BENSALEM, Pa., June 2, 2005 /PRNewswire-FirstCall via COMTEX/ -- 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 May 28, 2005 were $205,200,000 compared to $205,600,000 for the four weeks ended May 29, 2004. Comparable store sales for Charming Shoppes, Inc. decreased 2% for the four weeks ended May 28, 2005.

Unseasonably cool temperatures during the month, particularly in the Mid- Atlantic and Northeast, negatively impacted sales results. In May 2004, unseasonably warm temperatures benefited sales, particularly at the Company's Fashion Bug brand.

Total sales for the seventeen weeks ended May 28, 2005 increased 1% to $808,400,000 from $798,300,000 for the seventeen weeks ended May 29, 2004. Comparable store sales for Charming Shoppes, Inc. decreased 1% for the seventeen weeks ended May 28, 2005.

Comparable store sales by chain for the four and seventeen week periods
ended May 28, 2005 were:

                                           Four Weeks       Seventeen Weeks
                                         Ended 5/28/05      Ended 5/28/05
     Lane Bryant Stores                        +2%                +1%
     Fashion Bug Stores                        -7%                -3%
     Catherines Stores                         +4%                +4%
     Total Corporation                         -2%                -1%

The Company's consolidated sales plan for June 2005 includes low single digit increases in comparable store sales. Increases in same store sales are planned for each of the Company's brands during June 2005.

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 June 6, 2005.

Charming Shoppes, Inc. operates 2,235 stores in 48 states under the names LANE BRYANT(R), FASHION BUG(R), FASHION BUG PLUS(R), and CATHERINES PLUS SIZES(R). During the seventeen weeks ended May 28, 2005 the Company opened 22, relocated 28, and closed 8 stores. Please visit http://www.charmingshoppes.com for additional information about Charming Shoppes, Inc.

This press release contains certain forward-looking statements concerning the Company's operations, performance, and financial condition. These forward- looking statements include statements regarding future performance, sales, and other matters. Such forward-looking statements are subject to various risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those indicated. Such risks and uncertainties may include, but are not limited to: failure to successfully implement the Company's business plan for increased profitability and growth in the plus-size women's apparel business, changes in or miscalculation of fashion trends, extreme or unseasonable weather conditions, economic downturns, a weakness in overall consumer demand, failure to find suitable store locations, the ability to hire and train associates, trade restrictions and political or financial instability in countries where goods are manufactured, the interruption of merchandise flow to the Company's retail stores from its centralized distribution facilities, competitive pressures, and the adverse effects of acts or threats of war, terrorism, or other armed conflict on the United States and international economies. These, and other risks and uncertainties, are detailed in the Company's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended January 29, 2005 and other Company filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Charming Shoppes assumes no duty to update or revise its forward-looking statements even if experience or future changes make it clear that any projected results expressed or implied therein will not be realized.

SOURCE Charming Shoppes, Inc.

Gayle M. Coolick, Director of Investor Relations of Charming Shoppes, +1-215-638-6955

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