Lincoln, RI - April 23, 2009 - A.T. Cross Company (NASDAQ: ATX) today announced financial results for the first quarter ended April 4, 2009.

Consolidated net sales for the first quarter of 2009 declined 14.9% to $30.9 million compared to $36.3 million in the first quarter of 2008. The Cross Accessory Division (CAD) recorded revenue of $18.8 million, a decline of 29.3% compared to last year. The Cross Optical segment reported sales of $12.1 million, up 24.1% from a year ago. This increase is largely due to Native Eyewear, acquired late in the first quarter 2008.

Gross margin in the first quarter of 2009 was 54.3% versus 55.8% last year. Operating expenses were $18.8 million, or 61.1% of net sales, compared to $19.2 million or 53.0% of net sales for the same period a year ago.

Net loss for the first quarter was $0.9 million or $0.06 per basic and diluted share, compared to net income of $0.6 million or $0.04 per basic and diluted share last year.

David G. Whalen, President and Chief Executive Officer of A.T. Cross said, "The business climate over the last two quarters has been extremely difficult and, like many other companies, A.T. Cross was not immune to the negative effects of the downturn. In response to what we believe are temporary trends, we took steps to reduce spending and manage our cash and inventory. More importantly, we remained committed to our core strategies of growing the Cross Optical segment, reshaping our approach to the writing instrument and accessory market and optimizing our writing instrument cost structure. These strategies were building momentum before the economic downturn and, given continued support, will result in a stronger company once the economy improves."

Given this economic climate the Company will not provide specific 2009 guidance at this time. The time for that will most likely be at the end of July when second quarter results are announced. At that point, the peak sunglass season will have been completed and a clearer view of how the holiday season will shape up for the Cross brand will be available.

The Company's management will host a conference call today, April 23, 2009 at 4:30 PM Eastern Time. Parties interested in participating in the conference call may dial-in at (888) 726-2429, while international callers may dial-in at (913) 312-0657. A live webcast of the call will be accessible on the Company's website at www.cross.com. The webcast will be archived for 30 days on this site, while a telephone replay of the call will be available beginning at 7:30 PM Eastern Time on April 23, 2009 through May 1, 2009 at (888) 203-1112 or (719) 457-0820 for international callers, and entering the pass code of 9137498.

Building on the rich tradition of its award-winning writing instruments and reputation for innovation and craftsmanship, A.T. Cross Company is a designer and marketer of branded personal and business accessories. Cross provides a range of distinctive products that appeal to a growing market of consumers seeking to enhance their image and facilitate their lifestyle. A.T. Cross products, including award-winning quality writing instruments, timepieces, business accessories and Costa Del Mar and Native Eyewear sunglasses, are distributed in retail and corporate gift channels worldwide. For more information, visit the A.T. Cross website at www.cross.com, the Costa Del Mar website at www.costadelmar.com and the Native Eyewear website at www.nativeyewear.com.