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ROSS STORES ANNOUNCES THE PASSING OF FORMER CHAIRMAN AND CEO NORMAN A. FERBER

Ross Stores (Nasdaq: ROST) announced the passing of Norman A. Ferber, former chairman and chief executive officer, who died on January 23, 2026 at age 77 after a brief illness.

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Ross Stores (Nasdaq: ROST) announced the passing of Norman A. Ferber, former chairman and chief executive officer, who died on January 23, 2026 at age 77 after a brief illness. Mr. Ferber helped grow Ross from a six-store chain into a leading off-price retailer and served in roles including president, COO, CEO, and chairman, later advising the company for nearly 30 years.

To honor his legacy, Ross made a contribution to the Ross Cares Fund and the Ross Stores Foundation donated in his memory; the Moldaw-Zaffaroni Clubhouse named its main Art and Academic Room for Mr. Ferber. Ross reported fiscal 2024 revenue of $21.1 billion and operates 1,909 Ross Dress for Less locations and 364 dd's DISCOUNTS stores.

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Argus Jan 27 session
-0.84% close to close 1.5x rel. volume Open Argus
Details

News Market Reaction – ROST

On Jan 27, the first trading day after this news, ROST closed 0.84% below the previous close. That session’s volume was 1.5x the stock’s average daily volume.

Data tracked by StockTitan Argus for the Jan 27 session.

Key Figures

Fiscal 2024 revenue: $21.1 billion Ross stores: 1,909 locations Ross states: 44 states +5 more
Fiscal 2024 revenue
$21.1 billion
Company revenue disclosed in about section
Ross stores
1,909 locations
Ross Dress for Less store count in U.S. and territories
Ross states
44 states
States where Ross Dress for Less operates
dd's DISCOUNTS stores
364 locations
dd's DISCOUNTS store count
dd's states
22 states
States where dd's DISCOUNTS operates
Ross discount range
20%–60% off
Everyday savings vs department and specialty store regular prices
dd's discount range
20%–70% off
Everyday savings vs moderate department and discount store prices
Age at passing
77 years
Age of former Chairman and CEO Norman A. Ferber

Historical Context

5 past events · Latest: Nov 24
5 events
  1. Nov 24

    Board succession

    24h Move
    +1.4%

    Announced Executive Chairman transition and new Board chair appointment.

  2. Nov 20

    Earnings beat

    24h Move
    +0.0%

    Q3 EPS and sales exceeded guidance and full-year outlook was raised.

  3. Nov 19

    Dividend declaration

    24h Move
    +0.3%

    Board declared regular quarterly cash dividend to shareholders.

  4. Nov 06

    Earnings preview

    24h Move
    +0.5%

    Announced timing and access details for Q3 2025 earnings release and call.

  5. Oct 13

    Store expansion

    24h Move
    +4.8%

    Completed fiscal 2025 expansion with 90 new stores and reiterated growth targets.

24h Move is the share-price change in the day after each event; other market factors may also have contributed.

AI-generated analysis. How Rhea-AI works. Not financial advice.

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DUBLIN, Calif., Jan. 26, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Ross Stores, Inc. (Nasdaq: ROST) announced today that Norman Ferber, former Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, passed away on January 23, 2026 following a brief illness. He was 77 years old.

Mr. Ferber joined Ross Stores at its inception and was instrumental in shaping the Company's strategy, operating discipline, and culture as it grew from a small six-store chain into a leading off‑price retailer. Over decades of service, he assumed increasing leadership responsibilities, serving as President, Chief Operating Officer, Chief Executive Officer, and Chairman of the Board. Following his tenure as CEO, Mr. Ferber remained deeply engaged with the Company, providing valued counsel to senior management and continuing to contribute his experience and perspective through ongoing board and advisory roles for almost 30 years.

Michael Balmuth, Executive Chairman, commented, "I spent more than three decades working closely with Norman. He was not only an exceptional merchant and business leader, but also a trusted colleague and mentor whose insight, judgment, and integrity deeply influenced me throughout my career. As a visionary leader, he helped shape Ross Stores' long‑term strategy and growth, and his perspective was invaluable to both the Company and to me personally. I benefited greatly from his wisdom and friendship, and he will be deeply missed. On behalf of our Board of Directors, management team, and Ross Associates, we extend our deepest condolences to his wife Rosine, their children, grandchildren, and extended family and friends."

Jim Conroy, Chief Executive Officer, added, "Although I had the privilege of working with Norman for only a short time, his extraordinary passion for Ross and our Associates has left an enduring legacy. I will forever be grateful for his counsel and inspired by his relentless dedication and energy. Norman left a lasting impression on our organization, and his presence will be greatly missed."

To honor Norman's deep care for Ross Associates, the Company has made a contribution to the Ross Cares Fund, helping members of the Ross community navigate difficult times. Norman's commitment to the Company also extended into the community it serves. He was especially passionate about Ross' long-standing partnership with Boys & Girls Clubs of America and devoted significant time to the Moldaw-Zaffaroni Clubhouse in East Palo Alto as a volunteer and donor. In recognition of this dedication, the Ross Stores Foundation has made a donation in his memory. The Club has also named its main Art and Academic Room in Norman's honor, where programs such as Power Hour continue the academic support he personally championed. This dedication is especially meaningful, as the Clubhouse bears the name of Ross Founder and Chairman Emeritus, Stuart Moldaw, underscoring the enduring connection between Norman's legacy, Ross Stores, and the communities Ross supports.

About Ross Stores, Inc.
Ross Stores, Inc. is an S&P 500, Fortune 500, and Nasdaq 100 (ROST) company headquartered in Dublin, California, with fiscal 2024 revenues of $21.1 billion. Currently, the Company operates Ross Dress for Less® ("Ross"), the largest off-price apparel and home fashion chain in the United States with 1,909 locations in 44 states, the District of Columbia, Guam, and Puerto Rico. Ross offers first-quality, in-season, name brand and designer apparel, accessories, footwear, and home fashions for the entire family at savings of 20% to 60% off department and specialty store regular prices every day. The Company also operates 364 dd's DISCOUNTS® stores in 22 states that feature a more moderately-priced assortment of first-quality, in-season, name brand apparel, accessories, footwear, and home fashions for the entire family at savings of 20% to 70% off moderate department and discount store regular prices every day. Additional information is available at www.rossstores.com.

Contact:

William W. Sheehan II

Connie Kao


Executive Vice President,

Senior Vice President, Investor Relations


Chief Financial Officer

(925) 965-4668


(925) 965-4150

connie.kao@ros.com

Cision View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/ross-stores-announces-the-passing-of-former-chairman-and-ceo-norman-a-ferber-302670434.html

SOURCE Ross Stores, Inc.

FAQ

AI-generated questions and answers. How Rhea-AI works. Not financial advice.

When did former Ross CEO Norman A. Ferber die and how old was he?

Norman A. Ferber died on January 23, 2026 at the age of 77.

What roles did Norman Ferber hold at Ross Stores (ROST)?

He served as president, chief operating officer, chief executive officer, and chairman of the board, and later provided counsel in board and advisory roles for nearly 30 years.

How is Ross Stores honoring Norman Ferber’s legacy?

Ross contributed to the Ross Cares Fund, the Ross Stores Foundation donated in his memory, and the Moldaw-Zaffaroni Clubhouse named its main Art and Academic Room for him.

What community work was Norman Ferber known for with Ross?

He volunteered and donated to the Moldaw-Zaffaroni Clubhouse in East Palo Alto and championed programs like Power Hour through the Boys & Girls Clubs of America partnership.

What are Ross Stores’ reported fiscal 2024 revenue and store counts (ROST)?

Ross reported $21.1 billion in fiscal 2024 revenue and operates 1,909 Ross Dress for Less locations and 364 dd's DISCOUNTS stores.

Who commented on Norman Ferber’s passing at Ross Stores?

Michael Balmuth, Executive Chairman, and Jim Conroy, Chief Executive Officer, both provided statements expressing condolences and noting Mr. Ferber’s influence and legacy.

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