JACKSONVILLE, Fla., July 5, 2012 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Stein Mart, Inc.
(Nasdaq:SMRT) today reported comparable store sales for the five-week
period ended June 30, 2012 decreased 0.5 percent. Total sales for the
period were $104.7 million, an increase of 0.2 percent from $104.5
million in the same period in 2011. For the year to date, comparable
store sales increased 0.2 percent and total sales increased 0.7 percent
to $509.9 million.


                                                                              
                                                         Percent Change       
                                                   -------------------------- 
                                                                              
                                 Total Sales (in    Total    Comparable Store 
                                    millions)       Sales         Sales       
                                -----------------  -------  ----------------- 
                                                                              
  Fiscal period                    2012     2011    2012       2012      2011 
                                ---------  ------  -------  ----------  ----- 
  June (5 weeks)                   $104.7  $104.5     0.2%       -0.5%  -1.5% 
  Quarter to date (9 weeks)        $206.5  $203.0     1.7%        1.2%  -0.5% 
  Year to date (22 weeks)          $509.9  $506.6     0.7%        0.2%   0.7% 



Linens, ladies career sportswear, and men's furnishings and accessories
posted the strongest sales for June. Men's sportswear, ladies' casual
sportswear and dresses were weaker. Geographically, June sales were
strongest in California and the Midwest, while Florida and the
Southeast were weaker.

"The weather distractions we endured during June in Florida and many of
our other markets challenged our business," said Jay Stein, Interim
Chief Executive Officer. "We are never satisfied with simply flat sales
but given these disruptions we are not uncomfortable with our results."

The Company operated 263 stores at the end of June compared to 260 at
the same time last year. No new stores were opened, relocated or closed
during the month.

About Stein Mart

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 current season, moderate to better fashion apparel
for women and men, as well as accessories, shoes and home fashions.

The Stein Mart, Inc. logo is available at
http://www.globenewswire.com/newsroom/prs/?pkgid=9827

SMRT-S




      Additional information about Stein Mart, Inc. can be found at
                            www.steinmart.com





CONTACT: For more information:
         Linda Tasseff
         Director, Investor Relations
         (904) 858-2639
         ltasseff@steinmart.com