Sears Portrait Studio Customers Thank Troops With Scrapbooks of Smiles and Words of Support; Free Session and Portraits for Consumers Who Mention 'Thank Our Troops' July 17-23

Business Wire, June 29, 2004

ST. LOUIS -- To demonstrate the heartfelt appreciation that America's families have for U.S. troops stationed in Iraq, Afghanistan and other parts of the world, Sears Portrait Studio is creating hundreds of hometown scrapbooks featuring portraits of customers, families and friends. Scrapbooks will be distributed for Thanksgiving to troops in all branches serving overseas.

Free studio sessions and four free 3x5 portraits of one pose are being offered from Saturday, July 17 through Friday, July 23, to consumers who want their portrait included in a scrapbook and specifically mention the "Thank Our Troops" scrapbook project. The offer is available at all of the more than 900 portrait studios in the U.S. and Puerto Rico. After July 23, every customer who makes a purchase through August 15 also will receive four free 3x5 portraits of one pose by mentioning the "Thank Our Troops" scrapbook project. A studio locator is available at www.searsportrait.com.

"America's families have always demonstrated support for the armed forces in creative ways," said Jim Litwin, spokesperson for Sears Portrait Studio. "The 'Thank Our Troops' scrapbook project is Sears Portrait Studio's way to involve local communities across the nation in grassroots patriotism."

Customers can contribute one of their 3x5 portraits for the scrapbook and write a short message to appear alongside their portrait. Portraits of children, adults, families, or small groups of up to 12 people will be available by appointment and walk-in.

MILITARY FAMILIES: As an additional "thank you" to troops and their families in the U.S., Sears Portrait Studio is offering free portrait sessions and 20% off all in-studio and online portrait purchases through December 31, 2004 to customers who show their military ID at the portrait session. Many Sears Portrait Studios in the U.S. are located close to military bases.

Sears Portrait Studio (www.searsportrait.com), owned and operated by CPI Corp. (NYSE:CPY), has more than 1,000 locations in the United States, Puerto Rico, and Canada. CPI also operates searsphotos.com, an on-line photofinishing service as well as a vehicle for the Company's customers to archive, share portraits via e-mail and order additional portraits and products.

Media Only: JPEG photos and press release: www.cpicorp.com/pr_pressrelease/