Nordstrom Rack vs. Ross: Brand comparison [2026 updated]

Nordstrom Rack is the off-price retail division of the high-end department store Nordstrom, offering designer and premium brands at a discount in an organized, curated environment. In contrast, Ross Dress for Less operates on a deep-discount model, providing a massive, ever-changing inventory of brand-name goods known for its "treasure-hunt" shopping experience and rock-bottom prices.

Let's break down everything you need to know to choose the right off-price retailer for your needs.

Nordstrom Rack: Discounted Designer Finds

Nordstrom Rack serves shoppers who want access to designer and contemporary brands like Madewell, Vince, and Kate Spade without paying full price. It acts as a bridge between high-end retail and discount shopping, providing a more refined and organized experience than a typical bargain bin store. Both their physical stores and website feel like a standard retailer, just with better prices.

• Product mix: A focused selection of apparel, shoes, handbags, beauty, and home goods from well-known mid-tier to high-end brands that are also sold at Nordstrom.
• Price point: Prices are typically 30-70% off original retail, but items are still priced higher than at Ross. A designer handbag might sell for $200–$400, while a pair of premium denim jeans could be around $70-$90.
• Quality: The merchandise generally mirrors the quality found at regular Nordstrom stores. Shoppers can expect dependable materials, craftsmanship, and brands known for longevity.
• Sizing/Fit: Sizing is much more consistent, as the store carries established brands with reliable fit standards. A wide range of sizes, including petites and plus, is common.
• Shopping experience: Stores are clean, well-organized by category and size, and easy to navigate. The online store is robust, easy to shop, and offers in-store returns. Customers can also earn rewards through The Nordy Club loyalty program everywhere they shop including at Nordstrom.
• Return policy: A 45-day return window for most items, making it relatively flexible for shoppers.

Nordstrom Rack is the go-to for shoppers who prioritize specific designer brands and quality over the absolute lowest price, offering a more predictable and elevated discount shopping journey.

Shop Nordstrom Rack: nordstromrack.com

Ross: The Ultimate Treasure Hunt

Ross Dress for Less attracts budget-conscious shoppers looking for incredible bargains on a vast array of products. The company’s model is built on acquiring overstock and past-season items, offering them for 20-60% below department store prices. It's a no-frills experience where the thrill is in the hunt, making every trip a different adventure.

• Product mix: An eclectic and unpredictable mix of apparel, shoes, home decor, luggage, toys, and accessories from a wide spectrum of national brands, from Nike to lesser-known labels.
• Price point: Prices are consistently very low. An unbranded handbag might be under $25, while clothing items from recognizable brands regularly sell for $10-20. It's a paradise for deep bargain seekers.
• Quality: Quality is highly variable. You can find well-made items alongside lower-quality products made for outlet channels. It requires a discerning eye to find the gems.
• Sizing/Fit: Sizing is extremely inconsistent. Due to the diverse mix of brands and irregular inventory, a size "medium" can vary drastically from one garment to the next, making trying on items essential.
• Shopping experience: Stores are often crowded and "chaotic good" - packed with merchandise that requires digging through racks to find something you like. Their online presence is minimal, as the business model relies on the in-store "treasure hunt."
• Return policy: A 30-day return window for a full refund with receipt, though policies can be stricter than at Nordstrom Rack.

Ross is perfect for disciplined budgeters and shoppers who enjoy the thrill of finding surprise deals and don't mind sifting through a lot of inventory to find them.

Shop Ross: rossstores.com

Nordstrom Rack vs. Ross Comparison

Price Comparison

This is the most significant differentiator. Ross is hands-down the cheaper option across almost every category. Its pricing model focuses on delivering "deal" prices that are often 50-60% below their competitors. You can regularly find brand-name t-shirts for under $10 and shoes for under $30.

Nordstrom Rack, while a discount retailer, operates at a higher price tier. You are paying a premium for access to more coveted designer brands, higher-quality products, and a better shopping experience. While a handbag may be 60% off its original $500 price, its final price of $200 is still significantly higher than what you’d typically find at Ross.

Quality & Materials

Nordstrom Rack has a clear edge in quality and materials. Since it often carries overstock from Nordstrom's mainline stores, the merchandise is from established brands known for durable construction, like Vince, Madewell, and Kurt Geiger. You’re less likely to encounter cheaply made items, and the pieces you buy are generally built to last longer.

Ross, however, has a much wider range of quality. Mixed in with legitimate gems from great brands are items specifically manufactured for off-price channels, which may use lower-grade materials. The quality varies drastically from item to item, meaning shoppers must carefully inspect products for flaws before purchasing.

Product Selection & Style

The product selections reflect their parent brand aesthetics. Nordstrom Rack features a more curated, modern, and often timeless collection of styles. It’s easier to find polished workwear, special occasion dresses, and premium denim because the inventory is filtered through the fashionable lens of Nordstrom buyers.

Ross offers a more eclectic, trend-driven, and sometimes random assortment of products. Its inventory is less curated and focuses on volume and variety. This makes it a great place for finding everyday basics, quirky home goods, or fast-fashion pieces, but less reliable for finding a specific item or building a cohesive wardrobe.

Fit & Sizing

For shoppers frustrated with inconsistent sizing, Nordstrom Rack is the superior choice. Carrying established brands means their sizes tend to be predictable and true-to-form. Whether shopping online or in-store, if you know your size in a brand like J.Crew or Nike, you can shop with confidence.

At Ross, sizing can feel like a lottery. The vast number of different brands and one-off items means a "large" from one brand might fit like a "small" from another. The fitting room is a non-negotiable step in the Ross shopping process, making it less convenient for quick trips or online shopping.

Shopping Experience

The in-store and online environments are polar opposites. Nordstrom Rack offers a traditional retail experience with organized departments, neatly arranged racks, helpful staff, and a full-service e-commerce site. It’s designed for easy browsing and efficient shopping.

Ross thrives on a "treasure hunt" experience. The stores are often disorganized and require you to dig through packed racks to find deals. There’s a certain thrill to this method, but it can also be overwhelming and time-consuming for shoppers who prefer a more streamlined process.

Sustainability & Ethics

As part of the Nordstrom company, Nordstrom Rack is subject to broader corporate sustainability and transparency goals. The company has made commitments to source materials more sustainably and provides clearer traceability for some of its products.

Ross's business model is centered on liquidating overstock from other brands, which in itself can be seen as a way to reduce waste. However, the company offers significantly less transparency regarding its supply chain and ethical manufacturing standards compared to Nordstrom Inc.

Which One Should You Choose?

Your wallet and shopping style will ultimately decide which store is right for you. Both retailers offer genuine value, but they cater to very different priorities.

Choose Nordstrom Rack if:

• You track a few specific, high-end brands and want to find them at a discount.
• Quality and longevity are more important to you than the lowest possible price.
• You value an organized, clean shopping environment, whether online or in-store.
• You prefer consistent sizing and hate trying on dozens of items to find one that fits.

Choose Ross if:

• Your primary goal is to find the absolute lowest prices on clothing and home goods.
• You enjoy the "thrill of the hunt" and love the idea of stumbling upon an unexpected deal.
• You need everyday basics or trendy pieces for your wardrobe and don't want to spend much.
• You don't mind a chaotic environment and have the patience to dig through racks for treasure.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Nordstrom Rack or Ross cheaper?

Ross is consistently cheaper. While Nordstrom Rack offers discounts on high-end brands, its baseline prices are higher than the deep-discount model you find at Ross for clothing, shoes, and home goods.

Which store has better quality items?

Nordstrom Rack generally has better-quality items. It carries merchandise from established designer and contemporary brands known for better materials and craftsmanship. Quality at Ross is inconsistent and varies widely from item to item.

Can I find real designer brands at Ross?

Yes, you can occasionally find higher-end brands at Ross, but it's rare and unpredictable. Nordstrom Rack is the far more reliable destination for shoppers specifically seeking designer labels like Kate Spade, Vince, or Coach.

Is sizing better at Nordstrom Rack or Ross?

Sizing is significantly more consistent and reliable at Nordstrom Rack because they carry mainstream brands with standard fit specs. Sizing at Ross is highly variable across its eclectic inventory, making it essential to try things on.

Does Ross have an online store?

Ross primarily focuses on its in-store shopping experience and does not have a traditional e-commerce site for browse-and-buy shopping. Nordstrom Rack has a robust online store that functions like a typical retailer, offering a huge selection of its in-store inventory.

What are the return policies like?

Nordstrom Rack has a more generous 45-day return policy. Ross offers a 30-day return policy for a full refund with a receipt, which is slightly less flexible.

Which store is better for home goods?

Both are great, but for different needs. Ross often has a larger, more eclectic section with decor items, kitchenware, and furniture at very low prices. Nordstrom Rack offers more curated, design-focused home goods from premium brands.

Which is better for work clothes?

Nordstrom Rack is generally better for building a professional wardrobe, thanks to its curated selection of blouses, trousers, blazers, and dresses from well-known career-wear brands.