Ross Stores hires chief merchant from Stein Mart

Ross Stores Inc. has hired away the chief merchant at Stein Mart to lead merchandising at DD's Discounts.



Ross Stores announced that Brian Morrow will join the company as president and CMO at DD's effective Dec. 7. Morrow will report directly to Barbara Rentler, the company's CEO, and be responsible for directing all aspects of merchandising at DD's Discounts.



'We are delighted to have Brian join our senior management team," Rentler said. "We are confident that his proven business acumen and broad-based merchandising management experience will be valuable resources in driving the successful long-term growth of DD's Discounts."



Morrow has served as president and CMO for Stein Mart Inc. since April 2014 directing all buying, planning and allocation, marketing, and e-commerce initiatives. He joined Stein Mart in February 2010 as executive VP/CMO. Morrow has more than 30 years of in-depth merchandising management experience including roles with Macy's West, Mervyn's, Macy's North/Marshall Field's, and May Company.



Ross Stores has been on a hot streak lately as thrifty consumers flock to off-price retailers. Ross Stores reported a spike in same-store sales for the second quarter ended Aug. 1. For the third fiscal quarter, Ross Stores expects same-store sales to rise 1-2%, with same-store sales ranging from flat to up 1% in the fourth fiscal quarter.



Ross Stores also plans to grow its Ross chain to 2,000 stores and its DD's chain to 500 stores.