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Ross Stores is trending in 2025 as the retail giant navigates a wave of economic pressures, aggressive expansion, and changing consumer habits. With over 2,200 locations across 44 states, Ross Dress for Less is America’s largest off-price retailer, drawing millions of bargain hunters every week. This guide covers the latest news, financials, business model, marketing, tariffs, and why Ross is a household name for value shopping.
Official Ross Stores Website
📰 Latest News: Tariffs, Earnings, and 2025 Outlook
📰 May 2025: Ross Stores withdrew its annual sales and profit forecasts due to tariff pressures and macroeconomic uncertainty. Over half of Ross’s merchandise comes from China, making it highly sensitive to new tariffs imposed by the Trump administration. The company expects Q2 earnings of $1.40–$1.55 per share, factoring in $0.11–$0.16 per share in tariff-related costs.
💵 Financials: Q1 2025 revenue hit $5 billion (up 3%), with net income of $479 million. Comparable sales were flat, and net profit dipped nearly 2% from 2024. Inventory levels rose 8%, and foot traffic declined 27% per store, reflecting a shift in consumer spending and inflationary pressure.
📉 Stock Market Reaction: Despite beating EPS estimates, Ross shares dropped over 8% in after-hours trading as investors worried about tariffs and slowing traffic.
⚠️ CEO Statement: Jim Conroy said, “Fluctuations in trade policies and their unpredictable effects on the economy, consumer behavior, and our profit margins are quite uncertain. In these challenging times, we will concentrate on aspects we can influence and manage the business with caution.”
🚦 2025 Forecast: Ross expects full-year same-store sales to range from -1% to +2%, reflecting caution amid economic headwinds and tariff uncertainty.
Reuters: Ross Stores Withdraws 2025 Forecasts
🏬 Expansion, Store Count & How Ross Stores Became an Off-Price Giant
🏪 Store Growth: As of March 2025, Ross operates 2,205 stores (Ross Dress for Less and dd’s Discounts) in 44 states, D.C., and Guam. The company plans to open about 90 new stores in 2025 (80 Ross, 10 dd’s), targeting both new and existing markets.
📍 Expansion Strategy: Ross focuses on value-driven markets and high-traffic locations, aiming for 2,900 Ross and 700 dd’s stores long-term. New stores are opening in states like Connecticut, Minnesota, New Jersey, and New York.
📊 Business Model: Ross is an off-price retailer, sourcing 70% of inventory from manufacturer excess, 20% from closeouts, and 10% direct. Its “treasure hunt” model means new bargains every week, with 20–60% off department store prices.
🛒 Shopping Experience: Ross offers a self-service, low-touch retail environment. Stores average 30,000 sq ft, with 8,000–10,000 SKUs and weekly new arrivals.
👥 Workforce: Ross employs over 100,000 people, with a diverse team (69% women, 46% minorities).
📦 Supply Chain: 17 distribution centers (10.5 million sq ft) process up to 2.1 billion units annually.
Nasdaq: Ross Stores Expansion Plan
💡 Marketing, Brand, and Customer Experience at Ross Dress for Less
🎯 Value Proposition: Ross’s brand is built on delivering designer and brand-name goods at 20–60% off department store prices. The “treasure hunt” shopping experience and ever-changing inventory drive customer excitement.
📺 Advertising: Ross spent $412 million on marketing in 2022 (1.2% of revenue), focusing on TV, seasonal promotions, and social media. Campaigns like “Endless Possibilities” and “Great Minds Shop Alike” highlight style and savings.
📱 Digital Presence: Ross has 2M+ Facebook followers, 565K on Instagram, and strong SEO with over 273K organic keywords. However, Ross does not sell online—shopping is in-store only.
🎁 Loyalty & Rewards: Ross launched the Ross Rewards program in 2019, now with 12 million members, offering 10–15% discounts and driving repeat visits.
🌟 Customer Reviews: Ross earns a 3.8/5 satisfaction rating, with shoppers praising deals but noting limited customer service and checkout lines.
IIDE: Ross Dress for Less Marketing Case Study
🛒 Consumer Trends, Tariffs, and the Changing Retail Landscape
💸 Consumer Behavior: Amid inflation and economic uncertainty, Americans are shopping more cautiously—comparing prices, buying less, and favoring essentials over discretionary items. Ross’s value focus keeps it competitive, but foot traffic declined 27% per store in Q1 2025.
📦 Tariff Impact: With over half its goods from China, Ross faces rising costs from new tariffs. The company may pass some costs to consumers, but its off-price model lets it source more closeouts and excess inventory, maintaining value.
🛍️ Competitive Landscape: Ross’s main rivals are TJX Companies (T.J. Maxx, Marshalls, HomeGoods), Burlington, Nordstrom Rack, and online giants like Amazon. Ross’s limited online presence is a weakness, but its in-store “treasure hunt” keeps loyal shoppers coming back.
🔮 Future Outlook: Ross plans to expand to 2,900 stores, invest in supply chain efficiency, and may eventually explore e-commerce as consumer habits evolve.
📈 Financial Health: Despite near-term headwinds, Ross maintains strong margins (9.9%), low debt, and steady revenue growth (3–5% forecasted annually).
TheStreet: Ross Stores Faces Inflation & Tariffs
❓ Ross Stores FAQ (2025)
Q: How many Ross Stores are there in 2025?
A: 2,205 locations in 44 states, D.C., and Guam.
Q: Does Ross have online shopping?
A: No, Ross is in-store only. No e-commerce or mobile app as of 2025.
Q: What’s the Ross Rewards program?
A: Launched in 2019, it offers 10–15% discounts and has 12 million members.
Q: What’s Ross’s business model?
A: Off-price retail, sourcing excess inventory and closeouts, passing savings to consumers.
Q: Who are Ross’s main competitors?
A: TJ Maxx, Marshalls, Burlington, Nordstrom Rack, Amazon.
Q: What are Ross’s biggest challenges in 2025?
A: Tariffs, inflation, declining foot traffic, and limited online presence.
Q: Is Ross still growing?
A: Yes, with plans to reach nearly 3,000 stores nationwide.
🔗 Official Resources & Useful Links
©️ 2025 | Ross Stores: Complete Guide for US Readers
