NEWARK, Calif., May 15 /PRNewswire/ -- Ross Stores, Inc. (Nasdaq: ROST) announced today the launch of its new website located at www.rossstores.com. The site features a wide array of information for a variety of audiences

• customers, job-seekers, investors and media. To encourage increased visits to Ross locations, the site allows customers to view the different merchandise categories available at Ross, get gift suggestions and shopping tips, access an easy-to-use store locator and sign up for e-mail notification of new shopping information. For the job seeker, a new job opportunity section simplifies the recruitment process.

For investors and others interested in the company's financial performance, there is an "About Ross" portion of the site dedicated to this information. The new 1999 Annual Report can be accessed along with SEC filings, press releases, current stock price and stock graphs, a list of analysts who follow the company, and financial data and ratios. A web cast on the press release page of all earnings release conference calls will also be featured. First quarter earnings for fiscal 2000 will be reported on Wednesday, May 17th, with a conference call and webcast at 11:00 a.m. EDT.

Michael Balmuth, Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, commented, "We believe our new web site is an important communication tool that provides us with a new avenue to reach audiences directly with a strong message about the great values available everyday at Ross 'Dress For Less'. It also is expected to be a valuable resource for keeping us in tune with customer wants and needs." 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./

CONTACT: Katie Loughnot, Director, Investor Relations of Ross Stores, Inc., 510-505-4509, or katie.loughnot@ros.com/