Burlington is growing. Fast. If you’ve driven past a local strip mall recently and saw that bright red sign replacing an old Bed Bath & Beyond or a defunct Tuesday Morning, you aren't imagining things. The company—officially Burlington Stores, Inc.—has been on an absolute tear, opening dozens of locations across the United States to capture a market that is increasingly obsessed with "off-price" finds.
It’s weird to think about. A decade ago, people thought brick-and-mortar retail was dying a slow, painful death. Amazon was supposed to be the end of it all. But honestly? The "treasure hunt" experience is something an algorithm just can't replicate. You can't feel the weight of a heavy winter parka or check the stitching on a discounted designer handbag through a smartphone screen. That's why the new Burlington Coat Factory locations aren't just surviving; they are thriving by leaning into a smaller, more curated footprint.
The Shift from Massive Warehouses to "Small-Box" Retail
Most of us grew up with Burlington as this cavernous, slightly overwhelming warehouse. You’d walk in and feel like you needed a GPS to find the exit. Those 80,000-square-foot behemoths are mostly a thing of the past. The brand has pivoted toward a "small-box" strategy.
What does that actually mean for you?
Well, the new stores are usually around 25,000 to 30,000 square feet. It’s tighter. It's cleaner. It’s significantly easier to navigate when you’re on a lunch break and just want to see if they have any Nike joggers or high-end candles in stock. By reducing the square footage, Burlington lowers its overhead costs—think rent, utilities, and staffing—which theoretically allows them to keep those prices 60% lower than department store tags.
They’ve also dropped "Coat Factory" from the primary branding on most new storefronts. They are just "Burlington" now. Why? Because selling coats in July in Florida is a tough gig. They want you to know they have home decor, pet supplies, baby gear, and beauty products. It's a full-on lifestyle play.
Why the Inventory at a New Burlington Coat Factory Feels Different
Have you ever noticed that one Burlington has incredible Ralph Lauren bedding while the one ten miles away feels like a graveyard for off-brand socks? It isn't random.
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Burlington utilizes "opportunistic buying." Their buyers are constantly scouring the market for overstocks, canceled orders from major department stores, and end-of-season clearances. When a high-end retailer overestimates how many Michael Kors jackets they can sell, Burlington steps in with cash and buys the surplus at a massive discount.
Because the new stores are smaller, the inventory turns over much faster. If you see something you like at a new Burlington Coat Factory, you basically have to buy it right then. It won’t be there tomorrow. This creates a sense of urgency that keeps shoppers coming back twice a week instead of twice a year.
Where the New Locations are Popping Up
In 2024 and 2025, the company made it clear they want to hit a goal of 2,000 stores nationwide. They are aggressively targeting suburban plazas. They love being near a TJ Maxx or a Ross. It sounds counterintuitive to set up shop right next to your biggest rival, but it’s actually brilliant. They want to capture the "cross-shopper"—the person who didn't find the right shoes at Marshalls and decides to pop into Burlington next door just to see.
Real Examples of Recent Openings
- California and Texas: These states remain the primary focus for expansion. New spots in suburban Houston and the Inland Empire in California have seen massive foot traffic on opening weekends.
- The "Zombie" Retail Spaces: Burlington is the king of the "second-generation" lease. When a Toys "R" Us or a Sears goes dark, Burlington is often the first in line to carve up that space. It’s cheaper than building from scratch.
- The Northeast: Despite higher real estate costs, they are pushing into more urban-adjacent areas in New Jersey and Pennsylvania, sticking to that smaller footprint to make the math work.
The "Hidden" Sections You Should Actually Check
Most people head straight for the clothes. That’s a mistake. The real margins for the shopper—the "steals"—are usually tucked away in the back.
The beauty aisle is a goldmine for prestige hair care brands that usually retail for $30+ at salons. You'll find them for $12. The pet section often carries high-end orthopedic dog beds for a fraction of what you’d pay at a specialty pet store. And don't sleep on the stationery. They often get shipments of high-quality planners and journals that look like they came from a boutique in Soho.
Navigating the Challenges of Off-Price Shopping
Let’s be real for a second. Shopping at a new Burlington Coat Factory isn't always a walk in the park. Because they are leaning into a leaner staffing model to keep prices low, the checkout lines can get... intense. Saturday afternoons are generally a nightmare.
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There is also the "irregular" factor. A small percentage of the clothing is marked as "irregular," meaning there might be a tiny stitch out of place or a slightly crooked pocket. Usually, it’s invisible to the naked eye, but it’s why you always—always—need to try things on. Sizing can also be a bit of a gamble. Since the inventory comes from dozens of different designers, a "Medium" in one brand might fit like an "Extra Small" in another.
Is the Quality Actually Declining?
There is a common conspiracy theory that brands now "make clothes specifically for discounters." While some retailers do this, Burlington’s model still relies heavily on genuine overstock. However, you will see "private label" brands mixed in. These are brands owned by Burlington or manufactured for them to fill gaps in inventory. They aren't necessarily bad quality, but they don't carry the same resale value as the name brands.
Look at the tags. If it's a brand you've never heard of and the "compare at" price seems suspiciously high, it might be a private label item. If it’s a recognizable label like Calvin Klein or Tommy Hilfiger, you’re likely looking at a genuine department store clearance item.
The Ethics of the Hunt
Sustainability experts often point to off-price retail as a double-edged sword. On one hand, it prevents millions of garments from ending up in landfills. It’s a massive redistribution system for the fashion industry’s mistakes. On the other hand, the low prices can encourage "haul culture," where people buy things they don't need just because they are cheap.
The most savvy Burlington shoppers are the ones who go in with a list. They treat it like a mission. They aren't there to browse aimlessly; they are looking for a specific item—like a waterproof shell for a hiking trip or a set of glass storage containers for the kitchen.
How to Win at Burlington in 2026
If you want to actually find the good stuff at a new Burlington Coat Factory, you have to change your strategy. Forget what you knew about the old stores.
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Timing is Everything
Most stores receive shipments Tuesday through Friday. Monday is usually the worst day to shop because the weekend crowds have picked the shelves clean. If you can swing a Tuesday morning visit right after they open, you’ll get first dibs on the new markdowns.
Use the App, Sorta
Burlington doesn't have a robust e-commerce site like Target or Walmart. They want you in the store. However, their website has a "Store Locator" that is surprisingly accurate about grand openings. They also have a loyalty program that sends out alerts for "Bonus Bucks" or early access to certain sales events. It’s worth the 30 seconds it takes to sign up.
Check the Home Decor First
In the newer store layouts, the home section is often the most organized. It’s where you’ll find the highest-quality items relative to their price. Look for 100% cotton towels and heavy-duty cookware. These items don't "go out of style" like a neon-colored crop top might, making them a much safer investment.
Actionable Steps for Your Next Visit
To get the most out of the experience, stop treating it like a standard department store. It's a logistical puzzle.
- Examine the Hems: Before you buy, turn the garment inside out. Check for loose threads or misaligned zippers. In the rush of off-price production, these are the first things to go.
- Scan the "New Arrivals" Racks: These are usually near the front or the ends of the aisles. Don't just look at the main racks; the "end-caps" often hold the newest designer drops.
- Download a Price Scanner: Use your phone to check the "Compare At" price. Sometimes Burlington is spot on, but occasionally, the "MSRP" on the tag is inflated. A quick Google search will tell you if that $40 "deal" is actually selling for $35 elsewhere.
- Know the Return Policy: Burlington generally has a 30-day return policy with a receipt. If you lose the receipt, you’ll likely only get store credit at the lowest selling price. Keep the paper!
The expansion of Burlington isn't slowing down. As long as the economy remains unpredictable and people want to look like they spent a fortune without actually doing it, these stores will continue to pop up in every corner of the country. The "Factory" might be gone from the name, but the hunt for the perfect bargain is very much alive. Just remember to check the seams.