NEWARK, Calif., Jun 5, 2003 /PRNewswire-FirstCall via COMTEX/ -- Ross Stores, Inc. (Nasdaq: ROST) today reported sales of $296 million for the four weeks ended May 31, 2003, a 10% increase above the $268 million in sales for the four weeks ended June 1, 2002. Comparable store sales for the month were flat to the prior year, in line with the Company's expectations. These results were on top of a 10% increase in same store sales during May 2002.

For the four months ended May 31, 2003, sales were $1.175 billion, an 8% increase above the $1.088 billion in sales for the prior year's comparable period ended June 1, 2002. Comparable store sales for the four month period fell 2% vs. a 10% increase in the prior year.

Additional recorded information concerning today's press release and the Company's future outlook for the second quarter and fiscal year can be accessed by calling 402-220-5900, PIN #2363, from 8:30 a.m. eastern time on June 5, 2003 through 8:00 p.m. eastern time on June 6, 2003. 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 538 stores in operation at May 31, 2003, compared to 476 stores at the end of the same period last year. Additional information on the Company is available at www.rossstores.com.

SOURCE Ross Stores, Inc.

John G. 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.

http://www.rossstores.com