DBRN The Dress Barn, Inc. (MM)

In support of National Breast Cancer Awareness month in October, dressbarn will once again contribute all net profits from the sale of Lela, a limited edition lamb stuffed animal, to the American Cancer Society. For every Lela sold at $5, dressbarn will contribute $2 to support local and national breast cancer initiatives. With almost 800 locations nationwide, dressbarn hopes to raise $150,000 this year and has proudly donated over $1 million dollars to the American Cancer Society through in store promotions and its participation in the American Cancer Society Relay For Life(R). "Lela, which means 'innocent lamb' in Hawaiian, is dressbarn's mascot. She symbolizes the spirit of warmth and caring that epitomizes the family-run retailer's long-standing commitment to its employees, customers and local communities," said Vivian Behrens, dressbarn senior vice president of marketing. "The 2005 limited edition Lela will be available during the month of October to help raise awareness and fight a disease that affects so many lives. We have no doubt she will be well received by all those who support our efforts, and we are very excited about the impact she'll have in raising funds for such an important cause." This year, over 210,000 women in the United States will be diagnosed with invasive breast cancer, and over 40,000 women will die from the disease. While there is no cure for breast cancer, early detection and improved treatment is considered critical to surviving this disease, which is the second leading cause of cancer death in women. The American Cancer Society raises funds for breast cancer research, patient services, education, and advocacy. dressbarn is an active contributor to charities dedicated to improving and empowering women's lives. In addition to contributing proceeds from sales of the 2005 limited edition Lela, dressbarn will again offer customers a convenient bookmark containing guidelines for early detection of breast cancer. Available while supplies last, the bookmark includes a coupon for 20 percent off any single item that customers may use toward dressbarn purchases made between November 1 - 15, 2005. About dressbarn: dressbarn (Nasdaq: DBRN) operates a national chain of almost 800 specialty stores featuring its own line of career and casual fashions for the working woman at value prices. dressbarn's pricing and convenient locations differentiate it from department stores while its strategic focus on styles for today's woman sets it apart from other specialty apparel retailers. These elements, combined with an emphasis on customer service and product knowledge, have earned the retailer a devoted following. Editor's Note: An image of the 2005 Lela is available upon request. Please email fbrigatti@golinharris.com