Ross May comps up 1%, to be flat in June

PLEASANTON, Calif. Ross Stores Thursday reported sales of $450 million for the four weeks ended June 2, a 9% increase over the $412 million in sales for the four weeks ended June 3, 2006. Same-store sales for the four weeks ended June 2 increased 1% compared to the four weeks ended June 3, 2006. Comparable-store sales increased 5% for the four weeks ended May 27, 2006.

For the seventeen weeks ended June 2, sales were $1.86 billion, an 8% increase over the $1.72 billion in sales for the seventeen weeks ended June 3, 2006. Same-store sales for the 17 weeks ended June 2 grew 1% over the 17 weeks ended June 3, 2006. Comparable-store sales rose 6% for the 17 weeks ended May 27, 2006.

Michael Balmuth, vice chairman, president and ceo, commented, "Comparable-store sales in May met our expectations. The Northwest, Mid-Atlantic and Southeast were the best performing regions, while dresses and home continued to be the strongest merchandise categories. Looking ahead, we continue to project comparable-store sales of flat to up 1% in June and up 3% to 4% in July. In 2006, same-store sales for June and July rose 5% and 1%, respectively."