Ross Stores Reports September Sales

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Ross Stores Reports September Sales

    NEWARK, Calif., Oct. 5 /PRNewswire/ -- Ross Stores, Inc. (Nasdaq: ROST)
today reported sales of $225 million for the five week period ended
September 30, 2000, a 2% increase above the $220 million in sales for the
five weeks ended October 2, 1999.  Comparable store sales for the same period
declined 4% vs. an 8% increase in the prior year.
    For the eight months through September 30, 2000, sales were
$1.720 billion, a 9% increase above the $1.583 billion in sales for the prior
year's comparable period ended October 2, 1999.  Comparable store sales for
the eight months increased 1% vs. a 7% increase in the prior year.
    Michael Balmuth, Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, said, "We
believe that sales in September continued to be impacted primarily by a more
difficult competitive climate compared to last year, especially from the
department store sector.  In response to this environment, we have been
conducting an in-depth review of our business to identify opportunities for
improved execution of our operating strategies.  We also remain very liquid in
our open to buy dollars, which helps to maintain lean in-store inventories and
a fresh flow of merchandise through our stores, with the goal of improving
sales and mitigating markdown pressures."
    Additional recorded information concerning today's press release can be
accessed by calling 719-457-0820, passcode #883427, from 8:30 a.m. EDT on
October 5, 2000 through 8:00 p.m. EDT on October 6, 2000.
    Forward-Looking Statements:  This press release contains certain
forward-looking statements which are subject to risks and uncertainties that
could cause the company's actual results to differ materially from
management's current expectations.  The words "expect," "anticipate,"
"estimate," "believe" and similar expressions identify forward-looking
statements.  Risk factors include obtaining acceptable new store locations,
competitive pressures in the apparel industry, changes in the level of
consumer spending on or preferences in apparel or home-related merchandise,
unseasonable weather trends, and greater than planned operating costs.  Other
risk factors are detailed in the company's Form 10-K for fiscal 1999.  The
company does not undertake to publicly update or revise these forward-looking
statements even if experience or future changes indicate that any projected
results expressed or implied therein will not be realized.
    Ross Stores, Inc. operates a national chain of off-price retail stores
offering first quality, in-season, branded apparel and apparel-related
merchandise for the entire family at prices that average 20% to 60% less than
department and specialty stores, as well as merchandise for the home at
similar savings.  The company had 392 stores at September 30, 2000, compared
to 363 stores at the end of the same period last year.

SOURCE Ross Stores, Inc.

http://www.rossstores.com
Company News On-Call:

http://www.prnewswire.com/comp/764175.html or fax,
800-758-5804, ext. 764175
CONTACT:
John G. Call, Senior Vice President & Chief
Financial Officer, 510-505-4400, or Katie Loughnot, Director,
Investor Relations, 510-505-4509, or katie.loughnot@ros.com, both
of Ross Stores, Inc.
NOTE TO EDITORS: Ross Stores, Inc. press releases are available
at no charge through the company's home page on the internet at
http://www.rossstores.com.