Ross Stores faces very low AGI disruption risk — it sells physical goods to value-conscious consumers, and economic disruption from AGI would likely drive more customers toward off-price retail, not away from it.
Ross Stores is the largest off-price apparel and home fashion retailer in the United States, operating two chains: Ross Dress for Less and dd's DISCOUNTS. The company purchases brand-name and designer merchandise at discounted prices from manufacturers, department stores, and other retailers, then sells them at 20-60% below regular department store prices. Ross targets moderate-income and value-conscious consumers with a treasure-hunt shopping experience in no-frills store environments.
Ross Stores primarily serves value-conscious moderate-income consumers and families seeking brand-name merchandise at discounted prices. The typical Ross customer is a woman aged 25-54 with a household income of $50,000-$80,000. dd's DISCOUNTS targets lower-income consumers. Both chains serve customers who prioritize value over shopping experience.
Ross Stores operates physical off-price retail stores selling branded apparel, footwear, and home goods at discounted prices. The core business is deeply physical: real estate, inventory management, in-store treasure-hunt shopping experiences. AGI cannot wear clothes for you or replace the need for affordable fashion. Ross serves value-conscious consumers — disproportionately lower-to-middle income households. These customers are not IT workers or knowledge workers. They are the general consumer population least likely to be disrupted by AGI in the near term. If anything, knowledge workers displaced by AGI might become more price-sensitive, increasing Ross's addressable market.