PLEASANTON, Calif.–Stuart G. Moldaw, founder and chairman emeritus of Ross Stores, died on May 24 after a brief illness. He was 81 years old.
A statement by the off-price retailer said Moldaw founded the firm, then known as Dress for Less, in 1982, with six stores. He remained chairman until 1993, but continued to serve on the board.
The company currently operates more than 900 stores in 27 states.
Prior to founding Ross, Moldaw was an initial investor and chairman emeritus of the Gymboree Corp., a children’s clothing retailer in the United States and Canada. He also co-founded U.S. Venture Partners, a Menlo Park-based venture capital firm.