Ross Stores, Inc. — Ethics Grade D+

Ross Stores, Inc. receives an overall ethics grade of D+ (38/100) on CancelCo's corporate accountability database. Sector: Retail. Market cap: Large Cap.

Category scores

• labor: 25
• privacy: 75
• consumer: 45
• environment: 35
• humanRights: 30

Documented incidents (3)

• Sub-Minimum Wage Sweatshops (high, 2020) — U.S. Department of Labor investigations found Ross suppliers in Los Angeles paying workers as little as $5 per hour for 60-hour work weeks to produce apparel.
• Low Supply Chain Transparency (medium, 2022) — Ranked poorly in the Fashion Transparency Index for failing to disclose full lists of textile production facilities and raw material origins.
• Toxic Chemicals in Products (medium, 2021) — Independent testing found elevated levels of phthalates and lead in children's products and footwear sold at Ross locations.

Documented good deeds

• Youth Community Support — Maintains a long-standing partnership with Boys & Girls Clubs of America, contributing over $4 million annually to youth development programs.

Ethical alternatives

• Patagonia — Leader in fair trade certification and uses 100% organic cotton across all lines.