Ross Stores, Inc. operates a chain of off-price retail apparel and home accessories stores, which target value conscious men and women between the ages of 25 and 54 in middle-to-upper middle income households. The decisions of the company, from merchandising, purchasing and pricing, to the location of its stores, are aimed at this customer base. The company offers brand name and designer merchandise at low everyday prices, generally below regular prices of most department and specialty stores.