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\par\pard\plain\fs16\par\pard\plain\cf1\f51\fs24\b\qc UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
\par\pard\plain\fs16\pard\plain\cf1\f51\fs16\b\qc Washington, D.C. 20549
\par\pard\plain\fs16\pard\plain\cf1\f51\fs16\b\qc _______________
\par\pard\plain\fs16
\par\pard\plain\fs16\pard\plain\cf1\f51\fs28\b\qc Form 8-K\par\pard\plain\cf1\f51\fs20\ql \~\par\pard\plain\cf1\f51\fs16\b\qc CURRENT REPORT
\par\pard\plain\fs16\pard\plain\cf1\f51\fs16\b\qc PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934\par\pard\plain\cf1\f51\fs20\ql \~\par\pard\plain\cf1\f51\fs16\qc Date of report (date of earliest event reported):
\par\pard\plain\fs16\pard\plain\cf1\f51\fs16\b\qc February 4, 2010\par\pard\plain\cf1\f51\fs20\ql \~\par\pard\plain\cf1\f51\fs16\b\qc ROSS STORES, INC.
\par\pard\plain\fs16\pard\plain\cf1\f51\fs16\qc (Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)\par\pard\plain\cf1\f51\fs20\ql \~
\par\pard\plain
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\pard\plain\intbl\cf1\f51\fs16\b\qc Delaware\cell\pard\plain\intbl\cf1\f51\fs16\b\qc 0-14678\cell\pard\plain\intbl\cf1\f51\fs16\b\qc 94-1390387\cell{
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{\trowd\clvertalb\cellx3492\clvertalb\cellx7092\clvertalb\cellx10800\trrh206
\pard\plain\intbl\cf1\f51\fs16\qc (State or other jurisdiction of\cell\pard\plain\intbl\cf1\f51\fs16\qc (Commission File No.)\cell\pard\plain\intbl\cf1\f51\fs16\qc (I.R.S. Employer Identification\cell{
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\pard\plain\intbl\cf1\f51\fs16\qc incorporation)\cell\pard\plain\intbl\cf1\f51\fs20\qc \~\cell\pard\plain\intbl\cf1\f51\fs16\qc No.)\cell{
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\par\pard\plain\fs16\pard\plain\cf1\f51\fs16\b\qc 4440 Rosewood Drive, Pleasanton, California 94588-3050\par\pard\plain\cf1\f51\fs16\qc (Address of principal executive offices)\par\pard\plain\cf1\f51\fs20\ql \~\par\pard\plain\cf1\f51\fs16\qc Registrant\u8217?s telephone number, including area code:\par\pard\plain\cf1\f51\fs16\b\qc (925) 965-4400\par\pard\plain\cf1\f51\fs20\ql \~\par\pard\plain\cf1\f51\fs16\ql Check the appropriate box below if the Form 8-K filing is intended to simultaneously satisfy the filing obligation of the registrant under any of the\plain\cf1\f51\fs16\ql  following provisions (see General Instruction A.2. below):\par\pard\plain\cf1\f51\fs20\ql \~
\par\pard\plain
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\pard\plain\intbl\cf1\f51\fs16\ql [\~\~ ] Written communications pursuant to Rule 425 under the Securities Act (17 CFR 230.425)\cell{
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\pard\plain\intbl\cf1\f51\fs16\ql [\~\~ ] Soliciting material pursuant to Rule 14a-12 under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14a-12)\cell{
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\pard\plain\intbl\cf1\f51\fs16\ql [\~\~ ] Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 14d-2(b) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14d-2(b))\cell{
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\pard\plain\intbl\cf1\f51\fs16\ql [\~\~ ] Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 13e-4(c) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.13e-4(c))\cell{
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\par\pard\plain\fs16
\par\pard\plain\fs16
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\pard\plain\intbl\cf1\f51\fs16\b\ql ROSS STORES, INC.\cell\pard\plain\intbl\cf1\f51\fs16\ql 4440 Rosewood Drive, Pleasanton, California 94588-3050\cell\pard\plain\intbl\cf1\f51\fs16\qc \~\~ (925) 965-4400\cell{
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\par\pard\plain\fs16\pard\plain\f0\fs4\par\pard\plain\f0\fs2\brdrt\brdrs\brdrw15\brdrcf2\brdrsp0\par\pard\plain\f0\fs4\par
\page{\*\bkmkstart PN}{\*\bkmkend PN}
\par\pard\plain\fs16{\*\bkmkstart part_1_2_1}{\*\bkmkend part_1_2_1}{\*\bkmkstart item_1_30_1}{\*\bkmkend item_1_30_1}\pard\plain\cf1\f51\fs16\b\qj Item 2.02 Results of Operations and Financial Condition.\par\pard\plain\cf1\f51\fs20\ql \~\par\pard\plain\cf1\f51\fs16\qj On February 4, 2010, the Company issued a press release regarding the Company\u8217?s sales results and estimated earnings for its fourth fiscal quarter\plain\cf1\f51\fs16\qj  and fiscal year ended January 30, 2010. The full text of the Company\u8217?s press release is attached hereto as Exhibit 99.1.\par\pard\plain\cf1\f51\fs20\ql \~{\*\bkmkstart part_1_2_2}{\*\bkmkend part_1_2_2}{\*\bkmkstart item_1_47_1}{\*\bkmkend item_1_47_1}\par\pard\plain\cf1\f51\fs16\b\qj Item 9.01 Financial Statements and Exhibits.\par\pard\plain\cf1\f51\fs20\ql \~\par\pard\plain\cf1\f51\fs20\qj \~\~\~\~\plain\cf1\f51\fs16\b\qj  (c) Exhibits.\par\pard\plain\cf1\f51\fs20\ql \~
\par\pard\plain
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\pard\plain\intbl\cf1\f51\fs16\ql Exhibit No.\cell\pard\plain\intbl\cf1\f51\fs20\ql \~\~\~\~ \~\cell\pard\plain\intbl\cf1\f51\fs16\ql Description\cell{
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\pard\plain\intbl\cf1\f51\fs16\ql 99.1\cell\pard\plain\intbl\f0\fs16\ql \~\cell\pard\plain\intbl\cf1\f51\fs16\ql February 4, 2010 Press Release by Ross Stores, Inc.*\cell{
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\par\pard\plain\fs16\pard\plain\cf1\f51\fs16\qj *Pursuant to Item 2.02 of Form 8-K, Exhibit 99.1 shall not be deemed \u8220?filed\u8221? for purposes of Section 18 of the Securities Act of 1934, nor\plain\cf1\f51\fs16\qj  shall it be deemed incorporated by reference in any filing under the Securities Act of 1933, except as shall be expressly set forth by specific reference in\plain\cf1\f51\fs16\qj  such filing.\par\pard\plain\cf1\f51\fs20\ql \~{\*\bkmkstart part_1_2_3}{\*\bkmkend part_1_2_3}\par\pard\plain\cf1\f51\fs16\b\qc SIGNATURES\par\pard\plain\cf1\f51\fs20\ql \~\par\pard\plain\cf1\f51\fs16\qj Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the\plain\cf1\f51\fs16\qj  undersigned hereunto duly authorized.\par\pard\plain\cf1\f51\fs20\ql \~\par\pard\plain\cf1\f51\fs16\qj Date:\~\~\~ February 4, 2010\par\pard\plain\cf1\f51\fs20\ql \~
\par\pard\plain
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\pard\plain\intbl\f0\fs16\ql \~\cell\pard\plain\intbl\cf1\f51\fs16\b\ql ROSS STORES, INC.\cell{
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\pard\plain\intbl\f0\fs16\ql \~\cell\pard\plain\intbl\cf1\f51\fs16\ql Registrant\cell{
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\pard\plain\intbl\f0\fs16\ql \~\cell\pard\plain\intbl\cf1\f51\fs16\ql By:\~\~\~\~\cell\pard\plain\intbl\cf1\f51\fs16\ql /s/J. Call\cell{
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\pard\plain\intbl\f0\fs16\ql \~\cell\pard\plain\intbl\f0\fs16\ql \~\cell\pard\plain\intbl\cf1\f51\fs16\ql John G. Call\cell{
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\pard\plain\intbl\f0\fs16\ql \~\cell\pard\plain\intbl\f0\fs16\ql \~\cell\pard\plain\intbl\cf1\f51\fs16\ql Senior Vice President, Chief Financial Officer, and\cell{
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\pard\plain\intbl\f0\fs16\ql \~\cell\pard\plain\intbl\f0\fs16\ql \~\cell\pard\plain\intbl\cf1\f51\fs16\ql Principal Accounting Officer\cell{
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\par\pard\plain\fs16\pard\plain\cf1\f51\fs16\qr 2\par\pard\plain\cf1\f51\fs20\ql \~\par\pard\plain\f0\fs4\par\pard\plain\f0\fs2\brdrt\brdrs\brdrw15\brdrcf2\brdrsp0\par\pard\plain\f0\fs4\par
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\par\pard\plain\fs16\par\pard\plain\cf1\f51\fs16\b\qr Exhibit 99.1\par\pard\plain\cf1\f51\fs20\ql \~
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\cell\pard\plain\intbl\cf1\f51\fs20\ql \~\cell{
{\trowd\clvertalc\cellx2160\clbrdrb\brdrs\brdrcf1\clvertalc\cellx10800\trrh1350\row}}}\pard\plain\cf1\f51\fs20\ql \~\par\pard\plain\cf1\f51\fs20\b\qc FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE\par\pard\plain\cf1\f51\fs20\ql \~
\par\pard\plain
{\trowd\clvertalb\cellx1053\clvertalb\cellx1492\clvertalb\cellx5848\clvertalb\cellx6288\clvertalb\cellx10797\trrh248
\pard\plain\intbl\cf1\f51\fs16\b\ql Contact:\cell\pard\plain\intbl\cf1\f51\fs20\ql \~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~\cell\pard\plain\intbl\cf1\f51\fs16\ql John G. Call\cell\pard\plain\intbl\cf1\f51\fs20\ql \~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~\cell\pard\plain\intbl\cf1\f51\fs16\ql Bobbi Chaville\cell{
{\trowd\clvertalb\cellx1053\clvertalb\cellx1492\clvertalb\cellx5848\clvertalb\cellx6288\clvertalb\cellx10797\trrh248\row}}}
{\trowd\clvertalb\cellx1053\clvertalb\cellx1492\clvertalb\cellx5848\clvertalb\cellx6288\clvertalb\cellx10797\trrh248
\pard\plain\intbl\cf1\f51\fs20\ql \~\cell\pard\plain\intbl\cf1\f51\fs20\ql \~\cell\pard\plain\intbl\cf1\f51\fs16\ql Senior Vice President,\cell\pard\plain\intbl\f0\fs16\ql \~\cell\pard\plain\intbl\cf1\f51\fs16\ql Senior Director, Investor Relations\cell{
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\pard\plain\intbl\cf1\f51\fs20\ql \~\cell\pard\plain\intbl\f0\fs16\ql \~\cell\pard\plain\intbl\cf1\f51\fs16\ql Chief Financial Officer\cell\pard\plain\intbl\cf1\f51\fs20\qr \~\cell\pard\plain\intbl\cf1\f51\fs16\ql (925) 965-4289\cell{
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\pard\plain\intbl\cf1\f51\fs20\ql \~\cell\pard\plain\intbl\cf1\f51\fs20\qr \~\cell\pard\plain\intbl\cf1\f51\fs16\ql (925) 965-4315\cell\pard\plain\intbl\f0\fs16\ql \~\cell\pard\plain\intbl\cf1\f51\fs16\ql Email: bobbi.chaville@ros.com\cell{
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\par\pard\plain\fs16\pard\plain\cf1\f51\fs16\b\qc ROSS STORES REPORTS JANUARY 2010 SAME STORE SALES GAIN OF 8%\par\pard\plain\cf1\f51\fs20\ql \~\par\pard\plain\cf1\f51\fs16\b\i\qc ANNOUNCES NEW $750 MILLION STOCK REPURCHASE PROGRAM
\par\pard\plain\fs16\pard\plain\cf1\f51\fs16\b\i\qc AND 45% INCREASE IN QUARTERLY DIVIDEND\par\pard\plain\cf1\f51\fs20\ql \~\par\pard\plain\cf1\f51\fs16\b\i\qc UPDATES EPS ESTIMATE FOR 2009 FOURTH QUARTER
\par\pard\plain\fs16\pard\plain\cf1\f51\fs16\b\i\qc PROVIDES 2010 FISCAL YEAR GUIDANCE\par\pard\plain\cf1\f51\fs20\ql \~\par\pard\plain\cf1\f51\fs20\qj \~\~\~\~\~\plain\cf1\f51\fs16\b\qj Pleasanton, California, February 4, 2010 --\plain\cf1\f51\fs16\qj Ross Stores, Inc. (Nasdaq: ROST) today reported sales for the four weeks ended January 30, 2010 of\plain\cf1\f51\fs16\qj  $411 million, an increase of 13% over the $365 million in sales for the four weeks ended January 31, 2009. Same store sales for the four weeks ended\plain\cf1\f51\fs16\qj  January 30, 2010 grew 8% over the prior year period.\par\pard\plain\cf1\f51\fs20\ql \~\par\pard\plain\cf1\f51\fs20\qj \~\~\~\~\~\plain\cf1\f51\fs16\qj For the 13 weeks ended January 30, 2010, sales rose 14% to $1.980 billion, from $1.734 billion for the 13 weeks ended January 31, 2009.\plain\cf1\f51\fs16\qj  Comparable store sales for the quarter ended January 30, 2010 increased 10% over last year.\par\pard\plain\cf1\f51\fs20\ql \~\par\pard\plain\cf1\f51\fs20\qj \~\~\~\~\~\plain\cf1\f51\fs16\qj For the 52 weeks ended January 30, 2010, sales grew 11% to $7.184 billion, compared to $6.486 billion in sales for the 52 weeks ended January 31,\plain\cf1\f51\fs16\qj  2009. Comparable store sales for the 52 weeks ended January 30, 2010 rose 6% over the prior year.\par\pard\plain\cf1\f51\fs20\ql \~\par\pard\plain\cf1\f51\fs20\qj \~\~\~\~\~\plain\cf1\f51\fs16\qj Michael Balmuth, Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, commented, \u8220?We are very pleased with our strong sales performance for January\plain\cf1\f51\fs16\qj  and the fourth quarter. Merchandise and geographic trends were relatively broad-based. Home and Shoes were the strongest merchandise categories in\plain\cf1\f51\fs16\qj  January, while the Mid Atlantic and Mountain regions were the top performing markets.\u8221?\par\pard\plain\cf1\f51\fs20\ql \~\par\pard\plain\cf1\f51\fs16\qr 3\par\pard\plain\cf1\f51\fs20\ql \~\par\pard\plain\f0\fs4\par\pard\plain\f0\fs2\brdrt\brdrs\brdrw15\brdrcf2\brdrsp0\par\pard\plain\f0\fs4\par
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\par\pard\plain\fs16\par\pard\plain\cf1\f51\fs16\b\qj Fourth Quarter and Fiscal 2009 Estimates\par\pard\plain\cf1\f51\fs20\ql \~\par\pard\plain\cf1\f51\fs20\qj \~\~\~\~\~\plain\cf1\f51\fs16\qj Based on January sales and margin results, the Company is updating its profit forecast for the 13 weeks ended January 30, 2010. Earnings per share\plain\cf1\f51\fs16\qj  are now estimated to increase 51% to 53% to $1.15 to $1.16, up from $.76 for the 13 weeks ended January 31, 2009. For the 52 weeks ended January\plain\cf1\f51\fs16\qj  30, 2010, earnings per share are estimated to grow about 52% to $3.53 to $3.54, up from $2.33 for the 2008 fiscal year ended January 31, 2009.\par\pard\plain\cf1\f51\fs20\ql \~\par\pard\plain\cf1\f51\fs16\b\qj New $750 Million Stock Repurchase Program and 45% Increase in Quarterly Dividend\par\pard\plain\cf1\f51\fs20\ql \~\par\pard\plain\cf1\f51\fs20\qj \~\~\~\~\~\plain\cf1\f51\fs16\qj The Company announced that its Board of Directors has approved a new two-year $750 million stock repurchase program. At the current stock price,\plain\cf1\f51\fs16\qj  this new authorization represents about 13% of the Company\u8217?s total market value and a 25% increase over the prior program. During fiscal 2009, a\plain\cf1\f51\fs16\qj  total of 7.4 million shares of common stock were repurchased for an aggregate price of $300 million, completing the previous two-year $600 million\plain\cf1\f51\fs16\qj  stock repurchase authorization for 2008 and 2009.\par\pard\plain\cf1\f51\fs20\ql \~\par\pard\plain\cf1\f51\fs20\qj \~\~\~\~\~\plain\cf1\f51\fs16\qj The Board also approved a 45% increase in the quarterly cash dividend to $.16 per share. This higher quarterly dividend is payable on March 31,\plain\cf1\f51\fs16\qj  2010 to stockholders of record as of February 19, 2010. Today\u8217?s dividend announcement represents the sixteenth consecutive annual increase since\plain\cf1\f51\fs16\qj  the Company initiated its dividend in 1994.\par\pard\plain\cf1\f51\fs20\ql \~\par\pard\plain\cf1\f51\fs20\qj \~\~\~\~\~\plain\cf1\f51\fs16\qj In commenting on these actions, Mr. Balmuth said, \u8220?Our new $750 million stock repurchase program and 45% increase in the quarterly cash\plain\cf1\f51\fs16\qj  dividend reflect our confidence in the Company\u8217?s ongoing ability to generate significant amounts of excess cash after self funding the capital needs\plain\cf1\f51\fs16\qj  of our business. Our Board\u8217?s actions reflect our long-term history and commitment to returning cash to our stockholders. We have completed every\plain\cf1\f51\fs16\qj  share authorization program, buying back stock annually since 1993.\u8221?\par\pard\plain\cf1\f51\fs20\ql \~\par\pard\plain\cf1\f51\fs16\qr 4\par\pard\plain\cf1\f51\fs20\ql \~\par\pard\plain\f0\fs4\par\pard\plain\f0\fs2\brdrt\brdrs\brdrw15\brdrcf2\brdrsp0\par\pard\plain\f0\fs4\par
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\par\pard\plain\fs16\par\pard\plain\cf1\f51\fs16\b\qj Fiscal 2010 Guidance\par\pard\plain\cf1\f51\fs20\ql \~\par\pard\plain\cf1\f51\fs20\qj \~\~\~\~\~\plain\cf1\f51\fs16\qj For the 2010 fiscal year ending January 29, 2011, the Company is forecasting same store sales growth of 1% to 2% on top of a 6% gain in the prior\plain\cf1\f51\fs16\qj  year, and projecting earnings per share to increase 7% to 12% to $3.80 to $3.95 on top of 52% estimated growth for 2009. For the 13 weeks ending May\plain\cf1\f51\fs16\qj  1, 2010, comparable store sales are forecast to grow 2% to 3% on top of a 3% increase in the prior year quarter. Earnings per share for the first quarter\plain\cf1\f51\fs16\qj  of 2010 are projected to be in the range of $.92 to $.95, up from $.72 in the first quarter of 2009.\par\pard\plain\cf1\f51\fs20\ql \~\par\pard\plain\cf1\f51\fs20\qj \~\~\~\~\~\plain\cf1\f51\fs16\qj In commenting on this guidance, Mr. Balmuth noted, \u8220?We are projecting the strongest earnings per share growth for fiscal 2010 in the first half\plain\cf1\f51\fs16\qj  of the year. We face the easiest prior year sales and operating margin comparisons in the first quarter, providing us greater opportunity for improvement\plain\cf1\f51\fs16\qj  during this period. For the remainder of 2010, earnings per share are forecast to grow in the low double digit percentage range in the second quarter,\plain\cf1\f51\fs16\qj  followed by our projection for flattish earnings per share in the second half versus the prior year. As a reminder, we are up against our toughest sales,\plain\cf1\f51\fs16\qj  merchandise margin and shortage comparisons in the third and fourth quarters of 2010. That said, our practice is always to plan prudently while\plain\cf1\f51\fs16\qj  continually striving to outperform our targets.\u8221?\par\pard\plain\cf1\f51\fs20\ql \~\par\pard\plain\cf1\f51\fs20\qj \~\~\~\~\~\plain\cf1\f51\fs16\qj In conclusion, Mr. Balmuth said, \u8220?We are exceptionally pleased with our outstanding performance in 2009. During one of the most challenging\plain\cf1\f51\fs16\qj  retail environments in history, we not only generated stronger-than-planned revenues, but did so with record merchandise gross margins driving operating\plain\cf1\f51\fs16\qj  profits that are expected to exceed 10% of sales. Looking ahead to 2010, we remain intently focused on the efficient execution of our resilient off-price\plain\cf1\f51\fs16\qj  business model, which past results have shown can deliver consistent growth in both healthy and more challenging economic climates. Our long-term\plain\cf1\f51\fs16\qj  record gives us the confidence to project strong cash flows and further increases in both comparable store sales and earnings per share during 2010 and\plain\cf1\f51\fs16\qj  beyond.\u8221?\par\pard\plain\cf1\f51\fs20\ql \~\par\pard\plain\cf1\f51\fs20\qj \~\~\~\~\~\plain\cf1\f51\fs16\qj Additional recorded information concerning today\u8217?s press release and the Company\u8217?s future outlook can be accessed by calling\plain\cf1\f51\fs16\qj  706-645-9291, PIN # 53158026 from 8:30 a.m. Eastern time on February 4, 2010 through 8:00 p.m. Eastern time on February 5, 2010. A transcript of\plain\cf1\f51\fs16\qj  these comments will also be available in the Investors section of the Company\u8217?s website at www.rossstores.com.\par\pard\plain\cf1\f51\fs20\ql \~\par\pard\plain\cf1\f51\fs16\qr 5\par\pard\plain\cf1\f51\fs20\ql \~\par\pard\plain\f0\fs4\par\pard\plain\f0\fs2\brdrt\brdrs\brdrw15\brdrcf2\brdrsp0\par\pard\plain\f0\fs4\par
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\par\pard\plain\fs16\par\pard\plain\cf1\f51\fs20\qj \~\~\~\~\~\plain\cf1\f51\fs16\qj The Company expects to report February 2010 sales on Thursday, March 4, 2010 and fourth quarter 2009 earnings results on Thursday, March 18,\plain\cf1\f51\fs16\qj  2010.\par\pard\plain\cf1\f51\fs20\ql \~\par\pard\plain\cf1\f51\fs20\qj \~\~\~\~\~\plain\cf1\f51\fs16\b\i\qj Forward-Looking Statements\plain\cf1\f51\fs16\i\qj : This press release and the recorded comments and transcript on our corporate website contain forward-looking\plain\cf1\f51\fs16\i\qj  statements regarding expected sales and earnings levels in future periods that are subject to risks and uncertainties which could cause our actual results\plain\cf1\f51\fs16\i\qj  to differ materially from management\u8217?s current expectations. The estimated earnings per share for the fourth quarter and fiscal year ended January\plain\cf1\f51\fs16\i\qj  30, 2010 are preliminary and subject to adjustments. The words \u8220?plan,\u8221? \u8220?expect,\u8221? \u8220?target,\u8221?\plain\cf1\f51\fs16\i\qj  \u8220?anticipate,\u8221? \u8220?estimate,\u8221? \u8220?believe,\u8221? \u8220?forecast,\u8221? \u8220?projected,\u8221? \u8220?guidance,\u8221?\plain\cf1\f51\fs16\i\qj  \u8220?looking ahead\u8221? and similar expressions identify forward-looking statements. Risk factors for Ross Dress for Less\plain\cf1\f51\fs11\i\qj\super  \u174?\plain\cf1\f51\fs16\i\qj  (\u8220?Ross\u8221?) and dd\u8217?s DISCOUNTS\plain\cf1\f51\fs11\i\qj\super  \u174?\plain\cf1\f51\fs16\i\qj   include without limitation, competitive pressures in the apparel or home-related merchandise\plain\cf1\f51\fs16\i\qj  industry; changes in the level of consumer spending on or preferences for apparel or home-related merchandise, including the potential impact from the\plain\cf1\f51\fs16\i\qj  macro-economic environment, uncertainty in financial and credit markets, and changes in geopolitical conditions; unseasonable weather trends;\plain\cf1\f51\fs16\i\qj  disruptions in supply chain; lower than planned gross margin, including higher than planned markdowns and higher than expected inventory shortage;\plain\cf1\f51\fs16\i\qj  greater than planned operating costs; our ability to continue to purchase attractive brand-name merchandise at desirable discounts; our ability to attract\plain\cf1\f51\fs16\i\qj  and retain personnel with the retail talent necessary to execute our strategies; our ability to effectively operate our various supply chain, core\plain\cf1\f51\fs16\i\qj  merchandising and other information systems; our ability to improve our merchandising capabilities through the recent implementation of new processes\plain\cf1\f51\fs16\i\qj  and systems enhancements; achieving and maintaining targeted levels of productivity and efficiency in our distribution centers; and obtaining acceptable\plain\cf1\f51\fs16\i\qj  new store locations. Other risk factors are detailed in our SEC filings including, without limitation, the Form 10-K for fiscal 2008 and Form 10-Qs and\plain\cf1\f51\fs16\i\qj  8-Ks for fiscal 2009. The factors underlying our forecasts are dynamic and subject to change. As a result, our forecasts speak only as of the date they\plain\cf1\f51\fs16\i\qj  are given and do not necessarily reflect our outlook at any other point in time. We do not undertake to update or revise these forward-looking\plain\cf1\f51\fs16\i\qj  statements.\par\pard\plain\cf1\f51\fs20\ql \~\par\pard\plain\cf1\f51\fs16\qc * * * * *\par\pard\plain\cf1\f51\fs20\ql \~\par\pard\plain\cf1\f51\fs20\qj \~\~\~\~\~\plain\cf1\f51\fs16\qj Ross Stores, Inc., a Fortune 500 and Nasdaq 100 (ROST) company headquartered in Pleasanton, California, is the nation\u8217?s second largest\plain\cf1\f51\fs16\qj  off-price retailer with fiscal 2009 revenues of $7.2 billion. As of January 30, 2010 the Company operated 953 Ross Dress for Less\plain\cf1\f51\fs11\qj  \u174?\plain\cf1\f51\fs16\qj  (\u8220?Ross\u8221?) stores and 52 dd\u8217?s DISCOUNTS\plain\cf1\f51\fs11\qj  \u174?\plain\cf1\f51\fs16\qj   locations, compared to 904 Ross and 52 dd\u8217?s DISCOUNTS locations at the end\plain\cf1\f51\fs16\qj  of the same period last year. Ross offers first-quality, in-season, name brand and designer apparel, accessories, footwear and home fashions for the entire\plain\cf1\f51\fs16\qj  family at everyday savings of 20 to 60 percent off department and specialty store regular prices. dd\u8217?s DISCOUNTS features a more\plain\cf1\f51\fs16\qj  moderately-priced assortment of first-quality, in-season, name brand apparel, accessories, footwear and home fashions for the entire family at everyday\plain\cf1\f51\fs16\qj  savings of 20 to 70 percent off moderate department and discount store regular prices. Additional information is available at www.rossstores.com.\par\pard\plain\cf1\f51\fs20\ql \~\par\pard\plain\cf1\f51\fs16\qr 6\par\pard\plain\cf1\f51\fs20\ql \~\par\pard\plain\f0\fs4\par\pard\plain\f0\fs2\brdrt\brdrs\brdrw15\brdrcf2\brdrsp0\par\pard\plain\f0\fs4\par}