BENSALEM, Pa., March 4 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Charming Shoppes, Inc., (Nasdaq: CHRS), a leading retail apparel chain specializing in women's plus- size apparel, today reported that total sales for the four weeks ended February 28, 2004 increased 9% to $163,300,000 from $150,300,000 for the four weeks ended March 1, 2003. Comparable store sales for Charming Shoppes, Inc. increased 8% for the four weeks ended February 28, 2004.

The Company's comparable store sales performance during February exceeded the Company's plan. The above plan performance is primarily attributable to better than planned sell through of Spring merchandise at Lane Bryant and Fashion Bug, and strong sales of winter merchandise at Fashion Bug.

Comparable store sales by chain for the four week period ended February 28, 2004 were as follows:

                          Comparable Store Sales for
                           Four Weeks Ended 2/28/04
     Lane Bryant Stores                 6%
     Fashion Bug Stores                12%
     Catherines Stores                  2%
     Total Corporation                  8%

For more detailed information on monthly sales, please call 1-866-CHRS-NEWS (1-866-247-7639) to listen to Charming Shoppes, Inc.'s prerecorded monthly sales commentary. This recording will be available until March 8, 2004.

Charming Shoppes, Inc. operates 2,232 stores in 48 states under the names LANE BRYANT(R), FASHION BUG(R), FASHION BUG PLUS(R), and CATHERINE'S PLUS SIZES(R). During the four weeks ended February 28, 2004, the Company opened 6, relocated 6, and closed 1 store. Please visit www.charmingshoppes.com for additional information about Charming Shoppes, Inc.

SOURCE Charming Shoppes, Inc.