Trading Spaces' Laurie Smith to Design for Hancock Fabrics; Designer's elegant, eclectic style...

Business Editors

TUPELO, Miss.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--March 18, 2004

Hancock Fabrics, Inc. (NYSE:HKF) announced today that Laurie Smith, designer/personality on the cable television phenomenon Trading Spaces, will create several exclusive product lines for its fabric and home decor

"We are all fans of Trading Spaces. We love how Laurie combines classic and contemporary design elements," said Hancock Fabrics Chief Operating Officer Jamie Austin. "She understands how fabric can transform a room."

"Although Trading Spaces and Laurie Smith have a broad following among all our customers," Austin continues, "we believe her designs will particularly appeal to younger women who are just beginning to decorate their homes. We will market the Laurie Smith line aggressively to that audience."

Trading Spaces, the pioneer of the makeover genre now sweeping television, challenges two pairs of neighbors to swap keys and transform a room in each other's home within 48 hours, spending only $1,000.

Over four seasons, Smith has solved this design challenge and entertained millions of viewers by combining classic design sensibilities with an eclectic style, an eye for color and a flair for the dramatic.

"I have been a Hancock Fabrics customer since I was a child. For anyone who loves fabric and design, a Hancock store is a unique source of ideas, inspiration and materials," said the 33-year-old Smith. "I also love a good buy; Hancock helps me prove that good design is about ideas and style, not necessarily spending a lot of money. Their products have been a part of several of my Trading Spaces room designs. Hancock truly is the specialty store for fabrics."

Smith's product line at Hancock will primarily be for home decorating and she hopes Hancock's customers will find it also gives them ideas for apparel, quilting, purse-making and other creative projects.

"I will design a children's line for Hancock Fabrics," she said. "Decorating my son's nursery was a project I loved. It gave me some ideas I think other moms will like."

The first Laurie Smith products will be available in Hancock Fabrics stores nationwide in the first quarter of 2005, joining the successful Martha Pullen Collection, which appeals to Pullen's loyal following of sewing and quilting enthusiasts.

"Hancock Fabrics has been steadily increasing home decorating products as a percentage of our mix," Austin said. "Our exclusive Laurie Smith line will diversify our offerings in a high growth segment that appeals to both sewing and non-sewing customers."