Quick summary: Ross Dress for Less is one of America's best stores for finding deals. Brand-name products sell for 20-60% below retail price. But not everything is gold. What to buy, what to skip, and what tactics to use when you go, I explained it all.
What Is Ross?
Ross Dress for Less (Ross for short) is one of the biggest chains in the "off-price retailer" category in America. There is no exact equivalent in Turkey, but the closest comparison would be: a chain of stores that permanently runs end-of-season sales.
How it works: Ross buys excess stock, end-of-season products, and order cancellations from big brands (Nike, Adidas, Calvin Klein, Michael Kors, Coach, Ralph Lauren, etc.) at wholesale prices and sells them to you at 20-60% discounts. Every store has different products every day. This is both exciting and can be frustrating.
Ross vs TJ Maxx vs Marshalls
| Feature | Ross | TJ Maxx | Marshalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price level | Cheapest | Mid-range | Mid-range |
| Product quality | Varies | Generally good | Generally good |
| Store organization | Messy | More organized | More organized |
| Brand variety | Wide | Very wide | Very wide |
| Home goods | Good | Very good (HomeGoods) | Good |
| Online shopping | None | Available (limited) | Available (limited) |
Ross is the most aggressive on price, but the stores are more "chaotic" and finding products requires more patience. TJ Maxx and Marshalls are more organized but a bit more expensive. Try all three and pick the one that works for you.
What to Buy at Ross? (Best Categories)
1. Home Textiles and Kitchen
This is Ross's strongest category. Towel sets, bedspreads, pillows, curtains, kitchen supplies. There are genuinely good deals here. Regardless of brand, the quality/price ratio is generally high.
2. Bags and Accessories
Bags from Coach, Michael Kors, Steve Madden, Guess show up at Ross regularly. They can be cheaper than even outlet prices. But patience is required. Every time you go, the stock is different.
3. Kids' Clothing
Brands like Carter's, OshKosh, Nike Kids are very cheap at Ross. Since kids grow fast, buying expensive clothing does not make sense. Ross is ideal for this need.
4. Shoes
Brands like Nike, Adidas, New Balance, Skechers are always available. Finding your size can be difficult sometimes, but when you find it, the price is really good.
5. Perfume and Cosmetics
Sometimes surprise brands show up. I have seen Calvin Klein, Ralph Lauren, Coach perfumes at Ross, at half the retail price or below.
What NOT to Buy at Ross?
- Electronics: Limited selection, usually unknown brands. Amazon or Best Buy is more reliable
- Food products: Ross has food but the variety and freshness are not reliable
- Very cheap "no-name" clothing: There are items with discounts on top of discounts but very low quality. Buying just because it is cheap is a mistake
- Large home appliances: Ross is not strong in this category
Quality Check: When shopping at Ross, inspect every item carefully. Stitching errors, stains, broken zippers are possible. Products may have been returned or defective. Look at the tag, flip the item over and check.
Ross Shopping Tactics
1. Know the New Stock Days
Ross generally receives new stock on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday. Going on these days increases your chances of catching the best products. Monday is the weakest day. Stock is depleted after the weekend crowds.
2. Price Tag Color Codes
Ross uses color coding on price tags:
- White tag: Normal Ross price
- Red tag: Additional discount (clearance)
- Yellow tag: Final markdown, the lowest price
Yellow tags are the real deals, but size and color options are limited.
3. Go Early in the Morning
Going at opening time increases your chance of finding the best selection. Shoe and bag racks get picked through fast.
4. Try Multiple Locations
Every Ross store carries different stock. If you go to two different Ross locations in the same city, you will find completely different products.
5. Know the Return Policy
You can return items at Ross within 30 days with a receipt. Returns without a receipt are also possible but as store credit. Make sure you are satisfied before removing tags.
What to Bring From Ross to Turkey?
The most logical categories to bring from Ross to Turkey:
- Brand-name bags: Can pass through customs as personal items (1-2 pieces)
- Kids' clothing: Light, does not take up space, very cheap
- Towels and home textiles: Quality difference is obvious, also good as gifts
- Perfume: Small, light, valuable. Stays within customs limits
Finding a Ross Location
Ross has more than 1,700 stores across America. To find the nearest one, use the "Find a Store" section on rossforless.com. They are found in almost every tourist area and major city.
A Note: Online Alternatives
Ross does not have online sales. But if you want to do similar "off-price" shopping online, UntilGone offers daily deals. You can find Ross-like discounts on refurbished electronics and home products.
UntilGone: Daily Online Deals →
Some Amazon links in this article are affiliate links. Your price doesn't change. I only recommend products I actually use or have personally tested.
