Newark, California, March 8, 2001 -- Ross Stores, Inc. (ROST) today reported sales of $181 million for the four week period ended March 3, 2001, a 3% increase above the $176 million for the four weeks ended March 4, 2000. Comparable store sales for the four week period declined 4% on a day-for-day basis vs. an 8% increase for the four weeks ended February 26, 2000.

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 8, 2001 through 8:00 p.m. eastern time on March 9, 2001. 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 409 stores at March 3, 2001, compared to 378 stores at February 26, 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./