Ross Dress for Less, the nation’s largest off-price apparel and home fashion chain, made waves in September and October 2025 with the completion of a major brick-and-mortar expansion—40 new Ross locations launched across 17 U.S. states, alongside the addition of four dd’s DISCOUNTS stores. This rollout wraps up the retailer’s ambitious fiscal year plans, bringing the annual total to 90 new stores, an assertive counterpoint to widespread closures in the retail sector.
Strategic Expansion in Key Markets
Executive Vice President of Property Development Richard Lietz stated, “This fall, we continued to strengthen our brand presence by opening stores in existing markets and expanding in new markets”. New Ross stores opened across the Midwest and Northeast, including key additions in Michigan, New Jersey, and New York. The footprint in Sunbelt states also increased, while dd’s DISCOUNTS bolstered its position in core regions of California and Texas.
Ross’s growth comes amidst an era of consolidation for other retailers, including high-profile closures among former giants like Macy’s and Bed Bath & Beyond. “Looking ahead, we remain confident in our expansion plans and see plenty of opportunity to grow to at least 2,900 Ross Dress for Less and 700 dd’s DISCOUNTS locations over time,” Lietz said. As of October, Ross operates 2,273 stores in 44 states, the District of Columbia, Guam, and Puerto Rico.
Ross Dress for Less solidified its status as the largest off-price apparel and home fashion chain in the United States by opening 36 new stores this fall, boosting its total count to approximately 2,300 locations across 44 states, Washington, D.C., Guam, and Puerto Rico. This strategic rollout emphasizes the company’s focus on expanding into the Midwest and Northeast, with key openings in Michigan, New Jersey, and New York, alongside a refreshed fleet and new self-checkout trials in 80 stores. Ross’s commitment to value, convenience, and top-quality brands remains resilient, setting ambitious new growth targets for 2,900 Ross Dress for Less and 700 dd’s DISCOUNTS locations over time.
Retail Innovation and Fleet Refresh
Ross isn’t just scaling up—it’s simultaneously refreshing existing stores and piloting new technology. The company began testing self-checkout in 80 high-volume locations, with hopes to expand this initiative in 2026. In parallel, the acquisition of some stores from the Rite Aid bankruptcy has injected fresh West Coast real estate into the portfolio. Michael Hartshorn, Group President and COO, highlights that the retailer is refreshing some of its fleet and expects to get to half of its locations this year.
This innovation is central to the brand’s strategy for sustained profitability and consumer engagement. Ross’s focus on value, convenience, and quality remains resilient—a testament to the company’s adaptability in uncertain economic conditions.
Off-Price Value Remains Strong
Ross Dress for Less built its reputation by offering first-quality, in-season, name-brand, and designer apparel, accessories, footwear, and home fashions at competitive prices. The chain’s sister concept, dd’s DISCOUNTS, further extends reach with a more moderately-priced assortment. As consumers increasingly prioritize value amid inflation and shifting spending habits, Ross stays well-positioned to capture new followers and retain existing ones.
The company’s financial health and steady dividend stream underscore confidence among both shoppers and shareholders—a factor reflected in its consistent year-over-year performance and market capitalization exceeding $48 billion.
Growth Trajectory and Industry Impact
Ross’s 2025 store rollout signals optimism for off-price retail, bucking trends of contraction elsewhere. The company expects to continue aggressive expansion, driven by consumer preference for budget-friendly shopping and flexible locations. Each new store adds 55 to 90 jobs, supporting local economies and reinforcing the importance of physical retail in the digital age.
