Morris "Morrie" Ross (1918 – 1996) was an American businessman and entrepreneur who founded Ross Stores, Inc., a popular chain of off-price department stores in the United States. Established in 1982, Ross Stores, known for its Ross Dress for Less brand, offers discounted clothing, accessories, footwear, and home goods, and has grown to become one of the largest off-price retailers in the nation.
Born in Brooklyn, New York, Morrie Ross started his career in the retail industry by working at his father's small retail store. He later moved to Los Angeles in the 1950s and worked for a chain of clothing stores called C.H. Baker. Ross gained valuable experience in retail management and merchandising during his time there, which set the stage for his future business ventures.
In the early 1980s, Ross decided to launch his own retail business. He was inspired by the success of other off-price retailers and saw an opportunity to create a store that would offer name-brand and designer merchandise at a fraction of the regular retail price. In 1982, he opened the first Ross Dress for Less store in Pacifica, California. The store's business model focused on buying overstock and closeout merchandise from manufacturers and other retailers, allowing Ross Stores to sell the products at significant discounts.
Under Morrie Ross's leadership, the company expanded rapidly, opening new locations throughout California and eventually across the United States. Ross Stores, Inc. went public in 1985, raising capital to further fuel its growth. By offering a wide selection of quality merchandise at affordable prices, Ross Dress for Less quickly gained popularity among cost-conscious shoppers.
Morrie Ross's vision and dedication to providing value to customers played a crucial role in the success of Ross Stores. Although he passed away in 1996, his legacy continues through the ongoing growth and success of the company. Today, Ross Stores, Inc. operates over 1,800 locations in 40 states, the District of Columbia, and Guam, maintaining its commitment to offering a compelling assortment of merchandise at great value for its customers.
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