If you are a regular shopper at Ross Dress for Less, you might want to prepare for some changes — and not the good kind. The popular discount retailer just shared disappointing financial results for the first quarter of 2025, and things are not looking great.
According to Ross’ recent earnings report, comparable store sales were completely flat compared to the same time last year. On top of that, net income dropped nearly 2%, totaling $479 million for the quarter. While that might still sound like a big number, it reflects a clear downward trend.
Ross CEO Jim Conroy did not sugarcoat things either. On the company’s May 22 earnings call, he pointed to a “slower start to the spring selling season in February” and acknowledged that “prolonged inflation” is putting pressure on Ross’ budget-minded shoppers. Basically, you are not alone if you are cutting back on clothing and home goods — lots of Ross customers are doing the same.
Are fewer people shopping at Ross dress for less?
Yes, and the numbers back it up. Data from Placer.ai shows that Ross experienced a 2.7% drop in average visits per store year-over-year for the first quarter of 2025. That means fewer people are walking through Ross doors, and those who do come in are buying less.
Shoppers are focusing more on basic, functional items — think socks, underwear, and kitchen staples — rather than discretionary purchases like decor, seasonal fashion, or impulse buys. When your money does not go as far, you tend to skip the extras. That is exactly what Ross is seeing, and it is causing some major headaches behind the scenes.
What role do Trump-era tariffs play in Ross’ problems?
Here is where things get political — literally. Ross is placing some of the blame on import tariffs that were introduced during Donald Trump’s presidency and continue to affect the retail industry today.
The tariffs, which were originally aimed at goods imported from China, have quietly raised costs across the board. Although these policies were implemented years ago, their ripple effects are still being felt by companies like Ross that rely on importing low-cost goods to sell at a discount.
CEO Jim Conroy did not mince words during the earnings call. He emphasized how tariffs on Chinese goods are still a “headwind” for the company. Since Ross sources much of its inventory from overseas, those extra costs add up fast — and that means either shrinking profit margins or higher prices for you, the customer.
Will Ross increase prices or cut inventory?
This is the big question. As Ross faces stagnant sales, fewer shoppers, and rising costs from inflation and tariffs, something has to give. And unfortunately, you might start noticing the impact during your next visit.
While Ross has not officially announced a price hike, industry experts believe it is likely the retailer will either raise prices slightly or reduce the amount of discretionary and seasonal merchandise it carries in-store. That means fewer treasure-hunt finds — the kind of items you did not plan to buy, but could not resist — and potentially more focus on essentials.
Ross has long built its brand on offering stylish items for less, but these changes could make the in-store experience feel more limited. And if you are used to walking out with a cart full of discounted surprises, you may feel a shift in value.
How does this affect you as a Shopper?
If you count on Ross to stretch your budget, this news is worth paying attention to. The combination of falling foot traffic, supply chain costs, and lasting tariffs means the store is under real pressure. While Ross is not going anywhere anytime soon, your shopping experience may start to look and feel a little different.
Whether it is fewer choices on the shelves, slightly higher prices, or less frequent inventory changes, Ross customers are in for a shakeup — and it is not entirely the company’s fault. Sometimes, policies from years past have a way of catching up to the everyday shopper.
