The Wet Seal, Inc. a leading specialty retailer to young women, announced the launch of a new “fashion community” on the Company’s website, www.wetseal.com. The fashion community offers customers an enhanced shopping experience through a social networking platform using the latest Web 2.0 Technology.

Customers can now not only shop, but can also create original Wet Seal styles by building outfits using the entire online assortment. Key features of the fashion community include the ability to build, tag, share and purchase outfits through a personalized boutique, build a fashion network by chatting with other stylists in the message center, and rate and purchase other stylists’ outfits in “The Runway.”

“The launch of the fashion community adds an exciting feature to our already engaging website, www.wetseal.com. It brings a fashion-focused, social networking element to the site to enhance the user experience online,” said Ed Thomas, the Company’s Chief Executive Officer. “We think this is going to be a great new tool, which could not only increase average visit time on the site, but also could improve online and in-store sales by allowing our girl to choose among thousands of outfits generated and rated by her peers.”

The Company also developed an online demo, which walks the customer through each feature of the fashion community. The demo can be found online at www.wetseal.com/community.

Headquartered in Foothill Ranch, California, The Wet Seal, Inc. is a leading specialty retailer of fashionable and contemporary apparel and accessory items. As of April 5, 2008, the Company operated a total of 495 stores in 47 states, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico, including 400 Wet Seal stores and 95 Arden B stores. The Company’s products can also be purchased online at www.wetseal.com or www.ardenb.com. For more company information, visit www.wetsealinc.com

You can discuss this new community at the fashion network site.

The Off-Price Specialist Center is pleased to report great developments for its inaugural Off-Price Retail Summit & Expo, scheduled for May 6-7 at the South Point Hotel Casino & Spa in Las Vegas.  Their brand-new Retail Advisory Board, whose members include the top executives from America’s largest off-price apparel retailers, will hold its first symposium to discuss key issues affecting apparel buyers today. 

Specialty-sized apparel is the fastest growing segment of retailing today and Casual Male Retail Group (Nasdaq: CMRG), retail brand operator of Casual Male XL, Rochester Big & Tall, LivingXL and ShoesXL, is leading the way with a new store, opening in Auburn Hills, MI. The new Casual Male XL store is the thirteenth store in the Detroit area and will be located in Shops at the Crossing on 4175 Baldwin Road in Auburn Hills, MI. There is also one Casual Male XL Outlet store located in Detroit.

The Talbots Inc. (NYSE: TLB) announced that it will host a conference call today to further review the Company’s financing arrangements discussed in its April 15, 2008 Form 8-K and related press release issued April 16, 2008. In addition, the Company reconfirmed its previously announced outlook for fiscal 2008 as follows:

Reconfirms Fiscal 2008 Outlook

The Talbots, Inc. is planning for top-line growth of approximately 3%. This plan is based on slightly negative total Company comparable store sales.

Fiscal 2008 earnings from continuing operations are expected to be in the range of $0.47 to $0.52 per diluted share. The Company is planning for a loss from discontinued operations in the range of ($0.64) to ($0.59) per share, for a total loss per share in the range of ($0.17) to ($0.07), compared to the ($3.56) loss per share reported in fiscal 2007.

The Company believes that if it achieves this plan, it will have sufficient liquidity to fund the continued turnaround of its business. The Talbots, Inc. has revised its payment terms with its major vendors, resulting in enhanced financial flexibility and increased operating cash flow. In addition, the Company currently has working capital lines of credit totaling $165 million and believes that these lines will be adequate to fund its fiscal 2008 working capital requirements under its current plan.

Conference Call Dial-in Information

The call will take place today, April 18, at 9:00 a.m. (Eastern Time). In order to participate in the conference call, please dial 866-336-2423 approximately 10 minutes prior to the scheduled time and give the passcode "TLB".

If you are unable to participate in the conference call, you may listen to a replay of the call by dialing 800-642-1687 passcode 44416870. Please note the replay will be made available from approximately one hour after the conclusion of the call until 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time on April 20, 2008. This call will also be simultaneously broadcast live over the Internet at www.thetalbotsinc.com/ir/ir.asp and will be archived on the Company's website for a period of 12 months.

The Talbots, Inc. is a leading international specialty retailer and direct marketer of women's apparel, shoes and accessories. The Company currently operates a total of 1,422 stores in 47 states, the District of Columbia, Canada and the U.K., with 1,149 stores under the Talbots brand name and 273 stores under the J. Jill brand name. Both brands target the age 35 plus customer population. Talbots brand on-line shopping site is located at www.talbots.com and the J. Jill brand on-line shopping site is located at www.jjill.com.

The Enterprise Mobility business of Motorola, Inc. recently announced that American Apparel, Inc., a company known for its vertically integrated business model and "Made in Downtown LA" clothing, is furthering its cutting-edge brand reputation by becoming one of the first retailers to roll out radio frequency identification (RFID) at the item-level. American Apparel plans to implement its RFID inventory system across each of its 17 stores in the New York metropolitan area over the next three months, with plans to eventually deploy the solution to an additional 120 North American locations.

Wal-Mart recently announced it will feature Earth Month t-shirts made from transitional cotton in support of farmers making the change from conventional farming to the organic process. The retailer purchased more than 12 million pounds of transitional cotton that will arrive in stores for the first time this month under its exclusive Faded Glory brand. Additional product made with transitional cotton will appear on Wal-Mart shelves in the months ahead.

    "Wal-Mart's support of transitional cotton stems from our understanding of the financial implications for farmers who adopt labor-intensive organic farming methods and complements our commitment to eco-friendly products and sustainable supplier practices," said Kim Brandner, brand manager - sustainable products, Wal-Mart. "By doing so, we are also helping our customers live better by easily being able to include 'eco-essentials' on their everyday shopping list."

True Religion Apparel, Inc. (Nasdaq:TRLG) today announced the opening of a new branded retail store in the San Francisco Centre. Located at 845 Market Street, the 1,146 square-foot branded store will offer shoppers the entire True Religion branded collection for men, women and kids, including its signature denim styles, its expanding sportswear line including knits and wovens, and a full range of licensed product, such as footwear, swimwear, headwear and handbags.

Stage Stores, Inc. (NYSE:SSI) today announced that Michael McCreery, Executive Vice President and Vice Chairman of the Board, will be retiring on March 28, 2008 after seven years with the Company. McCreery, 59, who joined Stage Stores in February 2001 as Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer, assumed the position of Vice Chairman in September 2007 as part of a planned executive officer succession process, which included the promotion of Edward Record to the position of Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer, and the assumption of all of McCreery’s former administrative responsibilities by Record.

Jim Scarborough, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, commented, “We want to sincerely thank Mike for the outstanding job that he did as our EVP, Chief Financial Officer, and for his invaluable contributions to our Company. Mike not only played a lead role in our successful reorganization efforts, but he was also instrumental in bringing about many needed changes and improvements in our financial reporting, information services and logistics areas. Mike clearly has been a key team member during his seven years at Stage Stores, and we wish him the very best as he begins this new phase of his life.”

Stage Stores, Inc. brings nationally recognized brand name apparel, accessories, cosmetics and footwear for the entire family to small and mid-size towns and communities through 701 stores located in 35 states. The Company operates under the Bealls, Palais Royal and Stage names throughout the South Central states, and under the Peebles name throughout the Midwestern, Southeastern, Mid-Atlantic and New England states. For more information about Stage Stores, visit the Company’s web site at www.stagestores.com.

Designer shoes, clothes and accessories are no longer a road trip away for women living in the Lake Norman area. Monkee's of Lake Norman offers head-to-toe trendy chic and fashion- forward solutions directly off Interstate 77 at Exit 30 in the new Harris Teeter shopping center.

    Ladies who are searching for the perfect outfit will find everything they need at Monkee's, from footwear and tops to earrings and handbags. And, it's all available in a fashionable, yet relaxed environment. "The store is designed to invoke your chic mother's walk-in closet," said owner Sandy Bowers. "The atmosphere exudes Southern charm and hospitality with a healthy dose of high fashion."

Tommy Hilfiger Group unveiled the location of a global flagship store at 681 Fifth Avenue, between 53rd and 54th streets, in New York City. The 22,000 square foot store, spread over four floors, will become the premiere flagship store in the company's global retail portfolio, which over the years has grown to consist of 545 stores worldwide. Tommy Hilfiger joins an elite mix of retailers on one of the most luxurious and prestigious shopping avenues in the world by making its home in the space formerly occupied by Fortunoff since the late 1970s.

Macy’s, Inc. announced that Tony Spring has been named president of its New York-based Bloomingdale’s division, effective immediately. Since 2005, Spring has served as Bloomingdale’s senior executive vice president and director of stores, with additional responsibility for Bloomingdale’s shopping services and creative services.

In his new role, Spring will be responsible for the division’s stores, marketing, creative services, finance, operations and restaurants. He will continue to report to Bloomingdale’s Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Michael Gould.

“As Bloomingdale’s grows its presence nationally, the addition of an operating principal will provide the division with additional management resources and support,” said Macy’s, Inc. Vice Chair Susan D. Kronick, to whom Bloomingdale’s reports. “Tony Spring is an exceptional executive who has proven himself to be resourceful and creative in supporting growth of the Bloomingdale’s brand. He and Mike Gould will represent a powerful principal team as Bloomingdale’s continues to build its market presence serving the needs of fashion-forward, upscale customers coast to coast.”

The Wet Seal, Inc. (Nasdaq: WTSLA), a leading specialty retailer to young women, today announced that Gary White, Chief Operating Officer, has resigned from the Company to assume the role of Chief Executive Officer of United Retail Group, Inc., a subsidiary of Redcats USA, Inc. Mr. White will remain with The Wet Seal, Inc. through the end of March 2008 to assist with the transition of his responsibilities. The Company will not be hiring anyone to replace Mr. White.

Ed Thomas, Chief Executive Officer for The Wet Seal, Inc., commented: “Gary was instrumental in the efforts to stabilize the Wet Seal business upon his arrival in 2004. Over the past several years, he has worked to build upon the turnaround success at Wet Seal and developed a solid operations team. We appreciate all he has done for the Company and wish him well in his new role.”

Ron Morgan, CEO and President, commented, “We are excited about the potential of this store and are pleased with the job John has done in getting it set up and ready to open. He has been in contact with numerous customers and walked several trade shows there in the last several weeks getting leads on new customers. John has more than 40 years of experience in the leathercraft industry and knows how to run a successful operation. I expect he will do a great job getting this store off to a good start.”

J. C. Penney Company, Inc. (NYSE: JCP) today announced the launch of American Living, a new, comprehensive lifestyle brand created exclusively for JCPenney’s classic traditional lifestyle customer by Global Brand Concepts, a division of Polo Ralph Lauren.

The largest brand launch in JCPenney’s history, the American Living collection includes a full range of apparel for women, men and children, along with footwear, accessories and home furnishings and textiles. Beginning this month, American Living merchandise can be found across JCPenney’s integrated shopping channels – in nearly 600 stores, online at jcp.com and catalog.

 

Burberry has announced the opening of its second stand-alone store in Colorado, following the recent opening of the Denver store. The 2,445 square foot store, located at 501 East Hyman Avenue in Aspen, opened on 19 January 2008.

The store showcases Burberry London and Burberry Prorsum men’s and women’s ready-to-wear as well as accessories. Additionally the store will feature the Burberry sport ski-wear collection.

The Wet Seal, Inc. (Nasdaq: WTSLA), a leading specialty retailer to young women, yesterday announced that Greg Gemette, President of Merchandise, Arden B, has resigned from the Company, effective immediately, for personal reasons.

The Company also announced it has engaged Sharon Hughes to serve as chief merchandise officer for Arden B. Ms. Hughes previously was an employee of the Company from 1990 through 2002, during which time she was involved with the formation of the Arden B concept and held several senior merchant roles, eventually serving as a Senior Vice President of Merchandising for the Company. Ms. Hughes has since been an independent merchandise consultant.

Ed Thomas, chief executive officer for The Wet Seal, Inc., commented: “I would like to thank Greg for his dedication and efforts in leading Arden B merchandising for the past two years. We wish him well in his future professional endeavors.”

Mr. Thomas continued: “I am delighted to have Sharon join us. I previously worked with Sharon for many years at Wet Seal and believe that her merchandising talent and leadership skills are an excellent fit for the Arden B team. I look forward to her contributions to the brand.”

Headquartered in Foothill Ranch, California, The Wet Seal, Inc. is a leading specialty retailer of fashionable and contemporary apparel and accessory items. As of February 2, 2008, the Company operated a total of 494 stores in 47 states, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico, including 399 Wet Seal stores and 95 Arden B stores. The Company’s products can also be purchased online at www.wetseal.com or www.ardenb.com. For more company information, visit www.wetsealinc.com.

Royal Elastics, the innovative footwear brand, opens its first U.S. retail store today, Royal on Main, at 2427 Main Street (http://www.RoyalOnMain.com). The store showcases Royal Elastics' alternative sneakers and flats for men, women and children.

    "Here, we can show the entire range of our collections," says Ludo, creative director of Royal Elastics.

    Royal Elastics started in 1996 with the radical idea that sneakers don't need laces. Instead, footwear fastens with elasticized shock cord or Velcro. "It was inspired by kids who went skateboarding and ripped their laces out," Ludo says. "It's easy and fast to put on."