Ross Stores vs Pool Corporation
Side-by-side comparison of AI visibility scores, market position, and capabilities
Dublin CA largest US off-price retailer (NASDAQ: ROST) at $21.1B FY2024 sales (+3.7%), $2.1B net income; 2,273 stores expanding to 2,900 Ross + 700 dd's target competing with TJX Companies for off-price apparel shoppers.
About
Ross Stores, Inc. is a Dublin, California-based off-price variety retailer — publicly traded on NASDAQ (NASDAQ: ROST) as an S&P 500 Consumer Discretionary component — operating two retail banners: Ross Dress for Less (name-brand and designer apparel, footwear, and home fashion at 20-60% below department store prices) and dd's DISCOUNTS (20-70% below moderate department store prices for more budget-conscious shoppers) through approximately 107,000 employees. In fiscal year 2024, Ross Stores reported $21.1 billion in total sales (up 3.7% year-over-year), net earnings of $2.1 billion, and EPS of $6.32 (versus $5.56 in fiscal 2023), opening 89 new stores (75 Ross, 14 dd's) to end FY2024 with 2,205 total stores. As of 2025, Ross operates 2,273 stores across 44 states, Washington D.C., Guam, and Puerto Rico with long-term expansion targets of 2,900 Ross Dress for Less and 700 dd's DISCOUNTS locations. Founded in 1950 as a small department store chain in San Bruno, California, Ross transformed into an off-price retailer in 1982 under new management and grew into the largest US off-price retailer by revenue. The company sources merchandise through buying offices in New York City, Los Angeles, and Boston, accessing manufacturer overruns, retail liquidations, and closeout opportunities from thousands of vendors and brand partners. Seven distribution centers support the nationwide store network.
Covington LA pool supplies wholesale distributor (NASDAQ: POOL) at $5.3B 2024 revenue (-4%); 440+ service centers, 6M+ US pool installed base maintenance, 200,000+ SKUs for pool builders competing with regional distributors.
About
Pool Corporation is a Covington, Louisiana-based wholesale distributor of swimming pool supplies, equipment, and related outdoor living products — publicly traded on NASDAQ (NASDAQ: POOL) as an S&P 500 Consumer Discretionary component — operating as the world's largest wholesale distributor of swimming pool and related outdoor products through a network of 440+ service centers across the United States, Canada, Australia, and Europe, serving approximately 125,000 customers including pool builders, retailers, and service companies through approximately 6,400 employees. In fiscal year 2024, Pool Corporation reported annual net sales of $5.3 billion, a 4% decrease from 2023, with diluted EPS of $11.30, operating cash flow of $659.2 million, and an operating margin of 11.6% — reflecting softer discretionary spending in new pool construction while maintenance chemicals, equipment replacement, and repair parts sustained non-discretionary demand. Founded in 1993 through the consolidation of regional pool supply distributors, Pool Corporation (operating under the SCP Pool and Horizon Distributors brand names) built its distribution moat through a hub-and-spoke service center network that delivers products next-morning to pool builders and service companies in virtually every US market. CEO Peter Arvan has led the company's strategy of expanding into outdoor living products (patio furniture, landscaping equipment, irrigation) beyond the core pool supplies business.
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