The 2025 Ross 49-Cent Clearance Sale: 7 Secret Hacks To Find Designer Items For Under A Dollar

Bargain hunters, prepare your wallets: The legendary, unofficial Ross Dress for Less 49-Cent Sale is the most anticipated retail event of the year, offering a final, massive liquidation of overstock items for literally pennies on the dollar. This is not an advertised event, but a final stage of the store’s internal clearance process, transforming last season's apparel, accessories, and home goods into unbelievable treasures for those in the know.

As of December 2025, the buzz is already building for the upcoming 2026 event. Savvy shoppers who understand the internal markdown schedule and know how to spot the crucial price tags can walk away with designer items for under a dollar. Understanding the *clearance event* timeline and the store's *off-price concept* is your key to joining the elite group of shoppers who master this annual hunt.

The Unofficial Ross 49-Cent Sale: What It Is and When to Shop in 2026

The "49-Cent Sale" is the final, extreme markdown stage for merchandise that has failed to sell through multiple previous price cuts. Unlike a traditional advertised sale, this is an internal *liquidation process* that occurs annually across most Ross Dress for Less locations.

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The goal is simple: clear out old *overstock items* to make room for new inventory. The longer an item sits on the shelves, the more it gets marked down, to the point where prices can drop as low as 49 cents.

Predicted 2026 Clearance Event Dates

While Ross never officially announces the sale, the event consistently occurs in late January, following a predictable *markdown schedule*.

• Initial Markdowns: Shoppers typically see the first major wave of clearance discounts (not yet 49 cents) starting in early January.
• Final Clearance Wave: The lowest discounts, where the 49-cent price point becomes widespread, usually hit stores toward the end of January. Based on previous years' patterns, shoppers should mark their calendars for the last week of January 2026 for the deepest price drops.

The Best Days to Shop

To maximize your chances of scoring the best deals, timing is everything. Ross markdowns typically happen on Mondays.

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• Monday Evening: This is an excellent time to find newly marked-down items before they are picked over.
• Early Tuesday Morning: Shopping early on Tuesday is often cited as the prime time, as it's the first full day after the Monday markdowns, and before the crowds arrive.
• Avoid Senior Tuesday: While Tuesday is a great day, be mindful that many stores offer a *Senior Tuesday* discount, which can lead to heavier crowds later in the morning.

The Ultimate 7-Step Strategy to Score 49-Cent Items

Mastering the 49-cent sale requires more than just showing up. It demands a strategic approach to *bargain hunting* and a deep understanding of the store's internal *retail secrets*.

1. Hunt for the Pink Tags

The single most important secret is the price tag color. During the final *clearance process*, items are marked down with a distinct color. You will be looking for clearance items with the pink tags. These pink tags signify the deepest discounts and are the key to finding the 49-cent treasures.

2. Learn the SKU Price Check Hack

Sometimes, an item that should be 49 cents might still have an old tag. If you suspect an item is part of the final clearance, check the *SKU numbers*. If the 12-digit SKU number (often starting with 400) on your item matches the SKU of a known clearance item, the store may sell you both items at the lower *clearance price*. Always ask a store associate to scan an item if the price seems too good to be true.

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3. Focus on the Right Departments

While the sale covers a wide range of *overstock items*, the biggest scores are often found in specific departments.

• Accessories: Look for *purses*, jewelry, and small handbags. Shoppers frequently report finding high-value *accessories* for 49 cents.
• Seasonal Apparel: Off-season *apparel* and clothing that didn't sell during the holidays are prime candidates for the final markdown.
• Home Goods: Smaller decorative items, kitchen gadgets, and seasonal home decor are often liquidated at this rock-bottom price.

4. Go Deep into the Racks

During a high-volume *clearance event*, employees are busy and cannot perfectly organize every rack. Items that should be on the clearance racks (the pink tags) are often misplaced on the regular-priced racks. Dedicate time to thoroughly search the back of every rack and the bottom of every bin. This is the definition of *treasure hunting*.

5. Know the "Irregular" Tag Rule

While Ross does not offer *couponing* or traditional coupons, you can find extra savings by looking for items marked "Irregular." These items, which may have a minor flaw, are often the first to be included in the deepest *markdown process*, leading them to the 49-cent price faster than flawless merchandise.

6. Target City Stores Over Suburban Locations

A lesser-known *shopping hack* is that Ross stores in major metropolitan areas or cities often have better, deeper discounts than stores in suburban areas. This is due to higher inventory volume and the necessity for faster turnover. If you have multiple Ross locations nearby, prioritize the one in the densest area.

7. Be Prepared for the Crowds

The 49-cent sale is not a quiet affair. The lines will be long, and the racks will be chaotic. Employees will be actively scanning and re-ticketing items, which can cause delays. Bring your patience, stay focused on the *pink tags*, and be ready to move quickly once you find a promising section.

What Shoppers Are Finding: 49-Cent Haul Examples

The appeal of the 49-cent sale is the incredible value proposition—getting high-quality or *designer items* for the same price as a piece of gum. The items found often include merchandise from well-known brands that simply need to be cleared out of the *retail inventory* system.

Here are some of the most exciting items shoppers have reported finding during the final 49-cent *liquidation*:

• Designer Accessories: Small brand-name *purses* and wallets that were originally priced at $20-$30.
• Footwear: Select pairs of *shoes* and sandals, particularly off-season styles, have been found for 49 cents, with other deep discounts often keeping shoes under $5.
• Beauty Products: High-end makeup bags, travel-sized toiletries, and cosmetic sets are frequently included in the final markdown.
• Kids' Apparel: Children’s clothing, especially seasonal outfits, is a common target for the final 49-cent price.
• Holiday Decor: Items from the previous holiday season, such as Christmas ornaments, themed kitchen towels, and small decorative pieces, are always part of the final clearance push.

The *off-price concept* of Ross Dress for Less means that even at full price, you are saving money, but the 49-cent sale is the ultimate manifestation of their commitment to "Dress for Less." By understanding the *price tag* system and the *January sale* timeline, you can turn a regular shopping trip into an epic *clearance haul*.

Final Thoughts on Mastering the Annual Ross Clearance

The Ross 49-Cent Sale is not a myth; it's a strategic *retail secret* that rewards the most dedicated and informed shoppers. By focusing on the predicted late January 2026 dates, learning to spot the all-important *pink tags*, and implementing the *shopping tips* for early access, you can leverage the store's need to clear *overstock inventory* into massive personal savings.

This annual *clearance event* is the perfect opportunity to stock up on *designer items*, *accessories*, and *apparel* for a fraction of their original cost. Good luck with your *bargain hunting*—may your baskets be full of 49-cent finds!