Ross Stores, Inc. reported that sales grew 15% to $364 million for the four weeks ended November 29, 2003. These results were on top of a 12% increase for the four weeks ended November 30, 2002, when sales totaled $316 million. Comparable store sales for the same period grew 5% over the prior year.
For the 43 weeks ended November 29, 2003, sales rose 11% to $3.186 billion. These results were on top of a 19% gain for the 43 weeks ended November 30, 2002, when sales totaled $2.883 billion. For the 43 weeks, comparable store sales were flat versus an 8% increase in the prior year period.
In commenting, Michael Balmuth, Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, said, “We are pleased with the solid start to the holiday season during November. The strongest markets during the month were California, Hawaii, Arizona and Texas. In addition, we continued to realize robust sales gains in the home businesses as well as in juniors, accessories and shoes. Looking ahead, we are maintaining our prior same store sales forecast for a 2% to 3% gain in December and a 4% to 5% increase in January.”
