Ross Stores launches 17 new locations across 11 states, delivering jobs and affordable shopping to American communities just as President Trump’s pro-business policies take hold.
Story Highlights
- Ross opens 13 Ross Dress for Less and 4 dd’s DISCOUNTS stores in February and March 2026, kicking off a 110-store expansion plan for 5% growth.
- Expansion spans California, Colorado, Illinois, Maryland, Missouri, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Ohio, Texas, and Utah, including first dd’s in Utah.
- Creates jobs and donates to Boys & Girls Clubs or First Book at each site, boosting local economies and family-supporting charities.
- Builds on strong 2025 performance with 90 prior openings, targeting 2,900 Ross and 700 dd’s stores long-term.
Initial Wave of Openings Completes Successfully
Ross Stores, Inc. completed the grand opening of 17 new stores across 11 states by mid-March 2026. The rollout included 13 Ross Dress for Less locations and 4 dd’s DISCOUNTS stores, starting in February.
This phase launched the company’s fiscal 2026 plan for approximately 110 new stores, with 85 Ross and 25 dd’s targeted. Strong performance from 90 stores opened in 2025 fueled this momentum. Executive VP Richard Lietz highlighted the company’s confidence in continued growth.
Ross opens more than a dozen new stores amid broader US expansion plan https://t.co/7cLpcNINSp
— FOX Business (@FoxBusiness) March 17, 2026
Strategic Expansion Targets Key Regions
Ross focuses on growth at Ross Dress for Less in the Mountain, Midwest, Northeast, and Sunbelt regions. dd’s DISCOUNTS emphasizes core California and Texas markets while entering Utah for the first time.
States involved include California, Colorado, Illinois, Maryland, Missouri, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Ohio, Texas, and Utah.
As of mid-March 2026, Ross operates 1,917 Ross stores across 44 states, D.C., Guam, and Puerto Rico, plus 366 dd’s in 23 states. This aligns with historical 5% annual unit growth patterns.
Job Creation and Community Investments
Each new store generates local jobs, providing opportunities for American workers in retail and support roles. Ross pairs openings with charitable donations to Boys & Girls Clubs or First Book, supporting youth education and family values. These contributions strengthen community ties in underserved areas, offering immediate access to discounted name-brand apparel, home goods, and essentials. Customers benefit from significant savings on excess inventory from top brands, promoting fiscal responsibility amid past inflation pressures.
This expansion reinforces the viability of brick-and-mortar retail, countering e-commerce dominance. It validates investor confidence in ROST on NASDAQ, signaling market-share gains in the resilient off-price sector.
Industry experts note positive momentum, with forecasts supporting off-price apparel growth through 2035. Under President Trump’s America First economy, such private-sector initiatives drive employment without government overreach, exemplifying free-market success.
Long-Term Vision for Market Dominance
Ross aims for 2,900 Ross Dress for Less and 700 dd’s DISCOUNTS stores, enhancing off-price leadership. Short-term impacts include economic boosts in 11 states, while long-term positioning pressures competitors.
No exact job numbers are specified, but the scale suggests hundreds of positions. Progress remains on track post the March 9 announcement, with dedicated pages for further details. This growth contrasts with leftist overspending eras, prioritizing American jobs and consumer value.
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Ross Dress for Less Opens 17 New Stores in 2026 Expansion Push
Ross opens 17 stores in brick-and-mortar expansion
Ross Stores opens 17 locations, targets 110 new stores in 2026
Ross Stores Kicks Off 2026 Store Openings
Ross Continues Expansion with the Opening of 17 Stores
US retailer Ross Stores begins 2026 expansion with new stores
