Ross Stores Thrives Amid Inflation, Plans Major Expansion

0:00It's March 27th, welcome to Durham News Today, powered by AI. Raw stores is having a strong start to the year, with its stock climbing 18% since January. Discount retailers like Ross are gaining ground as shoppers hunt for bargains amid rising inflation and economic pressures. Sales jump 12% in the fourth quarter of 2025, reaching $6.6 billion while full-year sales grew 8%. And to $22.8 billion. Meanwhile, foot traffic at Ross locations increased steadily from 7.5% to 11.5% between October of 2020, 25 in January of 2026. Shoppers are shifting away from struggling department stores, which are closing locations or filing for bankruptcy. For example, Macy's plans to shut her 150 stores over the next two years, leaving more discounted goods for off-price chains like Ross. The company opened 90 new stores in 2025, bringing its total to $2,273, and it added

1:0317 more. In February and March alone. Looking ahead, Ross aims to open 110 stores in 2026, targeting growth in the Midwest, Northeast, and other regions. Challenges like tariffs and higher shipping costs from global tensions could lead to modest price increases, and rivals such as TJ Maxx are also expanding. Still, Ross sees a solid path to thousands more stores nationwide, capitalizing on the demand for value.