Ross Stores Expands Footprint with 17 New Locations in Early 2026
Event summary
- Ross Stores opened 17 new locations in February and March 2026, including 13 Ross Dress for Less and four dd's DISCOUNTS stores across 11 states.
- The openings are part of a fiscal 2026 expansion plan to add approximately 110 new stores, representing a 5% unit growth this year.
- Ross expanded in the Mountain, Midwest, and Northeast regions while strengthening its presence in key Sunbelt states. dd's DISCOUNTS added locations in California, Texas, and Utah.
- The company made donations to local Boys & Girls Clubs or First Book literacy partners for each opening.
The big picture
Ross Stores' expansion reflects a strategic push to capitalize on the off-price retail sector's resilience. The company is leveraging its established brand equity to penetrate new markets, particularly in regions with growing populations and economic activity. This move aligns with broader industry trends of retailers seeking to expand their physical footprints despite the rise of e-commerce.
What we're watching
- Geographic Expansion
- How Ross's entry into new regions will affect its market share and competitive positioning.
- Store Performance
- Whether the newly opened stores will maintain the strong performance seen in 2025.
- Long-term Growth
- The pace at which Ross can achieve its goal of reaching 2,900 Ross locations and 700 dd's DISCOUNTS stores nationwide.