My Huge Socially Distanced- ROSS Haul!

Stores have closed, school is wrapping up for the year, and by now I am considered a short order cook for breakfast, lunch, dinner, and endless snacks on deck. I really didn’t want to add seamstress to my ever-growing lists of trades that I’ve picked up, so I needed to attack the wardrobe crisis in my house right now…

Raise your hand if you or the kids have now grown a size or two in their clothes or shoes? Or if the weather or season change has you wearing your jeans and knit tops with last years flip flops with no fresh pedicure in sight??

Sis is me, right? Yep!

I didn’t realize how fast the kids grew, until I noticed that they had a closet full of clothes (mostly jeans, sweaters, long sleeved graphic tees, etc.) but “nothing” to wear”. Why you ask? Because my littles grow like weeds, and its about to reach the triple digits this week in “HOT-Vegas”.

With scheduled closet reorg & donation on the books, and one of my fondest stores, treading the waters by opening back up with killer deals- I took the gamble, masked up with disinfectant wipes in hand, and ventured back to the bargain’s treasure box… Ross-Dress for Less!

Now, I know what you are thinking, you braved the crowds? Stood in long lines, and fought the good fight for a bargin? Not quite, I actually tried to be very strategic with my visit.

1. First, Ross was plan A, but you better believe Target Run and Done was right next door with my plan B if things got too rowdy with the frenzy.
2. SAFETY First! I planned out my PPE and time of shopping as well. I chose a week day to shop, and arrived bright and early at opening to hopefully reduce the number of people out an about. I made sure to have my mask on, hair pulled back, disinfectant wipes ready to go, and crossbody purse on to keep all my belongings on my person. My new glasses even made for great protective eyewear too- Thanks Eyeglass World!
3. I did my part, followed the rules and socially distanced. Side bar: As we start as a country to ease back into some realms of social normalcy, I have an obligation to do my part to keep exposure and interactions low during this fragile time. I hope to share more on this topic at a later date, but I lost my Father-in-law to this COVID-19 virus 3 weeks ago, and the efforts to ensure no one has to go through what my family is going through- is a near and dear topic of mine.

Now on to my experience…

At first as you can see I was hesitant to even keep with my plan, as I approached the store with what seemed like a line beginning to form. I went ahead and line up in formation (keeping my distance, although I observed others not so much). I thought to myself, they just opened and there were only about 15 people ahead; so it should move pretty quick, which it did.

After getting inside, I felt the rush of retail therapy cast over me like a spell, since I haven’t shopped for much of anything other than food in almost three months.

Mama hit the mother-load! My first stop was shoes… I couldn’t help myself! Speedo Sneakers, Puma Sandals for Men and Women, FITFlops, and more for all $4.99-under $10. YOU CAN’T BEAT IT!

After making my way through shoes, and beauty while snagging some Art of Shaving Creams for the low, I went to bulk up on what I came for… Clothes and shoes for the kids- same story over there. From double outfit sets and shoes all for under $5, I even grabbed some new swimwear for the kids since water play in the backyard is the new favorite hobby for $3.49.

You know mama had to get something for herself right? As, I desperately needed to. After folding mounds of laundry I saw that most of my blouses for work all revolved around sleeves, and staying warm since its always so cold in the office. So $3-$5 blouses and dresses overflowed there way in to my basket, because like Auntie Tabitha says… “That’s my business” okay…

And just like a thoughtful wife, I meddled on over to mens to find some great steals for shoes, shorts and shirts! Denzel has some new leather Levi- Comfort Soles Sneakers he can now slide into work with for only $4.99. I couldn’t believe the deals!

By now, with a pit stop in home decor and bath, it was time to check out. The isles had been pretty clear while I shopped and those few in the store seemed to keep in mind the direction arrows that kept everyone apart.

However, once I joined the line that seems to grow at the speed of light, I felt for a second that we were nearing the 104 capacity that was in place. It was either that or everyone decided to check out at the same time. Apparently I was fortunate, as I overheard chatter from behind saying that that lines were so much better today and that other days they have seen it breach the fitting rooms. Yikes! So maybe my early bird plan did work.

When I finally made it to the actual desk to check out, I noticed that not only did clothing make the list of deals, but also those tasty treat impulse buys at the counter… check out these $0.49 Oatmeal Raisin Cookies that were tempting to pass along.

Checking out with the plexiglass barrier was smooth. Sarah, my associate was taken for a loop at all of the gawking deals I scored and even said she hoped they move more merchandise to the floor for her to go back and shop after her shift! All I can say is, WOW Ross! You made my day, my budget happy, my hubby relieved, and my kids kept cool!

We love a good deal, but mostly I appreciate our local for Ross taking all the necessary steps to keep everyone safe during their shopping and bargain hunting as we carefully reopen.

To say Yessss to Dress for Less at Ross, locate a store near you by clicking here!

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Kids clothes too small? Not in the budget to re-up the closet essentials? Consider a clothing consignment store (like this one), clothing swap with friends or even sell as a sized lot on Marketplace or Offer Up. Check out some of your local programs to get in touch with resources to give and to receive a families everyday needed essentials.