SUN PHOTO BY ELAINE ALLEN-EMRICH, eallen@sun-herald.com

Stephen Lansing and Kristin Orr, both of Englewood, laugh at the head-shaped vases they spotted at Ross Dress for Less, which opened Friday in North Port. The grand opening is 9 a.m. today.

SUN PHOTO BY ELAINE ALLEN-EMRICH, eallen@sun-herald.com

Sisters Sherry Davis and Janelle Black, who have lived in North Port since the 1980s, said Friday they love shopping at Ross. The pair said the off-price department store has brought "style" to North Port.

SUN PHOTO BY ELAINE ALLEN-EMRICH, eallen@sun-herald.com

Shelby Sacks, left, checks out a comforter with her daughter Kate, 16, a North Port High School student, at Ross on Friday afternoon. The pair said it was fun to finally be able to have a store like Ross in the city, so they don't have to travel to Venice or Port Charlotte for the same items.