Ross Stores expands senior management team with retail veteran
Ross Stores has tapped a seasoned retail executive for a new role in its organization.
The apparel and home goods off-price named Stephen Brinkley named to the newly-created position of president, operations with an expected start date of October 30. His responsibilities will include property development, stores, and supply chain.
Most recently, Brinkley served as president of SportChek (a subsidiary of Canadian Tire Corp.), Canada’s largest retailer of sporting goods, footwear and apparel, with over 400 locations. Prior to that, he was COO and executive VP of Save-A-Lot.
Prior to joining Save-A-Lot in 2017, Brinkley spent 14 years at Target Corp. Before that, he was with Circuit City.
“We are delighted to have Stephen join our senior management team,” stated Michael Hartshorn, group president and COO, Ross Stores. He brings a wealth of retail leadership experience that will be a valuable resource in driving long-term profitable growth for the company.”
Brinkley joins Ross Stores as the company continues to expand its footprint. With the opening of 51 stores in September and October, the retailer completed its growth plans for fiscal 2023, with the addition of 97 new locations.
Looking ahead, Ross said it remain confident in its expansion plans and see plenty of opportunity to grow to at least 2,900 Ross Dress for Less and 700 DDs Discounts locations over time.
The chain has been entering new markets. The company’s namesake banner entered Michigan this past summer with six stores .
“This fall, we continued to expand our presence in both existing and newer markets," said Gregg McGillis, group executive VP, property development. "At Ross Dress for Less, we opened our first stores in the states of New York and Minnesota while DD's grew its footprint in California, Maryland, Tennessee and Texas.”
Headquarted in Dublin, Calif., Ross Stores has fiscal 2022 revenues of $18.7 billion. The company operates 1,765 Ross stores in 43 states, the District of Columbia, and Guam, and 347 DD’s Discounts stores in 22 states.