On Saturday, February 2, 2008, there was a fatal shooting at the Lane Bryant Brookside Marketplace store in Tinley Park, Illinois. The store manager of the Lane Bryant and four customers have lost their lives in this shooting.

The employees of Charming Shoppes, Inc. and Lane Bryant are deeply saddened by the loss of life resulting from this horrific event. We grieve for the innocent victims and our primary concern at this time is for the families and loved ones of those fatally injured.

In mourning of lives lost, the Company's Lane Bryant greater-Chicago area stores will be closed for business on Sunday, February 3, 2008.

A full investigation of the incident is underway and the Company is fully assisting in the investigation and working with the authorities. The Company is committed to assisting in any way possible, and has offered a reward in the amount of $50,000 to assist the authorities in their investigation. A telephone number will be provided by the local police authorities later today for individuals with any information regarding this incident.

All media inquiries should be directed to Gayle Coolick in Bensalem, PA at 215-638-6955 or gayle.coolick@charming.com.

SOURCE Charming Shoppes, Inc.