NEWARK, Calif., Feb. 18 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Ross Stores, Inc. (Nasdaq: ROST) announced today that the Company has named four executives to serve in newly-created management positions for dd's DISCOUNTS(TM), the Company's new retail concept targeting the needs of lower-income households.

Barbara Rentler has assumed the position of Senior Vice President and Chief Merchandising Officer, reporting directly to Michael Balmuth, the Company's Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Officer. Reporting to Ms. Rentler are Douglas Baker, Senior Vice President and General Merchandise Manager of Ready-to-Wear, and Jane Gilmartin, Senior Vice President and General Merchandise Manager of Home. Heading up the store organization for dd's DISCOUNTS is Fred Shuey in the position of Vice President, Stores, reporting to Jim Peters, the Company's President and Chief Operating Officer.

Michael Balmuth, Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, commented, "The Company remains on schedule with its plans to open ten initial dd's DISCOUNTS(TM) during the second half of 2004. We are very pleased with the quality of this new management team and believe that their in-depth retail management skills and experience will be instrumental to the successful kick-off of this new concept."

Ms. Rentler, age 46, began her career with Ross Stores in 1986 as a Buyer. Prior to assuming her new responsibilities at dd's DISCOUNTS, she served as a Senior Vice President and General Merchandise Manager of Ladies. Her 25-year retail career also includes merchandising positions with Macy's, Bergdorf Goodman and Howland-Steinbach-Hochschilds.

Mr. Baker, age 46, joined the Company in 1995 as Vice President and Divisional Merchandise Manager for Juniors, Outerwear and Women's World. He has over 24 years of retail experience, including merchandising positions with Value City, Marshall's and Hill's Department Stores.

Ms. Gilmartin, age 48, just recently joined dd's DISCOUNTS(TM) in her new position. With over 25 years in the retail industry, her career includes serving as President and Chief Executive Officer of Intercontinental Art and President and Chief Merchandising Officer of Service Merchandise. Other senior management retail merchandising positions were held at Bed Bath and Beyond, Linens 'N Things and Fortunoffs.

Before joining dd's DISCOUNTS(TM), Mr. Shuey, age 40, was Executive Regional Director at Linens 'N Things for their Southwest Region. He also held field operations management positions with Staples, Circuit City and Sears.

Ross Stores, Inc. generated $3.9 billion in sales during fiscal 2003. The retailer currently operates a chain of 568 off-price stores in 25 states 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. Additional information concerning the Company is available at www.rossstores.com.

SOURCE Ross Stores, Inc.

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02/18/2004

/CONTACT:
Katie Loughnot, Vice President Investor & Media Relations of Ross Stores, Inc., +1-510-505-4315, or katie.loughnot@ros.com/

/Web site: http://www.rossstores.com / (ROST)

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