Burlington Stores is preparing to open 20 additional locations across 12 U.S. states in September, reinforcing its aggressive store-expansion strategy as consumers remain focused on value and discount retail. The planned openings follow a strong second quarter for the retailer, which reported double-digit sales growth and its 15th consecutive quarter of double-digit adjusted earnings-per-share growth.

Burlington Expands Its Store Network Across 12 States

The 20 September openings will extend Burlington’s presence across Alabama, California, Florida, Iowa, Maine, Maryland, Michigan, New York, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia and Wisconsin. The openings are scheduled throughout the month, beginning with locations in Gadsden, Alabama; West Bend, Wisconsin; and Middle Village, New York, on September 4.

Additional stores are scheduled to open in California, Florida, Virginia and Michigan on September 11, followed by new locations in Iowa, New York and Texas on September 18. The final group of openings on September 25 will include stores in California, Tennessee, Maine, Virginia, Maryland, Michigan and New York.

The expansion reflects Burlington’s broader strategy of increasing its store base while maintaining its focus on off-price retail. The company operated 1,287 stores across 47 states, Washington, D.C., and Puerto Rico at the end of its second fiscal quarter.

Strong Earnings Support Burlington’s Expansion Strategy

The store rollout comes after a strong second quarter ended August 1, 2026. Burlington reported total sales of approximately $3.0 billion, an 11% increase from the same period a year earlier, while comparable-store sales increased 2%. Net income reached $184 million, compared with $94 million a year earlier.

Adjusted earnings per share increased 38% to $2.37, excluding the impact of tariff refunds and certain expenses. The company said the quarter represented its 15th consecutive period of double-digit adjusted EPS growth, supported in part by a 100-basis-point improvement in adjusted operating margin.

Burlington also raised its full-year fiscal 2026 adjusted EPS guidance to $11.77-$11.97, compared with $10.17 in fiscal 2025. The company expects total sales to increase 10%-11% for the year and now plans to open approximately 115 net new stores.

Value Retail Remains Central to Burlington’s Growth

Burlington’s expansion strategy comes as retailers continue to navigate changes in consumer spending, inflation and household budgets. The off-price model gives the company an opportunity to attract customers seeking branded merchandise at lower prices, potentially supporting traffic even when consumers become more selective about discretionary purchases.

The company also received $55 million in tariff refunds during the second quarter but said it intends to reinvest the proceeds into sharper pricing and customer value during the second half of the year. That approach could reinforce Burlington’s competitive positioning while potentially limiting the direct earnings benefit of the refunds.

The planned September openings are therefore part of a broader growth program rather than a standalone expansion push. Burlington has budgeted approximately $875 million in fiscal 2026 capital expenditures, excluding any potential costs associated with a possible corporate headquarters relocation.

Going forward, investors will monitor sales productivity at new locations, comparable-store growth, inventory levels, margins and the pace of additional openings. The central question for BURL stock will be whether Burlington can continue expanding its store footprint while maintaining the earnings momentum and operating-margin improvement that have supported its recent financial performance.