PLEASANTON, Calif., Sept 01, 2005 /PRNewswire-FirstCall via COMTEX/ -- California-based Ross Stores, Inc. (Nasdaq: ROST) is assisting with disaster relief and recovery efforts related to Hurricane Katrina with a cash contribution of $100,000 to the American Red Cross. In addition, all Ross Dress for Less stores in those areas impacted by the hurricane will offer an additional 10% discount on any purchase made with a Red Cross Client Assistance Card. Ross customers can also make contributions in any one of the retailer's 692 Ross Dress for Less or 19 dd's DISCOUNTS(R) stores in 26 states and Guam. From September 3rd through October 1st, all locations will accept donations to the American Red Cross at the store registers.

Michael Balmuth, Vice Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer, stated, "Ross operates numerous stores throughout the Gulf Coast region, which was severely impacted by Hurricane Katrina. We offer our heartfelt condolences to our associates and neighbors throughout these communities who may have suffered losses due to the hurricane."

Ross Stores, Inc., a Fortune 500 and Nasdaq 100 (ROST) company headquartered in Pleasanton, California, is the nation's second largest off-price company with fiscal 2004 revenues of $4.2 billion. As of August 27, 2005, the Company operated 692 Ross stores and 19 dd's DISCOUNTS(R) locations in 26 states and Guam. Ross Stores offers first-quality, in-season, name brand and designer apparel, accessories, footwear and home fashions for the entire family at everyday savings of 20 to 60 percent off department and specialty store regular prices. dd's DISCOUNTS(R) features a more moderately-priced assortment of first-quality, in-season, name brand apparel, accessories, footwear and home fashions for the entire family at everyday savings of 20 to 70 percent off moderate department and discount store regular prices. Additional information is available on the Company's website at www.rossstores.com.

SOURCE Ross Stores, Inc.

Katie Loughnot, Vice President, Investor & Media Relations of Ross Stores, Inc., +1-925-965-4509, or katie.loughnot@ros.com