Cost Plus World Market Adds to Its List of Fair-Trade Products With Launch of Thaicraft Merchandise in Spring 2008

Oakland, CA — January 22, 2008 — Adding to its growing list of fair-trade items, Cost Plus World Market will be launching a line of handcrafted decorative items from Thailand in Spring 2008. Working with recycled phonebooks, magazines and paper, Thai women have turned these discarded materials into a colorful assortment of baskets and magnets—perfect for keeping any room organized and tidy while adding a touch of whimsy. Cost Plus World Market will be carrying a selection of items including a basket, cardholder, and magnets in the shape of a dragonfly, pig and gecko. Beginning in May 2008, the items will be available in-store and online and range in price from $2.99 for the dragonfly magnet to $14.99 for a basket.

Following the economic crisis of 1997 in Thailand, many training programs were set up in a Bangkok park teaching people to take up alternative activities. One of these was the art of making products from recycled paper. Housewives and unemployed women who lived in low-income urban communities picked up this skill and started making different kinds of products out of many types of discarded paper. The eco-friendly items they create and sell provide income and stability for the women.

These female artisans are now part of ThaiCraft, an independent development organization working to preserve the rich and diverse craft traditions of Thailand. ThaiCraft consists of over 70 artisan groups from all regions of Thailand and ensures fair and ethical trade for all of its groups.

About Cost Plus World Market

Cost Plus World Market operates 299 stores in 34 states under the names “World Market” and “Cost Plus World Market.” The store features an ever-changing selection of casual home furnishings, housewares, gifts, jewelry, 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 World Market regularly supplied by an international network of individual and regional artisans developed over the Company’s nearly 50 years in the import business. The majority of the store’s furniture is constructed of environmentally friendly, farm raised wood while a number of items are made out of recycled glass and yet countless are constructed of environmentally friendly bamboo. The value, breadth and continual refreshment of products invite customers to come back throughout a lifetime of changing home furnishings and entertaining needs. For more information, please visit www.worldmarket.com.

Contact:
Jill Osaka
Cost Plus World Market
(510) 808-9319
jill.osaka@cpwm.com