Ross Stores plans to open approximately 110 new Ross Dress for Less and dd’s DISCOUNTS locations in 2026, expanding its off-price footprint nationwide.
Ross Stores, Inc. is continuing its growth in 2026 with plans to open 85 new Ross Dress for Less stores and 25 dd’s DISCOUNTS locations. As of January 31, 2026, the company operated 2,267 stores across the two brands, including 1,904 Ross locations and 363 dd’s DISCOUNTS stores.
While both concepts target value-conscious consumers, they serve slightly different markets. Ross Dress for Less offers first-quality, in-season brand-name and designer merchandise at 20% to 60% off department and specialty store prices. dd’s DISCOUNTS offers a more moderately priced assortment at savings of 20% to 70% off moderate department and discount store prices.
We reviewed the planned 2026 openings to look beyond the store count and identify where Ross is growing and what types of retail spaces are being used for the expansion.
Where Ross Is Growing
California accounts for a significant share of the new locations, with additional openings planned across markets throughout the country. The company says its expansion decisions are based on factors including market penetration, local demographics, competition, expected store profitability and available real estate.
A closer look at the locations also highlights another trend: Ross and dd’s DISCOUNTS are taking advantage of existing retail space.
Many of the 2026 openings are backfilling spaces previously occupied by other retailers, including a notable number of former Rite Aid locations.
Ross acquired a significant portion of Rite Aid’s store portfolio following the retailer’s 2025 bankruptcy, creating opportunities to repurpose existing locations as part of its continued expansion. Other former retail tenants represented in the 2026 openings include:
Continued Opportunity in Second-Generation Space
Ross’s expansion provides another example of how national retailers are using second-generation space to grow their footprints.
For retailers, existing locations can offer established trade areas, parking, visibility and infrastructure without the timeline and costs associated with ground-up development. For property owners, expanding retailers can provide opportunities to backfill vacancies created by store closures, bankruptcies and changing retail footprints.
Ross’s 2026 growth is a reminder that vacant retail space can still hold significant value when the location, demographics and surrounding retail environment align with a retailer’s strategy.
2026 Ross & dd’s DISCOUNTS Store Openings
Retail Specialists compiled the following list of announced 2026 Ross Dress for Less and dd’s DISCOUNTS locations, including the state and former retailer occupying the space where available.
