Ross Stores is opening a 1.75 million-square-foot processing and distribution center in Bakersfield, California, according to a press release from the City of Bakersfield.
The $500 million investment marks Ross’ 10th distribution center, per the press release. Distribution centers in the retailer’s network include three other sites in California, as well as Buckeye, Arizona, and Brookshire, Texas, according to Ross’ website. On the East Coast, Ross operates a distribution center in Pennsylvania and two in South Carolina.
The multiyear project is slated to break ground in 2027, creating nearly 1,000 new jobs, per the press release. Ross did not respond to a request for more details by the time of publication.
The new distribution center comes as Ross pushes a brick-and-mortar expansion strategy. Earlier this year, Ross announced plans to open 47 new stores, including 35 Ross Dress for Less and 12 DD’s Discounts locations. In August, Ross reported that customer traffic increased Q2 comparable sales by 10% year over year, with total Q2 sales rising 13% YoY.
Several retailers have been making efforts to grow their distribution networks. Fellow off-price retailer Burlington, for instance, this year announced plans to open a high-tech distribution center in Georgia and another site in Arizona. Discount retailer Dollar Tree also made distribution investments, opening a 1-million-square-foot distribution center in Arizona in May.
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