Footstar reports strong October sales performance.

MAHWAH, N.J.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Nov. 7, 1996--Footstar, Inc. (NYSE: FTS) today reported that same store sales from continuing operations for the four-week period ended November 2, 1996 increased 5.1%. The increase was primarily driven by Footaction's strong performance, which generated a comparable store sales increase of 12.4% for the four-week period. Meldisco's comparable store sales increased 2.9% in the period. Footstar's total sales for the four-week period increased 6.3% to $115.9 million from $109.1 million for the comparable, prior- year period.

Same store sales for the forty-three week period ended November 2, 1996 increased 2.4% over the prior-year period. Footaction's same store sales for the forty-three week period rose 18.1%, while Meldisco's same store sales declined 2.9%. Total sales for the forty-three week period were $1,331.6 million, an increase of 2.9% from sales of $1,294.2 million for the comparable period last year.

Mickey Robinson, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, commented, "We are very pleased with October's results. Footaction's strong sales performance exceeded our expectations for the month. In addition, business continued to improve at Meldisco, with October being the third consecutive month of positive comparable store sales."

As of November 2, 1996, Footstar operated 446 Footaction stores, which sell branded athletic footwear and apparel and 2,552 Meldisco leased footwear departments. -0-

Footstar, Inc.
Same Store Sales
Change from Prior Year


                       Four Weeks          Forty Three Weeks
                  Ended November 2, 1996  Ended November 2,1996


Footaction                12.4%                 18.1%
Meldisco                   2.9%                 (2.9%)
Footstar, Inc.             5.1%                  2.4%

CONTACT: Investor Contact: Carlos Alberini Media Contact: Wendi Kopsick

Sr. Vice President & CFO  Jim Fingeroth

Footstar, Inc. Kekst and Company

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