Ross Stores has opened 30 Ross Dress for Less® retail locations and nine dd’s DISCOUNTS® retail locations throughout 17 states in October, marking the completion of its store growth plans for fiscal 2020, according to a Monday (Oct. 26) announcement.
Ross Stores Inc. runs Ross Dress for Less, which it says is the biggest discount clothing and home fashion chain domestically, with almost 1,600 stores in 40 states, Guam and D.C. Ross provides home fashions, shoes, accessories and clothing at savings between 20 percent and 60 percent off department and specialty store regular prices.
In addition, the company runs 275 dd’s DISCOUNTS® in 21 states, which showcase a lower-priced collection of home fashions, shoes, accessories and clothing at savings of between 20 percent and 70 percent off moderate department and off-price store regular prices.
“We remain committed to growing our Ross and dd’s footprints across our existing markets as well as expansion into our newer markets. We added a total of 12 stores to our largest markets of California, Texas and Florida, while opening two stores in Ross’ newest midwestern state, Ohio,” said Gregg McGillis, group executive vice president of property development.
Ross Stores, Inc., which is based in California, earned $16 billion in fiscal 2019 revenues. After the pandemic, the chain took a big hit due to its lack of an eCommerce channel. While its competitors were able to post some online revenue as their stores were closed due to the pandemic, the 1,483-store discount chain pitched a virtual shutout for Q2. Total sales for the period were $2.7 billion for the quarter, down from $4.0 billion in the second quarter of 2019.
In separate off-price retail news, Dollar General has unveiled its new “popshelf” retail store concept that will provide party goods and home décor, among other items, with approximately 95 percent of products priced at $5 and below. Each 9,000-square-foot popshelf shop is focused on offering continually updated items, limited-time merchandise and seasonal specials. In addition, the locations will provide a crossover collection of Dollar General’s private labels. Two communities located near Nashville, Tennessee are the expected locations of the first two stores for the concept. Plans are in place to have approximately 30 stores in various markets prior to the end of fiscal year 2021. The stores will first seek to serve female shoppers residing in diverse suburban areas with a household annual income ranging from $50,000 to $125,000.
As the calendar flips to March, college basketball fans are gearing up for another exhilarating NCAA tournament.
In the future, artificial intelligence and cutting-edge technology could change March Madness as we know it. Let’s break down how the digital revolution could transform the Big Dance.
AI is already being used to predict brackets. Gone are the days of agonizing over your picks based on team mascots or your alma mater’s colors. In 2025, AI-powered bracketology is the name of the game. Fans can use algorithms that crunch data points, from player statistics to historical upset probabilities, all at the click of a button.
But beware, bracket enthusiasts. While these AI tools promise to boost your chances of winning the office pool, they can’t account for the quintessential March Madness chaos. You know, the instance where AI can predict everything except the inevitable Cinderella story that ruins everyone’s bracket by the second round.
In a move that would be sure to ruffle some feathers, AI-generated commentary could be used for games. Digital play-by-play announcers would never need a bathroom break and potentially be able to recall obscure statistics from the 1957 tournament in an instant.
Can’t make it to the Final Four? Ten years from now, games might happen in a digital stadium, Forbes reported. With virtual reality (VR) technology, fans could experience the thrill of courtside seats from the comfort of their living rooms.
“AI-generated athletes, inspired by the procedural generation techniques of video game developers … could perform in virtual arenas, exhibiting strategies and plays conceived by advanced predictive algorithms,” Forbes reported.
Just be careful not to get too caught up in the moment with streaming. Wouldn’t want to have reports of fans attempting to rush the virtual court after buzzer-beaters have led to an uptick in living room injuries — especially when that flat screen falls over.
While human coaches still call the shots, AI assistants could one day be indispensable members of the coaching staff. In the next five years, these digital strategists could analyze opponent tendencies and more.
“Building on existing technologies … AI will provide coaches and players with intricate, multi-dimensional data patterns that dramatically enhance both offensive and defensive strategies,” Forbes reported. “These advanced algorithms will analyze vast datasets from numerous games to uncover hidden trends, strategic insights, and predictive cues about opponents’ potential moves.”
Say goodbye to controversial calls. Advanced computer vision systems could assist referees in making split-second decisions, from determining if a player’s toe was on the line for a three-pointer to detecting the slightest touch on a blocked shot.
The Hawk-Eye system is already used in tennis and cricket to help determine fouls, Viso.AI reported.
“This system uses a network of cameras to track the ball and then compares the trajectory of the ball to a virtual model of the playing surface,” the report said. “This system is accurate within a few millimeters, which is much more accurate than the human eye.”
As we dive into March Madness 2025, it’s clear that technology will change the way we experience the tournament. From AI-powered brackets to virtual reality arenas, the digital revolution is coming for basketball. But at its core, the magic of March Madness remains the thrill of competition, the joy of unexpected victories, and the heartbreak of last-second defeats.
So, whether you’re relying on an AI to pick your bracket this year, or screaming at a holographic referee in the future, remember to enjoy the ride. In the unpredictable world of college basketball, sometimes the best strategy is to embrace the madness — digital or otherwise.
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