Ross vs. TJ Maxx: Brand comparison [2026 updated]

Ross Dress for Less is known for its aggressive, rock-bottom pricing and a true "treasure hunt" experience, where the thrill is in the search through crowded racks. In contrast, TJ Maxx offers a more curated and organized off-price shopping environment, often featuring a better selection of contemporary designer brands at prices that are still heavily discounted but might be slightly higher than Ross.

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

Ross: The Ultimate Bargain Hunt

Ross caters to the dedicated bargain hunter who prioritizes the lowest possible price above all else. Known for its no-frills, warehouse-style stores, Ross provides a constantly changing assortment of brand-name apparel, home goods, and accessories at prices that are typically 20-60% below what you'd find in department stores. The experience is about the thrill of digging for a great find.

• Product mix: A wide and eclectic range of apparel for women, men, and children, plus footwear, home décor, luggage, accessories, and beauty products. The inventory turns over very quickly, so what’s there one day might be gone the next.
• Price point: Generally considered the most affordable of the major off-price retailers. It excels in offering deep discounts and frequent markdowns on its already low prices.
• Style & Aesthetic: The focus is on value and variety over a specific style. You'll find everything from basic essentials to trendier, fast-fashion pieces mixed together. The aesthetic is practical and driven by what buyers can acquire at the lowest cost.
• Sizing/Fit: Carries a broad range of sizes, but because inventory is sourced from hundreds of different brands, fit is highly inconsistent. It's almost always necessary to try items on before purchasing.
• Shopping experience: The "treasure hunt" is the core experience. Stores can be disorganized, with packed racks and a chaotic feel. Ross does not have an e-commerce website for shopping, so all purchases must be made in-store.

Ross is the go-to for shoppers who don't mind a little chaos and are focused purely on securing the deepest discounts on brand-name goods.

Shop Ross: In-store only, use the store locator

TJ Maxx: Curated Off-Price Fashion

TJ Maxx, part of the TJX Companies family, also offers brand-name merchandise for 20-60% off retail, but with a focus on a more organized and curated selection. It appeals to fashion-conscious shoppers who want designer deals without the frantic digging required at other retailers. Stores are generally cleaner, brighter, and better organized, providing a more relaxed shopping experience.

• Product mix: Known for a strong selection of contemporary apparel, designer handbags, shoes, a significant beauty section, and gourmet food finds. Many stores feature "The Runway," a dedicated section for high-end designer labels.
• Price point: While still offering major discounts, prices can be slightly higher than at Ross, reflecting a more curated inventory and higher-end brand mix.
• Style & Aesthetic: Leans more stylish and trend-aware. The merchandise feels more intentionally selected, with a focus on current styles and well-known contemporary brands. The store layout and visual merchandising create a more refined vibe.
• Sizing/Fit: Like Ross, sizing varies by brand. However, the curation toward more established mid-tier and designer brands can sometimes result in more predictable sizing compared to the wider, more random assortment at Ross.
• Shopping experience: Offers a much more organized environment with clearly defined departments. It's easier to navigate and browse specific categories. TJ Maxx also has a robust online store, a major advantage for those who prefer to shop from home.

TJ Maxx provides a balanced experience, offering great discounts in an environment that feels more like a traditional department store than a warehouse.

Shop TJ Maxx: tjmaxx.com

Ross vs. TJ Maxx Comparison

Price Comparison

This is the most significant difference between the two stores. While both market savings of 20-60% off retail, Ross consistently offers lower price points across the board. If you compared a similar non-designer t-shirt or pair of shoes at both stores, a Ross tag would likely be a few dollars cheaper. Their aggressive clearance strategy means final markdowns are especially low.

TJ Maxx justifies its slightly higher prices with a stronger brand mix and a more curated selection. You're paying a small premium for the convenience of better organization and easier access to coveted brands. The best value at Ross is found on everyday basics, while the best value at TJ Maxx is often on a designer handbag or a premium skincare product.

Product Selection & Quality

Both retailers sell first-quality goods, primarily overstock and past-season items from traditional retailers. However, their selection strategies differ. Ross buys in massive quantities across a broad quality spectrum, which means you'll find everything from basic private-label goods to mid-tier brands shuffled together.

TJ Maxx is more selective. Its buyers focus on sourcing trend-right items and well-known contemporary brands. The presence of sections like "The Runway" with labels from brands like Gucci or Saint Laurent is something you won't find at Ross. TJ Maxx also has a superior beauty department, often carrying high-end brands that are hard to find discounted elsewhere.

Fit & Sizing

The off-price model means fit and sizing are unpredictable at both Ross and TJ Maxx. Since they carry hundreds of different brands, there is no standardized sizing chart to rely on. One brand’s medium might be another’s large. This makes the fitting room a necessary stop at either store.

Both retailers offer a wide range of sizes, including plus sizes. However, because of the chaotic nature of Ross, it can sometimes be more difficult to find a complete size run on the racks compared to the more organized sections at TJ Maxx.

Shopping Experience

The in-store experience is a tale of two different philosophies. Ross embraces the chaos of a true treasure hunt. Racks are often crammed, aisles can be cluttered, and the overall environment is loud and busy. This is exciting for some and overwhelming for others. The lack of an online store makes it a purely physical shopping destination.

TJ Maxx aims for an "exciting, yet easy" shopping trip. Stores are brighter, cleaner, and organized by department, size, and sometimes even color. It feels less like a warehouse and more like a department store. The ability to shop online at tjmaxx.com is a massive advantage, opening up their inventory to a national audience.

Return Policies

Both stores have similar return policies, which are generally stricter than traditional department stores. Typically, they offer a 30-day window for returns with a receipt for a full refund. Items returned without a receipt or after the 30-day window are often eligible for store credit only. It's always best to check their current policies before making a purchase, as they can sometimes vary.

Which One Should You Choose?

Both stores are excellent for finding deals, but they serve different shopping priorities and styles.

Choose Ross if:

• Your absolute top priority is getting the lowest possible price.
• You genuinely enjoy the "thrill of the hunt" and don't mind digging through cluttered racks.
• You're shopping for everyday family apparel, basic home goods, or children's clothing.
• You aren't looking for a specific item but are open to discovering any great deal you can find.

Choose TJ Maxx if:

• You prefer a more organized, less stressful, and cleaner shopping environment.
• You are looking for specific contemporary or designer brands, especially in handbags and beauty.
• You value a curated selection of trend-right fashion over sheer quantity.
• You want the flexibility to shop both in-store and online.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Ross or TJ Maxx cheaper?

Generally, Ross is cheaper. They focus on delivering the absolute lowest price point, and their markdowns are often more aggressive. While TJ Maxx offers great value, their starting prices on comparable items are sometimes slightly higher.

Which store has better quality?

This is subjective, but many shoppers feel TJ Maxx offers better and more consistent quality. This is less about the individual items and more about TJ Maxx's strategy of curating more well-known and fashionable brands, while Ross has a much wider, more eclectic mix.

Can I shop at Ross online?

No, Ross does not have an e-commerce platform for selling merchandise. Their website is for finding store locations, viewing general product categories, and investor relations.

Are the clothes at these stores defective?

The vast majority of merchandise at both stores is not defective. It consists of overstock from manufacturers, cancelled orders from other retailers, or past-season items. Some items may be marked as "irregular," but they will be clearly labeled as such.

Which store is better for designer handbags?

TJ Maxx is definitively better for designer handbags. Many stores have "The Runway" section dedicated to high-end designer goods, and their core handbag department has a much wider and more consistent selection of contemporary designer brands than Ross.

What is the return policy for each store?

Both typically offer full refunds for returns made with a receipt within 30 days. Without a receipt or outside the timeframe, you'll likely receive store credit. Policies can change, so always check with the store or on your receipt.

Are Ross and TJ Maxx owned by the same company?

No. They are direct competitors. Ross Stores, Inc. operates Ross Dress for Less. TJX Companies owns TJ Maxx, as well as Marshalls, HomeGoods, and Sierra.

Is Marshalls more like Ross or TJ Maxx?

Marshalls is the sister store to TJ Maxx and is more similar to it than to Ross. The main difference is that Marshalls often has a larger men's department and an expanded shoe section (the "Shoe MegaShop"), while TJ Maxx has a stronger focus on designer accessories and fine jewelry.