The trend: Off-price retailers TJX, Ross Stores, and Burlington Stores are bullish about this year after strong performances in the holiday quarter.

• Ross Stores expects comparable sales to increase 7% to 8% YoY in Q1, and 3% to 4% in fiscal 2026.
• Burlington’s FY comp guidance of 1% to 3% growth is “slightly ahead of [its] typical model,” and the retailer expects significant upside, CEO Michael O’Sullivan said.
• While TJX offered typically conservative guidance of 2% to 3% comp sales growth, CEO Ernie Herrman fully expects the retailer to continue its growth streak and gain market share globally “for well into the future,” he said on the company’s earnings call.

The advantages: Off-price’s resilience rests on a number of factors.

Off-price operators have a wealth of merchandise to choose from. All three companies pointed to highly favorable buying opportunities in the market, which are enabling them to hone their brand selections and appeal to a wider variety of shoppers. For Burlington and Ross, access to higher-quality branded goods is helping to elevate brand perception, increase transaction sizes, and ultimately drive comparable sales growth. TJX’s good-better-best merchandise strategy is driving traffic and building loyalty among younger and wealthier shoppers.

The competitive landscape favors off-price. Shoppers’ value-seeking tendencies are driving them to retailers like TJ Maxx, Burlington, and Ross, where they can be assured of finding deals on name-brand merchandise. Off-pricers are also finding success by leaning into categories like home goods and toys, where there is less competition, both in terms of selection and value.

Off-price’s footprint is growing. TJX plans to open 146 stores this year—104 in the US—while Burlington and Ross each expect to add 110 locations. Those stores are expanding reach and brand awareness, while their treasure-hunt experiences offer a point of differentiation from the rest of the retail sector.

The implications: Off-price retailers have a structural advantage as the retail industry navigates another year of uncertainty. Their reputation for value gives them a clear edge as shoppers look for ways to keep costs under control, while difficult operating conditions for everyone else increase inventory-buying opportunities and support category expansion.

Go further: To see how off-price stacks up against other retail sectors, check out our Live Earnings Report: Retail & Ecommerce Tracker Q4 2025.