NEWARK, Calif., April 6 /PRNewswire/ -- Ross Stores, Inc. (Nasdaq: ROST) today reported sales of $254 million for the five weeks ended April 1, 2000, an 11% increase above the $228 million in sales for the five weeks ended April 3, 1999. Comparable store sales for the month increased 3% over the prior year.

For the nine weeks ended April 1, 2000, sales totaled $423 million, a 13% increase above the $374 million in sales for the nine weeks ended April 3, 1999. Comparable store sales for the two months increased 5% over the prior year.

In commenting on business, Michael Balmuth, Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, stated, "March business was affected by a calendar change this year, with Easter falling on the fourth Sunday in April in 2000 vs. the first Sunday of April in 1999, pushing all of our pre-Easter business from March last year into April this year. In light of this calendar shift, we are very pleased with our solid 3% increase during the month."

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 385 stores in operation at April 6, 2000, compared to 355 stores at the end of the same period last year.

SOURCE Ross Stores, Inc.

NOTE TO EDITORS: Ross Stores, Inc. press releases are available at no charge through the company's home page on the internet at www.rossstores.com. Additional recorded information concerning the company's business can be accessed by calling 719-457-0820, passcode #883427, from 8:30 a.m. EDT on April 6, 2000 through 8:00 p.m. EDT on April 7, 2000.

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