EXHIBIT 99



FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE


     EMPIRE OF CAROLINA ANNOUNCES $15 MILLION ACQUISITION

     DELRAY BEACH, FL, FEBRUARY 12, 1998 -- EMPIRE OF CAROLINA (AMEX:EMP) a 
designer, manufacturer and marketer of children's toys today announced the 
signing of a letter of intent to acquire the stock of Apple Sports, Inc. and 
Apple Golf Shoes, Inc. (the "Apple Companies") manufacturers and distributors 
of golf equipment sold under license from Wilson Sporting Goods Co.

     The Apple Companies are located in Ronkonkomo, New York.  Their 
Dorson-Registered Trademark- brand products have been sold since the 1940's, 
and they have manufactured and distributed Wilson-Registered Trademark- 
Staff-Registered Trademark- golf shoes and other Wilson-Registered Trademark- 
accessories since 1986.  In 1997, the Apple Companies had unaudited revenues 
in excess of $24 million.

     The letter of intent provides that Empire shall purchase all of the 
stock of the Apple Companies for 5 million shares of Empire's common stock.  
In addition, Empire shall assume up to $4.3 million of debt and reimburse 
certain transfer and other fees at closing.  Under certain circumstances, an 
additional 1.15 million shares of Empire's common stock may be issued to the 
sellers as additional consideration twelve months after the closing.

     The letter of intent also provides that the Wilson licenses, which 
permit use of the Wilson-Registered Trademark-, Pro-Staff-Registered 
Trademark-, and Ultra-Registered Trademark- trademarks on golf accessories 
and shoes, will be extended for a minimum of 5 years.

     "We expect the earnings and cash flow of the Apple Companies to be 
accretive in 1998.  The acquisition will also allow Empire to expand into a 
similar industry and enlarge its customer base, which should provide 
additional distribution channels for some of Empire's existing toy and 
outdoor products" said Bill Craig, Empire's CFO.  "We are also excited about 
the manufacturing opportunities for golf and sporting good products that this 
acquisition brings to Empire."  Charles S. Holmes, Empire's Chairman, added 
"With the growth history and growth potential of golf, Apple represents an 
excellent addition to Empire's revenue and profits, and should service the 
shareholders well in the years to come."

     The potential transaction is subject to a number of conditions, 
including satisfactory completion of due diligence, the negotiation and 
execution of a definitive agreement, and the approval of Empire's 
shareholders.  The Company can give no 

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assurance that the transaction will be consummated, or, if consummated, that 
it will be on the terms and conditions described above.

     Empire of Carolina, Inc. designs, develops, manufactures and markets a 
broad range of basic plastic children's toys.  The Company's full line 
includes the Big Wheel-Registered Trademark- line of ride-on toys, Grand 
Champions-Registered Trademark- collectible horses, and Buddy L-Registered 
Trademark-cars and trucks.  The Holiday Products Division produces and markets 
decorative seasonal items including Christmas, Halloween and Easter 
illuminated products.

     This press release contains various forward-looking statements and 
information that are based on management's beliefs as well as assumptions 
made by and information currently available to management, including 
statements regarding future economic performance and financial condition, 
liquidity and capital resources, and management's plans and objectives.  Such 
statements are subject to various risks and uncertainties which could cause 
actual results to vary materially from those stated.  Should one or more of 
these risks or uncertainties materialize, or should underlying assumptions 
prove incorrect, actual results may vary materially from those anticipated, 
estimated, expected or projected.  Such risks and uncertainties include the 
Company's ability to close the proposed transaction, the potential 
profitability of Apple Sports, Inc., the Company's ability to manage 
inventory, production and costs, to meet potential increases or decreases in 
demand, potential adverse customer impact due to delivery delays including 
effects on existing and future orders, competitive practices in the toy and 
decorative holiday products industries, changing consumer preferences and 
risks associated with consumer acceptance of new product introductions, 
potential increases in raw material prices, potential delays or production 
problems associated with foreign sourcing of production and the impact of 
pricing policies including providing discounts and allowances.  Certain of 
these as well as other risks and uncertainties are described in more detail 
in the Company's Registration Statement on Form S-1 filed under the 
Securities Act of 1933, Registration No. 333-4440.  The Company undertakes no 
obligation to update any such factors or to publicly announce the result of 
any revisions to any of the forward-looking statements contained herein to 
reflect future events or developments.

CONTACT:  Lawrence Geller, (561) 498-4000, or lgeller@empiretoys.com

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