Christopher & Banks Responds to Consumer Insights By Combining Missy, Petite and Women's Sizes in approximately 190 Store Locations

MINNEAPOLIS, Oct. 2, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- Christopher & Banks, a women's specialty retailer, today announced the Oct. 6 grand opening of 37 stores that reflect their retail strategy that combines missy, petite and women's sizes—4 to 24—in one shopping location. Following these openings, Christopher & Banks will operate approximately 190 stores with this real estate and merchandise format that brings the CJ Banks brand under the Christopher & Banks banner in malls across the country. The previously separate websites also have merged into a single ecommerce site at christopherandbanks.com.

The current missy-petite-women (MPW) store concept was launched and tested in approximately 20 locations across the United States in 2013, after converting the retailer's flagship store at Mall of America^® in 2011. Initial results were very positive, leading to the decision to convert 190 stores by the end of 2014.

"We are thrilled to bring this concept to more locations," said LuAnn Via, Christopher & Banks president and CEO. "It allows women to find what is most flattering, regardless of size. Shoppers will essentially find the same fashion options in missy and women's sizes with slight adjustments for the perfect fit. We are committed to continuing to offer the fashion-relevant merchandise that our customers have come to love—it will just be more accessible than ever, with all sizes under one roof."

Direct Response to Consumer Insights

Christopher & Banks' new retail strategy is a direct response to consumer insights from focus groups, surveys and national research studies conducted from 2012-2014 indicating women want to shop the same fashion selection in all sizes in one location. The average clothing size for American women—14—was also a key inspiration to move this concept forward quickly, as 14 is on the cusp between missy and women's sizing.

"Nearly thirty percent of our customers shop both Christopher & Banks and CJ Banks brands," said Via. "Women aren't always the same size on top as on bottom and this combined store model makes shopping for a woman's body size and shape easier. In the past, our Christopher & Banks and CJ Banks stores were often positioned at different ends of the mall or in a different center all together—now it's one-stop shopping."

Grand Opening Celebrations

From October 6 – 13, the newest MPW locations will be offering 25 percent off in store to celebrate their grand opening. Participating stores also will host drawings for $200 shopping sprees and associates will be on hand for personal styling and outfitting consultations. The combined store floor sets are designed to make it easy for customers to shop for their size, with outfitting ideas showcased throughout. For a list of grand openings, please visit: www.christopherandbanks.com

About Christopher & Banks

Christopher & Banks Corporation is a Minneapolis-based specialty retailer of women's clothing. The Company currently operates 550 stores in 43 states consisting of standalone Christopher & Banks stores, standalone C.J. Banks stores for its women's plus size clothing division, combined Missy/Petites/Women stores and  outlet stores. The Company also operates the www.ChristopherandBanks.com e-commerce website.

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SOURCE Christopher & Banks