Ross Dress For Less has made a name for itself in the retail space by offering generous deals to its customers. The popular American store sells everything from kitchenware to artisanal foods to — you guessed it — shoes. Amid a wide-ranging fashion selection, Ross keeps its inventory stocked with a number of name brand footwear options.
The Ross shopping experience has become synonymous with landing serious discounts on items typically found at department stores. Ross is far from alone in fulfilling this niche, however, with competitors including fellow discount retailers TJ Maxx and Marshalls. Ross maintains a legion of loyal customers nonetheless and the franchise continues to expand.
See below for info, tips and secrets about the chain from Ross Stores Inc. corporation.
What is Ross and How Does It Work?
Ross Dress For Less is a discounted department store, which features low-priced fashion, beauty, accessories, home goods and more products across various categories. The brand, which first began in 1982, boasts the title of the “nation’s largest off-price retail chain,” according to its website. The retailer purchases its merchandise directly from manufacturers, which allows its prices and large discounts to remain low year-round.
Is Ross a Thrift Store?
Ross Dress For Less is not a thrift store. However, the retail chain does feature heavily discounted merchandise, with much of its inventory focused on lifestyle categories — including fashion, footwear and accessories — at 20% to 60% off retail prices.
What Are the Differences Between TJ Maxx, Marshalls and Ross?
Ross Dress For Less varies from its main competitors in the discounted retail space, namely TJ Maxx and Marshalls. Compared to Ross, both TJ Maxx and Marshalls are owned by the same parent company, TJX Companies. Additionally, TJ Maxx often carries higher-end designer items and a wide jewelry selection, while Marshalls has larger men’s and youth sections; however, Ross is known for often offering the lowest prices between all three retailers, according to Go Banking Rates.
Fast Facts To Know About Ross Dress For Less
If you want to know how the store operates behind the scenes, if they can tell you when a product will be in stock or if they offer any other discounts, then check out these facts about Ross Dress For Less.
1. Ross Dress For Less offers a discount to older citizens.
The Every Tuesday club at Ross Dress For Less the stores offers citizens over the age of 55 a 10% discount on Tuesdays. All customers have to do is sign up in-store to start receiving the discount.
2. Irregular items are offered at a cheaper price.
At Ross Dress For Less, there’s a chance that you’ll spot some irregular items that are within its stores. Irregular items are labeled on the price tag and there are stickers placed on the tag to point out the imperfections.
3. Ross Dress For Less is not a new company.
The company has been offering deals and steals for consumers since 1982.
4. The best time to shop at Ross is during the week.
The best time to shop at Ross Dress For Less is not when most expect. In fact, it’s during the week and not the weekend. That’s right, weekdays are your best chances to avoid crowds and scarcity of products. If you’re looking for a deal in a timely manner, the weekend is not a good time to shop.
5. 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.
6. Ross Dress For Less is still opening new stores.
In 2021, the brand planned to open 60 new locations. Last year, FN sat down with the Ross Stores Inc.’s CEO, Barbara Rentler, where she explained the corporation’s thinking, “Longer-term, we remain confident about our opportunity to gain market share as we expect to benefit significantly from the favorable competitive climate, given the large number of retail store closures and bankruptcies in recent years. This, along with the consumers heightened focus on value and convenience, bodes well for our ability to achieve solid results into the future,” Rentler stated. At the time of that reporting, there were 1,896 locations in 40 states, Washington, D.C., and Guam.
In 2023, Ross continued to strengthen its brick-and-mortar presence as it opened a total of 97 new stores, roughly meeting the goal set earlier in the year.
7. The company runs social media contests.
Ross Dress For Less often runs social media contests that, if chosen, gives a customer the opportunity to win a Ross gift card. In order to get a chance at winning a gift card and other prizes, follow Ross on Instagram and Facebook.
8. Ross Dress For Less carries recognized brands.
At any Ross location, one will find that the stores carry popular brands like Quiksilver, Tommy Hilfiger, Liz Claiborne, Perry Ellis and Timberland. There’s a good chance that these names and other top-of-the-line labels will make an appearance at multiple stores.
Ross Dress For Less makes a commitment to give back to the communities its stores occupy through partnerships with the Boys & Girls Clubs of America (BGCA). The goal of the partnership is to help children achieve their academic success while building their confidence and helping them to lead healthy lives.
10. Ross offers credit cards.
Ross Dress for Less offers a Ross Mastercard credit card, which can be applied for in store and online. Customers can get 10% off a purchase when they open an account and pay with the Ross Mastercard or Ross credit card.
11. College students can find internships at the company.
Ross offers 8-week internships for college students, who work out of the New York or Los Angeles offices. To help reach college students, the company also partners with the National Association of Colleges and Employers, the National Retail Federation, the Bay Area Retail Center and the Fashion Scholarship Fund.
