<Page> EXHIBIT 99.1 THE CHILDREN'S PLACE RETAIL STORES, INC. 915 SECAUCUS ROAD SECAUCUS, NEW JERSEY 07094 LETTER TO COMMISSION PURSUANT TO TEMPORARY NOTE 3T APRIL 5, 2002 Securities and Exchange Commission 450 Fifth Street, N.W. Washington, D.C. 20549-0408 Ladies and Gentlemen: Pursuant to Temporary Note 3T to Article 3 of Regulation S-X, The Children's Place Retail Stores, Inc. has obtained a letter of representation from Arthur Andersen LLP ("Andersen") stating that the February 2, 2002 audit was subject to their quality control system for the U.S. accounting and auditing practice to provide reasonable assurance that the engagement was conducted in compliance with professional standards, that there was appropriate continuity of Andersen personnel working on the audit and availability of national office consultation. Very truly yours, The Children's Place Retail Stores, Inc. /s/ Seth L. Udasin Seth L.Udasin Vice President and Chief Financial Officer 46