Cost Plus World Market Unites with The Africa Channel to Create Awareness of Continent's Modern Culture and Entertainment Programs.

WASHINGTON -- Cost Plus World Market (NASDAQ:CPWM), a leading retailer of casual home living and entertaining products, announced today that the company has joined forces with The Africa Channel, a television media outlet that celebrates the challenges and successes of the African continent. At its first launch held in Washington D.C. on January 25 at the Academy for Educational Development, Cost Plus World Market products will be presented to 250 VIP guests. Attendees of this launch event include Ambassador Andrew Young, D.C. Mayor Adrian Fenty, Senators and Congress Members.

"Psychographically, many of our customers are aligned with the mission of the Africa Channel," said Gail Fuller, Senior Vice President of Brand Management for Cost Plus World Market. "Cost Plus World Market has long-standing, valuable relationships with many artisans throughout the continent. The diverse communities in Africa have a wealth of cultural heritage. The Africa Channel gives the American public the opportunity to experience and embrace the accomplishments, celebrations, and issues they face."

Washington D.C. signifies the first outlet that the African Channel will debut in with sponsor Cost Plus World Market. In addition, more exposure of the African Channel to look forward will occur on February 16, 2007 at the Zulu Ball in New Orleans, LA. There, the Zulu King and Queen will be presented with a unique collection of products from Cost Plus World Market. Additional launches are scheduled for Baton Rouge on February 27 and New Orleans on April 25.

About The Africa Channel

The premiere of The Africa Channel on September 1, 2005 marked a milestone in U.S. television history: For the first time, American audiences were able to experience the daily successes, celebrations and challenges of people living throughout Africa, all via a general entertainment network. The 24/7 commercially supported channel is now seen on cable systems in Detroit, Michigan, Washington D.C., Atlanta, Georgia, New Orleans and Baton Rouge, Louisiana. The Channel airs more than 1,600 hours of English-language programming, including news and information, travel, and lifestyle, music, soaps, talk, reality, feature films and special events. Long-time TV industry executives James Makawa, Jacob Arback and Richard Hammer founded the network. Its initial partners include Ambassador Andrew Young and his company, Goodworks International, Weller/Grossman Productions, and National Basketball Association stars Dikembe Mutombo and Theo Ratliff. For more information about the channel, please visit www.theafricachannel.com.

About Cost Plus World Market

Cost Plus World Market operates 287 stores in 34 states under the names "World Market" and "Cost Plus World Market." The stores feature an ever-changing selection of casual home furnishings, housewares, gifts, decorative accessories, over 500 international wines, gourmet foods and beverages offered at affordable prices and are imported from more than 50 countries. Many items are unique and exclusive to Cost Plus World Market. All are regularly supplied by an international network of individual and regional artisans developed over the Company's nearly 50 years in the import business. The value, breadth and continual refreshment of products invite customers to come back throughout a lifetime of changing home furnishings and entertaining needs.