Ross Stores Reported Strong Quarterly Sales Growth

The off-price retailer saw comparable-store sales rise 10% during the period ending August 1.

Updated on Sept. 25, 2026 in Retail

Ross Stores Reported Strong Quarterly Sales Growth

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Ross Stores generated $6.26 billion in sales during the 13-week period ending August 1, bolstered by an increase in customer traffic. The company also reached $851 million in net income, leading management to raise their full-year earnings forecast.

Why it matters

The retailer saw growth as more shoppers trade down to off-price stores amid shifting economic conditions. Additionally, improved operating margins were supported by lower freight costs and $253 million in federal tariff refunds.

Ross Stores reported $851 million in net income with diluted earnings of $2.66 per share. As of August 1, the retail chain operated a total of 2,328 locations after opening 47 new stores during the quarter.

The players

Ross Stores

This off-price retail chain operates over 2,000 stores across the United States.

The details

Ross Stores managed its capital through the repurchase of 1.4 million shares for $319 million while maintaining a quarterly dividend of $0.445 per share. The company currently holds $3.09 billion in inventory heading into the second half of the year.

The 13-week quarter ended on August 1.
The company plans to open 115 new stores in 2026.

Market Landscape

Ross Stores is capitalizing on the broader retail trend where shoppers are increasingly trading down to off-price retailers to manage budgets. This performance reinforces the company's competitive positioning against traditional department stores as it continues to expand its footprint.

Customers can expect the chain to maintain its current discount model as it continues to grow its store count. With the company paying a steady quarterly dividend, shareholders and shoppers may see continued expansion of the brand's physical presence through 2026.

The takeaway

The company’s ability to turn federal tariff refunds into margin expansion highlights the impact of regulatory relief on retail operations. Investors should monitor how the firm balances aggressive store openings with inventory management in the coming year.