As they reported quarterly earnings, TJX Companies and Ross Stores are giving bullish forecasts about the number of stores they could open in the next several years.

Ross now says it believes it could reach 3,000 stores in the U.S., up from earlier estimates of 2,500 potential locations. There were 1,454 Ross Stores in 38 states as of July 31, along with 227 DD’s Discount stores in 17 states. Ross will open about 100 stores annually going forward, largely in existing markets, CFO Michael Sullivan said.

CEO Barbara Rentler said the increase in potential store locations is based on research showing increasing population densities in its existing markets and new “large trade areas” tied to expanding suburbs. Ross reported a 23% gain in net income to $389 million in Q2 ended Aug. 4 as revenue rose 9% to $3.7 billion on a 5% gain in same-store sales.

TJX forecasts room for 6,100 stores globally, up from the 4,141 it operated as of May 5. That includes 2,336 stores under its T.J. Maxx Division (T.J. Maxx, Marshalls, Sierra Trading Post), 690 HomeGoods and 4 HomeSense stores, 466 in its TJX Canada operation and 645 in the TJX International division.

TJX’s net income in Q2 ended Aug. 4 rose 33.7% to $739.6 million as revenue jumped 12% to $9.3 billion on a 6% rise in same-store sales.

Contacts:

Ross Stores, Michael Sullivan, CFO, 825-965-4000

TJX Companies, Scott Goldenberg, CFO, 508-390-1000