Ross Stores

Ross Dress for Less is basically the treasure hunt of retail-and I mean that in the best possible way. You walk in never quite knowing what you'll find, but that's exactly the point. This Dublin, California-based chain operates 1,795 stores across 43 states, making it the largest off-price retailer in the U.S.

The whole concept revolves around what they call "opportunistic buying"-basically scooping up excess inventory from major brands and department stores, then passing those savings along to customers. The best brands and latest fashions for family and home-all at 20% to 60% off department store prices. Since 1982, the focus has been on bringing customers a constant stream of high-quality department and specialty store brands at extraordinary savings.

What makes Ross different from your typical department store is that unpredictability factor. You might find a Calvin Klein dress hanging next to a random home decor item, and that's completely normal. The inventory changes constantly because they're buying whatever closeout deals they can get their hands on. No, merchandise cannot be purchased online. The opportunistic and changing nature of our merchandise does not lend itself to selling over the internet.

And here's something interesting-Ross has grown from a six-store chain into a $20.4 billion, Fortune 500 Company over the past 40+ years. That's pretty impressive growth for a company that started with just six locations in the San Francisco Bay Area back in the day.

The shopping experience itself is... well, let's call it "adventurous." You're not going to find the pristine, organized displays of a Target or Nordstrom. But that's part of the charm-you're literally hunting for deals among racks of merchandise that might seem randomly organized to the untrained eye. Some people love it, others find it overwhelming.