1328 ET - Ross Stores expects to open 85 new stores for its namesake brand this year and 25 for dd's Discounts, up from 80 and 10 locations in fiscal 2025, respectively. The plans make for about 5% new store growth, accelerating from 4% in the latest fiscal year, J.P. Morgan analysts say in a note. The company has been boosting productivity in its new stores, helped by efforts to improve merchandising, marketing and the store experience, the analysts say. The productivity gains have been broad-based across existing and new markets, including the Northeast, which provides confidence to further bolster the new store opening cadence over the next several years, the analysts say. (kelly.cloonan@wsj.com)

(END) Dow Jones Newswires

March 04, 2026 13:28 ET (18:28 GMT)

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