Express Opens in Canada

NEW YORK, Sept. 22, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Express, Inc. (NYSE: EXPR), the specialty retail apparel chain operating more than 600 stores, has arrived north of the border this September.  The iconic multi-channel retailer opened its first location in Canada at Fairview Mall in Toronto.  The 10,000 square foot store offers Canadian men and women the individual style and unrivalled attitude that has made Express a fashion authority in the U.S. for over 30 years.  

Express plans to open a total six stores in Canada by the end of 2011, and an additional 50 stores across the country over the next five years.  In addition to Fairview Mall, Express will also open at Lime Ridge Mall in September.  In November, Express will have three locations opening in Calgary at Southcentre, Chinook Centre and Market Mall as well as an additional store in Toronto at Square One.

"Canada is the perfect country for Express' first foray into wholly-owned international bricks and mortar locations thanks to its cosmopolitan cities filled with young, fashionable men and women," said Michael Weiss, president and chief executive officer of Express.  "We sincerely appreciate the warm welcome we have already received from the Canadian people and look forward to expanding our reach as a fashion authority and to the growth potential of the brand in this new market."

The product assortment in Canada will mirror that of U.S. stores, including the iconic Editor Pant and 1MX Shirt. The Editor Pant is Express' best-known, best-selling, most popular women's pant and stands for sexy style, fine fabric, and a flawless fit. The 1MX, Express' best-selling men's shirt, features an engineered collar, endless color options and an exclusive signature stretch fit.

The Express stores will feature a sleek white color palette with touches of black, white lacquer fixtures and an open ceiling plan. The store has been designed to give women and men access to a stimulating shopping environment where both can shop for the latest trends and everyday fashion essentials. 

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, Puerto Rico, Canada and also distributes its products through the Company's e-commerce website, www.express.com.

Forward-Looking Statements

Certain statements in this press release are "forward-looking statements" made pursuant to the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements are statements that do not directly relate to any historical or current fact and include, but are not limited to, future store openings and in-store product offerings. Forward-looking statements are based on our current expectations and assumptions, which may not prove to be accurate. These statements are not guarantees and are subject to risks, uncertainties and changes in circumstances that are difficult to predict. Many factors could cause actual results to differ materially and adversely from these forward-looking statements. Among these factors are (1) changes in consumer spending and general economic conditions; (2) our ability to identify and respond to new and changing fashion trends, customer preferences and other related factors; (3) fluctuations in our sales and results of operations on a seasonal basis and due to store events, promotions and a variety of other factors; (4) increased competition from other retailers; (5) the success of the malls and shopping centers in which our stores are located; (6) our dependence upon independent third parties to manufacture all of our merchandise; (7) our growth strategy, including our international expansion plan; and (8) our dependence on a strong brand image. Additional information concerning these and other factors can be found in Express, Inc.'s filings with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission. We undertake no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statement as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as otherwise required by law.

SOURCE Express, Inc.