UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
                          Washington, D.C.  20549
                                 FORM 10-Q


      (Mark one)
_X_   QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE
      SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
      For the quarterly period ended AUGUST 2, 1997

                                    OR

___   TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 or 15 (d) OF THE SECURITIES
      EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
      For the transition period from _______ to _______


                      Commission file number  0-14678


                             ROSS STORES, INC.
          (Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)


 Delaware                                              94-1390387
 (State or other jurisdiction of       (I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)
 incorporation or organization)        

         8333 Central Avenue,                           94560-3433
          Newark, California                            (Zip Code)
(Address of principal executive offices)

    Registrant's telephone number,                   
          including area code                       (510) 505-4400
                   
Former name, former address and former                      N/A
fiscal year, if changed since last report.

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports
required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act
of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the
registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to
such filing requirements for the past 90 days.   
Yes  X   No __

The number of shares of Common Stock, with $.01 par value, outstanding on
August 30, 1997 was 49,041,095.
                                     
 2
PART I.  FINANCIAL INFORMATION

ITEM 1. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS ROSS STORES, INC. CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS ($000) August 2, February 1, August 3, ASSETS 1997 1997 1996 (Unaudited) (Note A) (Unaudited) Current Assets Cash and cash equivalents $ 31,770 $ 44,777 $ 35,080 Accounts receivable 9,250 7,832 9,153 Merchandise inventory 427,114 373,689 357,778 Prepaid expenses and other 14,253 13,289 12,489 ________ ________ ________ Total Current Assets 482,387 439,587 414,500 Property and Equipment Land and buildings 24,115 24,115 24,115 Fixtures and equipment 180,521 164,980 155,084 Leasehold improvements 141,235 135,810 123,672 Construction-in-progress 10,196 23,798 20,035 ________ ________ ________ 356,067 348,703 322,906 Less accumulated depreciation and amortization 164,458 156,056 144,685 ________ ________ ________ 191,609 192,647 178,221 Deferred income taxes and other assets 30,191 27,244 22,473 ________ ________ ________ $704,187 $659,478 $615,194 LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY Current Liabilities Accounts payable $196,444 $184,101 $175,821 Accrued expenses and other 66,618 61,761 45,840 Accrued payroll and benefits 33,944 36,356 27,442 Income taxes payable 11,608 22,567 16,427 _______ _______ _______ Total Current Liabilities 308,614 304,785 265,530 Long-term debt 9,665 Deferred income taxes and other liabilities 29,592 25,850 24,905 Stockholders' Equity Capital stock 496 493 504 Additional paid-in capital 170,803 164,166 153,493 Retained earnings 194,682 164,184 161,097 ________ ________ ________ 365,981 328,843 315,094 ________ ________ ________ $704,187 $659,478 $615,194 See notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.
3 ROSS STORES, INC. CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF EARNINGS
Three Months Ended Six Months Ended ____________________ __________________ ($000 except per share data, unaudited) August 2, August 3, August 2, August 3, 1997 1996 1997 1996 Sales $490,679 $405,656 $933,520 $776,604 Costs and Expenses Cost of goods sold and occupancy 341,109 285,618 650,622 549,675 General, selling and administrative 95,556 81,762 182,220 157,982 Depreciation and amortization 7,635 7,164 14,910 14,425 Interest expense (income) (283) 31 (483) 215 _________ _________ _________ _________ 444,017 374,575 847,269 722,297 Earnings before taxes 46,662 31,081 86,251 54,307 Provision for taxes on earnings 18,664 12,432 34,500 21,723 _________ _________ _________ _________ Net earnings $ 27,998 $ 18,649 $ 51,751 $ 32,584 Net earnings per share: Primary $ .55 $ .36 $ 1.02 $ .63 Fully diluted $ .55 $ .36 $ 1.02 $ .63 Weighted average shares outstanding: Primary 50,851 51,858 50,666 51,612 Fully diluted 50,888 51,860 50,766 51,630 Stores open at end of period 318 299 See notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.
4 ROSS STORES, INC. CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
Six Months Ended ($000, unaudited) August 2, August 3, 1997 1996 Cash Flows From Operating Activities Net earnings $51,751 $ 32,584 Adjustments to reconcile net earnings to net cash provided by (used in) operating activities: Depreciation and amortization of property and equipment 14,910 14,425 Other amortization 4,060 3,100 Change in current assets and current liabilities: Merchandise inventory (53,425) (61,814) Other current assets - net (2,382) (570) Accounts payable 14,563 39,904 Other current liabilities - net (8,694) 12,727 Other 1,276 1,162 ________ ________ Net cash provided by operating activities 22,059 41,518 Cash Flows From Investing Activities Additions to property and equipment (19,202) (16,335) ________ ________ Net cash used in investing activities (19,202) (16,335) Cash Flows From Financing Activities Borrowing under line of credit agreement 4,600 Repayment of long-term debt (59) (170) Issuance of common stock related to stock plan 5,693 24,413 Repurchase of common stock (21,642) (34,252) Dividends paid (4,456) (3,520) ________ ________ Net cash used in financing activities (15,864) (13,529) ________ ________ Net Increase (Decrease) In Cash (13,007) 11,654 Cash Beginning of year 44,777 23,426 ________ ________ End of quarter $ 31,770 $ 35,080 Interest Paid $ 83 $ 570 Income Taxes Paid $ 45,671 $ 15,851 See notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.
5 ROSS STORES, INC. NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS Three and Six Months Ended August 2, 1997 and August 3, 1996 (Unaudited) NOTE A - BASIS OF PRESENTATION The accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements have been prepared from the records of the company without audit and, in the opinion of management, include all adjustments (consisting of only normal recurring accruals) necessary to present fairly the financial position at August 2, 1997 and August 3, 1996; the interim results of operations for the three and six months ended August 2, 1997 and August 3, 1996; and changes in cash flows for the six months then ended. The balance sheet at February 1, 1997, presented herein, has been derived from the audited financial statements of the company for the fiscal year then ended. Accounting policies followed by the company are described in Note A to the audited consolidated financial statements for the fiscal year ended February 1, 1997. Certain information and footnote disclosures normally included in financial statements prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles have been condensed or omitted for purposes of the condensed consolidated interim financial statements. The condensed consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the audited consolidated financial statements, including notes thereto, for the year ended February 1, 1997. The results of operations for the three and six month periods herein presented are not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected for the full year. The condensed consolidated financial statements at August 2, 1997 and August 3, 1996, and for the three and six months then ended have been reviewed, prior to filing, by the registrant's independent auditors whose report covering their review of the financial statements is included in this report on page 6. In February 1997, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 128, (SFAS 128), Earnings per Share (EPS). SFAS 128 requires dual presentation of basic EPS and diluted EPS on the face of all income statements issued after December 15, 1997 for all entities with complex capital structures. Basic EPS is computed as net income divided by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding for the period. Diluted EPS reflects the potential dilution that could occur from common shares issuable through stock options, warrants and other convertible securities. The pro forma effect assuming adoption of SFAS 128 at the beginning of each period is presented below. Three Months Ended Six Months Ended _______________________ ______________________ August 2, August 3, August 2, August 3, 1997 1996 1997 1996 Pro forma EPS: Basic $ .56 $ .37 $1.04 $ .65 Diluted $ .55 $ .36 $1.02 $ .63 6 INDEPENDENT AUDITORS' REPORT Board of Directors and Stockholders of Ross Stores, Inc. Newark, California We have reviewed the accompanying condensed consolidated balance sheets of Ross Stores, Inc. (the "Company") as of August 2, 1997 and August 3, 1996, and the related condensed consolidated statements of earnings for the three- month and six-month periods then ended and the related condensed consolidated statements of cash flows for the six-month periods then ended. These condensed consolidated financial statements are the responsibility of the Company's management. We conducted our reviews in accordance with standards established by the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants. A review of interim financial information consists principally of applying analytical procedures to financial data, and making inquiries of persons responsible for financial and accounting matters. It is substantially less in scope than an audit conducted in accordance with generally accepted auditing standards, the objective of which is the expression of an opinion regarding the financial statements taken as a whole. Accordingly, we do not express such an opinion. Based on our reviews, we are not aware of any material modifications that should be made to such condensed consolidated financial statements for them to be in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles. We have previously audited, in accordance with generally accepted auditing standards, the consolidated balance sheet of Ross Stores, Inc. as of February 1, 1997, and the related consolidated statements of earnings, stockholders' equity, and cash flows for the year then ended (not presented herein); and in our report dated dated March 7, 1997, we expressed an unqualified opinion on those consolidated financial statements. In our opinion, the information set forth in the accompanying condensed consolidated balance sheet as of February 1, 1997 is fairly stated, in all material respects, in relation to the consolidated balance sheet from which it has been derived. Deloitte & Touche LLP San Francisco, California August 22, 1997 7 ITEM 2. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS RESULTS OF OPERATIONS PERCENTAGE OF SALES
Three Months Ended Six Months Ended ___________________ ______________________ August 2, August 3, August 2, August 3, 1997 1996 1997 1996 SALES Sales ($000) $490,679 $405,656 $933,520 $776,604 Sales growth 21.0% 15.5% 20.2% 19.7% Comparable store sales growth 12 % 9 % 12 % 11 % COSTS AND EXPENSES Cost of goods sold and occupancy 69.5% 70.4% 69.7% 70.8% General, selling and administrative 19.5% 20.2% 19.5% 20.3% Depreciation and amortization 1.6% 1.8% 1.6% 1.9% Interest (0.1)% 0.0% (0.1)% 0.0% NET EARNINGS 5.7% 4.6% 5.5% 4.2%
Sales The results of operations for the three and six months ended August 2, 1997, over the same period last year, reflect an increase in comparable store sales and a greater number of open stores during the current period. Costs and Expenses The decline from the prior year in the cost of goods sold and occupancy as a percentage of sales for the three and six month periods was primarily due to (i) leverage on occupancy costs; (ii) lower markdowns as a percentage of sales; and (iii) a modest increase in the initial mark-up from purchasing more opportunistically. General, selling and administrative expenses as a percentage of sales also declined from the comparable quarter in the prior year. This improvement was due to the company's continued focus on strict expense controls combined with leverage on both store and advertising expenses realized from the strong comparable store sales gain of 12%, partially offset by higher expenses related to the company's incentive plan and slightly higher distribution costs. Net earnings for the three months ended August 2, 1997, totaled $28.0 million, or $.55 per share, compared to net earnings of $18.6 million, or $.36 per share, for the three months ended August 3, 1996. 8 Taxes on Earnings The company's effective tax rate for the second quarter of 1997 and 1996 was 40%. The rate for both periods reflects the applicable statutory tax rates. LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES The primary uses of cash, other than for operating expenses, during the first six months of fiscal 1997 were for (i) purchase of inventory, (ii) repurchase of the company's common stock, and (iii) capital expenditures for new stores, improvements to existing locations and improvements in operating systems. Total consolidated inventories were up 19% at the end of the second quarter from the same quarter last year driven by (i) a planned increase in packaway inventories and (ii) a larger number of open stores over the prior year. The decline in interest expense reflects the decline in borrowings which resulted primarily from higher earnings levels combined with lower capital spending and a temporary slowdown in stock repurchase activity during the second quarter of 1997. On June 30, 1997, the company allowed its $60 million revolving term facility to expire to re-negotiate a new revolving credit facility for $160 million plus a separate $30 million letter of credit facility (the "Facilities"). The closing on the Facilities is expected to be in mid- September 1997. The company believes it can fund its capital needs for the remainder of the fiscal year and complete the current stock repurchase program through internally generated cash, trade credit, established bank lines and lease financing. PART II. OTHER INFORMATION ITEM 4. SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS At the Annual Meeting of Stockholders held on July 16, 1997 (the "1997 Annual Meeting"), the stockholders of the company voted on and approved the following proposals: Proposal 1 to reelect two Class II Directors for a three-year term. Proposal 2 to ratify the appointment of Deloitte & Touche LLP as the company's certified public accountants for the fiscal year ending January 31, 1998. INFORMATION ON THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS The following are the company's directors who were not up for reelection and whose terms of office continue after the 1997 Annual Meeting: Incumbent Class I Directors whose terms expire in 1999: Stuart G. Moldaw, Donald H. Seiler and George P. Orban Incumbent Class III Directors whose terms expire in 1998: Norman A. Ferber, Philip Schlein and Melvin A. Wilmore 9 Nominees reelected at the 1997 Annual Meeting as the company's Class II Directors whose terms expire in 2000: Michael Balmuth and Donna L. Weaver 1997 ANNUAL MEETING ELECTION RESULTS PROPOSAL 1: ELECTION OF DIRECTORS BROKER DIRECTOR IN FAVOR WITHHELD NON-VOTES Michael Balmuth 45,351,750 661,243 n/a Donna L. Weaver 45,377,914 635,079 n/a PROPOSAL 2: RATIFICATION OF APPOINTMENT OF INDEPENDENT CERTIFIED PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS BROKER FOR AGAINST ABSTAIN NON-VOTES Appointment of 45,813,987 7,077 191,929 n/a Deloitte & Touch LLP ITEM 6. EXHIBITS AND REPORTS ON FORM 8-K (a) Exhibits Incorporated herein by reference to the list of Exhibits contained in the Exhibit Index which begins on page 11 of this Report. (b) Reports on Form 8-K None. 10 SIGNATURES Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized. ROSS STORES, INC. ___________________________________ Registrant Date: September 15, 1997 /s/John G. Call John G. Call, Senior Vice President, Chief Financial Officer, Corporate Secretary and Principal Accounting Officer 11 INDEX TO EXHIBITS Exhibit Number Exhibit 3.1 Certificate of Incorporation, as amended, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to the Registration Statement on Form 8-B (the "Form 8-B") filed September 1, 1989 by Ross Stores, Inc., a Delaware corporation ("Ross Stores"). 3.2 Amended By-laws, dated August 25, 1994, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.2 to the Form 10-Q filed by Ross Stores for its quarter ended July 30, 1994. 10.1 Agreement of Lease, dated November 24, 1986, for Ross Stores' corporate headquarters and distribution center in Newark, CA, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.5 to the Form 8-B. 10.2 Revolving Credit Agreement, dated July 31, 1993, among Ross Stores, Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, Bank of America, National Trust and Savings Association, and Security Pacific National Bank ("Banks"); and Wells Fargo Bank, National Association ("Wells Fargo"), as agent for Banks, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.17 on the Form 10-Q filed by Ross Stores for its quarter ended July 31, 1993. 10.3 First Amendment to Revolving Credit Agreement, effective on July 31, 1994, by and among Ross Stores, Banks and Wells Fargo, as agent for Banks, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.5 to the Form 10-Q filed by Ross Stores for its quarter ended July 30, 1994. 10.4 Second Amendment to Revolving Credit Agreement, effective on June 15, 1995, by and among Ross Stores, Banks and Wells Fargo, as agent for Banks, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.4 to the Form 10-Q filed by Ross Stores for its quarter ended July 29, 1995. 10.5 Third Amendment to Revolving Credit Agreement, effective on December 2, 1996, by and among Ross Stores, Banks and Wells Fargo, as agent for Banks, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.5 to the Form 10-K405 filed by Ross Stores for its fiscal year ended February 1, 1997. 10.6 Credit Agreement, dated as of June 22, 1994, among Ross Stores, Bank of America National Trust and Savings Association as Agent, the Industrial Bank of Japan as Co-Agent and the other financial institutions party thereto, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.6 to the Form 10-Q filed by Ross Stores for its quarter ended July 30, 1994. 10.7 First Amendment to Credit Agreement, dated as of June 20, 1995, among Ross Stores, Bank of America National Trust and Savings Association as Agent, the Industrial Bank of Japan as Co-Agent, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.6 to the Form 10-Q filed by Ross Stores for its quarter ended July 29, 1995. 10.8 Second Amendment to Credit Agreement, dated as of June 12, 1996, Ross Stores, Bank of America National Trust and Savings Association as Agent, the Industrial Bank of Japan as Co- Agent, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.7 to the Form 10-Q filed by Ross Stores for its quarter ended August 3, 1996. MANAGEMENT CONTRACTS AND COMPENSATORY PLANS (EXHIBITS 10.9 - 10.36) Exhibit Number Exhibit 10.9 Amended and Restated 1992 Stock Option Plan, incorporated by reference to the appendix to the Proxy Statement filed by Ross Stores on April 24, 1995 for its Annual Stockholders Meeting held May 25, 1995 ("1995 Proxy Statement"). 10.10 Third Amended and Restated Ross Stores Employee Stock Purchase Plan, incorporated by reference to the appendix to the 1995 Proxy Statement. 10.11 Third Amended and Restated Ross Stores 1988 Restricted Stock Plan, incorporated by reference to the appendix to the Proxy Statement filed by Ross Stores on April 24, 1996 for its Annual Stockholders Meeting held May 30, 1996 ("1996 Proxy Statement"). 10.12 1991 Outside Directors Stock Option Plan, incorporated by reference to the appendix to the 1996 Proxy Statement. 10.13 Ross Stores Executive Medical Plan, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.13 to the 1993 Form 10-K filed by Ross Stores for its year ended January 29, 1994 ("1993 Form 10-K"). 10.14 Third Amended and Restated Ross Stores Executive Supplemental Retirement Plan, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.14 to the 1993 Form 10-K. 10.15 Ross Stores Non-Qualified Deferred Compensation Plan, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.15 to the 1993 Form 10-K. 10.16 Ross Stores Incentive Compensation Plan, incorporated by reference to the appendix to the 1996 Proxy Statement. 10.17 Amended and Restated Employment Agreement between Ross Stores and Norman A. Ferber, effective as of June 1, 1995, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.17 to the Form 10-Q filed by Ross Stores for its quarter ended October 28, 1995. 10.18 Amendment to Amended and Restated Employment Agreement between Ross Stores and Norman A. Ferber, entered into July 29, 1996, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.17 to the Form 10-Q filed by Ross Stores for its quarter ended August 3, 1996. 10.19 Amendment to Amended Restated Employment Agreement between Ross Stores and Norman A. Ferber, effective as of March 20, 1997, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.19 to the Form 10-Q filed by Ross Stores for its quarter ended May 3, 1997. 10.20 Third Amendment to Amended and Restated Employment Agreement between Ross Stores and Norman A. Ferber, effective as of April 15, 1997, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.20 to the Form 10-Q filed by Ross Stores for its quarter ended May 3, 1997. 13 Exhibit Number Exhibit 10.21 Employment Agreement between Ross Stores and Melvin A. Wilmore, effective as of March 15, 1994, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.20 to the Form 10-Q filed by Ross Stores for its quarter ended April 30, 1994. 10.22 Amendment to Employment and Stock Grant Agreements by and between Ross Stores and Melvin A. Wilmore, effective as of March 16, 1995, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.20 to the Form 10-Q filed by Ross Stores for its quarter ended October 28, 1995. 10.23 Second Amendment to Employment Agreement by and between Ross Stores and Melvin A. Wilmore, effective as of June 1, 1995, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.21 to the Form 10-Q filed by Ross Stores for its quarter ended October 28, 1995. 10.24 Third Amendment to Employment Agreement by and between Ross Stores and Melvin A. Wilmore, entered into July 29, 1996, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.22 to the Form 10-Q filed by Ross Stores for its quarter ended August 3, 1996. 10.25 Fourth Amendment to Employment Agreement by and between Ross Stores and Melvin A. Wilmore, entered into May 19, 1997. 10.26 Employment Agreement between Ross Stores and Michael Balmuth, effective as of February 1, 1995, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.15 to the Form 10-Q filed by Ross Stores for its quarter ended April 29, 1995. 10.27 Amendment to Employment Agreement between Ross Stores and Michael Balmuth, effective as of June 1, 1995, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.24 to the Form 10-Q filed by Ross Stores for its quarter ended October 28, 1995. 10.28 Second Amendment to Employment Agreement between Ross Stores and Michael Balmuth, entered into July 29, 1996, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.26 to the Form 10-Q filed by Ross Stores for its quarter ended August 3, 1996. 10.29 Third Amendment to Employment Agreement between Ross Stores and Michael Balmuth, entered into May 19, 1997. 10.30 Employment Agreement between Ross Stores and Barry S. Gluck, effective as of March 1, 1996, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.23 to the Form 10-Q filed by Ross Stores for its quarter ended May 4, 1996. 10.31 First Amendment to Employment Agreement between Ross Stores and Barry S. Gluck, dated September 1, 1996, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.28 to the Form 10-Q filed by Ross Stores for its quarter ended October 2, 1996. 10.32 Employment Agreement between Ross Stores and Irene A. Jamieson, effective as of March 1, 1996, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.24 to the Form 10-Q filed by Ross Stores for its quarter ended May 4, 1996. 14 Exhibit Number Exhibit 10.33 First Amendment to Employment Agreement between Ross Stores and Irene A. Jamieson, dated September 1, 1996, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.30 to the Form 10-Q filed by Ross Stores for its quarter ended October 2, 1996. 10.34 Employment Agreement between Ross Stores and Barbara Levy, effective as of March 1, 1996, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.25 to the Form 10-Q filed by Ross Stores for its quarter ended May 4, 1996. 10.35 First Amendment to Employment Agreement between Ross Stores and Barbara Levy, dated September 1, 1996, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.32 to the Form 10-Q filed by Ross Stores for its quarter ended October 2, 1996. 10.36 Consulting Agreement between Ross Stores and Stuart G. Moldaw, effective as of April 1, 1997, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.34 to the Form 10-Q filed by Ross Stores for its quarter ended May 3, 1997. 11 Statement re: Computation of Per Share Earnings. 15 Letter re: Unaudited Interim Financial Information. 27 Financial Data Schedules (submitted for SEC use only).



            FOURTH AMENDMENT TO EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT



          THIS FOURTH AMENDMENT TO EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT (the
"Amendment") is made and entered into this 19th day of May, 1997,
by and between ROSS STORES, INC. (the "Company") and Melvin A.
Wilmore (the "Executive").

          A.   The Company and the Executive have previously
entered into an Employment Agreement as of March 15, 1994, as
amended (the "Agreement").

          B.   It is now the intention of the Company and the
Executive to further amend the Agreement.

          1.   Accordingly, the Company and the Executive hereby
amend the Agreement to add the following to the end of
paragraph 4(a):

               "In the event of the occurrence of a Change of
               Control (as defined in paragraph 7(f) hereof),
               then during the period commencing on the effective
               date of the Change of Control and expiring two
               years thereafter (the "Remaining Term"), the
               Executive shall receive as additional salary the
               aggregate amount of $1,500,000 per year (the
               "Additional Salary") which shall be payable in
               equal installments during the Remaining Term in
               accordance with the Company's normal payroll
               policies applicable for senior officers.  The
               provisions of Section 1 ("Term") of the Agreement,
               notwithstanding the Executive's employment by the
               Company under this Agreement shall continue until
               the later of (a) the expiration of the Remaining
               Term and (b) the expiration of any extension
               pursuant to Section 1.  If any portion of the
               Additional Salary is subject to the tax ("Excise
               Tax") imposed by Section 4999 of the Internal
               Revenue Code, the Company shall reimburse the
               Executive in such amounts so that, after deduction
               of any Excise Taxes paid by the Executive and any
               federal, state or local income tax and Excise
               Taxes paid as a result of such reimbursements, the
               net amounts retained by the Executive are equal to
               the Additional Salary.  For all purposes of
               Section 9 hereof ("Compensation and Benefits Upon
               Termination"), the Additional Salary shall be
               included within the term "salary" as used in such
               Section.  The Executive's entitlement to this
               Additional Salary is expressly conditional upon
               the Executive's compliance with the terms of this
               Agreement."

 2
          2.   Except as modified by this Amendment, the
Agreement shall remain in full force and effect.

          IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have executed this
Fourth Amendment to Employment Agreement as of the date and year
first above written.


ROSS STORES, INC.                            EXECUTIVE


By:  /s/G. Orban                             /s/M. Wilmore
Its: Chairman, Compensation Committee        Melvin A. Wilmore



             THIRD AMENDMENT TO EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT



          THIS THIRD AMENDMENT TO EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT (the
"Amendment") is made and entered into this 19th day of May, 1997,
by and between ROSS STORES, INC. (the "Company") and Michael
Balmuth (the "Executive").

          A.   The Company and the Executive have previously
entered into an Employment Agreement as of February 1, 1995, as
amended (the "Agreement").

          B.   It is now the intention of the Company and the
Executive to further amend the Agreement.

          1.   Accordingly, the Company and the Executive hereby
amend the Agreement to add the following to the end of
paragraph 4(a):

               "In the event of the occurrence of a Change of
               Control (as defined in paragraph 7(f) hereof),
               then during the period commencing on the effective
               date of the Change of Control and expiring two
               years thereafter (the "Remaining Term"), the
               Executive shall receive as additional salary the
               aggregate amount of $1,500,000 per year (the
               "Additional Salary") which shall be payable in
               equal installments during the Remaining Term in
               accordance with the Company's normal payroll
               policies applicable for senior officers.  The
               provisions of Section 1 ("Term") of the Agreement,
               notwithstanding the Executive's employment by the
               Company under this Agreement shall continue until
               the later of (a) the expiration of the Remaining
               Term and (b) the expiration of any extension
               pursuant to Section 1.  If any portion of the
               Additional Salary is subject to the tax ("Excise
               Tax") imposed by Section 4999 of the Internal
               Revenue Code, the Company shall reimburse the
               Executive in such amounts so that, after deduction
               of any Excise Taxes paid by the Executive and any
               federal, state or local income tax and Excise
               Taxes paid as a result of such reimbursements, the
               net amounts retained by the Executive are equal to
               the Additional Salary.  For all purposes of
               Section 9 hereof ("Compensation and Benefits Upon
               Termination"), the Additional Salary shall be
               included within the term "salary" as used in such
               Section.  The Executive's entitlement to this
               Additional Salary is expressly conditional upon
               the Executive's compliance with the terms of this
               Agreement."

 2
          2.   Except as modified by this Amendment, the
Agreement shall remain in full force and effect.

          IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have executed this
Third Amendment to Employment Agreement as of the date and year
first above written.


ROSS STORES, INC.                       EXECUTIVE


By:  /s/G. Orban                        /s/Michael Balmuth
Its: Chairman, Compensation Committee   Michael Balmuth

EXHIBIT 11


                                ROSS STORES, INC.
                    ________________________________________
                                        
                STATEMENT RE:  COMPUTATION OF EARNINGS PER SHARE
                (Amounts in thousands, except per share amounts)

Three Months Ended ______________________________________ August 2, 1997 August 3, 1996 Fully Fully Primary Diluted Primary Diluted _______________________________________ Net earnings $27,998 $27,998 $18,649 $18,649 ======= ======= ======= ======= Weighted average shares outstanding: Common shares 49,791 49,791 50,594 50,594 Common equivalent shares: Stock options 1,060 1,097 1,264 1,266 _____ _____ _____ _____ Weighted average common and common equivalent shares outstanding 50,851 50,888 51,858 51,860 ====== ====== ====== ====== Earnings per common and common $ .55 $ .55 $.36 $.36 equivalent share
Six Months Ended ______________________________________ August 2, 1997 August 3, 1996 Fully Fully Primary Diluted Primary Diluted ______________________________________ Net earnings $ 51,751 $ 51,751 $ 32,584 $ 32,584 ======== ======== ======== ======== Weighted average shares outstanding: Common shares 49,595 49,594 50,326 50,326 Common equivalent shares: Stock options 1,071 1,172 1,286 1,304 _____ _____ _____ _____ Weighted average common and common equivalent shares outstanding 50,666 50,766 51,612 51,630 ====== ====== ====== ====== Earnings per common and common equivalent share $1.02 $1.02 $ .63 $ .63 ===== ===== ===== =====

EXHIBIT 15





September 11, 1997


Ross Stores, Inc.
Newark, California

We have made a review, in accordance with standards established
by the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants, of the
unaudited interim condensed consolidated financial statements of
Ross Stores, Inc. for the three-month and six-month periods ended
August 2, 1997 and August 3, 1996, as indicated in our
independent accountants' report dated August 21, 1997; because we
did not perform an audit, we expressed no opinion on that
information.

We are aware that our report referred to above, which is included
in your Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended
August 2, 1997 is incorporated by reference in Registration
Statements Nos. 333-06119, 33-61373, 33-51916, 33-51896, 33-
51898, 33-41415, 33-41413 and 33-29600 of Ross Stores, Inc. on
Form S-8.

We are also aware that the aforementioned report, pursuant to
Rule 436(c) under the Securities Act of 1933, is not considered a
part of the Registration Statement prepared or certified by an
accountant or a report prepared or certified by an accountant
within the meaning of Sections 7 and 11 of that Act.

Yours truly,

Deloitte & Touche LLP
San Francisco, California




 

5 THIS SCHEDULE CONTAINS SUMMARY FINANCIAL INFORMATION EXTRACTED FROM THE CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS AND STATEMENTS OF EARNINGS FOR THE THREE AND SIX MONTHS ENDED AUGUST 2, 1997 AND IS QUALIFIED IN ITS ENTIRETY BY REFERENCE TO SUCH FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 0000745732 ROSS STORES, INC. 1,000 6-MOS JAN-31-1997 MAY-04-1997 AUG-02-1997 31,770 0 9,250 0 427,114 482,387 356,067 164,458 704,187 308,614 0 0 0 496 0 704,187 490,679 490,679 341,109 444,017 0 0 (283) 46,662 18,664 27,998 0 0 0 27,998 .55 .55