Placer.ai

Ross Leads Off-Price After Strong Q2 Results

Ross Stores reported a strong Q2 2026: comparable-store sales rose 10% year-over-year, driven by new, returning and more frequent customers, while store traffic increased over 16% per Placer.ai. Total Q2 sales rose 13% to $6.3 billion and net earnings increased 68% to $851.3 million. Operating margin expanded materially (with a significant contribution from $253 million in tariff refunds). Under CEO James Conroy the company has been revamping merchandising and marketing, and Ross raised its 2026 store-opening plan to about 115 locations after opening 47 in Q2 (35 Ross stores and 12 DD’s Discounts). Analysts say Ross likely gained share in the off-price segment versus rivals such as TJX Cos.

Kohl's launches another back-to-school deals promotion

Kohl’s launched a new set of back-to-school promotions on Aug. 19, 2026, cutting prices up to 50% across school supplies, apparel and beauty items and offering $10 in Kohl’s Cash for every $50 spent, plus a weekend giveaway of $5–$100 in Kohl’s Cash while supplies last. The retailer earlier promoted “thousands of products under $25” for the season. Placer.ai data cited in the story shows Q2 store visits fell 1.4% year-over-year (improving from a near-8% decline in Q1). Analysts and market research firms (Morgan Stanley, Circana, NRF) offer mixed outlooks for the back-to-school season, with NRF forecasting nearly 10% sales growth to $43.3 billion but some firms urging caution.

Lettuce Brands Push Messaging Amid Cyclospora Outbreak

Lettuce growers and salad chains including Gotham Greens, Little Leaf Farms and Sweetgreen are running consumer education and trust-building communications after a multi-state cyclospora outbreak sickened thousands. Brands are emphasizing their controlled-greenhouse growing processes and food-safety practices via social posts, videos and statements to reassure shoppers. Public health agencies have linked some cases to iceberg lettuce and federal investigators and companies such as Taylor Farms have been involved in recalls and testing, while the CDC has curtailed cyclospora tracking. The outbreak has depressed foot traffic at several fast-casual restaurants and driven spikes in web and social engagement for unaffected brands as they try to limit reputational spillover and restore consumer confidence.