Burlington vs. Marshalls: Brand comparison [2026]

Burlington is an off-price megastore focused on offering the lowest possible prices on a wide range of family apparel, home goods, and essentials. In contrast, Marshalls provides more of a curated "treasure hunt" experience, focusing on discounted brand-name and designer goods that are often more trend-focused, though not always at the absolute floor price.

Let's compare everything you need to know to decide which off-price retailer is right for your next shopping trip.

Burlington: The Budget-Conscious Megastore

Burlington is known for its massive stores and unwavering focus on deep discounts across a vast inventory. The primary goal for the Burlington shopper is to get brand-name products at the lowest price, making it a go-to for budget-conscious families and bargain hunters stocking up on everyday necessities.

• Product mix: Extensive selection of women's, men's, and children's apparel, accessories, shoes, and a particularly large baby section (Baby Depot). Their home goods department is substantial, along with an assortment of toys, beauty products, and linens.
• Price point: Heavily focused on deep value, with prices that are often lower than other off-price competitors for similar non-designer items. Clearance racks are often full of major markdowns.
• Style & Aesthetic: The style is practical, casual, and family-oriented. You'll find plenty of basics and seasonal wear rather than high-fashion or niche designer pieces.
• Shopping Experience: The stores are large and can feel overwhelming, designed for shoppers who don't mind digging through racks to find a great deal. The layout is straightforward but less curated than Marshalls.
• Sizing/Fit: A comprehensive range of sizes is available, including plus-size and children's sections. Due to the varied sourcing, fit can be inconsistent, so trying on items is recommended.
• Return policy: Typically offers a 30-day window for returns with a receipt for a full refund.

Burlington is the go-to for shoppers prioritizing the lowest prices on everyday essentials for the whole family, from coats to home decor.

Shop Burlington: burlington.com

Marshalls: The Designer Deal Destination

Marshalls is a leader in the off-price world, delivering the thrill of finding unexpected designer items at a significant discount. It appeals to style-savvy shoppers who want high-quality, fashionable items and enjoy the hunt for unique pieces from well-known brands across apparel, shoes, home goods, and beauty.

• Product mix: Carries a curated mix of current-season designer and brand-name apparel, an extensive shoe department for all ages, handbags, beauty products, and a stylish home goods section. Often features more prominent and contemporary brands than Burlington.
• Price point: Offers items at 20-60% below department store prices. While affordable, it's less about rock-bottom pricing and more about providing great value on high-quality designer products.
• Style & Aesthetic: Focuses on trendy, fashion-forward styles. The product selection feels more curated and reflects current seasons, making it a destination for those looking to update their wardrobe or home decor with stylish finds.
• Shopping Experience: The stores are generally well-organized for a treasure-hunt atmosphere, with distinct departments like "The Cube" for contemporary brands. This makes browsing easier and the discovery process more enjoyable.
• Sizing/Fit: Offers a wide variety of sizes, but inventory moves quickly. Finding your size in a specific designer item can be hit-or-miss, which is part of the off-price shopping experience.
• Return policy: Also maintains a 30-day return policy for most items returned with a receipt in their original condition.

Marshalls excels in offering a more curated, trend-focused shopping experience for those willing to pay a little more for recognizable designer brands.

Shop Marshalls: marshalls.com

Burlington vs. Marshalls Comparison

Price Comparison

While both retailers offer discounts, their pricing strategies differ significantly. Burlington is laser-focused on providing the lowest possible price point. If you are shopping for basic apparel, kids' clothing, or non-designer home essentials, you will generally find lower price tags at Burlington. Their clearance sections are particularly legendary for exceptional deals.

Marshalls' pricing strategy is centered on value rather than pure cost. A designer handbag might be $79 instead of its original $250, which is a fantastic deal, but it's still higher than the average price of an item at Burlington. Shoppers go to Marshalls for the high percentage off of a premium product, not necessarily for the cheapest item available.

Product Selection & Style

Burlington offers a massive breadth of inventory. The store feels like a department store outlet, with a huge selection that prioritizes practicality and family needs - think winter coats, professional attire, kids' character tees, and basic home goods. It's a one-stop-shop for a family on a budget.

Marshalls adopts a more boutique-style curation. The selection is geared toward the trend-conscious shopper. You are more likely to find current-season styles, well-known contemporary brands in "The Cube," and a more robust selection of high-end skincare and makeup. Their home goods section is also renowned for unique and stylish decor that rotates frequently.

Quality & Materials

Quality at both stores can be variable due to the off-price business model. However, Marshalls typically has a higher perception of quality because its inventory is more heavily weighted toward recognizable mid-tier and designer brands known for better construction and materials. You are buying brands that were originally intended for sale in major department stores.

Burlington carries brand-name items as well, but its assortment also includes a larger volume of products manufactured specifically for outlet channels or from lesser-known brands. While you can find high-quality gems, consistency can be less reliable compared to Marshalls' curated selection.

Shopping Experience

Your preferred shopping style heavily influences this decision. Burlington's large-format stores demand a "digging" mentality. Aisles are long, racks are tightly packed, and the atmosphere is busy and functional. It's built for efficient, no-frills bargain hunting.

Marshalls cultivates a "treasure hunt" atmosphere. The stores are often better organized, with clearer signage and visual merchandising that highlights exciting new arrivals. The experience is designed to encourage discovery and impulse buys, making the shopping process part of the fun.

Return Policies

Both Burlington and Marshalls offer very similar return policies, making this category a tie. Shoppers can typically return unworn merchandise with tags attached and a receipt within 30 days for a full refund to the original form of payment. Without a receipt, customers usually receive store credit. This industry-standard policy provides decent flexibility at both retailers.

Which One Should You Choose?

Both stores are excellent for finding deals, but they serve different shopping missions.

Choose Burlington if:

• Your primary goal is finding the absolute lowest price on clothing and home goods.
• You are outfitting your entire family, especially children, and need a wide variety of basics.
• You need practical items like winter coats, professional workwear, or baby essentials.
• You enjoy the thrill of "digging" through immense clearance sections for a super-deal.

Choose Marshalls if:

• You love the surprise of discovering a designer brand at a heavily discounted price.
• You prefer a more organized, curated shopping environment.
• Keeping up with current fashion and home decor trends is important to you.
• You're looking for a specific item, like a quality leather handbag, designer shoes, or high-end beauty products.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Burlington or Marshalls cheaper?

Generally speaking, Burlington is cheaper for everyday essentials and non-designer items. Their business model is more focused on deep discounts across a broad range of products. Marshalls offers a better value on higher-end designer brands, but the average price per item is often higher than at Burlington.

Which store has better quality items?

Marshalls generally has a higher perceived quality because its inventory is more focused on curating sought-after designer and well-known department store brands. While Burlington has quality products, you may need to search more to find them among the larger, more varied selection.

Can you shop at Burlington and Marshalls online?

Yes, both retailers have online stores. However, Marshalls has a more robust and established e-commerce platform that more closely mirrors its in-store treasure-hunt experience with a wide range of rotating products. Burlington's online presence is growing but currently does not offer the same depth of inventory as their physical stores.

Which is better for home decor?

If you're looking for trendy, stylish, or unique home decor items like accent pillows, decorative objects, and gourmet kitchen goods, Marshalls is the better choice. If you need functional home essentials like bedding, bath towels, and kitchen basics at the lowest price, Burlington has a massive selection.

Does Burlington or Marshalls have a better shoe section?

Marshalls is often praised for its extensive and well-organized shoe department, featuring a greater variety of designer and on-trend brands for men, women, and children. While Burlington also has a large shoe section, Marshalls is typically the destination for shoppers seeking deals on specific popular shoe brands.

Are the return policies different?

No, their return policies are nearly identical. Both require a receipt for a full refund to the original form of payment within a 30-day window. Returns without a receipt are generally issued as store credit.

Which store is better for kids' clothes?

Burlington is an excellent choice for kids' clothes, particularly its Baby Depot section, which offers a vast range of practical basics, character apparel, and essentials at very low prices. Marshalls also has great finds, but Burlington's sheer volume and focus on budget-friendly family outfitting gives it the edge.