Express Named Official Sponsor of 2012 Miss America

NEW YORK, Dec. 20, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Express, Inc. (NYSE: EXPR), the specialty retail apparel chain operating more than 600 stores in the U.S., Canada and Puerto Rico today announced that Express will become an official sponsor of the 2012 Miss America Program. The year-long sponsorship kicks-off with an exciting week of pageant events and culminates on January 14 at 9:00 PM /EST with the live ABC broadcast of the 2012 Miss America Pageant from the Planet Hollywood Casino Resort in Las Vegas, Nevada.

(Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20111220/NY24338)

"The Miss America Organization represents the very best of intelligent, savvy, modern young women, and Express is looking forward to working with an organization that not only showcases their personal style, but also provides scholarships to help further their education through the world's largest scholarship program," said Lisa Gavales, chief marketing officer of Express.

Fifty-three young women from across the United States, including the District of Columbia, Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico will have the opportunity to showcase their personal fashion sensibilities in a uniquely Express way before and during the 2012 Miss America Pageant.

All of this year's contestants will be outfitted in Express looks throughout pageant week at the following events:

Thursday, January 5: Miss America Arrival ceremony and media event at Planet Hollywood, Las Vegas

Saturday, January 7: Miss America Contestant fashion show at Fashion Mall, in Las Vegas

Tuesday, January 10 through Thursday, January 12: Preliminary competition events

Saturday, January 14: ABC Live Miss America Pageant telecast from Planet Hollywood, Las Vegas

The winner of the 2012 Miss America Pageant will wear Express during scheduled public appearances throughout the year, and may be featured in a future Express advertising campaign.

"Miss America has always been committed to scholarship and service while doing so with incredible personal style and self-expression, ideals that speak to girls and young women alike," said Mary Landaverde, Director of Licensing for Miss America Properties. "Express recognizes these shared values, and serves as a natural partner with us, in reaching today's contemporary young woman."

"We are thrilled to work with Express who shares in the same philosophy as Miss America of empowering young women and inspiring them through their spirit, their energy and their incredible fashion collections," said Miss America 2011 Teresa Scanlan.

About Express, Inc.:
Express is a specialty apparel and accessories retailer of women's and men's merchandise, targeting the 20 to 30 year old customer. The Company has over 30 years of experience offering a distinct combination of fashion and quality for multiple lifestyle occasions at an attractive value addressing fashion needs across work, casual, jeanswear, and going-out occasions. The Company currently operates more than 600 retail stores, located primarily in high-traffic shopping malls, lifestyle centers, and street locations across the United States, Canada and in Puerto Rico, and also distributes its products through the Company's e-commerce website, express.com.

About the Miss America Organization
The Miss America Organization is one of the nation's leading achievement programs and the world's largest provider of scholarship assistance for young women.  Last year, the Miss America Organization and its state and local organizations made available more than $45 million in cash and scholarship assistance.  For more information, go to www.missamerica.org.

About Miss America Properties
Miss America Properties is a partnership between Infinity Lifestyle Brands, LLC ("ILB") (www.infinity-group.com) the New York based Infinity Group's consumer products investment and brand management arm and Hilco Consumer Capital, ("HCC") (www.hilcocc.com) a specialized private equity firm that makes strategic investments in branded consumer companies and iconic consumer brands.  Miss America Properties is focused on developing strategic sponsorship and licensing opportunities on behalf of the Miss America Organization. For more information contact [email protected].

SOURCE Express, Inc.