You know that feeling when you walk into a Ross Dress for Less and it looks like a tornado just went through the shoe aisle? Honestly, it’s part of the charm. There is something uniquely satisfying about digging through a messy rack and finding a genuine Ralph Lauren polo or a pair of Nike Dunks for twenty bucks. But let’s be real. Sometimes you just don't have the patience to navigate the "treasure hunt" vibe. Maybe you need a store that’s a bit more organized, or maybe your local Ross has been picked over by every reseller in a fifty-mile radius.
The off-price retail market is massive. It’s a multi-billion dollar industry built on a simple premise: department stores overbuy, and brands produce too much. When a high-end retailer can’t sell their stock, they offload it to stores similar to Ross for pennies on the dollar. This "closeout" model is why you can find high-quality goods at prices that seem almost illegal.
If you’re hunting for that same rush of adrenaline you get from a Ross find, you've got options. Some are more polished. Some are even cheaper. Here is the lowdown on where to go when you’ve already exhausted the Ross racks.
The Big Three: T.J. Maxx and Marshalls
It is impossible to talk about stores similar to Ross without mentioning the TJX Companies. T.J. Maxx and Marshalls are the siblings Ross probably competes with the most. While they share the same DNA—discounted designer labels and home goods—the experience is slightly different.
T.J. Maxx often leans a bit more "high-end." If you are looking for contemporary designers or even the "Runway" section (which features brands like Gucci or Chloe in select locations), T.J. Maxx is your best bet. Marshalls, on the other hand, usually has a much larger men’s department and a more robust shoe selection.
The strategy here is different from Ross. Ross tends to buy "pack-away" inventory. This means they buy goods out of season and hold them in a warehouse for months before putting them on the floor. That’s why you might find a heavy winter coat at Ross in the middle of July. T.J. Maxx and Marshalls move faster. Their inventory is often closer to the current season.
Why you might prefer them over Ross:
- Organization. Generally, TJX stores are a little cleaner. The racks aren't quite as packed to the point of breaking.
- The "Cube." Most Marshalls stores have a dedicated juniors section called "The Cube" which is great for trendier, younger styles that Ross sometimes misses.
- Home Goods. While Ross has a home section, T.J. Maxx’s "HomeGoods" (often a standalone store or attached) is the gold standard for discounted furniture and decor.
Burlington: More Than Just Coats
For a long time, Burlington was Burlington Coat Factory. Then they dropped the "Coat Factory" because, honestly, it was confusing people. They sell everything now. In terms of sheer volume and price point, Burlington is probably the closest direct competitor to Ross.
Burlington is deep. They have massive baby sections—often called Baby Depot—that blow Ross out of the water. If you need a stroller, a high chair, or a crib, Burlington is significantly better than almost any other off-price retailer.
The vibe in Burlington is very similar to Ross. It's no-frills. You’re going to see fluorescent lights and linoleum floors. But the savings? They are real. You’ll often find brands like Calvin Klein, Levi’s, and Under Armour for 60% off department store prices. One thing to watch for: Burlington’s checkout lines can be legendary. Bring a snack.
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Nordstrom Rack: The Designer Goldmine
If Ross is for the everyday shopper, Nordstrom Rack is for the person who wants the "fancy" labels but refuses to pay the "fancy" prices. This is the off-price division of Nordstrom.
A lot of the inventory at stores similar to Ross comes from unknown wholesalers. At Nordstrom Rack, a significant portion of the gear actually comes from full-line Nordstrom stores. This means you are getting the same quality—and sometimes the same clearance items—that were sitting on a shelf at a high-end mall two weeks ago.
You’ll find brands here that Ross simply doesn't carry. We’re talking Theory, Vince, Madewell, and Rag & Bone. The prices are higher than Ross, but the "value" is often better because the original MSRP was so much higher.
Pro Tip: Look for the "Red Tag" sales. Nordstrom Rack has "Clearance" and then they have "Clearance on Clearance." During their "Clear the Rack" events, you can get an extra 25% off already discounted prices. It’s a bloodbath, but a profitable one.
DD’s Discounts: The Budget Version of Ross
Did you know Ross has a little sister?
DD’s Discounts is actually owned by Ross Stores, Inc. If you think Ross is cheap, DD’s will blow your mind. It stands for "Deep Discounts," and they aren't kidding. These stores are usually located in more modest neighborhoods and the price points reflect that.
The inventory at DD’s is a mix. You’ll find some of the same brands as Ross, but generally, the labels are a bit more "everyday." Think less "designer workwear" and more "basics, kids’ clothes, and household essentials." It’s the place to go for school supplies, kitchen gadgets, and loungewear.
The aesthetic is... sparse. It’s very much a warehouse feel. But if your goal is to stretch twenty dollars as far as it can humanly go, DD’s is the undisputed champion.
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The Wildcard: Sierra (formerly Sierra Trading Post)
If you love Ross for their activewear or outdoor gear, you need to find a Sierra. Also owned by TJX, Sierra is like a discounted REI.
Ross often has a decent selection of workout clothes, but Sierra has the technical stuff. We’re talking about Carhartt workwear, Columbia hiking boots, Marmot rain jackets, and even high-end camping gear like Kelty sleeping bags.
It’s niche. If you don't care about hiking or the gym, you won't find much here. But for the outdoorsy crowd, it’s a paradise of 50-70% discounts. Their "seconds" (items with minor cosmetic flaws) are particularly cheap, and honestly, you usually can't even find the flaw.
Ollie’s Bargain Outlet: "Good Stuff Cheap"
Ollie’s is a different beast entirely. It’s not really a clothing store, though they do have some. It’s a "closeout" retailer. They buy "liquidated" stock. When a company goes bankrupt or a manufacturer changes their packaging, Ollie’s buys everything.
Walking into Ollie’s is an experience. There are hand-drawn signs everywhere. The mascot is a guy named Ollie who looks like he’s from a 1950s comic strip.
What to buy at Ollie’s:
- Books: They have a massive book section where hardcovers are like $3.
- Flooring and Rugs: Seriously, the rug prices are unbeatable.
- Cleaning Supplies: Name-brand laundry detergent for half price.
- Toys: They get huge shipments of Mattel and Hasbro toys that didn't sell at Target or Walmart.
It’s one of those stores similar to Ross in spirit because of the "treasure hunt" aspect. You never know what’s going to be there. One week it’s air conditioners; the next week it’s five thousand boxes of Star Wars cereal.
Five Below: The Ultimate Stocking Stuffer Destination
While Ross has a "impulse buy" section near the registers, Five Below is an entire store made of that section. Everything is (mostly) five dollars or less, though they have recently added a "Five Beyond" section for items up to $25.
If you’re looking for tech accessories, room decor for teens, or weird candy, this is the spot. It’s not where you go for high-fashion, but it captures that same "I didn't know I needed this" energy that Ross specializes in.
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Understanding the "Why" Behind the Deals
A lot of people think stores like Ross only sell "defective" clothes. That’s a myth. While "irregulars" do exist, they are usually marked with a specific tag.
Most of what you see is just "overstock."
Retailers are terrible at predicting the future. A buyer at a major department store might order 50,000 units of a specific dress, but then it rains all spring and nobody buys sundresses. That buyer needs to clear that floor space for fall clothes. They sell those 30,000 leftover dresses to a "jobber" or directly to Ross.
Another source is "MCO" (Made for Outlet). Some brands actually produce lower-quality versions of their clothes specifically for stores like Ross or Nordstrom Rack. You can usually tell by the tags. If you see a brand you recognize but the material feels thinner or the stitching looks messy, it might be an MCO item.
How to Shop These Stores Like a Pro
Shopping at stores similar to Ross is a skill. You can't just walk in and expect to find a masterpiece in five minutes.
Timing is everything. Ask the employees when they get their trucks. Most stores restock mid-week (Tuesday through Thursday). Monday is usually the worst day to shop because the weekend crowds have picked the place clean.
Check the "End Caps." In the home section, the best deals are rarely in the middle of the aisle. They are on the ends.
Examine everything. Because these stores have high turnover and people are constantly trying things on, damage happens. Check for missing buttons, stuck zippers, or makeup stains around the collar. Ross and Burlington will sometimes give you an extra 10% off if you find a small flaw that you’re willing to fix yourself.
Don't hesitate. The golden rule of off-price shopping: If you love it, buy it. It will not be there tomorrow. These stores don't have "back stock." What you see on the floor is all they have.
Actionable Shopping Strategy
- Identify your "Tier": If you want high-end designer, go to Nordstrom Rack or T.J. Maxx. If you want absolute rock-bottom prices for kids and home, hit DD’s Discounts or Burlington.
- Follow the "Inside-Out" Rule: Start at the very back of the store (the clearance racks) and work your way to the front. The newest, most expensive items are always at the entrance to tempt you.
- Use the Apps: T.J. Maxx and Marshalls have surprisingly good apps that let you see new arrivals at your local store.
- Check the Labels: Look for "Past Season" vs. "Irregular." If you can't find a flaw on an irregular item, it's a steal. Usually, it's just a stitch that’s a millimeter off.
- Join the Loyalty Programs: Most of these stores don't have traditional "sales," but they do have credit cards or rewards programs that give you 5-10% back in rewards. Just be careful with those high-interest rates.