I love my local TJ Maxx store, but more often than not these days, I walk in, see the checkout line snaking through the front half of the store, and I turn around and walk right out.
Nothing is worth standing in a checkout line for 20 minutes, no matter how much of a bargain.
On the other hand, Ross has self-checkout lines that make it easy to get in and out. Lately, I’ve been spending my money there.
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Both stores carry many of the same items I shop for: candles, beauty products like soap and shampoo, kitchen supplies, and stuff for my dogs and cat.
So why would I wait in line at TJ Maxx when I can be in and out of Ross in 15 minutes? Sorry, TJs.
On this week’s second-quarter 2025 earnings results call on August 21, 2025, Ross Stores CEO James Conroy specifically called out self-checkout as a feature paying dividends for the store.
About 80 Ross locations already feature self-checkout, and more high-traffic stores are expected to get them next year, he said.
Conroy said the rollout has reduced wait times and improved the overall shopping experience, giving Ross another edge in customer satisfaction.
Image source: Silbiger/Bloomberg via Getty Images
More customers turning to discount shopping
Convenience is one draw, but Ross is doubling down on the other thing shoppers want most right now: bargains.
The off-price retailer, best known for its “Dress for Less” slogan, reported strong second-quarter momentum as consumers continue shifting from traditional retailers to discount shopping destinations.
Nearly every category posted gains from beauty to apparel to home goods compared with the first quarter.
Conroy said traffic increased during the last quarter, and once customers were in Ross stores, they spent more per trip. That combination of higher visits and “larger baskets” underscores how consumers are leaning into off-price retail at a time when every dollar counts.
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“We were pleased to see the improved trend at the end of the quarter, particularly with the early sales performance related to the back-to-school selling season,” he said on the call.
Overall, Ross reported second-quarter earnings of $1.56 per share on $508 million in net income. That was slightly lower than the $1.59 per share and $527 million it earned a year ago.
Still, total sales climbed 5% to $5.5 billion, with comparable store sales up 2%. Ross’ sales could be a sign that more shoppers are choosing discount shopping over traditional retailers.
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Conroy highlighted the growing “trade down” trend on the call.
Shoppers across income levels, including higher-income households, are choosing Ross and similar retailers over department stores as inflation pressures budgets.
Ross is becoming a go-to destination for discount shopping, especially for families that are trying to stretch paychecks during these rocky economic times.
Back-to-school and cosmetics boost sales at Ross
One of the biggest bright spots for Ross came in July, when back-to-school shopping kicked off. Parents loaded their kids into their minivans and SUVs and headed to Ross for apparel, shoes, and accessories. Sales were stronger than expected.
Cosmetics were another standout category. Ross is revamping its beauty sections with new signage, fixtures, and layouts, designed to make shopping easier and more appealing, Conroy and his team shared. Half the chain will be updated this year, with the remainder completed by 2026.
Shoppers are already responding positively — a signal that discount beauty could become a bigger draw for Ross in the years ahead.
Ross expands into Puerto Rico, takes some Rite Aid real estate
Shoppers will see more Ross locations soon. The company opened three stores in Puerto Rico in July and said results exceeded expectations. Ross also added stores in the New York metro area, which saw strong openings.
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In addition, the company scooped up real estate from the Rite Aid bankruptcy, particularly in California and other West Coast markets. Those new locations will strengthen Ross’ store pipeline heading into 2026.
For consumers, that means more chances to access discount shopping close to home.
Ross growth continues: good news for bargain hunters
Looking ahead, Conroy projects total sales will increase 5% to 7% in the third quarter, with comparable sales expected to rise 1.5% to 2.5%.
The company acknowledged higher costs from new distribution centers and potential trade policy changes and tariffs could pressure margins. But rather than passing those costs directly onto consumers, Ross signaled it will focus on absorbing expenses to keep prices low.
Ross is making a clear bet: In a cautious economy, shoppers want more value for their money. By expanding into new markets, refreshing store layouts, and adding checkout technology, the retailer is positioning itself as a strong player in “off-price” retail.
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