Paisley, the Portuguese Water Dog, Will Soon Arrive at maurices

Duluth, Minn. (Vocus) November 18, 2009

Paisley, the Portuguese Water Dog, is making her way into maurices stores this holiday season.

The national fashion retailer welcomes her as a warm, fuzzy way for people to join in the fight against cancer. The adorable plush toy costs $ 5, and maurices will contribute a minimum of $ 2.50 from each sale to the American Cancer Society to support its mission of saving lives by helping people stay well, helping people get well, by finding cures and by fighting back against cancer.

"Cancer affects so many of our customers and associates," said Vivian Behrens, senior vice president and chief marketing officer, maurices. "So, we want to help support the American Cancer Society, which does so much to help them. The limited edition holiday plush toy has become a customer favorite, and we think people will fall in love with Paisley."

Through this year's effort, maurices hopes to raise $ 125,000 for the American Cancer Society. Together with customers and associates, dressbarn, inc., which wholly owns maurices, has proudly contributed more than $ 5.5 million to the Society over the past seven years for its local and national initiatives to help save lives.

"We are most appreciative of the ongoing support from maurices and its customers," said Scott Bennett, national vice president of marketing, American Cancer Society. "The money raised through this promotion will help the Society further its vision of a world with less cancer and more birthdays."

In addition to raising funds, maurices stores nationwide will donate more than 3,000 Paisleys to local hospitals for children who are fighting serious illnesses. Paisley, who wears a fashionable knit scarf, will be available in more than 730 maurices stores nationwide from November 14, 2009, through January 31, 2010, or while supplies last.

For cancer information or to learn more about the American Cancer Society and its work, please call 1-800-227-2345 or visit cancer.org.

About maurices

maurices inspires young women to find their style, with adorable, affordable fashions in sizes 1-24. Whether it's jeans or jewelry, maurices offers everything a girl needs to fill her closet with the latest trends. From loungewear to office wear, evenings in or out on the town, maurices fits the way women live and work. The community-based fashion retailer has grown to more than 740 locations nationwide since its first store opened in 1931. maurices is wholly owned by dressbarn Inc. (NASDAQ: DBRN).

Browse, Shop, Buy at maurices.com.

Notes to media: To locate and contact the maurices store nearest you, visit the store locator and enter your zipcode.

A high-resolution image of Paisley is available here.

CONTACT: ????

Monica Hendrickson, Marketing Manager

218-725-3098

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A Circle of Hope: maurices Sells Bracelets to Benefit American Cancer Society

Duluth, Minn. (Vocus) May 6, 2010

The American Cancer Society is benefitting from fashion that shares a message of hope as maurices, a nationwide young women's specialty clothing store, sells the Hope Bracelet this spring.

The exclusive, limited edition bracelet is available for $ 5 at nearly 750 maurices stores nationwide from now through July 31 or while supplies last. It will also soon be available online at maurices.com. One-hundred percent of the net proceeds will benefit the American Cancer Society?s efforts to save lives and create a world with less cancer and more birthdays, and will support maurices' fundraising goal as part of the American Cancer Society Relay For Life? National Team Program.

Relay For Life is an overnight event that celebrates people who have battled cancer, remembers loved ones lost, and empowers people to raise money and awareness to fight back against the disease.

?The collaboration with maurices has been a strong element in raising funds for Relay,? said Scott Bennett, national vice president of marketing, American Cancer Society. ?We value maurices? nationwide distribution, which gives people another avenue to support the American Cancer Society.?

The 2010 Hope Bracelet was designed specifically for maurices? customers. It is a silver link bracelet featuring a hanging heart charm inscribed with the word ?hope,? alongside a beautiful rhinestone-studded sphere.

?Selling the Hope Bracelet has the potential to raise more than $ 100,000 for the American Cancer Society Relay For Life to help fight cancer,? said Vivian Behrens, maurices executive vice president and chief marketing officer. ?Many of our stores also have teams participating in Relay events, so there are multiple ways our amazing associates and customers can work together for a great cause.?

maurices is entering its sixth year as a member of the American Cancer Society Relay For Life National Team Program. To date, dressbarn inc, which includes maurices and dressbarn, has contributed more than $ 6.5 million to the American Cancer Society.

?It has really been great working so closely with the American Cancer Society for several years, and we plan on continuing our support for years to come," said dressbarn inc President and CEO David R. Jaffe. ?We believe we will exceed 2009?s turnout in community member support and dollars donated to the society through the sales of our Hope Bracelet and through the dressbarn and maurices locations participating in this year's events.?

About maurices:

Established in 1931, maurices is wholly owned by dressbarn inc. (NASDAQ: DBRN). maurices is the leading small town specialty store for the savvy, fashion-conscious girl with a twenty-something attitude. Today, maurices operates over 740 stores in 44 states. maurices stands for fashion, quality, value and personalized customer service. Offering sizes 1-24, styles are inspired by the girl in everyone, in every size. For store information and to shop online visit maurices.com.

Note to Media: A photo of the Hope Bracelet is available for download: https://secure.maurices.com/images/hope_bracelet_2010.jpg

CONTACT: Monica Hendrickson, mhendrickson(at)maurices(dot)com, (218) 725-3098

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maurices Holds Second Annual ?Rescues & Runways? with ASPCA Campaign to Showcase and Help Homeless Pets

Duluth, MN (Vocus) August 24, 2010

The nation?s economy is slowly rebounding, but many are still feeling the effects. Animal shelters across the United States are reporting an increase of pet relinquishments and a decrease in financial support.

One year after its first-ever Rescues & Runways, maurices is again launching a nationwide effort in conjunction with the ASPCA? (The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals?) to raise awareness of and support for homeless pets.

?Animal shelters across the country need our support ? this has never been more apparent than it is today,? said John Schroeder, maurices? Senior Vice President of Stores. ?Last year, we were overwhelmed and inspired by how many maurices customers stepped up to the plate by supporting our Rescues & Runways campaign. It set the tone for us to make this year?s campaign bigger and even more meaningful.?

During the month of September, more than 750 maurices stores in 44 states will accept monetary donations through the Rescues & Runways drive. Several stores will also be collecting pet supplies, with all financial and supply donations going directly to their local animal shelter partner. In addition, many stores will host Rescues & Runways fashion shows with local models wearing the latest fall looks from maurices and walking the runway with pets that are available for adoption. Customers who show their support for Rescues & Runways will receive a coupon for 20 percent off one regular-priced item.

In celebration of the bond between people and their pets, maurices will sell its exclusive Friends for Life charm in stores and online from now through October 31, or while supplies last. Pet owners can wear half of the charm, and their pets can wear the other half. The Friends for Life Charm is $ 5, and for every charm purchased, $ 2.50 will go to the ASPCA to support its national programs.

?What we love about this campaign is that there are so many simple but powerful ways people can help,? said Elysia Howard, Vice President of Marketing & Licensing for the ASPCA. ?However people choose to get involved ? either through buying a Friends for Life charm, donating to their local animal shelter, or even welcoming a pet into their home through adoption, they will be doing their part to help save animals? lives.?

The ASPCA will receive a minimum donation of $ 50,000 from maurices, with the ultimate goal of raising more than $ 100,000.

For more information and details on Rescues & Runways fashion shows at maurices stores across the country, visit http://www.maurices.com.

For Media: Visit http://www.maurices.com and click on Rescues & Runways for more information. High-resolution photos of the Friends for Life charm are available for download, along with photos, video and soundbites from last year?s Rescues & Runways events.

About maurices

Established in 1931, maurices is wholly owned by dressbarn inc. maurices is the leading small town specialty store for the savvy, fashion-conscious girl with a twenty-something attitude. Today, maurices operates over 750 stores in 44 states. maurices stands for fashion, quality, value and personalized customer service. Offering sizes 1-24, styles are inspired by the girl in everyone, in every size. For store information and to shop online visit maurices.com.

About the ASPCA

Founded in 1866, the ASPCA? (The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals?) is the first humane organization established in the Americas and serves as the nation?s leading voice for animal welfare. One million supporters strong, the ASPCA?s mission is to provide effective means for the prevention of cruelty to animals throughout the United States. As a 501 (c) (3) not-for-profit corporation, the ASPCA is a national leader in the areas of anti-cruelty, community outreach and animal health services. The ASPCA, which is headquartered in New York City, offers a wide range of programs, including a mobile clinic outreach initiative, its own humane law enforcement team, and a groundbreaking veterinary forensics team and mobile animal CSI unit. For more information, please visit http://www.aspca.org.

To become a fan of the ASPCA on Facebook, go to http://www.facebook.com/aspcateam. To follow the ASPCA on Twitter, go to http://www.twitter.com/aspca.

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maurices Kicks Off Nationwide Band Search

Duluth, Minn. (Vocus) September 21, 2010

maurices, the leading small town specialty store and fashion authority, today announced the launch of its nationwide ?Small Town Sound? band search in partnership with PlayNetwork and Sonicbids. The ?Small Town Sound? program was created as an extension of last year?s ?Small Town Charm? campaign, a cross-country photo shoot which garnered immense support from local communities.

?The goal of this program is not only to discover the hottest up-and-coming band in the country, but to continue building strong connections with the maurices communities,? says Lisa Bartlett, assistant vice president of marketing at maurices. ?We pride ourselves on being the best small town specialty retailer so we look for every opportunity to reach these customers and celebrate the unique gifts and talents their towns have to offer.?

Famed girl band, The Bangles, Chrissie Hynde of The Pretenders and JP, Chrissie & The Fairground Boys, and all-female indie rock group, Sick of Sarah, will support the program designed to celebrate and encourage women in music. PlayNetwork, a global leader in creating media experiences, is partnering with maurices to develop a nationwide band search which will include a series of music recordings, live performances and video productions featuring the aforementioned bands. ?Small Town Sound? will offer breakthrough opportunities for the winning band in retail display, maurices online network and more. Calling out to consumers to enter or vote, maurices stores will become immersive "Small Town Sound" experiences featuring PlayNetwork-produced music. The contest website, produced by Sonicbids, will also provide a number of opportunities to engage with the brand and bands.

?With the launch of ?Small Town Sound? we are working with maurices to create a soundtrack for the brand that reaches customers and powerfully communicates the brand message, even outside the walls of the retail space,? said John Crooke senior director of creative development at PlayNetwork. ?In step with maurices? commitment to establishing an innovative and progressive voice in retail fashion, we are excited to be producing a contest, that focuses on music, searching for women that truly reflect the maurices brand and whose music enhances the overall maurices experience.?

Beginning today, any unsigned female-fronted band is eligible to enter ?Small Town Sound? at http://www.mauricesmusic.sonicbids.com. Submissions will be accepted from now through October 8. Between October 11 through November 15, consumers will be invited to vote for their favorite bands narrowing the field to the top 50 musical ensembles. From these 50 bands, a group of panelists including The Bangles, Chrissie Hynde and Sick of Sarah, will narrow it down to 10 finalists who will then have two weeks to create an original song based on the ?Small Town Sound? theme. On December 1, voting will reopen on the site and consumers will vote a final time on the best original song to determine the grand prize winner and the two runners up.

?We?re excited to be working with maurices to extend their small town outreach campaign. With more than 750 stores nationwide, maurices is a great outlet for the promotion of independent music,? said Sonicbids Founder and CEO Panos Panay. ?Sonicbids? mission is to get music in front of consumers through unique distribution channels and this campaign reinforces that.?

The grand prize winner will perform live at their local maurices and receive a trip to Los Angeles to shoot their own music video and record their winning song. They?ll also receive gifts from maurices and Daisy Rock Guitars as well as the opportunity to perform at a major national music festival this spring in a showcase with The Bangles and Sick of Sarah.

All fans that vote will receive maurices coupons and will be entered into a drawing for a chance to win a maurices gift card.

About maurices

Established in 1931, maurices is wholly owned by dressbarn inc. maurices is the leading small town specialty store and authority for the savvy, fashion-conscious girl with a twenty-something attitude. Today, maurices operates over 750 stores in 44 states. maurices stands for fashion, quality, value and customer service. Offering sizes 1-24, our styles are inspired by the girl in everyone, in every size. For store information and to shop online visit http://www.maurices.com.

About PlayNetwork

PlayNetwork, Inc. specializes in the creation and distribution of entertainment media that connects the voice of the brand to the consumer across all touch points ? in-store, online and on-device. Founded in 1996, PlayNetwork is the industry?s leading integrated media provider for branded music, messaging, video, entertainment promotions and event media, systems integration services, retail advertising networks, and commercial XM Satellite Radio subscriptions. The company creates high-impact media experiences that drive consumer behavior and affinity, in-store and beyond. Working with many of today?s hottest brands in retail, hospitality, health and fitness, banking, and other business environments, PlayNetwork leads the way in creating media experiences that influence and inspire, making your brand relevant and engaging for the consumer. More information is available at http://www.playnetwork.com or http://www.xm4biz.com.

About Sonicbids

Sonicbids is the website the helps bands get gigs and promoters book the right bands. Our community includes more than 275,000 bands and 21,000 promoters and licensors from all around the world. With festivals, clubs, colleges, music licensing and much more, Sonicbids offers a diverse range of gigs for every kind of musician. In fact, last year alone, more than 71,000 gigs were booked on the site. The company was founded in 2001 by Panos Panay and continues to focus on its core mission of empowering the artistic middle class. Get a gig or book a band at http://www.sonicbids.com.

Media Contacts

Jamie Hector

GolinHarris on behalf of maurices

jhector(at)golinharris(dot)com

212-373-6018

Victoria Yarnish

Bender/Helper Impact on behalf of PlayNetwork

victoria_yarnish(at)bhimpact(dot)com

310-694-3132

Nikki Festa

Sonicbids

press(at)sonicbids(dot)com

617-502-1349

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Voting Begins for maurices ?Small Town Sound? Nationwide Band Search -- Fans Can Help Select the Top 50 Female-Fronted Bands

Duluth, MN (PRWEB) October 29, 2010

maurices, the leading small town specialty store and fashion authority, today announced that voting has opened for its nationwide ?Small Town Sound? band search in partnership with PlayNetwork and Sonicbids. The ?Small Town Sound? program was created as an extension of last year?s ?Small Town Charm? campaign, a cross-country photo shoot which garnered immense support from local communities. The goal of Small Town Sound is not only to discover the hottest up-and-coming band in the country, but to continue building strong connections within maurices communities.

From now through November 15, fans can visit http://www.maurices.com and click on ?Small Town Sound? to cast their votes. The site features band profiles and audio tracks, and the first round of voting by fans will narrow the field to the top 50 musical ensembles.

More than 525 eligible female-fronted bands have entered the contest in hopes of becoming the next hot musical act in the country. From these 50 bands, a group of panelists including The Bangles, Chrissie Hynde and indie rock group Sick of Sarah will narrow it to 10 finalists who will then have two weeks to create an original song based on the ?Small Town Sound? theme. On December 1, voting will reopen on the site and consumers will vote a final time on the best original song to determine the grand prizewinner and the two runners up.

?We?re blown away by the number of female-fronted band submissions received for ?Small Town Sound,?? said Lisa Bartlett, maurices Associate Vice President. ?We were looking for a way to connect with our small town communities and inspire women to take a chance on their dreams. The enthusiasm from artists has been fantastic and now the fans get to vote and support their hometown favorites.?

The grand prize-winning band will perform live at their local maurices and receive a trip to Los Angeles to shoot a music video and record their winning song at the PlayNetwork production studio. They?ll also receive gifts from maurices and Daisy Rock Guitars as well as the opportunity to perform at a major national music festival this spring in a showcase with The Bangles and Sick of Sarah. Visit maurices.com for more information.

All fans who vote will receive a maurices coupon and will be entered into a drawing for a chance to win one of 13 maurices shopping sprees valued between $ 100 and $ 1,000. Winners will be drawn and notified on January 5, 2011.

About maurices

Established in 1931, maurices is wholly owned by dressbarn inc. maurices is the leading small town specialty store and authority for the savvy, fashion-conscious girl with a twenty-something attitude. Today, maurices operates over 750 stores in 44 states. maurices stands for fashion, quality, value and customer service. Offering sizes 1-24, styles are inspired by the girl in everyone, in every size. For store information and to shop online visit maurices.com

About PlayNetwork

PlayNetwork, Inc. specializes in the creation and distribution of entertainment media that connects the voice of the brand to the consumer across all touch points ? in-store, online and on-device. Founded in 1996, PlayNetwork is the industry?s leading integrated media provider for branded music, messaging, video, entertainment promotions and event media, systems integration services, retail advertising networks, and commercial XM Satellite Radio subscriptions. The company creates high-impact media experiences that drive consumer behavior and affinity, in-store and beyond. Working with many of today?s hottest brands in retail, hospitality, health and fitness, banking, and other business environments, PlayNetwork leads the way in creating media experiences that influence and inspire, making your brand relevant and engaging for the consumer. More information is available at http://www.playnetwork.com or http://www.xm4biz.com.

About Sonicbids

Sonicbids is the website the helps bands get gigs and promoters book the right bands. Our community includes more than 275,000 bands and 21,000 promoters and licensors from all around the world. With festivals, clubs, colleges, music licensing and much more, Sonicbids offers a diverse range of gigs for every kind of musician. In fact, last year alone, more than 71,000 gigs were booked on the site. The company was founded in 2001 by Panos Panay and continues to focus on its core mission of empowering the artistic middle class. Get a gig or book a band at http://www.sonicbids.com.

Media Contacts

Jamie Hector

GolinHarris on behalf of maurices

jhector(at)golinharris(dot)com

212-373-6018

Victoria Yarnish

Bender/Helper Impact on behalf of PlayNetwork

victoria_yarnish(at)bhimpact(dot)com

310-694-3132

Nikki Festa

Sonicbids

press(at)sonicbids(dot)com

617-502-1349

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maurices Reveals Top 10 Finalists in Nationwide Band Search

Duluth, MN (Vocus) December 2, 2010

Being discovered is the moment every band dreams of, and that moment is about to become reality for one of the 10 finalists in maurices ?Small Town Sound? nationwide band search.

maurices, the leading small town specialty store and fashion authority with 750+ stores nationwide, created the contest in partnership with PlayNetwork and Sonicbids to discover the hottest up-and-coming female-fronted band in the country.

?Small towns inspire us,? said Lisa Bartlett, maurices associate vice president. ?They?re the heart of America, and we want to give bands with big dreams from small towns their breakthrough chance.?

Online voting last month cut the field of 525 bands to 50, and a group of panelists including The Bangles, Chrissie Hynde and Sick of Sarah narrowed it to 10 finalists. The finalists include Allison Gray, Los Angeles; Alathea, Unicoi, Tenn.; Audri & Aaron, East Alton, Ill.; Casey Sullivan, Allston, Mass.; elaine faye, San Diego; Euralea!, Moline, Ill.; Girlz in Black Hats, Dawson, Penn.; Granville Automatic, Atlanta; the Kellys, Warren, Ohio; and Naked on Roller Skates, Boston.

The top 10 groups each had two weeks to create an original song based on the ?Small Town Sound? theme celebrating American culture. The songs are now playing in maurices stores nationwide and are also posted online, where people can vote from now through December 15, 2010. The general public is invited to vote on the best original song to help determine the grand prize winner and the two runners? up.

The winner will receive several incredible opportunities to let their star power shine. The band will perform live at their local maurices store, fly to Los Angeles to shoot a music video and record their winning song at the PlayNetwork production studio, and receive gifts from maurices and Daisy Rock Guitars. In addition, the winning group will perform live with The Bangles and Sick of Sarah at a private daytime showcase hosted by maurices during South by Southwest 2011.

People are encouraged to log onto http://www.maurices.com and click on ?Small Town Sound? to listen to the top 10 bands and then cast their vote.

Note to media: To view the bands? electronic press kits and obtain downloadable photos, please visit http://www.mauricesmusic.sonicbids.com.

About maurices

Established in 1931, maurices is wholly owned by dressbarn inc. (NASDAQ: DBRN). maurices is the leading small town specialty store and authority for the savvy, fashion-conscious girl with a twenty-something attitude. Today, maurices operates over 750 stores in 44 states. maurices stands for fashion, quality, value and customer service. Offering sizes 1-24, our styles are inspired by the girl in everyone, in every size. For store information and to shop online, visit maurices.com.

About PlayNetwork

PlayNetwork, Inc. specializes in the creation and distribution of entertainment media that connects the voice of the brand to the consumer across all touch points ? in-store, online and on-device. Founded in 1996, PlayNetwork is the industry?s leading integrated media provider for branded music, messaging, video, entertainment promotions and event media, systems integration services, retail advertising networks, and commercial XM Satellite Radio subscriptions. The company creates high-impact media experiences that drive consumer behavior and affinity, in-store and beyond. Working with many of today?s hottest brands in retail, hospitality, health and fitness, banking, and other business environments, PlayNetwork leads the way in creating media experiences that influence and inspire, making your brand relevant and engaging for the consumer. More information is available at http://www.playnetwork.com or http://www.xm4biz.com.

About Sonicbids

Sonicbids is the website the helps bands get gigs and promoters book the right bands. Our community includes more than 275,000 bands and 21,000 promoters and licensors from all around the world. With festivals, clubs, colleges, music licensing and much more, Sonicbids offers a diverse range of gigs for every kind of musician. In fact, last year alone, more than 71,000 gigs were booked on the site. The company was founded in 2001 by Panos Panay and continues to focus on its core mission of empowering the artistic middle class. Get a gig or book a band at http://www.sonicbids.com.

Media Contacts

Jamie Hector

GolinHarris on behalf of maurices

jhector(at)golinharris(dot)com

212-373-6018

Victoria Yarnish

Bender/Helper Impact on behalf of PlayNetwork

victoria_yarnish(at)bhimpact(dot)com

310-694-3132

Nikki Festa

Sonicbids

press(at)sonicbids(dot)com

617-502-1349

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