The Wet Seal, Inc. Announces May Comparable Store Sales Declined 8.4%

The Wet Seal, Inc. (Nasdaq: WTSLA), a leading specialty retailer to young women, reported net sales and comparable store sales for the four-week period ended May 30, 2009, or fiscal May, as follows:

Ed Thomas, chief executive officer of The Wet Seal, Inc., commented: "While the retail environment remained challenging in May, we believe we also missed sales opportunities in our Wet Seal stores due to inventory mix imbalances, particularly among basic and fashion tops, dresses and accessories, which we identified during the past couple months. We are working through these issues and expect inventories to be well positioned by the end of July, when we enter the important back-to-school season.”

Mr. Thomas continued, "We built further momentum at Arden B during May, with an increase in comparable store sales growth and ongoing strength in regular price sell-through. We are revitalizing the Arden B business by delivering new, fashionable merchandise at a reasonable price and are pleased with the turn that we have seen thus far in this business.”

About Wet Seal

Headquartered in Foothill Ranch, California, The Wet Seal, Inc. is a leading specialty retailer of fashionable and contemporary apparel and accessory items. As of May 30, 2009, the Company operated a total of 495 stores in 47 states, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico, including 412 Wet Seal stores and 83 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 expected timing of correcting inventory imbalances in the Company’s Wet Seal division and 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.