As the holiday season reaches its peak, last-minute shopping, post-Christmas sales, and the simple need to escape the house become pressing realities. For bargain hunters who rely on Ross Dress for Less for its “Dress for Less” prices on everything from gifts and holiday decor to everyday essentials, a critical question arises as December 25th approaches: Is Ross Dress for Less open on Christmas? Knowing the answer can save you a wasted trip and help you plan your holiday week effectively.
This comprehensive guide will provide a definitive answer to this seasonal query. We will not only cover the specific hours for Christmas Day but also detail the operating hours for the surrounding holidays, offer strategic shopping tips for the busy season, and explore alternative options for your shopping needs. Whether you’re looking to make a return, snag a post-holiday deal, or just find a moment of retail therapy during the festive chaos, this article is your one-stop resource for all things Ross during the Christmas period.
The Definitive Answer: Is Ross Dress for Less Open on Christmas Day?
Let’s address the core question directly. Based on years of consistent store policy and corporate announcements:
No, Ross Dress for Less is not open on Christmas Day.
Ross, like many other major national retailers, closes its doors on December 25th to allow its employees to spend the holiday with their families and loved ones. This is a standard practice across the retail industry for this particular holiday. Christmas is one of the few days of the year where widespread retail closure is the norm, not the exception.
Therefore, you can confidently plan for Ross to be closed on Christmas. Any trip to the store on December 25th will result in finding locked doors and a closed parking lot. It is crucial to plan your shopping, returns, and gift-buying accordingly around this closure.
Understanding Ross Dress for Less Holiday Hours Policy
The closure on Christmas is part of a broader holiday hours policy. Ross Stores, Inc., the parent company, typically mandates store closures on a few major holidays each year. This consistent approach ensures that all store associates, from management to sales floor staff, are guaranteed these key days off.
The holidays on which Ross is consistently closed each year include:
- Thanksgiving Day
- Easter Sunday
- Christmas Day
This policy is implemented nationwide across all Ross Dress for Less locations. While hours may vary slightly by location on other holidays like Independence Day or Labor Day, closure on Thanksgiving, Easter, and Christmas is virtually universal.
Ross Christmas Eve and Day-After-Christmas Hours
While Christmas Day is a firm closure, the hours for the days immediately before and after are dynamic and crucial for last-minute shoppers and deal-seekers.
Ross Dress for Less Christmas Eve Hours (December 24th)
Ross is typically open on Christmas Eve, but with significantly reduced hours. The standard Christmas Eve schedule for most locations is 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM.
However, it is absolutely critical to verify the hours for your specific local store. While the 8 AM to 6 PM timeframe is the corporate guideline, individual store managers may adjust based on mall hours, local regulations, or staffing.
How to Confirm Your Local Store’s Christmas Eve Hours:
- Use the Ross Store Locator: The most reliable method is to use the official Store Locator tool on the Ross website. Enter your city, state, or zip code, and it will display your local stores along with their specific holiday hours as December 24th approaches.
- Call the Store Directly: In the days leading up to Christmas Eve, call your local Ross store. A recorded message or a live associate will be able to provide you with the confirmed operating hours.
Pro Tip for Christmas Eve Shopping: Arrive early. The store will be exceptionally busy with last-minute shoppers, and popular inventory (especially in toys, home goods, and fragrances) will be picked over as the day progresses.
Ross Dress for Less Day-After-Christmas Hours (December 26th)
The day after Christmas, often known as Boxing Day, marks the beginning of major post-holiday sales across the retail sector. Ross is no exception.
Ross is open on December 26th and typically resumes its normal business hours. For most locations, this means opening at 9:00 or 10:00 AM and closing at 10:00 or 11:00 PM.
This is a prime opportunity for several types of shopping:
- Post-Holiday Sales: Ross will often have significant markdowns on holiday-specific items like wrapping paper, decorations, and seasonal apparel.
- Making Returns and Exchanges: The day after Christmas is one of the busiest days of the year for returns. Be prepared for long lines at the customer service desk.
- Redeeming Gift Cards: It’s the perfect time to use any Ross gift cards you received as a gift.
- Shopping for Yourself: With the gift-buying pressure off, you can browse the racks for discounted clothing and home finds.
Strategic Shopping Tips for the Ross Holiday Season
Navigating Ross during the holidays requires a strategy to maximize your success and minimize stress.
1. Shop Early in the Season: The best selection at Ross is always found weeks before Christmas. As the holiday gets closer, inventory dwindles rapidly, and the store becomes increasingly chaotic.
2. Embrace the “Treasure Hunt” Mentality: Ross is not the place for a specific, planned shopping list. Instead, go with an open mind and a list of general categories (e.g., “cozy sweater,” “kitchen gadget,” “candle”). Be prepared to dig through racks, as sizes and items are often mixed.
3. Understand the Return Policy: Ross has a strict 30-day return policy for most items with a receipt. Without a receipt, you may receive store credit at the lowest recent selling price. Keep your receipts, especially for gifts, and be aware that the return period will be in full effect immediately after Christmas.
4. Check for “New Markdowns”: Ross uses colored price tags to indicate markdowns. Familiarize yourself with the current markdown color, as this is where you can find the deepest discounts.
5. Be Patient and Kind: Store associates are working incredibly hard during the holiday season, often dealing with large crowds and inventory challenges. A little patience and kindness can make the experience better for everyone.
Alternative Shopping Options on Christmas Day
Since Ross is closed, where can you turn if you find yourself in need of something on December 25th?
Stores Typically OPEN on Christmas Day:
- Convenience Stores & Gas Stations: 7-Eleven, Circle K, and major gas station chains are almost always open for essentials, snacks, and last-minute forgotten items.
- Drugstores: Some CVS, Walgreens, and Rite Aid locations may be open, often with reduced hours. It is essential to call your local pharmacy ahead of time to confirm.
- Grocery Stores: A limited number of grocery stores, particularly those in chains like Kroger or Safeway, may open for a few hours on Christmas Day, but this is becoming less common. Always verify first.
- Dollar Stores: Some Family Dollar, Dollar General, and Dollar Tree locations may be open.
Stores Typically CLOSED on Christmas Day:
In addition to Ross, you can expect the following major retailers to be closed:
- Target
- Walmart (though some may have limited hours; always check)
- Kohl’s
- TJ Maxx, Marshalls, and HomeGoods
- Most major mall-based department stores (Macy’s, JCPenney, etc.)
- Best Buy
- Banks and Post Offices
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Ross Dress for Less open on New Year’s Day?
Yes, Ross is typically open on New Year’s Day (January 1st). However, they often operate on a reduced holiday schedule, similar to Christmas Eve. Common hours are 9:00 AM to 8:00 PM, but this can vary by location. Always check the Ross store locator or call your local store to confirm their specific New Year’s Day hours.
What is the best day to shop at Ross after Christmas?
The very first day Ross is open after Christmas (December 26th) is the best day to find the widest selection of newly marked-down holiday merchandise. However, it will also be the most crowded. If you prefer a slightly less hectic experience but still want good deals, aim for the early morning on December 27th or the following weekdays.
Can I return items without a receipt after Christmas?
Yes, but with limitations. Ross’s standard policy allows for returns without a receipt, but you will be limited to a store credit refund based on the item’s lowest recent selling price. There may also be a limit on the number or value of receipt-less returns you can make within a certain period. Having your receipt is always the best practice for a smooth and full refund.
Does Ross have special sales for Christmas?
Ross does not typically run traditional, store-wide “Christmas sales” with specific percentages off. Instead, their entire business model is based on offering brand-name and designer goods at 20% to 60% off department store prices every day. The “sale” is the constant discount. The main seasonal change is the influx of holiday-themed inventory and the subsequent clearance of that inventory immediately after the holiday.
Are Ross’s online store and physical stores connected for returns?
No, this is a critical point for holiday shoppers. Ross operates its physical stores (“Stores Division”) and its online website (“rossstores.com”) as separate entities. You cannot return online purchases to a physical Ross Dress for Less store, and you cannot return in-store purchases via the online website. All online purchases must be returned by mail, following the instructions on your packing slip.
Conclusion: Plan Ahead for a Stress-Free Holiday
The question, “Is Ross Dress for Less open on Christmas?” has a clear and consistent answer: no. This annual closure is a respectful tradition that allows hard-working employees to enjoy a well-deserved holiday with their families.
Your key to a successful Ross holiday experience lies in planning around this closure. Mark your calendar for the reduced hours on Christmas Eve (December 24th) and get ready for the potential deals and busy return lines when the store reopens on December 26th. By using the store locator to confirm local hours, shopping with a flexible mindset, and understanding the store’s policies, you can navigate the festive season’s retail frenzy with confidence. Remember, the best Ross finds often go to those who shop early and strategically, leaving Christmas Day free for relaxation, family, and celebration.