Hackett’s reported sales of approximately $14.9 million versus prior year sales of $12.4 million. Norm Garrelts, CEO of Hackett’s, stated, “Apparel and footwear surged almost 30% with strong, double digit growth across all stores in these categories.” Mr. Garrelts added, “Apparel and footwear now represent approximately 42% of the company’s total sales and its fastest growing category for this once hardware-focused company.”

Hackett’s, which in 2007 operated approximately 138,000 square feet of retail sales floor, averaged sales per square foot of approximately $108.18 for the year. After taking over the WiseBuys stores in 2008, Hackett’s will operate nine locations with total sales floor square footage of 321,700 square feet. Hackett’s, which was recently acquired by WiseBuys Stores, Inc., will be the surviving entity with all of the WiseBuys stores to be converted to and operated under the “Hackett’s” brand.

About Patrick Hackett Hardware Company

Hackett’s, one of the nation’s oldest retailers with roots dating back to 1830, is a full line department store specializing in name brand merchandise and full service hardware. Hackett’s, now with nine locations, features brand name clothing for men, women, and children, and a large selection of athletic, casual, and work footwear. Hackett’s also carries domestics, home décor, gifts, seasonal merchandise and sporting goods. Hackett’s full service hardware department features traditional hardware, tool, plumbing, paint and electrical departments.

About Seaway Valley Capital Corporation

Seaway Valley Capital Corporation and makes equity, equity-related, and debt investments in companies that require expansion capital and in companies pursuing acquisition strategies. Seaway also seeks investments in leveraged buyouts and restructurings. Seaway will consider investment opportunities in a number of different industries, including retail, restaurants, media, business services, and manufacturing, and Seaway will also consider select technology investments.

Safe Harbor Statement

This press release contains statements that may constitute "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the Securities Act of 1933 and the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended by the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Those statements include statements regarding the intent, belief or current expectations of the Company, and members of their management as well as the assumptions on which such statements are based. Prospective investors are cautioned that any such forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and involve risks and uncertainties, and that actual results may differ materially from those contemplated by such forward-looking statements. Important factors currently known to management that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in forward-statements include fluctuation of operating results, the ability to compete successfully and the ability to complete before-mentioned transactions. The company undertakes no obligation to update or revise forward-looking statements to reflect changed assumptions, the occurrence of unanticipated events or changes to future operating results.