# Ross Stores **Source:** https://geo.sig.ai/brands/ross-stores **Vertical:** Consumer Retail **Subcategory:** Enterprise **Tier:** Leader **Website:** ross-stores.com **Last Updated:** 2026-04-14 ## Summary 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. ## Company Overview 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. Ross's off-price opportunistic buying model addresses the excess inventory problem that apparel brands and retailers face from fashion seasonality: a major apparel brand manufacturing 500,000 units of a spring collection that sells through 75% of inventory still has 125,000 units of current-season merchandise that must be cleared before fall product ships to retail — units that cannot be liquidated through the brand's own channels without damaging full-price brand perception. Ross's merchant team purchases these excess units at 20-60% below wholesale, passing the cost savings to shoppers while maintaining Ross's gross margin of 27-30% — creating the "treasure hunt" shopping experience where customers visit frequently to find new merchandise at unexpected prices. Ross's physical-only distribution model (no e-commerce to preserve the in-store discovery experience and protect the brands that sell through Ross at below-retail prices) has proven structurally resilient to online competition in ways that traditional department stores have not. In 2025, Ross Stores competes in the off-price retail and value apparel market with TJX Companies (NYSE: TJX, TJ Maxx + Marshalls + HomeGoods, $56.4B revenue), Burlington Coat Factory (NYSE: BURL, off-price retail, $10.1B revenue), and Nordstrom Rack (NYSE: JWN, off-price subsidiary, $5B+ revenue) for off-price shoppers' discretionary spending on apparel, accessories, and home goods. Ross's store expansion plan (targeting 2,900 + 700 format locations from 2,273 current) represents a $7-10 billion long-term store build program concentrated in suburban and secondary market locations where off-price discovery shopping is underpenetrated relative to major metros. The tariff environment created by 2025 US trade policy presents a headwind for off-price retailers that source a significant proportion of merchandise from Chinese manufacturers — though off-price's opportunistic sourcing model (buying from US brands and retailers who already hold the inventory) provides more insulation from direct tariff impact than full-price retailers who import directly from overseas manufacturers. The 2025 strategy focuses on store growth toward the 2,900/700 targets, managing merchandise cost headwinds from tariffs through vendor negotiations, and continuing dd's DISCOUNTS geographic expansion. ## Frequently Asked Questions ### What is Ross Stores? Ross Stores, Inc. is the largest off-price retailer in the United States, operating primarily under the Ross Dress for Less banner along with dd's DISCOUNTS stores. The company offers name-brand and designer apparel, accessories, footwear, and home fashion at everyday savings of 20-60% (Ross) or 20-70% (dd's) below department and specialty store regular prices. With 2,273 stores across 44 states, the District of Columbia, Guam, and Puerto Rico, Ross serves value-conscious consumers seeking quality branded merchandise at exceptional discounts through its unique off-price business model. ### When was Ross Stores founded? The first Ross Department Store was opened in 1950 by Morris 'Morrie' Ross in San Bruno, California. However, the modern Ross Stores company was truly born in August 1982 when a group of investors led by Stuart Moldaw and Don Rowlett, with Mervin Morris (founder of Mervyn's) as key investor, acquired six Ross Department Stores in the San Francisco Bay Area and converted them to the innovative 'Ross Dress for Less' off-price format. This 1982 transformation marked the beginning of Ross's journey to becoming America's largest off-price retailer. The company went public in 1985 on NASDAQ under ticker symbol ROST. ### Where is Ross Stores headquartered? Ross Stores, Inc. is headquartered in Dublin, California, at 5130 Hacienda Drive. In addition to corporate headquarters, the company operates three strategic buying offices in key markets: New York City, Los Angeles, and Boston, which source merchandise from thousands of vendors. Ross also maintains seven distribution centers strategically positioned across the United States to support efficient inventory flow to its 2,273 retail locations nationwide. ### Who are Ross Stores' customers? Ross Stores primarily serves middle-income, value-conscious consumers and families seeking name-brand and designer merchandise at significant discounts. The customer base includes budget-aware shoppers who appreciate quality branded products but prioritize affordability, along with treasure-hunters who enjoy the ever-changing merchandise selection and discovery experience. The dd's DISCOUNTS banner specifically targets customers seeking even deeper discounts on moderately-priced merchandise. Ross customers span all demographics but particularly appeal to families, working professionals, and cost-conscious consumers who want to stretch household budgets without sacrificing brand quality or style. ### How does Ross Stores' off-price model work? Ross Stores operates an off-price retail model that opportunistically procures excess brand-name merchandise at substantial discounts through manufacturing overruns, retail liquidations, closeout sales, canceled orders, surplus inventory, factory seconds, and off-season stock from thousands of vendors and manufacturers. This enables Ross to offer name brands and designer merchandise at 20-60% below traditional department store prices (or 20-70% for dd's DISCOUNTS) while maintaining healthy profit margins. The model requires exceptional buying expertise, rapid inventory turnover, lean store operations, efficient distribution, and flexible merchandising to capitalize on constantly changing product availability, creating the distinctive treasure-hunt shopping experience that drives customer traffic. ### What is the difference between Ross Dress for Less and dd's DISCOUNTS? Ross Dress for Less, the flagship banner with 2,100+ stores, offers name-brand and designer merchandise at 20-60% discounts versus department stores, targeting middle-income value shoppers. dd's DISCOUNTS, with approximately 160+ stores, provides even deeper discounts of 20-70% off moderate department and discount store prices, focusing on a more budget-conscious customer demographic with moderately-priced first-quality seasonal merchandise. dd's stores are typically 25,000 square feet and concentrate growth primarily in established markets like California, Georgia, and Texas, while Ross expands into newer markets like Connecticut, Minnesota, New Jersey, and New York. ### What are Ross Stores' financial results and market position? For fiscal year 2024 (ended February 1, 2025), Ross Stores reported total sales of $21.1 billion (up 3.7% from prior year), net earnings of $2.1 billion, and earnings per share of $6.32 (up from $5.56 in fiscal 2023). Comparable store sales increased 3% on top of a robust 7% gain the previous year. The company maintains a market capitalization of approximately $50.84 billion as a Fortune 500 and S&P 500 constituent. Ross employs 107,000 associates and ended 2024 with $4.7 billion in cash. The company is America's largest off-price retailer and continues executing aggressive expansion with 90 new stores planned for fiscal 2025. ### What is Ross Stores' growth strategy and expansion plans? Ross Stores is pursuing aggressive nationwide expansion with plans to ultimately operate 2,900 Ross Dress for Less locations and 700 dd's DISCOUNTS stores (3,600 total), up from 2,273 stores as of fiscal 2025. The company opens approximately 90 new stores annually (about 80 Ross, 10 dd's locations). Ross Dress for Less is expanding into newer markets including Connecticut, Minnesota, New Jersey, New York, and recently Puerto Rico, while dd's DISCOUNTS focuses growth on established markets like California, Georgia, and Texas. The strategy emphasizes neighborhood shopping center locations providing convenient access for target customers, efficient distribution infrastructure, and disciplined real estate selection to support long-term profitable growth. ### Who is the CEO of Ross Stores? James G. Conroy became Chief Executive Officer of Ross Stores on February 2, 2025, succeeding Barbara Rentler who served as CEO from 2014 to 2025. Conroy, age 54, previously served as President and CEO of Boot Barn since 2012, where he led one of America's premier western and work lifestyle retailers with over 400 locations across 46 states. He joined Ross as CEO-Elect on December 2, 2024, and serves on the Board of Directors, reporting initially to Executive Chairman Michael Balmuth. Barbara Rentler transitioned to an advisory role through March 2027, continuing to assist with merchandising strategy implementation. ### Does Ross Stores sell online or offer e-commerce? Ross Stores operates primarily as a brick-and-mortar retailer and does not currently offer e-commerce or online shopping for its Ross Dress for Less or dd's DISCOUNTS banners. The off-price business model relies on constantly changing inventory, opportunistic purchasing, and in-store treasure-hunt shopping experiences that are difficult to replicate online. The company focuses on physical store expansion and in-store customer experience rather than digital commerce. This strategy differentiates Ross from traditional retailers while maintaining lower operating costs, though the company may evaluate digital opportunities in the future as consumer preferences and off-price retail models evolve. ### What products and categories does Ross Stores sell? Ross Stores offers comprehensive merchandise across multiple categories: Men's, women's, and children's apparel including clothing for all ages, juniors, plus sizes, and big and tall; footwear for the entire family including athletic, dress, casual, and seasonal shoes; fashion accessories including handbags, jewelry, watches, belts, scarves, and sunglasses; beauty products and personal care items; home accents and decorative accessories; bed and bath products including bedding, linens, and bathroom accessories; small furniture and furniture accents; toys, games, and books; gourmet food and cookware; luggage and travel accessories; and sporting goods. All merchandise features recognized name brands and designers at 20-70% discounts versus traditional retail prices. ### How can I contact Ross Stores or find store locations? Ross Stores corporate headquarters is located at 5130 Hacienda Drive, Dublin, CA 94568. Customers can find store locations, hours, and contact information through the company website at www.rossstores.com. For investor relations inquiries, visit the investor relations section at investors.rossstores.com for financial information, SEC filings, and corporate governance documents. The company's stock trades on NASDAQ under ticker symbol 'ROST.' For career opportunities at corporate headquarters, stores, or distribution centers, visit jobs.rossstores.com. Customer service inquiries can be directed to individual store locations or through customer service channels on the Ross Stores website. ## Tags b2c, retailtech, north-america, public, fortune500 --- *Data from geo.sig.ai Brand Intelligence Database. Updated 2026-04-14.*