Cost Plus, Inc. Announces March Same Store Sales.

OAKLAND, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--April 10, 1997--Cost Plus, Inc. (NASDAQ:CPWM) announced today that its same store sales for the five-week period ended April 5, 1997 increased 3.1% from the same five-week period in 1996. March sales reflect the effect of an earlier Easter, resulting in less holiday shopping days during the period compared to last year. Same store sales for the nine-week period ended April 5, 1997 increased 5.0%.

Total sales for the five-week period ended April 5, 1997 were $19.9 million, a 17.1% increase from $17.0 million, for the five-week period ended April 6, 1996. Year-to-date, total sales for the nine-week period ended April 5, 1997 were $34.5 million, a 21.5% increase from $28.4 million, for the nine-week period ended April 6, 1996. As of April 5, 1997, the Company operated 60 stores compared to 50 stores as of April 6, 1996.

Cost Plus is a leading retailer of casual home living and entertainment products. The Company operates 60 stores under the name "Cost Plus World Market" in 11 states.

CONTACT: Cost Plus, Inc.

Alan Zimtbaum, 510/893-7300 ext. 3006