$20,000 to be Awarded to Local Schools :: 08/28/2008

$20,000 to be Awarded to Local Schools

$20,000 to be Awarded to Local Area Schools

Earning for Learning turns money spent at Grand Central Mall into cash prizes for local schools

Vienna, WV (August 28, 2008) – Grand Central Mall officials announced today that for the fourth year in a row, the mall will award $20,000 to local area schools this fall. Grand Central Mall drives its commitment to children’s education through Earning for Learning, formerly known as Tools for Your School, a partnership program designed to promote and support education in local school districts. Earning for Learning encourages local residents to shop at Grand Central Mall over a six-week promotional period to earn “points,” and ultimately the chance to win cash prizes, for the school of their choice.

“We are so excited to bring back Earning for Learning. Last year we saw so many new faces competing in the program and it really sparked a lot of excitement among the schools. Belpre Christian Academy, last year’s winning school, is a small private school with an enrollment of 26 students. These students and their families pulled out a landslide win, proving that it didn’t matter if your school consists of 26 students or 2,000 students – every school in this competition has a fair chance of winning. It was very inspiring to see,” explains Katrina Stephens, Marketing Director.

Now through September 28, each dollar that customers spend can be turned into points for the school of their choice. Shoppers simply redeem their receipts for points at Guest Services in the mall and designate their points to the school of their choice.

Grand Central Mall will keep a tally of the leading schools updated weekly at the mall. Each school will be ranked on a point-per-student ratio. At the end of the contest, the top four schools will be awarded cash prizes of $10,000, $5,000, $3,000, and $2,000 respectively. Shoppers have until September 28, 2008 to turn in their receipts.

At the end of the contest, winning schools will be invited to a ceremony where they will receive their prizes. The winning schools will be notified by October 3, 2008.

Last year, over 476,000 points were totaled for the 56 area schools who participated. Belpre Christian Academy, last year’s grand prize winner, was awarded $10,000.

Every K-12 school in the area is eligible to participate in the contest and is not required to sign-up. Grand Central Mall encourages residents to show their school spirit by participating in the Earning for Learning program and turn their shopping dollars into money for local schools.

About the Company

Grand Central Mall is anchored by JC Penney, Sears, Belk, Elder-Beerman, Steve & Barry’s and Regal Cinemas and is located at 100 Grand Central Avenue. It features over 100 specialty shops, including American Eagle, Hollister, Buckle, a newly renovated Maurices and Victoria’s Secret, and brand new Charlotte Russe and Vanity stores. For more information about Earning for Learning, any Grand Central Mall store or event, please call 304-485-4465 or visit grandcentralmall.com. Grand Central Mall is open Monday through Saturday from 10 am to 9 pm, and Sundays 10 am to 6 pm. Grand Central Mall is owned and managed by Glimcher Realty Trust of Columbus, Ohio.

Glimcher Realty Trust, a real estate investment trust, is a recognized leader in the ownership, management, acquisition and development of regional and super?regional malls and open-air lifestyle centers.

Glimcher Realty Trust´s common shares are listed on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol "GRT." Glimcher Realty Trust´s Series F and Series G preferred shares are listed on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbols "GRT.F" and "GRT.G," respectively. Glimcher Realty Trust is a component of the Russell 2000 Index, representing small cap stocks, and the Russell 3000 Index, representing the broader market.

Visit Glimcher at: www.glimcher.com

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Contact:
Katrina Stephens
Grand Central Mall
304-485-4465
kstephen@glimcher.com

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