TWB Tween Brands

Tween Brands, Inc. (NYSE: TWB) today reported a second quarter net loss of $2.8 million, or $0.11 per diluted share, compared to a net loss of $6.7 million, or $0.27 per diluted share for the same period last year.

“While we faced the ongoing headwind of a tough economy, our business began to show improvement in the second quarter, particularly as the period progressed. The increased marketing efforts we had planned for the second quarter were meaningfully launched in June which, when combined with the positive response we have had to our back to school merchandise, allowed us to significantly improve comp store sales trends when compared to our first quarter of 2009,” said Michael Rayden, Tween Brands chairman and chief executive officer.

“We continue to make progress on the merger with Dress Barn, as well as our brand transition. At a time when the tween girl apparel market continues to contract, market research shows that we have actually begun to increase our market share. This demonstrates to us that our brand transition to Justice is effectively doing what we had anticipated as our value message is reaching consumers and they are acting on it. We plan to continue to reinforce this message so that we can accelerate our market share momentum,” said Rayden.

Quarter Performance Analysis

Net sales for the second quarter of fiscal 2009 declined 8.1% to $205.1 million compared to the $223.1 million in 2008, driven predominantly by a 12% decline in comparable store sales. The decline is attributable to the ongoing macroeconomic pressures and the strong performance associated with Webkinz™ in 2008.

Gross income for the second quarter of fiscal 2009 totaled $54.3 million, or 26.5% of net sales. This compares to second quarter 2008 gross income of $61.8 million, or 27.7% of net sales. The year-over-year decline as a percentage of net sales was primarily attributable to the inability to leverage the $2.3 million reduction in buying and occupancy expense, primarily because of the inclusion of a $3.5 million pretax store impairment charge.

The Company recognized a $3.5 million pretax impairment charge in the second quarter, reflecting an adjustment of store assets. The non-cash store asset impairment charge related to 31 stores offset an otherwise significant decline in buying and occupancy expenses during the period.

Store operating, general and administrative expenses, inclusive of merger-related expenses of $1.9 million, improved substantially to $64.6 million from $71.1 million in 2008. The majority of the improvement was associated with reductions in store payroll, home office headcount, and marketing expense. Although net sales declined by 8.1%, SG&A improved by 40 basis points as a percentage of net sales.

Net interest expense was $3.2 million for the second quarter of fiscal 2009 compared to $1.9 million in 2008. The increase was primarily due to higher interest rates in 2009 related to the Company’s February 23, 2009 amended credit facility.

The Company recognized an income tax benefit of $10.7 million in the second quarter of fiscal 2009 due to the pretax loss of $13.5 million as compared to the $4.5 million income tax benefit recognized in conjunction with the pretax loss of $11.2 million in 2008. The amount of the second quarter tax benefit was driven by the distribution of income and losses across legal entities and among the taxing jurisdictions in which we operate, along with expenses related to the proposed merger which are non-deductible.

Capital Investment

Capital expenditures for the second quarter of fiscal 2009 and year-to-date were $2.4 million and $6.6 million, respectively. This compares to $19.2 million and $40.8 million, respectively, for the corresponding 2008 periods. Capital expenditures for fiscal 2009 net of cash tenant allowances received are expected to be approximately $10 million, inclusive of the $6.6 million incurred to date. This is primarily composed of store signage changes of approximately $4 million, and new planned store openings as well as remodels.

Balance Sheet

At August 1, 2009 the Company had total current assets of $247.8 million, including $71.5 million in cash and cash equivalents, and total current liabilities of $107.8 million. Long term debt was $163.3 million, inclusive of $14.3 million in current maturities of long term debt. The Company’s current ratio was 2.3 and the debt-to-equity ratio was 0.94.

Controlled Inventories

Total inventories at the end of the second quarter of fiscal 2009 were down 18.5% per square foot at cost, compared to total inventories at the end of the second quarter of fiscal 2008. In-store inventories for the second quarter of fiscal 2009 were down 19.0% per square foot at cost as compared to the second quarter of 2008.

Stores

Tween Brands ended the quarter with 903 stores. During the second quarter 2009, the Company closed 7 stores and 11 stores have been closed year-to-date.

SEC Regulation G

Results include non-cash store impairment charges related to 31 stores of $3.5 million and merger expenses of $1.9 million. Excluding the store impairment charge of $3.5 million, or $0.04 of net income per diluted share, and merger expenses of $1.9 million, or $0.01 of net income per diluted share, the ongoing loss for the quarter totaled $4.0 million or $0.16 per diluted share.

Reconciliation of second quarter net loss for the quarter and loss per diluted share on a GAAP basis to net loss for the quarter and loss per share on a non-GAAP basis:

         

Loss before income taxes

(Benefit)/expense from income taxes

Net (Loss)/Income

(Loss)/Income per share

Reported GAAP basis ($13,455 ) ($10,653 ) ($2,802 ) ($0.11 ) Adjustments: Merger expenses 1,867 2,052 (185 ) (0.01 ) Store impairments 3,513     4,506     ( 993 )   (0.04 )   Non-GAAP basis ($8,075 ) ($4,095 ) ($3,980 ) ($0.16 )  

Net loss and loss per diluted share, excluding the amounts shown above are non-GAAP measures. Because management believes these expenses may not be indicative of ongoing operations, management believes that these non-GAAP measures are useful to investors as an alternative method for measuring the Company’s operating performance and comparing it against prior period’s performance.

Merger Update

On June 25, 2009, the Company announced that it had entered into a definitive agreement with Dress Barn, Inc. (NASDAQ: DBRN) pursuant to which a subsidiary of Dress Barn will merge with the Company in a stock-for-stock transaction. The transaction continues on track with an anticipated completion in the fourth quarter of calendar year 2009. On July 28, 2009, Dress Barn and the Company submitted notification and report forms under the Hart Scott Rodino Act with the FTC and the Antitrust Division of the U.S. Department of Justice. In addition, on August 11, 2009, Dress Barn filed a registration statement on Form S-4 with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The Form S-4 contains the Company’s proxy statement. Once the Form S-4 is declared effective, the Company will distribute a definitive proxy statement to its stockholders in connection with the stockholder meeting to vote on a proposal to adopt the merger agreement.

Conference Call Information

The Company will host a conference call beginning at 9:00 a.m. EDT today to discuss this announcement and operating results for the second quarter ended August 1, 2009. The phone number for the live call is 877-407-8033 (international callers should use 201-689-8033). Reference the Tween Brands second quarter 2009 earnings conference call when dialing in to access the call. Interested participants should call a few minutes before the 9:00 a.m. start in order to be placed in the queue.

A telephonic replay of the call will be available through midnight, August 26, 2009 at 877-660-6853. The account #286 and ID #330118 are required for access to the replay.

Webcast

This call is also being webcast over the Internet by Thomson and is being distributed over their investor distribution network. Individual investors can listen to the webcast at http://www.earnings.com. Institutional investors can access the webcast at http://www.streetevents.com. The webcast will also be available at the Events Calendar page of Tween Brands' corporate Web site, http://www.tweenbrands.com.

About Tween Brands, Inc.

Headquartered in New Albany, Ohio, Tween Brands (NYSE:TWB) is the largest premier tween specialty retailer in the world. Through powerhouse brands Justice and Limited Too, Tween Brands provides the hottest fashion merchandise and accessories for tween (age 7-14) girls.

Known as the destination for fashion-aware tweens, Justice proudly features outgoing sales associates who assist girls in expressing their individuality and self-confidence through fashion. Visually-driven catazines and direct mail pieces reach millions of tween girls annually, further positioning Tween Brands as a preeminent retailer in the tween marketplace.

Over 900 Justice stores are located throughout the United States and internationally. Additionally, Tween Brands offers its fashions to tween girls and their parents through its e-commerce site, www.shopjustice.com.

In August 2008 Tween Brands announced plans to transition to a single brand taking the best of Limited Too and the best of Justice to create a fresh, new Justice. Select Justice stores now carry a Limited Too clothing line and these apparel items can also be found online at http://www.shopjustice.com/.

With a focus on providing tween girls the absolute best experience possible, Tween Brands looks toward the future with a single store brand, a single focus, and a mission: to celebrate tween girls through an extraordinary experience of fashion and fun in an everything for her destination.

For more information visit www.tweenbrands.com and www.shopjustice.com.

Safe Harbor Statement Under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995

This press release contains various "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 (the "PSLRA"). Such statements can be identified by the use of the forward-looking words "anticipate," "estimate," "project," "target," "predict," "believe," "intend," "plan," "expect," "hope," "risk," "could," "pro forma," "potential," "prospect," "forecast," "outlook" or similar words. These statements discuss future expectations, contain projections regarding future developments, operations or financial conditions, or state other forward-looking information. These forward-looking statements involve various important risks, uncertainties and other factors that could cause our actual results to differ materially from those expressed. The following factors, among others, could affect our future financial performance and cause actual future results to differ materially from those expressed or implied in any forward-looking statements included in this press release:

-- The failure of Tween Brands, Inc’s stockholders to adopt the merger agreement with Dress Barn;

-- Delays in or failure to obtain any required regulatory approvals with respect to the merger;

-- Failure to consummate or delay in consummating the merger for other reasons:

-- Effectiveness of converting Limited Too stores to Justice stores;

-- Ability to convert Limited Too customers to the Justice brand;

-- Risk that the benefits expected from the brand conversion program will not be achieved or may take longer to achieve than expected;

-- Ability to grow or maintain comparable store sales;

-- Decline in the demand for our merchandise;

-- Ability to develop new merchandise;

-- The impact of competition and pricing;

-- Level of mall and power center traffic;

-- Effectiveness of expansion into new or existing markets;

-- Effectiveness of store remodels;

-- Availability of suitable store locations at appropriate terms;

-- Effectiveness of our brand awareness and marketing programs;

-- Ability to enforce our licenses and trademarks;

-- Ability to hire, retain, and train associates;

-- Ability to successfully launch a new brand;

-- A significant change in the regulatory environment applicable to our business;

-- Risks associated with our sourcing and logistics functions;

-- Changes in existing or potential trade restrictions, duties, tariffs or quotas;

-- Currency and exchange risks;

-- Changes in consumer spending patterns, consumer preferences and overall economic conditions;

-- Ability to comply with restrictions and covenants in our credit facility;

-- Ability to satisfy NYSE continued listing standards;

-- Potential impairment of long-lived assets;

-- Ability to service our debt;

-- The security of our computer networks

-- The potential impact of health concerns relating to severe infectious diseases, particularly on manufacturing operations of our vendors in Asia and elsewhere;

-- Outcome of various legal proceedings;

-- Impact of product recalls;

-- Acts of terrorism in the U.S. or worldwide; and

-- Other risks as described in other reports and filings we make with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

Future economic and industry trends that could potentially impact revenue and profitability are difficult to predict. Therefore, there can be no assurance the forward-looking statements included herein will prove to be accurate. The inclusion of forward-looking statements should not be regarded as a representation by us, or any other person, that our objectives will be achieved. The forward-looking statements made herein are based on information presently available to us as the management of Tween Brands, Inc. We assume no obligation to publicly update or revise our forward-looking statements even if experience or future changes make it clear that any projected results expressed or implied therein will not be realized.

Company home page: www.tweenbrands.com

Additional information and where to find it

In connection with the proposed merger transaction, Dress Barn, Inc. (“Dress Barn”) filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) a Registration Statement on Form S-4 containing a proxy statement/prospectus for the stockholders of Tween Brands, Inc. (“the Company”) and each of the Company and Dress Barn plan to file other documents with the SEC regarding the proposed merger transaction. The definitive proxy statement/prospectus will be mailed to stockholders of the Company. BEFORE MAKING ANY VOTING OR INVESTMENT DECISION, THE COMPANY’S STOCKHOLDERS AND INVESTORS ARE URGED TO READ THE PROXY STATEMENT/PROSPECTUS AND OTHER DOCUMENTS FILED WITH THE SEC CAREFULLY AND IN THEIR ENTIRETY WHEN THEY BECOME AVAILABLE, BECAUSE THEY WILL CONTAIN IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT THE PROPOSED MERGER TRANSACTION. Company stockholders and other investors will be able to obtain copies of these materials (when they are available) without charge from the SEC through the SEC’s Web site at www.sec.gov. These documents (when they are available) can also be obtained free of charge from Dress Barn by directing a request to Dress Barn, 30 Dunnigan Drive, Suffern, NY 10901 Attention: Investor Relations Department (telephone: 845-469-4602) or accessing them on Dress Barn’s corporate Web site at www.dressbarn.com, or from the Company by directing a request to the Company, 8323 Walton Parkway, New Albany, OH 43054 Attention: Investor Relations (telephone: 614 775-3739) or accessing them on the Company’s corporate Web site at www.tweenbrands.com.

Dress Barn, the Company and certain of their respective directors and executive officers may be deemed to be participants in the solicitation of proxies from stockholders in connection with the proposed transaction under the rules of the SEC. Information about the directors and executive officers of Dress Barn may be found in its 2008 Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the SEC on September 24, 2008 and in its definitive proxy statement relating to its 2008 Annual Meeting of Shareholders filed with the SEC on November 5, 2008. Information about the directors and executive officers of the Company may be found in its 2008 Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the SEC on March 31, 2009 and in its definitive proxy statement relating to its 2009 Annual Meeting of Stockholders filed with the SEC on April 9, 2009. These documents can be obtained free of charge from the sources indicated above. Additional information regarding the interests of these participants will also be included in the proxy statement/prospectus regarding the proposed transaction when it becomes available.

          Tween Brands, Inc. Consolidated Statements of Operations For the Thirteen Weeks Ended August 1, 2009 and August 2, 2008 (unaudited, in thousands, except per share amounts)     Thirteen Weeks Ended Thirteen Weeks Ended August 1, % of August 2, % of 2009 Net Sales 2008 Net Sales   Net sales $ 205,124 100.0 % $ 223,102 100.0 %

Cost of goods sold, including buying and occupancy costs

  150,784   73.5 %   161,316   72.3 % Gross income 54,340 26.5 % 61,786 27.7 %

Store operating, general and administrative expenses

  64,575   31.5 %   71,101   31.9 % Operating loss (10,235 ) (5.0 %) (9,315 ) (4.2 %) Interest (income) (70 ) (0.0 %) (337 ) (0.2 %) Interest expense   3,290   1.6 %   2,207   1.0 % Loss before income taxes (13,455 ) (6.6 %) (11,185 ) (5.0 %) Benefit from income taxes   (10,653 ) (5.2 %)   (4,506 ) (2.0 %) Net Loss $ (2,802 ) (1.4 %) $ (6,679 ) (3.0 %)     Loss per share:   Basic $ (0.11 ) $ (0.27 ) Diluted $ (0.11 ) $ (0.27 )   Weighted average common shares:   Basic   24,824     24,763   Diluted   24,824     24,763               Tween Brands, Inc. Consolidated Statements of Operations For the Twenty-Six Weeks Ended August 1, 2009 and August 2, 2008 (unaudited, in thousands, except per share amounts)   Twenty-Six Weeks Ended Twenty-Six Weeks Ended August 1, % of August 2, % of 2009 Net Sales 2008 Net Sales   Net sales $ 410,349 100.0 % $ 474,840 100.0 %

Cost of goods sold, including buying and occupancy costs

  291,018   70.9 %   326,713   68.8 % Gross income 119,331 29.1 % 148,127 31.2 %

Store operating, general and administrative expenses

  127,523   31.1 %   148,993   31.4 % Operating loss (8,192 ) (2.0 %) (866 ) (0.2 %) Interest (income) (184 ) (0.0 %) (898 ) (0.2 %) Interest expense   7,280   1.7 %   4,549   1.0 % Loss before income taxes (15,288 ) (3.7 %) (4,517 ) (1.0 %) Benefit from income taxes   (11,050 ) (2.7 %)   (2,119 ) 0.5 % Net Loss $ (4,238 ) (1.0 %) $ (2,398 ) (0.5 %)     Loss per share:   Basic $ (0.17 ) $ (0.10 ) Diluted $ (0.17 ) $ (0.10 )   Weighted average common shares:   Basic   24,817     24,749   Diluted   24,817     24,749           Tween Brands, Inc. Consolidated Balance Sheets As of August 1, 2009 and January 31, 2009 (in thousands, except share amounts)   (Unaudited) August 1, January 31, 2009 2009 ASSETS Current Assets: Cash and cash equivalents $ 71,545 $ 72,154 Investments - 8,000 Restricted assets 1,802 2,592 Accounts receivable, net 37,358 35,607 Inventories, net 103,960 88,523 Store supplies 17,186 18,053 Prepaid expenses and other current assets   15,940     17,734   Total current assets 247,791 242,663   Property and equipment, net 282,088 301,085 Other assets   3,497     1,710     Total assets $ 533,376   $ 545,458     LIABILITIES Current Liabilities: Accounts payable $ 30,108 $ 29,782 Accrued expenses 45,264 44,418 Deferred revenue 14,871 15,808 Current portion long-term debt 14,250 8,750 Income taxes payable   3,328     2,748   Total current liabilities   107,821     101,506     Long-term debt 149,000 157,500 Deferred tenant allowances from landlords 63,303 68,439 Supplemental retirement and deferred compensation liability 538 1,213 Accrued straight-line rent and other 39,339 41,027   Commitments and contingencies   SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY

Preferred stock, $.01 par value, 50 million shares authorized

Common stock, $.01 par value, 100 million shares  authorized, 37.1 million shares issued, 24.9 and  24.8 million shares outstanding at August 1,  2009 and January 31, 2009

371 371

Treasury stock, at cost, 12.3 million shares at  August 1, 2009 and January 31, 2009

(362,459 ) (362,459 ) Paid in capital 193,796 192,367 Retained earnings 346,725 350,963 Accumulated other comprehensive income   (5,058 )   (5,469 ) Total shareholders' equity   173,375     175,773     Total liabilities and shareholders' equity $ 533,376   $ 545,458                   Tween Brands, Inc. Other Financial and Store Operating Information (unaudited, dollars in thousands)   Thirteen Weeks Ended Twenty-Six Weeks Ended August 1, August 2, % August 1, August 2, % 2009 2008 Change 2009 2008 Change   Gross income $ 54,340 $ 61,786 -12% $ 119,331 $ 148,127 -19% Gross income as percentage of net sales 26.5% 27.7% 29.1% 31.2% Depreciation expense $ 10,943 $ 10,999 -1% $ 21,831 $ 21,374 2% Amortization of tenant allowances $ (2,914) $ (2,712) 7% $ (5,930) $ (5,575) 6% Capital expenditures $ 2,385 $ 19,235 -88% $ 6,637 $ 40,762 -84%   Number of stores: Beginning of period 910 867 914 842 Opened - 29 - 57 Closed (7) (1) (11) (4) End of period 903 895 903 895   Total gross square feet at period end (thousands) 3,783 3,736 3,783 3,736   Comparable store sales % change -12% -8% -18% -4%