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 November 2, 2006 through 8:00 p.m. Eastern time on November 3, 2006.  A transcript of these comments also will be made available on the press release page of the Company’s website at www.rossstores.com.

          The Company will report third quarter 2006 results on Tuesday, November 14, 2006.  The press release will be issued at approximately 8:30 a.m. Eastern time.  A conference call is scheduled to follow on the same date at 12:00 noon Eastern time to communicate additional details concerning the quarter’s results along with management’s outlook for the fourth quarter.  A real time audio webcast of the conference call can be accessed by visiting the Company’s website at www.rossstores.com.   A recorded version of the call will also be available at the same location.   The Company will report November sales results on Thursday, November 30, 2006.

          Forward-Looking Statements: This press release and the recorded comments and other material on the Company’s website contain forward-looking statements that are subject to risks and uncertainties which could cause the Company’s actual results to differ materially from management’s current expectations.  The estimated earnings per share for the third quarter ended October 28, 2006 are preliminary and subject to adjustments.  The words “plan,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “estimate,” “believe,” “forecast,” “projected,” “guidance,” “looking ahead” and similar expressions identify forward-looking statements.  Risk factors for Ross Stores and dd’s DISCOUNTS^® include, without limitation, the Company’s ability to convert certain Albertsons real estate sites to the Ross and dd’s DISCOUNTS formats in a timely and cost effective manner and on acceptable terms, and the ability to achieve targeted levels of sales, profits and cash flows from these acquired store locations; the Company’s ability to effectively operate its various supply chain, core merchandising and other information systems; its ability to improve its micro-merchandising capabilities through the implementation of new processes and systems enhancements; achieving and maintaining targeted levels of productivity and efficiency in its distribution centers; potential pressure on freight costs from higher-than-expected fuel surcharges; obtaining acceptable new store locations; competitive pressures in the apparel industry; changes in the level of consumer spending on or preferences for apparel or home-related merchandise, including the potential impact from higher gas prices on consumer spending; changes in geopolitical and general economic conditions; unseasonable weather trends; disruptions in supply chain; lower than planned gross margin, including higher than planned markdowns and higher than expected inventory shortage; greater than planned operating costs; the Company’s ability to continue to purchase attractive brand-name merchandise at desirable discounts; the Company’s ability to identify and successfully enter new geographic markets; and the Company’s ability to attract and retain personnel with the retail talent necessary to execute its strategies.  Other risk factors are detailed in the Company’s SEC filings including, without limitation, the Form 10-K for fiscal 2005 and the Form 10-Q’s and 8-K’s for fiscal 2006.  The factors underlying our forecasts are dynamic and subject to change.  As a result, our forecasts speak only as of the date they are given and do not necessarily reflect the Company’s outlook at any other point in time.  The Company does not undertake to update or revise these forward-looking statements.

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