What Ross Stores sells and how it stays cheaper than department stores

Ross Stores buys clothing, shoes, home goods, and accessories from brand-name manufacturers at steep discounts — often 20 to 60 percent below the original retail price — and passes those savings to shoppers. The company purchases overstock from other retailers, last season's inventory that didn't sell, items with minor manufacturing flaws, and goods made specifically for off-price sale. Because Ross buys in bulk and accepts irregular shipments rather than ordering on a set schedule, it can negotiate lower prices than traditional department stores pay.

The trade-off for the customer is unpredictability. Ross stores do not order specific items to stock shelves week after week. Instead, inventory changes constantly based on what the company's buyers find at wholesale prices. You might find a particular brand or size one week and never see it again. The store layout and merchandise mix differ between locations, and stock levels vary by season and region.

Key Takeaways

  • Ross Stores purchases overstock and last-season items from manufacturers and other retailers, then sells them at 20 to 60 percent below original department store prices.
  • Inventory is unpredictable and changes frequently because Ross buys opportunistically rather than ordering set merchandise each season.
  • The company operates over 1,500 locations across the United States, with a separate chain called dd's Discount for even lower price points in select markets.
  • Ross does not accept returns without a receipt, and return windows are typically 30 days with the original tags attached.
  • Fitting rooms and dressing areas exist in most locations, but selection and store conditions vary widely between individual stores.

How Ross sources merchandise and why prices vary by location

Ross Stores operates a centralized buying operation that purchases inventory from manufacturers' overstock, department store clearance, and goods made specifically for off-price channels. The company's buyers travel to wholesale markets and negotiate bulk purchases of items that would otherwise go to liquidation or discount outlets. This means Ross does not control what arrives at each store — a distribution center sends shipments based on what was purchased that week or month, not based on what individual stores have requested.

Because of this model, a Ross location in one city may have completely different merchandise than a Ross 20 miles away. A store in a wealthier suburb might receive more designer-brand overstock, while a store in a different region might stock more basics and home goods. Seasonal changes also affect what you find: winter coats arrive in fall, summer items in spring, but the timing and quantity depend on what the buying team found at wholesale prices that season.

Ross Stores locations and the dd's Discount chain

Ross Stores operates approximately 1,500 locations across the continental United States, with the highest concentration in California, Texas, Florida, and the Northeast. The company also owns and operates dd's Discount, a separate chain of roughly 300 stores that targets customers seeking even lower prices. dd's Discount carries more basics, fewer brand names, and a higher percentage of clearance and closeout merchandise than Ross.

Both chains are owned by Ross Stores Inc., but they operate as separate retail concepts. dd's Discount stores are typically smaller and located in different neighborhoods than Ross locations. If you have both chains near you, dd's Discount may offer lower prices on basics but less variety in brand names and current styles.

Return and exchange policies at Ross Stores

Ross Stores requires a receipt to return or exchange items. Returns are accepted within 30 days of purchase if the item has original tags attached and shows no signs of wear. Items purchased with a credit or debit card can be returned for a refund to that card; items purchased with cash are refunded as store credit. Some locations may have slightly different policies, so ask at the customer service desk about the specific rules at your store.

Items purchased at dd's Discount cannot be returned to a Ross store, and vice versa. If you lose your receipt, you cannot return the item for a refund, though some stores may offer an exchange if you can identify the original price tag. Final sale items, clearance merchandise marked as such, and items without tags are typically not returnable.

What to expect inside a Ross Stores location

Most Ross locations include fitting rooms, though the number of stalls and wait times vary by store and time of day. Dressing areas are typically open during regular store hours and may have limits on the number of items you can bring in at once. Store cleanliness, organization, and crowding differ significantly between locations — some stores are well-maintained and organized, while others may feel cluttered or understocked depending on the day and local traffic.

Checkout lines can be long during peak shopping times, particularly on weekends and evenings. Many Ross locations now accept mobile payment and contactless payment methods, though payment options may vary. The store does not offer personal shopping services or style consultations, and staff availability for questions about merchandise varies by location.

How Ross Stores compares to other off-price retailers

Ross Stores competes directly with TJ Maxx, Marshalls, and Burlington Coat Factory, all of which use similar off-price buying models. The main differences are in sourcing strategy and store experience. TJ Maxx and Marshalls tend to have more consistent inventory across locations and slightly higher price points, while Ross typically offers lower prices but less predictability. Burlington focuses heavily on outerwear and seasonal items. dd's Discount is Ross's answer to stores like Walmart and Target's clearance sections — lower prices, fewer brand names, and more basics.

All off-price retailers depend on finding good deals at wholesale markets, so none can may provide specific items will be in stock. The choice between them often comes down to which locations are near you, which store's layout and organization you prefer, and whether you prioritize the lowest possible prices (Ross) or more consistent selection (TJ Maxx or Marshalls).

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I return items to Ross without a receipt?

No. Ross requires a receipt for all returns and refunds. If you paid with a credit or debit card, the store may be able to look up your purchase using your card, but policies vary by location. Items purchased with cash cannot be returned without the original receipt.

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

Ross does not set uniform prices across all locations. Individual stores price items based on what they paid for them at wholesale, which varies by shipment and timing. Two stores may have received the same item from different suppliers or at different times, resulting in different prices.

Does Ross Stores have an online shopping option?

Ross Stores does not operate a traditional e-commerce website where you can browse and purchase items online for home delivery. The company focuses on in-store shopping. Some items may be available through third-party marketplaces, but these are not official Ross channels.

What is the difference between Ross and dd's Discount?

dd's Discount is owned by Ross Stores but operates as a separate chain with lower prices and fewer brand names. dd's Discount carries more basics, clearance items, and closeout merchandise. Items purchased at one chain cannot be returned to the other.

How often does inventory change at Ross Stores?

Inventory changes constantly, typically weekly or multiple times per week, depending on what the buying team purchases at wholesale markets. There is no set schedule, so the merchandise you see one week may be completely different the next week.