Ross comps hurt by unseasonable weather

PLEASANTON, Calif. Ross Stores today reported sales of $470 million for the four weeks ended Nov. 3, a 6% increase over the $444 million in sales for the four weeks ended Nov. 4, 2006. Same-store sales for the month declined 1% from the four weeks ended Nov. 4, 2006.

Michael Balmuth, vice chairman, president and ceo, commented, "We believe that our business in October was impacted by the ongoing challenging macroeconomic environment combined with unseasonably warm weather in a number of our markets. The strongest region during the month was the Northwest, while dresses and home remained the top performing businesses."

Looking ahead, Balmuth said, "Based on recent sales and margin trends, we now estimate that earnings per share for the 13 weeks ended Nov. 3 will be in the range of 35 cents to 36 cents. This compares to earnings per share for the third quarter of 2006 of 31 cents."