NEWARK, Calif., May 13 /PRNewswire/ -- Ross Stores, Inc. (Nasdaq: ROST) announced today that Michael Wilson, 45, has joined the company as Senior Vice President, Distribution and Transportation. Mr. Wilson will report directly to the President and Chief Operating Officer, Mel Wilmore.

Before joining Ross Stores, Mr. Wilson served in various distribution management positions with the Speigel Group since 1991. Most recently, he was President of Distribution Fulfillment Services, Inc., a stand-alone subsidiary of the Speigel Group that handles all distribution and logistics for catalog and retail store operations of Spiegel, Eddie Bauer and Newport News. Mr. Wilson has over 20 years of professional distribution and logistics experience including contract trucking, retail department stores, catalog and specialty retail and mail order fulfillment operations.

In commenting, Michael Balmuth, Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, said, "We are delighted to have Michael Wilson join the Ross senior management team. We believe that his in-depth knowledge and experience in strategic development of supply chain solutions for retailers, as well as his extensive background in selecting and implementing leading edge technologies, will be valuable resources for Ross Stores."

Ross Stores, Inc. reported sales of $2.2 billion in 1998, its most recent fiscal year. The off-price retailer operates 355 stores in 17 states, offering first-quality, in season, branded apparel, accessories and footwear for the entire family as well as gift items and linens for the home all at everyday savings of 20% to 60% less than regular department and specialty store prices.

SOURCE Ross Stores, Inc.