Ross Stores Feb. comps up 1%

PLEASANTON, Calif. Ross Stores reported that sales increased 7% to $476 million for the four weeks ended Feb. 28, up from $444 million for the four weeks ended March 1, 2008. Comparable-store sales for the month grew 1% on top of a 4% gain in the prior year.

Michael Balmuth, vice chairman, president and CEO, commented, "We are pleased with our better-than-expected sales in February. Our ongoing ability to deliver fresh and exciting assortments of compelling name brand bargains to an increasingly value-focused consumer remains the key driver of our solid top line performance. Merchandise and geographic trends were generally broad-based, benefiting from healthy traffic levels during the month. Dresses and shoes were the best performing merchandise categories while the Mid-Atlantic was the strongest region."