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The May Department Stores Company Reports Sales Increase of 4.1% for February ST. LOUIS, March 4 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- The May Department Stores Company reported preliminary net sales of $880 million for the four-week period ended Feb. 28, 2004, a 4.1% increase from $846 million in the similar period last year. Store-for-store sales increased 2.6%. February store-for-store sales increased 3.3%, excluding the remaining 23 stores that May previously announced it will divest. Net sales wereas follows: Store-for-Store Fiscal Fiscal Percent Increase 2004 2003 Increase Actual Adjusted * (dollars in millions) February $ 880.4 $ 846.1 4.1% 2.6% 3.3% * Excludes the remaining 23 stores that May previously announced it will divest. Net sales include merchandise sales and lease department income. Store- for-store sales compare sales of stores open during both years beginning the first day a new store has prior-year sales and exclude sales of stores closed during both years. Handbags, small leather goods, jewelry, and fashion watches continued to drive the accessories business and were particularly strong during the pre- Valentine's Day period, as were new fragrance lines. Newness in jackets and skirts helped fuel sales of tailored looks in ladies' sportswear and suits. Dresses experienced a significant upturn, led by special occasion categories from prom to mother-of-the bride, as well as petites and women's sizes. The momentum in footwear accelerated, and juniors and young men's sportswear businesses continued to be among our top performers. In men's collections, the more modern lifestyle is winning with the fashion customer. In children's, there was improvement in girls and tween apparel categories; and layette was a standout. The debut of Hotel Suite -- our new, high-quality proprietary brand of luxury textiles, china, crystal, and furniture -- was well received by the customer. Electronic gifts and home decor product also performed well, but the total home furnishings results were lackluster overall. Sales of new, fashion-right spring merchandise were strong throughout apparel and accessories. Customers responded to the appeal of color, led by shades of pink; modern stripes interpreted across the store from men's sport shirts to sheets and comforters; and the resurgence of feminine looks in footwear, jewelry, and apparel. Current trends in shorts, swimwear, sunglasses, make-up, and skin care, as well as luggage bode well for the coming warm-weather months. May's Bridal Group opened two After Hours Formalwear stores in February. In fiscal 2004, May plans to open eight department stores: two Foley's stores, two Hecht's stores, and one store each for Filene's, Meier & Frank, Robinsons-May, and The Jones Store. May also plans to open 30 David's Bridal stores, an additional 18 After Hours stores, and two Priscilla of Boston stores. The May Department Stores Company currently operates 442 department stores under the names of Lord & Taylor, Famous-Barr, Filene's, Foley's, Hecht's, Kaufmann's, L.S. Ayres, Meier & Frank, Robinsons-May, Strawbridge's, and The Jones Store, as well as 210 David's Bridal stores, 460 After Hours Formalwear stores, and 10 Priscilla of Boston stores in its Bridal Group. May operates in 46 states, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico. For more information, contact Sharon Bateman at (314) 342-6494. This release also contains forward-looking statements as defined by the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. While this release reflects all available information and management's judgment and estimates of current and anticipated conditions and circumstances and is prepared with the assistance of specialists within and outside the company, there are many factors outside of our control that have an impact on our operations. Such factors include butare not limited to competitive changes, general and regional economic conditions, consumer preferences and spending patterns, availability of adequate locations for building or acquiring new stores, and our ability to hire and retain qualified associates. Because of these factors, actual performance could differ materially from that described in forward-looking statements. DATASOURCE: The May Department Stores Company CONTACT: Sharon Bateman, +1-314-342-6494, for The May Department Stores Company

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