You know that feeling when you walk into a store and it feels like a giant treasure map? That is basically the vibe at the Burlington Coat Factory in Des Moines Iowa. It’s chaotic. It’s huge. It’s kind of overwhelming if you aren't in the right headspace. But if you’re looking to save fifty bucks on a designer jacket or find a weirdly specific kitchen gadget for five dollars, it’s the place to be.
Most people just call it "Burlington" now since they dropped "Coat Factory" from the official branding years ago, but in Des Moines, the old name sticks. We’re creatures of habit here. Whether you are hitting the Southridge location or venturing over to the suburban pockets, the experience is a specific kind of Iowa retail therapy.
The Reality of Burlington Coat Factory in Des Moines Iowa
Let’s be real for a second. Shopping here isn't like walking into a pristine boutique at Jordan Creek Town Center. It’s a hunt. The Burlington Coat Factory in Des Moines Iowa—specifically the main hub off SE 14th Street—is where the locals go when they want the "Off-Price" thrill without the high-end mall tax.
The SE 14th Street location is a staple. It’s positioned in a corridor that has seen a lot of change over the last decade. While some big-box retailers have fled the south side, Burlington has remained a bit of an anchor for that community. It’s busy. Like, "don't go on a Saturday afternoon unless you like long lines" busy. If you want the best stuff, you go on a Tuesday morning. That’s when the new shipments are usually being unboxed and the racks haven't been picked over by a thousand frantic hands yet.
Why do people keep coming back? Prices. You’re looking at name brands—Nike, Adidas, Calvin Klein, Levi's—often marked down 60% or more from original retail. But there is a catch. You have to check the seams. You have to check the zippers. Because these items are overstock or past-season, occasionally a dud slips through. It’s part of the game.
What the Des Moines Locations Actually Look Like Inside
If you’ve been to the Southridge Mall area lately, you know it’s transitioned heavily into a community and educational hub. The Burlington there feels like a survivor. It’s massive. The layout is divided into these somewhat sprawling "worlds." You have the baby section—which is honestly one of the best-kept secrets in the city for strollers and crib bedding—and then you have the labyrinth of the home goods section.
I once found a cast-iron skillet there for twelve dollars. Twelve dollars!
The men’s and women’s apparel sections are where the real madness happens. It’s organized by size, mostly. But things migrate. You’ll find a size 12 dress in the size 4 rack because someone changed their mind and didn't want to walk back. It’s a workout. You’ll get your steps in just trying to find a matching pair of socks.
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The lighting is bright, fluorescent, and unapologetic. There isn't any fancy music playing to make you feel sophisticated. It’s just you, a cart with a slightly wonky wheel, and the quest for a bargain.
Why the "Coat Factory" Label is Actually a Misnomer
Despite the name everyone still uses, the Burlington Coat Factory in Des Moines Iowa is so much more than just coats. Yes, in October and November, the coat selection is legendary. You can find heavy-duty parkas that can actually withstand a negative twenty-degree wind chill coming off the Des Moines River.
But go there in July? You’re looking at swimsuits and patio decor.
The company pivoted away from being a seasonal coat shop decades ago. They realized that people in places like Iowa need more than just winter gear. They need cheap scrubs for the nurses working at UnityPoint or MercyOne. They need school uniforms for the kids in the Des Moines Public School district. Burlington filled that gap. They became a department store for the rest of us.
The variety is actually a bit insane. You can buy:
- High-end skincare that’s mysteriously discounted.
- Dog beds that are probably too big for your car.
- Boxed chocolates from brands you've never heard of but taste amazing.
- Luggage sets for that one trip to Clear Lake you take every year.
Navigating the South Side vs. West Des Moines
There is a bit of a rivalry, or at least a difference in "vibe," between the different areas where you can find these deals. The Southside location on SE 14th feels more "authentic" to the brand's roots. It’s grittier. It’s faster-paced.
Then you have the locations that serve the West Des Moines or Urbandale crowds. These tend to feel a little more organized, perhaps because the foot traffic is distributed differently. But here is a pro tip: the Southside store often gets the weirder, cooler stuff. The buyers seem to send a different mix of inventory to that SE 14th corridor. If you want standard basics, go west. If you want that one-of-a-kind designer "oops" item, stay on the south side.
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The Impact on the Local Economy
It’s easy to dismiss big-box retail, but Burlington provides a significant number of entry-level jobs in the Des Moines metro. They are a major taxpayer for the city. During the holiday season, they are one of the few places where a family on a tight budget can actually afford to buy gifts that don't look "cheap."
There’s a social element, too. You see everyone there. You see the grandma looking for a baby shower gift. You see the teenager trying to find a cool hoodie that won't drain their entire paycheck from Fareway. It’s a melting pot.
Is It Better Than T.J. Maxx or Ross?
This is the big question. In Des Moines, we have options. We have the T.J. Maxx in West Glen. We have Ross Dress for Less.
Honestly? Burlington is usually cheaper than T.J. Maxx but a little more "rough around the edges." T.J. Maxx feels curated. Burlington feels like a warehouse. If you have the patience to dig, Burlington will almost always save you more money. If you want a "pretty" shopping experience, you might find it frustrating.
Ross is probably the closest competitor. But in my experience, the Burlington Coat Factory in Des Moines Iowa has a much larger home goods and baby section. If you are furnishing an apartment on a budget, Burlington wins. Hands down.
Common Misconceptions About the Des Moines Store
- "It's all damaged goods." Nope. Most of it is just "overstock." This means a brand like Tommy Hilfiger made 50,000 more shirts than Macy's could sell. Those shirts end up at Burlington.
- "They don't have new styles." Also false. They get shipments almost daily. The turnover is so high that if you see something you like, you have to buy it immediately. It will not be there tomorrow.
- "The lines take forever." Okay, this one is sometimes true. But they’ve gotten better about using automated queuing. Still, avoid the weekends if you value your sanity.
How to Win at Burlington Shopping
If you're going to tackle the Burlington Coat Factory in Des Moines Iowa, you need a strategy. Don't just wander in aimlessly.
First, go straight to the back. That’s usually where the clearance racks live. The "clearance of the clearance." You’ll find items marked down to two or three dollars. It’s wild.
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Second, check the "Beauty" aisle. People overlook this. You can find high-quality shampoo and professional hair tools for a fraction of what you’d pay at a salon in the East Village.
Third, be prepared to walk away. Sometimes the "treasure hunt" fails. Sometimes there’s nothing good. That’s the nature of off-price retail. If you don't find a "win," don't force it. The inventory will be completely different in 48 hours anyway.
The Future of Burlington in the Metro
As Des Moines continues to grow—and it is growing fast—the role of stores like Burlington is changing. We’re seeing more people move into the city center and the surrounding suburbs. While online shopping is huge, there is still a massive demand for physical stores where you can touch the fabric and try on the shoes.
Burlington has survived the "retail apocalypse" because they offer something Amazon can't: the immediate gratification of a physical bargain. You don't have to wait for shipping. You don't have to worry about a package being swiped from your porch on Ingersoll Avenue. You just grab it and go.
Final Thoughts for the Des Moines Shopper
Whether you're a lifelong Southsider or someone just visiting the metro, the Burlington Coat Factory in Des Moines Iowa is an institution of sorts. It’s not fancy. It’s not prestigious. But it is functional, affordable, and strangely addictive once you find your first major "steal."
The store represents a specific slice of Iowa life—practical, budget-conscious, and willing to work a little harder to make a dollar stretch. Next time you need a new winter coat or just a set of new towels, give it a shot. Just remember to check the cart wheels before you head into the aisles.
Actionable Shopping Strategy
- Timing is everything: Visit on Tuesday or Wednesday mornings for the fresh inventory drops.
- Size up and down: Check the racks one size above and below yours; items are frequently mis-categorized by shoppers.
- Inspect thoroughly: Look for missing buttons or loose threads before heading to the checkout, as "as-is" items are common in off-price retail.
- Focus on the Home Section: Prioritize the back-of-store home goods for the highest percentage of savings compared to big-box department stores.
- Download the app: While the in-store experience is tactile, checking their digital flyers can sometimes alert you to specific seasonal blowouts before you make the drive.