Ross Stores launches aggressive 110-store expansion in 2026, delivering jobs and affordable shopping to American families weary of Biden-era inflation.
Story Highlights
- Ross opened 17 new stores across 11 states in February-March 2026, kicking off a 110-store plan for 5% growth.
- Expansions create jobs and donate to youth programs like Boys & Girls Clubs, boosting local communities.
- Strong 2025 performance, with 90 stores opened and Q4 earnings beating expectations, fuels this private-sector success.
- Targets underserved regions including the Midwest, Northeast, Sunbelt, California, Texas, and first dd’s in Utah.
- Offers 20-60% discounts on brand-name goods, helping families stretch dollars in Trump’s recovering economy.
Initial Wave of Openings Completes
Ross Stores, Inc. opened 17 new locations in February and March 2026 across 11 states. The batch included 13 Ross Dress for Less stores and 4 dd’s DISCOUNTS outlets.
These openings represent the first phase of a fiscal 2026 plan to add about 110 stores total, with 85 Ross and 25 dd’s targeted. Executive Vice President Richard Lietz announced the progress on March 9 via press release.
Specific sites include a second Ross in Alhambra on East Valley Boulevard and a dd’s DISCOUNTS in North Hollywood on Sherman Way. This momentum follows 90 stores added in 2025.
Ross opens more than a dozen new stores amid broader US expansion plan https://t.co/7cLpcNINSp
— FOX Business (@FoxBusiness) March 17, 2026
Strategic Expansion Targets Key Regions
Ross Dress for Less focuses growth on the Mountain, Midwest, Northeast, and Sunbelt regions to serve underserved markets. dd’s DISCOUNTS advances in California, Texas, and opens its first Utah location.
The company, founded in 1982, now operates 1,917 Ross stores in 44 states plus DC, Guam, and Puerto Rico, alongside 366 dd’s in 23 states.
Opportunistic buying enables 20-60% discounts on apparel, home goods, and accessories compared to department stores. Long-term goals aim for 2,900 Ross and 700 DD’s locations nationwide.
Financial Strength Drives Growth
Q4 fiscal 2025 results propelled the expansion, with earnings per share at $2.00 versus $1.88 expected and revenue of $6.64 billion against $6.38 billion forecasted. Comparable sales rose 9%, and new 2025 stores performed strongly.
Analysts endorse the strategy: UBS sets a $208 target, noting outperformance versus department peers; Bernstein and SocGen at $200 highlight Q4 comps; and Wells Fargo at $235, an overweight rating, praises Q1 guidance of 7-8%. This private enterprise’s success contrasts sharply with past federal overspending.
Consistent 4-5% annual unit growth supports the path forward. One view questions stock valuation relative to fair value models, but consensus remains positive on the stock’s viability.
Job Creation and Community Benefits
New stores generate local jobs and economic boosts in host communities across 11 states, such as California, Texas, and Utah. Each opening includes donations to Boys & Girls Clubs and First Book literacy programs, reinforcing family values through youth support.
Customers access brand-name bargains amid economic recovery under President Trump, where off-price retail thrives as families prioritize value over inflated prices from prior mismanagement.
This expansion signals a consumer shift to discounts, strengthening the sector against e-commerce and traditional competitors.
Sources:
Ross Stores opens 17 locations, targets 110 new stores in 2026
ROSS CONTINUES EXPANSION WITH THE OPENING OF 17 STORES
US retailer Ross Stores begins 2026 expansion with new stores
LA Times coverage of new Ross and dd’s stores in Southern California
