DSW Inc. will become the exclusive lessee for footwear in all Stein Mart stores at the beginning of 2007.

In making the announcement this morning, Stein Mart president and chief executive officer Michael D. Fisher welcomed DSW and its extensive footwear selection as a natural complement to Stein Mart’s fashion presentation. DSW has provided shoes in approximately sixty percent of Stein Mart stores for the past three years.

“We believe DSW’s broad offering will provide us with a very comprehensive shoe department,” commented Fisher. “DSW has demonstrated that its cohesive fashion assortment resonates with our apparel customer, and we believe the synergy between the two will create more opportunity for both our companies.”

The transition to DSW inventory in 102 Stein Mart shoe departments will take place in January 2007. Most of the affected stores are located in Alabama, Arizona, Florida, Louisiana and some parts of Texas.