Off-Price Retailers See Optimism Amid Bargain Hunting

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Ross Stores inc. on Thursday joined TJ Maxx parent TJX Cos. in ⁢turning more positive about the immediate future – the latest sign⁤ that financially stretched consumers continue to ​flock to off-price ⁣apparel retailers seeking ⁤bargains.Ross stores is raising its full-year guidance after reporting better-than-expected second-quarter results.The company now expects to generate ⁣sales of $18.95⁢ billion to $19.13 billion⁣ for the year, up from its previous forecast of $18.58 billion to $18.83 ⁣billion. ‍Same-store sales are now projected ⁣to fall ‌2% to⁢ 3%, an⁢ improvement from the⁤ prior outlook ⁤of a 3% to 5% decline.