Burlington sells brand-name clothing and home goods at 40 to 60 percent below department store prices

Burlington (formerly Burlington Coat Factory) is an off-price retailer that buys overstock, past-season, and closeout merchandise from major brands and sells it at steep discounts. You will find clothing, shoes, accessories, and home goods from labels like Calvin Klein, Tommy Hilfiger, Nautica, and others — but not always the current season's styles or full size runs. The trade-off is price: most items cost significantly less than you would pay at a traditional department store or the brand's own retail location.

The company operates over 700 stores across the United States and also sells online. Unlike outlet malls, which are owned and operated by individual brands, Burlington is a single retailer that sources merchandise from many different vendors and manufacturers. This means the inventory changes frequently and varies by location.

Key Takeaways

  • Burlington's prices are typically 40 to 60 percent lower than department store prices because the store buys overstock and past-season items rather than current merchandise.
  • Inventory changes constantly and differs by store location, so the same item may not be available at every Burlington or online.
  • Return policies at Burlington are more restrictive than at traditional retailers — most items can be returned within 30 days with a receipt, but final sale items cannot be returned.
  • Burlington does not price-match other retailers, and clearance or final sale items are typically non-returnable regardless of condition.
  • Shopping online at Burlington.com offers the same discount pricing but with different inventory than physical stores, and shipping costs explore.

Why prices are lower and what that means for selection

Burlington buys merchandise that department stores and brand retailers cannot sell. This includes items from the previous season, overstock that did not move during the regular selling period, and closeouts when a brand discontinues a style. Manufacturers and department stores sell this inventory to off-price retailers at a fraction of the wholesale cost, which allows Burlington to pass those savings to customers.

The downside is that you will not find the newest styles or complete size ranges. If you see a shirt you like in size medium, the store may not have it in large. If you find a winter coat in July, it is because it did not sell during the winter season. This unpredictability is part of the off-price model — the merchandise is what it is, and once it sells out, it is gone.

Seasonal clearance sections often have the deepest discounts, sometimes 70 percent or more below original retail price. These sections are typically marked clearly in-store and online, but the selection is limited and changes week to week.

How returns and exchanges work at Burlington

Burlington allows returns and exchanges within 30 days of purchase if you have your receipt. Items must be unworn, unwashed, and in original condition with all tags attached. This is more restrictive than many traditional retailers, which may allow returns up to 60 or 90 days.

Final sale items — usually marked with a red tag or label in-store — cannot be returned or exchanged under any circumstances. These are typically clearance merchandise, damaged goods, or items sold at the deepest discounts. Before you buy, check the tag to see whether the item is final sale. Online, final sale items are clearly labeled in the product description.

Burlington does not accept returns by mail for in-store purchases. You must return items to a physical Burlington store. If you buy online, you can return items to a store or by mail, depending on the item and your location. Check the return instructions on your order confirmation or contact Burlington's customer service for specifics.

Shopping in-store versus online

In-store shopping at Burlington offers the advantage of seeing and trying on items when ready, and you can return purchases to any store without paying for shipping. However, inventory varies by location, and popular sizes or styles may be picked over quickly, especially in busy stores or during sale events.

Burlington.com offers the same discount pricing and a wider selection than most individual stores, but you pay for shipping unless you meet a minimum purchase threshold (which varies by promotion). Shipping times are typically 5 to 10 business days. Online inventory is separate from in-store inventory, so an item available on the website may not be in your local store, and vice versa.

Both in-store and online shopping are subject to the same return policy: 30 days with a receipt, no returns on final sale items. If you order online and want to return an item to a store, bring your order confirmation or packing slip.

What to know about sizing and fit

Because Burlington sources from many different brands and manufacturers, sizing is inconsistent. A size medium from one brand may fit very differently than a size medium from another. Try items on in-store whenever possible, or if you shop online, check the specific brand's sizing chart before ordering.

Burlington's website includes customer reviews on many items, and some reviews mention fit or sizing issues. Read these before buying, especially if you are ordering a brand you have not worn before. If an item does not fit, you have 30 days to return it, but you will need to pay return shipping if you mail it back.

Clearance sections and when to shop

Burlington marks down merchandise in stages. Full-price items are the most expensive, then items move to clearance sections as they age or fail to sell. The deepest discounts appear in seasonal clearance — winter coats in spring, summer dresses in fall. These sections are worth browsing if you are flexible about timing and do not need an item when ready.

Clearance events and promotions change throughout the year. Burlington occasionally offers percentage-off sales (such as 20 percent off your entire purchase) or special promotions on specific categories. These are advertised in-store, on the website, and via email if you sign up for their mailing list. However, final sale items are typically excluded from additional discounts.

Price matching and other policies

Burlington does not price-match other retailers, including other Burlington locations. If you find the same item at a different price at another store, Burlington will not adjust the price. This is standard for off-price retailers, since inventory and pricing vary by location and source.

Burlington does not offer price adjustments if an item goes on sale after you purchase it. If you buy an item and it is marked down within a few days, you cannot return it and repurchase it at the lower price — you would need to return it within the 30-day window and then buy it again if it is still in stock.

The store does accept major credit cards, debit cards, and gift cards. Burlington gift cards do not expire and can be used in-store or online.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I return items bought at Burlington to other off-price retailers?

No. Returns must be made to Burlington specifically, either in-store or by mail if you bought online. Other off-price retailers like TJ Maxx or Marshalls have their own separate return policies and will not accept Burlington merchandise.

Why is the same item priced differently at different Burlington stores?

Each store receives different merchandise based on regional demand and what is available from suppliers. Pricing may also vary slightly by location due to local market conditions. This is why you might find a shirt for $15 at one store and $18 at another.

Are Burlington items authentic?

Yes. Burlington buys overstock and past-season merchandise directly from manufacturers and authorized distributors. The items are genuine brand-name products, not counterfeit goods. However, some items may have minor imperfections or damage, which is why they were not sold at full price.

Do I need a membership to shop at Burlington?

No. Burlington does not require a membership to shop in-store or online. Anyone can walk in and browse, and you do not need to register an account to make a purchase online, though creating an account lets you track orders and save items.

What happens if I lose my receipt?

Without a receipt, you cannot return or exchange items at Burlington. Keep your receipt for at least 30 days if you think you might return something. If you shop online, your order confirmation serves as your receipt.