If you’ve lived in the Tri-Cities for a while, you know the drill. Shopping here is a bit of a strategic game. You aren't just going to the mall or hitting up a big box store because it’s convenient; you're doing it because you want to see what actually made it onto the shelves this week. Specifically, when people talk about Burlington Coat Factory Tri Cities WA, they are usually referring to that sprawling treasure hunt located right in the heart of Kennewick. It’s nestled in the Columbia Center Blvd area, which, let's be honest, is basically the retail nervous system of the entire region.
It is weird how the name stuck.
Even though the company officially rebranded to just "Burlington" years ago to prove they sell more than just outerwear, everyone in Kennewick, Pasco, and Richland still calls it the Coat Factory. It’s like a local linguistic tick. You go in for a toaster or a pair of knock-off designer sneakers, but you tell your spouse you’re "stopping by the Coat Factory."
The Reality of the Kennewick Location
The store at 1321 N Columbia Center Blvd isn't just a shop. It's an exercise in patience and timing. If you roll in there on a Saturday afternoon, you’re going to deal with the chaos. It’s loud. The racks are packed tight. But that’s the trade-off for the prices. Burlington operates on an off-price model, which is a fancy industry term for "we bought this surplus so you don't have to pay department store markups."
Unlike Target or Macy’s, where you can check inventory online with 99% accuracy, the Burlington Coat Factory Tri Cities WA inventory is a black box. You have to be there. Physically. Touching the fabric. Checking for missing buttons. It's analog shopping in a digital world, and for some reason, the Tri-Cities crowd loves it.
I’ve seen people find genuine leather jackets for forty bucks and then, three racks over, a brand-name baby stroller marked down sixty percent. It’s chaotic. It’s hit-or-miss. Honestly, that’s the charm.
Why the Location Matters for Local Shoppers
Geography is everything in the 509. The Kennewick Burlington sits in a prime spot because it’s accessible to the folks coming across the bridge from Pasco and those driving in from West Richland. It’s part of that massive retail cluster near the Columbia Center Mall.
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- Proximity to other hubs: You can hit Burlington, then swing over to TJ Maxx or HomeGoods in five minutes.
- The "Border" Effect: Because Tri-Cities is a regional hub for smaller towns like Burbank, Benton City, and even Othello, this specific store gets a massive amount of foot traffic on weekends.
- Parking: It’s better than the mall parking lot, but the layout near Columbia Center Blvd can be a nightmare during the holidays.
Most people don't realize that off-price retailers like this actually curate slightly differently based on regional climates. You’ll see a heavier emphasis on rugged workwear and wind-resistant gear here compared to a Burlington in, say, Seattle. We get those nasty gusts off the Rattlesnake Mountain, and the buyers seem to know that.
Navigating the Chaos at Burlington Coat Factory Tri Cities WA
If you want to actually "win" at shopping here, you can't just wander in aimlessly. You need a plan. First, check the home goods section before you even look at the clothes. The Tri-Cities location has a surprisingly robust kitchen and decor department that often gets overlooked because people are too busy digging through the clearance shoes.
Expect the unexpected.
One day you’ll find high-end Egyptian cotton sheets; the next, it’s all plastic storage bins. The turnover is high. Employees are constantly wheeling out those big gray racks of new stock. If you see something you like, grab it. I’ve made the mistake of "thinking about it" for twenty minutes, only to come back and find some teenager has already snagged it.
Seasonal Shifts and the "Coat" Factor
Yes, they still sell coats. A lot of them. In the Tri-Cities, our winters aren't just cold; they are biting and dry. Around October, the Burlington Coat Factory Tri Cities WA transforms into a fortress of parkas, puffers, and wool overcoats.
This is actually one of the best times to visit if you're looking for brands like Columbia or Levi’s at a fraction of the cost. Because the Tri-Cities has a large population of outdoor workers—from the Hanford site to the local vineyards—the demand for durable outerwear is massive. Burlington fills that gap for families who need gear that survives a Columbia Basin winter without breaking the bank.
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Don't ignore the "hidden" sections. The baby department (Baby Depot) inside the Kennewick store is arguably one of the best-kept secrets for local parents. While everyone else is fighting over the last crib at a big-name baby store, Burlington usually has strollers, car seats, and onesies for a lot less. It’s not always the "latest" model, but it’s brand new and safety-rated.
The Economic Impact on the Columbia Basin
It’s easy to dismiss a discount retailer as just another store, but Burlington plays a specific role in the Tri-Cities economy. We have a diverse economic demographic. You’ve got high-earning engineers from Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) shopping alongside college students from WSU Tri-Cities and seasonal agricultural workers.
Burlington is the great equalizer.
Everyone wants a deal. By providing a high volume of goods at lower price points, it keeps more retail dollars within Kennewick rather than seeing them bleed out to Spokane or Portland. It also provides a significant number of entry-level retail jobs, which are vital for the local workforce, especially for students and those entering the job market.
Common Misconceptions About the Store
Many people think everything at Burlington is "irregular" or "damaged." That's just not true. While some "seconds" do end up on the racks, the vast majority of the stock at Burlington Coat Factory Tri Cities WA is simply overstock or last season’s styles.
Another myth? That they don't have a return policy. They do. It’s usually 30 days with a receipt, though you’ll likely get store credit if you’ve lost the paper slip. Just keep your tags on. Once you rip those off, you’re committed to that neon green tracksuit.
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Strategic Shopping: How to Beat the Crowds
If you really want the best experience at the Kennewick Burlington, you have to time your arrival. Tuesday and Wednesday mornings are the "sweet spot." This is when the weekend carnage has been cleaned up and the new shipments are usually being pushed out to the floor.
Avoid Friday nights. It’s a zoo.
Check the back corners. The clearance racks are often tucked away in the least intuitive places.
Bring your own bags. Washington state law means you're paying for bags now, and those thick plastic ones add up if you're doing a big haul.
Inspect everything. Since it’s a high-traffic store, items can get handled roughly. Check zippers. Look for makeup stains on collars. It’s the nature of the beast.
The Burlington Coat Factory Tri Cities WA isn't trying to be a boutique. It doesn't offer a "curated shopping experience" with mood lighting and soft jazz. It’s bright, it’s loud, and it’s full of stuff. But for the savvy Tri-Citian, it’s one of the few places left where a twenty-dollar bill still feels like it has some actual power.
Actionable Steps for Your Next Visit
- Download the App: While they don't have traditional "coupons" like Kohl's, the app helps you track your layaway—yes, they still offer layaway, which is a lifesaver for back-to-school and holiday shopping.
- Set a Budget: It is incredibly easy to walk in for socks and leave with a rug, a set of dumbbells, and a pet bed. The "treasure hunt" aspect triggers that part of the brain that wants to buy everything because it's a "steal."
- Measure Before You Go: If you're looking for home decor or furniture at the Kennewick location, have your measurements ready on your phone. These items move fast, and there are no "holds."
- Verify Hours: Usually, they stay open late—often until 11:00 PM—making it a great spot for night owls who want to avoid the daytime rush.
- Check the Shoe Size First: Don't fall in love with a pair of boots only to realize they are three sizes too small. The shoe section is organized by size, but shoppers move things around constantly. Start your search by scanning the floor for "strays" in your size.
Whether you're gearing up for a cold winter in Richland or just need to refresh your work wardrobe for a new job in Pasco, the Burlington in Kennewick remains a staple for a reason. It’s reliable, it’s affordable, and it’s never boring.