SECAUCUS, N.J., Nov. 5, 2009 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The Children's Place Retail Stores, Inc. (Nasdaq:PLCE) today announced net sales of $149.8 million for the four-week period ended October 31, 2009, a 3% increase compared to net sales of $144.9 million for the four-week period ended November 1, 2008. Comparable retail sales, which include online sales, declined 2% in October 2009 following a 10% increase for the same period last year. During October 2009, comparable store sales declined 5% in the U.S. and declined 3% in Canada, while online sales increased 36%.

For the third quarter ended October 31, 2009, net sales increased 3% to $463.2 million. Comparable retail sales, which include online sales, declined 2% in the third quarter of fiscal 2009 following a 4% increase for the same period last year. During the third quarter of fiscal 2009, comparable store sales declined 4% in the U.S. and declined 5% in Canada, while online sales increased 44%.

The Company opened eight stores during October 2009 and 13 stores during the third quarter of fiscal 2009. Fiscal year-to-date, the Company has opened 34 stores and closed one.

                                                          Fiscal
                          October       3rd Quarter    Year-to-Date
 ---------------------------------------------------------------------
                       2009    2008    2009    2008    2009    2008
                      ------------------------------------------------
 Total Sales:
 - In Millions        $149.8  $144.9  $463.2  $450.6 $1,180.8 $1,188.9
 - Change vs. Year Ago  +3%     +9%     +3%     +5%     -1%     +10%
 ---------------------------------------------------------------------
 Comparable Store Sales:
 - Change vs. Year Ago  -2%    +10%     -2%     +4%     -3%      +6%
 ---------------------------------------------------------------------

Outlook

The Company is estimating that earnings per share from continuing operations for the third quarter of fiscal 2009 will be in the range of $1.35-$1.39.

Conference Call Information

In conjunction with today's October sales release, you are invited to listen to the Company's pre-recorded monthly sales call, which will be available beginning at 7:30 a.m. Eastern Time today through Thursday, November 12, 2009. To access the recording, please visit the Investor Relations section of the Company's website at www.childrensplace.com.

The Company will discuss details on the quarter when it reports third quarter earnings results on Thursday, November 19, 2009. The Company will host a conference call that day at 10:00 a.m. Eastern Time which will be broadcast live and can be accessed through the Investor Relations section of the Company's website.