Is Ross Cheaper Than Walmart? A Detailed Price Comparison
If you’re looking to save money on everyday purchases, you may be wondering whether Ross or Walmart offers better deals. With its slogan ‘Dress for Less,’ Ross positions itself as a discount retailer with low prices across categories like clothing, shoes, home goods, and more.
Meanwhile, Walmart is known for its ‘Every Day Low Prices’ guarantee on a very wide assortment of merchandise. But which store actually has the best bargains?
If you’re short on time, here’s the quick answer: While prices and selection vary by product category and individual items, overall Ross tends to offer slightly lower everyday prices than Walmart. However, Walmart price matches many major retailers, allowing you to take advantage of the lowest price.
Pricing and Brands at Ross vs. Walmart
Everyday low pricing approaches
Ross and Walmart are both popular retail stores that offer everyday low prices on a wide range of products. However, they have different approaches when it comes to pricing. Walmart is known for its “Rollback” prices, which are temporary discounts on specific items.
On the other hand, Ross follows a “Treasure Hunt” model, where they offer discounted prices on name-brand and designer items that are often sourced from overstock or closeout sales. This means that Ross may have lower prices on certain items, but their selection may vary from store to store.
Product categories and brand availability
When it comes to product categories and brand availability, Walmart has a wider selection compared to Ross. Walmart carries a variety of items, including groceries, electronics, clothing, home goods, and more.
They also offer a mix of national and private-label brands, giving customers a range of options to choose from.
On the other hand, Ross primarily focuses on apparel, accessories, and home décor. They offer a mix of well-known brands and lesser-known labels, often at discounted prices. While Ross may not have the same breadth of options as Walmart, they can be a great place to find deals on clothing and home goods.
Competitor price matching policies
Walmart has a well-known price matching policy that allows customers to request a price match if they find a lower price at a competitor. They will match the price of identical items sold by local competitors, as well as designated online retailers.
This policy ensures that customers can get the best deal possible when shopping at Walmart.
On the other hand, Ross does not have a price matching policy. They focus on offering discounted prices from the start, rather than matching prices from other retailers. While this means that you won’t be able to get a price match at Ross, their everyday low prices can still offer significant savings.
Department by Department Price Comparisons
Clothing and Shoes
When it comes to clothing and shoes, both Ross and Walmart offer a wide range of options at affordable prices. However, Ross is known for its discounted designer brands and trendy apparel. You can find great deals on clothing and shoes at Ross, often at prices significantly lower than those at Walmart.
Plus, Ross receives new merchandise frequently, so you never know what hidden gems you’ll find on your next visit.
Home Goods and Decor
In terms of home goods and decor, Ross and Walmart have different offerings. While Walmart has a larger selection and often lower prices on everyday essentials, Ross specializes in unique and stylish home decor items.
If you’re looking to add a touch of personality to your living space, Ross might be the better option. They often carry one-of-a-kind pieces that can elevate the look of your home.
Beauty and Personal Care Items
When it comes to beauty and personal care items, Walmart has a wider selection and often lower prices compared to Ross. Walmart carries a range of brands and products, making it a one-stop shop for all your beauty needs.
However, Ross also offers a decent selection of beauty products at discounted prices, so it’s always worth checking out their selection for any deals or unique finds.
Food and Grocery Essentials
Walmart is typically the go-to store for food and grocery essentials due to its vast inventory and competitive prices. They offer a wide range of products, from fresh produce to pantry staples, with great deals and discounts.
While Ross does have a small food section, it may not have the same variety or prices as Walmart. If you’re looking to stock up on groceries, Walmart is likely your best bet.
It’s important to note that prices may vary depending on location, promotions, and availability. It’s always a good idea to compare prices and quality before making a purchase.
For more information on Ross and Walmart’s pricing and offerings, you can visit their respective websites:
Additional Ways to Save
Loyalty programs and coupons
Both Ross and Walmart offer loyalty programs and coupons that can help you save even more on your purchases. Ross has a program called the “Ross Dress for Less Rewards,” which allows you to earn points for every dollar you spend. These points can then be redeemed for discounts on future purchases.
Walmart, on the other hand, has a program called “Walmart Rewards,” which offers cashback on eligible purchases and special promotions for members.
Additionally, both retailers regularly release coupons that can be used to get discounts on specific items or entire purchases. It’s worth checking their websites or signing up for their newsletters to stay updated on the latest deals and promotions.
Clearance merchandise
If you’re looking for even deeper discounts, both Ross and Walmart have clearance sections where you can find heavily discounted merchandise. Ross often has a wide selection of clearance items, including clothing, home goods, and accessories.
Walmart, on the other hand, offers clearance items across various departments, including electronics, home decor, and toys.
Keep in mind that clearance items may vary by location, so it’s a good idea to check with your local store to see what’s available. Additionally, both retailers may have seasonal clearance sales where you can find even greater savings.
Store brand options
Another way to save money at both Ross and Walmart is by opting for store brand options. Both retailers offer their own brands, which are often priced lower than name-brand products. These store brands are typically comparable in quality and can help you save a significant amount of money on everyday essentials.
Whether you’re shopping for clothing, groceries, or household items, be sure to check out the store brand options available at Ross and Walmart. You might be pleasantly surprised by the quality and savings.
Volume discounts
If you’re planning to make a bulk purchase, both Ross and Walmart offer volume discounts that can help you save money. Ross, in particular, is known for offering discounts when you buy multiple items of the same product. This is especially beneficial if you’re shopping for clothing or home goods.
Walmart also offers volume discounts on certain items, particularly in their grocery department. Buying in bulk can help you save money in the long run, especially if you’re purchasing items that you frequently use or consume.
By taking advantage of loyalty programs, coupons, clearance merchandise, store brand options, and volume discounts, you can maximize your savings at both Ross and Walmart. Remember to compare prices and consider these additional ways to save before making your final purchasing decision.
Shopping Experience Comparison
When comparing the shopping experiences at Ross and Walmart, several factors come into play. Let’s take a closer look at the store atmosphere, inventory organization, and employee helpfulness to see how these two retail giants stack up against each other.
Store atmosphere
One of the first things shoppers notice when entering a store is the overall atmosphere. Ross is known for its clean and organized layout, creating a pleasant shopping environment. The store is well-lit, and the aisles are spacious, allowing customers to browse through the racks comfortably.
On the other hand, Walmart tends to have a more crowded and bustling atmosphere, with narrower aisles and a higher volume of customers. While some people may enjoy the energy of a busy store, others may prefer the calmer ambiance provided by Ross.
Inventory organization
Inventory organization is another important aspect to consider. Ross prides itself on offering a wide variety of discounted merchandise, including clothing, home goods, and electronics. While their inventory is extensive, it can sometimes be challenging to find specific items due to the nature of their discount model.
On the other hand, Walmart follows a more traditional retail setup, with clearly labeled sections and aisles for different product categories. This makes it easier for shoppers to navigate the store and locate the items they need.
According to a study conducted by Retail Dive, Walmart consistently offers lower prices compared to other retailers, including Ross. However, it’s important to note that Ross specializes in offering discounted merchandise from various brands, which may not be available at Walmart.
Therefore, while Walmart may have lower prices on certain items, Ross provides a unique shopping experience with its ever-changing inventory.
Employee helpfulness
The level of employee helpfulness can greatly impact a shopper’s experience. At Ross, customers often praise the friendly and attentive staff who are willing to assist with any questions or concerns. Walmart, being a larger chain, may have a higher number of employees available, but the customer service experience may vary from store to store.
While some employees at Walmart go above and beyond to help customers, others may not be as readily available or as knowledgeable about the products.
Conclusion
When weighing Ross versus Walmart, the verdict is clear: Ross wins out for everyday low prices, especially on apparel and home goods. The treasure hunt shopping experience also appeals to bargain-minded shoppers looking to score deals.
However, Walmart remains competitive on household essentials and grocery while matching select competitors’ prices. Creating shopping lists, tracking sales, clipping coupons, and buying store brands can help maximize savings at both retailers.
