Do you love finding an amazing steal of a deal? If you’re a bargain hunter, January is one of the most exciting months to shop at Ross Dress for Less — because that’s when the unofficial Ross 49¢ sale typically happens.
Every year, savvy shoppers keep an eye out for pink clearance tags marking items down to just $0.49, and based on past patterns, the Ross 2026 $0.49 sale is expected to happen again this January.
Let’s break down when to shop, what to look for, and how to score the best finds during this ultra-low clearance event.
Why This Unofficial Sale Exists
Despite the hype, there is no official $0.49 sale. What shoppers are really seeing are January markdowns on seasonal clearance items.
This sale exists for one main reason: inventory cleanup.
Retailers use January to clear out merchandise that has been sitting on racks and shelves for months. These are last-chance items that didn’t sell during the holiday rush and need to be moved off the floor to make room for new inventory.
A similar markdown cycle typically happens again in late July, but January markdowns are larger because they act as an end-of-year clearance and full inventory reset.
This timing also aligns with Ross’s Q4 business cycle, when the company pushes hard for holiday sales and aggressively clears excess inventory. These clearance efforts play a key role in closing out the fiscal year and can significantly impact financial reporting for that period.
In short, this sale isn’t about hype — it’s about making space.
When Does the Ross $0.49 Sale Start in 2026?
While Ross does not officially advertise the 49¢ sale, historical trends give us a strong clue about timing.
- Last year, our team spotted the first 49¢ markdowns on January 21
- Ross markdowns typically happen on Mondays
- Based on this pattern, we are predicting the 2026 Ross $0.49 sale will begin around Monday, January 19, 2026
📌 If that timeline shifts or shoppers start spotting 49¢ tags earlier or later, we’ll be sure to update you immediately.
How to Find the $0.49 Items at Ross
Finding Ross 49¢ deals takes patience — but the payoff is worth it.
Where to Look
- Head straight to areas with red clearance signs
- Dig through clearance racks and endcaps
- Check shelves, bins, and bottom racks, not just clothing rails
What to Look For
Pink clearance tags (these usually indicate the deepest markdowns)
Older clearance that hasn’t sold through
Seasonal and overstock items that have been marked down multiple times
⚠️ Inventory varies by store, so selection can be hit or miss — one location may have dozens of 49¢ items while another has only a few.
What Items Have Been $0.49 in the Past?
While there’s no guaranteed list, shoppers have previously scored incredible deals on:
- Clothing for adults and kids
- Jewelry and accessories
- Holiday décor and seasonal items
- Lotions and beauty products
- Coloring books and small toys
- Miscellaneous home and gift items
💡 Most 49¢ items are products that have been on clearance for a long time and are finally being cleared out to make room for new inventory.
Important Things to Know Before You Shop
- 🚫 The Ross 49¢ sale is unofficial
- 🏪 Not all stores participate at the same time; This seems to be a trickle down effect with the big $0.49 sale being pretty consistent on the same day
- ⏱️ Items are limited and sell fast
- ❌ No rain checks — once it’s gone, it’s gone
Shopping early in the day (especially Monday mornings) often gives you the best chance at success.
