Christopher & Banks Corporation Reports a 16% Increase in September Same-Store Sales.

Business Editors

MINNEAPOLIS--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Sept. 28, 2000

Christopher & Banks Corporation (Nasdaq: CHBS), formerly Braun's Fashions Corporation, today reported a 16% increase in September same-store sales for its four-week period ended September 23, 2000. Total sales for the four-week period ended September 23, 2000, rose 40% to $15.3 million from $10.9 million last year.

For the seven months ended September 23, 2000, same-store sales rose 20%. Total sales for the seven months year-to-date increased 43% to $99.2 million from $69.3 million last year. As of September 23, 2000, the Company operated 262 stores compared with 212 stores at September 25, 1999.

Bill Prange, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer commented, "We are very pleased with the continued strength of our sales across all merchandise categories. Our 16% increase in September same-store sales follows a 13% increase in last year's September same-store sales. Sales were the strongest during the last week of the month, as cooler weather generated increased customer interest in our new fall assortments."

Mr. Prange continued, "We also opened 5 new C.J. Banks stores during September, catering to the casual wardrobing needs of 35 to 55 year old women who wear sizes 14W to 24W. We currently operate 14 C.J. Banks stores and plan to open 6 additional stores this Fall. Sales at these stores were in line with our expectations, with sweaters showing the strongest performance."

Mr. Prange concluded, "We continue to see robust selling at full price. Based on September's results, we anticipate that gross margin for the third quarter, which ends on November 25, 2000, will exceed last year's third quarter gross margin by at least 300 basis points."

Christopher & Banks Corporation is a Minneapolis-based specialty retailer of women's clothing providing exclusive fashions under the Christopher & Banks label. Presently, the company operates 262 stores in 27 states, located primarily in the northern half of the United States.

This release contains forward-looking statements regarding future performance of the Company. The achievement of such results is subject to certain risks and uncertainties, including changes in economic, market and weather conditions, the effect of consumer tastes and spending habits, the realization of expected economies gained through the use of private label and direct import merchandise, management of growth and other factors outside the Company's control, including factors discussed from time to time in the company's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements, which reflect management's analysis only as of the date hereof.

The Company undertakes no obligation to update these forward- looking statements to reflect events or circumstances that may arise after the date hereof.

For more information on Christopher & Banks Corporation, visit our website at www.christopherandbanks.com