Ross Stores has opened 17 new stores across the United States, continuing its off-price expansion strategy early in 2026. The company said the latest batch includes 13 Ross Dress for Less stores and 4 dd’s DISCOUNTS locations across 11 states, marking the first wave of a plan to add about 110 new stores this year.
The First Wave of a Bigger Plan
The company said its fiscal 2026 expansion plan calls for roughly 85 Ross locations and 25 dd’s DISCOUNTS, bringing total unit growth to about 5% this year. Richard Lietz, Executive Vice President, Property Development, said, “We are thrilled to kick off our 2026 expansion with new stores that bring great value to our customers and new jobs to communities across the country.”
He added, “Following strong new store performance in 2025, these openings build on that momentum.” He also said, “We expanded Ross Dress for Less in the Mountain, Midwest, and Northeast regions while also strengthening our presence in key Sunbelt states. For dd’s, we added new stores in our core markets of California and Texas, as well as our inaugural location in Utah.”
Value Retail Keeps Growing
The latest openings show how Ross Stores is still leaning into physical retail at a time when value remains a major draw for shoppers. The company continues to use both banners to target different customer needs, with Ross Dress for Less focused on broad off price apparel and home fashion, and dd’s DISCOUNTS serving a more moderately priced segment.
That dual brand strategy has helped the retailer keep growing its footprint across established and newer markets. It also gives Ross Stores room to expand in regions where off-price demand remains strong, and store economics continue to support new openings.
Community Donations Remain Part of Openings
Alongside the store launches, Ross Stores said it made a donation tied to each opening to a local Boys & Girls Club or First Book literacy partner. The company said those contributions are meant to support safe programming and learning opportunities for underserved young people in the communities where the stores are opening.
That community element has long been part of the retailer’s opening strategy. It gives the expansion effort a local tie-in while reinforcing the company’s focus on youth support and neighborhood engagement.
A Long Runway for New Stores
Looking ahead, Ross Stores said it sees a path to 2,900 Ross locations and 700 dd’s DISCOUNTS stores nationwide. That outlook comes as the company reported fiscal 2025 revenue of $22.8 billion, with a current base of 1,917 Ross stores and 366 dd’s DISCOUNTS stores.
For retail watchers, the message is straightforward: Ross Stores is still opening doors, still betting on off-price, and still building toward a much larger national footprint. With 110 planned openings for the year, the company is keeping expansion at the center of its growth strategy.
