Dive Brief:
- Off-price retailer Bealls Inc. plans to open 13 new store locations across six states this fall, according to information sent to Retail Dive.
- Meanwhile, the company has expanded its buying office in New York City.
- The location is designed to help the company connect with a wider range of partners and broaden its reach in the New York area, per the company.
Dive Insight:
Bealls first opened a buying office in New York City’s Garment District in 2024. The retailer’s increased investment in the region is part of its larger development efforts, the company said.
“The expanded New York office can only strengthen our position among top off-price retailers,” Suzanne Santangelo, director of communications at Bealls, said via email, adding that this kind of investment has helped the company deliver value and build customer loyalty.
Off-price retail has been steadily gaining market share, specifically from department stores. Against this backdrop, off-price retailers may begin competing for the same consumers rather than sharing a price-conscious market.
However, Bealls’ decision to cultivate more New York connections may be a sign that the company sees room in the market.
“The expanded New York office shows Bealls Inc.’s continued focus on growing its off-price business and building the merchandising team and capabilities that help drive that growth,” the company said in an emailed statement. “A larger presence in one of the world’s leading retail hubs provides greater access to brands, vendor partnerships, top talent, and emerging product opportunities that help keep assortments fresh and relevant for guests.”
The relatively recent loss of Saks Off 5th’s off-price business may be another reason Bealls sees space in New York City. Other off-price retailers are also expanding this year, with Nordstrom planning to open 23 Rack stores in 2026 and TJX set to open 146 net new stores, with over 100 of them in the U.S. In addition, Ross Stores opened 47 new stores in June and July, and is projected to open 110 new stores this year. Meanwhile, Burlington plans to open 115 new stores this fiscal year.
