Cost Plus World Market, American Express and Ghirardelli Have Teamed up to Transport Five Lucky Winners Around the World in ''The $10,000 Unwrap the World Instant Win Game''

Cost Plus World Market (NASDAQ:CPWM), a leading retailer of casual home living and entertaining products, American Express and Ghirardelli Chocolate, are excited to unveil, "The $10,000 Unwrap the World Instant Win Game,” a nationwide travel giveaway to take place in World Market stores the day after Thanksgiving, Friday, November 24th, 2006. The first 100 customers in every World Market store on November 24th will receive a special Intense Dark chocolate bar from Ghirardelli at no charge. Five of the candy bars contain hidden $10,000 grand prizes. Customers will unwrap the chocolate bars and instantly be able to see whether they have won a $10,000 American Express® A Gift of Travel Certificate, along with coupons good toward in-store purchases. "Cost Plus World Market is known nationwide for bringing unique and affordable items from around the world to customers every day,” said Frank Castiglione, Senior Vice President of Marketing and Advertising. "The $10,000 Unwrap the World Instant Win Game will give five lucky shoppers an opportunity to either take a trip of a lifetime or bring loved ones home for the holidays courtesy of Cost Plus World Market, American Express, and Ghirardelli Chocolate.” The wining wrapper will say, "Start Packing! Congratulations! You’ve Unwrapped the World, you’re a Winner! See full Official Rules for prize claim details." About Cost Plus World Market Cost Plus World Market operates 286 stores in 35 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 wine varietals, gourmet foods and beverages offered at affordable prices and 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.