TJ Maxx rival Ross shuts two locations in the same state as shoppers 'say goodbye' to iconic retailer
Shoppers were stunned to discover that two stores belonging to popular TJ Maxx rival Ross had closed their doors for good.
Ross Dress for Less stores at the Fort Street Mall and on Ke'eaumoku Street in Honolulu, Hawaii, shut their doors on January 10.
Customers initially found out about the closures after both stores posted flyers confirming the news.
'I was shocked. I work close by so I come here often,' a resident of the Ke'eaumoku area told KHON2 before the closure.
'They have everything. It's very convenient to go shopping.'
The company did not reveal why it shuttered the Honolulu stores, but Retail Merchants of Hawaii (RMH) explained that brand consolidation has become more common.
'They look at things like performance of the store,' RMH President Tina Yamaki told KHON2, adding that factors outside of financial status could be reasons behind the closures.
Shoppers had positive things to say about their experiences at the locations.
Ross Dress for Less stores at the Fort Street Mall and on Ke'eaumoku Street in Honolulu, Hawaii permanently closed on January 10
'This location has different items that we can't find in any other stores so I'm saddened by the closing but I'm sure they're doing what's best for the company so we don't lose the other stores,' customer Lisa Shandoria Johnson told Hawaii News Now.
'Personally it's too bad for the area too because the more closed down the area is the harder it's going to be, just like the houseless people, and it's just going to be a little more dangerous if things aren't running,' shopper Carolyn Kopecky added.
Following the closures, employees at both Honolulu stores were transferred to different locations.
Despite the closures, 15 Ross Dress for Less stores will remain open in Hawaii.
Ross has been successful for several years, operating over 2,000 locations in the US.
According to its November 2024 earnings report, the company made a net income of $489 million in the 13-week period that ended on November 2.
The amount was higher than during the period the year prior, but the company was still unimpressed.
'We are disappointed with our third quarter sales results as business slowed from the solid gains we reported in the first half of 2024,' CEO Barbara Rentler said in an earnings call.
Looking ahead, Rentler stated: 'We remain confident that our ongoing focus and commitment to delivering the most compelling values possible will enable us to maximize our potential for profitable growth now and in the future.'
Ross Dress for Less employees who worked at the Honolulu stores were transferred to other locations
There are currently 15 Ross Dress for Less locations operating in Hawaii
Ross is one of several retailers that has shuttered stores in the US.
Macy's recently devastated its shoppers by announcing 66 of the 150 stores that will permanently close by the end of 2026.
The luxury retailer plans to close the stores within the next four to 12 months in order to focus resources on its 'go-forward stores.'
Kohl's announced its plans to close 27 locations across 14 states earlier this month due to underperformance.
'We always take these decisions very seriously. As we continue to build on our long-term growth strategy, it is important that we also take difficult but necessary actions to support the health and future of our business for our customers and our teams,' Kohl's CEO Tom Kingsbury said in a statement.
