During the third quarter, Dress Barn's net earnings increased96% to a record $20 million, or 29 cents per diluted share,compared to $10.2 million, or 17 cents per diluted share, in thesame quarter last year. Comp store sales increased 7% for the sameperiod, the ninth consecutive quarter of gains. Jaffe said that thecompany saw increases across several merchandise categories forboth its dressbarn and maurices brands. Dressbarn comp store salesjumped 10% and maurices increased 2%.

The company, which operates 798 dressbarn stores in 45 statesand 530 maurices stores in 40 states, also released its Mayfinancials. Sales increased 13% to $118.4 million, compared to$104.7 million reported for May 2005. Comparable store salesincreased 9% for the fiscal month of May.

As a result of the better-than-expected May sales performance,the company raised its earnings guidance per diluted share forfiscal year 2006 to approximately $1.10 from its previous earningsper share guidance of between $1.05 and $1.07. Moreover, thecompany estimates that comp store sales will increases in the3%-range.