corporate info

colour, trim and sheer fabrics are hot this season

TORONTO, Mar 17, 2004 (Canada NewsWire via COMTEX) -- Sears Canada Inc. (TSX: SCC), the exclusive retailer of Vogue Bra(R), Vogue Dessous(R) and VIE(R) intimate apparel, knows that lingerie holds an important spotlight in the fashion world.

Whether your style is classic, urban or sophisticated, Sears has something for everyone. Exceptional pieces that are sensuous, feminine and abundant with colour and fine detail will add elegance to your silhouette and ease to your lifestyle no matter what your size or style.

"This year there is an emphasis on colour, trim details and sheer fabrics," says Annie Helegda, Fashion Director for Sears Canada. "While we continue to offer our tried and true Vogue Bra(R) line for wardrobe essentials, our other lines of Vogue Dessous(R) and VIE(R) appeal to the customer who sees her undergarments as an extension of her wardrobe - something to have fun with. "

The Vogue brand offers women two categories of intimate apparel. Vogue Bra(R) and Vogue Dessous(R) boast the high-quality construction and workmanship, superior fit and designs that customers have come to expect from the Vogue brand. While the Vogue Dessous(R) collections are European inspired bra and panty co-ordinates offering the fashion conscious customer the latest in colours and trends, the Vogue Bra(R) collection includes an assortment of boxed Vogue bras, primarily functional, fashionable and designed for comfort and shaping. Spring 2004 will see the introduction of new styles in sport, petite and full support selections while continuing to offer the supreme quality reputable with this brand.

The Vogue Dessous(R) collection is sensuous and feminine - designed with today's woman in mind. Smooth, micro-fibre fabrics in seamless styles offer superior comfort and fit, while washed-out transparent patterns and soft floral embroidery in the season's hottest colours offer fashion-forward style detailing. Using fabrics that create surfaces with depth, collections are designed in laces and meshes adorned with dramatically exotic patterns of ivy, lily and orchid. Expect vibrant colours of hot pink and electric blue or audacious orange and sunshine yellow resulting in bold, strong, glamourous femininity. For softer effects, a beautiful bra and panty set of pistachio green with tone-on-tone foliage is fresh and spring-like. A classic blue circle lace pattern on sheer fabric is pretty and romantic. For those who can't get enough of white, the bridal inspired white lace collection has luxurious and romantic lace detailing and delicate straps all wrapped in a seamless package with a superior fit.

The VIE(R) collection is vital and fresh. Fun and fashionable pieces are designed for the young and young at heart. Bright, energetic colours in fashion-forward styles reflect coquettish charm that is playful, fun and highly personalized. Styles offered are padded bras, crop tops and bustier tops that look street-ready. Fresh and updated hipsters and boy-like panties become her new basics. Uniquely themed collections for spring 2004 see tangy pop art prints in vibrant colours, open netting and exuberant accents and trims. While the Persian Jewel collection include vibrant jade with gold printed swirls interpreted into a Chinese inspired bustier, bra and panty set, the Funky Garden collection is all about pink with a mixture of solid and floral fabrics blocked together. Other collections include Flower Power, Spice and Beach Bum - each one offering unique style details to accommodate all tastes.

Vogue products are available in all Sears retail stores, through the Sears catalogue and online at www.sears.ca.

Sears Canada, the retailer with the most extensive multi-channel network in the country, began serving customers in 1953. The Company has 48,000 associates and, in an independent consumer survey, ranks first in trust, respect, and quality products and services. There is a Sears location within a 10-minute drive of 93% of Canadians, and Sears is dedicated to providing them with quality merchandise and exceptional service coast to coast through its 122 department stores, 47 Sears Home stores, over 2,200 catalogue merchandise pick-up locations, 146 dealer stores, 14 outlet stores, 50 floor covering centres, 49 auto centres, 110 Sears Travel offices and a nationwide home maintenance, repair, and installation network. The Company also publishes Canada's most extensive general merchandise catalogue and offers shopping online at www.sears.ca.

VIEW ADDITIONAL COMPANY-SPECIFIC INFORMATION: http://www.newswire.ca/en/releases/orgDisplay.cgi?okey=58312

CONTACT:          For further information: Gweneth Moir, Sears Corporate Communications,
                  (416) 941-4426

News release via Canada NewsWire, Toronto 416-863-9350  

Copyright (C) 2004 CNW, All rights reserved

SOURCE: Sears Canada Inc.