Footstar reports April sales results.

MAHWAH, N.J.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--May 8, 1997--Footstar, Inc. (NYSE: FTS) today reported that total sales for the four-week period ended May 3, 1997 increased 1.7% to $123.3 million from $121.3 million for the comparable prior-year period. Footaction's total sales increased 14.5%, and Meldisco's total sales declined 3%. Same store sales from continuing operations for the four-week period decreased 2.8%, with both Footaction and Meldisco reporting same store sales declines of 2.8%.

For the seventeen-week period ended May 3, 1997, Footstar posted a same store sales increase of 1.2%. Footaction's same store sales rose 2.0%, while Meldisco generated a 0.8% gain.

Mickey Robinson, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, commented, "At Footaction, on a same store basis, footwear sales were up slightly but apparel sales were disappointing. Sales at Meldisco were impacted by cool spring weather which resulted in declines in sandals and seasonal footwear. We continue to make adjustments in our product mix to respond to current market trends, which together with effective cost control and inventory management should enable us to achieve our earnings growth targets."

As of May 3, 1997, Footstar operated 496 Footaction stores, which sell branded athletic footwear and apparel and 2,553 Meldisco leased footwear departments. -0-

Footstar, Inc.
Same Store Sales
Change from Prior Year

                                Four Weeks     Seventeen Weeks
                                   Ended           Ended
                                May 3, 1997     May 3, 1997

Footaction                       (2.8%)              2.0%
Meldisco                         (2.8%)              0.8%
Footstar, Inc.                   (2.8%)              1.2%

CONTACT: Footstar, Inc.

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