When you shop at Ross Dress for Less, you might wonder who’s behind this popular discount retailer. Ross Dress for Less is owned by Ross Stores, Inc., a publicly traded company listed on NASDAQ under the ticker symbol ROST. Ross Dress for Less operates as the flagship brand and is a wholly owned subsidiary of Ross Stores, Inc. This means the store is not owned by a single person but rather by shareholders who own stock in the parent company.
The company’s story began in 1982 when Stuart Moldaw and a group of investors acquired a small chain of six junior department stores in the San Francisco Bay Area. They converted these stores into the off-price retail format we know today.
Now headquartered in Dublin, California, Ross has grown from those original six locations into one of America’s largest chains of discount department stores, offering bargain-hunters name-brand clothing and home goods at reduced prices.
Key Takeaways
- Ross Dress for Less is owned by Ross Stores, Inc., a public company traded on NASDAQ as ROST, not by any single individual.
- The discount retailer began with six stores in 1982 when founder Stuart Moldaw and investors transformed them into the off-price format seen today.
- The company has expanded from its California origins to become a major national discount department store chain offering brand-name merchandise at lower prices.
Ross Stores Inc. Overview
Ross Stores Inc. is a major American retail company that operates under the Ross Dress for Less brand. The company has grown to become one of the largest off-price retailers in the United States with a business model focused on offering brand-name merchandise at discount prices.
History and Foundation
Ross Stores began its journey in 1982 when Stuart Moldaw and a group of investors acquired six junior department stores in the San Francisco Bay Area. They quickly converted these locations to the off-price retail format we know today as Ross Dress for Less.
From those humble beginnings, the company expanded steadily across the country. Today, Ross has transformed into an S&P 500, Fortune 500, and Nasdaq 100 company (trading under ROST).
The company established its headquarters in Dublin, California, where it continues to operate its corporate offices.
Ross Stores Business Model
Ross operates as an off-price retailer, which means it purchases excess inventory from manufacturers and other retailers at lower prices. They then pass these savings to customers by selling merchandise at 20-60% below department store prices.
The company targets value-focused shoppers looking for brand-name clothing, accessories, footwear, and home décor at significant discounts. Their “treasure hunt” shopping experience encourages frequent store visits as inventory changes rapidly.
Ross keeps costs low by maintaining a no-frills store environment with simple fixtures and minimal displays. This approach allows them to focus on providing value rather than an upscale shopping atmosphere.
With fiscal 2023 revenues of $20.4 billion, Ross Stores demonstrates the success of their business model in the competitive retail landscape. Their ability to offer recognized brands at discount prices continues to attract a loyal customer base across their numerous locations.
Ownership and Corporate Structure
Ross Dress for Less is owned by its parent company, Ross Stores, Inc., which is publicly traded on the NASDAQ exchange. The company operates as a major discount department store chain with headquarters in Dublin, California.
Key Stakeholders
Ross Stores, Inc. is led by an experienced management team with a clear vision for the company’s discount retail strategy. Michael Balmuth has served as Executive Chairman since 2023, after holding various advisory roles with the company since 2019.
The leadership structure includes a board of directors who oversee corporate governance and strategic direction. They guide the company’s expansion efforts across the United States, where Ross Dress for Less has established itself as a popular destination for bargain shoppers.
Ross Stores employs thousands of workers across its retail locations and distribution centers. The company’s business model focuses on offering brand-name clothing and home goods at discount prices, typically 20-60% below department store prices.
Shareholder Information on NASDAQ
Ross Stores trades on the NASDAQ stock exchange under the ticker symbol ROST. As a member of prestigious market indexes including the S&P 500, Fortune 500, and Nasdaq 100, the company represents a significant player in the retail sector.
Major institutional investors hold substantial positions in the company. JPMorgan Investment Management owns approximately 5.95% of shares, controlling nearly 19.64 million shares valued at around $2.76 billion.
Another significant stakeholder is T. Rowe Price International Ltd. with about 5.92% ownership. These institutional investors demonstrate confidence in the company’s business model and growth potential.
The company reported impressive financial performance with fiscal 2023 revenues reaching $20.4 billion, making it an attractive investment for both individual and institutional shareholders.
Ross ‘Dress for Less’ Brand Identity
Ross ‘Dress for Less’ is the flagship brand of Ross Stores, Inc., a company that has built its identity around offering significant savings to budget-conscious shoppers. The brand name itself clearly communicates the core promise to customers – fashionable clothing at lower prices than traditional retailers.
The company positions itself in the off-price apparel market, where they sell similar items found in department stores but at 20-60% less than regular prices. This pricing strategy forms the foundation of their brand identity and appeals to shoppers looking for bargains.
Ross stores are designed with a no-frills shopping environment. The basic store layout and minimal decorations help keep costs down, allowing them to pass these savings to customers.
One of the key elements of their brand identity is the treasure hunt shopping experience. Customers enjoy searching through racks to find unexpected designer apparel and name brand items at surprisingly low prices.
The Ross brand resonates with practical shoppers who value quality but don’t want to pay full price. They’ve successfully created a friendly, accessible image that welcomes everyone looking for good deals.
Since its beginning in 1982, Ross has maintained consistency in its branding message: quality dress for less. This straightforward approach has helped them build a loyal customer base that returns regularly to check new merchandise.
Financial Information
Ross Stores has shown impressive financial performance in recent years with significant revenue growth and strong market position. The company maintains solid financials as a major player in the off-price retail segment.
Recent Fiscal Year Revenues
Ross Stores continues to demonstrate strong financial health with impressive revenue figures. The company reported fiscal 2023 revenues of $20.4 billion, showing its substantial market presence in the discount retail sector.
More recently, the company has shown continued growth with fiscal 2024 revenues reaching $21.1 billion. This represents a notable increase from the previous year’s performance.
The steady revenue growth reflects Ross Stores’ successful business model and ability to attract value-conscious shoppers. Their off-price retail strategy has proven resilient even during challenging economic periods.
Market Capitalization and Stock Performance
Ross Stores trades under the ticker symbol ROST on the Nasdaq stock exchange. The company has achieved significant recognition in financial markets as a component of several major indices.
Ross is included in the:
- S&P 500
- Fortune 500
- Nasdaq 100
This recognition highlights the company’s substantial market capitalization and importance in the retail sector. As an established player in the discount retail space, Ross Stores provides investors with exposure to the value retail segment.
The company’s stock performance typically reflects its consistent business model and financial discipline. Investors often appreciate Ross’s ability to maintain growth while operating in the competitive discount retail environment.
Expansion and Growth
Ross Dress for Less has shown impressive growth over the years, expanding from a small chain to thousands of locations across the United States. Their strategic approach to expansion has helped them become one of the leading off-price retailers in the country.
Expansion Strategies
Ross Stores has focused on a carefully planned expansion strategy that targets both existing and new markets. The company aims to eventually operate 2,900 Ross Dress for Less stores across the country. This ambitious goal shows their confidence in their business model and customer appeal.
Their expansion typically follows a pattern of establishing a strong presence in a region before moving to adjacent areas. This allows them to build efficient distribution networks and brand recognition.
Ross often chooses locations in strip malls and shopping centers where rent is more affordable. This strategy helps maintain their low-price model while reaching their target customers.
New Store Openings
Each year, Ross Dress for Less adds dozens of new locations to their portfolio. The company regularly announces new store openings, which are often celebrated with special promotions and events.
In recent years, Ross has maintained a steady pace of expansion, with new locations opening in both established and emerging markets. Their parent company, Ross Stores, Inc., carefully analyzes potential locations based on demographics, competition, and economic factors.
New store openings typically create jobs in local communities and provide shoppers with access to brand-name merchandise at discount prices. The company’s expansion push continues to be strong as off-price retailers shine in the current retail environment.
Growth in Various States
Ross Dress for Less has a particularly strong presence in states like Texas, California, and Florida. These populous states align well with their target demographic and offer many suitable retail locations.
The company has also been expanding into states like New York, North Carolina, and New Mexico, bringing their bargain-hunting experience to new communities. Each new state entry is carefully planned to ensure success.
By the end of 2017, Ross operated 149 locations in newer markets, showing their commitment to geographic diversity. Their expansion across different states helps protect the company from regional economic downturns.
Ross continues to identify opportunities in underserved areas where their value proposition resonates with local shoppers. This state-by-state growth strategy has proven successful in building their nationwide presence.
Product Offerings and Services
Ross Dress for Less offers a wide range of products at discounted prices across multiple categories. Their merchandise includes brand-name clothing, accessories, footwear, and home goods. These are typically sold at 20% to 60% below department store prices.
Apparel and Home Fashion
Ross stores feature a large selection of brand-name and designer apparel for the entire family. Shoppers can find clothing for men, women, and children, including casual wear, business attire, and seasonal items. The clothing selection changes frequently as new shipments arrive several times a week.
What makes Ross unique is their “treasure hunt” shopping experience. New merchandise arrives regularly, encouraging customers to visit often to discover the latest deals.
Popular clothing categories include:
- Designer jeans and dresses
- Business casual attire
- Athletic and activewear
- Sleepwear and intimates
- Seasonal clothing (swimwear, winter coats, etc.)
Ross offers these items at significant discounts compared to department stores, making fashion accessible to budget-conscious shoppers.
Accessories and Footwear
The accessories department at Ross features a diverse range of items to complement any outfit. Customers can find jewelry, handbags, wallets, belts, scarves, and other fashion accessories from recognizable brands.
Ross’s footwear section is particularly popular, offering shoes for men, women, and children. Their selection includes:
- Athletic shoes and sneakers
- Dress shoes
- Casual footwear
- Sandals and seasonal options
- Boots and specialty footwear
Many shoppers visit Ross specifically for their footwear, as the stores frequently stock name-brand shoes at steep discounts. The inventory rotates quickly, with new styles appearing throughout the season.
Home Decor and Home Fashion
Ross Dress for Less has expanded its home goods department over the years to include a substantial selection of home décor and furnishings. This section offers items that help customers style their homes on a budget.
Popular home categories include:
- Bedding and bath linens
- Decorative pillows and throws
- Kitchen gadgets and dinnerware
- Small furniture and accent pieces
- Seasonal decorations
- Wall art and frames
The home section follows the same discount model as the rest of the store, with items typically priced 20-60% below department store prices. Ross sources these products from department and specialty stores, providing customers with recognizable brands at lower prices.
Many shoppers enjoy browsing the home section for unique finds and gifts. The ever-changing inventory makes each shopping trip different from the last.
Locations and Presence
Ross Dress for Less has built an extensive retail footprint across the United States and beyond. The off-price retailer strategically places stores in areas with strong customer demand, making affordable fashion accessible to millions of shoppers.
US States with Ross Stores
Ross Dress for Less maintains a strong presence across America, operating in 43 states and the District of Columbia. The company continues to grow, regularly adding new locations to its network. In March 2025 alone, Ross opened 16 new Ross Dress for Less stores across 14 different states.
California holds special significance for the retailer. Not only is it home to Ross Stores’ headquarters in Dublin, but California also hosts numerous store locations throughout the state. This strong California presence makes sense given the company’s origins in the state.
The expansion strategy has been consistent over time, with the company targeting diverse geographic areas to reach different customer demographics. From coastal cities to rural communities, Ross aims to bring its discount fashion model to varied populations.
Expansion to Guam
Ross Dress for Less has expanded beyond the continental United States to reach Guam, bringing its discount retail model to this U.S. territory in the Western Pacific. This expansion demonstrates the company’s willingness to venture into markets beyond the mainland.
The Guam locations represent an interesting strategic move, allowing Ross to test its retail concept in a unique market with different consumer preferences and shopping behaviors. These stores offer residents access to the same discounted brand-name clothing and home goods available to mainland shoppers.
Ross’s presence in Guam also highlights the company’s flexibility in adapting its retail approach to serve island communities with unique logistical challenges. This expansion suggests potential for future growth into other territories and international markets.
Location Strategy
Ross Stores follows a calculated approach when selecting new locations. The company typically targets shopping centers in middle-income neighborhoods, positioning stores where they can attract budget-conscious shoppers looking for bargains on brand-name items.
Many Ross locations occupy spaces in strip malls or shopping centers rather than standalone buildings. This strategy helps keep overhead costs low, aligning with the company’s discount business model.
As of fiscal year 2023, Ross Stores operated a total of 2,127 Ross locations, with continued expansion plans. The company often announces new store openings in batches, demonstrating its systematic approach to growth.
When opening new locations, Ross carefully studies local demographics, existing retail competition, and traffic patterns. This data-driven approach helps ensure each new store has strong potential for profitability while serving the company’s target customer base.
Subsidiaries and Related Brands
Ross Stores, Inc. operates more than just its flagship Ross Dress for Less stores. The company has expanded its business model to include another discount retail chain that targets a different market segment.
DD’s Discounts
DD’s Discounts is the main subsidiary brand of Ross Stores, Inc. It was launched in 2004 as a way to reach customers with even lower household incomes than the typical Ross shopper.
While Ross Dress for Less focuses on offering name-brand items at 20-60% off department store prices, DD’s Discounts provides even deeper discounts. Their merchandise is typically priced 20-70% below moderate department store regular prices.
DD’s Discounts stores are usually smaller than Ross locations. They focus on neighborhoods where family incomes are lower than the average Ross customer base.
As of 2023, there are over 300 DD’s Discounts stores across the United States. The chain continues to grow as part of the Ross corporate family, which generated $20.4 billion in fiscal 2023 revenues.
Both brands operate with the same “treasure hunt” shopping experience. This means inventory changes frequently, encouraging shoppers to visit often to find unexpected bargains.
Consumer Experience with Ross Dress for Less
Shoppers at Ross Dress for Less often visit the store for its promise of significant savings. The off-price retail chain attracts customers looking for brand-name items at prices 20-60% lower than department stores.
Many customers enjoy the “treasure hunt” feeling of the shopping experience. Each visit offers different merchandise, which keeps the experience fresh and exciting. Shoppers never know what deals they might find!
The store layout is simple and no-frills. This helps Ross keep costs down and pass those savings onto customers. People don’t mind the basic setup when they’re finding great bargains.
Ross customers often report satisfaction with the variety of products available. From clothing to home goods, the retail chain offers many options in one location.
According to statistics, 25 percent of U.S. fashion store customers say they like Ross Dress for Less. This shows the brand has built a loyal following among bargain hunters.
Some shoppers mention that stores can be crowded, especially during peak shopping times. The merchandise can also become disorganized throughout the day as customers browse.
Long checkout lines are sometimes mentioned as a challenge at the retail chain. However, many customers feel the savings make any wait worthwhile.
Customer reviews often highlight the thrill of finding designer items at a fraction of their original price. The off-price retail model clearly resonates with budget-conscious shoppers.
