2021 Corporate Social 
Responsibility Report
Ross Stores, Inc.

Empowering Our Associates
Supporting Our Communities
Operating Sustainably
Conducting Business Ethically 
Contents 
A Message from Our Chief Executive Officer  
2 
About Our Company 
3 
About Our Report 
4 
About CSR at Ross 
5 
Empowering Our Associates 
6 
Introduction and Highlights 
7 
Our Commitment to Diversity, Equality, and Inclusion 8 
Hiring, Training, and Advancement 
12 
A Great Place to Work  
15 
Supporting Our Communities 
19 
Introduction and Highlights 
20 
Our Philanthropic Mission 
21 
Our National Community Partners  
22 
Community Giving Near Our Offices and Stores  
25 
Responding to Communities’ Urgent Needs  
27 
Diversity, Equality, and Inclusion  
29 
Associate Volunteering, Drives, and Donations 
30 
Operating Sustainably
31 
About Environmental Sustainability at Ross 
32 
2021 Environmental Sustainability Achievements  
33 
Emissions and Energy Overview 
34 
Energy Details 
35 
Energy Efficiency in Stores  
36 
Energy Efficiency in Distribution Centers  
37 
Energy Efficiency in Offices  
38 
Energy Efficiency in Product Transportation  
39 
Energy Efficiency in Travel  
40 
Waste Management and Recycling Overview  
41 
Minimizing Waste in Stores  
42 
Minimizing Waste in Distribution Centers  
43 
Minimizing Waste in Offices  
44 
Environmental Sustainability in the Supply Chain  
45 
Conducting Business Ethically  
46
Introduction  
47 
Supplier Diversity 
48 
Our Approach to Sourcing and Human Rights 
49 
Responsible Sourcing  
50 
Product Safety 
51 
Evolving Issues 
52 
Governance and Ethics  
53 
Code of Business Conduct and Ethics  
55 
Privacy and Data Security 
56 
Appendix
57 
GRI Reference Data Table 
58 
TCFD Framework Reference Table 
59 
SASB Disclosure Matrix 
60 
Emissions and Energy Data Table 
61 
Forward-Looking Statements 
62

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2021 CORPORATE SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY REPORT | ROSS STORES, INC.	
Empowering Our Associates
Supporting Our Communities
Operating Sustainably
Conducting Business Ethically 
A Message from Our Chief Executive Officer 
To Our Associates, Customers, Neighbors, Shareholders, and Suppliers: 
At Ross, we strive to do what is right 
for our Associates, Customers, and the 
communities we serve. As we continued 
to face unprecedented challenges in 
2021, our mission to deliver value to 
our Customers never wavered. Our 
success in the face of uncertainty and 
unpredictability comes in part from our 
flexible business model, but mainly 
from the dedication, hard work, and 
perseverance of our nearly 100,000 
Associates in our Stores, Distribution 
Centers, and Buying and Corporate 
Offices. To all of them, I am grateful. 
In this fiscal year 2021 report, you will 
learn more about our ongoing efforts, 
with an emphasis on empowering our 
Associates, supporting our communities, 
operating sustainably, and conducting 
business ethically. 
We take pride in these pursuits while 
learning and adapting. We consistently 
push ourselves to evaluate best 
practices to evolve our business and 
help create a more inclusive and 
sustainable future. We continue to make 
advancements in our own organization, 
but we know there is much more work to 
be done and will always remain focused 
on a better tomorrow. 
As a Company, we value our differences 
and diversity. We work to treat everyone 
with dignity and respect, and provide 
opportunities for our Associates to grow 
and succeed. To support this, we have 
developed more partnerships to help 
recruit and retain a diverse workforce, 
expanded our employee resource 
groups, and increased our education 
and training offerings. We are continuing 
to invest in our Associates with valued 
benefits and rewards, including 
programs that assist with physical, 
emotional, and financial wellness. We 
also provide education scholarships for 
our Associates and their dependents, 
volunteer opportunities, and corporate 
matching of charitable giving.  
While we are dedicated to being a great 
place to work, we are also helping to 
strengthen the communities where our 
Associates and Customers live. We have 
expanded our philanthropic efforts through 
our Company and our Foundation with 
several initiatives and grant programs to 
help create a brighter future for today’s 
youth. Our giving also includes our ongoing 
response to the COVID-19 pandemic, 
social injustice, and natural disasters that 
impacted our homes and livelihoods. 
We continue to take meaningful actions 
to reduce our impact on the environment 
and improve the efficiency and the 
sustainability of our operations. For more 
than 20 years, we have sought out ways 
to use less energy and fewer natural 
resources. We are very proud to build 
on our momentum and announce our 
ambition to be at net-zero greenhouse gas 
emissions by 2050 or sooner, in adherence 
to the Paris Climate Agreement. That 
means we will reduce our greenhouse gas 
emissions as much as possible 
and then offset any remaining 
emissions. As our Company 
grows, we recognize the 
need to also grow our 
sustainability efforts. 
At Ross, we approach 
our business and our 
governance with high 
ethical standards. 
In our relationships 
with our 
Associates, Customers, shareholders, and 
suppliers, we are dedicated to operating 
with integrity and transparency and 
adhering to policies and processes that 
promote honesty, safety, responsibility, 
and human rights. We will continue to 
invest in, and report on, our corporate 
social responsibility. 
With the tremendous contributions of 
our strong teams, I am more convinced 
than ever that we will help make a 
lasting, positive difference for our people, 
Customers, communities, and planet. 
Together we can solve the hard problems 
and find the right solutions. 
My heartfelt thanks again to all of our 
Associates on this journey with us. 
Barbara Rentler 
Chief Executive Officer,  
Ross Stores, Inc.

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2021 CORPORATE SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY REPORT | ROSS STORES, INC.	
Empowering Our Associates
Supporting Our Communities
Operating Sustainably
Conducting Business Ethically 
About Our Company 
Nearly four decades ago, we launched 
our off-price business based on the 
premise that everyone loves a bargain. 
The six Ross Dress for Less® Stores we opened in 
Northern California in 1982 have grown into the largest 
off-price apparel and home fashion chain in the United 
States. We ended fiscal year 2021 with 1,628 Stores 
in 40 states, the District of Columbia, and Guam. dd’s 
DISCOUNTS®, which we launched in 2004, had 295 
Stores in 21 states at year-end. 
Ross Dress for Less
dd’s DISCOUNTS 
The size of the circles represents the number of Stores in each state. 
$18.9B 
Annual 
Revenue 
1,923 
Total 
Stores 
40 States,
District of 
Columbia, 
and Guam 
65 
New Stores 
in 2021* 
Approximately 
100,000 
Associates 
*Opened 65 new Stores and closed 1 Store, for a total of 64 net new Stores in 2021.

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2021 CORPORATE SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY REPORT | ROSS STORES, INC.	
Empowering Our Associates
Supporting Our Communities
Operating Sustainably
Conducting Business Ethically 
About Our Report 
This annual report covers our corporate 
social responsibility efforts and 
achievements during fiscal year 2021, 
which ended on January 29, 2022. It also 
references certain events and initiatives 
that were launched or occurred outside 
of this reporting period. 
The structure of and the disclosures in this report focus on 
the environmental, social, and governance (ESG) issues 
of importance to our stakeholders and were informed 
by several frameworks, including the Global Reporting 
Initiative (GRI), the Sustainability Accounting Standards 
Board (SASB), and the Task Force on Climate-Related 
Financial Disclosures (TCFD). We continue to strive to be 
consistent, transparent, accountable, and intentional in our 
actions and our reporting. 
For more information about our other CSR efforts, 
including how to apply for our grant programs, visit 
our CSR website.

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2021 CORPORATE SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY REPORT  |  ROSS STORES, INC.
Empowering Our Associates
Supporting Our Communities
Operating Sustainably
Conducting Business Ethically 
About CSR at Ross 
Ross has a long-standing commitment to CSR relating to our Associates and Company, 
the communities we serve, and the sustainability of our planet. 
Our programs and initiatives are always evolving given the interests and needs of our internal and external stakeholders, as well as 
changing cultural, technological, and societal challenges and opportunities. We are always looking for fresh approaches and new ways 
to grow or improve. 
This report focuses on four key pillars of our CSR program: 
Empowering Our Associates 
We strive to foster a work environment in 
which we have a diverse community of 
Associates who respect one another and 
can grow, succeed, and contribute to our 
organization and to the communities where 
they live and work. 
Supporting Our Communities 
Through our community giving programs, 
our Company and the Ross Stores 
Foundation partner with organizations 
that help prepare today’s youth for a 
bright tomorrow by building academic 
achievement and life skills. 
Operating Sustainably 
Our sustainability efforts not only help us 
be responsible corporate citizens, but also 
lower costs and enhance our ability to 
deliver the value our Customers expect. 
Conducting Business Ethically 
Ethical business practices drive our 
approach to maintaining transparent, 
compliant, socially responsible, and effective 
operations, sourcing, and governance.

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2021 CORPORATE SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY REPORT  |  ROSS STORES, INC.
Supporting Our Communities
Operating Sustainably
Conducting Business Ethically 
Empowering Our Associates
Empowering  
Our Associates

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2021 CORPORATE SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY REPORT  |  ROSS STORES, INC.
Empowering Our Associates
Supporting Our Communities
Operating Sustainably
Conducting Business Ethically 
Introduction and Highlights 
At Ross, we recognize and 
appreciate that our Associates 
play essential roles in delivering 
great value to our Customers. 
Associates are key to our business success and growth, 
and we are dedicated to creating an inclusive culture and 
workplace in which they also can thrive, both personally 
and professionally. 
At the forefront of our commitment is a focus on 
welcoming and valuing a diversity of backgrounds, 
identities, and ideas. Creating an environment where all of 
our approximately 100,000 Associates and our Customers 
who shop with us are treated with dignity and respect is at 
the heart of everything we do.  
We continue to invest in efforts to attract, retain, and 
develop diverse talent; enhance our policies and 
programs that support and safeguard our Associates; 
and offer opportunities for Associates to contribute to the 
communities where they live and work. To this end, our 
2021 initiatives included the following: 
Diversity, Equality, and Inclusion: 
•
Nurturing a respectful culture
•
Attracting diverse talent
•
Building CommUnity Networks
•
Recognizing diverse holidays and events
•
Advancing our Diversity, Equality, and
Inclusion (DE&I) commitment
Associate Hiring and  
Development Opportunities: 
•
Training and development programs
•
Growing our own
•
Hiring in our communities
•
Military Recruiting Program
•
Commitment to our Equal Employment
Opportunity (EEO) policy
Making Our Company a Great Place to Work: 
•
A comprehensive total rewards package,
including competitive pay and benefits
•
Safe working environments, including
COVID-19 mitigation measures
•
Opportunities for Associates to share feedback
•
Matching Gift Program
•
Community volunteering opportunities
•
Scholarship program for Associates
and their dependents
Ross opened  
65 new locations, 
creating 2,300 
new jobs 
Associates completed 
nearly 2 million 
e-Learning courses
80% of managerial 
openings in Stores and 
field offices were filled 
with internal promotions

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2021 CORPORATE SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY REPORT  |  ROSS STORES, INC.
Empowering Our Associates
Supporting Our Communities
Operating Sustainably
Conducting Business Ethically 
Our Commitment to Diversity, Equality, and Inclusion 
Ross Stores, Inc., is dedicated to building diverse teams and 
an inclusive Company that respects, values, and celebrates 
the vast array of backgrounds, identities, and ideas of those 
who work for and shop with us. With our policies, programs, 
and procedures, we work to create a culture that promotes 
respect, equality, and dignity throughout our Company 
and in each individual workplace. Throughout our Stores, 
Distribution Centers, and offices, we expect Associates to 
exhibit our commitment to DE&I in their interactions with 
Customers and fellow Associates alike. 
Our day-to-day work is led by our Office of Diversity, 
Equality, and Inclusion (DE&I), which continues to grow, 
and we are guided by two important bodies: the DE&I 
Steering Committee and the DE&I Council. The DE&I 
Steering Committee is co-chaired by our Chief Executive 
Officer and Chief Operating Officer and is comprised of 
senior executives from across the Company who ensure 
that our DE&I strategy is integrated into how we work 
and our culture. The DE&I Council, chaired by our Group 
Vice President of Diversity, Equality, and Inclusion, Susan 
Gordon, is composed of cross-functional senior leaders 
who are responsible for developing functional action plans 
that support our DE&I vision and objectives. 
While Ross has always been steadfast in its commitment 
to DE&I, we have made significant progress in advancing 
our efforts in recent years. Through the combined work of 
the Office of DE&I, DE&I Steering Committee, DE&I Council, 
and all of our Associates, we have expanded initiatives to 
increase education and training; attract and retain diverse 
talent; enhance the sense of community and belonging 
for Associates; communicate our DE&I priorities, events, 
and observances; and build a long-term strategy for 
improvement and growth. 
2021 Employee Data 
TOTAL COMPANY 
IN MANAGEMENT POSITIONS* 
79%
Women
79%
People  
of color
75%
Women
65%
People  
of color
*Management positions include supervisors and above.
To view our latest EEO-1 report, please visit the Diversity, Equality, and Inclusion 
section of our website.

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2021 CORPORATE SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY REPORT  |  ROSS STORES, INC.
Empowering Our Associates
Supporting Our Communities
Operating Sustainably
Conducting Business Ethically 
Our Commitment to Diversity, Equality, and Inclusion
Nurturing a Respectful Culture 
It is our ongoing goal to foster an environment where 
communication is open and civil, conflict is addressed 
early and respectfully, and there is a culture of inclusion, 
support, and cooperation. 
To that end, in 2021, we continued our commitment to 
fostering DE&I learning by providing training across all 
levels of the organization, including the executive team. 
We continue to provide DE&I instructor-led Unconscious 
Bias training. This training is focused on building skills 
to support diversity and introducing language and tips 
related to bias, inclusion, and engaging in respectful 
conversations. In addition, many Associates participated 
in DE&I e-Learning sessions. 
We then began the next phase of our learning plan, 
starting Conscious Inclusion training with an initial group of 
leaders. Of those who took part, 93 percent said they are 
now better prepared to address non-inclusive behaviors if 
they arise within their teams. 
As part of our efforts to ensure we recruit and develop 
diverse talent, we also provided specialized DE&I 
experienced-based training to all managers and above 
in Human Resources and created standardized tools and 
training to help mitigate potential unconscious bias in 
succession planning and talent calibration discussions. 
We now have integrated DE&I training into the on-
boarding process for all Associates and participants in 
our internship program. On an annual basis, we carry out 
training on Ross’ Code of Business Conduct and Ethics 
for full-time Associates and non-harassment training for all 
Associates. To build on all of these efforts, we continue to 
offer on-demand learning resources and guided roundtable 
discussions about a variety of topics on our dedicated 
DE&I portal for Associates. 
Attracting Diverse Talent 
Our Talent Acquisition teams continue to broaden our 
hiring practices to ensure our efforts to recruit and retain 
diverse Associates. All job postings include our DE&I 
commitment statement and we require diverse slates 
of candidates from external recruiters. We post jobs at 
all levels on several diverse career sites, including the 
Professional Diversity Network, which ultimately share our 
roles across 17 diversity hiring sites. 
In 2021, we established or extended partnerships with 
Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) and 
major national organizations including Ascend, Diversity Inc., 
Human Rights Campaign, National Black MBA Association, 
National Organization on Disability, NextUp (formerly Network 
for Executive Women), and Prospanica. These organizations 
not only help Ross identify diverse talent to add to our ranks, 
but also provide information, content, and resources to assist 
in the development and advancement of our Associates. 
We also expanded our efforts to increase diversity in our 
internship program and our early career positions by 
partnering with organizations such as the Black Retail 
Action Group and InternX, working with several HBCUs, 
and participating in several diverse career fairs such as 
Out 4 Undergrad. 
NextUp
ADVANCING ALL WOMEN IN BUSINESS

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2021 CORPORATE SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY REPORT  |  ROSS STORES, INC.
Empowering Our Associates
Supporting Our Communities
Operating Sustainably
Conducting Business Ethically 
Our Commitment to Diversity, Equality, and Inclusion
Building CommUnity Networks 
In 2021, Ross furthered its commitment to instilling 
a sense of community and belonging among our 
Associates. We expanded to five CommUnity Networks, 
Company-recognized groups of Associates with 
common identities who come together for activities 
that support the Company’s overarching DE&I vision 
and objectives. The Networks are being developed to 
include various dimensions of diversity—such as race, 
gender, national origin, disability, sexual orientation, and 
military experience. 
Though still relatively new, the groups are helping us 
shape an even more inclusive environment, enabling 
networking opportunities, enhancing professional 
development, and amplifying commemorative holidays 
and dates of significance. In 2021, the Networks held 
more than 40 events, including a Martin Luther King 
Jr. Day event focused on public service hosted by the 
Black/African American CommUnity (BLAAC) Network, 
a World AIDS Day storytelling session hosted by the 
RossPRIDE CommUnity Network, a celebration of the 
Lunar New Year hosted by the InspirAsian CommUnity 
Network, a speaker series for National Hispanic Heritage 
Month hosted by LatinX Connect, and a kickoff for the 
Women Inspired Network (WIN). As we move forward, 
Associates will have the opportunity to launch additional 
CommUnity Networks. 
We also support social justice efforts and invest in diverse 
communities where we operate. In 2021, we made 
donations to several organizations working to advance 
DE&I, which you can read more about in the “Supporting 
Our Communities” chapter of this report. 
Recognizing Diverse Holidays and Events 
In 2021, Ross highlighted a wide array of annual 
commemorative events and holidays to recognize the 
diversity of our Associates. These observances included 
Black History Month, Women’s History Month and 
International Women’s Day, National Developmental 
Disabilities Month, Asian Pacific American Heritage Month, 
Mental Health Awareness Month, Pride Month, Juneteenth, 
National Hispanic Heritage Month, National Native 
American Heritage Month, Veterans Day, and many others. 
Throughout the calendar year, observances are 
commemorated with internal and external touchpoints, 
such as the distribution of historical facts, educational 
resources, and Associate stories, as well as additional 
communications including videos, signage, and social 
media posts. CommUnity Networks also often host special 
events tied to these holidays and commemorative months 
such as seminars, discussions, parties, and other  
engagements for Associates. 
We also recognized the need for Associates to have 
dedicated time to honor the breadth of diverse holidays 
and events that they may observe individually. In 2020, 
we introduced Diversity Day, an additional paid day off 
for Corporate and Buying Office Associates. Whether it is 
participating in a Juneteenth celebration, a Pride march, 
a religious observance, Veterans Day, or other holidays 
and events, eligible Associates can choose to use their 
Diversity Day in a way that is personally meaningful. 
RossPRIDE hasn’t just been a 
resource for ‘out’ Associates. 
We have heard great feedback 
from Associates who aren’t 
fully out, or may be straight and 
cisgender but have close family 
and friends who are LGBTQ+ 
and appreciate that there is a 
community for them at work. 
— ROSS ASSOCI ATE

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2021 CORPORATE SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY REPORT  |  ROSS STORES, INC.
Empowering Our Associates
Supporting Our Communities
Operating Sustainably
Conducting Business Ethically 
Our Commitment to Diversity, Equality, and Inclusion
Advancing Our Commitment 
Ross has made significant progress in building and 
implementing a comprehensive DE&I strategy. We are 
proud of our accomplishments in recruiting, developing, 
and retaining a more diverse workforce; expanding DE&I 
knowledge and training; creating CommUnity Networks; 
and observing commemorative events to recognize and 
celebrate our diversity. In 2021, we reached and engaged 
more Associates in our DE&I efforts than ever before. 
However, we recognize that there is more work to be done. 
We are committed to continuing our efforts to diversify 
our workforce, including in our executive level positions. 
Additional plans in the near future include extending our 
training programs to reach more Associates, increasing the 
number of CommUnity Networks and other opportunities 
for Associates, and expanding our mentoring initiatives. 
We will continue to listen and learn from our Associates 
and partners to make our efforts more timely, appropriate, 
meaningful, and successful. 
At Ross, we believe that having a workforce that truly reflects a diversity of backgrounds and experiences 
makes our business, our communities, and our society stronger. That is why we are committed to expanding 
our efforts to promote diversity, equality, and inclusion in everything we do, from recruiting and 
retaining top talent, and developing supportive and stimulating workplaces, to uplifting communities 
where we live and work. I am encouraged by our progress and excited for the future. 
— SUSAN GORDON, GROUP VICE PRESIDENT, DIVERSIT Y, EQUALIT Y, AND INCLUSION

12	
2021 CORPORATE SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY REPORT  |  ROSS STORES, INC.
Empowering Our Associates
Supporting Our Communities
Operating Sustainably
Conducting Business Ethically 
Hiring, Training, and Advancement 
Ross strives to have a workforce 
that reflects our values, supports our 
business growth, and strengthens 
our communities. Throughout our 
organization, we have key programs to 
recruit, retain, and develop top talent. 
Training and Development Programs 
Ross’ training and development programs empower 
Associates to do their best and realize their full 
potential. We offer a variety of learning and development 
opportunities—including e-Learning, instructor-led training, 
on-the-job training, feedback and coaching, and career 
development—to support Associates, managers, and 
executives in achieving their career goals. 
Our custom courses complement the personal training and 
the individual development plans that begin the first day 
an Associate comes to work with us. While the COVID-19 
pandemic continued to impact our ability to hold in-person 
meetings and trainings, we provided more digital learning 
and engagement opportunities. In 2021, our Associates 
completed nearly 2 million e-Learning courses. 
Due to the diverse nature of our workforce, several of our 
Distribution Centers offer on-site Spanish and English as 
a Second Language classes. This program breaks down 
barriers and improves communication while also providing 
Associates an opportunity to learn a second language. 
Ross searches for the best and brightest on college 
campuses around the country for our suite of full-time, 
hands-on internship programs. Though we have needed to 
adapt our internships due to COVID-19, we were able to 
offer a modified experience in 2021. For more information 
about internship opportunities, visit the Campus section of 
the Careers website. 
Read more about our commitment to training 
and development on our Careers website.

13	
2021 CORPORATE SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY REPORT  |  ROSS STORES, INC.
Empowering Our Associates
Supporting Our Communities
Operating Sustainably
Conducting Business Ethically 
Hiring, Training, and Advancement
79% of Store 
leaders started as 
hourly retail Associates 
Growing Our Own 
At Ross, our goal is to help Associates develop their 
careers, not simply to provide jobs. The professional 
growth of our Associates is important to our 
success as a business. We identify and enumerate 
key competencies we believe are critical to our 
ability to execute our business model and deliver 
the values our Customers expect. We utilize these 
competencies in the development of our teams. 
It is a source of pride that many of our current 
managers and executives have risen through our 
ranks. In 2021, 79 percent of Store leaders— 
including Area Supervisors, Assistant Store 
Managers, and Store Managers—started at Ross 
and dd’s DISCOUNTS as hourly retail Associates. 
One of those leaders is Alma Mercado, Group Senior 
Vice President, dd’s DISCOUNTS. Thirty-three years 
ago, Alma started as a part-time sales Associate 
at Ross to earn money while in high school. Eager 
to learn and continue to grow, Alma worked in 
every Store-level job before earning an entry level 
management role and then progressing into many 
leadership positions within the Company. She 
became the first and only District Manager for the 
new dd’s DISCOUNTS division 18 years ago and 
has been leading dd’s Stores ever since. 
Ross is committed to offering Associates interested 
in leadership roles the opportunity to gain the 
training and the experience they need for their 
career growth. In 2021, a significant number of 
Associates were able to advance within the Company. 
Approximately 80 percent of our managerial position 
openings in Stores and field offices were filled with 
internal promotions. Overall, nearly 54 percent of 
supervisors and above across the Company were 
promoted last year. 
80% of managerial 
openings in Stores and 
field offices were filled 
by internal promotions 
Learn more about the opportunities at Ross Stores 
and the career journeys of additional Associates by 
visiting our Careers website.

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2021 CORPORATE SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY REPORT  |  ROSS STORES, INC.
Empowering Our Associates
Supporting Our Communities
Operating Sustainably
Conducting Business Ethically 
Hiring, Training, and Advancement
Hiring in Our Communities 
Ross is dedicated to supporting the local economy and 
the residents in the communities we serve across the 
country. When we open a new Distribution Center, Ross 
Dress for Less Store, or dd’s DISCOUNTS Store, we make 
it a priority to hire from within the community. In fiscal year 
2021, we opened 65 new Stores, creating 2,300 new jobs. 
To fill these and other new roles, we host job fairs and 
partner with organizations and agencies such as the 
YMCA and local Employment Development Department 
offices to source talent. 
As highlighted in the Diversity, Equality, & Inclusion section 
of this chapter, we take an inclusive approach to hiring. 
We work to reach potential candidates from all different 
races, ethnicities, ages, sexual orientations, gender 
identities, abilities, life experiences, and more. To 
maximize inclusion and protect against discrimination, 
we have removed the criminal history question from our 
initial job application. We only seek criminal background 
information, which includes getting explanations and 
information directly from applicants who have criminal 
histories, in the final stages of our hiring process to also 
ensure the safety and security of our workplaces. When 
hiring and promoting Associates, we do not require a 
college degree for most positions, and we also offer 
support for those who wish to continue their education. 
We also routinely offer accommodations for candidates 
and Associates with disabilities. 
Military Recruiting Program 
We are proud of our long-standing commitment to 
support the men and women of our United States 
Armed Services when they choose to reenter civilian 
life. Through our Military Recruiting Program, we have 
found that transitioning service members, veterans, and 
military spouses are a great fit for our culture and have the 
qualities we seek in our Associates. 
The Military Recruiting Program aligns the teamwork, 
leadership, and problem-solving skills that veterans 
learned in the military with the talent needs of our high-
growth organization. Depending on service, experience, 
and interests, we offer many points of entry across 
our entire Company. We partner with a number of 
organizations to support our efforts to hire and assist 
veterans and their spouses. For instance, we signed the 
Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve Statement 
of Support to demonstrate that we stand committed to 
our military Associates and recognize the value they bring 
to the workplace. We also have supported the Military 
Spouse Employment Partnership program of the U.S. 
Department of Defense since 2014. 
65 new Stores opened,  
creating 2,300 
new jobs 
In fiscal year 2021, we hired nearly 1,800 veterans 
and more than 1,400 military spouses. Over the last 
five years, Ross has hired nearly 13,000 veterans and 
military spouses. 
Visit our Careers website to read more about our 
Military Recruiting Program. 
Commitment to Our Equal Employment 
Opportunity (EEO) Policy 
Ross is an EEO employer committed to a diverse and 
inclusive workplace. For more information, refer to our 
full EEO statement. Our EEO-1 report data table can be 
found in the Diversity, Equality, and Inclusion section of 
our website.

15	
2021 CORPORATE SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY REPORT  |  ROSS STORES, INC.
Empowering Our Associates
Supporting Our Communities
Operating Sustainably
Conducting Business Ethically 
A Great Place to Work 
Ross’ commitment extends 
beyond hiring, training, and 
advancement. We strive to be a 
great place to work. 
We recognize that we are all living and working 
through extraordinarily challenging times. It is 
important to Ross that our approximately 100,000 
employees—including both full- and part-time 
Associates—feel valued and supported every day. 
We are dedicated to providing competitive pay and 
benefits, a safe working environment, recognition 
for achievements, channels to share opinions 
and ideas, opportunities to give back, support 
for educational advancement, and significant 
discounts and rewards. 
Competitive Benefits and 
Total Rewards Package 
Ross offers full-time Associates a package that 
includes competitive pay, a comprehensive 
benefits package, a merchandise discount, and 
other benefits. 
Ross offers competitive wages and benefits in 
all of our geographic markets with the goal of 
supporting the financial, physical, and mental 
health of our Associates. 
Featured Benefits 
•
One of the most popular benefits is our
Associate discount program. Associates receive
year-round discounts on in-Store purchases,
plus periodic double discounts at certain
times of year. In 2021, our Associates saved
nearly $90 million on their purchases.
•
For our part-time Store Associates in particular,
one featured benefit is flexible scheduling.
•
For our Distribution Center Associates, our
bonus plan gives full-time, hourly, and temporary
workers the opportunity to increase their earnings
by meeting higher levels of productivity.
•
All Associates and members of their households are
eligible for our assistance program, including the
following benefits: lifestyle coaching/counseling,
financial coaching, digital emotional wellness tools,
work-life services, and discount marketplace.
For more information about our competitive benefits 
and total rewards package, visit our Careers website 
and explore the “Career Areas.”

16	
2021 CORPORATE SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY REPORT  |  ROSS STORES, INC.
Empowering Our Associates
Supporting Our Communities
Operating Sustainably
Conducting Business Ethically 
A Great Place to Work 
A Safe Work Environment 
We are committed to cultivating a safe and secure 
environment for our Associates and Customers. 
We operate in a manner that promotes safe work practices 
in Stores, Distribution Centers, and offices, and follows all 
state and federal regulations. It is our priority to: 
•
Incorporate safety best practices
throughout our operations
•
Be prepared with emergency response
protocols and crisis management training to
keep Customers and Associates safe
•
Offer Associates a hotline to register
concerns and get support
•
Develop and deploy programs to be
compliant with health and safety laws
•
Provide high-quality safety training and
support materials to all of our Associates
•
Maintain neat, clean, and organized Stores
We also offer interested Corporate and Buying 
Office Associates free certification in basic first aid, 
cardiopulmonary resuscitation, and automated external 
defibrillator use. These programs, combined with the 
dedication of our Associates, have helped foster a culture 
in which safety is a top priority. 
COVID-19 Safety Measures 
Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, we have followed 
local government and health mandates to prioritize the 
safety and well-being of our Customers and Associates 
and help slow the spread of the virus. 
Efforts have included: 
•
Providing all Associates with personal
protective equipment
•
Changing Store layout and signage
to facilitate social distancing
•
Implementing additional cleaning
and sanitation processes
•
Monitoring the health of Associates
before they began their shifts
•
Limiting the number of Customers allowed in
each Store based on established guidelines
•
Encouraging Associates to share any
safety concerns with their manager so that
they could be promptly addressed
While we were able to remain fully open for business in 
2021, we maintained significantly enhanced COVID-19 
safety measures throughout our Stores and operations 
and continued remote work capabilities for many of our 
Associates where possible.

17	
2021 CORPORATE SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY REPORT  |  ROSS STORES, INC.
Empowering Our Associates
Supporting Our Communities
Operating Sustainably
Conducting Business Ethically 
A Great Place to Work 
Opportunities for Associates  
to Share Feedback 
To ensure that we are living up to our commitment to our 
Associates, we offer many opportunities for them to share 
feedback and make suggestions throughout the year. 
Ross conducts surveys in multiple languages in our 
Stores, Distribution Centers, and Buying and Corporate 
Offices, from which we learn and improve. We 
consistently see high participation rates, indicating that 
our Associates want their voices heard and enabling 
better informed outcomes. 
In 2021, some highlights from our surveys of Store 
Associates include: 
•
91% said that they believe that leadership promotes
 honesty, respect, and high integrity at all times
•
89% agreed that their management team
 treats them with dignity and respect
•
88% agreed that Associates are treated
 fairly, regardless of background
•
92% agreed that Ross/dd’s DISCOUNTS
 show a commitment to DE&I
Matching Gift Program 
Ross established our Matching Gift Program to support 
our Associates’ generosity. The program is available 
to all full-time Ross and dd’s DISCOUNTS Associates. 
All eligible charitable donations are matched dollar-for-
dollar—up to a total of $500 per calendar year. 
In 2021, hundreds of Associates participated in 
the Matching Gift Program, resulting in a total of 
approximately $300,000 donated to more than 425 
diverse nonprofits across the country. 
Each month I research a 
different cause to donate to, 
sometimes asking friends and 
family for their suggestions. 
With the Ross Matching Gift 
Program, I’m able to double 
my impact every month, which 
is such a good feeling. 
— ROSS ASSOCI ATE

18	
2021 CORPORATE SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY REPORT  |  ROSS STORES, INC.
Empowering Our Associates
Supporting Our Communities
Operating Sustainably
Conducting Business Ethically 
A Great Place to Work 
Volunteering in the Community 
Ross encourages our Associates to volunteer in the 
communities around our Stores, Distribution Centers, and 
Corporate and Buying Offices. We are very proud that 
so many choose to donate their time and talents to help 
make a difference. 
Throughout 2021, Associates engaged in individual, 
department-wide, and CommUnity Network efforts 
to support causes they were passionate about and 
Company-wide initiatives that Ross leads. Associates 
from our Corporate and Buying Offices can participate in 
our Volunteer Time-Off Program. Our Store Associates 
give back to the community by hosting in-Store 
fundraisers for our national partners: Boys & Girls Clubs 
of America and First Book. 
For details about these activities, see the “Supporting 
Our Communities” chapter of this report. 
A Scholarship Program for Associates and 
Their Dependents 
Ross is committed to helping Associates achieve their 
educational goals. In 2009, we established the Stuart 
Moldaw Scholarship Program to provide Ross Dress 
for Less and dd’s DISCOUNTS Associates and their 
dependents with tuition assistance for undergraduate, 
graduate, and vocational/technical education. 
The program honors Stuart G. Moldaw—Ross’ 
founder and past Chairman Emeritus—for his 
lifelong commitment to education. Stuart was 
a tireless advocate for many community efforts 
and his legacy lives on through this program. 
Moldaw Scholarship recipients are selected on the 
basis of academic record, financial need, demonstrated 
leadership, and participation in school and community 
activities. Recipients may apply to renew their awards 
for up to three additional years. In fiscal year 2021, more 
than 160 Associates or their dependents received a 
Moldaw Scholarship. 
Applications from Associates and their dependents 
are accepted each year beginning in February. For 
more information, visit the scholarship website. 
I am honored and endlessly grateful to be a recipient of the Stuart Moldaw 
Scholarship Program award… your generous contribution will undoubtedly 
alleviate some of the financial burden of medical school tuition and help 
me focus on my academics to become the best physician I can be. 
— STUART MOLDAW SCHOL ARSHIP RECIPIENT

19	
2021 CORPORATE SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY REPORT  |  ROSS STORES, INC.
Empowering Our Associates
Supporting Our Communities
Operating Sustainably
Conducting Business Ethically 
Supporting  
Our Communities

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2021 CORPORATE SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY REPORT  |  ROSS STORES, INC.
Empowering Our Associates
Supporting Our Communities
Operating Sustainably
Conducting Business Ethically 
Introduction and Highlights 
In
Ross is dedicated to investing 
in the communities where we 
operate and where our Associates 
and Customers live and work. 
As a pillar of our CSR commitment, we have built 
several philanthropic initiatives, with an emphasis 
on building academic achievement and life skills in 
young people. These programs include partnerships 
with national nonprofit organizations—as well as 
regional and grassroots charities—serving the 
communities near our Stores, Distribution Centers, 
and Buying and Corporate Offices. 
We also have a long-standing commitment to 
responding to the most urgent needs in all of 
these communities and the issues that affect our 
Associates and Customers across the country. 
In 2021, this included efforts to boost health 
and safety in the wake of the ongoing COVID-19 
pandemic; promote DE&I; and provide support 
following natural disasters. 
Contributed to 
more than  
1,300 nonprofit 
organizations 
Together with our 
Customers, donated 
nearly $5M to  
Boys & Girls Clubs 
and First Book 
Donated $3.5M  
in personal protective 
equipment to  
nonprofit organizations
troduction and Highlights

21	
2021 CORPORATE SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY REPORT  |  ROSS STORES, INC.
Empowering Our Associates
Supporting Our Communities
Operating Sustainably
Conducting Business Ethically 
Our Philanthropic Mission 
Ross Stores, Inc., established the Ross Stores Foundation 
to help us achieve our philanthropic mission: 
Ready with Ross: Preparing today’s 
youth for a bright tomorrow 
We invest in brighter futures by supporting programs 
that unlock the full potential of the next generation. Ross 
Stores, Inc. and the Ross Stores Foundation partner 
with organizations that work in our communities to build 
academic achievement and life skills for young people 
facing socioeconomic challenges. By boosting competence, 
confidence, and character, we can also boost opportunity, 
accomplishments, and long-term success. 
Our philanthropic initiatives provide support through 
donations from our Foundation and Company, donations 
from our Customers at in-Store fundraisers, and the 
engagement of our Associates through volunteerism and 
workplace giving.

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2021 CORPORATE SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY REPORT  |  ROSS STORES, INC.
Empowering Our Associates
Supporting Our Communities
Operating Sustainably
Conducting Business Ethically 
Our National Community Partners 
Boys & Girls Clubs of America 
For more than a decade, 
Ross and Boys & Girls 
Clubs of America (BGCA) 
have worked together 
to help children achieve 
academic success, 
build confidence, and 
lead healthy lives. Our 
Foundation and Company—together with our generous 
Customers and Associates—have contributed nearly $35 
million to BGCA throughout the life of our partnership. 
Ross believes in BGCA’s mission to enable all young 
people—especially those facing socioeconomic 
challenges—to reach their full potential as productive, 
caring, responsible citizens. 
We support BGCA nationally, but also have “adopted” 
39 local BGCA regional or citywide organizations, which 
include more than 100 local Clubhouses nationwide. In 
the adopted Clubs, the Ross Stores Foundation offers an 
annual grant and scholarship program for high-achieving 
college-bound high school seniors. 
Ross is also the national sponsor of BGCA’s Power Hour, 
an after-school homework help program. During Power 
Hour, Club members receive support in completing their 
homework to improve their academic performance and 
develop a sense of personal responsibility. We are proud 
that we have helped to build Power Hour into what BGCA 
calls their most utilized program and one that, in a typical 
year, serves nearly 750,000 kids and teens with academic 
success support in more than 3,925 Clubs. 
First Book 
Millions of children from low-
income areas often do not 
have the tools they need to 
learn. Books and resources 
impact everything from 
psychological well-being to 
academic performance, but 
many kids in need do not have that advantage. 
www.ﬁrstbook.org
To address this need, dd’s DISCOUNTS partners with First 
Book, a nonprofit organization that transforms the lives of 
children in need by making brand-new, high-quality books 
and resources affordable and available to the educators 
and kids who need them most. 
In partnership with First Book, dd’s DISCOUNTS’ 
Customers and Associates help turn local kids into 
readers, learners, and leaders by equipping them with 
new, high-quality books. Since 2009, together we have 
distributed more than two million new books to kids in 
need across the country and have raised more than $5 
million for literacy programs in local communities. 
We continue to celebrate the outcomes accomplished through this 
incredible partnership between Ross and Boys & Girls Clubs of 
America. Thanks to your expertise and belief in our mission, we have 
built an academic program more useful and strategically effective 
than we could have ever predicted… Our partnership has fueled local 
Power Hour implementation and prioritized the ever shifting but always 
great potential for youth to succeed in tomorrow’s world. 
— JAMES L. CL ARK, PRESIDENT AND CEO, BOYS & GIRLS CLUBS OF AMERICA

23	
2021 CORPORATE SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY REPORT  |  ROSS STORES, INC.
Empowering Our Associates
Supporting Our Communities
Operating Sustainably
Conducting Business Ethically 
Our National Community Partners 
In-Store Fundraising and 
Customer Donations 
Ross is grateful for the hard work of our Associates and 
the generosity of our Customers, which have helped fuel 
tremendous support for our national community partners 
over the years. 
Ross “Help Local Kids Learn” Fundraiser for BGCA 
Every year, Associates at all of our Ross Dress for Less 
Stores across the United States lead a fundraiser to 
benefit BGCA. During the fundraiser and throughout the 
year, we work to establish strong connections between our 
Stores and the local Clubs. 
The 2021 “Help Local Kids Learn” fundraiser was held 
in August. Despite ongoing challenges caused by the 
COVID-19 pandemic and thanks to the incredible support 
of our Customers and hard work of our Associates, the 
campaign raised nearly $4 million for BGCA’s Power Hour 
and local Clubs. 
Ross’ support of Power Hour helped the program grow 
exponentially in response to the new learning environment 
created by the pandemic. Our donations have also funded 
the development of a new Power Hour curriculum for 
elementary school students, which BGCA reports has 
already had a noticeable effect building confidence in 
school and inspiring academic performance. 
dd’s DISCOUNTS “Youth Literacy Fundraiser”  
for First Book 
dd’s DISCOUNTS runs an annual Back-to-School 
fundraiser with First Book. When checking out at the 
register, our Customers are invited to make a donation 
that goes directly to local educational programs. The local 
programs then choose the right books for their students, 
based on age, language, and need. Every Customer 
donation at a dd’s DISCOUNTS Store means First Book 
can deliver more great books to children. 
After having to pivot in 2020 due to the COVID-19 
pandemic, dd’s DISCOUNTS returned to holding its  
in-Store fundraiser in 2021. Through this initiative, nearly 
$1 million was raised to provide books for schools and 
local literacy programs in communities close to dd’s 
Stores. According to a First Book survey, the effort 
reached more than 70,000 kids across the country. 
For more than twenty years 
school libraries have not 
received funds. Much of my 
book collection was from 1998. 
With this grant from dd’s, I was 
able to add new nonfiction that 
gives my students current up-to-
date information and that adds 
to their intellectual curiosity. 
— ELEMENTARY SCHOOL LIBRARIAN

24	
2021 CORPORATE SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY REPORT  |  ROSS STORES, INC.
Empowering Our Associates
Supporting Our Communities
Operating Sustainably
Conducting Business Ethically 
Our National Community Partners 
Coin Shortage Donation Collection 
In 2020 and 2021, as economic activity slowed as a result 
of the COVID-19 pandemic, our country experienced a 
coin shortage due to a drop in cash circulation. Many 
businesses, including Ross Dress for Less and dd’s 
DISCOUNTS Stores, were unable to order coins as they 
normally would. 
When faced with this challenge, our Stores stepped up to 
execute a creative solution that also benefited our national 
community partners. If our cashiers could not provide 
exact change or have the Customer use an alternative 
form of payment, Customers were invited to round up their 
purchase to the nearest dollar and donate the difference 
to BGCA or First Book. This effort continued into the early 
part of fiscal year 2021. 
Throughout the effort, our Customers raised a sizable 
and unexpected gift of more than $370,000 combined for 
BGCA and First Book. 
Grand Openings 
As our Company grows, so do our partnerships with 
BGCA and First Book. Whenever we open a new Ross 
Dress for Less or dd’s DISCOUNTS Store, we make a 
donation to a local Boys & Girls Club or First Book literacy 
partner. In 2021, we donated to 65 local partners near our 
newest Stores.

25	
2021 CORPORATE SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY REPORT  |  ROSS STORES, INC.
Empowering Our Associates
Supporting Our Communities
Operating Sustainably
Conducting Business Ethically 
Community Giving Near Our Offices and Stores 
Ross is committed to giving back 
to the areas where we have a 
strong business presence. We have 
developed several programs and 
initiatives described below that aid 
nonprofits and support local youth. 
Regional Giving Program 
Our Regional Giving Program is one important way that 
Ross fulfills its philanthropic mission to help prepare 
today’s youth for a bright tomorrow. Through the Regional 
Giving Program, we invest in grants to nonprofits, schools, 
and government programs near our Distribution Centers, 
and Buying and Corporate Offices. 
In 2020, we redesigned the Regional Giving Program to 
provide grants of $10,000, $20,000, or $30,000. Now this 
program allows us to have a deeper and more meaningful 
impact on organizations making strides to build academic 
achievement and life skills for socioeconomically 
challenged young people. In 2021, we held three Regional 
Giving Program grant cycles, awarding $700,000 to help 
support 28 different charitable organizations. 
For more information, please see our  
Regional Giving Program Guidelines.

26	
2021 CORPORATE SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY REPORT  |  ROSS STORES, INC.
Empowering Our Associates
Supporting Our Communities
Operating Sustainably
Conducting Business Ethically 
Community Giving Near Our Offices and Stores 
In addition to our Regional Giving 
Program, Ross proudly supports 
several other local charities and 
initiatives where we work and live. 
Buying Offices 
Key Buying Offices are located in New York and Los 
Angeles. These offices support numerous fashion and 
community-related charities. In addition, our Buying 
Offices provide internships and scholarships to students 
interested in retail careers as part of the Fashion 
Scholarship Fund. To support our communities, we donate 
to and partner with organizations like Good+Foundation 
and Educational Alliance. Our Associates contribute by 
taking part in volunteering opportunities and supporting 
drives that donate clothing, home goods, toys, books, and 
other school supplies for local families. 
In 2021, one of the highlights was a Storytime 
Activity and Book Drive with Good+Foundation where 
Associates recorded themselves reading books to 
students and also donated books from a wish-list 
created by Good+Foundation. 
Corporate Offices 
Ross proudly supports several initiatives near our 
Corporate Headquarters in the San Francisco Bay Area 
that share our mission to create brighter futures for our 
youth. For example, Ross sponsors the Golden State 
Warriors’ “Read to Achieve” program and the Oakland 
Athletics’ “Home Run Readers” program—both of which 
highlight the importance of reading, imagination, and 
academic achievement to Bay Area youth. In 2021, Ross 
helped to bring to life several Read to Achieve “Reading 
Rallies” and other special events held virtually and in-
person for students in the Bay Area. 
Distribution Centers 
Ross Stores’ Distribution Centers are located in Southern 
and Central California, Central Pennsylvania, and 
South Carolina. Nonprofit organizations that serve a 
community near our Distribution Centers may be eligible 
to apply for a donation through our Regional Giving 
Program. Additionally, our Distribution Centers seek out 
opportunities to donate products to local organizations.  
Store-Based Giving Program 
The Ross Store-Based Giving Program provides small 
grants to federal tax-exempt 501(c)(3) organizations, 
schools, and government programs serving a 
community within 25 miles of a Ross Dress for Less 
or dd’s DISCOUNTS Store. In 2021, we were proud to 
donate more than $400,000—primarily in the form of 
gift cards—to more than 1,200 organizations aligned 
with our philanthropic mission to strengthen academic 
achievement and life skills in underserved youth. 
To learn more about our program and  
eligibility requirements, visit our  
Store-Based Giving Guidelines. 
Life for children placed in 
foster care is filled with 
many uncertainties and 
disappointments. Your donation 
will help us continue to provide 
a variety of necessities to our 
foster youth. Thank you for 
supporting our community, for 
ensuring that every foster child 
has the nurturing support and 
resources needed to thrive. 
— CHILD ADVOCATES OF SILICON VALLEY (MILPITAS, CA)

27	
2021 CORPORATE SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY REPORT  |  ROSS STORES, INC.
Empowering Our Associates
Supporting Our Communities
Operating Sustainably
Conducting Business Ethically 
Responding to Communities’ Urgent Needs 
Disasters 
Natural disasters continue to affect communities across 
the United States, impacting the lives and livelihoods 
of our Associates, Customers, and neighbors. We want 
to be there and be supportive in their time of need. 
That is why the Ross Stores Foundation is proud to 
be a member of the American Red Cross Disaster 
Responder Program. The Red Cross has the knowledge, 
expertise, and resources to quickly and efficiently help 
communities affected by all types of disasters. 
In recent years, the Ross Stores Foundation has 
donated to American Red Cross Disaster Relief, 
powering the organization’s response efforts for 
hurricanes, wildfires, tornadoes, floods, and more.  
In 2021, our contributions helped the Red Cross 
respond quickly following the winter storms in Texas, 
Hurricane Ida, numerous western wildfires, and the 
deadly series of tornadoes in December that destroyed 
homes and businesses across several states in the 
South and Midwest. 
Our support also has helped the Red Cross provide 
shelter, meals, mental health services, and many other 
types of immediate relief in the aftermath of these and 
other disasters across the country. 
The American Red Cross name and logo and copyrighted materials are 
used with its permission, which in no way constitutes an endorsement, 
express or implied, of any product, service, company, opinion or political 
position. The American Red Cross name and logo are registered 
trademarks owned by the American National Red Cross. For more 
information about the American Red Cross, please visit redcross.org.

28	
2021 CORPORATE SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY REPORT  |  ROSS STORES, INC.
Empowering Our Associates
Supporting Our Communities
Operating Sustainably
Conducting Business Ethically 
Responding to Communities’ Urgent Needs 
COVID-19 Pandemic 
During the unprecedented COVID-19 pandemic, Ross 
has been committed to supporting our Associates and 
neighbors in the communities where we operate. 
We quickly took action at the onset of the pandemic 
and continued to respond appropriately through 2021 to 
prioritize the safety and well-being of our Customers and 
Associates, as noted in the “Empowering Our Associates” 
chapter of this report. 
In 2020, the Company and the Ross Stores Foundation 
jointly pledged $1.5 million in donations to local and 
national organizations providing essential COVID-19 relief 
services, as well as additional support to our Associates 
during these challenging times. In 2021, we added to 
that effort by donating an additional $3.5 million worth 
of personal protective equipment, like hand sanitizer, 
disposable gloves, and disposable face masks, to 
nonprofit partners and other local organizations.

29	
2021 CORPORATE SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY REPORT  |  ROSS STORES, INC.
Empowering Our Associates
Supporting Our Communities
Operating Sustainably
Conducting Business Ethically 
Diversity, Equality, and Inclusion 
Ross continues to work to address long-standing 
inequalities and injustices and bring about meaningful 
change. Not only are we committed to ensuring a diverse, 
equitable, and inclusive workplace, as outlined in the 
“Empowering Our Associates” chapter of this report, 
we also want to support community efforts to combat 
hate and discrimination, increase public education, and 
advocate for progress. 
Throughout the year, we provided support to several 
nonprofit organizations serving specific communities, 
such as Human Rights Campaign, Stop AAPI Hate, the 
Asian American Legal Defense and Education Fund, and 
more. In addition, Ross and its Customers donated nearly 
$5 million to our national partners BGCA and First Book, 
whose work helps remove barriers to quality education 
and serves young people from diverse backgrounds all 
across the country. 
Ross also supports social justice organizations through 
our Matching Gift Program. Ross matches donations 
made by full-time Associates to qualified organizations— 
up to $500 per year.

30	
2021 CORPORATE SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY REPORT  |  ROSS STORES, INC.
Empowering Our Associates
Operating Sustainably
Conducting Business Ethically 
Supporting Our Communities
Associate Volunteering, Drives, and Donations 
Our Associates routinely give back 
to their communities and play a key 
role in our charitable programs, 
demonstrating the true strength of  
the Ross community. 
As described in the “In-Store Fundraising and Customer 
Donations” section of this report, our Associates are 
the force that drives the success of the annual in-Store 
fundraisers for our national community partners, BGCA 
and First Book. 
Even during the ongoing challenges of COVID-19, 
Ross Associates participated in a variety of fundraisers 
and volunteering efforts to support local and national 
charitable organizations. 
Examples Include: 
•
Back-to-School Drive: Associates supported our
annual Back-to-School Drive to give young students
across the country backpacks and school supplies.
As part of the Back-to-School Drive and an Intern
Service Day, 145 Buying Office, Corporate, and Retail
Leader interns designed motivational cards that were
placed in the donated new backpacks for students 
at Educational Alliance’s partnering school, P.S. 64. 
•
Season of Giving: Each year Ross holds a Season
of Giving to support charitable partners through
fundraisers that provide Thanksgiving meals and
fulfill children’s winter wishes for coats and toys.
•
 For Thanksgiving, Associates in our Buying and
Corporate Offices raised funds for local food banks
to feed those most in need and also for our partner
Educational Alliance to provide 200 vouchers for
families to purchase turkeys.
•
 For winter wishes, Associates in our Corporate
Office banded together to give more than 90
new coats and hats to the Boys & Girls Clubs of
Oakland. Buying Office Associates donated more
than 130 gifts for children through the Good+
Foundation and the United Way of Tri-County and
more than 200 games and toys for students at
Educational Alliance’s partnering school, P.S. 64.
•
City Harvest Drive: In New York, Associates
participated for the eighth year in a row in a fundraiser
to contribute to City Harvest and help keep food 
on the table for New Yorkers in need. This year, 
Associates’ donations combined with matches from 
Ross and City Harvest totaled more than $100,000. 
•
Virtual Volunteering: Volunteers gifted their
time for several virtual activities with our
nonprofit partners, including coaching and
judging student entrepreneurship ideas.
•
Matching Gift Program: Associates
support hundreds of causes each year
through the Matching Gift Program.
The generous donations received played a huge part in our youth transitioning back to school. The pandemic has presented so many 
obstacles and challenges that the Back-to-School items allowed our kids and families to be at peace knowing they had the supplies to 
pursue academic excellence. The same was definitely true for the holiday season as well. Our families were so thankful for the warm 
coats and gear. The items were delivered and each child received their gift in their favorite color. Smiles, laughs, and an eagerness to  
try the items described the experience. 
— BOYS & GIRLS CLUBS OF OAKLAND

31	
2021 CORPORATE SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY REPORT  |  ROSS STORES, INC.
Empowering Our Associates
Supporting Our Communities
Operating Sustainably
Conducting Business Ethically 
Operating 
Sustainably

Empowering Our Associates
Supporting Our Communities
Operating Sustainably
Conducting Business Ethically 
About Environmental Sustainability at Ross 
Overview 
Sustainability is ingrained in Ross’ culture. For decades we 
have worked hard to drive out waste and inefficiency from 
our operations, which, in turn, has reduced our impact on 
the environment. As our Company continues to grow, we 
recognize the need to advance our sustainability ambitions 
to help create a sustainable future for all. 
In 2021, we continued our commitment to transparency 
by participating in the CDP 2021 Climate Change 
Questionnaire, receiving a B on our disclosure.* 
We also made progress towards our target to reduce 
Scope 1 & 2 greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 
30 percent per square foot by 2025 versus a 2017 
baseline, and you can read more about our progress 
in the Emissions and Energy section of this report. We 
have organized our GHG emissions to align with the 
Greenhouse Gas Protocol's scope definitions. 
•
Scope 1 emissions are direct GHG emissions from
sources that are owned or controlled by Ross.
•
Scope 2 emissions are from the generation of
energy and electricity purchased by Ross.
•
Scope 3 emissions are from sources not owned or
controlled by Ross.
32	
2021 CORPORATE SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY REPORT 		
This year we are building on the momentum of our climate 
strategy and have set an ambition to reach net-zero GHG 
emissions by 2050 or sooner, in alignment with the Paris 
Climate Agreement. 
We remain committed to taking actions that drive 
environmental sustainability while also creating 
business value, and we look forward to continuing to 
share our progress. 
Our Focus 
We understand that the health of our environment 
is directly linked to the health of our Company. 
Environmental sustainability is an important issue for all 
businesses to consider when conducting operations, and 
the specific nature of our operations has informed our 
sustainability policies and programs. 
We conducted an assessment to determine which 
environmental sustainability issues are most important 
to our Associates, stakeholders, and communities. We 
concluded that the most critical environmental areas of 
opportunity in our operations are GHG emissions and waste. 
While water is not a significant area of impact for Ross, we 
are aware of the importance of water conservation and have 
programs in place to be efficient in our water usage. 
Program Oversight 
To ensure that our environmental sustainability strategy is 
aligned with our business strategy and has the leadership 
support and guidance to be successful, we have 
established robust program governance. 
At the top of our sustainability program governance 
is our Board of Directors. The Audit Committee of the 
Board of Directors assists the Board with oversight 
of the sustainability program and climate risks and 
receives annual reports on the Company’s environmental 
sustainability efforts. 
Ross has also established the Environmental Sustainability 
Steering Committee (ESSC), which is comprised of senior 
leaders from across the Company, including those from 
Store Operations, Supply Chain, Property Development, 
Finance, Indirect Procurement, and Legal. The ESSC 
is responsible for identifying and managing risks and 
opportunities associated with climate change, informing 
and endorsing GHG emissions and waste reduction 
strategies, and identifying and supporting projects in 
pursuit of achieving those strategies. The ESSC also 
provides input to a dedicated Sustainability team and 
helps align the program with the overall business strategy. 
Business unit leaders who implement and oversee energy 
efficiency, energy management, and waste minimization 
efforts across the Company are critical members of our 
sustainability program. Our management provides regular 
updates to the Audit Committee regarding the Company’s 
environmental and sustainability efforts and the status of 
our initiatives. 
*CDP, formerly Carbon Disclosure Project, is a nonprofit that runs the global disclosure system for investors, companies, cities, states,
and regions to manage their environmental impacts.

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2021 CORPORATE SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY REPORT | ROSS STORES, INC.
Empowering Our Associates
Supporting Our Communities
Operating Sustainably
Conducting Business Ethically 
2021 Environmental Sustainability Achievements 
Advancing 
sustainability 
Set ambition to 
reach net-zero 
GHG emissions by 
2050 or sooner 
Commitment to 
transparency 
B score received 
on CDP’s 2021 
Climate Change 
Questionnaire 
Carbon reduction 
25% reduction in 
Scope 1 and 2 GHG 
emissions per square 
foot versus 2017 
Waste reduction 
67% of waste 
diverted from landfill

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2021 CORPORATE SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY REPORT | ROSS STORES, INC.
Empowering Our Associates
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Conducting Business Ethically 
Emissions and Energy Overview 
We recognize that companies can and 
must play a significant role in helping 
mitigate the impacts of climate change. 
Ross has established a target to reduce our Scope 1 and 
2 GHG emissions per square foot by 30 percent by 2025 
against a 2017 baseline. As of 2021, we have reduced 
our emissions intensity by 25 percent, which is ahead of 
our anticipated pathway to achieving this target. Building 
on the momentum of our carbon reduction efforts, we 
have announced our ambition to be at net-zero emissions 
by 2050 or sooner. In support of this ambition, we are 
studying Ross’ carbon reduction pathways for emissions 
from our own operations as well as our Scope 3 emissions. 
We look forward to sharing more information in the future 
as we continue this journey. 
Ross continues to assess the risks and opportunities 
presented by climate change. As a Company that was 
founded and is headquartered in California, we are 
conscious of the threat posed by the increased prevalence 
of wildfires. In addition, we have Stores and operations 
across the United States and Guam and have felt the 
impact of extreme weather events that have been 
intensified by climate change, such as floods, heat waves, 
hurricanes, and winter storms. These direct physical risks, 
along with other physical and transition risks, are likely to 
become more severe as the planet continues to warm. 
We continued our commitment to transparency by 
submitting the CDP Climate Change Questionnaire 
in 2021, receiving a B on our submission. We 
responded to CDP again in 2022, and our response 
includes our 2021 GHG inventory, as well as 
detailed information about our climate-related risks, 
opportunities, strategies, and management. 
GHG Emissions Inventory Details 
On an annual basis, Ross completes a GHG accounting 
of our Scope 1 and 2 impacts and a measurement 
of certain categories of our Scope 3 impact. We are 
expanding our measurement capabilities to further 
understand additional relevant Scope 3 categories. 
Our 2021 GHG inventory was assembled in accordance 
with industry standards, including guidelines from the 
Greenhouse Gas Protocol, The Climate Registry, and 
the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s Center for 
Corporate Climate Leadership. Our reported 2021 GHG 
Scope 1, 2, and 3 emissions were also verified by a third 
party to assure accuracy and completeness. 
GHG emissions are typically reported in terms of  
metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent (MT CO2e).  
The intensity of our Scope 1 and 2 emissions per square 
foot decreased approximately 25 percent between our 
GHG emissions target baseline year of 2017 versus 
2021. Additionally, our absolute Scope 1 and 2 GHG 
emissions decreased approximately 8 percent between 
2017 and 2021. 
Additional details of our GHG emissions impact are 
located on page 61. 
Observed GHG Emissions and Target Progress 
2017
2019
2020*
2021 
5.0 
4.0 
3.0 
2.0 
Scope 1 and 2 MT CO2e 
per 1,000 Square Feet
 2025 Target 
*Figure adjusted to account for temporary reductions in
our GHG emissions as the result of COVID-19 related
facility closures and operational adjustments.

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2021 CORPORATE SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY REPORT | ROSS STORES, INC.
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Conducting Business Ethically 
Energy Details 
We endeavor to decrease our energy intensity year over 
year, which reduces our environmental impact and costs. 
Please see the table on page 61 for additional details on 
our multi-year energy usage. 
In 2021, the purchase of electricity to operate our 
facilities represented 87 percent of our total energy 
consumption, as measured in megawatt hours (MWh) 
and gigajoules (GJ). The great majority of that purchased 
electricity was used to operate our Ross Dress for Less 
and dd’s DISCOUNTS Stores. 
Because electricity consumption is such a large part of 
our energy usage and emissions, an important aspect of 
our GHG management strategy addresses electricity use 
in our buildings. Our investments in lighting, insulation, 
heating, ventilation, air conditioning (HVAC), and building 
energy management systems have enabled us to reduce 
electricity use. We have teams committed to finding new 
and better ways to achieve energy efficiency through 
improved processes and new technologies. We also plan 
to perform energy audits at select locations to identify 
new opportunities to optimize energy use. 
Ross has solar panels installed on the roof of select 
Stores. Because a majority of our Stores are leased, 
however, opportunities to invest in on-site renewable 
energy generation are limited. We continue to evaluate 
opportunities to pursue renewable energy in meaningful 
ways, including considering on-site solar as a part of our 
future Distribution Centers. 
83% 
Stores 
15% 
Distribution 
Facilities 
2% 
Offices 
Total 
Electricity 
Usage by 
Location

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2021 CORPORATE SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY REPORT | ROSS STORES, INC.
Empowering Our Associates
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Energy Efficiency in Stores 
For many years, we have made investments to 
decrease energy use by climate control and lighting 
systems, which consume most of the electricity 
purchased to operate our Stores. 
Technologies such as LED lighting and high-efficiency 
HVAC units have significantly decreased the electricity 
required to operate these systems. We had LED lighting 
installed in nearly all of our Stores, and LED lighting will 
be installed in all of our new Stores for the foreseeable 
future. In addition, we use high-efficiency HVAC units 
whenever possible, through retrofitting existing HVAC 
equipment or including them in new Store builds. 
To further reduce the energy required to operate 
climate control and lighting, we utilize an advanced 
building energy management platform that enables 
more precise control over our energy management and 
shaves off unnecessary electricity use. This technology 
also allows us to quickly and easily adjust occupancy 
schedules, lighting levels, and temperatures across 
our Stores, which provides operational benefits in 
addition to energy savings. This system also allows for 
remote diagnosis of HVAC issues to quickly identify and 
correct inefficiencies, which can prevent unnecessary 
downtime and costly technician visits to our Stores. 
We can also quickly respond to requests to lower our 
electricity usage to help electric utilities avoid rolling 
blackouts during critical periods like heat waves. 
Through the use of this platform, we estimate that we 
have reduced energy usage at our Stores by more than 
30 million kilowatt-hours from when we began piloting 
in 2019 through the end of 2021. 
Energy management 
platform reduced usage 
at Stores by more than 
30 million kilowatt-
hours since 2019 
We also design our new Stores with efficiency at the 
center, understanding that investments in the earliest 
stage of Store development pay off for years to come. 
In addition to including LED lighting, high-efficiency 
HVAC equipment, and advanced energy management, 
we often use thicker, higher-quality insulation than 
is required by code and white roofs to deflect heat. 
These actions result in new Stores that are more 
energy efficient, which lowers our energy usage, 
environmental impact, and costs. As we continue 
to add more Stores over the long term, efficient 
new Store design will be critical for mitigating our 
environmental impact.

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2021 CORPORATE SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY REPORT | ROSS STORES, INC.
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Energy Efficiency in Distribution Centers 
Ross’ distribution and warehouse facilities represent a 
smaller portion of our electricity consumption and, on 
average, use less energy per square foot to operate than 
do our Stores. 
Highlights of Our Energy Management 
Program in 2021 
•
We utilize an “air purging” program that uses natural
air to cool our facilities. During the day, the sun heats
up our buildings. At night when temperatures drop,
we purge the hot air from the building and welcome 
in fresh, naturally cool air. This allows us to avoid 
several hours of air conditioning, thereby saving energy 
costs. What’s more, the purging program reduces our 
electricity demand during peak daytime hours and 
therefore reduces pressure on the electricity grid. 
•
We use highly efficient conveyor systems with variable
frequency drives, sensors, and automation that shuts
off equipment when not in demand.
•
We have LED lighting and sensors that shut off lights
when areas of a facility are not in use. Many of our
facilities also have skylights to take advantage of
natural light.
•
We use battery-powered forklifts and material-handling
equipment to move merchandise within many of our
distribution facilities. In general, this battery-operated
equipment is more energy efficient and has a lower
overall cost of ownership compared with its fuel-
powered counterparts.
•
Our new Distribution Centers are designed with energy
efficiency in mind, with white roofs to reflect sunlight
and advanced building energy management systems.
Our roofs are also “solar ready.”
•
We investigated the feasibility of on-site solar at our
distribution and warehouse facilities and plan to
integrate solar at a future Distribution Center.
•
We are also seeking opportunities to perform energy
audits to identify additional ways to optimize energy use.
All of these approaches help our Distribution Centers 
reduce air pollution, limit GHG emissions, and achieve 
cost savings.

Empowering Our Associates 
Supporting Our Communities 
Operating Sustainably 
Conducting Business Ethically 
Energy Effciency in Offces 
Our Corporate Headquarters in Dublin, California, achieved  
Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED)  
Gold certifcation from the U.S. Green Building Council,  
with features that increase our Associates’ comfort while  
minimizing our impact on the environment. 
The sustainability features of our headquarters include 
energy management equipment such as high-effciency 
HVAC equipment, Energy Star appliances, and lighting 
with motion sensors and daylight controls. Additionally, we 
converted our interior and exterior lighting to LEDs. 
We also enabled lower-emission transportation options by 
having on-site electric vehicle charging stations, providing 
bicycle storage and changing facilities, and locating the 
campus close to public transportation. 
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2021 CORPORATE SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY REPORT | ROSS STORES, INC.

Empowering Our Associates 
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Operating Sustainably 
Conducting Business Ethically 
 
Energy Effciency in Product Transportation 
 
Some of the strategies we deployed in 
2021 include: 
Although Ross does not own its feet of trucks, we know that 
the impact of transporting our products is a signifcant source of 
indirect emissions. 
We work continuously with our transportation providers to improve 
shipping effciency across our distribution network as we grow our 
Store base. 
•
 Shipments were consolidated where possible to reduce the
number of trips to Stores each day.
•
 We ship by rail whenever possible, which is less polluting than
standard ground transportation. Approximately 33 percent of
outbound freight from our Distribution Centers was shipped via
rail in 2021.
•
 Approximately 81 percent of our transportation partners
participated in the SmartWay Partnership, a U.S. Environmental
Protection Agency program that improves fuel effciency and
reduces air pollution.
•
 The capacity of each trailer was maximized through floor-
loading and removing unnecessary packaging, leading to
fewer shipments.
•
 We completed route optimization projects, which eliminate
1.1 million over-the-road miles from Store deliveries on an
annual basis. We have processes in place to continue to review
opportunities to reduce miles and routes on a quarterly basis as
we grow.
•
We deployed electric yard vehicles at select Distribution Centers
to replace vehicles with internal combustion engines.
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2021 CORPORATE SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY REPORT | ROSS STORES, INC.

Empowering Our Associates 
Supporting Our Communities 
Operating Sustainably 
Conducting Business Ethically 
Energy Effciency in Travel 
Ross has a robust feld leadership 
organization to support Stores located 
across the country. 
One of the key functions of our feld leaders is to visit and  
provide direct guidance to Stores in their area, which means  
many of these leaders spend a lot of time on the road.  
To help lower the GHG impact of these visits, Ross has a  
corporate feet of primarily hybrid vehicles. We estimate that  
we would have used nearly 40 percent more fuel in 2021 if  
our feet contained only conventional vehicles. 
Like many companies, Ross continued to adjust its 
business travel policies to prioritize the safety and well-
being of our Associates during the ongoing COVID-19 
pandemic. As a result, our Scope 3 emissions related to 
business travel were approximately 58 percent lower in 
2021 than in 2019. 
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2021 CORPORATE SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY REPORT | ROSS STORES, INC.

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2021 CORPORATE SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY REPORT  |  ROSS STORES, INC.
Empowering Our Associates
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Waste Management and Recycling Overview 
The waste we generate is one of our Company’s most 
material impacts, and we work hard to manage and reduce 
our waste footprint. 
We have waste diversion programs in our Stores, 
Distribution Centers, and Corporate and Buying Offices, 
and we encourage our Associates to participate in 
practices that increase our recycling, reduce waste, and 
decrease our use of natural resources. 
Waste Diversion from Landfill 
We measure the percentage of our waste that we divert 
from landfill across our retail operations. This measurement 
includes all Stores and Ross-controlled Distribution Centers 
and warehouses. In 2021, our estimated landfill diversion 
was approximately 67 percent.* 
67% 
2021 
*This figure is approximate. We expect the accuracy of our
waste measurements to improve over time.
Waste 
Diversion

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2021 CORPORATE SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY REPORT  |  ROSS STORES, INC.
Empowering Our Associates
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Operating Sustainably
Conducting Business Ethically 
Minimizing Waste in Stores 
Approximately two-thirds of our operational waste is 
generated in our Stores, and a significant portion of that 
is cardboard. 
Because they represent such a large percentage of our 
waste footprint, cardboard boxes are an important part 
of our effort to reduce our waste and demonstrate our 
commitment to being a responsible retailer. 
A majority of our Stores participate in a cardboard 
recycling program in which used boxes are backhauled 
to a regional facility, baled, and delivered to a recycling 
partner. This effort to recycle quickly adds up. Across 
participating Stores in 2021, we recycled nearly 40,000 
tons of cardboard through the backhaul recycling program, 
and we are investigating opportunities to expand this 
program to more Stores. 
In addition, we work with our local waste and recycling 
partners and landlords to make cardboard recycling 
receptacles available whenever possible in locations where 
we are unable to backhaul. 
Other recycling and waste reduction 
programs in our Stores include: 
•
Reusable bags: We sell branded reusable
shopping bags at our Stores.
•
Shopping bags with recycled content: All the
plastic and paper shopping bags that we provide
to Customers contain recycled material.
•
Carrying strips: To reduce use of large bags for
oversized items, we offer adhesive carrying strips that
allow our Customers to handle their purchases while
using a fraction of the plastic.
•
Reusable hangers: When possible we avoid single-use
hangers and have a reuse program for Store hangers.
•
Dumpster rightsizing: We continuously adjust the
number of trash dumpsters and enhance collection
schedules to help Stores optimize their recycling rates.
•
Service automation: We are investigating technology
that ensures compactors are only serviced when full,
reducing unnecessary pickups and hauling expenses.
•
Digital resources: To reduce paper waste, many of
our reports, trainings, policies, and other resources are
available digitally.
•
Other diversion programs: In certain geographies, we
have pursued other diversion efforts, such as organic
waste programs and single-stream recycling.

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2021 CORPORATE SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY REPORT  |  ROSS STORES, INC.
Empowering Our Associates
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Operating Sustainably
Conducting Business Ethically 
Minimizing Waste in Distribution Centers 
Our Distribution Centers receive merchandise 
from many countries. We process and ship these 
goods to Stores across the country, typically in 
cardboard boxes. 
We use a packing and shipping system that 
minimizes the number of boxes and trucks 
required to deliver merchandise, as well as a 
system to recycle the millions of boxes we receive 
each year. As a result, we recycled nearly 70,000 
tons of material generated in our Distribution 
Centers in 2021. 
We continuously look for ways to optimize how 
products are packaged for shipping, which 
includes working upstream with our suppliers 
and within our facilities to minimize unnecessary 
packaging materials. One such project removed 
inserts from boxes we ship to our Stores. This not 
only eliminated a source of waste from the insert 
itself but also allowed us to fit more products into 
each box and therefore use fewer boxes. This 
project is estimated to have eliminated nearly 
1,000 tons of cardboard waste in 2021. 
We also test new recycling systems at our 
Distribution Centers and Stores, including ongoing 
efforts to recycle plastic film. We increased the 
amount of plastic we recycled in our Distribution 
Centers by 16% in 2021, and we are continuing to 
look for more opportunities to reduce plastic waste 
and divert it from landfill. 
These efforts divert tons of waste from landfill. As 
an added benefit, they also help us reduce waste 
disposal costs. 
In 2021, to help us divert waste from landfill while 
also supporting the communities we serve, we 
continued a program to donate hand sanitizer and 
personal protective equipment to local nonprofits.

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2021 CORPORATE SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY REPORT  |  ROSS STORES, INC.
Empowering Our Associates
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Operating Sustainably
Conducting Business Ethically 
Minimizing Waste in Offices 
The small changes in how we operate our offices also have 
a positive impact on the planet. 
Examples of the initiatives that we had in 
place in 2021: 
•
We continued to adapt our internal reporting processes
to use digital tools instead of paper. One such change
to our printing process initiated in 2020 is expected to
eliminate more than 100 tons of paper use annually.
•
When we do print, we try to minimize the environmental
impact by using paper that has postconsumer
content; setting printers to print double-sided; and
using large-capacity, refurbished toner cartridges
that result in less plastic, steel, aluminum, and
rubber waste compared to traditional toners. We
also have a program to recycle office paper.
•
At the cafe at our Corporate Office, 100 percent of
Company-provided flatware and utensils are reusable
or compostable, and we encourage the use of reusable
plates as well. We also supply deskside recycling bins
and provide convenient organic waste and single-
stream recycling receptacles in common areas.
•
The majority of our Associates receive electronic
paychecks, which reduces paper use.
•
Hydration stations are available to reduce
single-use plastic bottle waste.
•
An e-waste recycling program handles damaged
or obsolete electronic equipment.

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2021 CORPORATE SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY REPORT  |  ROSS STORES, INC.
Empowering Our Associates
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Environmental Sustainability in the Supply Chain 
Much of the apparel, footwear, accessories, and home- 
related merchandise sold in our Stores is purchased 
from suppliers after they have been produced to other 
retailers’ specifications. This creates a challenge when 
we try to influence our upstream Scope 3 emissions. 
However, in support of our ambition to reach net-zero 
GHG emissions by 2050 or sooner, we will be examining 
the Scope 3 emissions that occur in our supply chain and 
considering new emissions reduction strategies. 
In terms of environmental compliance in our supply 
chain, we require that vendors sell us only products that 
comply with applicable laws, including those related to 
environmental protection and product safety, and we will 
not knowingly purchase products made in violation of 
established environmental or consumer product  
safety requirements. 
Additionally, we maintain a large supply chain with a broad 
network of suppliers to give us flexibility in the event that 
any of our individual suppliers are impaired by climate-
related issues. 
Additional details are available in the “Conducting 
Business Ethically” chapter of this report.

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2021 CORPORATE SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY REPORT  |  ROSS STORES, INC.
Empowering Our Associates
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Operating Sustainably
Conducting Business Ethically 
Conducting 
Business 
Ethically

47	
2021 CORPORATE SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY REPORT  |  ROSS STORES, INC.
Empowering Our Associates
Supporting Our Communities
Operating Sustainably
Conducting Business Ethically 
Introduction 
Ethical business practices are critically 
important to Ross and can be seen in 
the way we treat our constituents— 
from Customers and Associates to 
vendors and investors. 
We are dedicated to operating with high standards of 
integrity and transparency and to adhering to policies and 
processes designed and implemented to drive towards 
meeting these standards. 
Ross’ corporate governance practices and policies have 
been developed with those high standards in mind. These 
policies cover the Board of Directors’ governing principles 
and expectations regarding business ethics for Ross 
executives, Associates, and business partners.

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2021 CORPORATE SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY REPORT  |  ROSS STORES, INC.
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Supplier Diversity 
We care about sourcing goods  
and services from a diverse set 
of suppliers. 
We show our support for diverse supplier communities 
through our memberships in the National Minority Supplier 
Development Council (NMSDC), the Women’s Business 
Enterprise National Council (WBENC), and the National 
LGBT Chamber of Commerce.

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2021 CORPORATE SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY REPORT  |  ROSS STORES, INC.
Empowering Our Associates
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Operating Sustainably
Conducting Business Ethically 
Our Approach to Sourcing and Human Rights 
Our commitment to corporate social 
responsibility extends to our supply 
chain and the vendors we work with 
throughout the world. 
Ross requires that responsible business practices be 
upheld and human rights be respected throughout our 
supply chain. 
Vendors, manufacturers, and other Company business 
partners are required to comply with all applicable local, 
state, federal, and international laws relating to the 
manufacture and production of products sold to Ross, 
including laws relating to: 
•
Labor compensation
•
Working conditions
•
Child, slave, prison, or forced labor
•
Environmental protection
•
Product safety
•
Corruption or bribery (including
 foreign corrupt practices)
•
Building and working safety conditions
 and similar obligations
To the extent contractors or subcontractors are involved in 
the production of goods supplied to Ross, vendors must 
require that these parties are similarly compliant with Ross’ 
Vendor Code of Conduct. 
Ross’ standards and requirements related to sourcing 
and human rights are incorporated in various Company 
documents, including Ross’ Code of Business Conduct and 
Ethics, Vendor Compliance Manual, Purchase Orders, Vendor 
Indemnification Agreements, and Buying Agent Agreements. 
Ross’ standards and requirements related to human rights are 
also designed to comport with applicable Universal 
Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) and International Labor 
Organization (ILO) standards. For more information, refer to 
our Vendor Compliance Manual and our Code of Business 
Conduct and Ethics, which are located in the Corporate 
Governance section of our website. 
We closely monitor evolving issues throughout the world to 
promote adherence by our suppliers and business partners 
to our policies and commitments, as well as to federal, state, 
and local laws. Ross will not knowingly purchase any 
product whose manufacture involved the use of any child, 
slave, prison, or forced labor or the use of any labor where 
workers are not provided wages or safe working 
environments as required by law. Additionally, we will not 
knowingly purchase products made in violation 
of established environmental or consumer product safety 
requirements. If Ross becomes aware that any vendor has 
been found to be out of compliance with Ross’ requirements 
or procedures, including any applicable local, national, or 
international labor or human trafficking laws, Ross will take 
appropriate responsive action, which could include 
suspending all shipments of a vendor’s merchandise and/or 
terminating the business relationship.

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2021 CORPORATE SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY REPORT  |  ROSS STORES, INC.
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Operating Sustainably
Conducting Business Ethically 
Responsible Sourcing 
Beyond communicating our standards and 
requirements related to sourcing and human rights 
in various Company documents, Ross dedicates 
significant resources and drives processes to promote 
responsible sourcing. 
The majority of the apparel, footwear, accessories, and 
home-related products sold in our Stores are purchased 
from suppliers after they have been produced and 
imported to other retailers’ specifications. Though Ross 
does not have direct control over the manufacturing 
processes for these products, we require suppliers to 
uphold our ethical standards. 
Some products are ordered and imported directly 
through international buying agents or certain 
overseas vendors. For these items, we have additional 
processes and requirements in place to monitor and 
enforce compliance. 
To start, we communicate our standards and 
requirements, and provide training to vendors, buyers, 
and overseas buying agents during our purchasing 
processes. We provide initial training to new Associates 
as well as ongoing training and updates to buyers and 
other Associates involved in our product sourcing. 
Further, we monitor and assess our supply chain for 
compliance related to product safety, labor laws, and 
human-trafficking concerns. 
In addition, we maintain a factory audit program 
intended to promote compliance with our Vendor Code 
of Conduct, which includes adherence to local labor, 
safety, and environmental laws. The program employs 
numerous resources, including buying agent-conducted 
factory inspections and third-party factory audits 
conducted by industry-leading auditors. Additionally, 
on an annual basis, Ross reviews hundreds of social 
compliance reports and corrective action responses. 
If Ross becomes aware that any vendor or its 
manufacturing factory is out of compliance with our 
requirements or procedures, we will take appropriate 
responsive action, which may include suspending 
all shipments of the vendor’s merchandise and/or 
terminating the business relationship.

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2021 CORPORATE SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY REPORT  |  ROSS STORES, INC.
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Conducting Business Ethically 
Product Safety 
Ross is committed to the sale of safe 
products in our Stores. 
Through various vendor-facing documents, we require our 
vendors to provide products that comply with applicable 
federal, state, and local statutes, rules, and regulations 
(e.g., Purchase Order, Vendor Compliance Manual, and 
Indemnification Agreement). 
Additionally, Ross references relevant legislation and 
safety standards when designing our buying and selling 
strategies. Although Ross does not buy or sell hazardous 
chemicals, we recognize that some consumer products may 
contain natural components and synthetic chemicals as 
ingredients. To protect the safety of consumers, including 
children, we require that vendors’ products comply with the 
Federal Hazardous Substances Act and any corresponding 
state laws. These laws mandate proper labeling, warning 
requirements, and product testing. 
Children’s products are subject to rigorous requirements, 
including but not limited to the Consumer Product Safety 
Improvement Act (CPSIA). Compliance is strictly enforced 
by the Consumer Product Safety Commission, and Ross 
requires that vendors of CPSIA-impacted products confirm 
that they meet the Commission’s requirements. 
Where Ross sources food and cosmetic products 
overseas, we require that suppliers submit labeling and 
ingredients for compliance review and that they abide by 
all applicable U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) 
requirements. Additionally, we review and confirm that 
foreign food suppliers meet Food Safety Modernization 
Act requirements and corresponding regulations. 
The global COVID-19 pandemic resulted in higher demand 
for sanitizing and disinfectant products. Products within 
these categories deserve heightened review as their use 
and inclusion of active ingredients are regulated by the 
FDA and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Ross 
has processes in place to require that vendors supply 
products that are both safe and compliant as required by 
their respective agencies. 
In support of our product safety commitment, we require 
that our vendors comply with our Vendor Compliance 
Manual. The Vendor Compliance Manual provides an 
overview of the various requirements applicable to the 
products we sell and references sources of additional 
information. 
Go to our Vendor Compliance Manual for more 
information.

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2021 CORPORATE SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY REPORT  |  ROSS STORES, INC.
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Operating Sustainably
Conducting Business Ethically 
Evolving Issues 
Standards and regulations regarding consumer products 
and supply chains are continually changing. Ross 
requires that all of its vendors engage in responsible 
business practices and uphold human rights throughout 
our supply chain. 
As part of our annual investigation and disclosure of 
the existence of conflict minerals in products we sell, 
we require that suppliers comply with our requests to 
identify the source of conflict minerals incorporated in or 
consumed by the manufacturing of products that they 
provide to us and, as necessary, perform due diligence 
regarding the sourcing of the minerals at issue. Ross’ 
Conflict Minerals Disclosure is available in the Investors 
section of our website. 
We do not specifically seek apparel or other merchandise 
containing animal fur. Given our opportunistic buying 
of already manufactured products, from time to time, 
products we sell may contain incidental fur. 
Ross’ Code of Conduct specifically prohibits the use of 
any form of involuntary or forced labor by vendors and 
their contractors anywhere in their manufacturing or 
supply chain. We have zero tolerance for such violations 
and have taken additional, enhanced efforts intended to 
prevent our supply chain from including products made 
with forced labor. This process includes, but is not limited 
to, vendor communications, vendor monitoring, factory 
audits, and inspections.

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2021 CORPORATE SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY REPORT  |  ROSS STORES, INC.
Empowering Our Associates
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Operating Sustainably
Conducting Business Ethically 
Governance and Ethics 
This section describes Ross’ corporate governance 
and ethical practices that were developed to fulfill our 
commitment to operating with the highest integrity. 
Corporate Governance 
Ross’ corporate governance practices and policies have 
been developed in accordance with high standards of 
integrity. They cover the Board of Directors’ governing 
principles and expectations regarding ethics for Ross 
executives, Associates, and business partners. More 
details can be found in the Investors section of our 
website. Details regarding the Corporate Governance 
framework can be found in the most recent Proxy 
Statement filed on April 5, 2022 with the U.S. Securities 
and Exchange Commission (SEC). 
Board of Directors 
Following the May 19, 2021 Annual Meeting, our Board 
of Directors consisted of eleven directors, the majority of 
whom are independent based on the applicable Nasdaq 
listing standards. We have an increasingly diverse Board, 
including our female Chief Executive Officer and multiple 
female directors. 
The Board has adopted a Code of Ethics for Senior 
Financial Officers; a Code of Business Conduct and Ethics 
that applies to all of our employees, officers, directors, 
and business partners; and Whistleblowing and Complaint 
Policy and Procedures. 
During fiscal year 2021, the Board held five meetings. No 
incumbent member of the Board, while serving in such 
capacity, attended fewer than 75 percent of the total 
number of Board meetings and applicable committee 
meetings held during the year. During the same fiscal year, 
the independent directors held five meetings in executive 
session without management. 
Board Director Nomination Process 
The Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee 
is responsible for evaluating the qualifications, 
independence, and skill of all candidates for election to 
the Board. The Nominating and Corporate Governance 
Committee has a policy with regard to the assessment of 
director candidates, including candidates recommended 
by stockholders. 
Ross seeks to promote diversity, including gender and 
racial/ethnic diversity, within the Company and the 
corporate boardroom. In the event that the Nominating 
and Corporate Governance Committee determines 
to recruit candidates from outside the Company 
as potential nominees to join the Board, the initial 
candidate pool will include qualified female and racially/ 
ethnically diverse candidates, and any third-party search 
firms will be instructed to include such candidates. 
Following the May 19, 2021 Annual Meeting, our eleven 
directors included five female directors and one racially/ 
ethnically diverse director.

54	
2021 CORPORATE SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY REPORT  |  ROSS STORES, INC.
Empowering Our Associates
Supporting Our Communities
Operating Sustainably
Conducting Business Ethically 
Governance and Ethics 
Board Committees 
At all times, the Board has an Audit Committee, a 
Compensation Committee, and a Nominating and 
Corporate Governance Committee. 
The Audit Committee assists the Board with fulfilling its 
responsibility for oversight of the quality and integrity of the 
accounting, auditing, and financial reporting practices of the 
Company and such other duties as directed by the Board. 
The Audit Committee held nine meetings in fiscal year 2021. 
The Compensation Committee carries out the 
responsibilities of the Board relating to oversight 
and direction of the compensation of the Company’s 
executives, including the compensation of the Company’s 
Chief Executive Officer. The Committee oversees and 
administers the policies and plans that govern the cash, 
equity, and incentive compensation of the executive 
officers and non-employee directors of the Company. The 
Compensation Committee held eleven meetings in fiscal 
year 2021. 
The Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee 
assists the Board in evaluating qualified individuals to 
serve as directors of the Company. The Committee is also 
responsible for the development and the administration 
of the Company’s Corporate Governance Guidelines. The 
Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee held 
four meetings in fiscal year 2021. 
Details regarding the functions and activities of each of 
these committees can be found in the most recent Proxy 
Statement filed on April 5, 2022 with the SEC. 
Role of the Board and Committees in 
Supporting CSR 
The Audit Committee assists the Board with oversight of 
the sustainability program and our approach to climate 
risks, and receives annual reports of the Company’s 
environmental sustainability efforts. Our Audit Committee 
also engages our management on regular updates 
regarding the Company’s environmental and sustainability 
efforts and the status of our initiatives. 
The Company has separately established an 
Environmental Sustainability Steering Committee (ESSC), 
which comprises senior leaders from across the Company. 
The ESSC assists with identifying and managing risks and 
opportunities associated with climate change, informing 
and endorsing GHG emissions and waste reduction 
strategies, and identifying and supporting projects in 
pursuit of achieving those strategies. The ESSC also 
provides input to a dedicated Sustainability team and 
helps align the program with the overall business strategy. 
To read more about our Board and  
various committees, visit the Corporate Governance 
section of our website.

55	
2021 CORPORATE SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY REPORT  |  ROSS STORES, INC.
Empowering Our Associates
Supporting Our Communities
Operating Sustainably
Conducting Business Ethically 
Code of Business Conduct and Ethics 
Ross’ Code of Business Conduct and Ethics contains 
general guidelines for conducting the business of the 
Company consistent with high standards of business ethics. 
Ross considers this a minimum standard. If a higher 
standard is required by commercial practice or 
applicable laws, rules, or regulations, we strive to 
adhere to the higher standard. The Code applies to all 
members of the Board of Directors, officers, Associates, 
and agents. In addition, Ross’ business partners 
(including but not limited to suppliers, vendors, and 
service providers) are expected to comply with the 
applicable standards set forth in the Code. 
Acceptance of our Code of Business Conduct and 
Ethics is required as part of our onboarding terms 
and conditions for all business partners. The Code is 
supported by additional requirements and obligations 
imposed by Ross through its policies and practices 
and applicable laws and regulations. Furthermore, all 
Associates are required to complete Code of Business 
Conduct and Ethics training annually.

56	
2021 CORPORATE SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY REPORT  |  ROSS STORES, INC.
Empowering Our Associates
Supporting Our Communities
Operating Sustainably
Conducting Business Ethically 
Privacy and Data Security 
Ross recognizes our responsibility to appropriately use, 
maintain, and safeguard the personal data we collect from 
our Customers and Associates. 
Our data security and privacy practices are designed to 
support privacy rights and are based on industry standards. 
Visit our Privacy Policy for more information.

57	
2021 CORPORATE SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY REPORT  |  ROSS STORES, INC.
Empowering Our Associates
Supporting Our Communities
Operating Sustainably
Conducting Business Ethically 
Appendix

58	
2021 CORPORATE SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY REPORT  |  ROSS STORES, INC.
Empowering Our Associates
Supporting Our Communities
Operating Sustainably
Conducting Business Ethically 
GRI Reference Data Table 
This table references GRI 103: Management Approach 2016; GRI 302: Energy 2016; and GRI 305: Emissions 2016. 
Impact Area
Disclosure Number
Description
Location 
GRI 103: 
Management 
Approach 
103-1
Explanation of the material topic and its boundary
2022 CDP Response; 2021 Corporate 
Social Responsibility Report—Our Focus 
(pg. 32), Program Oversight (pg. 32), 
Emissions and Energy Overview (pg. 34), 
Energy Details (pg. 35) 
103-2
Management approach and its components 
103-3
Evaluation of the management approach 
Energy 
302-1
Energy consumption within the organization 
2022 CDP Response; 2021 Corporate Social 
Responsibility Report—Energy Details (pg. 
35), Emissions and Energy Data Table (pg. 61) 
GRI 302:  
Energy 
302-3
Energy intensity 
2021 Corporate Social Responsibility 
Report—Emissions and Energy Data Table 
(pg. 61) 
302-4
Reduction of energy consumption 
2022 CDP Response; 2021 Corporate Social 
Responsibility Report—Energy Efficiency in 
Stores (pg. 36), Emissions and Energy Data 
Table (pg. 61) 
GRI 103: 
Management  
Approach 
103-1
Explanation of the material topic and its boundary 
2022 CDP Response; 2021 Corporate 
Social Responsibility Report—Our Focus 
(pg. 32), Program Oversight (pg. 32), 
Emissions and Energy Overview (pg. 34) 
103-2
Management approach and its components 
103-3
Evaluation of the management approach 
Emissions 
GRI 305:  
Emissions 
305-1
Direct (Scope 1) GHG emissions 
2022 CDP Response; 2021 Corporate Social 
Responsibility Report—Emissions and Energy 
Overview (pg. 34), Emissions and Energy 
Data Table (pg. 61) 
305-2
Energy indirect (Scope 2) GHG emissions 
305-3
Other indirect (Scope 3) GHG emissions 
305-4
GHG emissions intensity 
305-5
Reduction of GHG emissions

59	
2021 CORPORATE SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY REPORT  |  ROSS STORES, INC.
Empowering Our Associates
Supporting Our Communities
Operating Sustainably
Conducting Business Ethically 
TCFD Framework Reference Table 
Recommended Disclosure Topic
Location 
Governance 
Describe the Board’s oversight of climate-related risks and opportunities. 
2022 CDP Response; 2021 Corporate  
Social Responsibility Report—Program Oversight (pg. 32) 
Describe management’s role in assessing and managing climate-related risks and opportunities. 
Strategy 
Describe the climate-related risks and opportunities the organization has identified over the short, medium, and 
long terms. 
2022 CDP Response 
Describe the impact of climate-related risks and opportunities on the organization’s businesses, strategy, and 
financial planning. 
Describe the resilience of the organization’s strategy, taking into consideration different climate-related 
scenarios, including a 2 degree C or lower scenario. 
Risk Management 
Describe the organization’s processes for identifying and assessing climate-related risks. 
2022 CDP Response 
Describe how processes for identifying, assessing, and managing climate-related risks are integrated into the 
organization’s overall risk management. 
Metrics and Targets 
Disclose Scope 1, Scope 2, and, if appropriate, Scope 3 greenhouse gas emissions and the 
related risks. 
2022 CDP Response; 2021 Corporate  
Social Responsibility Report—Emissions and Energy 
Overview (pg. 34), Emissions and Energy Data Table (pg. 61) 
Describe the targets used by the organization to manage climate-related risks and opportunities and 
performance against targets. 
2022 CDP Response; 2021 Corporate Social Responsibility 
Report—Emissions and Energy Overview (pg. 34)

60	
2021 CORPORATE SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY REPORT  |  ROSS STORES, INC.
Empowering Our Associates
Supporting Our Communities
Operating Sustainably
Conducting Business Ethically 
SASB Disclosure Matrix 
Multiline and Specialty Retailers & Distributors 
Table 1: Sustainability Disclosure Topics & Accounting Metrics 
Topic
Metric
SASB Code
Location 
Energy Management  
in Retail & Distribution 
Total energy consumed, percentage grid electricity, 
renewable energy use 
CG-MR-130a.1 
2021 Corporate Social Responsibility Report— 
Energy Details (pg. 35), Emissions and Energy 
Data Table (pg. 61); 2022 CDP Response 
Data Security 
Description of approach to identifying and addressing 
data security risks 
CG-MR-230a.1 
2021 Corporate Social Responsibility Report— 
Privacy and Data Security (pg. 56); Ross 2021 
10-K (pg. 11)
Workforce Diversity  
& Inclusion 
Percentage of gender and racial/ethnic group 
representation 
CG-MR-330a.1 
2021 Corporate Social Responsibility Report—Our 
Commitment to Diversity, Equality, and Inclusion 
(pg. 8); 2021 EEO-1 Consolidated Report 
Product Sourcing,  
Packaging & Marketing 
Discussion of processes to assess and manage risks 
associated with chemicals in products 
CG-MR-410a.2 
2021 Corporate Social Responsibility Report— 
Environmental Sustainability in the Supply Chain 
(pg. 45); Product Safety (pg. 51) 
Discussion of strategies to reduce the environmental 
impact of packaging 
CG-MR-410a.3 
2021 Corporate Social Responsibility Report— 
Minimizing Waste in Stores (pg. 42), Minimizing 
Waste in Distribution Centers (pg. 43) 
Table 2: Activity Metrics 
Activity Metric
SASB Code
Location 
Number of retail locations and Distribution Centers
CG-MR-000.A 
2021 Corporate Social Responsibility Report— 
About Our Company (pg. 3); Ross 2021 Annual 
Report (pgs. 25-27) 
Total area of retail space and Distribution Centers
CG-MR-000.B
Ross 2021 Annual Report (pgs. 25-27, 33)

61	
2021 CORPORATE SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY REPORT  |  ROSS STORES, INC.
Empowering Our Associates
Supporting Our Communities
Operating Sustainably
Conducting Business Ethically 
Emissions and Energy Data Table 
GHG Emissions by Scope 
GHG Emissions Category
2017 MT CO2e (baseline)
2019 MT CO2e
2020 MT CO2e
2021 MT CO2e 
Scope 1
18,310
23,175
20,816
24,826 
Scope 2: Location-Based
258,826
242,511
205,898
229,977 
Scope 2: Market-Based
(Not measured)
(Not measured)
205,440
226,028 
Total Scopes 1 & 2: Location-Based
277,136
265,686
226,714
254,803 
Scope 3: Business Travel
28,963
8,557
3,194
3,571 
Scope 3: Fuel and energy-related activities (not in Scope 1 & 2)
(Not measured)
51,105
54,338
94,842 
Total Scope 1, 2 (Location-Based) & 3
306,099
325,348
284,246
353,216 
GHG Intensity Metrics
*Measurement expanded in 2020 to include energy loss from transmission and distribution of electricity to Ross facilities. 
Total Scope 1 & 2 (Location-Based) MT CO2e per 1,000 sq. ft.
5.0
4.3
3.5
 3.7 
Total Scope 1 & 2 (Location-Based) per Revenue (per $1 million) 19.6
16.6
18.1
13.5 
Energy Consumption by Source 
Source
2017
2019
2020
2021 
Electricity 
679,506 MWh 
2,446,220 GJ 
679,702 MWh 
2,446,927 GJ 
619,630 MWh 
2,230,668 GJ 
721,063 MWh 
2,595,825 GJ 
Natural Gas 
77,841 MWh 
280,229 GJ 
95,922 MWh 
345,319 GJ 
85,717 MWh 
308,583 GJ 
101,648 MWh 
365,933 GJ 
All Other Sources 
3,926 MWh 
14,135 GJ 
7,038 MWh 
25,337 GJ 
5,299 MWh 
19,075 GJ 
8,703 MWh 
31,332 GJ 
Total 
761,273 MWh 
2,740,584 GJ 
782,662 MWh 
2,817,583 GJ 
710,646 MWh 
2,558,326 GJ 
831,414 MWh 
2,993,090 GJ 
Total Energy Intensity 
13.7 MWh per 1,000 sq. ft. 
49.3 GJ per 1,000 sq. ft. 
12.7 MWh per 1,000 sq. ft. 
45.6 GJ per 1,000 sq. ft. 
11.1 MWh per 1,000 sq. ft. 
39.9 GJ per 1,000 sq. ft. 
12.1 MWh per 1,000 sq. ft. 
43.7 GJ per 1,000 sq. ft.

62	
2021 CORPORATE SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY REPORT  |  ROSS STORES, INC.
Empowering Our Associates
Supporting Our Communities
Operating Sustainably
Conducting Business Ethically 
Forward-Looking Statements 
This report contains forward-looking statements, which 
are based on current awareness, assumptions, and 
expectations. The forward-looking statements in this report 
include sustainability targets, commitments, initiatives, 
assumptions, and expectations. The words “plan,” “expect,” 
“target,” “anticipate,” “estimate,” “believe,” “forecast,” 
“projected,” “guidance,” “outlook,” “looking ahead,” and 
similar expressions identify forward-looking statements. 
Many risks, contingencies, and uncertainties could cause 
our actual results to differ materially from our forward-
looking statements. Risk factors include, without limitation: 
•
The uncertainties and potential for the recurrence of
significant business disruptions arising from the COVID-19 
pandemic and accompanying economic impacts,
including supply chain disruptions and inflation
•
Continuation or changes in safety regulations,
including potential requirements for disposable
protective gear, packaging, extra cleaning, and use of
disinfectant products
•
Changes in federal, state, or local laws and regulatory
requirements pertaining to health and safety or to use
and disposal of materials
•
Required changes in how we operate our buildings,
including adjustments to climate control and
lighting schedules
•
Shifts in energy use resulting from remote working and
travel restrictions
•
Adjustments to our merchandise shipping modes
and routes to accelerate delivery times, mitigate
cost increases, and accommodate changes in our
supply chain
•
Risks and sustainability challenges associated with
importing and selling merchandise produced in
other countries
•
Disruptions in our supply chain or in our information
systems that could impact our ability to process sales
and to deliver product to our Stores in a timely and
efficient manner
•
Consumer problems or legal issues involving the
quality, safety, or authenticity of products we sell
•
Additional public health or public safety crises,
demonstrations, natural, or man-made disasters in
a region where we have a concentration of Stores,
offices, or a Distribution Center
Other risk factors are set forth in the Company’s SEC 
filings including, without limitation, the Form 10-K for fiscal 
year 2021, and fiscal year 2022 Form 10-Qs and Form 
8-Ks on file with the SEC.
The factors underlying our forward-looking statements 
are dynamic and subject to change without notice. As 
a result, any forecast or forward-looking statements 
speak only as of the date it was published and does not 
necessarily reflect our outlook at any later point in time. 
We disclaim any obligation to update or revise these 
forward-looking statements.
© Copyright 2022 Ross Stores, Inc. All rights reserved.