• Diane Paccione promoted to Group Divisional President for Fashion Bug and Catherines
• LuAnn Via joins Charming Shoppes as President of Catherines

BENSALEM, Pa., Jan. 19 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Charming Shoppes, Inc. (Nasdaq: CHRS), a leading multi-channel specialty apparel retailer specializing in women's plus-size apparel, announced executive management changes today.

Diane M. Paccione has been promoted to Group Divisional President, a newly created executive management position at Charming Shoppes. As Group Divisional President, Paccione will have responsibility for both the Company's Fashion Bug and Catherines Plus Sizes brands. She will also serve as President of Fashion Bug, with direct responsibility for the day-to-day operations of Fashion Bug. Paccione will continue to report to Dorrit J. Bern, Chairman, CEO and President of Charming Shoppes, Inc.

The Company also announced that LuAnn Via has joined Charming Shoppes as the President of Catherines Plus Sizes and a member of the Company's Executive Leadership Team. Via will have direct responsibility for the day-to-day operations of the Catherines Plus Sizes brand, and will report to Diane Paccione, Group Divisional President.

Paccione joined Charming Shoppes in January 2004 as the President of Catherines Plus Sizes. During her time at Charming Shoppes, Paccione has revitalized the Catherines brand, leading to significantly improved customer response to the brand's merchandise, and increased profitability. Prior to joining Charming Shoppes, Paccione held the position of General Merchandise Manager of Intimate Apparel, at Sears, Roebuck and Co., where she was later promoted to Vice President/General Merchandise Manager of Ready-to-Wear and Intimate Apparel. She began her 28-year retail career at Bloomingdale's and later joined the May Company where she was Vice President/Divisional Merchandise Manager.

Commenting on Paccione's promotion, Dorrit Bern said, "I am pleased to announce Diane's promotion and increased responsibilities in recognition of her strong contribution to Charming Shoppes. I have every confidence that the executive leadership talents that Diane has exhibited at our Catherines brand will lead to an improved strategic direction for our Fashion Bug brand."

Via's career in retailing has spanned over 30 years, including various leadership positions in merchandising and product development at Sears, Roebuck and Co. and Saks Incorporated. In her most recent position, she served as Vice President and General Merchandise Manager at Sears, with responsibility for Intimate Apparel, Accessories, Footwear and Fine Jewelry. She brings strong leadership and extensive merchandising experience to Catherines Plus Sizes and to Charming Shoppes.

Regarding Via's appointment, Bern said, "We are delighted that we have attracted an individual with the talents that LuAnn possesses. Her experience in merchandising and product development will be a tremendous asset to Charming Shoppes."

Charming Shoppes has also announced the departure of Elizabeth Williams, President of Fashion Bug, who is leaving the company to pursue other career interests. Williams joined Charming Shoppes in 1995, and was involved in the Company's turnaround in 1996 and 1997. She was appointed President of Fashion Bug in January 2000. The Company wishes Williams the best in her future endeavors.

The Company's executive management appointments and promotions are effective immediately.

Charming Shoppes, Inc. operates 2,265 retail stores in 48 states under the names LANE BRYANT(R), FASHION BUG(R), FASHION BUG PLUS(R), and CATHERINES PLUS SIZES(R). Additionally, apparel, accessories, footwear and gift catalogs, including the following titles, are operated by Charming Shoppes' Crosstown Traders: Old Pueblo Traders, Bedford Fair, Willow Ridge, Lew Magram, Brownstone Studio, Regalia, Intimate Appeal, Monterey Bay Clothing Company, Coward Shoe and Figi's.

This release contains certain forward-looking statements concerning the Company's operations, performance, and financial condition. These forward- looking statements include statements regarding future performance, including the Company's dependence on key personnel. 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 implement the Company's business plan for entry into the outlet store distribution channel, failure to successfully integrate the operations of Crosstown Traders, Inc. with Charming Shoppes, Inc., the failure to implement the Company's business plan for increased profitability and growth in the plus-size women's apparel business, the failure to successfully implement the Company's business plan for Crosstown Traders, Inc., 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 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.

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