If you’ve ever driven down Walnut Street during a Saturday rush, you’ve seen the chaos. It’s that specific brand of Cary, North Carolina traffic—minivans, tech workers heading to SAS, and people just trying to find a decent pair of shoes without spending a whole paycheck. The Cary Burlington Coat Factory (now officially just Burlington, though locals can't seem to drop the "Coat Factory" part) sits right in the thick of it at the Crossroads Plaza.
Honestly, it’s a vibe.
Some people walk in and see a bit of a mess. Others see a treasure hunt. If you’re looking for a curated, boutique experience with soft lighting and a personal shopper, you’re in the wrong zip code. But if you want a $60 designer hoodie for nineteen bucks? Yeah, you’re in the right place. The store has survived the "retail apocalypse" and the shift to online shopping for one simple reason: people in Wake County still love a good deal, and they love touching the fabric before they buy it.
The Crossroads Plaza Reality Check
Crossroads is arguably the busiest shopping hub in the entire Triangle. It’s a massive sprawl. You’ve got the Target, the Dick’s Sporting Goods, and a dozen other anchors, but Burlington holds down a specific niche. While the nearby boutiques at Fenton are selling luxury aesthetics, the Cary Burlington Coat Factory is where people go for the practical stuff. We’re talking back-to-school hauls, winter coats (obviously), and that weirdly specific kitchen gadget you didn't know you needed until you saw it next to a pack of designer socks.
The layout here is expansive.
It’s big. Like, "don't go in if you're in a hurry" big. Since the company pivoted away from being just a coat destination years ago, the floor plan is a mix of home decor, baby gear, and endless racks of clothing. It’s sort of a controlled chaos. You might find a high-end luggage set tucked behind a row of pet beds. That’s just how the off-price model works. They get the overstock, the last-season gems, and the "oops, we ordered too many" items from major department stores and pass the savings down.
What’s actually inside?
It’s not just parkas.
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Actually, the "Coat Factory" name is almost a misnomer at this point. Sure, in October and November, the selection of heavy outerwear is probably the best in the city. You’ll see brands like DKNY, Michael Kors, or even Calvin Klein for a fraction of the Macy’s price. But the rest of the year? It’s a clothing store.
- The Men’s Section: Usually heavy on athletic wear. If you’re looking for Nike or Under Armour shorts that aren't $50, check the back racks first.
- Home Goods: This is the sleeper hit of the Cary location. People sleep on the rugs and the storage bins.
- The Baby Depot: Burlington still maintains a pretty robust baby section, which is a lifesaver for new parents in the suburbs who don't want to wait for Amazon shipping.
Why Cary Locals Keep Coming Back
You’d think with all the high-income growth in Cary, a discount store might struggle. Nope. It’s the opposite. Even the engineers and doctors moving into those $800k homes in West Cary appreciate a bargain. There’s a specific thrill in finding a "diamond in the rough."
I’ve talked to shoppers who swear by the Tuesday morning "restock." While the store doesn't officially broadcast their delivery schedule to the public, the general consensus among the regulars is that midweek is the sweet spot. If you go on a Sunday afternoon, be prepared. The lines can be long. The racks might look like a tornado hit them. It’s the price you pay for the price you pay.
One thing that sets the Cary Burlington Coat Factory apart from the ones in, say, Durham or Raleigh, is the specific inventory mix. Because Cary has such a diverse, international population, the store often stocks a wider variety of sizes and styles that reflect the community. You’ll see a lot of professional wear—blazers and dress slacks—that cater to the local office culture.
Dealing with the "Burlington Blur"
Let’s be real for a second. Shopping here requires a strategy. If you just wander in aimlessly, you’ll get overwhelmed. The lighting is bright, the music is... well, it’s there, and the sheer volume of merchandise is staggering.
First, grab a cart. Even if you think you’re only getting one thing. You’ll find something else. You always do. Second, check the "Gold Label" or "Designer" tags. These are usually mixed in, but they represent the highest tier of savings. Third, check for flaws. It’s off-price retail. Occasionally, a button is loose or there’s a small snag. It’s rare, but worth the thirty-second inspection.
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The Evolution of the "Coat Factory" Brand
Burlington is a public company (ticker BURL, for the nerds out there), and they’ve been aggressively shrinking their store footprints lately. They want to be more like TJ Maxx or Ross—smaller, leaner, and faster. But the Cary location still feels like one of those classic, sprawling treasure chests.
They’ve leaned hard into the "deeper discounts" model. In the past, you might save 20% or 30%. Now, they’re aiming for 60% off department store prices. In an era where inflation has turned a grocery run into a financial event, being able to buy a brand-name winter jacket for $40 is a big deal for a lot of families. It’s not just about "cheap" clothes; it’s about access to quality brands that would otherwise be out of reach.
Is it better than the Raleigh locations?
That’s the million-dollar question for Triangle residents. You’ve got the one on Capital Boulevard and the one near Brier Creek.
The Cary store wins on convenience for anyone south of I-40. It’s also generally perceived as being slightly more organized than the Capital Blvd spot, mostly because the Crossroads management has to keep up with the intense foot traffic of that specific shopping center. However, the Brier Creek location is newer. If you want "new and shiny," go to Brier Creek. If you want the deepest selection and the best chance of finding a weird, high-end outlier, stick with Cary.
Practical Advice for Your Visit
Don't just wing it. If you’re heading to the Cary Burlington Coat Factory, keep these specific tips in mind to actually enjoy the experience rather than leaving with a headache.
- Timing is everything. Get there within the first hour of opening. The store is clean, the staff is fresh, and the shelves are actually organized.
- The "One-Pass" Rule. If you see something you like, put it in the cart. If you leave it on the rack and "come back for it later," it will be gone. I promise. Someone else is already eyeing it.
- Check the clearance. The back corners of the store are where the real madness happens. Items that have been sitting for a few weeks get slashed to prices that seem like typos. I’ve seen name-brand sneakers for $12.
- Holiday Warning. From November 1st through the end of the year, this store is a gauntlet. It’s great for gifts, but the checkout line can wrap around the building. Plan accordingly.
The Social Impact of Discount Shopping
We don't talk about this enough, but stores like this are essential for the local economy. Cary isn't just wealthy estates; there are plenty of students from NC State, service workers, and families starting over who rely on these discounts. The Cary Burlington Coat Factory acts as a sort of economic equalizer. You’ll see a tech executive and a college student standing in the same line, both holding the same brand of discounted coffee mugs.
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It’s one of the few places left where the "Cary bubble" feels a bit more like the real world.
Actionable Steps for the Savvy Shopper
If you’re planning a trip this week, here is your game plan.
Download the Burlington app or sign up for their emails. They don’t do traditional "coupons" often because the prices are already low, but they do alert you to seasonal shifts. Focus your energy on the "Home" and "Outerwear" sections first, as these offer the highest price-to-value ratio. If you’re shopping for kids, size up. The turnover is so fast that you can buy next year’s wardrobe for pennies on the dollar if you’re proactive.
Lastly, check the return policy. Usually, you have 30 days with a receipt, but "as-is" items or certain clearance pieces might be final sale. Always ask at the register if you’re unsure.
The Cary Burlington Coat Factory isn't just a store; it’s a survival tactic for living in an increasingly expensive Triangle. Go in with a plan, a little bit of patience, and a sharp eye. You'll likely walk out with a trunk full of stuff you love and a bank account that doesn't hate you.
Next Steps for Your Trip
- Check the Weather: If a cold snap is coming to North Carolina, the coat section will be picked over within 24 hours. Go the day before the forecast drops.
- Verify Hours: Most days they open at 9:00 AM, but Sunday hours can vary. Double-check the Crossroads Plaza directory online before driving over.
- Inspect Your Finds: Before you hit the register, do a quick "zipper and seam" check on any clothing items to ensure they are in perfect condition.