For shoppers looking for big name brands at budget-friendly prices, T.J. Maxx, Ross, and Marshalls are go-to destinations. But is one of these off-price giants truly better than the rest for apparel, home goods, and bargain hunting?
We’ll stack up T.J. Maxx, Ross, and Marshalls across key categories to see how they differ. Read on for an in-depth comparison of the top off-price retail chains.
A Brief Comparison Table
| Retailer | T.J. Maxx | Marshalls | Ross |
| Year Founded | 1976 | 1956 | 1982 |
| Store Experience | Refined, upscale | Warehouse vibe | Treasure hunt feel |
| Merchandise Focus | Broad selection | Heavy apparel & home | Lean clothing & shoes |
| Brand Supply | Direct from vendors | Overstocks & irregulars | Closeouts & liquidations |
| Return Policy | 30 days with receipt | 30 days with receipt | 30 days with receipt |
| Loyalty Program | Rewards credit card | Email signups only | Email signups only |
| Condition | Mostly new | More open boxes & irregulars | High liquidation mix |
Company Backgrounds
First, let’s look at some quick histories on T.J. Maxx, Ross, and Marshalls.
T.J. Maxx History
T.J. Maxx launched in 1976 in Massachusetts as a division of Zayre discount department stores. After being spun off in 1977, T.J. Maxx rapidly expanded by selling brand name fashions for 20%-60% less than department stores. They now have over 1,200 locations in the U.S.
Ross History
Ross began in 1982 as an offshoot of Progress, a California apparel liquidator. They opened under the name Ross Discount Dress for Less focusing on brand name clothing at low prices. Ross gradually added other product categories. They now operate over 1,900 stores in 40 states and Guam.
Marshalls History
Marshalls traces back to 1956 when Alfred Marshall gathered a merchandise assortment from New York factories to sell at a discount in Beverly, MA. This one-time purchase laid the foundation for Marshalls as a leading off-price retailer of apparel and home goods. They now have over 1,000 stores, mostly across the eastern U.S.
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Key Differences Between T.J Maxx, Ross And Marshalls
So while all three brands offer discounted name brand goods, T.J. Maxx and Marshalls come from more traditional department store roots, while Ross originated from a wholesale liquidator. Let’s compare them:
- Pricing and Savings
One of the biggest factors when shopping off-price retailers is the potential savings. How do T.J. Maxx, Ross, and Marshalls compare when it comes to discounts?
T.J. Maxx Pricing
T.J. Maxx advertises typical savings of 20%-60% compared to department store prices for name brand fashions and housewares. So you can expect to spend significantly less than the original price on most items.
Their everyday model keeps prices low instead of relying on sales or coupons. Clearance deals can offer even deeper discounts when available. Overall excellent savings for high-end brands is a hallmark of T.J. Maxx.
Ross Pricing
Ross also touts 20%-60% discounts off the original prices for brands carried in traditional malls and department stores. They drive this everyday low pricing through direct-to-consumer deals with manufacturers and wholsalers.
You’ll reliably find big markdowns across apparel, shoes, home, beauty, and other merchandise at Ross. Their savings are extremely consistent.
Marshalls Pricing
Marshalls opts not to publish specific savings ranges, but simply promises “20%-60% off department store prices every day”. Their pricing model matches the savings percentages promoted by T.J. Maxx and Ross.
Daily discounts let you score name brand products across categories for much less than regular retail at Marshalls as well. Discounts can vary more by product type compared to Ross and T.J. Maxx.
Comparison
The bottom line is you can bank on 20%-60% savings off original prices for name brand merchandise at all three chains. Key points:
- Consistent savings: Ross and T.J. Maxx cite clear savings ranges.
- Varying deals: Specific discounts fluctuate more at Marshalls.
- Big brands: All offer excellent deals for high-end brand names.
When it comes to pure pricing and discounts, the stores are evenly matched. Shoppers win big with any of the three.
- Product Selection and Availability
Pricing matters little if the products you want aren’t in stock. How do T.J. Maxx, Ross, and Marshalls compare for overall selection and availability?
T.J. Maxx Selection
T.J. Maxx carries a wide range of brands and retailers like Ralph Lauren, Michael Kors, Nike, Coach, and more. Product categories span apparel for men, women, and kids plus home goods, beauty, pet supplies, toys, and seasonal items.
They get new stock daily, so frequent visits can yield fresh products. But hot items sell out fast, especially around special events and holidays.
Ross Selection
Ross Dress for Less shops might appear smaller than T.J. Maxx at first glance, but they cram an enormous selection into each store focusing on apparel, shoes, and some home accessories. Brands include major department store mainstays.
Since Ross buys closeout and excess inventory, their stock fluctuates greatly week-to-week. Shifting brand and product selection keeps each visit exciting.
Marshalls Selection
Marshalls offers a broader mix of merchandise than Ross with expanded home, beauty, pet, and kitchen selections alongside apparel. They carry most major fashion and home brands sold at high-end department stores.
Deliveries arrive a few times a week, making selection constantly variable.Expanded clearance sections hold even more bargain options in all categories.
Comparison
Key selection and availability differences:
- Broadest selection: T.J. Maxx carries the widest range of brands and products.
- Apparel focus: Ross simpler product mix spotlights clothing and shoes.
- Shifting stock: Marshalls fluctuates most between visits.
So T.J. Maxx wins for overall selection breadth. But Marshalls and Ross both deliver exciting assortments with new finds on every visit.
- Store Experience
Beyond just products and prices, the overall store experience can make shopping at one off-price retailer more enjoyable than others. How do T.J. Maxx, Marshalls, and Ross stores compare?
T.J. Maxx Stores
T.J. Maxx stores are neatly organized with clear segmentation by gender, category, and size. Wide aisles make browsing easy with ample checkout lanes to prevent bottlenecks.
Larger T.J. Maxx locations also have high-end Runway departments showcasing luxury designers. This upgrade feels almost like a full-fledged department store.
Marshalls Stores
Marshalls stores have a more gritty off-price warehouse vibe, but are still logically arranged by category. More spacious clearance sections take up the center of stores with bargains spilling over into shopping aisles.
Employees constantly replenish merchandise from rolling racks, making for a lively shopping atmosphere. Expect to weave around stock carts and shifting inventory.
Ross Stores
Ross locations feel tightly packed thanks to tall shelving and clothes racks filling every inch. Smaller stores in particular can get crowded and cramped in spots. Racks and tables often spill into walking paths.
But clever categorization and signs keep things organized. Ross’ smaller footprint stores makes digging for deals feel more like a treasure hunt.
Comparison
For overall store shopping experience:
- Upscale stores: T.J. Maxx locations feel most polished.
- Treasure hunt vibe: Marshalls and Ross stores encourage exploring.
- Constant restocking: Marshalls and Ross have busier warehouse atmospheres.
So T.J. Maxx wins for a refined store experience, while Marshalls and Ross stores offer adventure.
- Loyalty Benefits
Does being a loyal customer at any of these chains score you savings perks? Here’s how loyalty programs compare:
T.J. Maxx Loyalty Program
The T.J. Maxx Rewards credit card gives 5 points per $1 on purchases with rotating 5X and 10X bonus categories. Points redeem as discounts on future purchases. You also get exclusive offers, birthday rewards, and advance access to sales.
Ross Loyalty Program
Ross doesn’t offer a formal loyalty program. However, you can sign up for email and get $10 reward certificates on your birthday plus alerts on sales, coupons, and other promos.
Marshalls Loyalty Program
Marshalls also has no traditional loyalty program, but does send out email alerts with coupons, promotions, and notifications of big sales events. Sign up to save more as a repeat Marshalls shopper.
Comparison
- Rewards card: Only T.J. Maxx has a credit card program.
- Email signups: Ross and Marshalls rely on email coupons to reward loyal shoppers.
So T.J. Maxx has the clear edge for loyalty perks with their branded credit card.
- Return Policies
Off-price retailers often have stricter return guidelines. Here is how return policies vary:
T.J. Maxx Return Policy
T.J. Maxx offers refunds and exchanges within 30 days with receipt. Returns without a receipt can only be exchanged for a merchandise credit. All tags must be attached with original packaging.
Ross Return Policy
Ross allows returns and exchanges with receipt within 30 days. Products must be in original condition with original tags. Only exchanges are allowed without a receipt.
Marshalls Return Policy
Marshalls also permits returns and exchanges with receipt within 30 days. Original tags and packaging are required. Returns without receipt can be exchanged for a merchandise credit.
Comparison
- 30 day limit: All three have a 30 day return window with receipt.
- Strict requirements: Original tags/packaging needed at each retailer.
- No receipt refunds: Only merchandise credit exchanges without receipt.
The return policy basics are aligned across all three chains – bring your receipt and tags to get a proper refund.
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- Quality and Condition
When buying discount merchandise, product condition becomes more critical. How do T.J. Maxx, Ross, and Marshalls rate for quality and item condition?
T.J. Maxx Quality
T.J. Maxx products meet the same quality standards as regular retail channels. Items are mainly brand new excess inventory or samples. You can sometimes find customer returns, but they avoid liquidation bulk buys.
Careful inspection at purchase and timely returns help avoid issues. Overall quality and condition are outstanding.
Ross Quality
Ross buys more liquidation and closeout bulk merchandise than T.J. Maxx. Extra diligence checking for defects is a must, especially with apparel.
But the brands carried are still major high-end labels. When items appear in perfect shape, the quality matches retail. Be selective and carefully inspect all products.
Marshalls Quality
Marshalls stocks more customer returns, liquidations, and irregular overstocks than T.J. Maxx. Carefully scrutinize items for flaws or signs of use and avoid worn display products.
That said, the base material and construction quality still meets high standards for leading brands when condition is flawless. Take time evaluating each product’s condition.
Comparison
- Highest standards: T.J. Maxx carries the most new condition merchandise.
- More liquidations: Ross and Marshalls buy more closeouts and customer returns.
- Inspect carefully: Higher chance of damage at Ross and Marshalls.
For best quality and condition, T.J. Maxx is safest. But Marshalls and Ross can yield treasures if condition is perfect.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
No, T.J. Maxx, Marshalls, and Ross are all separate competing budget retailers. T.J. Maxx and Marshalls do have a relationship – both are owned by the TJX company. But they operate as distinct chains with separate inventories, pricing, return policies, and styles. Ross is not affiliated with T.J. Maxx or Marshalls.
For apparel, T.J. Maxx generally carries a wider range of styles and brands including more higher-end options. Ross leans toward more budget-friendly everyday basics. But both offer big savings on brand name clothing. Marshalls also stocks a robust apparel selection on par with T.J. Maxx.
Ross and Marshalls both buy excess inventory, liquidated goods, overstocks, and irregular items. This includes customer returns and closeouts from manufacturers and retailers. They then sell these brand name products at heavy discounts. Marshalls also gets some regular shipments directly from vendors.
T.J. Maxx and Marshalls are supplied by a mix of direct-shipments from vendors and overstock purchases. Unlike Ross, they rarely buy liquidated goods. T.J. Maxx in particular carries a higher proportion of new in-season merchandise shipped directly from brands. Marshalls focuses more on overstocks and irregular items.
The Verdict
So which off-price giant comes out on top?
For an elevated treasure hunt, Marshalls and Ross win. But T.J. Maxx takes the crown for its refined experience, broad selection, quality standards, and loyalty program. Ultimately all three deliver big savings and surprises. The right choice comes down to your product and shopping priorities.
Whichever store becomes your bargain haunt, you can feel confident finding hidden gems and steals on coveted brands every time you shop. When you seek the thrill of the off-price retail hunt, T.J. Maxx, Marshalls, and Ross always deliver.