Observed Signal · Jul 24, 2026 · Expansion · Source: Retail Dive · Impact: 2/5 · Sentiment: Positive
Ross Opens 47 Stores, Plans ~110 in 2026
Ross Stores accelerated its brick-and-mortar growth by opening 47 new locations in June and July — 35 Ross Dress for Less and 12 DD’s Discounts — and is on track to open about 110 stores in 2026 (~5% unit growth). Company executives highlighted continued expansion in Puerto Rico, New York, Michigan and deeper presence in Sunbelt states, while noting most growth remains within existing markets. Ross reported strong first-quarter results with $6 billion in sales (up 21% year-over-year), comparable-store sales up 17% and net income of about $650 million (nearly +36%). Credit agency commentary and industry trends show off-price retailers continuing to take market share from mainstream department stores.
Physical expansion by a major off-price retailer signals continued strength in the off-price segment and modest implications for retail media and local advertising; notable but not industry-shifting.
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Key Takeaways & Evidence Grounding
- Ross Stores opened 47 new stores during June and July 2026.
- The 47 openings comprised 35 Ross Dress for Less and 12 DD’s Discounts locations.
- Ross is on track to open around 110 stores in 2026, representing about 5% unit growth.
- Ross reported first-quarter sales of $6.0 billion (up 21% year-over-year), comparable-store sales +17%, and net income of about $650 million (nearly +36%).
- Executives said expansion targets include Puerto Rico, New York, Michigan and deeper penetration in Sunbelt states; only ~20% of new store growth is in newer markets.
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Ontology Mapping & Concepts
Related Market Signals & Shifts
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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.
Target to Open 11 Stores in July
Target will open 11 new U.S. stores in July as part of its 2026 expansion plan, adding locations that exceed the chain’s average store size. The new stores — located across Arizona, California, Colorado, Florida, Kentucky, Massachusetts, South Carolina, South Dakota, Texas and Utah — include six sites larger than 140,000 square feet (above Target’s 125,000-square-foot average). The openings contribute to a company goal of 30 store openings in 2026 and a longer-term ambition to reach 300 locations by 2035 under CEO Michael Fiddelke’s turnaround plan. Target reported stronger Q1 results (net sales +6.7% year-over-year to $25.4 billion) and has announced a $1 billion operational investment this year. The company had opened 13 stores earlier in 2026.
Bealls to Open 13 Stores, Expands NYC Office
Off-price retailer Bealls Inc. plans to open 13 new stores across six U.S. states this fall and has expanded its New York City buying office to deepen vendor relationships and merchandising capabilities. The company said the larger NYC presence will provide greater access to brands, vendor partnerships, talent and product opportunities. The move comes as off-price competitors continue aggressive expansion — Nordstrom, TJX, Ross and Burlington are all opening new stores this year — signaling increased competition for price-conscious shoppers.
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