Photo Release -- Fresh Fall Fashion Unveiled At Stein Mart Boutique Showcase

JACKSONVILLE, Fla., Aug. 27, 2008 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The fall season officially
debuts at Stein Mart (Nasdaq:SMRT) during Boutique Showcase, September 11 - 14.
The racks will be brimming with the freshest looks of the new season during this
special event -- all at up to 60 percent off department and specialty store
prices.

A photo accompanying this release is available at
http://www.globenewswire.com/newsroom/prs/?pkgid=5378

A "Boutique and Friends Breakfast" will be held in all stores on Friday,
September 12 at 9:00 a.m., featuring a continental breakfast and a "Rolling Rack
Fashion Show," in which Boutique Ladies will demonstrate easy ways to mix and
match separates to get the best value for your fashion dollar. The event is free
to all Stein Mart shoppers.

"Boutique Showcase is a special time for Stein Mart shoppers," said Stein Mart
Fashion Director Nancy Alderman. "We study the runway looks and fall trends and
then interpret them for Stein Mart customers," said Alderman. "We believe
discount fashion can still be fresh fashion. At Stein Mart, anyone can get the
latest looks, even on a budget."

Tips for fitting the fall trends in to any budget:

* Spend once and make it count at least twice! Choose items that
have multiple uses.
* If you can only afford to invest in one item, buy a jacket. Get it
in one of the hot looks for fall: an oversized plaid or an
on-trend shade of purple.
* An affordable way to add color and update your look is through
accessories. Simply add a belt, scarf, jewelry or handbag in a
fresh fall color.
* Knit is a strong trend for fall. Get a cardigan sweater or vest
for an easy outfit tune-up.
What will be hot with Stein Mart customers this fall?

Blazers Capes/Ponchos
Long boyfriend cardigans Bold bracelets
Vests The statement necklace
The color purple Large-scale earrings
Knit dressing The oversized clutch
Polished career suiting Colored, textured and patterned
Trench coat and trench details leggings
Motorcycle jackets Long gloves
Turtlenecks Wraps, ruanas and scarves
Plaids Tote bags
The Boutique: The cornerstone of Stein Mart, the Boutique, is a special
department focused on delivering personal customer service. The
store-within-a-store concept offers Ladies' merchandise with the presentation,
quality, and service found in specialty boutique shops. The Boutique is staffed
by women who work part-time and serve as personal shoppers, assisting customers
in putting together an outfit from head to toe. These women are both civically
and socially active within their communities and reflect the diversity of the
community. The concept is unique to Stein Mart -- no other retailer offers this
program. Boutique services are offered at no cost.

About Stein Mart, Inc. (Nasdaq:SMRT):

Stein Mart stores offer the fashion merchandise, service and presentation of a
better department or specialty store, at prices competitive with off-price
retail chains. Currently with locations from California to Massachusetts, Stein
Mart's focused assortment of merchandise features moderate to better fashion
apparel for women and men, as well as accessories, gifts, linens and shoes. From
a single store in Mississippi in the early 1900s, Stein Mart has expanded to
more than 280 stores in 31 states. The current chairman, Jay Stein, is the
grandson of the founder, Sam Stein. For more information on Stein Mart, please
visit steinmart.com.

The photo is also available via AP PhotoExpress.

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CONTACT: Stein Mart
Media Contact:
Kathy Schwartz Lussier, APR
904-858-2637
klussier@steinmart.com