Document:

EXHIBIT 10.30

SECOND AMENDMENT TO THE EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT

THIS SECOND AMENDMENT TO THE EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT (the “Amendment”) is made and entered into effective May 1, 2004, by and between Ross Stores, Inc. (the “Company”) and Irene Jamieson (the “Executive”).  The Executive and the Company previously entered into an Employment Agreement (the “Agreement”) effective April 1, 2000, and renewed such Agreement by way of a First Amendment in April 2002 (both the original Agreement and the First Amendment are attached hereto), and it is now the intention of the Executive and the Company to further amend the Agreement as set forth below. Accordingly, the Executive and the Company now enter into this Second Amendment.

	
  
I.
  	
  
The   Executive and the Company hereby amend the Agreement by adding the following   Paragraph 1(c):
  
	
  
 
  	
  
 
  
	
  
 
  	
  
1(c). Executive’s Employment Through Contract Term.   Executive agrees to remain employed with the Company through the existing   contract term, March 31, 2006. In exchange for such promise, Executive shall   be entitled to the following provided she remains employed with the Company   through March 31, 2006:
  
	
   
  	
  
 
  
	
  
 
  	
  
 
  	
       If Executive or Company terminates
        the employment relationship after March 31, 2006, Executive will be considered
        an active employee through March 31, 2007 and shall receive full pay (at
        her March 31, 2006 level) and benefits through March 31, 2007, with previously
        awarded restricted stock to release as scheduled through March 31, 2007. 
        In such case, Executive shall be relieved of her day-to-day duties but
        shall remain available for consultation through March 31, 2007. Executive
        will be available on a consulting basis for up to two (2) days per week
        from April 1, 2006 through March 31, 2007.  If Executive remains
        employed with Company through March 31, 2006, Company will also provide
        Executive with medical and dental benefits through March 31, 2011. 
        Executive will also be entitled to receive her regular bonuses through
        March 31, 2006, per the current contract terms.  In addition, if
        she remains employed through March 31, 2006, the she will be eligible
        for a full fiscal year 2006 bonus, paid in March 2007.  However,
        absent written renewal of the existing Agreement, Executive will not be
        eligible for further equity grants or salary increases after March 31,
        2006, will not accrue vacation after March 31, 2006, and will no longer
        be employed pursuant to any formal written or oral employment agreement
        after March 31, 2006.  In addition, the Employment Restriction provisions
        of Paragraph 9 of the contract shall remain effective until three (3)
        years after Executive ceases to be considered an active employee (i.e.,
        3 years after March 31, 2007).

    

Except for these amendments as set forth above, the Agreement, First Amendment, and all of its terms remain in force and in effect.

	
       ROSS STORES, INC.

    	
        

    	
       EXECUTIVE

    
	
        

    	
        

    	
        

    
	
       /s/ MICHAEL
        BALMUTH

    	
        

    	
       /s/
        IRENE JAMIESON 

    
	
      

    	
        

    	
      

    
	
       Michael Balmuth

    	
        

    	
       Irene Jamieson

    
	
       

    	
       

    	
       

    
	
      6/3/04

    	
       

    	
      6/3/04

    
	
      

    	
       

    	
      

    
	
      Date

    	
       

    	
      DateExhibit 10.32

	
  

  
	
  
Notice of   Grant of Stock 
   Options
   and Option Agreement
  	
       ROSS STORES, INC. 

        ID: 94-1390387

        4440 Rosewood Drive, Building 4

        Pleasanton, CA 94588

        (925) 965-4899 phone

    
	
  

  

 

	
  
[NAME]
  	
  
Option Number:
  	
  
[OPTION NUMBER]
  
	
       4440 Rosewood Drive

    	
  
Plan:
  	
  
2004
  
	
       Pleasanton, CA 94588

    	
  
ID:
  	
  
000000
  
	
  

  

Effective [DATE], you have been granted a(n) Non-Qualified Stock Option to buy [NUMBER] shares of ROSS STORES, INC. (the Company) stock at $[AMOUNT] per share.

The total option price of the shares granted is $[AMOUNT].

Shares in each period will become fully vested on the date shown.

	
       Shares

    	
       

    	
       Vest Type

    	
        

    	
       Full Vest

    	
        

    	
       Expiration

    
	
      

    	
       

    	
      

    	
        

    	
      

    	
        

    	
      

    
	
      [SHARES]

    	
       

    	
       Monthly

    	
       

    	
       [DATE]

    	
       

    	
       [DATE]

    
	
       [SHARES]

    	
       

    	
       Monthly

    	
       

    	
       [DATE]

    	
       

    	
       [DATE]

    
	
       [SHARES]

    	
       

    	
       Monthly

    	
       

    	
       [DATE]

    	
       

    	
       [DATE]

    
	
       [SHARES]

    	
       

    	
       Monthly

    	
       

    	
       [DATE]

    	
       

    	
       [DATE]

    

 

	
  

  
	
  
By your   signature and the Company’s signature below, you and the Company agree that   these options are granted under and governed by the terms and conditions of   the Company’s Stock Option Plan as amended and the Option Agreement, all of   which are attached and made a part of this document.
  
	
  

  

 

	 
  	 
  
	
       ROSS STORES, INC.

    	
  
Date
  
	
  
 
  	
  
 
  
	 
  	 
  
	
  
[NAME]
  	
  
Date
  

Date:  [DATE]

  Time:   [TIME]

ROSS STORES, INC.
 STOCK OPTION AGREEMENT

          Ross Stores, Inc. has granted to the Participant named in the Notice of Grant (the “Grant Notice”) to which this Stock Option Agreement (the “Option Agreement”) is attached an Option (the “Option”) to purchase certain shares of Stock upon the terms and conditions set forth in the Grant Notice and this Option Agreement.  The Option has been granted pursuant to the Ross Stores, Inc. 2004 Equity Incentive Plan (the “Plan”), as amended to the Grant Date, the provisions of which are incorporated herein by reference.  By signing the Grant Notice, the Participant: (a) acknowledges receipt of and represents that the Participant has read and is familiar with the Grant Notice, this Option Agreement, the Plan and a prospectus for the Plan in the form most recently registered with the Securities and
Exchange Commission (the “Plan Prospectus”), (b) accepts the Option subject to all of the terms and conditions of the Grant Notice, this Option Agreement and the Plan and (c) agrees to accept as binding, conclusive and final all decisions or interpretations of the Committee upon any questions arising under the Grant Notice, this Option Agreement or the Plan.

           1.     DEFINITIONS
  AND CONSTRUCTION.

                  1.1     Definitions.  Unless otherwise defined herein, capitalized terms shall have the meanings assigned in the Grant Notice or the Plan.  Wherever used herein, the following terms shall have their respective meanings set forth below:

                            (a)      “Cause” means, unless otherwise defined by a contract of employment or service between the Participant and a Participating Company, any of the following: (i) the Participant’s theft, dishonesty, or falsification of any Participating Company documents or records; (ii) the Participant’s improper use or disclosure of a Participating Company’s confidential or proprietary information; (iii) any action by the Participant which has a detrimental effect on a Participating Company’s reputation or business; (iv) the Participant’s failure or inability to perform any reasonable assigned duties after written notice from a Participating Company of, and a reasonable opportunity to cure, such failure or inability;
(v) any material breach by the Participant of any employment agreement between the Participant and a Participating Company, which breach is not cured pursuant to the terms of such agreement; or (vi) the Participant’s conviction (including any plea of guilty or nolo contendere) of any criminal act which impairs the Participant’s ability to perform his or her duties with a Participating Company.

                            (b)     “Option Price” means the Option Price as set forth in the Grant Notice and as adjusted from time to time pursuant to Section 9.

                            (c)     “Number of Option Shares” means the Number of Shares Granted as set forth in the Grant Notice and as adjusted from time to time pursuant to Section 9.

                             (d)     “Vested
  Shares” means, on any relevant date, that portion of the Number
  of Option Shares which has cumulatively become vested in accordance with the
  vesting schedule set forth in the Grant Notice.  Provided that the Participant’s
  Service has not terminated prior to the relevant vesting date described in the
  Grant Notice, a portion of the Number of Option Shares will become Vested Shares
  at the applicable periodic rate set forth in the Grant Notice.

1

                   1.2     Construction. 
  Captions and titles contained herein are for convenience only and shall not
  affect the meaning or interpretation of any provision of this Option Agreement. 
  Except when otherwise indicated by the context, the singular shall include the
  plural and the plural shall include the singular.  Use of the term “or”
  is not intended to be exclusive, unless the context clearly requires otherwise.

          2.     TAX
  STATUS OF OPTION.

                  This Option is intended to be a Nonstatutory Stock Option and shall not be treated as an incentive stock option within the meaning of Section 422(b) of the Code.

           3.     ADMINISTRATION.

                  All questions of interpretation concerning this Option Agreement shall be determined by the Committee.  All determinations by the Committee shall be final and binding upon all persons having an interest in the Option.  Any Officer shall have the authority to act on behalf of the Company with respect to any matter, right, obligation, or election which is the responsibility of or which is allocated to the Company herein, provided the Officer has apparent authority with respect to such matter, right, obligation, or election.

           4.     EXERCISE
  OF THE OPTION.

                  4.1     Right to Exercise.  Except as otherwise provided herein, the Option shall be exercisable on and after the Grant Date and prior to the termination of the Option (as provided in Section 6) in an amount not to exceed the number of Vested Shares less the number of shares previously acquired upon exercise of the Option.  In no event shall the Option be exercisable for more shares than the Number of Option Shares.

                   4.2     Method
  of Exercise.  Exercise of the Option shall be by means of electronic
  or written notice (the “ExerciseNotice”) in a
  form authorized by the Company.  An electronic Exercise Notice must be
  digitally signed or authenticated by the Participant in such manner as required
  by the notice and transmitted to the Chief Financial Officer of the Company
  or other authorized representative of the Company (including a third-party administrator
  designated by the Company).  In the event that the Participant is not authorized
  or is unable to provide an electronic Exercise Notice, the Option shall be exercised
  by a written Exercise Notice addressed to the Company, which shall be signed
  by the Participant and delivered in person, by certified or registered mail,
  return receipt requested, by confirmed facsimile transmission, or by such other
  means as the Company may permit, to the Chief Financial Officer of the Company,
  or other authorized representative of the Company (including a third-party administrator
  designated by the Company).  Each Exercise Notice, whether electronic or
  written, must state the Participant’s election to exercise the Option,
  the number of whole shares of Stock for which the Option is being exercised
  and such other representations and agreements as to the Participant’s investment
  intent with respect to such shares as may be required pursuant to the provisions
  of this Option Agreement.  Further, each Exercise Notice must be received
  by the Company prior to the termination of the Option as set forth in Section 6
  and must be accompanied by full payment of the aggregate Option Price for the
  number of shares of Stock being purchased.  The Option shall be deemed
  to be exercised upon receipt by the Company of such electronic or written Exercise
  Notice and the aggregate Option Price.

2

                   4.3     Payment
  of Option Price.

                            (a)     Forms of Consideration Authorized.  Except as otherwise provided below, payment of the aggregate Option Price for the number of shares of Stock for which the Option is being exercised shall be made (i) in cash or by check, (ii) if permitted by the Company, by tender to the Company, or attestation to the ownership, of whole shares of Stock owned by the Participant having a Fair Market Value not less than the aggregate Option Price, (iii) by means of a Cashless Exercise, as defined in Section 4.3(b), or (iv) by any combination of the foregoing.

                            (b)     Limitations on Forms of Consideration.

                                       (i)     Tender of Stock.  Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Option may not be exercised by tender to the Company, or attestation to the ownership, of shares of Stock to the extent such tender or attestation would constitute a violation of the provisions of any law, regulation or agreement restricting the redemption of the Company’s stock.  If required by the Company, the Option may not be exercised by tender to the Company, or attestation to the ownership, of shares of Stock unless such shares either have been owned by the Participant for more than six (6) months or such other period, if any, required by the Company (and not used for another option exercise by attestation during such
period) or were not acquired, directly or indirectly, from the Company.

                                        (ii)     Cashless Exercise.  A “Cashless Exercise” means the delivery of a properly executed notice together with irrevocable instructions to a broker in a form acceptable to the Company providing for the assignment to the Company of the proceeds of a sale or loan with respect to some or all of the shares of Stock acquired upon the exercise of the Option pursuant to a program or procedure approved by the Company (including, without limitation, through an exercise complying with the provisions of Regulation T as promulgated from time to time by the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System).  The Company reserves, at any and all times, the right, in
the Company’s sole and absolute discretion, to establish, decline to approve or terminate any such program or procedure, including with respect to the Participant notwithstanding that such program or procedures may be available to others.

                     4.4     Tax
  Withholding.  At the time the Option is exercised, in whole
  or in part, or at any time thereafter as requested by the Company, the Participant
  hereby authorizes withholding from payroll and any other amounts payable to
  the Participant, and otherwise agrees to make adequate provision for (including
  by means of a Cashless Exercise to the extent permitted by the Company), any
  sums required to satisfy the federal, state, local and foreign tax withholding
  obligations of the Participating Company Group, if any, which arise in connection
  with the Option.  The Company shall have no obligation to deliver shares
  of Stock until the tax withholding obligations of the Participating Company
  Group have been satisfied by the Participant. 

3

                     4.5     Beneficial
  Ownership of Shares; Certificate Registration.  The Participant
  hereby authorizes the Company, in its sole discretion, to deposit for the benefit
  of the Participant with any broker with which the Participant has an account
  relationship of which the Company has notice any or all shares acquired by the
  Participant pursuant to the exercise of the Option.  Except as provided
  by the preceding sentence, a certificate for the shares as to which the Option
  is exercised shall be registered in the name of the Participant, or, if applicable,
  in the names of the heirs of the Participant.

                    4.6     Restrictions on Grant of the Option and Issuance of Shares.  The grant of the Option and the issuance of shares of Stock upon exercise of the Option shall be subject to compliance with all applicable requirements of federal, state or foreign law with respect to such securities.  The Option may not be exercised if the issuance of shares of Stock upon exercise would constitute a violation of any applicable federal, state or foreign securities laws or other law or regulations or the requirements of any stock exchange or market system upon which the Stock may then be listed.  In addition, the Option may not be exercised unless (i) a registration statement under the Securities Act shall at the time of exercise of the Option be in effect with respect to the shares issuable upon exercise
of the Option or (ii) in the opinion of legal counsel to the Company, the shares issuable upon exercise of the Option may be issued in accordance with the terms of an applicable exemption from the registration requirements of the Securities Act.  THE PARTICIPANT IS CAUTIONED THAT THE OPTION MAY NOT BE EXERCISED UNLESS THE FOREGOING CONDITIONS ARE SATISFIED.  ACCORDINGLY, THE PARTICIPANT MAY NOT BE ABLE TO EXERCISE THE OPTION WHEN DESIRED EVEN THOUGH THE OPTION IS VESTED.  The inability of the Company to obtain from any regulatory body having jurisdiction the authority, if any, deemed by the Company’s legal counsel to be necessary to the lawful issuance and sale of any shares subject to the Option shall relieve the Company of any liability in respect of the failure to issue or sell such shares as to which such requisite authority shall not have been obtained.  As a condition to the exercise of the Option, the Company may require the Participant to satisfy any
qualifications that may be necessary or appropriate, to evidence compliance with any applicable law or regulation and to make any representation or warranty with respect thereto as may be requested by the Company.

                    4.7     Fractional Shares.  The Company shall not be required to issue fractional shares upon the exercise of the Option.

           5.     TRANSFERABILITY
  OF THE OPTION.

                   5.1     Except
  as provided in Section 5.2, the Option may be exercised during the lifetime
  of the Participant only by the Participant or the Participant’s guardian
  or legal representative and may not be assigned or transferred in any manner
  except by will or by the laws of descent and distribution.  Following the
  death of the Participant, the Option, to the extent provided in Section 7,
  may be exercised by the Participant’s legal representative or by any person
  empowered to do so under the deceased Participant’s will or under the then
  applicable laws of descent and distribution.

4

                     5.2     With
  the consent of the Committee and subject to any conditions or restrictions as
  the Committee may impose, in its discretion, the Participant may transfer during
  the Participant’s lifetime and prior to the Participant’s termination
  of Service all or any portion of the Option to one or more of such persons (each
  a “Permitted Transferee”) as permitted in accordance
  with the applicable limitations, if any, described in the General Instructions
  to the Form S-8 Registration Statement under the Securities Act.  No transfer
  or purported transfer of the Option shall be effective unless and until: (i) the
  Participant has delivered to the Company a written request describing the terms
  and conditions of the proposed transfer in such form as the Company may require,
  (ii) the Participant has made adequate provision, in the sole determination
  of the Company, for satisfaction of the tax withholding obligations of the Participating
  Company Group as provided in Section 4.4 that may arise with respect to
  the transferred portion of the Option, (iii) the Committee has approved
  the requested transfer, and (iv) the Participant has delivered to the Company
  written documentation of the transfer in such form as the Company may require. 
  With respect to the transferred portion of the Option, all of the terms and
  conditions of the Grant Notice, this Option Agreement and the Plan shall apply
  to the Permitted Transferee and not to the original Participant, except for
  (i) the Participant’s rendering of Service, (ii) provision for
  the Participating Company Group’s tax withholding obligations, if any,
  and (iii) any subsequent transfer of the Option by the Permitted Transferee,
  which shall be prohibited except as provided in Section 5.1, unless otherwise
  permitted by the Committee, in its sole discretion.  The Company shall
  have no obligation to notify a Permitted Transferee of any expiration, termination,
  lapse or acceleration of the transferred Option, including, without limitation,
  an early termination of the transferred Option resulting from the termination
  of Service of the original Participant.  Exercise of the transferred Option
  by a Permitted Transferee shall be subject to compliance with all applicable
  federal, state and foreign securities laws; however, the Company shall have
  no obligation to register with any federal, state or foreign securities commission
  or agency such transferred Option or any shares that may be issuable upon the
  exercise of the transferred Option by the Permitted Transferee.

          6.    TERMINATION
  OF THE OPTION.

The Option shall terminate and may no longer be exercised after the first to occur of (a) the close of business on the Expiration Date, (b) the close of business on the last date for exercising the Option following termination of the Participant’s Service as described in Section 7, or (c) a Change in Control to the extent provided in Section 8.

               7.    EFFECT
     OF TERMINATION OF SERVICE.

                 7.1     Option Exercisability.

                            (a)     Disability. 
  If the Participant’s Service terminates because of the Disability of the
  Participant, the Option, to the extent unexercised and exercisable on the date
  on which the Participant’s Service terminated, may be exercised by the
  Participant (or the Participant’s legal representative) at any time prior
  to the expiration of twelve (12) months after the date on which the Participant’s
  Service terminated, but in any event no later than the Expiration Date.

5

                            (b)     Death. 
  If the Participant’s Service terminates because of the death of the Participant,
  the Option, to the extent unexercised and exercisable on the date on which the
  Participant’s Service terminated, may be exercised by the Participant’s
  legal representative or other person who acquired the right to exercise the
  Option by reason of the Participant’s death at any time prior to the expiration
  of twelve (12) months after the date on which the Participant’s Service
  terminated, but in any event no later than the Expiration Date.  The Participant’s
  Service shall be deemed to have terminated on account of death if the Participant
  dies within three (3) months after the Participant’s termination of Service.

                            (c)     Termination for Cause. Notwithstanding any other provision of this Option Agreement, if the Participant’s Service is terminated for Cause, the Option, to the extent unexercised and exercisable by the Participant on the date on which the Participant’s Service terminated, may be exercised by the Participant at any time prior to the expiration of three (3) months after the date on which the Participant’s Service terminated, but in any event no later than the Expiration Date.

                                      (d)     Other
          Termination of Service..  If the Participant’s
          Service terminates for any reason, except Disability, death or Cause,
          the Option, to the extent unexercised and exercisable by the
          Participant on the date on which the Participant’s Service
          terminated, may be exercised by the Participant at any time prior to
          the expiration of three (3) months after the date on which the
          Participant’s Service terminated or, if the Participant was an
          Employee, that number of months after the date of the
          Participant’s termination of Service as determined in accordance
          with the following table, but in any event no later than the
          Expiration Date.

	
       Years
        of Service Prior to

        Termination

    	
       

    	
       Employee Position
        Held Immediately Prior to Termination of Service

    
	
       

    	
      

    
	
       

    	
      Vice
        President or 

        Higher

    	
        

    	
       Below Vice President
        

        but at least Director

    	
       

    	
       All Others

    
	
      

    	 	
      

    	 	
      

    	 	
      

    
	
       Less
        than 5

    	
       

    	
       6 months

    	
       

    	
       4 months

    	
       

    	
       3 months

    
	
       At
        least 5 but less than 10

    	
       

    	
       8 months

    	
       

    	
       6 months

    	
       

    	
       4 months

    
	
       10
        or more

    	
       

    	
       12 months

    	
       

    	
       8 months

    	
       

    	
       6 months

    

                              7.2     Extension
          if Exercise Prevented by Law.  Notwithstanding the
          foregoing other than termination of the Participant’s Service for
          Cause, if the exercise of the Option within the applicable time
          periods set forth in Section 7.1 is prevented by the provisions
          of Section 4.6, the Option shall remain exercisable until three
          (3) months after the date the Participant is notified by the Company
          that the Option is exercisable, but in any event no later than the
          Expiration Date.

                     7.3     Extension
  if Participant Subject to Section 16(b).  Notwithstanding the foregoing
  other than termination of the Participant’s Service for Cause, if a sale
  within the applicable time periods set forth in Section 7.1 of shares acquired
  upon the exercise of the Option would subject the Participant to suit under
  Section 16(b) of the Exchange Act, the Option shall remain exercisable
  until the earliest to occur of (i) the tenth (10th) day following the date
  on which a sale of such shares by the Participant would no longer be subject
  to such suit, (ii) the one hundred and ninetieth (190th) day after the
  Participant’s termination of Service, or (iii) the Expiration Date.

6

           8.     CHANGE
  IN CONTROL.

                            8.1     Effect
          of Change in Control on Option.  In the event of a Change in
          Control, the Committee, in its discretion, shall either (a) arrange
          for the surviving, continuing, successor, or purchasing entity or
          parent thereof, as the case may be (the
          “Acquiror”), to either assume the
          Company’s rights and obligations under the Option or substitute
          for the Option a substantially equivalent option for the
          Acquiror’s stock, or (b) provide that any unexercised portion of
          the Option shall be immediately exercisable and vested in full as of a
          date prior to the Change in Control specified by the Committee
          provided that the Participant’s Service has not terminated prior
          to such date.  Any exercise of the Option that was permissible
          solely by reason of this Section 8.1 shall be conditioned upon
          the consummation of the Change in Control.  The Option shall
          terminate and cease to be outstanding effective as of the date of the
          Change in Control to the extent that the Option is neither assumed by
          the Acquiror in connection with the Change in Control nor exercised as
          of the date of the Change in Control.

                            8.2     Federal
          Excise Tax Under Section 4999 of the Code.

                                      (a)     Excess
          Parachute Payment.  In the event that any
          acceleration of vesting pursuant to this Option Agreement and any
          other payment or benefit received or to be received by the Participant
          would subject the Participant to any excise tax pursuant to
          Section 4999 of the Code due to the characterization of such
          acceleration of vesting, payment or benefit as an excess parachute
          payment under Section 280G of the Code, the Participant may
          elect, in his or her sole discretion, to reduce the amount of any
          acceleration of vesting called for under this Option Agreement in
          order to avoid such characterization.

                                      (b)     Determination
          by Independent Accountants.  To aid the
          Participant in making any election called for under
          Section 8.2(a), upon the occurrence of any event that might
          reasonably be anticipated to give rise to acceleration of vesting
          under Section 8.1 (an “Event”), the
          Company shall promptly request a determination in writing by
          independent public accountants selected by the Company (the
          “Accountants”).  Unless the Company and
          the Participant otherwise agree in writing, the Accountants shall
          determine and report to the Company and the Participant within twenty
          (20) days of the date of the Event the amount of such acceleration of
          vesting, payments and benefits which would produce the greatest
          after-tax benefit to the Participant.  For the purposes of such
          determination, the Accountants may rely on reasonable, good faith
          interpretations concerning the application of Sections 280G and
          4999 of the Code.  The Company and the Participant shall furnish
          to the Accountants such information and documents as the Accountants
          may reasonably request in order to make their required
          determination.  The Company shall bear all fees and expenses the
          Accountants may reasonably charge in connection with their services
          contemplated by this Section 8.2(b).

7

          9.     ADJUSTMENTS FOR CHANGES IN CAPITAL STRUCTURE.

                  Subject to any required action by the stockholders of the Company, in the event of any change in the Stock effected without receipt of consideration by the Company, whether through merger, consolidation, reorganization, reincorporation, recapitalization, reclassification, stock dividend, stock split, reverse stock split, split-up, split-off, spin-off, combination of shares, exchange of shares, or similar change in the capital structure of the Company, or in the event of payment of a dividend or distribution to the stockholders of the Company in a form other than Stock (excepting normal cash dividends) that has a material effect on the Fair Market Value of shares of Stock, appropriate adjustments shall be made in the number, Option Price and class of shares of stock subject to the Option.  For purposes of the foregoing, conversion of any convertible
securities of the Company shall not be treated as “effected without receipt of consideration by the Company.”  Any fractional share resulting from an adjustment pursuant to this Section shall be rounded down to the nearest whole number, and in no event may the Option Price be decreased to an amount less than the par value, if any, of the stock subject to the Option.  The Committee in its sole discretion, may also make such adjustments in the terms of the Option to reflect, or related to, such changes in the capital structure of the Company or distributions as it deems appropriate.  The adjustments determined by the Committee pursuant to this Section shall be final, binding and conclusive.

                    10.    RIGHTS
          AS A STOCKHOLDER, EMPLOYEE, CONSULTANT OR DIRECTOR.

                            The
          Participant shall have no rights as a stockholder with respect to any
          shares covered by the Option until the date of the issuance of the
          shares for which the Option has been exercised (as evidenced by the
          appropriate entry on the books of the Company or of a duly authorized
          transfer agent of the Company).  No adjustment shall be made for
          dividends, distributions or other rights for which the record date is
          prior to the date the shares are issued, except as provided in
          Section 9.  If the Participant is an Employee, the
          Participant understands and acknowledges that, except as otherwise
          provided in a separate, written employment agreement between a
          Participating Company and the Participant, the Participant’s
          employment is “at will” and is for no specified term. 
          Nothing in this Option Agreement shall confer upon the Participant any
          right to continue in the Service of a Participating Company or
          interfere in any way with any right of the Participating Company Group
          to terminate the Participant’s Service as an Employee, Consultant
          or Director, as the case may be, at any time.

          11.    LEGENDS.

                  The Company may at any time place legends referencing any applicable federal, state or foreign securities law restrictions on all certificates representing shares of stock subject to the provisions of this Option Agreement.  The Participant shall, at the request of the Company, promptly present to the Company any and all certificates representing shares acquired pursuant to the Option in the possession of the Participant in order to carry out the provisions of this Section.

8

          12.     MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS.

                              12.1     Termination
          or Amendment.  The Board or Committee may terminate or amend
          the Plan or the Option at any time; provided, however, that except as
          provided in Section 8.1 in connection with a Change in Control,
          no such termination or amendment may adversely affect the Option or
          any unexercised portion hereof without the consent of the Participant
          unless such termination or amendment is necessary to comply with any
          applicable law or government regulation.  No amendment or
          addition to this Option Agreement shall be effective unless in
          writing.

                              12.2     Further
          Instruments.  The parties hereto agree to execute such
          further instruments and to take such further action as may reasonably
          be necessary to carry out the intent of this Option
          Agreement.

                              12.3     Binding
          Effect.  Subject to the restrictions on transfer set forth
          herein, this Option Agreement shall inure to the benefit of and be
          binding upon the parties hereto and their respective heirs, executors,
          administrators, successors and assigns.

                              12.4     Delivery
          of Documents and Notices.  Any document relating to
          participation in the Plan or any notice required or permitted
          hereunder shall be given in writing and shall be deemed effectively
          given (except to the extent that this Option Agreement provides for
          effectiveness only upon actual receipt of such notice) upon personal
          delivery, electronic delivery at the e-mail address, if any, provided
          for the Participant by a Participating Company, or upon deposit in the
          U.S. Post Office or foreign postal service, by registered or certified
          mail, or with a nationally recognized overnight courier service, with
          postage and fees prepaid, addressed to the other party at the address
          shown below that party’s signature to the Grant Notice or at such
          other address as such party may designate in writing from time to time
          to the other party.

                                          (a)     Description
          of Electronic Delivery.  The Plan documents, which may
          include but do not necessarily include: the Plan, the Grant Notice,
          this Option Agreement, the Plan Prospectus, and any reports of the
          Company provided generally to the Company’s stockholders, may be
          delivered to the Participant electronically.  In addition, the
          Participant may deliver electronically the Exercise Notice called for
          by Section 4.2 to the Company or to such third party involved in
          administering the Plan as the Company may designate from time to
          time.  Such means of electronic delivery may include but do not
          necessarily include the delivery of a link to a Company intranet or
          the internet site of a third party involved in administering the Plan,
          the delivery of the document via e-mail or such other means of
          electronic delivery specified by the Company.

                                (b)     Consent
  to Electronic Delivery.  The Participant acknowledges that the Participant
  has read Section 12.4(a) of this Option Agreement and consents to the electronic
  delivery of the Plan documents and the delivery of the Exercise Notice, as described
  in Section 12.4(a).  The Participant acknowledges that he or she may
  receive from the Company a paper copy of any documents delivered electronically
  at no cost to the Participant by contacting the Chief Financial Officer of the
  Company by telephone or in writing.  The Participant further acknowledges
  that the Participant will be provided with a paper copy of any documents if
  the attempted electronic delivery of such documents fails.  Similarly,
  the Participant understands that the Participant must provide the Company or
  any designated third party administrator with a paper copy of any documents
  if the attempted electronic delivery of such documents fails.  The Participant
  may revoke his or her consent to the electronic delivery of documents described
  in Section 12.4(a) or may change the electronic mail address to which such
  documents are to be delivered (if Participant has provided an electronic mail
  address) at any time by notifying the Company of such revoked consent or revised
  e-mail address by telephone, postal service or electronic mail.  Finally,
  the Participant understands that he or she is not required to consent to electronic
  delivery of documents described in Section 12.4(a). 

9

                     12.5     Integrated
  Agreement.  The Grant Notice, this Option Agreement and the Plan, together
  with any employment, service or other agreement between the Participant and
  a Participating Company referring to the Option, shall constitute the entire
  understanding and agreement of the Participant and the Participating Company
  Group with respect to the subject matter contained herein and supersede any
  prior agreements, understandings, restrictions, representations, or warranties
  among the Participant and the Participating Company Group with respect to such
  subject matter.  To the extent contemplated herein, the provisions of the
  Grant Notice, the Option Agreement and the Plan shall survive any exercise of
  the Option and shall remain in full force and effect.

                              12.6     Applicable
          Law.  This Option Agreement shall be governed by the laws of
          the State of California as such laws are applied to agreements between
          California residents entered into and to be performed entirely within
          the State of California.

                              12.7 
              Counterparts.  The Grant Notice
          may be executed in counterparts, each of which shall be deemed an
          original, but all of which together shall constitute one and the same
          instrument.

10

	
  
 
  	
  
Participant   Name:  
  	
  
 
  
	
  
 
  	
   
 	
  

  
	
  
 
  	
   
 	
  
 
  
	
  
 
  	
  
Date:  
  	
  
 
  
	
  
 
  	
   
 	
  

  

ROSS STORES, INC.
 NONSTATUTORY STOCK OPTION EXERCISE NOTICE

Ross Stores, Inc.
 Attention: Chief Financial Officer
 4440 Rosewood Drive
 Pleasanton, CA 94588-3050

Ladies and Gentlemen:

          1.     Option.  I was granted a nonstatutory stock option (the “Option”) to purchase shares of the common stock (the “Shares”) of Ross Stores, Inc. (the “Company”) pursuant to the Company’s 2004 Equity Incentive Plan (the “Plan”), my Notice of Grant (the “Grant Notice”) and my Stock Option Agreement (the “Option Agreement”) as follows:

	
  
 
  	
  
Option Number:
  	
  
 
  	
  
 
  	
  
 
  
	
  
 
  	
  
 
  	
  

  	
  

  	
  
 
  
	
  
 
  	
  
 
  	
  
 
  	
  
 
  	
  
 
  
	
  
 
  	
  
Grant Date:
  	
  
 
  	
  
 
  	
  
 
  
	
   
  	
  
 
  	
  

  	
  

  	
  
 
  
	
  
 
  	
  
 
  	
  
 
  	
  
 
  	
  
 
  
	
  
 
  	
  
Number of Option Shares:
  	
  
 
  	
  
 
  	
  
 
  
	
  
 
  	
  
 
  	
  

  	
  

  	
  
 
  
	
  
 
  	
  
 
  	
  
 
  	
  
 
  	
  
 
  
	
   
  	
  
Option Price per Share:
  	
  
$
  	
  
 
  	
  
 
  
	
  
 
  	
  
 
  	
  
 
  	
  

  	
  
 
  

          2.     Exercise of Option.  I hereby elect to exercise the Option to purchase the following number of Shares, all of which are Vested Shares in accordance with the Grant Notice and the Option Agreement:

	
  
 
  	
  
Total Shares Purchased:
  	
  
 
  	
  
 
  	
  
 
  
	
   
  	
  
 
  	
  

  	
  

  	
  
 
  
	
  
 
  	
  
 
  	
  
 
  	
  
 
  	
  
 
  
	
  
 
  	
  
Total Option Price (Total Shares  X    Option Price per Share)
  	
  
$
  	
  
 
  	
  
 
  
	
  
 
  	
  
 
  	
  
 
  	
  

  	
  
 
  

          3.     Payments.  I enclose payment in full of the total Option Price for the Shares in the following form(s), as authorized by my Option Agreement:

	
  
 
  	
  
o   Cash:
  	
  
$
  	
  
 
  	
  
 
  
	
  
 
  	
  
 
  	
  
 
  	
  

  	
  
 
  
	
  
 
  	
  
 
  	
  
 
  	
  
 
  	
  
 
  
	
  
 
  	
  
o   Check:
  	
  
$
  	
  
 
  	
  
 
  
	
   
  	
  
 
  	
  
 
  	
  

  	
  
 
  
	
  
 
  	
  
 
  	
  
 
  	
  
 
  	
  
 
  
	
  
 
  	
  
o   Tender of Company Stock:
  	
  
Contact Plan Administrator
  	
  
 
  
	
  
 
  	
  
 
  	
  
 
  	
  
 
  	
  
 
  
	
  
 
  	
  
o   Cashless Exercise (same-day sale):
  	
  
Contact Plan Administrator
  	
  
 
  

1

          4.     Tax Withholding.  I authorize payroll withholding and otherwise will make adequate provision for the federal, state, local and foreign tax withholding obligations of the Company, if any, in connection with the Option.  I enclose payment in full of my withholding taxes, if any, as follows:

(Contact Plan Administrator for amount of tax due.)

	
  
 
  	
  
o   Cash:
  	
  
$
  	
  
 
  	
  
 
  
	
  
 
  	
  
 
  	
  
 
  	
  

  	
  
 
  
	
  
 
  	
  
 
  	
  
 
  	
  
 
  	
  
 
  
	
   
  	
  
o   Check:
  	
  
$
  	
  
 
  	
  
 
  
	
  
 
  	
  
 
  	
  
 
  	
  

  	
  
 
  

          5.     Participant Information.

	
  
 
  	
  
My address is:
  	
  
 
  
	
  
 
  	
  
 
  	
  

  
	
  
 
  	
  
 
  	
  
 
  
	
   
  	
  
 
  	
  
 
  
	
  
 
  	
  
 
  	
  

  
	
  
 
  	
  
 
  	
  
 
  
	
  
 
  	
  
My Social Security Number is:
  	
  
 
  
	
  
 
  	
  
 
  	
  

  

          I understand that I am purchasing the Shares pursuant to the terms of the Grant Notice and my Option Agreement, copies of which I have received and carefully read and understand.

	
  
 
  	
  
Very truly yours,
  
	
   
  	
  
 
  
	
  
 
  	
  
 
  
	
  
 
  	
  

  
	
  
 
  	
  
(Signature)
  

Receipt of the above is hereby acknowledged.

ROSS STORES, INC.

	
  
By:
  	
  
 
  	
  
 
  
	
  
 
  	
  

  	
  
 
  
	
  
 
  	
  
 
  	
  
 
  
	
  
Title:
  	
  
 
  	
  
 
  
	
   
  	
  

  	
   
  
	
   
  	
   
  	
   
  
	
  Dated:
  	
   
  	
   
  
	
   
  	
  

  	
   
  

2

Source: [{"source": "alea-institute/alea-institute/kl3m-data-edgar-agreements/train-00071-of-00352.parquet"}, [{"source": "alea-institute/alea-institute/kl3m-data-edgar-agreements/train-00071-of-00352.parquet"}]]