Designer Brands Investor Center

COLUMBUS, Ohio, June 3 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Shoe lovers in South Dakota have a new reason to kick up their heels. DSW Inc., one of the fastest growing specialty footwear retailers, today announced the public launch of its e-commerce site, DSW.com.

(Logo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20050629/CLW021LOGO )

The site enables South Dakota residents to experience what millions of DSW customers across the country have become so passionate about - a remarkable selection of the latest styles of footwear at a significant value. With sandals, pumps, flats, boots and athletic footwear in the fashion-right colors and fabrications, DSW.com features more than 2,000 styles. The site offers the hottest trends from more than 175 well-known brands and continues to add more.

While the company opened its first store in Dublin, Ohio, in 1991, it deliberately waited until now to launch its online presence.

"The DSW in-store experience, including the 'wow' factor of the assortment and the surprise of ever-changing inventory, is cherished by our customers," said Debbie Ferree, vice chairman of DSW. "It was important that we waited until we could replicate that experience as closely as possible online."

Unique Online Shopping Experience

In order to achieve an online experience that most accurately mirrors that of shopping in a DSW store, the retailer went straight to the experts - active members of its Rewards program. Inspired largely by their vision, DSW.com engages customers through its stunning, yet simple design. The shoes are shown in high-definition, with 360-degree views, including the top and bottom.

To help customers make their choices, the site provides product recommendations. In addition, it inspires conversations among shoe lovers through mini-blogs and product ratings. DSW also plans to introduce additional, interactive features to the site in the coming months.

DSW.com further extends the company's commitment to superior customer service. In addition to providing customers with 24/7 access to its remarkable selection of the latest styles, the company welcomes customers to return products purchased online at any of its 270 stores nationwide.

Join DSW Rewards and Receive Free Shipping

For a limited time, DSW Rewards members will receive free shipping on all online orders. The program, named "Best Retail Rewards Program" by Kiplinger, currently has 9 million active members. Members are the first to receive special news and the best product offers throughout the year.

"We are excited about the prospect of combining our successful and fast- growing loyalty program with our new online shopping experience," Ferree continued. "We are delighted that residents in South Dakota will now be able to engage in the DSW experience online."

As one of the nation's fastest growing specialty retailers, DSW also continues to open new stores across the country. In 2007, DSW opened 37 stores in strategic markets and plans to open at least 30 more in 2008. DSW recorded total sales of $1.4 billion in 2007.

For high resolution images and a Web demonstration of DSW.com, please click on the following links: DSW.com Home Page (http://www.dswinc.com/images/dswcom/hi-res-screenshot_homepage.jpg), Women's Shoes (http://www.dswinc.com/images/dswcom/hi-res-screenshot_landing_page.jpg) and DSW.com Demonstration (http://www.dswinc.com/images/dswcom/prodpage.wmv).

DSW Inc. is a leading branded footwear specialty retailer that offers a wide selection of brand name and designer dress, casual and athletic footwear for women and men. As of May 29, 2008, DSW operated 270 stores in 37 states and operated an e-commerce site, www.dsw.com. DSW also supplied footwear to 384 leased locations (36 for related retailers and 348 for non-related retailers) in the United States. For store locations and additional information about DSW, visit www.dswinc.com.

SOURCE DSW Inc.

CONTACT: Debbie Mitchell of DSW Inc., +1-614-872-1078, DebbieMitchell@dswinc.com/

Web site: http://www.dsw.com
http://www.dswinc.com
(DSW)