Exhibit 99.1

CITI TRENDS ANNOUNCES FIRST QUARTER 2012 RESULTS

First quarter 2012 earnings per share of $0.69 compared with $0.83 last year

First quarter sales increased 4.5%; comparable store sales decreased 5.0%

SAVANNAH, GA (May 16, 2012) — Citi Trends, Inc. (NASDAQ: CTRN) today reported results for the first quarter of fiscal 2012.

Financial Highlights — First quarter ended April 28, 2012

Total sales in the first quarter ended April 28, 2012 increased 4.5% to $197.7 million compared with $189.2 million in the first quarter ended April 30, 2011.  Comparable store sales decreased 5.0% in the first quarter.  Net income was $10.1 million, or $0.69 per diluted share, in the first quarter of 2012, compared with $12.1 million, or $0.83 per diluted share, in last year’s first quarter.

The Company opened two stores, relocated one store, and closed two stores in the first quarter of 2012, resulting in a total store count of 511 at the end of the quarter.

Investor Conference Call and Webcast

Citi Trends will host a conference call today at 9:00 a.m. ET.  The number to call for the live interactive teleconference is (212) 231-2906.  A replay of the conference call will be available until May 23, 2012, by dialing (402) 977-9140 and entering the passcode, 21575848.  The live broadcast of Citi Trends’ quarterly conference call will be available online at the Company’s website, www.cititrends.com, as well as http://ir.cititrends.com/events.cfm, beginning today at 9:00 a.m. ET.  The online replay will follow shortly after the call and continue through May 23, 2012.

During the conference call, the Company may discuss and answer questions concerning business and financial developments and trends after quarter-end.  The Company’s responses to questions, as well as other matters discussed during the conference call, may contain or constitute information that has not been disclosed previously.

About Citi Trends

Citi Trends, Inc. is a value-priced retailer of urban fashion apparel and accessories for the entire family.  The Company operates 511 stores located in 29 states.  Citi Trends’ website address is www.cititrends.com.  CTRN-E

Forward-Looking Statements

All statements other than historical facts contained in this news release, including statements regarding our future financial results and position, business policy and plans and objectives of management for future operations, are forward-looking statements that are subject to material risks and uncertainties.  The words “believe,” “may,” “could,” “plans,” “estimate,” “continue,” “anticipate,” “intend,” “expect” and similar expressions, as they relate to Citi Trends, are intended to identify forward-looking statements.  Statements with respect to earnings guidance are forward-looking statements.  Investors are cautioned that any such forward-looking statements are subject to the finalization of the Company’s quarterly financial and accounting procedures, are not guarantees of future performance or results and are inherently subject to risks and uncertainties, some of which cannot be predicted or quantified.  Actual results or developments may differ materially from those included in the forward-looking statements, as a result of various factors which are discussed in Citi Trends, Inc. filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission.  These risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, uncertainties relating to economic conditions, growth risks, consumer spending patterns, competition within the industry, competition in our markets and the ability to anticipate and respond to fashion trends.  Any forward-looking statements by the Company, with respect to earnings guidance or otherwise, are intended to speak only as of the date such statements are made.  Except as required by applicable law, including the securities laws of the United States and the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission, Citi Trends does not undertake to publicly update any forward-looking statements in this news release or with respect to matters described herein, whether as a result of any new information, future events or otherwise.

CITI TRENDS, INC.

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME

(unaudited)

(in thousands, except per share data)

CITI TRENDS, INC.

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

(unaudited)

(in thousands)

3