You’ve probably seen the signs while driving down Congress Avenue. Maybe you remember when the Boynton Beach Mall was the place to be on a Friday night, back when the fountains were still splashing and the food court smelled like Sbarro and Cinnabon. But honestly, if you walk into the space occupied by Dillards in Boynton Beach today, you aren't walking into a standard department store.
It's a different world.
The most common mistake people make is showing up expecting the latest season of Antonio Melani or a full-service beauty counter with someone waiting to color-match their foundation. That's not what this is. Since 2011, the Dillard's at Boynton Beach Mall has operated as a Clearance Center. Basically, it's the final stop for merchandise from full-line Dillard's stores across Florida. If it didn't sell in Wellington or Boca, it ends up here.
The Reality of Shopping at Dillards in Boynton Beach
When you step inside, the first thing you notice is the scale. It's massive. We’re talking about the former Lord & Taylor/Mervyn’s building—a structure that was once the height of suburban luxury. Now, it’s filled with rows upon rows of racks.
It can be overwhelming. Truly.
Unlike a typical retail experience where everything is color-coordinated and sized perfectly, the clearance center requires a bit of "the hunt." You’ve got to be willing to dig. You might find a $200 gown marked down to $30, but you might also spend forty minutes looking at things that just aren't your style.
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- Inventory sources: Stock usually arrives from "full-line" stores like the one at The Mall at Wellington Green.
- Pricing structure: Everything is already discounted, but they often run additional percentages off (like 50% or 65% off the lowest marked price).
- The "As-Is" Factor: You have to check for missing buttons or sticky zippers. It happens.
One thing that trips people up is the return policy. In a normal Dillard's, you have a 30-day window. Here? All sales are final. If you buy it and get it home only to realize it doesn't fit or the color looks weird in your bedroom light, you're stuck with it. No exceptions.
Why the Location Matters for Your Strategy
The store is located at 801 N Congress Ave, Boynton Beach, FL 33426.
If you haven't been to the mall lately, it’s... quiet. With Sears long gone and Macy’s recently closing its doors in 2025, the anchor landscape has shifted dramatically. Christ Fellowship Church now occupies the space that used to be the Dillard’s Women’s store. It’s a surreal mix of commerce and community.
Most locals know that the mall is eventually slated for a massive redevelopment. Washington Prime Group has discussed plans for a mixed-use "lifestyle center" with apartments and green spaces, but for now, the Clearance Center remains one of the few reasons people still pull into that specific parking lot.
Timing Your Visit
Don't just show up on a Tuesday morning and expect the best stuff.
New shipments typically hit the floor early in the week. However, the deepest "additional percentage off" sales often trigger on Thursdays or Fridays. If you’re looking for prom dresses or holiday formal wear, go in the "off-season." Buying a sequined gown in July might feel crazy, but that’s when you’ll find the $15 price tags.
The hours are also a bit tighter than they used to be. While the mall itself might open at 11:00 AM, the Clearance Center often operates on its own schedule, sometimes closing earlier than the interior mall gates. It’s always smart to call (561) 732-4285 before you make the trek, especially if you're coming from Delray or Lake Worth.
Is It Actually Worth the Trip?
Kinda depends on what you're looking for.
If you need a specific pair of shoes in a specific size for a wedding this Saturday, this is a bad plan. You will leave frustrated. But if you’re a "re-seller" or someone who loves high-end brands but hates high-end prices, it’s a gold mine.
I’ve seen people walk out with suitcases—literally, they buy the suitcase there—filled with Hart Schaffner Marx suits or Cremieux sportswear for pennies on the dollar. The men's section is surprisingly robust, often tucked away in a corner but filled with stuff that was $150 just three months ago.
The atmosphere isn't "luxury." There’s no piano player. The lighting is a bit dim in certain corners. But the savings are real. Just remember to wear comfortable shoes because you're going to be walking a lot of carpeted acreage to find that one perfect item.
How to Win at the Boynton Clearance Center
To get the most out of Dillards in Boynton Beach, you need to change your mindset. Forget the "shopping" experience; this is a "sourcing" mission.
- Check the tags carefully. Dillard's uses a color-coded system or specific date codes. If a tag looks old, it’s likely about to hit an even deeper discount.
- Bring a portable battery. There aren't many places to sit and scroll while your partner shops, and the signal inside those thick concrete mall walls can be spotty.
- Inspect the seams. Since these items have been shipped, tried on in other stores, and moved around a lot, human error is common. Check the armpits for deodorant stains and the hems for snags.
- Follow the crowd. If you see a group of people hovering around a specific rack of shoes, there’s a reason. They probably just rolled out a new shipment of UGGs or Steve Maddens.
The Boynton Beach Mall might not be the powerhouse it was in 1985, but this clearance outpost keeps a very specific type of shopper coming back. It’s the last vestige of the "big box" bargain hunt in South Palm Beach County.
Next Steps for Your Shopping Trip:
Before you head out, check your calendar. If it's a holiday weekend, the store will be packed, and the lines can get long because they usually only have a few registers open. Your best bet is a Wednesday morning right when they open. Grab a cart—they’re hard to find once the store gets busy—and head straight to the back of the store where the most recent markdowns are usually staged. Keep your receipt, even though you can't return anything, just in case there's an error at the register with those extra percentage-off discounts.