The Wet Seal, Inc. (Nasdaq:WTSLA), a leading specialty retailer to young women, reported net sales and comparable store sales for the four-week period ended May 3, 2008, or fiscal April, and the fiscal first quarter ended May 3, 2008, as follows:

The Company is increasing its fiscal first quarter earnings guidance range to net income of between $0.07 and $0.08 per diluted share as compared to a previous estimate of net income of between $0.04 and $0.06 per diluted share. The increased guidance is primarily a result of better than previously estimated operating expense reductions.

Ed Thomas, chief executive officer of The Wet Seal, Inc., commented: “Our April comparable store sales results were in line with our expectations and reflect the ongoing challenging retail environment. Also, while we began to improve merchandise content in our Arden B stores in late April, the month’s performance at Arden B largely reflected a carryover of inventory assortment weaknesses. We remain on track with the phase-in of Arden B merchandise improvements through July.”

Mr. Thomas continued, “In spite of the difficult environment, I’m encouraged by the significant progress we’ve made to improve store labor efficiency and reduce costs in many areas throughout the Company, which led to our increased earnings expectations for the first quarter. We also remain focused on several ongoing initiatives to enhance sales productivity in both of our divisions.”

First Quarter Earnings Release and Conference Call

The Company plans to report operating results for its fiscal first quarter and provide guidance for its fiscal second quarter after the market closes on Thursday, May 29, 2008, followed by a conference call at 1:30 p.m. Pacific Daylight Time. To listen to the conference call, please dial (888) 254-2831 and provide ID # 4509883. A broadcast of the call can be accessed on the Company’s website at www.wetsealinc.com. A replay of the call will be available through June 5, 2008. To access the replay, please call (888) 203-1112 or (719) 457-0820 and provide the ID number above.

About Wet Seal

Headquartered in Foothill Ranch, California, The Wet Seal, Inc. is a leading specialty retailer of fashionable and contemporary apparel and accessory items. As of May 3, 2008, the Company operated a total of 496 stores in 47 states, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico, including 401 Wet Seal stores and 95 Arden B stores. The Company’s products can also be purchased online at www.wetseal.com or www.ardenb.com. For more company information, visit www.wetsealinc.com.

SAFE HARBOR STATEMENT UNDER THE PRIVATE SECURITIES LITIGATION REFORM ACT OF 1995: This news release contains forward-looking statements as that term is defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, statements that relate to planned improvements of the Company’s Arden B division merchandise mix as well as the intent, belief, plans or expectations of the Company or its management. All forward-looking statements made by the Company involve material risks and uncertainties and are subject to change based on factors beyond the Company’s control. Accordingly, the Company’s future performance and financial results may differ materially from those expressed or implied in any such forward-looking statements. Such factors include, but are not limited to, those described in the Company’s filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. This news release contains results reflecting partial year data and non-fiscal data that may not be indicative of results for similar future periods or for the full year. The Company will not undertake to publicly update or revise its forward-looking statements even if experience or future changes make it clear that any projected results expressed or implied therein will not be realized.

The Wet Seal, Inc.
Steven H. Benrubi, 949-699-3947