Ross vs. Marshalls: Brand comparison [2026 updated]

Ross Dress for Less is known for its aggressive “treasure hunt” model, offering the lowest possible prices and deepest discounts on brand names. In contrast, Marshalls provides a more curated, style-conscious shopping experience focused on current trends and predictable value, often with better-organized stores and an online shopping option.

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

Ross: The Ultimate Treasure Hunt

Ross lives up to its "Dress for Less" motto by prioritizing deep discounts above all else. The shopping experience is built around the thrill of the hunt, where patient shoppers dig through racks to find designer apparel, home goods, and accessories at prices that are often jaw-droppingly low. The target customer is a true bargain seeker who values price over presentation and isn't afraid to search for a hidden gem.

• Product mix: A wide array of women's, men's, and children's apparel, footwear, accessories, and home decor. The selection is known for featuring brand-name and designer labels, though inventory is famously fast-moving and unpredictable.
• Price point: Ross is king when it comes to low prices, offering discounts of 20% to 70% below original department store costs. It is especially strong in its clearance sections, where the deals are unbeatable.
• Style &, Aesthetic: Tends to focus more on casual, practical, everyday fashion and basics rather than an abundance of on-trend pieces. You'll find plenty of sportswear, family apparel, and functional home goods.
• Shopping experience: A no-frills, warehouse-style layout where inventory turns over rapidly. Stores can feel chaotic, but that's part of the "treasure hunt" appeal for many loyal customers. There is no online store.
• Return policy: You typically have 30 days to return merchandise with a receipt for a full refund or exchange.

Ross is the destination for shoppers who prioritize scoring the lowest possible price and enjoy the process of searching through a massive, ever-changing inventory to find incredible deals.

Shop Ross: rossstores.com

Marshalls: Fashion-Forward Discount Shopping

Part of the same family as T.J. Maxx and HomeGoods, Marshalls offers a more organized and fashion-focused approach to off-price retail. While still a treasure hunt, the selection feels more intentionally chosen, with an emphasis on current styles, well-known designer brands, and a clean shopping environment. It targets a style-conscious consumer who wants quality brands at a great value without the chaos of a true deep-discounter.

• Product mix: Features brand-name apparel for the whole family, shoes, accessories, home furnishings, and an often impressive-for-its-category beauty section. Marshalls also famously features better organization, such as a large shoe section sorted by size.
• Price point: Prices are typically 20% to 60% lower than department and specialty stores. The discounts are excellent, but you are less likely to find the extreme markdowns seen at Ross.
• Style &, Aesthetic: Offers a more fashion-forward selection that balances classic styles with current season trends. The inventory feels more curated and is often easier to browse for stylish, contemporary finds.
• Shopping experience: Stores are generally cleaner, brighter, and better organized than Ross locations. Marshalls also has an e-commerce website, allowing customers to shop from home, which is a significant advantage.
• Return policy: Like Ross, Marshalls generally accepts returns within 30 days of purchase with a receipt for a full refund.

Marshalls offers a polished off-price shopping experience that's ideal for those seeking trendy, high-quality merchandise with more reliable organization and the convenience of online shopping.

Shop Marshalls: marshalls.com

Ross vs. Marshalls Comparison

Price Comparison

While both stores are known for value, Ross consistently comes out ahead on price. Its business model is built on securing rock-bottom deals on merchandise, offering a deeper average discount - often climbing to 70% off. If your single most important factor is paying the lowest possible price, Ross is your best bet.

Marshalls provides fantastic savings, but its prices are slightly more moderate, typically landing in the 20% to 60% off range. The value proposition here is less about the lowest possible numerical price and more about getting higher quality, current-season items for a significant discount. You're paying a little more than at Ross, but often for a more relevant product.

Quality & Selection

Both retailers sell brand-name goods, so quality is often determined by the brands themselves. However, their selection strategies differ. Ross's inventory includes a higher volume of overstock and previous-season items, which means the selection can feel more random. You can find incredible designer labels, but you may have to overlook items with slight irregularities or less desirable styles.

Marshalls' selection feels more curated. Their buyers tend to focus on more current fashion trends and in-demand brands, resulting in an inventory that feels more aligned with what's happening in traditional retail. Marshalls is also particularly strong in specific departments, such as its expansive shoe department and brand-name beauty section, which often features popular skincare and makeup at a discount.

Shopping Experience

The in-store experience is one of the most significant differentiators. Ross is a true treasure hunt. Stores are packed with merchandise, aisles can be crowded, and organization can be inconsistent. This environment is thrilling for determined bargain seekers but can be overwhelming for casual shoppers.

By contrast, Marshalls stores are generally cleaner, better lit, and more organized. They use better visual merchandising to highlight new arrivals and key trends. The massive advantage for Marshalls is its e-commerce site, offering the convenience of online shopping that Ross does not provide.

Return Policies

The return policies for both stores are quite similar and straightforward, reflecting their off-price models. Both Ross and Marshalls typically require you to return items within 30 days of purchase, with the original receipt, for a full refund to your original form of payment. Items returned without a receipt are often eligible for store credit at the current selling price. Always check the receipt for specific policy details as they can sometimes vary.

Which One Should You Choose?

The right choice comes down to what you prioritize in your shopping experience. Both retailers deliver amazing value but cater to different shopping styles.

Choose Ross if:

• Your number one goal is securing the absolute lowest price possible.
• You genuinely enjoy the thrill of digging for a deal and the "treasure hunt" experience.
• You're shopping for everyday essentials, kids' clothing, or home basics and aren't focused on the latest trends.
• You have the time and patience to sift through crowded racks to find that amazing designer gem.

Choose Marshalls if:

• You want discounted prices on current, on-trend fashion and accessories.
• A clean, organized store environment is important to you.
• You want the convenience and option of shopping from an online store.
• You are specifically looking for a wide selection of shoes, beauty products, or home decor from brands like their sister-store, HomeGoods.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Ross or Marshalls cheaper?

Ross is generally cheaper. Its business model focuses on securing merchandise at the lowest possible cost, translating to deeper price cuts, with discounts often reaching 70% off original prices, particularly in clearance sections.

Which store has better brands?

Both stores carry excellent brand-name and designer labels. Marshalls tends to feature a more curated collection of current, fashion-forward brands. Ross can hide very high-end designer pieces, but finding them requires more digging through a wider variety of lesser-known brands and older styles.

Are Ross and Marshalls owned by the same company?

No. Marshalls is owned by TJX Companies, which also owns T.J. Maxx and HomeGoods. Ross Stores, Inc. is a separate, competing company.

Can you shop at Ross online?

No, Ross does not have an e-commerce website for shopping. The brand's focus is entirely on its in-store, treasure hunt-style shopping experience. Marshalls, however, offers a robust online store at marshalls.com.

What is the return policy for Ross and Marshalls?

Both retailers typically offer a 30-day return window for a full refund on items returned with a receipt. Without a receipt, you may receive store credit for the item's current selling price.

Which store is better for home goods?

Both have strong home goods departments. However, because Marshalls is part of the TJX family alongside HomeGoods, its selection is often larger, more diverse, and more aligned with current interior design trends.

Do Ross and Marshalls sell the same items?

No. While they may sometimes carry the same brands due to the nature of off-price buying, their buyers operate independently. This means each store has a unique inventory, and you won't find the exact same product selection at both.

Which store is better for shoes?

Marshalls is widely known for having one of the best shoe departments in off-price retail. It’s typically large, well-organized by size, and features a huge assortment of brand-name athletic, casual, and formal footwear.