Ross Dress for Less to Open Later This Week

The blue-shirted managers and sales associates seen around Lake Forest Park Towne Centre are a sign the much-awaited opening of the Ross Dress for Less store in Lake Forest Park is finally happening.

A soft opening will occur by Friday prior to the grand opening and ribbon cutting on Saturday morning at 9 a.m. Lake Forest Park Mayor Dave Hutchinson will be on hand to cut the ribbon on Saturday.

The store site next to Two Trading Tigers and Third Place Books in the mall has been empty since Gottschalks closed in early 2000s. 

The 26,000 square-foot store employs 60 people. Positions have been filled already but online applications are still being taken at www.rossstores.com.

Ross sells fashion apparel for men, women and children at 20-60 percent off regular department store prices, said Ross spokeswoman Bobbi Chavelle. 

Ross also sells footwear, accessories, home products, cookware, bed and bath products, picture frames and luggage. 

This will be Ross 28th store in the Seattle market.

"It's an important market for us," Chavelle said. "We're excited to open the new store there."