BOLD Expansion: New Stores Opening

Red Come in, Were Open sign. — NEW STORES EXPANSION

Ross Stores launches bold 2026 expansion with 17 new stores already open, delivering jobs and affordable shopping to American communities thriving under President Trump’s pro-business policies.

Story Highlights

Ross opened 17 stores in February-March 2026 across 11 states, kicking off a 110-store annual plan for 5% growth.
Strong 2025 sales up 8% to $22.8 billion fuel brick-and-mortar push, creating jobs amid economic recovery.
First dd’s DISCOUNTS in Utah expands value retail to underserved areas like the Midwest and Sunbelt states.
Each opening includes donations to Boys & Girls Clubs or First Book, supporting family values and youth programs.
Long-term vision targets 2,900 Ross and 700 dd’s stores, reinforcing American retail resilience.

Initial 2026 Openings Span Key States

Ross Stores opened 13 Ross Dress for Less and 4 dd’s DISCOUNTS locations between February and March 2026 in California, Colorado, Illinois, Maryland, Missouri, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Ohio, Texas, and Utah.

This initial phase represents 15% of the fiscal 2026 target to add 110 stores, including 85 Ross and 25 dd’s. The company announced details on March 16, 2026.

These moves build directly on 90 stores added in 2025, including Rite Aid acquisitions on the West Coast. Expansion prioritizes regions with high demand for off-price apparel and home goods.

Ross opens more than a dozen new stores amid broader US expansion plan https://t.co/7cLpcNINSp

— FOX Business (@FoxBusiness) March 17, 2026

Strong Sales Momentum Drives Growth

Ross reported Q4 2025 sales of $6.6 billion, up 12%, with full-year sales reaching $22.8 billion, an 8% increase. Comparable store sales rose 9% in Q4 and 5% annually, prompting the aggressive 2026 plan. Richard Lietz, Executive Vice President of Property Development, stated that the openings follow strong new-store performance in 2025.

As of mid-March 2026, Ross operates 1,917 Ross Dress for Less stores in 44 states, D.C., Guam, and Puerto Rico, plus 366 dd’s DISCOUNTS in 23 states. This off-price model buys excess brand inventory for deep discounts, appealing to budget-conscious families.

Headquartered in Dublin, California, Ross Stores (Nasdaq: ROST) leads the sector by targeting underserved markets in the Mountain, Midwest, Northeast, and Sunbelt states.

The Utah dd’s opening marks a key entry into new territory. Leadership aims for steady 5% annual unit growth, scaling to 2,900 Ross and 700 dd’s stores long-term. Investors and board members back the strategy based on proven earnings.

Job Creation and Community Benefits

New stores generate local jobs and economic boosts in 11 states, supporting working families amid post-Biden recovery. Each opening donation supports Boys & Girls Clubs or First Book, funding youth programs aligned with conservative family values.

Communities gain access to affordable name-brand goods, countering inflation pressures from past fiscal mismanagement. Short-term impacts include immediate hiring; long-term effects strengthen retail dominance.

Ross opens more than a dozen new stores amid broader US expansion planhttps://t.co/ULR8XsuJoM

— sharingfoxstories (@sharingfox71071) March 17, 2026

Industry observers note that Ross’s steady footprint expansion reinforces the viability of brick-and-mortar amid e-commerce dominance. The off-price approach leverages vendor excess for value, signaling confidence in physical retail under Trump’s America-first economy.

No major contradictions appear in reports, though state counts vary slightly between 10 and 11. Progress beyond the initial 17 stores remains unverified as of March 17.