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My favorite discount store
By Meg | April 2, 2008
No, this isn’t a paid advertisement.
I’ve read a lot lately about how people have started shopping in cheaper stores because of all the economic problems we’re having here in the U.S. People who would never set foot in a discount stores are taking a second look at them, even as some still worry about keeping up with the Joneses.
So for those wondering where to head, I highly recommend Ross and here are some reasons why:
Unbelievable prices
First off, the prices are really good. I can always find great stuff at great prices like real leather, name brand shoes for $12.99. In fact, Ross has been a major contributing factor to how I have soooo many great shoes.
For example, last week I bought a pair of black shoes to wear for chorus and band performances since my current pleather pair from Payless is really, really smelly (if you have them, you probably know what pair I’m talking about). I found this leather pair from Kenneth Cole Reaction. However, they weren’t $93 like on Zappos (though I also <3 Zappos for other reasons). They were $12.99.
Of course, I had to brag about the price difference to my husband yesterday. But when I showed him the prices he didn't believe me and thought I was pulling an April Fool's prank on him! He finally did believe me, but I thought it was hilarious because I'm used to getting deals like that. I've bought stuff at Ross then seen it weeks later at Macy's for much, much more. Which brings me to another reason why I love Ross.
Current fashions
I can get similar deals off the clearance racks in the mall, and they’re well worth shopping. However, I don’t have to wait for this season’s fashions if I go to Ross. Sure, my wardrobe isn’t dictated to me by trends, but that doesn’t mean that I don’t like incorporating new fashion ideas.
Great brands and quality
Unlike some discount stores (e.g. good ol’ Wally World), the brands at Ross are often well known brands that you’ll find in more expensive stores like Macy’s. If you’re brand conscious, don’t worry. No one will know you shop at Ross unless you tell them, you leave a tag on, or meet them per chance in the shoe section.
As I said above, Ross is a major reason why I have such nice shoes. We’ve all heard of how cheap shoes can be just plain awful. However, I’ve had way more issues with pleather shoes bought elsewhere for more than the real leather shoes I’ve found at Ross.
My only caveat — do check each item over. Look for loose threads, stains, tears, and bad zippers. That goes for anytime you shop, though.
They keep accepting my returns
I’ve gone through a lot of clothes over the past year as I’ve settled on my style. As a result, I’ve ended up returning a lot of stuff that I was unsure about. Ross has been really good at accepting returns, even giving store credit for stuff I don’t have a receipt for. I won’t even shop in stores that won’t allow returns.
More than just clothing
Did I mention that I recently got bamboo place mats there — 4 for $4? I’ve gotten picture frames, hat boxes, books, kitchen supplies, kitty bowls, my stacking friction hangers… the list goes on.
My other favorite discount store
O.k., there is another discount store that I love just about as much and that’s T.J. Maxx, and for all the same reasons. In my experience, the atmosphere is a bit nicer, the place is more organized, but their prices may be a little higher. It’s still a great store and I often go to both stores in the same day when I’m looking for things.
Tags: Fashion, Home & Garden, Impressions, Saving Money, Shoes, Spending Money
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April 2nd, 2008 at 2:18 pm
When I saw the title of this post before reading anything else, I immediately thought “Ross!” Ross is also my favorite discount store for all of the reasons you listed. A few weeks ago I needed new sunglasses because my cheap Wal-Mart pair was falling apart. I went to Ross and found Oscar de la Renta sunglasses for $8.99. And I absolutely love the selection of hand bags there. I agree with the recommendation to check items for damage before buying because I have seen a few torn or stained shirts on the racks, but for the most part the clothes and styles are great and the prices make my wallet happy.
April 2nd, 2008 at 7:46 pm
I completely agree about Ross, and for me, also Marshalls (which I think is related to TJ Maxx). Here, though, sifting through Ross merchandise is about as messy as sifting through the local thrift shop - though really great deals can be found.
Adorable shoes!
April 3rd, 2008 at 6:08 am
Being Britsh I’ve never been in a Ross store, but if it’s less organised than TJ Maxx - my goodness it must be bad! Unless your TJ Maxxes are far less of a jumble sale than our TK Maxx stores?
April 3rd, 2008 at 9:04 am
I just stumbled on your blog today and have to agree–I love Ross! I discovered it last December in the town where my mother lives, and stocked up on so many great flats, I had to ship a box back to my home because I couldn’t fit them all in my suitcase!
April 3rd, 2008 at 11:09 am
Looks like I’m not the only Ross fan!
Welcome Little Miss Moneybags,
Glad you found the blog! That sounds like something I would do if I didn’t have a Ross here!
Welcome Fi,
The T.J. Maxx here is a bit of a jumble, but the aisles are picked up and clothes seem more likely to be in the right section and on the right hangers. The Ross here is a bit of a mess with stuff in the aisle and stuff hidden in the wrong sections. It’s very frustrating if you’re looking for something specific, but otherwise it does feel a bit like an adventure.
Welcome Suzville,
Thanks! I think the shoes are really cute, too. I wish I could have found a half size down, but I put in a heel liner and I think they’re going to work for me. I don’t have any experience with Marshalls, but now I’ll have to see if we have those around here anywhere. And it sounds like Ross is the same anywhere!
Welcome Shana,
You must have read my mind :D Ross is absolutely the place to go for accessories. It’s been months since I’ve been in a Walmart. The stuff at Ross is just so much nicer and the prices are really comparable. Sure, you might find the occasional thing with problems at Ross. I got a clutch discounted further because it has some light marks. However, the seemingly pristine white bag I got at Walmart started falling apart almost as soon as I got it because they seams were sewn too close to the edge of the fabric. How’s that for cutting corners!
Now, I must say that there is one reason why I sometimes do hesitate to shop at Ross. The checkout is excruciatingly slow, as is the returns line. Sometimes it’s the cashiers, sometimes it’s the people in line who suddenly forget that they left their wallet in the car, and sometimes it’s the many items that need to be priced check when it’s near impossible to find another item like it. But the wait at ours is, dare I say, worse than Walmart.
But I still keep coming back because of the great bargains.
April 3rd, 2008 at 7:01 pm
Yes! I adore TJ MAXX and ROSS!! Though, thanks for the advice ;-)
gchc
April 5th, 2008 at 4:31 pm
Meg, you make me so jealous that there are no Ross stores here in MA.
I really enjoy places like TJ Maxx, Marshall’s, and Filene’s Basement. Takes a lot of patience, and time, but the feeling of getting an amazing bargain is just so great.
Also, totally agreed about returns. Even when I try things on at the store, sometimes I will find my mind changing when I get home and need to return. I like stores that accommodate my indecisiveness.
April 6th, 2008 at 8:12 pm
You’re welcome, GCHC!
Hi Shopaphilia,
I’m completely too indecisive for stores that don’t accept returns! What a shame that there aren’t any Ross stores near you! We don’t have a Marshall’s or Filene’s Basement, though, so maybe we’re even.
April 17th, 2008 at 1:58 pm
Hi, Meg!
Those shoes are totally cute.
I also adore Ross, and would call it my favorite place to shop for clothes. I’ve shopped there for as long as I can remember; in high school, college, and even now, with my 6-figure salary, I still feel compelled to find a good deal!
Your site rocks!
April 17th, 2008 at 9:48 pm
Thanks Wendy! I’m glad you like the site — and the shoes : D I wore them tonight for a chorus concert and I can now say that they are just as comfy as they are cute — and I can’t believe how many compliments I got on a pair of black flats!
I was thinking recently what I’d do differently if I was making more money, and truth be told, I can’t imagine that I’d be any less in love with the bargain stores. There is definitely a sense of pride that comes with finding great bargains — not to mention the sense of adventure when digging through what others may see as just a disorganized mess. I’m really glad to hear that you haven’t lost your love for bargains.