Additionally, John Moore, a creative force from Abercrombie & Fitch's Hollister Co. line and Modern Amusement for Mossimo Inc., will serve as Consulting Vice President, Creative, effective immediately. Mr. Moore will set the vision for and oversee all design, product development and merchandising activities for the brand. Product influenced by Mr. Moore in conjunction with the Mexx creative team will be available in Fall 2009.

William L. McComb, Chief Executive Officer of Liz Claiborne Inc., commented on the announcement, "While we have made significant progress executing our turnaround plan at Liz Claiborne Inc., the Mexx turnaround process is at a critical juncture and we believe product enhancements, structural changes and new leadership are necessary to reinvigorate the brand and improve performance. Mexx has many talented employees, a motivated workforce and strength in great markets. With that solid foundation, we believe Tom's track record of leading brand building efforts and brand realignments, retail operations expertise, and international experience -- including work in Mexx's key markets -- make him the right person to address the structural, creative and resource challenges Mexx faces today."

Mr. McComb continued, "The search for a permanent CEO is underway. Preferably a European, the candidate we are looking for is skilled in international brand building, with a sharp focus on enhancing margins and supply chain management, optimizing costs, building retail store productivity and nurturing wholesale relationships. I would like to thank Jeff Fardell for his service, passion and dedication to Mexx and I look forward to his continued service in his new role and his support during this transitional period."

Commenting on Mr. Moore's appointment, Mr. McComb said, "Our research shows that Mexx continues to be culturally relevant, but the brand's heritage which is fun-loving, non-conformist, European and contemporary has been missing in recent product, marketing and merchandising. John is an amazing creative talent and visionary who can re-infuse the heritage into the brand while conveying a fresh point of view. This will ultimately help Mexx to regain its status as a beloved European brand. We believe our consumers and wholesale partners will be thrilled with the new look John and the Mexx team will develop. Additionally, we expect that the combination of Tom's brand/retail experience and operational discipline with John's identity building and product design acumen will help jumpstart this business and get it back on track."

These changes do not affect Mexx Canada, a separate operating division of Liz Claiborne Inc.

Executive Background

Mr. Fitzgerald has an extensive background working with world-class brands. He has a deep understanding of the retail business and strong experience in operational and financial management. He joined Liz Claiborne Inc. one year ago from Burlington Coat Factory (a Bain Capital company) where he was Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer. Prior to that he held several key operating positions at Limited, Inc., most recently serving as COO/Co-Leader of Bath & Body Works a $2 billion retailer. Mr. Fitzgerald also spent 16 years at PepsiCo in various leadership positions across several PepsiCo brands -- both domestically and internationally.

John Moore joins Mexx from Mossimo, Inc. where he was Vice President and Creative Director of the Modern Amusement brand. At Mossimo he was responsible for all men's and women's product, as well as overseeing all advertising, packaging and creative direction for the brand. Prior to joining Mossimo, Mr. Moore was Senior Director Global Concept -- Men's, Women's, Boys and Girls at Abercrombie & Fitch, where he is credited with the conceptualization, creation and launch of its Hollister line.

About Mexx

Mexx markets an extensive range of fashion apparel and lifestyle accessories for women, men and children. Our contemporary and affordable products can be found in more than 66 countries throughout Europe, Canada, the Middle East and the Asia Pacific region. For more information, check out: www.mexx.com.

About Liz Claiborne Inc.

Liz Claiborne Inc. designs and markets a global portfolio of retail-based premium brands including Kate Spade, Juicy Couture, Lucky Brand and Mexx. The Company also has a refined group of department store-based brands with strong consumer franchises including the Liz Claiborne and Monet families of brands, Enyce, Kensie, Kensiegirl, Mac & Jac, Narciso Rodriguez and the licensed DKNY Jeans Group. For more information visit www.lizclaiborneinc.com.

SOURCE Liz Claiborne Inc.

http://www.lizclaiborneinc.com

The call will be archived and can be accessed for two weeks following the reporting date by calling either of the replay numbers listed above; or for 12 months by visiting the Company's website www.abercrombie.com .

The Company operated 353 Abercrombie & Fitch stores, 209 abercrombie stores, 479 Hollister Co. stores, 25 RUEHL stores and eight Gilly Hicks stores in the United States at the end of the second quarter. The Company also operated three Abercrombie & Fitch stores and three Hollister Co. stores in Canada, and one Abercrombie & Fitch store in London, England. The Company operates e-commerce websites at www.abercrombie.com , www.abercrombiekids.com , www.hollisterco.com and www.RUEHL.com .

    For further information, call:    Eric Cerny (614) 283-6385
                                      Brian Logan (614) 283-6877

SAFE HARBOR STATEMENT UNDER THE PRIVATE SECURITIES LITIGATION REFORM ACT OF 1995

A&F cautions that any forward-looking statements (as such term is defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995) contained in this Press Release or made by management of A&F involve risks and uncertainties and are subject to change based on various important factors, many of which may be beyond the Company's control. Words such as "estimate," "project," "plan," "believe," "expect," "anticipate," "intend," and similar expressions may identify forward-looking statements. The following factors, in addition to those included in the disclosure under the heading "FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS AND RISK FACTORS" in "ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS" of A&F's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended February 2, 2008, in some cases have affected and in the future could affect the Company's financial performance and could cause actual results for the 2008 fiscal year and beyond to differ materially from those expressed or implied in any of the forward-looking statements included in this Press Release or otherwise made by management: changes in consumer spending patterns and consumer preferences; the effects of political and economic events and conditions domestically and in foreign jurisdictions in which the Company operates, including, but not limited to, acts of terrorism or war; the impact of competition and pricing; changes in weather patterns; postal rate increases and changes; paper and printing costs; market price of key raw materials; ability to source product from its global supplier base; political stability; currency and exchange risks and changes in existing or potential duties, tariffs or quotas; availability of suitable store locations at appropriate terms; ability to develop new merchandise; ability to hire, train and retain associates; and the outcome of pending litigation. Future economic and industry trends that could potentially impact revenue and profitability are difficult to predict. Therefore, there can be no assurance that the forward-looking statements included in this Press Release will prove to be accurate. In light of the significant uncertainties in the forward-looking statements included herein, the inclusion of such information should not be regarded as a representation by the Company, or any other person, that the objectives of the Company will be achieved. The forward-looking statements herein are based on information presently available to the management of the Company. Except as may be required by applicable law, the Company assumes no obligation 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.

SOURCE Abercrombie & Fitch Co.

http://www.abercrombie.com

    July 2008 Developments

    -- Total Company net sales increased 2%
    -- Total Company direct-to-consumer net sales increased 14%
    -- Total Company comparable store sales decreased 7%
    -- Abercrombie & Fitch comparable store sales increased 1%
    -- abercrombie comparable store sales decreased 15%
    -- Hollister Co. comparable store sales decreased 11%
    -- RUEHL comparable store sales decreased 25%

Based upon lower than expected July sales, the Company now expects to report earnings per diluted share for the first half of the year of $1.55, which includes $0.01 related to charges associated with the departure of a senior executive.

The Company will release its second quarter results on Friday, August 15, 2008. At that time, the Company will provide additional information about its second quarter results and will give guidance on the second half of the fiscal year.

The Company operated a total of 353 Abercrombie & Fitch stores, 209 abercrombie stores, 479 Hollister Co. stores, 25 RUEHL stores and eight Gilly Hicks stores in the United States at the end of fiscal July. The Company operates three Abercrombie & Fitch stores and three Hollister Co. stores in Canada, and one Abercrombie & Fitch store in London, England. The Company operates e-commerce websites at http://www.abercrombie.com, http://www.abercrombiekids.com, http://www.hollisterco.com and http://www.RUEHL.com.

To hear the Abercrombie & Fitch pre-recorded July sales message, please dial (800) 395-0662, or internationally, dial (402) 220-1262.

The Company will release its second quarter results on Friday, August 15, 2008, prior to the open of the market and hold a conference call at 8:30 AM Eastern Time. To listen to the conference call, dial (800) 811-0667 and ask for the Abercrombie & Fitch Quarterly Call or go to http://www.abercrombie.com. The international call-in number is (913) 981- 4901. This call will be recorded and made available by dialing the replay number (888) 203-1112 or the international number (719) 457-0820, followed by the conference ID number 7331496 or through http://www.abercrombie.com.

SAFE HARBOR STATEMENT UNDER THE PRIVATE SECURITIES LITIGATION REFORM ACT OF 1995

A&F cautions that any forward-looking statements (as such term is defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995) contained in this Press Release or made by management of A&F involve risks and uncertainties and are subject to change based on various important factors, many of which may be beyond the Company's control. Words such as "estimate," "project," "plan," "believe," "expect," "anticipate," "intend," and similar expressions may identify forward-looking statements. The following factors, in addition to those included in the disclosure under the heading "FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS AND RISK FACTORS" in "ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS" of A&F's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended February 2, 2008, in some cases have affected and in the future could affect the Company's financial performance and could cause actual results for the 2008 fiscal year and beyond to differ materially from those expressed or implied in any of the forward-looking statements included in this Press Release or otherwise made by management: changes in consumer spending patterns and consumer preferences; the effects of political and economic events and conditions domestically and in foreign jurisdictions in which the Company operates, including, but not limited to, acts of terrorism or war; the impact of competition and pricing; changes in weather patterns; postal rate increases and changes; paper and printing costs; market price of key raw materials; ability to source product from its global supplier base; political stability; currency and exchange risks and changes in existing or potential duties, tariffs or quotas; availability of suitable store locations at appropriate terms; ability to develop new merchandise; ability to hire, train and retain associates; and the outcome of pending litigation. Future economic and industry trends that could potentially impact revenue and profitability are difficult to predict. Therefore, there can be no assurance that the forward-looking statements included in this Press Release will prove to be accurate. In light of the significant uncertainties in the forward- looking statements included herein, the inclusion of such information should not be regarded as a representation by the Company, or any other person, that the objectives of the Company will be achieved. The forward-looking statements herein are based on information presently available to the management of the Company. Except as may be required by applicable law, the Company assumes no obligation 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.

SOURCE Abercrombie & Fitch

http://www.abercrombie.com

Year-to-date, the company reported a net sales increase of 6% to $1.65 billion from $1.55 billion last year. Comparable store sales decreased 4% for the year-to-date period. Year-to-date, the company reported that direct-to-consumer net sales increased 33% to $118.4 million.

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