What was recalled
In the wake of safety concerns raised by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), Ross Stores has initiated a voluntary recall affecting specific models of their wicker-style armchairs. This action, announced on July 11, 2024, centers on products that were marketed as stylish, comfortable seating options but have been found to possess structural vulnerabilities. The recall is not a blanket ban on all furniture sold by the retailer; rather, it targets very specific inventory that meets precise physical and labeling criteria. Understanding exactly which items are affected is the first critical step for any consumer who may have purchased these chairs recently or even some time ago.
The recalled products are distinct in their design, featuring dark metal frames that support a wicker-style construction. The seats, backs, and sides of these chairs utilize plastic cross-weave materials, giving them a textured, woven appearance. These armchairs were available in two specific color combinations: a green and white pattern, and a gray and white pattern. For consumers trying to identify if their furniture is part of this batch, the dimensions are also a key identifier. The affected chairs measure approximately 33 inches in height, 28 inches in depth, and 26 inches in width. While these measurements might seem standard for an armchair, the combination of size, material, and frame style helps narrow down the scope significantly.
Perhaps the most reliable way to confirm whether a chair is part of this recall is by checking its unique identification numbers. Each recalled unit was assigned a specific Stock Keeping Unit (SKU) number, which serves as a digital fingerprint for that particular product variant. The green and white armchairs carry the SKU number 400266563392. Conversely, the gray and white version is identified by the SKU number 400266563330. These numbers are not just printed on shipping boxes; they are permanently attached to the product itself. You will find a sticker bearing the SKU number adhered directly to one of the chair's legs. Additionally, a hangtag displaying this same information is attached to the back of the chair, making it visible even if the chair has been unpacked and placed in a living room.
It is important to note that while the official recall notice provides these detailed identifiers, the provided facts do not specify the total number of units sold or the exact geographic regions where they were distributed. However, because Ross Stores operates numerous locations across the United States, it is prudent to assume that these items may be present in households nationwide. The recall underscores the importance of checking product labels and SKU numbers rather than relying solely on memory of where or when the item was purchased. If you own an armchair that matches this description—dark metal frame, plastic cross-weave wicker, and one of the two specific SKU numbers—you should treat it as potentially part of this recall until verified otherwise.
The hazard, explained
When you sink into an armchair after a long day, you expect it to be a stable, supportive foundation. The recalled Ross Stores armchairs were designed with wicker-style plastic weaving stretched across dark metal frames to create this look and feel. However, the structural integrity of these chairs relies heavily on the connection points between the legs and the rest of the frame. In this specific defect, the legs are prone to bending or breaking entirely under normal use. This is not a minor cosmetic flaw; it is a fundamental failure of the chair’s support system.
To understand why this is dangerous, it helps to look at the physics of sitting. When you sit in an armchair, your weight is not distributed evenly. A significant portion of that force is concentrated on the front legs, especially when you are in the process of standing up or shifting your weight forward to reach for something. The recalled chairs have plastic cross-weave seats and backs, which can add a degree of flexibility to the structure. While this might feel comfortable initially, it can also mask early signs of stress on the frame. If a leg begins to bend, the angle of the chair changes. This alters your center of gravity. Instead of sitting securely within the boundaries of the seat, you may find yourself tipping forward or sideways as the chair collapses beneath you.
The harm occurs in two distinct ways. First, there is the immediate risk of a fall. If a leg gives way while you are seated, you can drop unexpectedly. This sudden loss of support often causes people to flail their arms to catch themselves, leading to bruises, contusions, or soreness from hitting the floor or nearby furniture. Second, and more critically, there is the risk of impact injuries. As the chair collapses, your body may fall onto hard surfaces like tile, hardwood, or concrete floors. The severity of the injury depends on where you land—your hip, wrist, or head—but even a "minor" injury from such a fall can result in fractures or lasting pain, particularly for older adults or those with balance issues.
The CPSC reports confirm that this is not just a theoretical risk. Five incidents have been documented where the chair legs actually broke. While only four resulted in reported injuries so far, these injuries included soreness and contusions, indicating that the physical shock of the fall was significant enough to cause bodily harm. The fact that five units have failed suggests that the manufacturing defect is consistent across the batch, meaning any chair from this production run could fail at any moment without warning. This unpredictability is what makes the hazard so serious; you cannot "test" the chair safely because the act of testing it is the act of risking injury.
Who is most at risk
While any individual who sits in or around the recalled Ross Stores armchairs faces a potential danger, the risk is not distributed equally across all users. The primary group at risk consists of anyone who has recently purchased these specific wicker-style chairs from Ross Stores and continues to use them as intended for daily seating. However, within that broad category, certain individuals face significantly higher stakes due to their physical characteristics, mobility levels, or living situations. Understanding who is most vulnerable helps clarify why the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) and Ross Stores are urging immediate action rather than a casual inspection.
The elderly and those with limited mobility are among the most critically at risk. Armchairs are often chosen by older adults specifically for their perceived stability and ease of use. When an individual relies on furniture to safely lower themselves into a seated position or to push themselves back up, the structural integrity of the chair’s legs is paramount. If a leg bends or breaks during this weight-transfer process, the user does not simply fall; they may collapse unexpectedly. For someone with fragile bones or slower reflexes, a sudden drop from a seated height can lead to severe hip fractures, wrist injuries, or head trauma—outcomes far more serious than the minor contusions reported so far. The fear of falling can also cause individuals to avoid using their own furniture, leading to reduced activity and social isolation, which indirectly impacts overall health.
Children and active households also face a heightened risk profile. While the recalled items are armchairs typically used by adults, children often climb on, jump off, or lean heavily against such furniture. The reported incidents involve leg failures under normal use, but dynamic forces—such as a child bouncing on the seat or an adult standing up quickly while holding onto the armrest—place significantly more stress on the joints and legs of the chair. If the plastic cross-weave or metal frame connection is compromised, these additional forces can trigger a sudden collapse. Families with young children who are learning to walk or balance may be particularly vulnerable if they use these chairs in common areas where falls could result in head injuries or broken limbs.
Additionally, individuals living alone are at greater risk because they lack immediate assistance. If a chair leg fails while someone is seated and they are alone, they may struggle to stand up, potentially leading to prolonged immobility, dehydration, or secondary injuries from trying to get up without support. This is especially true for those with pre-existing conditions that affect balance or strength. The hazard here is not just the initial fall, but the potential difficulty in recovering from it safely. Therefore, anyone who fits into these categories—older adults, people with mobility issues, households with active children, or individuals living alone—should treat this recall with the utmost urgency. Do not wait for a major incident to occur; the five reported injuries are early warnings that the structural failure can happen without obvious prior signs.
How to tell if you have the recalled item
If you recently purchased an armchair from Ross Stores and are wondering whether your specific piece is part of this safety recall, the good news is that identification is straightforward once you know exactly where to look. The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) has identified two distinct versions of these wicker-style chairs that are affected by this issue. To determine if your chair is included, you need to verify the color combination, check the specific Stock Keeping Unit (SKU) number, and inspect the physical dimensions of the frame.
First, visually confirm the style and color of your chair. The recalled items are characterized by a wicker-style construction featuring plastic cross-weave on the seat, back, and sides, supported by dark metal frames. There are two color options that were sold under this recall: a green and white combination, or a gray and white combination. If your chair matches one of these descriptions, it is important to proceed with checking the specific identifiers.
The most reliable way to confirm whether your chair is part of this recall is by locating the SKU number on the product itself. You should look for a sticker attached directly to one of the chair’s legs. Additionally, check for a hangtag attached to the back of the chair. The recalled chairs will have one of the following two SKU numbers printed on these labels:
- Sku number 400266563392: This corresponds to the green/white color combination.
- Sku number 400266563330: This corresponds to the gray/white color combination.
If you cannot find these exact SKU numbers, your chair is likely not part of this specific recall. However, if you do see one of these numbers, you must also verify the physical size of the chair to be absolutely certain. The recalled armchairs measure approximately 33 inches in height, 28 inches in depth, and 26 inches in width. These dimensions are critical because similar-looking chairs sold by other retailers or in different color variations may not be subject to this specific safety order.
If you are unsure about the identification process or if the labels have been removed, do not guess. Contact Ross Stores directly for assistance. You can reach their customer support team at 800-335-1115 between 9 a.m. and 9 p.m. ET, Monday through Friday, or via email at customer.inquiries@ros.com. They can help you confirm whether your specific purchase falls under this recall based on the details you provide.
What to do — step by step
If you own one of the recalled Ross Stores armchairs, your immediate priority is to ensure that no one in your household is at risk of injury. The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) and Ross Stores have identified a critical structural flaw where the chair’s legs can bend or break under normal use. Because this failure has already resulted in minor injuries such as soreness and contusions in four reported incidents, delaying action is not an option. Please follow these concrete steps to resolve the issue safely and efficiently.
Step 1: Stop using the chair immediately. The very first thing you must do is remove the recalled armchair from your home or living space. Do not attempt to sit in it, lean on it, or even place heavy items on it. The hazard lies in the leg structure, which may fail without warning, potentially causing the user to fall. By taking the chair out of circulation right now, you eliminate the risk of further injury to yourself, your family, or any guests who might inadvertently use it. Treat the chair as if it were broken, even if it currently looks and feels sturdy.
Step 2: Locate your proof of purchase details. While Ross Stores has made the return process extremely consumer-friendly by stating that no receipt is required, you may still want to locate your order confirmation email or credit card statement for your own records. More importantly, identify which specific model you have. Check the sticker on the chair’s leg or the hangtag on the back of the chair for the SKU number. You are looking for either 400266563392 (green/white combination) or 400266563330 (gray/white combination). Confirming these details helps ensure you are part of the recall program, although Ross stores are instructed to accept any unit matching the physical description.
Step 3: Transport the chair to a Ross store. You do not need to mail this item back; instead, take it to any Ross Dress for Less location. This is a significant convenience factor in the remedy process. When you arrive at the store, go directly to the customer service desk or returns counter. Inform the associate that you are returning a product under the July 11, 2024, safety recall for wicker-style armchairs. Show them the SKU sticker or hangtag if they ask for verification, but remember that no receipt is required.
Step 4: Choose your preferred remedy. Once you have handed over the chair, you will be offered a choice between two forms of compensation. You can request a full refund to your original payment method, or you can opt for a $50 store credit. The $50 store credit is often processed immediately and can be used for future purchases at Ross. If you prefer cash back or the original form of payment, specify that you want a full refund. The refund amount will cover the price you paid for the chair.
Step 5: Keep your confirmation. After completing the return, ask for a receipt or confirmation number from the transaction. This document serves as proof that you have disposed of the hazardous item and received your remedy. If you encounter any issues at the store, or if you prefer to handle this remotely, you can contact Ross Stores customer service at 800-335-1115 (available 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. ET, Monday through Friday) or via email at customer.inquiries@ros.com. You can also find more details online at www.rossstores.com/recalls.
Your refund, repair, or replacement options
If you have identified that your armchair is part of this recall, the good news is that Ross Stores has established a straightforward and consumer-friendly remedy to resolve the issue. Because the defect involves a structural failure in the leg that can lead to falls and injuries, the company does not offer repairs or replacement parts for these specific units. Instead, they are providing two clear options: a full refund of your purchase price or a $50 store credit. This approach prioritizes your safety by removing the hazardous product from your home entirely, rather than asking you to keep it with a temporary fix.
To initiate this process, you do not need to go through a complicated mail-in procedure or wait for shipping labels. Ross Stores has made the return process as convenient as possible by allowing you to take the recalled armchair directly back to any Ross store location. This in-person return option is particularly helpful because it allows you to resolve the matter quickly without dealing with potential shipping damages or delays. More importantly, the company has waived the requirement for a proof of purchase. You do not need to locate your original receipt, credit card statement, or order confirmation email. Whether you bought the chair yesterday or several months ago, the lack of documentation will not prevent you from receiving your remedy.
When you visit the store, simply bring the armchair to the customer service desk and inform the associate that you are returning an item under the July 11, 2024, safety recall. The staff will process the transaction for either a full refund or the $50 store credit, depending on your preference. If you choose the store credit, it can typically be used toward future purchases at Ross, which might be useful if you are still interested in their furniture selection but want to ensure you get a different, safer model. If you prefer cash back, the full refund will be issued according to standard store policies for returns without receipts.
If you are unable to visit a physical store due to distance or other constraints, you can contact Ross Stores directly for further assistance. You can call their dedicated recall line at 800-335-1115, available from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. ET Monday through Friday. Alternatively, you may send an email to customer.inquiries@ros.com or visit www.rossstores.com/recalls for detailed online instructions. By taking one of these steps, you ensure that you are not left with a potentially dangerous piece of furniture and that you are fully compensated for your purchase.
What can happen if you ignore it
It is natural to feel reluctant to part with a large piece of furniture, especially one that looks stylish and fits well in your home. You might think the wicker-style armchair is sturdy enough to handle daily use, or perhaps you are waiting for a convenient time to make the trip back to the store. However, ignoring this recall is not just about missing out on a refund; it is about exposing yourself and your household to a tangible, physical danger that does not go away on its own. The core issue with these Ross Stores armchairs is structural integrity. The design flaw allows the legs to bend or break under normal stress. This is not a minor cosmetic defect; it is a failure of the chair’s ability to support weight safely.
When you continue to use a chair with compromised legs, you are essentially gambling with your balance and stability. Every time you sit down, stand up, or shift your weight while reading or watching television, you place dynamic pressure on those weakened joints. Over time, even slight movements can cause the leg to buckle suddenly. Because the failure happens without warning, there is no opportunity for you to brace yourself. The result is often an unexpected fall. For many people, a fall from a seated position might seem harmless, but in reality, it can lead to significant injury. The body’s natural reflex to catch itself can cause you to land awkwardly on your side, hip, or arm, leading to the types of contusions and soreness already reported by other consumers.
The risks escalate depending on who is using the chair and where it is placed. If you are an older adult, someone with limited mobility, or a person recovering from surgery, the consequences of a fall can be far more severe than minor bruising. A broken hip or a head injury resulting from a sudden collapse of the chair support requires medical attention, time away from work, and significant recovery effort. Furthermore, if children are present in your home, they may climb on the armrests or jump onto the seat, applying forces that the faulty legs cannot withstand. This increases the likelihood of the chair tipping over completely, potentially trapping a child underneath or causing them to fall to the floor with greater force.
We have already received reports of five incidents where the chair legs broke, resulting in four documented injuries. While these numbers may seem small, they represent real people who experienced pain and inconvenience that could have been entirely avoided. Ignoring the hazard means you are putting yourself in the same position as those individuals, relying on luck rather than safety. The chair will not improve with use; it will only degrade further until the moment of failure arrives. By acting now, you remove this variable from your home environment. You eliminate the risk of an unpredictable accident and ensure that your living space remains a place of comfort and security, not one of hidden danger.