Who Owns Ross Stores? The Complete 2026 Ownership Guide
- Sebastian Hartwell
- 2 days ago
- 6 min read
If you are looking for the short answer: Ross Stores, Inc. is a publicly traded company. This means it is not owned by a single individual or a private parent company like TJX Companies or Burlington. Instead, it is owned by thousands of shareholders who buy its stock on the NASDAQ under the ticker symbol ROST.
As of 2026, the vast majority of Ross Stores approximately 90% is owned by large institutional investment firms. The remaining portion is held by individual retail investors and company insiders, including members of the board and executive leadership.
Is Ross Stores a Public or Private Company?
Ross Stores, Inc. is a fully independent, publicly traded corporation. It operates as the parent entity for its two main retail brands: Ross Dress for Less and dd’s DISCOUNTS.
Because it is a public company, Ross Stores must answer to its shareholders and adhere to strict financial reporting standards. It is currently a prominent member of several major stock indices, including:
The S&P 500: Representing the 500 largest companies on U.S. stock exchanges.
The Fortune 500: Ranking among the top American corporations by total revenue.
The Nasdaq 100: Featuring the largest non-financial companies on the Nasdaq.
Headquartered in Dublin, California, the company remains one of the most successful "off-price" retailers in the world, with over 2,200 locations across the United States, the District of Columbia, Guam, and Puerto Rico.
Who Are the Owners Of Ross Stores, Inc.?
Since Ross is public, its "owners" are the people and institutions that hold its shares. Here is the breakdown of who actually controls the stock in 2026.
Institutional Investors (The Power Players)
Institutional investors like mutual funds and pension funds dominate the ownership structure. These firms manage money for millions of individual savers.
The "Big Three" of Ross ownership are:
The Vanguard Group: Historically the largest shareholder, Vanguard typically holds between 10% and 12% of the company’s total shares.
BlackRock, Inc.: The world's largest asset manager holds a significant stake, usually around 7% to 9%.
State Street Corporation: Another major institutional player that holds roughly 4% to 5% of the stock.
Other notable institutional owners include JPMorgan Chase, T. Rowe Price, and Geode Capital Management.
Individual and Insider Ownership
While institutions own the bulk of the company, "insiders" (the executives and directors who run the company) also own a portion of the stock. This aligns their interests with the success of the business.
George Orban: A longtime member of the Board of Directors, Orban has historically been identified as one of the largest individual shareholders, holding millions of shares.
Executive Holdings: High-ranking officials like the CEO and CFO receive a portion of their compensation in company stock. As of early 2026, the leadership team continues to hold roughly 2% to 5% of the company's shares collectively.
To understand who owns Ross Stores today, it is essential to look at how the company evolved from a single storefront into a multibillion-dollar retail empire. The ownership history is a fascinating tale of strategic pivots and visionary leadership.
The History of Ross Ownership: From Morris Ross to Modern Retail
The "Ross" name comes from the company's original founder, but the business model that made it famous didn't arrive until decades later.
1950 – The Morris Ross Era
The journey began in 1950 when Morris "Morrie" Ross opened the very first Ross Department Store in San Bruno, California. At this stage, it was a traditional junior department store.
Morris was the sole owner and a hands-on operator, famously working 85 hours a week handling everything from buying the clothes to balancing the books. In 1958, he sold the then six-store chain to William Isackson, who continued to operate it as a local department store.
1982 – The Strategic Pivot
The most significant turning point in the company's history occurred in 1982. A group of savvy investors, led by Stuart Moldaw and Mervin Morris (the founder of Mervyn’s), acquired the six existing stores.
They saw a gap in the market for "off-price" retail—selling name-brand goods at deep discounts. They rebranded the chain as Ross Dress for Less and scaled the business aggressively. Under their ownership, Ross exploded from just 6 locations to 107 in only three years.
1985 – The IPO
To fund further national expansion, the investor group took the company public in August 1985. The Initial Public Offering (IPO) on the NASDAQ officially shifted ownership from a private group to the public. Since then, Ross Stores, Inc. (ROST) has been owned by its shareholders.
Ross Stores Corporate Leadership: Who Is in Charge Now?
While the shareholders are the technical owners, the day-to-day decisions are made by a highly experienced executive team. As of early 2026, Ross Stores has successfully navigated a major leadership transition designed to ensure long-term growth.
The New Era: James Conroy (CEO)
In February 2025, James "Jim" Conroy officially took the reins as the Chief Executive Officer of Ross Stores, Inc. Conroy, who previously served as the CEO of Boot Barn, succeeded long-time leader Barbara Rentler.
Barbara Rentler’s Legacy: Rentler, who was with the company for nearly 40 years, remains involved as a Senior Advisor through March 2027 to assist with merchandising strategies.
A Proven Track Record: Conroy brings a wealth of experience in "lifestyle retail" and is tasked with expanding Ross’s footprint even further into new markets.
Board of Directors & Governance
The Board of Directors oversees the executive team to protect shareholder interests.
K. Gunnar Bjorklund: As of February 1, 2026, Bjorklund has stepped into the role of Chairman of the Board, succeeding Michael Balmuth, who retired from the board after decades of service.
Michael Hartshorn: Serving as the Group President and COO, Hartshorn is a key figure in the company’s operational success.
Does Ross Stores Own Other Brands?
Many shoppers don't realize that Ross Stores, Inc. actually operates two distinct retail brands.
Ross Dress for Less: The flagship brand and the largest off-price retail chain in the U.S.
dd’s DISCOUNTS: Launched in 2004, this brand targets a more moderate-income demographic, offering even deeper discounts on everyday apparel and home goods. As of 2026, dd’s DISCOUNTS has expanded to over 350 locations across more than 22 states.
Understanding who owns Ross Stores is only half the story. To truly compete with the retail giants, the company relies on a unique business model that separates it from traditional department stores and even its closest rivals.
How Does Ross Stores Make Money? (The Off-Price Business Model)
Ross Stores, Inc. operates on an "off-price" retail model. Unlike Macy’s or Kohl’s, which buy inventory months in advance and rely on seasonal sales, Ross is opportunistic.
The "Packaway" Strategy: Ross buyers hunt for overstock, cleared-out designer inventory, and canceled orders from other retailers. They buy this merchandise at a massive discount and "pack it away" in warehouses until the right time to release it to stores.
No E-commerce, No Problem: While almost every other retailer has moved online, Ross famously maintains a very limited digital footprint. By not operating a full e-commerce site, they avoid the massive costs of shipping, returns, and digital marketing. These savings are passed directly to the customer, allowing prices to stay 20% to 60% lower than specialty stores.
The Treasure Hunt Experience: Because the inventory changes daily and is never the same in two stores, Ross creates a "sense of urgency." Shoppers know that if they see a designer bag for $40 today, it will likely be gone by tomorrow.
Does Ross Stores Own Other Brands?
As of 2026, the parent company Ross Stores, Inc. oversees two distinct retail chains that cater to different segments of the value-conscious market:
Ross Dress for Less: The flagship brand, known for high-quality designer apparel and home fashions.
dd’s DISCOUNTS: Launched in 2004, dd's targets more moderate-income neighborhoods with even lower price points. As of early 2026, the company has successfully expanded dd's to over 360 locations, with a long-term goal of reaching 700.
Conclusion
While the name on the door belongs to the original founder, Morris Ross, the true "owners" of Ross Stores today are the thousands of public shareholders and institutional giants like Vanguard and BlackRock.
Through a disciplined "off-price" strategy, a refusal to succumb to the high costs of e-commerce, and a focus on the "treasure hunt" experience, Ross Stores, Inc. has cemented its place as a leader in American retail.
Whether you are an investor looking at ROST or a shopper looking for a deal, the company’s ownership and leadership structures are designed for one thing: consistent, long-term value.