Ross Dress for Less: Designer Brands Discounted 20-60% Off Department Store Prices

The History and Growth of Ross Dress for Less

Ross Dress for Less started its journey in 1977 when Stuart G. Moldaw saw an opportunity to bring discounted designer brands to lower and middle-class consumers. He opened the first Ross store in San Bruno, California, buying excess inventory and overstock merchandise from high-end department stores at steep discounts. The company grew steadily in the 1980s and went public in 1985.

As Ross expanded across the United States through the 90s and 2000s, it established itself as a major player in the off-price retail segment. The economic recession in the late 2000s further fueled its growth as consumers became more budget-conscious. Ross stood out from other discount stores by offering current season, in-style branded merchandise at 20 to 60% off department store prices.

Ross's Unique Value Proposition

Ross's unique value proposition is offering designer brands and fashionable merchandise for less. Shoppers can find discounts on apparel, accessories, footwear, home goods, kitchenware, luggage, toys, pet items, and more. Ross shops over 6,000 vendors and manufacturers for opportunities to acquire merchandise at steep discounts. This allows them to pass the savings to customers. The treasure hunt shopping experience and noteworthy deals keep customers coming back to see what goods Ross has in stock.

Navigating the Ross Shopping Experience

The layout of Ross stores reflects their bountiful merchandise assortment. Racks and aisles are packed full of apparel sorted by style, brand, and size. Home goods, kitchen items, furniture, luggage, shoes, accessories, toys, pet supplies, and other product categories have designated areas throughout the store. New inventory arrives daily, so visits are rarely the same twice. The crowded shelves lead shoppers to rummage through selections to uncover coveted name brands for less.

Popular brands found at Ross include Ralph Lauren, Calvin Klein, Nike, adidas, Levi's, Carter's, Michael Kors, Kate Spade, Coach, and more. Household names like KitchenAid, Pyrex, Calphalon, and Farberware are also discounted. Shoppers need patience and a keen eye to sift through packed racks of merchandise. Using a Ross app to track nearby deals and items can optimize the shopping experience. Downloading the mobile app allows easy access to the Ross weekly ad, store locator, shopping list builder, and savings hub.

Ross Bestsellers: What to Buy

Certain categories at Ross consistently provide shoppers the best value for their money. These departments are best for finding designer brands and household names at bargain prices.

Clothing Deals for the Whole Family

The clothing selection at Ross is expansive. Apparel takes up the majority of real estate in stores for men, women, children, and babies. Brand name jeans, activewear, underwear, sleepwear, tops, dresses, outerwear, swimwear, and more are all discounted 20 to 60% off regular retail prices.

Ross is an excellent destination for stocking up on kids' wardrobes for school. Outfitting growing children can be expensive, so the savings add up quickly. Name brand shoes are another prized find in the apparel aisles. Brands like Nike, Converse, Sperry, and Vans are available at fraction of the cost.

Home Goods at Low Prices

The domestics section houses an abundant selection of home furnishings, kitchenware, small appliances, and more. Bedding from top brands like Sealy and Serta can be purchased for guest rooms or kid rooms at slashed prices. Pyrex and Calphalon cooking staples and gadgets are routinely marked down 20-30%. Pricier small kitchen appliances like air fryers, stand mixers, and coffee makers can also be found for nearly half off.

Coffee table books, decorative accessories, organizers, rugs, lamps, and other home goods fill the shelves and displays. Holiday decor sees deep discounts after each season. Savvy shoppers stock up on discounted decorations a few months early to prepare for the next year.

Brand Name Beauty on a Budget

The beauty department allows customers to shop premium hair, skin, makeup, fragrance, and bath products without the luxury price tags. Salon-quality shampoos, conditioners, styling tools, and more are marked down. Makeup dupes provide the same pigmentation, blendability, and wear at a fraction of the cost.

Searching this section takes time because displays are packed full of products and brands. However, the savings on beauty staples and new, on-trend cosmetics makes it worthwhile. Even high-end brands like MAC, Benefit, and Urban Decay can be spotted at random.

Ways to Save Even More at Ross

Between the everyday low prices and additional promotions, there are ample opportunities to save at Ross. Here are some tips and tricks for maximizing value during every shopping trip.

Check the Weekly Ads

Ross publishes new weekly ad flyers every Thursday. Browsing the latest deals and discounts before shopping helps strategize hauls. Searching by category or brand makes it easy to spot bestselling items on sale. The mobile app also lets shoppers flip through digital weekly ads and set reminders on promotions ending soon.

Sign Up for the Mobile App

Downloading the Ross app provides access to digital weekly ads, an interactive store locator, daily notifications on deals, easily viewable savings hub, and digital coupons. New app coupons unlock extra discounts in stores when scanned from customers' phones during checkout.

Shop Rewards Programs

Signing up for the free Ross Rewards loyalty program earns shoppers $5 reward certificates for every 125 points accrued. Points are earned from purchases and promotions. Birthday bonuses, tier level rewards, and exclusive member offers provide additional savings.

Purchase Ross Gift Cards

Gifting and using Ross gift cards are a hassle-free way to save. Purchased gift cards never expire, so any unused balance remains for future use. Plus, buying Ross gift cards from third-party retailers like Raise often provides discounted rates on the card value. Stack storewide sales with gift cards for maximum savings.

Why Customers Love Ross Dress for Less

The reasons customers continually flock to Ross for discounted designer brands and stylish wares may include:

• Incredible savings on desirable brands and merchandise
• New arrivals and inventory every day keeps the shopping experience fresh and exciting
• Hunting for hidden gems across departments fuels a treasure hunt thrill
• Satisfaction of scoring coveted brand name items on a budget
• Constant discounts mean more trips and hauls without overspending

Ross makes designer brands and retailer merchandise affordable for lower and middle-class consumers. Shoppers have fun searching packed displays and racks for coveted items at bargain prices. The savings, revolving inventory, and treasure hunt experience explain Ross's enduring popularity.

FAQs

How does Ross get such low prices on brand name merchandise?

Ross buys excess inventory, overstock merchandise, and discontinued products from manufacturers and department stores at steep markdowns. This allows them to pass the savings on to customers.

Does Ross carry real brand name products or knockoffs?

Ross only sells 100% authentic brand name merchandise. All products are purchased directly from vendors, manufacturers, and department stores.

How often does Ross get new inventory?

New arrivals come in daily at Ross stores. This keeps the product selection fresh and exciting for shoppers' treasure hunt experiences.

What brands can I find at Ross?

Some popular brands discounted at Ross include Nike, Michael Kors, Kate Spade, Calvin Klein, Ralph Lauren, Levi’s, Carter’s, Coach, and more. High-end beauty and home brands are also available.

Can I return or exchange items at Ross?

Yes, returns and exchanges are allowed at Ross with some limitations. Items must be returned within 30 days with original tags and receipt. Clearance merchandise cannot be returned or exchanged.