After 2004, many Waldenbooks locations were re-branded as "Borders Express" stores.

Some other companies had disappointing months, too: in November, the Express stores, owned by the Limited, fell 22 percent from last year, comparing same-store sales.

At the end of the 1990s, the Super Centers and Express stores were closed.

Ninety percent of the merchandise in any Express store is private label.

Dual gender Express stores began opening the following year.

A pair of white chiffon drawstring pants hanging on a rack in an Express store drew further scrutiny.

Here were Lulu's pronouncements on the Express store: "Look at this line," she said, waving her hand toward denim skirts.

Luckily for Limited, its Express stores continue to ring up strong sales and pretax profits in excess of 18 percent while its competitors struggle.

One Stop stores offer a different range to Express stores and its operating costs are different.

It's sold at 575 Express stores nationwide, including nine in Manhattan.