HKF Hancock Fabrics

Hancock Fabrics, Inc. (NYSE:HKF), today reported that sales in the four-week period ended October 29, 2005 totaled $36.9 million compared with $39.2 million for the same period of the prior year. Sales in comparable stores decreased 6.3% in October. In the third quarter, total sales were $103.8 million versus $109.9 million in the same period of fiscal 2004, and comparable store sales were down 6.3%. Year-to-date, total sales were $284.9 million in 2005 and $304.8 million in 2004. Comparable store sales in the nine months to date declined 7.0%. Hancock will release its third quarter earnings after the market closes on November 15, 2005. A conference call to discuss the quarter's results is scheduled for Wednesday, November 16, 2005, at 9:00 a.m. (CST). A replay of the call will be available on the Company's web site, www.hancockfabrics.com, through November 23 and via telephone by dialing 888-286-8010 (US) or 617-801-6888 (Int'l) and using passcode 19668020. Hancock Fabrics, Inc. is a specialty retailer of fabric and related home sewing and decorating accessories. The Company operates 446 retail fabric stores in 43 states and operates an internet store under the domain name, www.hancockfabrics.com.