l.e.i. Brand Hits Wal-Mart Stores in Summer 2008

Jones Apparel Group Inc. announces that Wal-Mart will begin carrying the l.e.i. brand for juniors, junior plus and girls in summer 2008 for Back-to- School at Wal-Mart stores nationwide. "We are enthusiastic about expanding our existing relationship with Wal-Mart, and bringing this dynamic junior lifestyle brand to a broader audience," says Wesley R. Card, Jones Apparel Group president and chief executive officer. "Furthermore, we see this as a great opportunity to utilize Jones' operational skills in partnership with a retailer of Wal-Mart's size and scale. We are confident that with this partnership with Wal-Mart, there is excellent potential to grow and leverage the strength of l.e.i. as a branded resource across categories." Jones Apparel Group will continue to lead the design, manufacturing and production of the l.e.i. brand.