Exhibit 31.1

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO SECTION 302 OF SARBANESOXLEY ACT 2002

I, Robert J. Higgins, certify that:

|(1) | I have reviewed this annual report on Form 10K of Trans World Entertainment Corporation (the Company);                                                                                                                                                                                                               
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|(2) | Based on my knowledge, this annual report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under
which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this annual report;
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|(3) | Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this annual report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and
cash flows of the Company as of, and for, the periods presented in this annual report;                      
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|(4) | The Companys other certifying officer and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and
internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a  15(f)) for the Company and we have:   
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|    | (c)                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                     
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|    | (d)                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                     
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|(5) | The Companys other certifying officer and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the Companys auditors and the audit committee of
the Companys board of directors:                                                                                   
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|    | (b)                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                     
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Dated: April 17, 2008

/s/ Robert J. HigginsChairman and Chief Executive OfficerTrans World Entertainment Corporation


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