Why ‘Ross’ Is Trending Worldwide Right Now—Everything You Need to Know

Ross Stores Inc. (ROST), the parent company of Ross Dress for Less, is accelerating its off-price growth strategy in 2025, rolling out new locations at a pace the industry hasn’t seen since before the pandemic. The company opened 19 stores across 14 states in March alone—16 Ross Dress for Less sites and three dd’s Discounts units—putting the retailer well on its way to its goal of roughly 90 additional stores this fiscal year (about 80 Ross and 10 dd’s). Why the land-grab now? Traffic data shows thrifty shoppers are flocking to off-price aisles for brand-name apparel, home accents, and beauty bargains as inflation lingers. Ross’ aggressive build-out is designed to capture that footfall, especially in under-penetrated secondary and tertiary markets where prime real estate has become available at favorable rents. First-quarter results: a barometer for momentum Investors will get a fresh read on the strategy when Ross releases Q1 FY 2025 earnings after the bell on May 22, followed by a conference call the next morning. Management hinted during the preliminary earnings call that net sales and EPS should land at the high end of guidance, with operating margin holding near 12 percent despite ongoing freight and wage pressure. Expansion economics Ross typically targets high-ROI build-outs, recouping initial investment in under three years thanks to lease-favorable deals and low fixture costs. CFO Adam Orvos told analysts the chain plans to close or relocate only 10–15 older sites even as it layers on new doors, a net square-footage boost that should lift topline by low-double digits in FY 2025. The retailer’s long-term roadmap calls for 3,600 Ross Dress for Less and 600 dd’s Discounts locations nationwide—up from roughly 2,200 combined today. That footprint would eclipse main rival Burlington and challenge TJX’s marquee TJ Maxx and Marshalls banners in several metro areas. What shoppers can expect • “Brand-for-less” treasure hunt: fresh allocations of Nike, Adidas, Calvin Klein, and Guess every week. • Home refresh zone: expanded kitchenware and small-furnishings assortments planned for half the new stores. • Faster checkout: pilot self-checkout kiosks hitting select 2025 openings after promising tests in California. Shareholder perks Ross recently declared a $0.405 quarterly dividend, underscoring confidence in cash flow even amid cap-ex heavy expansion. Management continues to repurchase shares opportunistically, supported by a fortress balance sheet with minimal long-term debt. Bottom line With consumers trading down yet still craving branded merchandise, Ross Dress for Less is pressing its advantage at precisely the right moment. If early-quarter sales momentum holds and the 90-store rollout remains on schedule, the off-price powerhouse could post another record year—delivering savings for shoppers and upside for investors.