming and not sinking along with the rest of its competitors (via Insider).

Now that we've set the stage, letting you know there are bargains to be found and loyal customers rooting for Ross, it's time to answer an important question that many of us have pondered for years: How exactly is this company able to sell clothes for so cheap?

First off, we can thank the store's "bare-bones" philosophy for the extra savings on their merchandise.

Ditching the unnecessary is what gives you major savings

The Real Reason Ross Dress For Less Clothing Is So Cheap - The List (5)

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Ross Dress for Less doesn't deck their stores out with unnecessary bling or frost. In fact, if you have visited a Ross before, you have probably noticed that it is quite bare and often messy. We're okay with that, and you should be, too. The company's decision to not blow unnecessary money on the store's décor allows the customer to save big on the actual product they are buying (via Insider).

Another reason Ross is able to sell clothing at such a deep discount is because the merchandise that it houses is often due to overstock or seasonal change from the designer. That's right. If a brand has a surplus of their clothes left over, then they will often sell it to discount chains like Ross at a reduced price in order to focus on the next season.

The clothing at Ross may have also been previously displayed at other department stores like Macy's and JCPenney. Oftentimes, these chain retailers will buy merchandise from a designer with a buy-back clause. This means that the designer will have to buy back whatever hasn't been sold over after a certain period of time. The manufacturers don't want the excess merchandise, so they are happy to sell it to deep-discount stores like Ross at a well, deep discount (via Mental Floss).

Check the tag for irregularity

The Real Reason Ross Dress For Less Clothing Is So Cheap - The List (6)

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All this changing of hands may be confusing. But what's most important to remember is that it is likely what is saving you a huge chunk of change at your local Ross Dress for Less.

It may also be plausible that you are getting your future favorite summer dress or long-lusted after handbag because it is irregular in some way. Oftentimes the irregularity is not immediately noticeable to the customer. It could be as small as a tag sewed on upside-down or uneven hems. Luckily, you don't have to play the guessing game while standing in the aisle, because if the piece of merchandise is irregular at Ross, it will say so on the tag (via Clark.com).

So there you have it. The many reasons why Ross' clothing is so cheap. We hope that finding out why won't dilute any of the happiness you feel when you find a great bargain. After all, the savings you experience is why this company is here to swim and not sink.

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The Real Reason Ross Dress For Less Clothing Is So Cheap - The List (2024)

FAQs

Why does Ross have cheaper prices? ›

Typically, off-price department stores like Ross Dress For Less will buy overstock or unsold merchandise from larger, full-price designers. Since this is excess inventory or items that simply haven't sold, Ross Dress For Less is able to purchase them for a fraction of the price.

What happens to clothes that don't sell at Ross? ›

If the merchandise doesn't sell, the manufacturers have to buy it back. Traditionally, off-price retailers then buy this overstock from manufacturers at a discount, slash prices, and give it a second chance at life. Not all overstock merchandise is sloppy seconds.

How does Ross get their inventory? ›

The majority of the apparel, footwear, accessories and home-related merchandise sold in our stores is purchased from suppliers after they have been produced and imported to other retailers' specifications.

What is the best day to shop at Ross Dress for Less? ›

The secret to shopping at Ross for less? Head to the store on Mondays. This is when they do weekly markdowns, meaning you'll have first dibs on newly added clearance items. Plus, new merchandise only ships to stores during the work week, so by the weekend, the best stuff is long gone.

Is Ross or TJ Maxx cheaper? ›

Ross Stores is the cheaper of the two rivals. According to data from investment-management firm Cowen, reported by Bloomberg in 2016, the average item at Ross costs $10; at TJ Maxx its between $14 to $15.

Is Kohls cheaper than Ross? ›

Ross Stores and TJX Companies are cheaper than Kohl's when you look beyond the P/E. Ross Stores (ROST -0.04%) and TJX Companies (TJX -0.27%), both look more expensive than fellow retailer, Kohl's (KSS -2.74%)at first glance, but they're not.

Are Ross items second hand? ›

Does Ross sell used stuff? Yes, Ross does sell used items. The store often stocks items that have been returned or have some minor flaws. These items are typically discounted for customers looking for a bargain.

Who is cheaper Burlington or Ross? ›

TJ Maxx is the most expensive then second is Marshall's, then Burlington and the least expensive is Ross dress for less.

Does Ross get new stuff everyday? ›

The Days Ross Restocks

The Ross stores restock from Monday to Friday, omitting the weekend. If you do not find a specific item that you know is part of TJ Ross's inventory, you can get it the next day. Some locations restock multiple times, so you also have the chance to get it on the same day.

What day is 10% off at Ross? ›

Ross Dress for Less

Ross is an excellent place for seniors to save on clothing and home decor. They offer a 10% discount every Tuesday for seniors aged 55 and over. The senior discount applies to most items in the store, though certain brands of clothing and home goods are not eligible.

Do Ross Dress for Less employees get a discount? ›

All employees get an employee discount at Ross and dd's, and can use the Employee Assistance Program.

Does Ross Dress for Less give 40 percent off? ›

We have 20% every day and 40% 3 times a year. Great if you shop at Ross, quarterly they also offer double the discount. Great Ross employee discount 3 times a year! You get 40% off for a few days three times a year.

Can you return worn clothes to Ross? ›

Refunds, store credit or exchanges will not be given on any merchandise that is used, worn or altered.

Can you take clothes back to Ross? ›

You have 30 days to return items, according to the Ross return policy. If you're looking for a full refund, be sure to return Ross items within 30 days of your original purchase.

Does Ross let you return clothes? ›

Ross gives you 30 days from the date of purchase to return items. Your refund will be processed via your original payment method. You DO NOT need to return items to the same Ross store where you bought them.

What company owns Ross? ›

In July, they were sitting on $713 billion in inventory, according to the latest data from the Census Bureau. That's a prime opportunity for “off-price” retailers such as TJX (TJX) – the parent of TJ Maxx, Marshalls and HomeGoods – as well as Ross (ROST), Burlington (BURL) and Ollie's Bargain Outlet (OLLI).

What is Ross sister store? ›

Our Story. dd's DISCOUNTS opened its first store in 2004 as the place to shop and save in your neighborhood. We're part of the Ross Family, so our buyers know all about delivering great deals every day on clothing shoes home decor fashions toys and much, much more.

Why do clothes end up at TJ Maxx? ›

We take advantage of a wide variety of opportunities, which can include department store cancellations, a manufacturer making up too much product, or a closeout deal when a vendor wants to clear merchandise at the end of a season, as well as lots of other ways to bring our customers tremendous value.

Who is Ross Dress for Less competitor? ›

Ross Stores competitors include Target, Nordstrom, Walmart, Macy's and Burlington Coat Factory. Ross Stores ranks 4th in Gender Score on Comparably vs its competitors.

What's better Marshalls or TJ Maxx? ›

While T.J. Maxx is better known for designer items and jewelry, particularly with its The Runway collection, Marshalls carries more footwear and has an expanded men's department and a junior department known as The Cube. Meanwhile, Homesense tends to have a bigger selection than HomeGoods, according to Cosmopolitan.

How does Marshalls get their clothes? ›

According to the Marshalls website, its stock comes from sources like “department store cancellations, a manufacturer making up too much product, or a closeout deal when a vendor wants to clear merchandise at the end of a season.” Some of the brands' merchandise is also created or designed specifically for Marshalls, ...

Does Ross sell real jewelry? ›

Ross-Simons gold jewelry collection is of the highest quality: it is hallmarked for its gold content and backed by a 100% money-back guarantee. Unless explicitly stated, none of our gold jewelry is gold-plated or gold-filled.

Does Ross carry Lululemon? ›

The company alleged that given “it is well known” that Lululemon does not sell its products through discount retailers, Ross Stores and IOPA were either aware or wilfully blind to the authenticity of the products being sold.

When to shop at Ross? ›

A sale reportedly occurs in late January every year.

Ross shoppers know to take advantage of "Monday Markdowns" and the senior discount on Tuesday. If you wait until the end of January, however, you can expect Ross to have the very best prices—going as low as $0.49.

Can I use my Burlington credit card at Ross Dress for Less? ›

The Burlington Credit Card is a store card and can only be used at Burlington.

Is Burlington similar to Ross? ›

Burlington is a department store that sells off-price goods and is most comparable to TJ Maxx, Marshalls, Sierra, Ross Dress for Less, Target, Stein Mart, Dillard's Clearance Centers, Nordstrom Rack, and Bealls Outlet.

Is Ross a fast fashion store? ›

But, if you're looking at Ross from the surface, you'll argue that Ross is the epitome of fast fashion. And you'd be right in your theory. Many of their clothes are only built for one season.

How often does Ross do markdowns? ›

The $0.49 Ross clearance typically starts in late December and runs through January. Each Ross store has a different schedule, and the sale dates tend to change each year. Some $0.49 markdowns start at the end of December, but most happen in January.

Why is Ross store so popular? ›

The stores have become synonymous with getting items typically found at department stores at a serious discount. Other competitors include TJ Maxx and Marshalls. Ross Dress For Less customers have bolstered its status quo, due to its affinity for offering name-brand products at low prices.

Does Ross give a raise? ›

Yes, a quarter as long as they show up to work. Yes and depends on time there-they say your reviews contribute to your raise but honestly it doesn't. You can do an outstanding... How often do you get a raise at Ross Dress For Less?

What discount do Ross employees get? ›

10% discounts on perfume, jewelry, and electronics. 20% on everything else.

What discounts are available for over 60s? ›

Top 10 Discounts for Over-60s
  • Ride the Rail. It's really important for older people to keep a strong social network. ...
  • Iceland Over-60s Discount. ...
  • More Points at Boots. ...
  • Movie Savings. ...
  • Free TV. ...
  • Cheaper Haircuts. ...
  • Free Bus Pass. ...
  • Free Prescriptions.
May 26, 2023

How many days can you call off at Ross? ›

Whereas, 33% of employees with 1 to 2 Years say they receive 10-15 days of paid vacation and sick time as part of their PTO. Vacation policies can also vary by experience level, with 40% of employees with Over 10 Years of experience saying they receive 20-30 days of paid days as part of their PTO policy.

What is the dress code at Ross? ›

The dress code at Ross Stores is casual.

Employees must have excellent personal hygiene and maintain a high degree of professionalism in what they wear, even when dressed casually. It is a plus to wear items sold in Ross Stores locations, or that otherwise reflect the style of the brand.

Do Ross employees get bonuses? ›

There's an annual bonus based on your performance and the stores performance. The company is willing to do pretty much anything for those that they think have potential for growth in the company.

Can Ross employees wear leggings? ›

A: Yes, leggings and tights are allowed if the front and back are covered by a long shirt, skirt or dress.

Can I use my Ross discount in another state? ›

Yes, as long as you're a current employee of Ross Dress for Less store.

What is CPR at Ross Dress for Less? ›

The one negative that knocks it down from being 5 stars is the CPR system. For those who don't know what that is, it's basically a system they use to time the cashiers and track how fast they checkout customers. The problem with that is if you don't reach a certain percentage every week, they cut your hours for it.

Is there a difference between Ross and Ross Dress for Less? ›

Ross Stores, Inc., operating under the brand name Ross Dress for Less, is an American chain of discount department stores headquartered in Dublin, California.

What are the benefits of shopping at Ross? ›

Ross Dress For Less is cheaper than shopping at department stores. The company provides a 20% to 60% discount on items compared to typical department stores. The company even includes a price comparison that helps customers get the best price for each item the store offers.

Is Ross an off-price retailer? ›

Off-price retailers such as Ross sell branded or designer items to consumers at much lower prices than traditional stores. Discount chains like Walmart and Target offer standard merchandise to consumers at low prices.

What is the Ross pricing settlement? ›

Under the $4.854 million Ross class action settlement, consumers can recover a Ross merchandise certificate to be used as store credit. The amount of the merchandise certificate will vary depending on how many Class Members file valid claims.

Does Ross discount damaged items? ›

If you find an item at Ross with damaged packaging and a price that doesn't reflect the damage, don't be afraid to ask for a deeper discount. Ross management knows they will have a hard time selling the product and in most cases will gladly sell it to you at a discount to get it out of the store.

How much of a discount do Ross employees get? ›

10% discounts on perfume, jewelry, and electronics. 20% on everything else.

Is everything from Ross used? ›

Unlike traditional thrift stores, Ross does not sell used items or second-hand merchandise. Instead, the store sells new products at discounted prices.

What does Ross do with returned items? ›

Merchandise returns with a receipt older than 30 days will be exchanged or credited with store credit. Merchandise returns without a receipt will require a valid picture ID and if approved by the refund system, will be refunded in the form of a store credit or exchanged at the item's current selling price.

Who is competition for Ross stores? ›

Ross Stores competitors include Target, Nordstrom, Walmart, Macy's and Burlington Coat Factory.

What companies are sued for deceptive pricing? ›

TJX retailers, Kohl's, J.C. Penney, Zara and Amazon are all among those that have drawn complaints and lawsuits over the issue, and there's little upside in either the court of public opinion or actual legal forums.

How much is the average round up settlement? ›

The global Roundup settlement amount is $10.9 billion, and lawyers estimate claimants could get between $5,000 and $250,000, depending on their injuries. The average settlement amount could be about $160,000 per plaintiff, according to experts.

Can you return clothes at Ross? ›

You can only return Ross items in store, since you can't shop Ross online. This is kind of a no-brainer since Ross doesn't have a shoppable online site. So since the answer to “Can you shop Ross online?” is no, you can't return anything online, either. You can return items to any Ross store location, though.

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