Columbus, Ohio, January 29, 2002 – Value City Department Stores, Inc. (NYSE: VCD) announced today that it has promoted John C. Rossler, President of its Shonac Corporation and DSW Shoe Warehouse subsidiaries, to President of Value City, effective February 3, 2002.

"I am excited that John is assuming the role as President of Value City," said George Kolber, Value City’s Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Officer. "His business experience will be a tremendous compliment to our management team and asset to Value City."

John Rossler has been President of Shonac Corporation and DSW Shoe Warehouse, both Value City subsidiaries. Rossler held various positions with DSW and Shonac since 1982, including Chief Operating Officer, Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer. Prior to joining Shonac/DSW, Rossler was the managing partner of the Columbus office of Alexander Grant/Grant Thornton International.

Value City also announced that Alan Schlesinger, its former President, will devote his full time as President and Chief Executive Officer of Filene’s Basement, Inc., a Value City subsidiary. "The Company appreciates Alan’s tremendous effort serving as both President of Value City and Filene’s Basement," said Kolber. "This move will allow Alan to focus all of his time, energy and expertise on the growth of Filene’s Basement."

Additionally, Value City has promoted Edwin J. Kozlowski, of Shonac/ DSW to Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of Value City, and Raymond L. Blanton, of Shonac to Senior Vice President and General Merchandise Manager of Value City.

Value City Department Stores, Inc. is a leading off-price retailer currently operating 118 full-line department stores in the Midwest, mid-Atlantic and southeastern U.S., 20 Filene's Basement Stores and 104 better-branded DSW Shoe Warehouse Stores in major metropolitan areas throughout the country.

Note: Statements in this press release that are not strictly historical are forward-looking statements that are made pursuant to the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, which may cause the Company’s actual results in the future to differ materially from expected results. These risks include risks detailed from time to time in the Company’s filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. These risks could cause the Company’s actual results for 2001 and beyond to differ materially from those expressed in any forward-looking statements made by, or on behalf of the Company. The Company cautions that members of management may make certain forward-looking statements based upon the Company’s current expectations or beliefs. We caution investors that our actual results may differ materially from our current expectations and beliefs based on the risk factors described in the reports we file with the SEC.

SOURCE: Value City Department Stores, Inc.

Contact: Jim McGrady, Chief Financial Officer - (614) 478-2300