I see people waste time driving to three stores and still leave empty-handed. The problem is not luck. The problem is not knowing how these chains actually work.
Ross and Marshalls are both off-price stores, but they run on different systems. Ross is usually simpler and can feel cheaper, while Marshalls often feels more curated and has stronger online support.
I learned this the hard way after I walked into Ross for one dress and left with none, then I walked into Marshalls and found two in ten minutes. I will show you how I now choose the right store before I even leave home, because the wrong choice wastes your time.
Are Ross and Marshalls owned by the same company?
People ask me this question in the most direct way: “is ross owned by marshalls” or “is ross and marshalls the same company.” I understand why, because the shopping feeling is similar. But the business reality is different.
No, they are not owned by the same company. Ross Dress for Less is part of Ross Stores, Inc. Marshalls is part of The TJX Companies, Inc., and TJX acquired Marshalls in the 1990s.
What ownership changes for shoppers
When I explain this to buyers like Maria, I keep it practical. Different owners mean different habits in buying, stocking, and customer policies.
Buying and assortment feel different
Ross keeps things very simple on purpose. It even says its merchandise changes in a way that does not fit online selling. Marshalls still has the “treasure hunt,” but TJX runs multiple sister chains and builds a bigger ecosystem around them.
Return rules are not the same
Marshalls clearly states 30 days for in-store returns with a receipt, and it also explains what happens after 30 days. :contentReference[oaicite:4]{index=4} That matters when you buy gifts or when you buy for a trip.
| Topic | Ross | Marshalls |
|---|---|---|
| Parent company | Ross Stores, Inc. | The TJX Companies (TJX) |
| Online shopping | No online purchase of merchandise | Online store exists |
| In-store return baseline | Varies by policy and store; check before buying | 30 days with receipt |
As a factory-side exporter, I respect this difference because it shows how each brand manages risk. One group chooses simplicity. The other group chooses systems.
Is Marshalls or Ross cheaper for clothes and dresses?
I hear this question all the time: “is marshalls or ross cheaper” and “ross vs marshalls.” I also hear it right after someone says, “I saw a great price sticker at Ross, so Ross must be cheaper.” I do not blame them, but I do not trust one sticker.
In my experience, Ross often wins on the lowest price for basic items, while Marshalls often wins on selection depth and “better finds” in shoes, menswear, and branded categories. That balance can shift week to week.
Why prices feel different even when both are “off-price”
I like to break this into three simple ideas.
1) The store layout changes your price judgment
Ross can feel chaotic. I often need to “dig” more. That digging makes me accept a small flaw or a weird size because the price feels like a reward. Marshalls often feels more organized, so I compare items more calmly. That can push me to a slightly higher price, but also to a better choice.
2) Product mix changes the “average basket”
When I shop “ross clothing dresses,” I see many simple dresses and seasonal basics. When I shop Marshalls, I often see more brands in one aisle, and I see more “complete outfits” because shoes and accessories sit closer.
3) Online support changes your fallback plan
Ross does not sell merchandise online. Ross says it directly. Marshalls promotes online shopping and free returns in store. So if I do not find my size in Marshalls, I still have a second path.
| Shopping goal | I usually start at Ross when… | I usually start at Marshalls when… |
|---|---|---|
| Lowest price | I need a “good enough” item fast | I can pay a bit more for a better brand |
| Dresses | I want basic day dresses and quick wins | I want a wider range and more styling options |
| Risk control | I can inspect in-store and decide now | I want a clearer return path |
Also, I stay honest about what “cheaper” means. A cheaper dress is not a better deal if the seams twist after one wash. As someone who makes clothing for wholesale buyers, I always check fabric hand-feel, stitching, and lining before I celebrate the price.
What time do Ross stores close, and how do I find Marshalls locations fast?
When I see the keyword list people type, I smile because it is pure real life: “what time do ross stores close,” “ross what time does it close,” “what time do ross stores open on sunday,” and “marshalls store near me.” I have typed the same kind of things while sitting in a parking lot.
Ross says store hours vary by location and time of year, and it tells you to use its Store Locator for current hours. Marshalls also pushes a store locator, and individual store pages show hours.
My quick method for “near me” searches that actually works
I use the same three-step routine whether I am searching “ross store ewa beach,” “ross store arlington tx,” “ross at pembroke pines,” “ross store in los angeles,” or “marshalls locations.”
Step 1: Use the official locator first
- For Ross, I go to the Ross Store Locator, then I search by city or ZIP.
- For Marshalls, I use the Marshalls “Find a Store” locator.
This saves me from wrong third-party hours.
Step 2: Confirm closing time on the store page
Some Marshalls store pages show clear hours, like a Los Angeles store listing “Mon-Sun: 9:30AM-9:30PM.” I still confirm the exact store because the next location can differ.
Step 3: Plan around the “fresh stock” pattern
I cannot promise the same delivery rhythm in every city, but I can share what I do:
- I go earlier in the day when shelves look calmer.
- I avoid the last hour before close because people rush and aisles get messy.
- I go mid-week if I want less competition for sizes.
| Query you might type | Best next action |
|---|---|
| “what are the hours of ross” | Open Ross Contact/FAQ guidance, then use Store Locator |
| “ross what time does it close” | Check your exact store listing, not a generic blog |
| “marshalls store near me” | Use Marshalls store locator, then open the store detail page |
| “marshalls hour” | Confirm weekday vs Sunday hours on the store page |
This is also where I see a big mindset difference. If I treat off-price shopping like a “planned mission,” I get frustrated. If I treat it like a “short hunt,” I usually win.
Conclusion
Ross and Marshalls look similar, but they behave differently. I choose Ross for low-cost basics and Marshalls for wider brand choice, clearer returns, and easier planning.
Why I Write This
I am Lancy Chia from Truekung in China. I run a factory with 200+ workers. I do B2B wholesale only. I make women’s fashion, jackets, dresses, jeans, T-shirts, sweatshirts, coats, bags, sportswear, and more. I support OEM/ODM for brands and supermarkets worldwide. If you want to talk sourcing and quality control, email me at [email protected] or visit https://truekung.com.
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