Ross 2015 Annual Report Download - page 17

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15
Information Systems
We continue to invest in new information systems and technology to provide a platform for growth over the next several
years. Recent initiatives include enhancements to our data security, merchandising, distribution, transportation, and store
systems. These initiatives support future growth, the execution and achievement of our plans, as well as ongoing stability
and compliance.
Distribution
We own and operate six distribution processing facilities—three in California, one in Pennsylvania, and two in South
Carolina. We ship all of our merchandise to our stores through these distribution centers, which are large, highly automated,
and built to suit our specific off-price business model.
Currently we own four and lease three other warehouse facilities for packaway storage. We also use other third-party
facilities as needed for storage of packaway inventory.
We utilize third-party cross dock facilities to distribute merchandise to stores on a regional basis. Shipments are made by
contract carriers to the stores three to six times per week depending on location.
We believe that our distribution centers with their current expansion capabilities will provide adequate processing capacity to
support our current store growth. Information on the size and locations of our distribution centers and warehouse facilities is
found under “Properties” in Item 2.
Advertising
Advertising for Ross Dress for Less relies primarily on television to communicate the Ross value proposition— savings off
the same brands carried at leading department or specialty stores every day. This strategy reflects our belief that television
is the most efficient and cost effective medium for communicating our brand position. While television is our primary
advertising medium, we continue to utilize additional channels, including social media, to communicate our brand position.
Advertising for dd’s DISCOUNTS is primarily focused on new store grand openings and local media initiatives.
Trademarks
The trademarks for Ross Dress For Less® and dd’s DISCOUNTS® have been registered with the United States Patent and
Trademark Office.
Employees
As of January 30, 2016, we had approximately 77,800 total employees, which includes both full and part-time employees.
Additionally, we hire temporary employees especially during the peak seasons. Our employees are non-union. Management
considers the relationship between the Company and our employees to be good.
Competition
We believe the principal competitive factors in the off-price retail apparel and home fashion industry are offering significant
discounts on brand name merchandise, offering a well-balanced assortment that appeals to our target customers, and
consistently providing store environments that are convenient and easy to shop. To execute this concept, we continue to
make strategic investments in our merchandising organization. We also continue to make improvements to our core
merchandising system to strengthen our ability to plan, buy, and allocate product based on more local versus regional
trends. We believe that we are well-positioned to compete based on each of these factors.