Does Ross Dress for Less Hire Felons?

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Ross Background Check Process

Ross Dress for Less conducts background checks on all new hires through a third-party screening company. The standard check includes a criminal history search at the county, state, and national level, a Social Security number trace, and a sex offender registry check. The process typically takes 3-7 business days. Ross follows FCRA requirements: if the background check reveals information that may affect the hiring decision, the company sends a pre-adverse action notice with a copy of the report and your rights before making a final decision. You then have a reasonable period (typically 5-7 business days) to review the report, dispute inaccuracies, and provide additional context or documentation. In states and cities with Ban the Box laws — including California, where Ross is headquartered — the company delays criminal history inquiries until after a conditional offer of employment. Ross's background check typically covers 7 years of criminal history, though state-specific restrictions may further limit the lookback period.

The Off-Price Retail Advantage

Ross operates in the off-price retail segment, selling brand-name merchandise at discount prices. This business model has characteristics that can benefit applicants with criminal records. Off-price retail involves high merchandise volume and constant turnover of inventory, which requires a large workforce to process, display, and manage stock. The industry has higher employee turnover than traditional retail, meaning Ross is frequently hiring and filling positions. This constant demand for workers means the company is motivated to consider a wider pool of applicants, including those with criminal records. Additionally, off-price retail customers are primarily focused on finding deals rather than expecting a luxury shopping experience, which can create a somewhat less scrutinized customer service environment compared to high-end retailers. Ross's dd's DISCOUNTS stores, which target a more value-conscious demographic, may offer additional opportunities in some markets. Both chains are owned by Ross Stores Inc. and follow the same general hiring policies.

Which Felonies Are Most Likely to Be Accepted?

Ross evaluates criminal records individually, but certain convictions tend to have better or worse outcomes. Non-violent drug possession felonies are commonly accepted, especially those older than 3-5 years. DUI convictions are generally not a barrier for in-store positions. Non-violent property crimes are typically acceptable with sufficient time elapsed. Theft, shoplifting, and retail-related crimes face the most scrutiny at Ross, which is understandable given that employees work in a retail environment surrounded by merchandise with relatively open floor plans. However, older theft convictions (5+ years) with evidence of rehabilitation are not automatically disqualifying. Violent felonies within the past 5-7 years are challenging for customer-facing roles, though distribution center positions may be more flexible. Sex offenses on a registry are generally disqualifying for all positions. Because Ross stores receive large shipments of merchandise frequently and employees process significant volumes of stock, the company pays attention to patterns of dishonesty or theft in an applicant's history.

Distribution Centers: A Strong Entry Point

Ross Stores operates multiple distribution and processing centers across the United States. These facilities handle the sorting, processing, and distribution of the off-price merchandise that fills Ross and dd's DISCOUNTS stores. Distribution center positions are among the most accessible for people with criminal records because the work environment is fundamentally different from retail — there is no customer interaction, and the primary skills needed are physical capability, reliability, and the ability to work at a steady pace. Ross DC positions include merchandise processors, material handlers, forklift operators, and shipping/receiving associates. The pay is typically higher than store-level positions, often starting at $16-20 per hour with shift differentials for evening and overnight work. If your criminal record makes store-level retail positions challenging — particularly if it involves theft or customer-related offenses — distribution center work removes those concerns entirely. Check the Ross Stores careers website for DC positions in your area.

Seasonal Hiring Opportunities

Ross, like most retailers, experiences significant hiring surges during the holiday season and back-to-school periods. The holiday hiring window (typically September through November for positions starting in October-December) creates a large number of temporary positions that need to be filled quickly. While background check standards are not officially lowered during seasonal hiring, the high volume of openings means more positions are available and more applicants are being processed. Many seasonal employees are retained for permanent positions after the holiday season ends, so seasonal hiring can serve as a pathway to ongoing employment. Back-to-school season (July-August) is another period of increased hiring. If you've been having difficulty securing a position at Ross, timing your application to coincide with seasonal hiring surges can improve your chances. Additionally, new store openings require hiring entire teams, so if a new Ross or dd's DISCOUNTS location is opening in your area, apply early in the process.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Ross hire felons?

Yes, Ross Dress for Less does hire people with felony records on a case-by-case basis. The company uses individualized assessment considering the offense, time elapsed, and job relevance. Store Associate and Stock/Backroom positions are the most accessible. Non-violent felonies older than 5 years have the best chances.

Does Ross do background checks?

Yes, Ross conducts background checks on all new hires through a third-party provider. The check includes criminal history at county, state, and national levels, a Social Security trace, and a sex offender registry check. In Ban the Box states, the check occurs after a conditional offer. The process takes 3-7 business days.

How far back does Ross's background check go?

Ross's background check generally covers 7 years of criminal history. In states with lookback restrictions (such as California's 7-year limit), Ross complies with those requirements. Convictions older than 7 years may not appear on the report in states with these protections.

Does Ross drug test?

Ross's drug testing policies vary by position and location. Most in-store positions do not require pre-employment drug testing. Distribution center roles, particularly those involving equipment operation, may require testing. Post-accident and reasonable suspicion testing may apply to all positions. Policies vary by state.

What is dd's DISCOUNTS?

dd's DISCOUNTS is a sister chain operated by Ross Stores Inc. that targets a more value-conscious demographic. With about 350 locations, dd's follows the same general hiring policies as Ross. If you're not finding openings at Ross, check for dd's DISCOUNTS positions in your area through the same careers website.

Can I get promoted at Ross with a felony?

Yes, Ross promotes from within for many supervisory and management positions. Store Associates can advance to Team Lead, Supervisor, Assistant Manager, and Store Manager. Once you've demonstrated reliability and strong performance, your criminal record becomes less relevant to advancement decisions.

Does Ross have distribution center jobs?

Yes, Ross operates multiple distribution and processing centers across the country. These warehouse positions involve sorting, processing, and shipping merchandise to stores. DC jobs typically pay more than store positions and may be more accessible for people with records since there is no customer interaction. Check rossstores.com/careers for DC openings.