US retailers stretch holiday calendars: Ross openings, Spirit Christmas, early Lowe's deals

· Retail & E-commerce · United States

Three US retailers extended their holiday and expansion calendars. Ross opened 51 new stores, completing its fiscal 2026 growth plan of 115 new locations, including its first in Massachusetts, Retail Dive reported. Spirit Halloween will convert dozens of locations to its Spirit Christmas concept, expanding to 44 sites this season in its third year. Lowe's launched Black Friday deals in October, spreading out its sales events as shoppers seek Black Friday and Cyber Week discounts. Together the moves show retailers pulling holiday promotions earlier and pushing physical expansion despite an uncertain consumer backdrop.

Why it matters：Earlier, longer holiday promotions and continued store expansion show how US retailers are competing for stretched shoppers in a soft demand environment.

Key points

  • Ross completed its FY2026 plan of 115 new stores with 51 openings
  • Spirit Christmas expands to 44 locations in its third season
  • Lowe's began Black Friday promotions in October

Sources (original reporting)

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