EXHIBIT 10.2.30(a)

Executive Severance Agreement




--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                             First Amendment to the
                    Executive Severance Agreement for [NAME]


WHEREAS, you entered into the Executive Severance Agreement as of July 15, 1999
(the Agreement) with Charming Shoppes, Inc. (the "Company"); and

WHEREAS, pursuant to Section 10.4 of the Agreement, no provision of the
Agreement may be modified unless such modification is signed by you and a member
of the Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors (as such terms are
defined in the Agreement); and

WHEREAS, the Company wishes to amend the Agreement so that any excise taxes
incurred under the Agreement will be grossed-up rather than capped as currently
drafted.

NOW THEREFORE, intending to be legally bound hereby, and for other good and
valuable consideration, the Company and the Executive agree as follows:

     1. Article 5 of the Agreement is hereby amended and restated in its
entirety as follows:

     "Article 5 Excise Tax Treatment

     5.1 Excise Tax Equalization Payment. In the event a Change in Control
     occurs and the Executive becomes entitled to any benefits or payments under
     this Agreement, or any other plan, arrangement, or agreement with the
     Company (the "Total Payments"), and such benefits or payments will be
     subject to the tax (the "Excise Tax") imposed by Section 4999 of the Code
     (or any similar tax that may hereafter be imposed), the Company shall pay
     to the Executive in cash an additional amount (the "Gross-Up Payment") such
     that the net amount to be retained by the Executive after deduction of any
     Excise Tax upon the Total Payments and any Federal, state and local income
     tax and Excise Tax upon the Gross-Up Payment provided for by this Section
     5.1 (including FICA), shall be equal to the Total Payments. Such payment
     shall be made by the Company to the Executive as soon as practical
     following the effective date of termination, but in no event beyond thirty
     (30) days from such date, or in the event Excise Tax is due without regard
     to a termination, within thirty (30) days of the due date for payment of
     such Excise Tax.

     5.2 Tax Computation. In determining the potential impact of the Excise Tax,
     the Company may rely on any advice it deems appropriate, including, but not
     limited to, the counsel of its

<PAGE>

     independent auditors. For purposes of determining whether any of the Total
     Payments will be subject to the Excise Tax and the amounts of such Excise
     Tax:

          (a) Any other payments or benefits received or to be received by the
     Executive in connection with a Change in Control of the Company or the
     Executive's termination of employment (whether pursuant to the terms of
     this Agreement or any other plan, arrangement, or agreement with the
     Company, or with any Person whose actions result in a Change in Control of
     the Company or any Person affiliated with the Company or such Persons)
     shall be treated as "parachute payments" within the meaning of Section
     280G(b)(2) of the Code, and all "excess parachute payments" within the
     meaning of Section 280G(b)(1) shall be treated as subject to the Excise
     Tax, unless in the opinion of the Company's advisors, including, but not
     limited to, its independent auditors, any portion of the Total Payments do
     not constitute parachute payments by reason of Section 280G(b)(4)(A)-(B) of
     the Code or are otherwise not subject to the Excise Tax;

          (b) The amount of the Total Payments which shall be treated as subject
     to the Excise Tax shall be equal to the amount of excess parachute payments
     within the meaning of Section 280G(b)(1) of the Code (after applying clause
     (a) above); and

          (c) The value of any noncash benefits or any deferred or accumulated
     payment or benefit shall be determined by the Company's independent
     auditors in accordance with the principles of Sections 280G(d)(3) and (4)
     of the Code.

     For purposes of determining the amount of the Gross-Up Payment, the
     Executive shall be deemed to pay Federal income taxes at the highest
     marginal rate of Federal income taxation in the calendar year in which the
     Gross-Up Payment is to be made, and state and local income taxes at the
     highest marginal rate of taxation in the state and locality of the
     Executive's residence on the Effective Date of Termination, net of the
     maximum reduction in Federal income taxes which could be obtained from
     deduction of such state and local taxes.

     5.3 Subsequent Recalculation. In the event the Internal Revenue Service
     proposes to increase the amount of Excise Tax payable by the Executive in
     excess of the computation of the Company under Section 5.2 herein so that
     the Executive did not receive the greatest net benefit, the Company shall
     reimburse the Executive for the full amount necessary to make the Executive
     whole, plus a market rate of interest, as determined by the Committee;
     provided, however, that the Executive follow the procedures set forth in
     this Section 5.3.

     The Executive shall notify the Company in writing of any claim by the
     Internal Revenue Service that, if successful, would require the

<PAGE>

     payment by the Company of the Gross-Up Payment. Such notification shall be
     given as soon as practicable but no later than ten (10) business days after
     the later of either: (i) the date the Executive has actual knowledge of
     such claim, or (ii) ten (10) days after the Internal Revenue Service issues
     to the Executive either a written report proposing imposition of the Excise
     Tax or a statutory notice of deficiency with respect thereto, and shall
     apprise the Company of the nature of such claim and the date on which such
     claim is requested to be paid. The Executive shall not pay such claim prior
     to the expiration of the thirty (30) day period following the date on which
     it gives such notice to the Company (or such shorter period ending on the
     date that any payment of taxes with respect to such claim is due). If the
     Company notifies the Executive in writing prior to the expiration of such
     period that it desires to contest such claim, the Executive shall:

     (a) Give the Company any information reasonably requested by the Company
     relating to such claim;

     (b) Take such action in connection with contesting such claim as the
     Company shall reasonably request in writing from time to time, including,
     without limitation, accepting legal representation with respect to such
     claim by an attorney reasonably selected by the Company;

     (c) Cooperate with the Company in good faith in order effectively to
     contest such claim; and

     (d) Permit the Company to participate in any proceedings relating to such
     claims.

     Provided, however, that the Company shall directly bear and pay all costs
     and expenses (including additional interest and penalties) incurred in
     connection with such contest and shall indemnify and hold the Executive
     harmless, on an after-tax basis, for any Excise Tax or income tax,
     including interest and penalties with respect thereto, imposed and payment
     of costs and expenses. Without limitation of the foregoing provisions of
     this Section 5.3, the Company shall control all proceedings taken in
     connection with such contest and, at its sole option, may pursue or forego
     any and all administrative appeals, proceedings, hearings, and conferences
     with the taxing authority in respect of such claim.

     If the Company does not notify the Executive in writing prior to the
     expiration of such thirty (30) day period that it desires to contest such
     claim, the Company shall reimburse the Executive for the full amount
     necessary to make the Executive whole, plus a market rate of interest, as
     determined by the Committee, all as contemplated by this Section 5.3.

     If, after the receipt by the Executive of an amount advanced by the Company
     pursuant to this Article 5.3, the Executive receives a refund


<PAGE>

     with respect to such claim due to an overpayment of Excise Tax, including
     interest and penalties with respect thereto, the Executive shall (subject
     to the Company's complying with the requirements of this Section 5.3)
     promptly pay to the Company the amount of such refund (together with any
     interest paid or credited thereon after taxes applicable thereto)."

     2. Section 10.4 of the Agreement is hereby amended and restated in its
entirety as follows:

          "10.4 Modification. No provision of this Agreement may be modified,
          waived, or discharged unless such modification, waiver, or discharge
          is approved by the Committee and agreed to in writing and signed by
          the Executive and by an authorized officer of the Company, or by the
          respective parties' legal representatives and successors."

     3. The Agreement is hereby amended by adding new Section 10.8 as follows:

          "l0.8 Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed in any number of
          counterparts, each of which when so executed and delivered shall be an
          original hereof, and it shall not be necessary in making proof of this
          Agreement to produce or account for more than one counterpart hereof."


     IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have executed this Agreement this 6th day
of February, 2003.

                                            CHARMING SHOPPES, INC.



                                            ------------------------------
                                            Anthony A. DeSabato
                                            Executive Vice President


                                            EXECUTIVE:



                                            ------------------------------
                                            [NAME]




<PAGE>

                                                             EXHIBIT 10.2.30(b)

Executive Severance Agreement




--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                             First Amendment to the
                    Executive Severance Agreement for [NAME]


WHEREAS, you entered into the Executive Severance Agreement as of July 15, 1999
(the Agreement) with Charming Shoppes, Inc. (the "Company"); and

WHEREAS, pursuant to Section 10.4 of the Agreement, no provision of the
Agreement may be modified unless such modification is signed by you and a member
of the Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors (as such terms are
defined in the Agreement);

WHEREAS, the Company wishes to amend the Agreement to clarify the proper
treatment of the split-dollar life insurance benefit in the event that the
Executive is entitled to Severance Benefits under the Agreement; and

WHEREAS, the Company wishes to amend the Agreement so that any excise taxes
incurred under the Agreement will be grossed-up rather than capped as currently
drafted.

NOW THEREFORE, intending to be legally bound hereby, and for other good and
valuable consideration, the Company and the Executive agree as follows:

     1. Section 3.3(f) of the Agreement is hereby amended and restated in its
entirety as follows:

          "(f) With regard to the Amended and Restated Collateral Assignment of
          Split-Dollar Insurance Agreement between the Company and the Executive
          or the Executive's designated Trust dated March 15, 2000, as the same
          may be amended from time to time (the "Split-Dollar Agreement"), under
          which the Executive is insured, the Corporation acknowledges that the
          provisions of Article VII(b)(ii) of the Split-Dollar Agreement shall
          apply if the Executive is entitled to Severance Benefits pursuant to
          this Agreement. "

     2. Article 5 of the Agreement is hereby amended and restated in its
entirety as follows:

          "Article 5 Excise Tax Treatment

          5.1 Excise Tax Equalization Payment. In the event a Change in Control
          occurs and the Executive becomes entitled to any benefits or payments
          under this Agreement, or any other plan, arrangement, or agreement
          with the Company (the "Total Payments"), and such benefits or payments
          will be subject to the tax (the "Excise Tax")

<PAGE>

          imposed by Section 4999 of the Code (or any similar tax that may
          hereafter be imposed), the Company shall pay to the Executive in cash
          an additional amount (the "Gross-Up Payment") such that the net amount
          to be retained by the Executive after deduction of any Excise Tax upon
          the Total Payments and any Federal, state and local income tax and
          Excise Tax upon the Gross-Up Payment provided for by this Section 5.1
          (including FICA), shall be equal to the Total Payments. Such payment
          shall be made by the Company to the Executive as soon as practical
          following the effective date of termination, but in no event beyond
          thirty (30) days from such date, or in the event Excise Tax is due
          without regard to a termination, within thirty (30) days of the due
          date for payment of such Excise Tax.

          5.2 Tax Computation. In determining the potential impact of the Excise
          Tax, the Company may rely on any advice it deems appropriate,
          including, but not limited to, the counsel of its independent
          auditors. For purposes of determining whether any of the Total
          Payments will be subject to the Excise Tax and the amounts of such
          Excise Tax:

               (a) Any other payments or benefits received or to be received by
          the Executive in connection with a Change in Control of the Company or
          the Executive's termination of employment (whether pursuant to the
          terms of this Agreement or any other plan, arrangement, or agreement
          with the Company, or with any Person whose actions result in a Change
          in Control of the Company or any Person affiliated with the Company or
          such Persons) shall be treated as "parachute payments" within the
          meaning of Section 280G(b)(2) of the Code, and all "excess parachute
          payments" within the meaning of Section 280G(b)(1) shall be treated as
          subject to the Excise Tax, unless in the opinion of the Company's
          advisors, including, but not limited to, its independent auditors, any
          portion of the Total Payments do not constitute parachute payments by
          reason of Section 280G(b)(4)(A)-(B) of the Code or are otherwise not
          subject to the Excise Tax;

               (b) The amount of the Total Payments which shall be treated as
          subject to the Excise Tax shall be equal to the amount of excess
          parachute payments within the meaning of Section 280G(b)(1) of the
          Code (after applying clause (a) above); and

               (c) The value of any noncash benefits or any deferred or
          accumulated payment or benefit shall be determined by the Company's
          independent auditors in accordance with the principles of Sections
          280G(d)(3) and (4) of the Code.

          For purposes of determining the amount of the Gross-Up Payment, the
          Executive shall be deemed to pay Federal income taxes at the highest
          marginal rate of Federal income taxation in the calendar year in which
          the Gross-Up Payment is to be made, and state and local

<PAGE>

          income taxes at the highest marginal rate of taxation in the state and
          locality of the Executive's residence on the Effective Date of
          Termination, net of the maximum reduction in Federal income taxes
          which could be obtained from deduction of such state and local taxes.

          5.3 Subsequent Recalculation. In the event the Internal Revenue
          Service proposes to increase the amount of Excise Tax payable by the
          Executive in excess of the computation of the Company under Section
          5.2 herein so that the Executive did not receive the greatest net
          benefit, the Company shall reimburse the Executive for the full amount
          necessary to make the Executive whole, plus a market rate of interest,
          as determined by the Committee; provided, however, that the Executive
          follow the procedures set forth in this Section 5.3.

          The Executive shall notify the Company in writing of any claim by the
          Internal Revenue Service that, if successful, would require the
          payment by the Company of the Gross-Up Payment. Such notification
          shall be given as soon as practicable but no later than ten (10)
          business days after the later of either: (i) the date the Executive
          has actual knowledge of such claim, or (ii) ten (10) days after the
          Internal Revenue Service issues to the Executive either a written
          report proposing imposition of the Excise Tax or a statutory notice of
          deficiency with respect thereto, and shall apprise the Company of the
          nature of such claim and the date on which such claim is requested to
          be paid. The Executive shall not pay such claim prior to the
          expiration of the thirty (30) day period following the date on which
          it gives such notice to the Company (or such shorter period ending on
          the date that any payment of taxes with respect to such claim is due).
          If the Company notifies the Executive in writing prior to the
          expiration of such period that it desires to contest such claim, the
          Executive shall:

          (a) Give the Company any information reasonably requested by the
          Company relating to such claim;

          (b) Take such action in connection with contesting such claim as the
          Company shall reasonably request in writing from time to time,
          including, without limitation, accepting legal representation with
          respect to such claim by an attorney reasonably selected by the
          Company;

          (c) Cooperate with the Company in good faith in order effectively to
          contest such claim; and

          (d) Permit the Company to participate in any proceedings relating to
          such claims.

          Provided, however, that the Company shall directly bear and pay all
          costs and expenses (including additional interest and penalties)
          incurred in connection with such contest and shall indemnify and hold
          the Executive harmless, on an after-tax basis, for any Excise Tax or
          income tax, including interest and penalties with respect thereto,


<PAGE>

          imposed and payment of costs and expenses. Without limitation of the
          foregoing provisions of this Section 5.3, the Company shall control
          all proceedings taken in connection with such contest and, at its sole
          option, may pursue or forego any and all administrative appeals,
          proceedings, hearings, and conferences with the taxing authority in
          respect of such claim.

          If the Company does not notify the Executive in writing prior to the
          expiration of such thirty (30) day period that it desires to contest
          such claim, the Company shall reimburse the Executive for the full
          amount necessary to make the Executive whole, plus a market rate of
          interest, as determined by the Committee, all as contemplated by this
          Section 5.3.

          If, after the receipt by the Executive of an amount advanced by the
          Company pursuant to this Article 5.3, the Executive receives a refund
          with respect to such claim due to an overpayment of Excise Tax,
          including interest and penalties with respect thereto, the Executive
          shall (subject to the Company's complying with the requirements of
          this Section 5.3) promptly pay to the Company the amount of such
          refund (together with any interest paid or credited thereon after
          taxes applicable thereto)."

     3. Section 10.4 of the Agreement is hereby amended and restated in its
entirety as follows:

          "10.4 Modification. No provision of this Agreement may be modified,
          waived, or discharged unless such modification, waiver, or discharge
          is approved by the Committee and agreed to in writing and signed by
          the Executive and by an authorized officer of the Company, or by the
          respective parties' legal representatives and successors."

     4. The Agreement is hereby amended by adding new Section 10.8 as follows:

          "l0.8 Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed in any number of
          counterparts, each of which when so executed and delivered shall be an
          original hereof, and it shall not be necessary in making proof of this
          Agreement to produce or account for more than one counterpart hereof."


<PAGE>


     IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have executed this Agreement this 6th day
of February, 2003.

                                       CHARMING SHOPPES, INC.



                                       ------------------------------
                                       Anthony A. DeSabato
                                       Executive Vice President


                                       EXECUTIVE:



                                       ------------------------------
                                       [NAME]