Most Powerful Women

Rank
37

Barbara Rentler

Ross's 60%-Off Nikes Set to Overtake Gap With Thrifty Customers
Pedestrians pass in front of a Ross Stores Inc. location in San Francisco, California, U.S., on Wednesday, Aug. 31, 2011. Ross Stores Inc. is gaining on rivals like Gap Inc. as its 60 percent discounts on Calvin Klein shirts and Nike sneakers win customers seeking bargains amid a slowing economy. Photographer: Noah Berger/Bloomberg via Getty ImagesPhotograph by Noah Berger — Bloomberg via Getty Images
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Rentler became the 24th female CEO now running a Fortune 500 company when she was promoted in June. Ross, like its off-price rival TJX, posted its highest-ever sales and earnings in fiscal 2013. Next up: doubling Ross’s store count to 2,500.