Photo Release -- Fresh Fall Fashion Unveiled At Stein Mart Boutique Showcase

Shoppers Able to Get Latest Looks On a Budget


JACKSONVILLE, Fla., Aug. 27, 2008 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The fall season officially debuts at Stein Mart (Nasdaq:SMRT) during Boutique Showcase, September 11 - 14. The racks will be brimming with the freshest looks of the new season during this special event -- all at up to 60 percent off department and specialty store prices.

A photo accompanying this release is available at http://www.globenewswire.com/newsroom/prs/?pkgid=5378

A "Boutique and Friends Breakfast" will be held in all stores on Friday, September 12 at 9:00 a.m., featuring a continental breakfast and a "Rolling Rack Fashion Show," in which Boutique Ladies will demonstrate easy ways to mix and match separates to get the best value for your fashion dollar. The event is free to all Stein Mart shoppers.

"Boutique Showcase is a special time for Stein Mart shoppers," said Stein Mart Fashion Director Nancy Alderman. "We study the runway looks and fall trends and then interpret them for Stein Mart customers," said Alderman. "We believe discount fashion can still be fresh fashion. At Stein Mart, anyone can get the latest looks, even on a budget."

Tips for fitting the fall trends in to any budget:



 * Spend once and make it count at least twice!  Choose items that
   have multiple uses.
 * If you can only afford to invest in one item, buy a jacket.  Get it
   in one of the hot looks for fall:  an oversized plaid or an
   on-trend shade of purple.
 * An affordable way to add color and update your look is through
   accessories. Simply add a belt, scarf, jewelry or handbag in a
   fresh fall color.
 * Knit is a strong trend for fall.  Get a cardigan sweater or vest
   for an easy outfit tune-up.

What will be hot with Stein Mart customers this fall?



 Blazers                            Capes/Ponchos
 Long boyfriend cardigans           Bold bracelets
 Vests                              The statement necklace
 The color purple                   Large-scale earrings
 Knit dressing                      The oversized clutch
 Polished career suiting            Colored, textured and patterned
 Trench coat and trench details      leggings
 Motorcycle jackets                 Long gloves
 Turtlenecks                        Wraps, ruanas and scarves
 Plaids                             Tote bags

The Boutique: The cornerstone of Stein Mart, the Boutique, is a special department focused on delivering personal customer service. The store-within-a-store concept offers Ladies' merchandise with the presentation, quality, and service found in specialty boutique shops. The Boutique is staffed by women who work part-time and serve as personal shoppers, assisting customers in putting together an outfit from head to toe. These women are both civically and socially active within their communities and reflect the diversity of the community. The concept is unique to Stein Mart -- no other retailer offers this program. Boutique services are offered at no cost.

About Stein Mart, Inc. (Nasdaq:SMRT):

Stein Mart stores offer the fashion merchandise, service and presentation of a better department or specialty store, at prices competitive with off-price retail chains. Currently with locations from California to Massachusetts, Stein Mart's focused assortment of merchandise features moderate to better fashion apparel for women and men, as well as accessories, gifts, linens and shoes. From a single store in Mississippi in the early 1900s, Stein Mart has expanded to more than 280 stores in 31 states. The current chairman, Jay Stein, is the grandson of the founder, Sam Stein. For more information on Stein Mart, please visit steinmart.com.

The photo is also available via AP PhotoExpress.



            
Fresh Fall Fashion Unveiled

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