Burlington Coat Factory

I didn't use to shop at Burlington Coat Factory because I thought their prices were "too high". The problem is that I didn't know how to shop there, so I had the wrong expectations.

Burlington Coat Factory doesn't sell low priced brands like you would find in discount retailers. What it sells are name brand items at a discounted price. So, for example, if you only want to buy a cheap and basic t-shirt, this is not the store you go. But if you want to get designer brands (like a treat for yourself or a gift or something), then you might find gems here. One example is a beautiful Max Mara top, originally $115, marked down at $29.99. Another example is an Anne Klein coat, originally $180, marked down at $79.99. So you still end up spending quite a bit money there, just that it's cheaper than department stores.

The merchandise there is always changing. If you see something you really like but not all that sure, the best strategy is to buy it first, and then (if you must) return it later. Because if you put it back to the rack and think about it for a couple of days, they might just be gone when you come back. You might also find nothing you like (or something you like but not in your size) during a particular trip. As a result, I call it treasure hunt. You just never know what you'll get.

This Burlington Coat Factory also has a Baby Depot on the second floor. The baby stuff is usually never on sale when you need them, so this is a good place to get them for their everyday low prices. But if you can find a sale somewhere else, then elsewhere would be better.

There are two things I dislike the most about them. The first is dirty merchandise. I often find cumulated dust on the shelves or items (especially children's books and toys). It is annoying but not that big a deal, because you always wash new things anyway.

The second issue sometimes drives me nuts, which is poor customer service. You cannot find an associate on the sales floor until you walk up and down and up and down for 15 minutes. Then even if you find one, he or she usually cannot answer your questions. I stopped asking for help because it's just a waste of my time. The line at the checkout is usually 15 to 20 minutes (or longer). Be sure to check the merchandise before you leave, because the cashier sometimes forgets to take off the security device (and the security alarm at the exit doesn't work), so you end up having to drive back to have the tags removed. These are just examples. I guess that's the price you pay for saving money.

Overall I would still recommend them. Despite the hassle at the checkout counter, you can really score with this store.

Posted 04/13/09 | Report Abuse

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