Columbus, Ohio, June 6/ -- Value City Department Stores, Inc. (NYSE: VCD - news) today announced the appointment of Alan R. Schlesinger (57) as President and Chief Executive Officer of Base Acquisition Corp., succeeding Samuel J. Gerson, who announced plans for retirement. Base, a wholly owned subsidiary of Value City, currently operates 17 Filene's Basement stores in Boston and other Massachusetts cities, New York, Chicago and Washington, D. C.

Schlesinger, a 30-year retailing veteran, comes to Base from Lamonts Apparel, Inc., of Kirkland, Washington, where he served as Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer. His earlier career, which focused on merchandising, included senior positions at Macy's, Ross Stores, and the May Company. In addition, he is a member of the board of Gymboree, Inc. ``I am looking forward to the opportunity to return Filene's Basement to it's rightful position as an exciting and successful retailer,'' stated Schlesinger who added, ``I'm also looking forward to living in the Boston area.''

In announcing his retirement Gerson observed, ``After 25 years at one company -- even at a place as fabulous as the Basement -- it's time to do something different. I will be starting a new business venture that won't have the intense pace of retailing. My successor is inheriting a wonderful team and I wish him all the best.''

Value City's President, Mike Tanner, said, ``We are very pleased to have an executive of Alan's broad experience taking command and we thank Sam for his considerable assistance with the post acquisition transition.''

For More Information Contact:

James McGrady
Phone: (614) 478-2300
Value City Department Stores, Inc.
3241 Westerville Road, Columbus, OH 43224