Ross 2014 Annual Report Download - page 29

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Stores. Total stores open at the end of fiscal 2014, 2013, and 2012 were 1,362, 1,276, and 1,199, respectively. The number of
stores at the end of fiscal 2014, 2013, and 2012 increased by 7%, 6%, and 7% from the respective prior years. Our expansion
strategy is to open additional stores based on market penetration, local demographic characteristics, competition, expected
store profitability, and the ability to leverage overhead expenses. We continually evaluate opportunistic real estate acquisitions
and opportunities for potential new store locations. We also evaluate our current store locations and determine store closures
based on similar criteria.
Store Count
2014 2013 2012
Beginning of the period 1,276 1,199 1,125
Opened in the period 95 88 82
Closed in the period (9) (11) ( 8 )
End of the period 1,362 1,276 1,199
Selling square footage at the end of the period (000) 30,400 28,900 27,800
Sales. Sales for fiscal 2014 increased $0.8 billion, or 7.9%, compared to the prior year due to the opening of 86 net new stores
during 2014 and a 3% increase in comparable store sales (defined as stores that have been open for more than 14 complete
months). Sales for fiscal 2013 increased $0.5 billion, or 5.2%, compared to the prior year due to the opening of 77 net new
stores during 2013 and a 3% increase in sales from comparable stores.
Our sales mix is shown below for fiscal 2014, 2013, and 2012:
2014 2013 2012
Ladies
29% 29% 29%
Home Accents and Bed and Bath 24% 24% 24%
Accessories, Lingerie, Fine Jewelry, and Fragrances 13% 13% 13%
Men’s
13% 13% 13%
Shoes 13% 13% 13%
Children’s 8% 8% 8%
Total 100% 100% 100%
We intend to address the competitive climate for off-price apparel and home goods by pursuing and refining our existing
strategies and by continuing to strengthen our organization, diversify our merchandise mix, and more fully develop our systems
to improve regional and local merchandise offerings. Although our strategies and store expansion program contributed to sales
gains in fiscal 2014, 2013, and 2012, we cannot be sure that they will result in a continuation of sales growth or in an increase in
net earnings.
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