Ross Stores, Inc. is a leading American off-price retail company that operates Ross Dress for Less and dd's DISCOUNTS stores. The company was founded by Morris Ross in 1950 under the name "Thrift-D Discount Center" in Pacifica, California. It initially offered discounted products in a traditional department store setting. In 1982, the company underwent a significant change when it was acquired by Mervin Morris, who renamed it Ross Stores, Inc. and shifted the focus to off-price retailing.
Ross Stores is known for its "off-price" business model, which involves buying excess merchandise and closeout goods from manufacturers and department stores and selling them to customers at a significant discount. This strategy allows Ross to offer a wide range of brand-name and designer products at prices lower than those found in traditional retail stores.
The company operates two primary store formats: Ross Dress for Less and dd's DISCOUNTS. Ross Dress for Less stores focus on offering a diverse assortment of fashion apparel, accessories, footwear, and home products. On the other hand, dd's DISCOUNTS stores offer similar products but at even deeper discounts, catering to customers looking for value-oriented shopping experiences.
With its successful off-price retailing strategy, Ross Stores has grown significantly over the years and expanded its store footprint across the United States. The company has a strong customer base of bargain-savvy shoppers who appreciate the opportunity to find high-quality products at discounted prices. Ross Stores continues to be a major player in the off-price retail industry, offering a treasure hunt shopping experience to millions of customers nationwide.