JoS. A. Bank Clothiers Reports 35.2% Increase in December Sales Compar

    Business Editors/Fashion Editors

    HAMPSTEAD, Md.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Jan. 6, 2005--JoS. A. Bank Clothiers, Inc. (Nasdaq National Market:JOSB) announces that its total sales for the fiscal month ended January 1, 2005 (fiscal December 2004) increased 35.2% to $68.0 million, compared with $50.3 million in fiscal December 2003. Comparable store sales increased 16.2%, while combined catalog and internet sales increased 34.4%, when compared with the prior-year month.
    The Company also announces that it expects net income for the fiscal year ending January 29, 2005 to reach at least $24.2 million, or $1.70 per diluted share. The $24.2 million net income guidance for fiscal year 2004 represents a 46% increase over reported net income of $16.6 million ($1.20 per share) for the fiscal year ended January 31, 2004.
    "We enjoyed strong growth in comparable-store and direct segment (catalog and internet) sales during the month of December," stated David E. Ullman, Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of JoS. A. Bank Clothiers, Inc. "Our new stores continue to perform well, and the Company will open five more locations this month, bringing to 60 the number of new stores opened in fiscal 2004. We plan to continue our store expansion program by adding 60 to 75 new locations in fiscal 2005."
    Total net sales for the eleven months ended January 1, 2005 increased 25.1% to $348.6 million, compared with $278.7 million in the comparable prior-year period. Comparable store sales increased 9.3%, while combined catalog and internet sales increased 21.0%, for the eleven months ended January 1, 2005.
    All earnings per share amounts noted herein refer to diluted earnings per share and reflect the impact of two stock dividends distributed in 2004.
    JoS. A. Bank Clothiers, Inc., established in 1905, is one of the nation's leading retailers of men's classically-styled tailored and casual clothing, sportswear, footwear and accessories. The Company sells its full product line through 264 stores in 37 states and the District of Columbia, a nationwide catalog, and an e-commerce website that can be accessed at www.josbank.com. The Company is headquartered in Hampstead, MD, and its common stock is listed on the Nasdaq National Market under the symbol "JOSB".

    The Company's statements concerning future operations contained herein are forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Actual results may differ materially from those forecast due to a variety of factors outside of the Company's control that can affect the Company's operating results, liquidity and financial condition such as risks associated with economic, weather, public health and other factors affecting consumer spending, the ability of the Company to finance its expansion plans, the mix and pricing of goods sold, the market price of key raw materials such as wool and cotton, availability of lease sites for new stores, the ability to source product from its global supplier base and other competitive factors. These cautionary statements qualify all of the forward-looking statements the Company makes herein. The Company cannot assure you that the results or developments anticipated by the Company will be realized or, even if substantially realized, that those results or developments will result in the expected consequences for the Company or affect the Company, its business or its operations in the way the Company expects. The Company cautions you not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of their respective dates, and assumes no obligation to update any of the forward-looking statements. These risks should be carefully reviewed before making any investment decision.

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CONTACT: JoS. A. Bank Clothiers, Inc., Hampstead, MD David E. Ullman, EVP/CFO, 410-239-5715 or RJ Falkner and Company, Inc. Investor Relations Counsel R. Jerry Falkner, CFA 800-377-9893 info@rjfalkner.com E-commerce Address: www.josbank.com

KEYWORD: MARYLAND INDUSTRY KEYWORD: CONSUMER/HOUSEHOLD APPAREL/TEXTILES RETAIL EARNINGS SOURCE: JoS. A. Bank Clothiers, Inc.

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