The Wet Seal, Inc. Announces December 2004 Net Sales

    Business Editors

    FOOTHILL RANCH, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Jan. 6, 2005--Specialty retailer The Wet Seal, Inc. (Nasdaq:WTSLA) today reported net sales from continuing operations for the five-week period ended January 1, 2005 of $63.2 million, compared to net sales of $76.0 million for the same period last year. Comparable store sales from continuing operations declined 11.8 percent during December 2004, compared to a decline of 7.7 percent in the same period last year. The company did not open or close any stores during the month.
    For the forty eight-week period ended January 1, 2005, net sales from continuing operations were $413.3 million compared to net sales of $494.8 million for the same period a year ago. Year to date, the company's comparable store sales declined 13.8 percent compared to a decline of 16.1 percent for the same period last year. The company has opened six Wet Seal stores and two Arden B. stores and closed seventeen Wet Seal stores and five Arden B. stores year to date.
    The Wet Seal, Inc. provides additional information on its monthly sales results on a recorded message. To access this message, please dial 949-699-3991.
    Headquartered in Foothill Ranch, California, The Wet Seal, Inc. is a leading specialty retailer of fashionable and contemporary apparel and accessory items. The company currently operates a total of 559 stores in 47 states, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico, including 463 Wet Seal stores and 96 Arden B. stores. The company's products can also be purchased online at www.wetseal.com or www.ardenb.com. For more company information, visit www.wetsealinc.com.

    SAFE HARBOR STATEMENT UNDER THE PRIVATE SECURITIES LITIGATION REFORM ACT OF 1995: This news release contains forward-looking statements as that term is defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, statements that relate to the Company's opening and closing of stores, profitability and growth, demand for its products or any other statements that relate to the intent, belief, plans or expectations of the Company or its management. All forward-looking statements made by the Company involve material risks and uncertainties and are subject to change based on factors beyond the Company's control. Accordingly, the Company's future performance and financial results may differ materially from those expressed or implied in any such forward-looking statements. Such factors include, but are not limited to, those described in the Company's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. This news release contains results reflecting partial year data and non-fiscal data that may not be indicative of results for similar future periods or for the full year. The Company will not undertake to publicly update or revise its forward-looking statements even if experience or future changes make it clear that any projected results expressed or implied therein will not be realized.

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CONTACT: The Wet Seal, Inc. Helen Rotherham, 949-699-4804

KEYWORD: CALIFORNIA INDUSTRY KEYWORD: BANKING APPAREL/TEXTILES RETAIL EARNINGS SOURCE: The Wet Seal, Inc.

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