Ross, Panda Express Plan Hartford Charter Oak Stores
Both retailers have submitted plans for spaces at Charter Oak Marketplace, with Ross Dress for Less moving into a former Dollar Tree site.
Updated on Nov. 15, 2026 in Openings & Closings
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Ross Dress for Less plans to open a store at Charter Oak Marketplace in Hartford, Connecticut, next to Marshall's in the former Dollar Tree space. Panda Express plans a new-build restaurant at the corner of Newfield Avenue and Flatbush Avenue, on the site of the demolished Texas Roadhouse.
Why it matters
The city of Hartford has received outreach from businesses for both spaces, and permit signage for Ross has been submitted. A pre-development meeting with planning and zoning has already occurred with the Panda Express team, signaling the projects are moving forward.
Ross Dress for Less has added 115 new locations in 2026, and Hartford would be its ninth Connecticut store, following Trumbull and Hamden. Panda Express currently operates two Connecticut locations, at Foxwoods Resort Casino and in Milford, with additional sites in Hamden and Southington in the works.
The players
Ross Dress for Less
Ross Dress for Less is a discount apparel and home goods retailer operated by Ross Stores, known for off-price merchandise.
Panda Express
Panda Express is a fast-casual Chinese-American restaurant chain headquartered in California with locations across the United States.
The details
Ross Dress for Less will occupy a traditional retail space next to Marshall's, while Panda Express will be a new build at the demolished Texas Roadhouse site. The city has been contacted by businesses seeking both spaces at Charter Oak Marketplace.
Timeline
September and October 2026: Ross Dress for Less announced 41 openings across 17 states.
November 15, 2026: Reporting on the Hartford Ross and Panda Express plans was published.
Market Landscape
Ross Dress for Less's 2026 expansion of 115 new locations shows the off-price chain pushing into new markets, and the Hartford store extends that push into Connecticut. Its placement beside Marshall's at Charter Oak Marketplace places it directly against a rival off-price apparel retailer.
Hartford residents will gain a discount apparel option and a fast-casual Chinese restaurant at Charter Oak Marketplace once both stores open. The projects add shopping and dining choices within the existing retail center without requiring residents to travel to Trumbull, Hamden or Milford.
The takeaway
Retail centers that keep a mix of off-price apparel and affordable dining tend to draw steady foot traffic. Residents can watch for permit and opening announcements to see when these stores begin serving the Hartford area.
Further reading
Track more retail moves in the Openings & Closings section for Hartford.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Hartfort Courant.
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