There's a certain thrill to finding a fancy shirt marked down to $20, especially when it has a designer's name on the tag. Ross Dress for Less has made a business out of marketing precisely these kinds of surprises, and now it's opening an ambitious slate of new outlets.
That means that Ross Stores Inc., by all available metrics, is doing well in a market that's arguably been tough for so many other businesses. So what does the budget brand have planned, and what's added so much fuel to their fire?
Here's where Ross is expanding, the formula that's driving them forward, and why the store can help you keep more cash in your wallet.
Why Ross Stores Inc. is thriving
With budgets stretched to the max across the country, discount shopping is only getting more popular, and that focus on value is serving Ross Stores Inc. well. Its shops also promise the excitement of a treasure hunt, and with it a resulting dopamine rush.
Meanwhile, traditional mall retailers (like department stores) are losing ground due to declining sales and (arguably) poor leadership, leaving a void in the shopping landscape.
Ross Dress for Less versus dd's DISCOUNTS
Ross Dress for Less and dd's DISCOUNTS do share a parent company, but they market to slightly different demographics. Ross inventory is priced up to 60% off standard department store prices.
The aptly named dd's DISCOUNTS skews even more budget-friendly, with claimed savings up to 70% off department store prices (hence the word "discounts" in all caps). Inventory at the latter is more likely to be less brand-conscious, however.
Ross Stores Inc. has big plans
Ross Stores Inc. announced earlier in October that it opened 41 Ross Dress for Less and 10 dd's DISCOUNTS stores in 17 states, making good on its pledge to open 115 locations for fiscal 2026.
The expansion includes locations in a new market in the Northeast, in addition to new spots in established regions. Ross Stores Inc. clearly sees plenty of room to grow, with the aim of owning and operating over 3,000 shops total.
A big debut in Massachusetts
Massachusetts can finally get in on the Ross Dress for Less action! New shops in the state opened at 50-100 Independence Way in Danvers and 1150 Union Street in West Springfield on October 10.
More Ross Dress for Less locations are in the works in Chicopee at 591 Memorial Drive, as well as at 2421 Cranberry Highway in Wareham. Residents say they were "chomping at the bit" to have the store nearby.
Expanding in New York and New Jersey
A fresh Ross Dress for Less location opened in Lockport on October 10 at 5770 S. Transit Road.
Down in South Jersey, Sicklerville and Somers Point got new stores on the same date. Sicklerville's store occupies the former Big Lots on Cross Keys Road, adjacent to Planet Fitness, while the Somers Point location (formerly a Staples) is in Ocean Heights Plaza.
Big plans in Texas
Texas just opened at least six Ross Dress for Less locations in Austin, Baytown, Brownwood, Houston, Richardson, and San Antonio.
The Lone Star State also received dd's DISCOUNTS locations in Abilene, McAllen, and Mercedes. In fact, McAllen saw a dd's DISCOUNTS and a Ross Dress for Less open in the same plaza, showing that Ross Stores Inc. is confident in demand for both brands there.
More bargains in the South
Ross Dress for Less is well-established in the South, but new Florida locations include a store in Crestview at 2507 S. Ferdon Blvd. and two stores in Miami at 8265 West Flagler and 3787 NW 7th Street, Suite 101. Up in Georgia, Ross opened at 2005 Veterans Blvd. in Dublin and 163 S. Virginia Ave. in Tifton, Georgia.
Meanwhile, dd's DISCOUNTS has landed at 775 S. Orange Blossom Trail in Apopka, Florida, and 1972 Mt. Zion Road in Morrow, Georgia.
Ross Stores Inc. is expanding in the Midwest
Ross Dress for Less has added stores at 2614 Bridge Ave in Albert Lea and 634 County HWY 10 NE in Blaine, Minnesota; 100 S. Creasy Lane in Lafayette, Indiana; 4208 E. Blue Grass Road in Mount Pleasant, Michigan; and 1588 Spring Meadows Drive in Holland, Ohio.
Dearborn gets a double dose: 5701 Mercury Drive and 5731 Mercury Drive, with both dd's DISCOUNTS and Ross Dress for Less opening locations there, respectively.
Is there a Ross or dd's coming to my area?
With approximately 2,377 total Ross and dd's outlets and a stated long-term target of 2,900 Ross Dress for Less and 700 dd's DISCOUNTS stores, there could be a new location coming to you even if you didn't see it on this list.
Head to the store locator on the company website and plug in your zip code to see what's nearby. You can also keep an eye on local news for announcements about upcoming openings.
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Bottom line
As Ross Stores Inc. grows, it will be interesting to see which markets get the next round of stores and if the demand they anticipate is actually there. From a cursory glance, one would be hard-pressed to argue with their aggressive growth strategy.
New retail anchors can also give shopping centers a lift, which is much-needed in areas where previous fixtures have struggled. For shopping aficionados, that could translate into more convenient ways to shop smart and keep more of your money.
More from FinanceBuzz:
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- Are you a homeowner? Get a protection plan on all your appliances.
- 10 little weird hacks Costco shoppers should know.
- Learn how to escape the paycheck-to-paycheck grind.
FAQs
Can you shop Ross online?
No. Ross does not sell merchandise online. Its changing inventory and limited quantities mean you'll need to visit a store to shop.
Will every Ross store carry the same items?
No. Ross says it often carries different merchandise at different locations and buys limited quantities of individual items. Something you find at a newly opened store may not be available at another location nearby.
Can you check whether Ross has a specific item before visiting?
Ross does not offer itemized merchandise searches, and its systems do not track merchandise by size or color. If you're looking for a particular shirt, shoe, or home accessory, you'll need to browse in person.
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