Shopping at Ross
Ross is a popular discount retailer offering men’s, women’s and home goods merchandise. Locations line the east and west coasts, and new Ross stores are constantly opening across the country.
Company Overview
Ross stations its buyers in major fashion markets like New York and Los Angeles. By working with manufacturers directly, Ross snags merchandise that is often in-season and always discounted. On average, Ross inventory is sold at a savings of 20-60% from regular retail prices; clearance racks at the store provide further markdowns, with some goods dipping to below 75% of normal cost.
Each Ross store is organized into logical sections: purses and luggage, shoes, home goods, womens, juniors and mens. These divisions branch off into subcategories such as wallets and accessories, food and furniture, lingerie, dresses and jeans, sportswear and so on in each section.
Inventory and Item Availability
Inventory at Ross circulates on a frequent basis, with each store usually receiving several shipments each week. If you are serious about tracking the bargains at your nearest Ross, it would be helpful to ask an employee for the delivery schedule. Some Ross locations receive their merchandise on themed days (for example, purses and beauty goods tend to arrive on Mondays, while shoes and luggage ship on Wednesdays), and others receive bulk shipments with no particular theme. It is important to note that the inventory policies vary by location, and thus it is of importance to check with individual stores for their schedules.
Clearance and sales policies also vary by location; certain stores may offer markdowns on predetermined days of the week. Once again, you can glean helpful information by asking the Ross staff.
Because Ross works with manufacturers and stores clearing their inventory, bargains vary by store. Some areas of the country may receive large shipments of Brand X, while other areas may receive none of Brand X but plenty of Brand Y. Similarly, item availability in each store fluctuates. A dress may be available in sizes 4, 10, and 14, but not those in between.
When shopping at Ross, persistence is key. Know the store policies, shop often, and do not be afraid to dig. Great bargains and unique pieces are frequently tucked into racks, hidden by other merchandise.
Shopping Tips
Although Ross employees do their best to keep each store organized, other shoppers may relocate items, which is why it is important to scan most of the store. Clearance goods may drift over to a regular-price rack, while a wandering shopper may deposit a gorgeous bag at the end of the dress aisle when concluding their shopping tour. Scour each area, and you may find something fabulous.
The best times to shop at Ross are close to store opening, and sometimes, close to store closing. Merchandise is organized, fully stocked and easy-to-access at store opening, while store closing signals discarded merchandise near dressing rooms and in various parts of the store. If you prefer to shop among order and tidiness, store opening may present the best buying options to you. If you enjoy the thrill of the hunt and sifting for “buried treasure,” you may prefer to shop near store closing. Foot traffic at Ross increases throughout the day, so expect stock to gradually decrease and grow more disorganized as the hours wear on.
Gift Cards and Discounts
Ross gift cards are available in values from $10 to $500 and can even be customized for a special fee. The cards can be purchased on Ross’s website or in store. Gift cards and store credit at Ross do not expire.
The Every Tuesday Club at Ross is a special discount program for senior citizens aged 55 and older. To register for the program, eligible customers must present an id with age and/or date of birth to customer service. Upon successful sign up, the customer will receive a club discount card which entitles the shopper to 10% off her purchases each Tuesday.
Final Advice
Go in with realistic expectations. Merchandise at Ross may be out-of-season, damaged or not discounted enough for your liking. You may find an item you would love to buy that is not available in your size or preferred color. These are all potential dilemmas you may face when shopping at a discount retailer.
Be prepared to sift through racks and try on clothing and shoes. Some of the best Ross finds can be hard to distinguish from surrounding merchandise, and what looks great on the hanger may not look so great on you.
Thoroughly examine any potential buys while still in the store. Check clothing for holes, pulls and tears, and test any zippers, buttons or other closures to ensure that they work correctly. If you enter Ross with a positive attitude and an eagerness to shop, you just may walk away with bags full of incredible deals.
