Ross opens store in Wasco

It was a busy morning for the Ross store at its grand opening on Saturday, with over 150 people walking through its doors in the first 10 minutes.

Bri Villa was one of the shoppers.

"I am here today to check out the new store because it's closer than Delano or Bakersfield. I wanted to be one of the first shoppers to have the first look at the merchandise. It's also a sign that the city is growing, adding new stores and expanding with all the new housing."

Another shopper, Rosalina Ruiz, said, "I came to buy items I need. There are good prices, great quality and a good variety."

Ross staff put a lot of effort into preparing for the grand opening.

Mike Jones, a Ross store manager from Visalia, said, "People have been excited driving around the store waiting for us to open our doors. Our team is set to deliver excellent customer service. They have all been trained and ready to welcome the people."

"The merchandise we carry ranges from luggage, jewelry, home goods, apparel for all ages, shoes and fragrances. We have many name brands and try to bring the best working with our national and international vendors."

He said he was happy to see city leaders at the event.

"It is always a great thing when our leadership is involved."

The Ross team is comprised of cashiers, stock crew, supervisors and store managers. They all went through extensive training.

Ross team member Melinda Mendez has been with the company for 20 years.

"I am looking forward to all the new jobs it will bring to the community. It's awesome and a great opportunity for a high schooler thinking about accounting, management and even loss prevention."

Youths 18 years or older can work for Ross.

"What I enjoy most about my career here with Ross is being a mentor for people getting a job right out of high school. It is rewarding to see them grow."

The Wasco Ross store manager, Daisy Puente, said, "The community has been receptive to the store. They have been loving it. We have had high volume sales the last couple of days, so we know they love the deals."

"I hope I am able to develop and train our new hires. A lot of them are from Wasco. This is pretty much the only retail store in Wasco apart from Walmart. It's an amazing company."

At the event, Ross made a $2,500 donation to Teresa Burke Elementary School. Monique Goodwill, a school director, was there to receive it.

The city also presented Ross with a certificate of recognition.

"It was wonderful and a testament to how receptive and excited the community is to have us here," Puente said.

City Manager Scott Hurlbert shared, "It is a great sign that Wasco is on the map, and we are excited about having Ross here, expecting that other retailers will take notice and draw other retailers."

"The community interest in the opening of Ross is a good indicator that Wasco is ready and can support these types of retailers."

Councilmember Gilberto Reyna said, "It is great for our community that we have now a new clothing and homeware retailer that will satisfy the needs of residents and will prevent them from going elsewhere to make their purchases. It will increase our tax revenue."