NEWARK, Calif., Mar 7, 2002 /PRNewswire-FirstCall via COMTEX/ -- Ross Stores, Inc. (Nasdaq: ROST) today reported sales of $227 million for the four week period ended March 2, 2002, a 25% increase above the $181 million for the four weeks ended March 3, 2001. Comparable store sales for the four week period rose a strong 13% over the prior year period.

In commenting on business, Michael Balmuth, Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Officer said, "We are very pleased with the strength of our business in February, which was driven primarily by sales of full-margin spring product. Both geographic and merchandise trends were broadbased, with solid gains in same store sales in almost every market and merchandise department. We believe that our business is benefiting from the steps we have taken over the past several months to strengthen our merchandise offerings with an improved flow of fresh and exciting name brand fashions for the family and the home at compelling discounts."

Additional recorded information concerning today's press release and the company's future outlook can be accessed by calling 402-220-5900, PIN #2363, from 8:30 a.m. eastern time on March 7, 2002 through 8:00 p.m. eastern time on March 8, 2002. A transcript of these comments also will be made available on the press release page of the company's web site at www.rossstores.com.

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 463 stores at March 2, 2002, compared to 409 stores at March 3, 2001.

SOURCE Ross Stores, Inc.

CONTACT: John Call, Senior Vice President & Chief Financial Officer, +1-510-505-4315, or Katie Loughnot, Vice President, Investor Relations, +1-510-505-4509, or katie.loughnot@ros.com, both of Ross Stores, Inc.