The variety is amazing here. Hair and other grooming (for lack of a better, more specific term) products are here in droves. There is some apparel for kids and teens, not much, but some cute things, as well as a good selection of jewelry. The beauty items are extremely specific and well priced - I noticed an aisle with a huge section just for different nail files! Who knew there were so many? This place could easily take advantage of its prime Highland Park location and charge higher prices with an attitude. Neither is a concern here. They are friendly and happy to help. (I think some personalized summer camp-specific items are pricier, but that's an exception.) read more

Marylou is great; she has been cutting my hair every time for decades. She is more popular with the women. read more

Review written during Covid-19: I want nothing more than my kids to have a glorious summer at camp including overnight camp for my daughter. She couldn't be more excited to go and decided last week that she was going to start packing. Packing all the essentials needed at overnight camp- nail polish, cute pajama rompers and sticker beans. If you're wondering what sticker beans are they are overpriced sparkly stickers that kids trade at camp. She asked if we could fill the first page in her sticker bean book with sticker beans and I said: a) I don't even know where I would find those with most stores closed right now b) You know there's a good chance camp isn't happening Her answer: "but mom...there's always virtual camp!" The sad thought of virtual camp made me attempt to find sticker beans. I called Ross thinking there's no way they would be open, but it turns out they were. You can do curbside pick up or they'll have one person shop at a time with a mask on. The woman who answered the phone texted me lots of pictures of sparkly sticker beans and my daughter had a blast picking them out for herself and her friends. I paid over the phone and someone brought them out to the curb the next morning. Easy peasy...and one very happy camper. Of course stickers beans is just one of the things Ross sells. It's a one stop shop for all things camp and also has lots of other cosmetics, hair products, etc. I probably should have stocked up on the useful products, but can easily go back now that I see how easy it is to do curbside pickup. I hope to get the call soon that camp is on for summer of 2020 and if so I'll be back for all our camp shopping needs! read more

Great customer service & the kids love this place too!!! Thanks for all of your help!!!

Best place to get great advice on hair care products. I love shopping here for the service, selection, and friendly help. This store is truly an HP treasure. read more

Anyone who would give a bad review for this business is an asshole. The service and selection are top notch. TRAVIS M, I guarantee you were the problem. SHOP HERE- SHOP LOCAL- DON''T BE AN ASS! Not that hard people. read more

I came here with one specific purpose - find a good vanity mirror for my wife. Ross has several mirrors to choose from, including different magnifications, design colors, and types of lighting options. Who knew there were so many options?! Arden the sales individual was super friendly and walked me through the mirror options. I settled on the Zadro LEDMV410 and my wife loves it! The LED light is bright and the 10X magnification helps you see everything, and I mean e-v-e-r-y-t-h-i-n-g, YIKES! The other benefit is that the satin nickel color ties into the color scheme of my bathroom. Looking around the Ross Cosmetics store, they have a lot more than mirrors, brushes, shampoos and conditioners, etc. But, in this case, my wife is thrilled with the Zadro mirror that I got her. Kudos to the staff at Ross Cosmetics, where customer service still matters. read more

ROSS's - SEE the difference in a Zadro® mirror - Ross Cosmetics has lot of great options - Hair Salons Near Me - Highland Park, Illinois

See all

Just the nicest people and the very best selection of hair products in the United States, certainly seems that way. The owners know the products inside out. You can go in, describe three issue you're having, and they'll help you find the hair product you need. The store always feels cozy and you can find odds & ends in the front of the store ... along with an excellent selection of greeting cards. Real neighborhood store which is rare these days. Highly recommended for staff and product. (Dog friendly store, bring your pup along!) read more

I have been using their soap for years. It took me all day trying to place an order. I finally spoke with Arden the owner. She told me what happened is no big deal. She went on the say she didn't like my tone of voice and could shop elsewhere! Needless to say I hung up saying a few choice words. I've been in high end retail. Arden's responses were totally out of line. I will never shop with them again. I advise others not to shop with them. I wish I could give them zero stars. read more

I used to come here a lot when I was in middle school. It's sort of weird, and is now even weirder. I remember it being a drugstore, and am really confused by this "full service" salon bit. Is it? I didn't notice any salon chairs, but I didn't spend much time there. I walked in, saw the rows and rows of hoochie sequin spandex skirts for 13 year olds and got the heebie jeebies and left. Too many clothes, not enough convenience items. They have a pretty good selection of greeting cards though! read more

Just got my first of what will be many haircuts from Mary Lou! I have very thick curly hair that is hard to manage and impossible to find a hair dresser that can cut it correctly. My hairdresser of 20 years retired and I tried finding another hair dresser and it went terribly. The last haircut I got was at a competing neighborhood salon and it was the worst haircut I've ever had. My cousin referred me to Mark Lou who is known for being great with curly hair. I could not be more pleased. She gave me a phenomenal haircut and was a pleasure to hang with during my cut. I'm so excited to have found a dependable new hair dresser and absolutely love my new haircut! Thank you so much Mary Lou read more

Arden at Ross's goes above and beyond to make sure all her customers are taken care of. She truly cares to take the time to make sure everything is done correctly. I had an issue that she fixed within 24 hours!!! Monogrammed and all!! Simply the best!! read more

I have been a customer of Ross for years. The staff and owners consistently demonstrate knowledge of their products and quality customer service but my recent experience went above and beyond my expectations. I tried some new face creams and had a bad reaction. I brought the creams back to let them know they didn't work for my skin type. I did not expect a refund. Not only did I get a full refund but Arden recommended 2 new skin creams to try which are working very well. I am grateful for their expertise and kindness. read more

For some odd reason my review was taken down. For anyone reading this - I'm absolutely 100% an actual customer who's genuinely reviewing Ross's with nothing but honesty and integrity. Arden is one of the owners and one of the most knowledgable people on skincare, haircare, make-up and pretty much any beauty products.Having moved out of Chicago, I don't have the luxury to pop into Ross's anymore-so I called her and she said she was happy to ship things to me. She talked to me for a while, despite how busy she was, and went over a new skincare regime with me. There are WAY too many skincare options out there- and Arden helped me figure out what the best line and products are for myself--without going broke! If you live in the Chicagoland area, this should be your 'go-to' store. With all the expired and fake products sold online nowadays, it's nice to go to someone you trust- and for that, you can't beat Ross's! read more

Ross Cosmetics has the best customer service I've ever encountered! A huge thank you goes out to owner/manager Arden for creating such a positive store environment and staffing her store with amazingly professional and kind employees! My experience when I shop at Ross's is always a wonderful one! read more

Every time I go into this store, I immediately feel as though I am making a huge mistake by even wanting to spend money there. No one is friendly. It's almost as if their motto is to be as nasty as they possibly can, but I digress. I had a question about a Wedeal coupon that I had purchased and I went to ask the manager/owner (I assume she was the one of these, I'm not sure). She looked as though I was asking her to give me her first-born or to donate a kidney. She explained to me what I could purchase within the guidelines, I'm like, "ok, cool". ok not cool! I get the register and it turns out they have not properly explained their "deal" correctly and the cashier gets down right indignant with me for asking her to explain to me the charges. Unbelievable! I'd say after 60% of my experiences here being negative, I'm done with this place. I'll buy my overpriced lipsticks and such elsewhere! read more

This store seems to morph quite often. Over the past 12 years it has shifted focus often. I don't think that they really know what kind of store they really want to be. Currently they have a lot of space devoted to the sale of what I believe to be dance/yoga/exercise wear. I miss the days when it was more like an old fashioned five and dime with school supplies and drug store items. It is service with a North Shore attitude. In order to get good customer service here it appears that one needs to be part of the "in" crowed. I often see people getting good service it is just never me. Guess I'm not cool enough or don't know the secret handshake. On the plus side, they sell high end hair products at great prices. And most importantly, they sell Mah Jong cards so you don't have to order them from New York and can get one right away if you need one in a pinch. read more

Let me start by saying that customer service is so important to me and largely determines if I return to a business or restaurant. Well, Ross in HP is a shining example of truly amazing customer service! I went in yesterday looking for a gift for my niece and they were so helpful and friendly! My niece is very particular about how things "feel" and sensory is a big factory for her. The employee helping me went above and beyond to find items that we're not only cute, but soft and comfortable. While there, I noticed they sold camp bags and after asking a question, they walked me through everything they had to offer for overnight camp, talked about customizing items, timelines for ordering, etc. All of the employees clearly enjoyed their jobs, were smiling, chatting, and were able to make great suggestions. Everyone was also fully masked and following all guidelines for safety which I greatly appreciated. Having a boy, I hadn't been into this local gem yet, but based on my experience yesterday, I will most definitely be back! Bravo to Ross for being an amazing example of what great customer service looks like! read more

Like an old fashion general store, they know you by name and bend over backwards to make you happy. A true Highland Park Treasure read more

Amazing customer service. The owner stopped at our house tonight to exchange an item and show us how to make it work on her way home from work. When we couldn't be home, she fixed it for us and left us a new one on our front door. Much much appreciated!!! Thank you!! read more

This place is awesome! The customer service goes above and beyond the normal standard. I saw them hunt down products, do live demos and and offer honest advice. The tween department is full of all kinds of goodies. It amazed how much variety the store has making it an easy one stop shop. Thanks Ross for being a great part of the community! read more

Are you kidding me? I have spent thousands of dollars in this store over perhaps 15 years--recently I went in to buy yet a particular product and after calling and asking if they had it they were out--one clerk was kind enough and had enough customer service savvy to give me what little was left in the sampler and promise to order me some more and send it--that is until the owner calls me and pretty much accuses me of STEALING their tester! Who would call a good customer and pick a fight over something nice that one of their staff did over about $7.00 worth of product? That they asked me to send back! read more

Don't bother. Customer service and exchange/return policy are a joke. If a product is defective is should be exchanged. No? Go to Ulta. Great selection and better value. And if you don't like what you bought or its defective, just return it. Simple. No grief. read more

My daughter bought a babyliss flat iron at Ross, it broke 5 months later. They handed me a brand new one off the shelve and told me they would take care of the warrant for me. Thanks "Ross" read more

I've shopped at Ross Cosmetics for about 25 years with 1 purpose - a facial cream called SKIN by DermaLab, which is a sister company of Ross. I'm 67 years old, folks tell me I look as tho' I'm in my 50's & I give full credit to this cream. In addition, Ross provides old-fashioned customer service, i.e. every customer is an important customer. I highly recommend DermaLab products & the fine folks at Ross. read more

I am so not good at finding the right cosmetics, lotions and hair products thats why I shop at Ross. The owners and staff are so friendly and helpful and the prices are GREAT. And now with the clothes there I am set. I can't think of any other place that offers such service and has such a knowledgable staff. The owners really care about their customers and it shows! read more

This is really a review for Andrea, the curly-hair expert that cuts hair at Ross on Saturdays. I don't have much to say about Ross, except their very large selection of harder-to-find hair products. Andrea is amazing! Actually, from before I even met her, when I first called to make an appointment, I was impressed. She is so friendly and eager to help curlygirls make the most of their often-difficult hair. As soon as I came in for my appointment, the first thing she said was: "You have rockin' curls!" I was thinking, "Wow. No one has EVER said that. And I certainly never thought that!" But that was a good sign. Then, we chatted about my hair and she diagnosed it as "lazy curls," which are the same kind she has! I felt very confident trusting my tresses to Andrea. She cut my hair dry, making conversation and checking with me as she moved to each section. I had also brought in a bag of the products I currently use and she gave some suggestions but told me she's not a product pusher, which I really appreciated. After the dry cut, she took me back to cleanse & condition the hair. Even through that step, she was giving me tips and advice. Then she put the styling products in, with detailed instructions for me to (hopefully) be able to replicate it at home. Then she had me sit under this super-hot infrared dryer. It was nice since it was such a cold day, but I imagine in the summer that might get a little too hot. I was a bit concerned at first because the gel she put in my hair was making it a bit crunchy, but amazingly once it was all dry, she "scrunched out the crunch" and what was left were some amazingly luscious curls without a hint of crunch. A.MAZING. Really, it looked like my hair had been done by a curling iron, even though she just scrunched and let it sit. Afterwards, she took me into the store and showed me the products she used, but still suggested I stick with what I have and see how it works. Without a doubt, the BEST HAIRCUT EXPERIENCE OF MY LIFE. Andrea was so nice, friendly, and so super knowledgeable about curly hair. I HIGHLY recomend her to anyone in the area looking for a great curly cut. read more

Each time I have been to Ross I am greeted and helped by friendly and helpful staff. They go above and beyond to help customers unlike large department stores. I always am given plenty of helpful attention when trying to find the best makeup for me. Also, products offered at Ross are ENDLESS and they always seem to have just what I'm looking for and more. Not only is the clothing available at great prices, but it is really trendy and can pass for designer brands. Love this unique and fun store! read more

Love the hairdresser Julie Philbin! I have very thick curly hair and Julie gives me an exceptional haircut and beautiful highlights. She is the Best for my curly hair! read more

I don't deny that the 2 users with negative reviews may have had an experience that wasn't what they expected, but I honestly don't think that's the norm. This place has been around for at least 30 years, I'm guessing, so they must be doing something right. If nobody liked it, they wouldn't have any business, but instead they seem to be growing and getting better and better! Since I've lived on the North Shore Ross has been my go-to source for hair products, skincare, makeup and nail polish. They have every product under the sun, it's discounted, and they always seem to know what's hot, even before I do. They even matched my department store blush and lipstick with a similar no-name brand that was about half the price! Now they have a section with the cutest clothes, all really cheap. My kids love their clothes and I'd rather let them buy stuff there than at the mall, where it would be twice the price. I know some merchants can have an off-day, or maybe an employee was young and inexperienced with customer service, but this is one of the rare family-owned businesses that's still around, and they're clearly trying hard to stay relevant and carry the hottest merchandise. Without little gems like this we'd all have to shop at Wal-Mart or Walgreens, just try to get ANY customer service there. Personally, I've always been treated just fine by the employees at Ross's. Like I said, everyone can have a bad day once in a while, but if you haven't been to this store, I'm pretty sure you be blown away by all the great stuff they have and the best prices. read more

I have been a Ross customer for years. LOVE the store. The owners are caring, wonderful individuals. This is a true mom-pop store, with both the husband and wife working tirelessly to bring quality merchandise at great prices. The store is a virtual treasure hunt. You find items there that sell for considerably more at other stores. The owners are always looking to find new bargains for their customers. So, if you want to find GREAT items...at GREAT prices......shop at Ross'! read more

Hands down the best store in the North Shore. They have everything you could ever want and even more. The clothes are amazing and a great addition to an otherwise fabulous store. The service is amazing and the owners are wonderful, hands on owners. I cannot say enough about this place. It is the BEST!!!!! read more

I have also been a Ross customer for at least 30 years. I have never had anything but the most friendly and professional service there. Everyone has always gone out of their way to help me find whatever I am looking for and they make helpful suggestions when I am unsure what to buy. I don't know any other store that carries the variety of merchandise and brands they do all in one store. This store is HEAVEN to me!! read more

I am both shocked and saddened by all the horrible comments people have posted about Ross Cosmetics. Complaining because they carry different merchandise as the years go by-really? When many of the stores and restaurants that surround them continuously seem to come and go Ross has been a fixture in Highland Park just shy of 50 years. I can only interpret this one way: they must be doing something right. If they were as horrible as these people claim they are they would no longer be in business. It's just common sense. I have shopped at Ross Cosmetics for over 17 yrs. and have only had and witnessed others having pleasant interactions with the owners and their staff. I have returned things whenever I needed to without a problem. I once returned a bottle of hair spray that was 3/4 empty due to a defective, leaky bottle. As the leakage occurred in the bag the receipt was illegible. The owner, Earl, gave me my money back with a smile. I believe the store's "morphing" is the secret to its success. Ross Cosmetics is a great locally owned place to go shopping. read more

I have lived on the North Shore for most of the last 25 years, and have shopped at Ross' very many times. I find the store to be unique combination of items at a wide variety of price points. They have everything from Cosmetics that are hard to find in other places, to candy by the pound and toys for kids. You can get a haircut, manicure, and buy all of the products that you need for personal care. For a small shop, I find the prices to be fair, and some to be fantastic. For loyal customers, they will find and order products one at a time. I really don't understand the negative comments. I suppose everyone has a bone to pick, but I find the staff friendly and ready to help. The owners are open and friendly, and the store manager, at least I think she is, is a breath of fresh air. I have watched these folks leave the store open 30 minutes after closing because customers were still shopping. I have seen them open the doors after they have been locked for the night, because a customer needed products. Call me a giant fan. Sincerely, Thom from Lake Forest. read more

Are you looking for the absolute best customer service in all of Highland Park-shop at Ross Discount! They have everything you need and if they don't have it-the owner will order it for you. Great selection, Great Service, Great Products!!!!! read more

Been loyal Ross customers for years. Always receive the best prices, assistance and variety. People are like family, warm and caring. Always available to assist. Chicago Tribune review right on. Super store, super people, super buys. read more

II've shopped at this store my entire life, and as another reviewer mentioned it's "morphed quite often" it's also one of the very few mom and pop stores to survive in Highland Park, especially with giants like Walgreens and Target nearby. Ross's carries supplies that customers want. It's always amazing for such a tiny store, the exact needed merchandise they carry. It's a life saver for camp moms...where else can you buy an oversized $30 camp duffel, morracan oil, toothpaste,fuzzy pj shorts, and a pack of gum? I'm not gonna lie, I have heard some altercations between customers and staff, when customers are trying to make a return and are given a hard time. Maybe it's because it's such a small space that it's hard to have privacy when there's a dispute, or maybe the bigger chains just have a more tolerant return policy because they have to. But I am rating this store on the merchandise and the customer service I've received over the years. read more

Stumbled upon these reviews while looking for the phone number. I've never had anything but a really great experience at Ross so I was sad to read some of the previous reviews. Yes, the store does morph, but it has to to cater to what's "in" and what their customer's want. I think that's actually a good thing. They seem to be really in tune with the community. Arden and the staff have always gone out of their way to be friendly and helpful. Love this place! read more

If you appreciate great customer service and a phenomenal one-stop shopping experience, than Ross Discount is your store. I have been a loyal customer of Ross Discount for over two decades. Ross Discount is the jack of all trades of discount stores; it has a potpourri of items ranging from beauty products and yoga pants to camp supplies and trendy clothes; and all at a competitive price. The owners Arden and Earl could not be more helpful and kind. They are always in the store and will go out of their way to help each and every customer. If they are out of an item, they will order it for you and will call you as soon as it comes in. I believe that Ross Discount is one of the best hidden gems on the North Shore. I am just glad that I found them. read more