Racked is no longer publishing. Thank you to everyone who read our work over the years. The archives will remain available here; for new stories, head over to Vox.com, where our staff is covering consumer culture for The Goods by Vox. You can also see what we’re up to by signing up here.
Ross is one of those stores that seems to be weathering the recession extremely well. Last week the company reported strong December sales and 2011 gains of 9% over 2010's numbers. It's no surprise, then, that they're expanding like mad. Two days ago it was reported that Ross had purchased the lot at Third St. and Ogden Dr. across from the Grove for $45 million. And now, via a release from councilman Jose Huizar’s office, we have word that a Ross will be moving into the historic Woolworth's Department Store building at 719-725 S. Broadway Downtown.
The store, which will open next year, will take up 39,000 square feet of the structure—the basement and the first floor. It sounds like this location might be more aesthetically pleasing than most of the Ross locations we've seen. From the release: "Grand historic staircases are being restored and modern amenities are being added to the design to complement the existing historic fabric of the building, creating a unique urban Downtown model for the national retailer."
Downtown blogger Brigham Yen is excited by the news, writing: "As Broadway continues to be revitalized through the next decade, it will likely become a mix of all levels of retail and restaurant calibers, making the street balanced and approachable." One can only hope.
· Ross [Official Site]
· Ross Dress For Less Leases 39,000 SF in Historic Woolworth Building on Broadway in Downtown LA [Brigham Yen]