Document:

Cost Plus, Inc. 2004 Stock Plan

 Exhibit 10.3 
 COST PLUS, INC. 
 2004 STOCK PLAN 
 (As Amended and Restated June 22, 2006) 
 1. Purposes of the Plan.
The purposes of this Stock Plan are: 
  

	 	•	 	to attract and retain the best available personnel for positions of substantial responsibility, 

  

	 	•	 	to provide additional incentive to Service Providers, and 

  

	 	•	 	to promote the success of the Company’s business. 

 Awards granted under the Plan may be Incentive Stock Options, Nonstatutory Stock Options, Restricted Stock, Stock Appreciation Rights, Performance Shares, Performance Units or Deferred Stock Units, as determined by the Administrator at the
time of grant. 
 2. Definitions. As used herein, the following definitions shall apply: 
 (a) “Administrator” means the Board or any of its Committees as shall be administering the Plan, in accordance with
Section 4 of the Plan. 
 (b) “Annual Revenue” means the Company’s or a business unit’s net
sales for the Fiscal Year, determined in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles; provided, however, that prior to the Fiscal Year, the Administrator shall determine whether any significant item(s) shall be excluded or included from
the calculation of Annual Revenue with respect to one or more Participants. 
 (c) “Applicable Laws” means
the legal requirements relating to the administration of equity compensation plans under state corporate and securities laws and the Code. 
 (d) “Award” means, individually or collectively, a grant under the Plan of Options, Restricted Stock, Stock Appreciation Rights, Performance Shares, Performance Units or Deferred Stock Units.

 (e) “Award Agreement” means the written agreement setting forth the terms and provisions applicable to
each Award granted under the Plan. The Award Agreement is subject to the terms and conditions of the Plan. 
 (f)
“Awarded Stock” means the Common Stock subject to an Award. 
 (g) “Board” means the Board
of Directors of the Company. 
 (h) “Cash Position” means the Company’s level of cash and cash
equivalents. 

 (i) “Change of Control” means the occurrence of any of the following
events: 
 (i) The acquisition by any “person” (as such term is used in Sections 13(d) and 14(d) of the
Exchange Act) (other than the Company or a person that directly or indirectly controls, is controlled by, or is under common control with, the Company) of the “beneficial ownership” (as defined in Rule 13d-3 under the Exchange Act),
directly or indirectly, of securities of the Company representing fifty percent (50%) or more of the total voting power represented by the Company’s then outstanding voting securities; 
 (ii) A change in the composition of the Board occurring within a two-year period, as a result of which fewer than a majority of the
directors are Incumbent Directors. “Incumbent Directors” shall mean Directors who either (A) are Directors as of the date hereof, or (B) are elected, or nominated for election, to the Board with the affirmative votes of at least
a majority of the Incumbent Directors at the time of such election or nomination (but shall not include an individual not otherwise an Incumbent Director whose election or nomination is in connection with an actual or threatened proxy contest
relating to the election of directors to the Company); 
 (iii) A merger or consolidation of the Company with any other
corporation, other than a merger or consolidation which would result in the voting securities of the Company outstanding immediately prior thereto continuing to represent (either by remaining outstanding or by being converted into voting securities
of the surviving entity) at least fifty percent (50%) of the total voting power represented by the voting securities of the Company or such surviving entity outstanding immediately after such merger or consolidation; 
 (iv) The approval by the shareholders of the Company of a plan of complete liquidation of the Company; 
 (v) The sale of all or substantially all of the assets of the Company determined on a consolidated basis; or 
 (vi) The complete liquidation or dissolution of the Company. 
 (j) “Code” means the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended. 
 (k) “Committee” means a Committee appointed by the Board in accordance with Section 4 of the Plan. 
 (l) “Common Stock” means the Common Stock of the Company. 
 (m) “Company” means Cost Plus, Inc., a California corporation. 
 (n) “Consultant” means any person, including an advisor, engaged by the Company or a Parent or Subsidiary to render
services and who is compensated for such services. The term Consultant shall not include Directors who are compensated by the Company only for their service as Directors. 
  

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 (o) “Deferred Stock Unit” means a deferred stock unit Award granted to a
Participant pursuant to Section 13. 
 (p) “Director” means a member of the Board. 
 (q) “Disability” means total and permanent disability as defined in Section 22(e)(3) of the Code. 

(r) “Earnings Per Share” means as to any Fiscal Year, the Company’s or a business unit’s Net Income, divided
by a weighted average number of common shares outstanding and dilutive common equivalent shares deemed outstanding, determined in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. 
 (s) “Employee” means any person, including Officers and Directors, employed by the Company or any Parent or Subsidiary of
the Company. A Service Provider shall not cease to be an Employee in the case of (i) any leave of absence approved by the Company or (ii) transfers between locations of the Company or between the Company, its Parent, any Subsidiary, or any
successor. For purposes of Incentive Stock Options, no such leave may exceed ninety days, unless reemployment upon expiration of such leave is guaranteed by statute or contract. If reemployment upon expiration of a leave of absence approved by the
Company is not so guaranteed, then three (3) months following the 91st day of such leave any Incentive Stock
Option held by the Participant shall cease to be treated as an Incentive Stock Option and shall be treated for tax purposes as a Nonstatutory Stock Option. Neither service as a Director nor payment of a director’s fee by the Company shall be
sufficient to constitute “employment” by the Company. 
 (t) “Exchange Act” means the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. 
 (u) “Fair Market Value” means, as of any date, the value of Common Stock
determined as follows: 
 (i) If the Common Stock is listed on any established stock exchange or a national market system,
including without limitation the Nasdaq National Market of the National Association of Securities Dealers, Inc. Automated Quotation (“NASDAQ”) System, the Fair Market Value of a Share of Common Stock shall be the closing sales price
for such stock (or the closing bid, if no sales were reported) as quoted on such system or exchange (or the exchange with the greatest volume of trading in Common Stock) on the day of determination, as reported in The Wall Street
Journal or such other source as the Administrator deems reliable; 
 (ii) If the Common Stock is quoted on the NASDAQ
System (but not on the Nasdaq National Market thereof) or is regularly quoted by a recognized securities dealer but selling prices are not reported, the Fair Market Value of a Share of Common Stock shall be the mean between the high bid and low
asked prices for the Common Stock on the last market trading day prior to the day of determination, as reported in The Wall Street Journal or such other source as the Administrator deems reliable; 
 (iii) In the absence of an established market for the Common Stock, the Fair Market Value shall be determined in good faith by the
Administrator. 
  

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 (v) “Fiscal Year” means a fiscal year of the Company. 
 (w) “Incentive Stock Option” means an Option intended to qualify as an incentive stock option within the meaning of
Section 422 of the Code and the regulations promulgated thereunder. 
 (x) “Net Income” means as to any
Fiscal Year, the income after taxes of the Company for the Fiscal Year determined in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, provided that prior to the Fiscal Year, the Administrator shall determine whether any significant item(s)
shall be included or excluded from the calculation of Net Income with respect to one or more Participants. 
 (y)
“Nonstatutory Stock Option” means an Option not intended to qualify as an Incentive Stock Option. 
 (z)
“Notice of Grant” means a written notice evidencing certain terms and conditions of an individual Award. The Notice of Grant is part of the Option Agreement. 
 (aa) “Officer” means a person who is an officer of the Company within the meaning of Section 16 of the Exchange Act
and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder. 
 (bb) “Operating Cash Flow” means the Company’s
or a business unit’s sum of Net Income plus depreciation and amortization less capital expenditures plus changes in working capital comprised of accounts receivable, inventories, other current assets, trade accounts payable, accrued expenses,
product warranty, advance payments from customers and long-term accrued expenses, determined in accordance with generally acceptable accounting principles. 
 (cc) “Operating Income” means the Company’s or a business unit’s income from operations but excluding any unusual items, determined in accordance with generally accepted accounting
principles. 
 (dd) “Option” means a stock option granted pursuant to the Plan. 
 (ee) “Option Agreement” means a written agreement between the Company and a Participant evidencing the terms and
conditions of an individual Option grant. The Option Agreement is subject to the terms and conditions of the Plan. 
 (ff)
“Parent” means a “parent corporation”, whether now or hereafter existing, as defined in Section 424(e) of the Code. 
 (gg) “Participant” means the holder of an outstanding Award granted under the Plan. 
 (hh) “Performance Goals” means the goal(s) (or combined goal(s)) determined by the Administrator (in its discretion) to be applicable to a Participant with respect to an Award. As determined by the Administrator, the
Performance Goals applicable to an Award may provide for a targeted level or levels of achievement using one or more of the following measures: (a) Annual 

  

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Revenue, (b) Cash Position, (c) Earnings Per Share, (d) Net Income, (e) Operating Cash Flow, (f) Operating Income, (g) Return
on Assets, (h) Return on Equity, (i) Return on Sales, and (j) Total Shareholder Return. The Performance Goals may differ from Participant to Participant and from Award to Award. 
 (ii) “Performance Share” means a performance share Award granted to a Participant pursuant to Section 11.

 (jj) “Performance Unit” means a performance unit Award granted to a Participant pursuant to
Section 12. 
 (kk) “Per Share Strike Price” means, with respect to each Option or SAR, the per share
exercise price. 
 (ll) “Plan” means this 2004 Stock Plan. 
 (mm) “Restricted Stock” means Shares granted pursuant to Section 10 of the Plan. 
 (nn) “Retirement” means a Participant’s voluntary retirement at or after age 65 (or, with the consent of the Plan
Administrator, in its sole discretion, age 55). 
 (oo) “Return on Assets” means the percentage equal to the
Company’s or a business unit’s Operating Income before incentive compensation, divided by average net Company or business unit, as applicable, assets, determined in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. 
 (pp) “Return on Equity” means the percentage equal to the Company’s Net Income divided by average shareholder’s
equity, determined in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. 
 (qq) “Return on Sales”
means the percentage equal to the Company’s or a business unit’s Operating Income before incentive compensation, divided by the Company’s or the business unit’s, as applicable, revenue, determined in accordance with generally
accepted accounting principles. 
 (rr) “Rule 16b-3” means Rule 16b-3 of the Exchange Act or any successor to
Rule 16b-3, as in effect when discretion is being exercised with respect to the Plan. 
 (ss)
“Section 16(b)” means Section 16(b) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. 
 (tt) “Service Provider” means an Employee or Consultant. 
 (uu) “Share” means a
share of the Common Stock, as adjusted in accordance with Section 16 of the Plan. 
  

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 (vv) “Stock Appreciation Right” or “SAR” means an Award
granted pursuant to Section 9 hereof. 
 (ww) “Subsidiary” means a “subsidiary corporation”,
whether now or hereafter existing, as defined in Section 424(f) of the Code. 
 (xx) “Total Shareholder
Return” means the total return (change in share price plus reinvestment of any dividends) of a Share. 
 3. Stock Subject to the
Plan. Subject to the provisions of Section 16 of the Plan, the maximum aggregate number of Shares which may be issued under the Plan is 1,900,000 Shares, plus any Shares remaining available for issuance pursuant to the Company’s 1995
Stock Plan as of the date the Plan was originally approved, up to a maximum of 100,000 Shares, plus any shares subject to any outstanding options under the Company’s 1995 Stock Option Plan that subsequently expire unexercised, up to a maximum
of an additional 800,000 Shares; provided, however, that in no event shall more than 30% of the Stock remaining issuable under the Plan as of the date of obtaining shareholder approval in 2004 and 30% of the Shares subsequently added to the Plan by
virtue of outstanding 1995 Stock Option Plan options expiring unexercised be issued pursuant to Awards with an exercise price or purchase price that is less than 100% of Fair Market Value on the date of grant. The Shares may be authorized, but
unissued, or reacquired Common Stock. 
 If an Award expires or becomes unexercisable without having been exercised in full, or, with respect
to Restricted Stock, Performance Shares, Performance Units or Deferred Stock Units, is forfeited to or repurchased by the Company, the unpurchased Shares (or for Awards other than Options and SARs, the forfeited or repurchased shares) which were
subject thereto shall become available for future grant or sale under the Plan (unless the Plan has terminated). With respect to SARs, only shares actually issued pursuant to an SAR shall cease to be available under the Plan; all remaining shares
under SARs shall remain available for future grant or sale under the Plan (unless the Plan has terminated). However, Shares that have actually been issued under the Plan under any Award shall not be returned to the Plan and shall not become
available for future distribution under the Plan; provided, however, that if Shares of Restricted Stock, Performance Shares, Performance Units or Deferred Stock Units are repurchased by the Company at their original purchase price or are forfeited
to the Company, such Shares shall become available for future grant under the Plan. To the extent an Award under the Plan is paid out in cash rather than stock, such cash payment shall not result in reducing the number of Shares available for
issuance under the Plan. 
 4. Administration of the Plan. 
 (a) Procedure. 
 (i) Multiple Administrative Bodies. The Plan may be administered by different Committees with respect to different groups of Service Providers. 
 (ii) Section 162(m). To the extent that the Administrator determines it to be desirable to qualify Options granted hereunder
as “performance-based compensation” within the 

  

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meaning of Section 162(m) of the Code, the Plan shall be administered by a Committee of two or more “outside directors” within the
meaning of Section 162(m) of the Code. 
 (iii) Rule 16b-3. To the extent desirable to qualify transactions
hereunder as exempt under Rule 16b-3, the transactions contemplated hereunder shall be structured to satisfy the requirements for exemption under Rule 16b-3. 
 (iv) Other Administration. Other than as provided above, the Plan shall be administered by (A) the Board or (B) a
Committee, which committee shall be constituted to satisfy Applicable Laws. 
 (b) Powers of the Administrator. Subject
to the provisions of the Plan, and in the case of a Committee, subject to the specific duties delegated by the Board to such Committee, the Administrator shall have the authority, in its discretion: 
 (i) to determine the Fair Market Value of the Common Stock, in accordance with Section 2(u) of the Plan; 
 (ii) to select the Service Providers to whom Awards may be granted hereunder; 
 (iii) to determine whether and to what extent Awards or any combination thereof, are granted hereunder; 
 (iv) to determine the number of shares of Common Stock to be covered by each Award granted hereunder; 
 (v) to approve forms of agreement for use under the Plan; 
 (vi) to determine the terms and conditions, not inconsistent with the terms of the Plan, of any award granted hereunder. Such terms and
conditions include, but are not limited to, the exercise price, the time or times when Options or SARs may be exercised or other Awards vest (which may be based on performance criteria), any vesting acceleration or waiver of forfeiture restrictions,
and any restriction or limitation regarding any Award or the shares of Common Stock relating thereto, based in each case on such factors as the Administrator, in its sole discretion, shall determine; 
 (vii) to construe and interpret the terms of the Plan and Awards; 
 (viii) to prescribe, amend and rescind rules and regulations relating to the Plan, including rules and regulations relating to sub-plans
established for the purpose of qualifying for preferred tax treatment under foreign tax laws; 
 (ix) to modify or amend each
Award (subject to Section 18(c) of the Plan), including the discretionary authority to extend the post-termination exercisability period of Options and SARs longer than is otherwise provided for in the Plan; 
  

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 (x) to authorize any person to execute on behalf of the Company any instrument required
to effect the grant of an Option or Stock Appreciation previously granted by the Administrator; 
 (xi) to allow Participants
to satisfy withholding tax obligations by electing to have the Company withhold from the Shares or cash to be issued upon exercise or vesting of an Award (or distribution of a Deferred Stock Unit) that number of Shares or cash having a Fair Market
Value equal to the minimum amount required to be withheld. The Fair Market Value of any Shares to be withheld shall be determined on the date that the amount of tax to be withheld is to be determined. All elections by a Participant to have Shares or
cash withheld for this purpose shall be made in such form and under such conditions as the Administrator may deem necessary or advisable; 
 (xii) to determine the terms and restrictions applicable to Awards; and 
 (xiii) to make all
other determinations deemed necessary or advisable for administering the Plan. 
 (c) Effect of Administrator’s
Decision. The Administrator’s decisions, determinations and interpretations shall be final and binding on all Participants and any other holders of Awards. 
 5. Eligibility. Restricted Stock, Performance Shares, Performance Units, Stock Appreciation Rights, Deferred Stock Units and Nonstatutory Stock Options may be granted to Service Providers. Incentive Stock
Options may be granted only to Employees. 
 6. Limitations. 
 (a) Each Option shall be designated in the Notice of Grant as either an Incentive Stock Option or a Nonstatutory Stock Option. However,
notwithstanding such designations, to the extent that the aggregate Fair Market Value: 
 (i) of Shares subject to a
Participant’s Incentive Stock Options granted by the Company, any Parent or Subsidiary, which 
 (ii) become exercisable
for the first time during any calendar year (under all plans of the Company or any Parent or Subsidiary)
 exceeds $100,000, such excess Options shall be
treated as Nonstatutory Stock Options. For purposes of this Section 6(a), Incentive Stock Options shall be taken into account in the order in which they were granted, and the Fair Market Value of the Shares shall be determined as of the time of
grant. 
 (b) Neither the Plan nor any Award shall confer upon a Participant any right with respect to continuing the
Participant’s employment with the Company or its Subsidiaries, nor shall they interfere in any way with the Participant’s right or the Company’s or Subsidiary’s right, as the case may be, to terminate such employment at any time,
with or without cause or notice. 
  

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 (c) The following limitations shall apply to grants of Options and Stock Appreciation
Rights to Employees: 
 (i) No Employee shall be granted, in any fiscal year of the Company, Options and Stock Appreciation
Rights to purchase more than 300,000 Shares. 
 (ii) The foregoing limitations shall be adjusted proportionately in connection
with any change in the Company’s capitalization as described in Section 16. 
 7. Term of Plan. The Plan shall continue in
effect for a term of ten (10) years following the date upon which the Board approved the Plan in 2004. 
 8. Stock Options.

 (a) Term . The term of each Option shall be stated in the Notice of Grant; provided, however, that the term shall be
ten (10) years from the date of grant or such shorter term as may be provided in the Notice of Grant. Moreover, in the case of an Incentive Stock Option granted to a Participant who, at the time the Incentive Stock Option is granted, owns stock
representing more than ten percent (10%) of the voting power of all classes of stock of the Company or any Parent or Subsidiary, the term of the Incentive Stock Option shall be five (5) years from the date of grant or such shorter term as
may be provided in the Notice of Grant. 
 (b) Option Exercise Price and Consideration. 
 (i) Exercise Price. The per share exercise price for the Shares to be issued pursuant to exercise of an Option shall be determined
by the Administrator, subject to the following: 
 (A) In the case of an Incentive Stock Option 
 a) granted to an Employee who, at the time the Incentive Stock Option is granted, owns stock representing more than ten percent
(10%) of the voting power of all classes of stock of the Company or any Parent or Subsidiary, the per Share exercise price shall be no less than 110% of the Fair Market Value per Share on the date of grant. 
 b) granted to any Employee other than an Employee described in paragraph a) immediately above, the per Share exercise price shall be
no less than 100% of the Fair Market Value per Share on the date of grant. 
 (B) In the case of a Nonstatutory Stock Option,
the per Share exercise price shall be no less than 25% of the Fair Market Value per share on the date of grant. In the case of a Nonstatutory Stock Option intended to qualify as “performance-based compensation” within the meaning of
Section 162(m) of the Code, the per Share exercise price shall be no less than 100% of the Fair Market Value per Share on the date of grant. 
 (C) Notwithstanding the foregoing, Options may be granted with a per Share exercise price of less than 100% of the Fair Market Value per Share on the date of grant pursuant to a merger or other corporate transaction.

  

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 (D) The exercise price for an Option may not be reduced without the consent of the
Company’s shareholders. This shall include, without limitation, a repricing of the Option as well as an Option exchange program whereby the Participant agrees to cancel an existing Option in exchange for an Option, SAR or other Award.

 (c) Waiting Period and Exercise Dates. At the time an Option is granted, the Administrator shall fix the period
within which the Option may be exercised and shall determine any conditions which must be satisfied before the Option may be exercised. In so doing, the Administrator may specify that an Option may not be exercised until the completion of a service
period. 
 (d) Form of Consideration. The Administrator shall determine the acceptable form of consideration for
exercising an Option, including the method of payment. In the case of an Incentive Stock Option, the Administrator shall determine the acceptable form of consideration at the time of grant. Subject to Applicable Laws, such consideration may consist
entirely of: 
 (i) cash; 
 (ii) check; 
 (iii) other Shares which (A) in the case of Shares acquired upon exercise
of an option, have been owned by the Participant for more than six months on the date of surrender, and (B) have a Fair Market Value on the date of surrender equal to the aggregate exercise price of the Shares as to which said Option shall be
exercised; 
 (iv) delivery of a properly executed exercise notice together with such other documentation as the Administrator
and the broker, if applicable, shall require to effect an exercise of the Option and delivery to the Company of the sale or loan proceeds required to pay the exercise price; 
 (v) any combination of the foregoing methods of payment; or 
 (vi) such other consideration and method of payment for the issuance of Shares to the extent permitted by Applicable Laws. 
 (e) Exercise of Option. 
 (i) Procedure for Exercise; Rights as a Shareholder. Any Option granted hereunder shall be exercisable according to the terms of the Plan and at such times and under such conditions as determined by the
Administrator and set forth in the Option Agreement. 
 An Option may not be exercised for a fraction of a Share. 
 An Option shall be deemed exercised when the Company receives: (i) written notice of exercise (in accordance with the Option Agreement) from
the person entitled to exercise the Option, and (ii) full payment for the Shares with respect to which the Option is exercised. Full payment may consist of any consideration and method of payment authorized by the Administrator and permitted

  

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by the Option Agreement and the Plan. Shares issued upon exercise of an Option shall be issued in the name of the Participant or, if requested by the
Participant, in the name of the Participant and his or her spouse. Until the stock certificate evidencing such Shares is issued (as evidenced by the appropriate entry on the books of the Company or of a duly authorized transfer agent of the
Company), no right to vote or receive dividends or any other rights as a shareholder shall exist with respect to the optioned stock, notwithstanding the exercise of the Option. The Company shall issue (or cause to be issued) such stock
certificate promptly after the Option is exercised. No adjustment will be made for a dividend or other right for which the record date is prior to the date the stock certificate is issued, except as provided in Section 16 of the Plan.

 Exercising an Option in any manner shall decrease the number of Shares thereafter available, both for purposes of the Plan and for sale
under the Option, by the number of Shares as to which the Option is exercised. 
 (f) Termination of Relationship as a
Service Provider. If a Participant ceases to be a Service Provider, other than upon the Participant’s death, Disability or Retirement, the Participant may exercise his or her Option within such period of time as is specified in the Option
Agreement to the extent that the Option is vested on the date of termination (but in no event later than the expiration of the term of such Option as set forth in the Option Agreement). In the absence of a specified time in the Option Agreement, the
Option shall remain exercisable for thirty (30) days following the Participant’s termination. If, on the date of termination, the Participant is not vested as to his or her entire Option, the Shares covered by the unvested portion of the
Option shall revert to the Plan. If, after termination, the Participant does not exercise his or her Option within the time specified by the Administrator, the Option shall terminate, and the Shares covered by such Option shall revert to the Plan.

 (g) Disability or Retirement of Participant. If a Participant ceases to be a Service Provider as a result of the
Participant’s Disability or pursuant to his or her Retirement, the Participant may exercise his or her Option within such period of time as is specified in the Option Agreement to the extent the Option is vested on the date of termination (but
in no event later than the expiration of the term of such Option as set forth in the Option Agreement). In the absence of a specified time in the Option Agreement, the Option shall remain exercisable for twelve (12) months following the
Participant’s termination. If, on the date of termination, the Participant is not vested as to his or her entire Option, the Shares covered by the unvested portion of the Option shall revert to the Plan. If, after termination, the Participant
does not exercise his or her Option within the time specified herein, the Option shall terminate, and the Shares covered by such Option shall revert to the Plan. 
 (h) Death of Participant. If a Participant dies while a Service Provider, the Option may be exercised following the
Participant’s death within such period of time as is specified in the Option Agreement (but in no event may the option be exercised later than the expiration of the term of such Option as set forth in the Option Agreement), by the
Participant’s designated beneficiary, provided such beneficiary has been designated prior to Participant’s death in a form acceptable to the Administrator. If no such beneficiary has been designated by the Participant, then such Option may
be exercised by the personal representative of the Participant’s estate or by the person(s) to whom the Option is transferred pursuant to the Participant’s will or in accordance with the laws of descent 

  

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and distribution. In the absence of a specified time in the Option Agreement, the Option shall remain exercisable for twelve (12) months following
Participant’s death. If the Option is not so exercised within the time specified herein, the Option shall terminate, and the Shares covered by such Option shall revert to the Plan. 
 9. Stock Appreciation Rights. 
 (a) Grant of SARs. Subject to the terms and conditions of the Plan, SARs may be granted to Participants at any time and from time to time as shall be determined by the Administrator, in its sole discretion. The Administrator shall
have complete discretion to determine the number of SARs granted to any Participant. 
 (b) Exercise Price and other
Terms. Subject to Section 6(c) of the Plan, the Administrator, subject to the provisions of the Plan, shall have complete discretion to determine the terms and conditions of SARs granted under the Plan; provided, however, that no SAR may
have a term of more than ten (10) years from the date of grant. The exercise price for the Shares or cash to be issued pursuant to an already granted SAR may not be changed without the consent of the Company’s shareholders. This shall
include, without limitation, a repricing of the SAR as well as an SAR exchange program whereby the Participant agrees to cancel an existing SAR in exchange for an Option, SAR or other Award. 
 (c) Payment of SAR Amount. Upon exercise of a SAR, a Participant shall be entitled to receive payment from the Company in an amount
determined by multiplying: 
 (i) The difference between the Fair Market Value of a Share on the date of exercise over the
exercise price; times 
 (ii) the number of Shares with respect to which the SAR is exercised. 
 (d) Payment upon Exercise of SAR. At the discretion of the Administrator, payment for a SAR may be in cash, Shares or a combination
thereof. 
 (e) SAR Agreement. Each SAR grant shall be evidenced by an Award Agreement that shall specify the exercise
price, the term of the SAR, the conditions of exercise, and such other terms and conditions as the Administrator, in its sole discretion, shall determine. 
 (f) Expiration of SARs. A SAR granted under the Plan shall expire upon the date determined by the Administrator, in its sole discretion, and set forth in the Award Agreement. 
 (g) Termination of Relationship as a Service Provider. If a Participant ceases to be a Service Provider, other than upon the
Participant’s death, Disability or Retirement termination, the Participant may exercise his or her SAR within such period of time as is specified in the SAR Agreement to the extent that the SAR is vested on the date of termination (but in no
event later than the expiration of the term of such SAR as set forth in the SAR Agreement). In the absence of a specified time in the SAR Agreement, the SAR shall remain exercisable for thirty (30) days following the Participant’s
termination. If, on the date of termination, the Participant is not vested as to his or her entire SAR, the Shares covered by the unvested portion of the SAR shall revert to the 

  

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Plan. If, after termination, the Participant does not exercise his or her SAR within the time specified by the Administrator, the SAR shall terminate, and
the Shares covered by such SAR shall revert to the Plan. 
 (h) Disability or Retirement of Participant. If a
Participant ceases to be a Service Provider as a result of the Participant’s Disability or his or her Retirement, the Participant may exercise his or her SAR within such period of time as is specified in the SAR Agreement to the extent the SAR
is vested on the date of termination (but in no event later than the expiration of the term of such SAR as set forth in the SAR Agreement). In the absence of a specified time in the SAR Agreement, the SAR shall remain exercisable for twelve
(12) months following the Participant’s termination. If, on the date of termination, the Participant is not vested as to his or her entire SAR, the Shares covered by the unvested portion of the SAR shall revert to the Plan. If, after
termination, the Participant does not exercise his or her SAR within the time specified herein, the SAR shall terminate, and the Shares covered by such SAR shall revert to the Plan. 
 (i) Death of Participant. If a Participant dies while a Service Provider, the SAR may be exercised following the Participant’s
death within such period of time as is specified in the SAR Agreement (but in no event may the SAR be exercised later than the expiration of the term of such SAR as set forth in the SAR Agreement), by the Participant’s designated beneficiary,
provided such beneficiary has been designated prior to Participant’s death in a form acceptable to the Administrator. If no such beneficiary has been designated by the Participant, then such SAR may be exercised by the personal representative
of the Participant’s estate or by the person(s) to whom the SAR is transferred pursuant to the Participant’s will or in accordance with the laws of descent and distribution. In the absence of a specified time in the SAR Agreement, the SAR
shall remain exercisable for twelve (12) months following Participant’s death. If the SAR is not so exercised within the time specified herein, the SAR shall terminate, and the Shares covered by such SAR shall revert to the Plan.

 10. Restricted Stock. 
 (a) Grant of Restricted Stock. Subject to the terms and conditions of the Plan, Restricted Stock may be granted to Participants at any time as shall be determined by the Administrator, in its sole discretion.
The Administrator shall have complete discretion to determine (i) the number of Shares subject to a Restricted Stock award granted to any Participant (provided that during any fiscal year of the Company, no Participant shall be granted more
than 200,000 Shares of Restricted Stock), and (ii) the conditions that must be satisfied, which typically will be based principally or solely on continued provision of services but may include a performance-based component, upon which is
conditioned the grant or vesting of Restricted Stock. Restricted Stock shall be granted in the form of units to acquire Shares. Each such unit shall be the equivalent of one Share for purposes of determining the number of Shares subject to an Award.
Until the Shares are issued, no right to vote or receive dividends or any other rights as a shareholder shall exist with respect to the units to acquire Shares. 
 (b) Other Terms. The Administrator, subject to the provisions of the Plan, shall have complete discretion to determine the terms
and conditions of Restricted Stock granted under the Plan. Restricted Stock grants shall be subject to the terms, conditions, and restrictions determined by 

  

 -13- 

 
the Administrator at the time the stock is awarded. The Administrator may require the recipient to sign a Restricted Stock Award agreement as a condition of
the award. Any certificates representing the Shares of stock awarded shall bear such legends as shall be determined by the Administrator. 
 (c) Restricted Stock Award Agreement. Each Restricted Stock grant shall be evidenced by an agreement that shall specify the purchase price (if any) and such other terms and conditions as the Administrator, in
its sole discretion, shall determine; provided; however, that if the Restricted Stock grant has a purchase price, such purchase price must be paid no more than ten (10) years following the date of grant. 
 (d) Section 162(m) Performance Restrictions. For purposes of qualifying grants of Restricted Stock as “performance-based
compensation” under Section 162(m) of the Code, the Administrator, in its discretion, may set restrictions based upon the achievement of Performance Goals. The Performance Goals shall be set by the Administrator on or before the latest
date permissible to enable the Restricted Stock to qualify as “performance-based compensation” under Section 162(m) of the Code. In granting Restricted Stock which is intended to qualify under Section 162(m) of the Code, the
Administrator shall follow any procedures determined by it from time to time to be necessary or appropriate to ensure qualification of the Restricted Stock under Section 162(m) of the Code (e.g., in determining the Performance Goals).

 11. Performance Shares. 
 (a) Grant of Performance Shares. Subject to the terms and conditions of the Plan, Performance Shares may be granted to Participants at any time as shall be determined by the Administrator, in its sole
discretion. The Administrator shall have complete discretion to determine (i) the number of Shares subject to a Performance Share award granted to any Participant (provided that during any fiscal year of the Company, no Participant shall be
granted more than 200,000 units of Performance Shares), and (ii) the conditions that must be satisfied, which typically will be based principally or solely on achievement of performance milestones but may include a service-based component, upon
which is conditioned the grant or vesting of Performance Shares. Performance Shares shall be granted in the form of units to acquire Shares. Each such unit shall be the equivalent of one Share for purposes of determining the number of Shares subject
to an Award. Until the Shares are issued, no right to vote or receive dividends or any other rights as a shareholder shall exist with respect to the units to acquire Shares. 
 (b) Other Terms. The Administrator, subject to the provisions of the Plan, shall have complete discretion to determine the terms
and conditions of Performance Shares granted under the Plan. Performance Share grants shall be subject to the terms, conditions, and restrictions determined by the Administrator at the time the stock is awarded, which may include such
performance-based milestones as are determined appropriate by the Administrator. The Administrator may require the recipient to sign a Performance Shares agreement as a condition of the award. Any certificates representing the Shares of stock
awarded shall bear such legends as shall be determined by the Administrator. 
  

 -14- 

 (c) Performance Share Award Agreement. Each Performance Share grant shall be
evidenced by an agreement that shall specify such other terms and conditions as the Administrator, in its sole discretion, shall determine. 
 (d) Section 162(m) Performance Restrictions. For purposes of qualifying grants of Performance Shares as “performance-based compensation” under Section 162(m) of the Code, the Administrator,
in its discretion, may set restrictions based upon the achievement of Performance Goals. The Performance Goals shall be set by the Administrator on or before the latest date permissible to enable the Performance Shares to qualify as
“performance-based compensation” under Section 162(m) of the Code. In granting Performance Shares which are intended to qualify under Section 162(m) of the Code, the Administrator shall follow any procedures determined by it from
time to time to be necessary or appropriate to ensure qualification of the Performance Shares under Section 162(m) of the Code (e.g., in determining the Performance Goals). 
 12. Performance Units. 
 (a) Grant of Performance Units. Performance Units are similar to Performance Shares, except that they shall be settled in a cash equivalent to the Fair Market Value of the underlying Shares, determined as of the vesting date. Subject
to the terms and conditions of the Plan, Performance Units may be granted to Participants at any time and from time to time as shall be determined by the Administrator, in its sole discretion. The Administrator shall have complete discretion to
determine the conditions that must be satisfied, which typically will be based principally or solely on achievement of performance milestones but may include a service-based component, upon which is conditioned the grant or vesting of Performance
Units. Performance Units shall be granted in the form of units to acquire Shares. Each such unit shall be the cash equivalent of one Share of Common Stock. No right to vote or receive dividends or any other rights as a shareholder shall exist with
respect to Performance Units or the cash payable thereunder. 
 (b) Number of Performance Units. The Administrator will
have complete discretion in determining the number of Performance Units granted to any Participant, provided that during any fiscal year of the Company, no Participant shall receive Performance Units having an initial value greater than $1,000,000,
except that such Participant may receive Performance Units in a fiscal year of the Company in which his or her service as a Participant first commences with an initial value no greater than $2,000,000. 
 (c) Other Terms. The Administrator, subject to the provisions of the Plan, shall have complete discretion to determine the terms
and conditions of Performance Units granted under the Plan. Performance Unit grants shall be subject to the terms, conditions, and restrictions determined by the Administrator at the time the stock is awarded, which may include such
performance-based milestones as are determined appropriate by the Administrator. The Administrator may require the recipient to sign a Performance Unit agreement as a condition of the award. Any certificates representing the Shares awarded shall
bear such legends as shall be determined by the Administrator. 
  

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 (d) Performance Unit Award Agreement. Each Performance Unit grant shall be
evidenced by an agreement that shall specify such terms and conditions as the Administrator, in its sole discretion, shall determine. 
 (e) Section 162(m) Performance Restrictions. For purposes of qualifying grants of Performance Units as “performance-based compensation” under Section 162(m) of the Code, the Administrator,
in its discretion, may set restrictions based upon the achievement of Performance Goals. The Performance Goals shall be set by the Administrator on or before the latest date permissible to enable the Performance Units to qualify as
“performance-based compensation” under Section 162(m) of the Code. In granting Performance Units which are intended to qualify under Section 162(m) of the Code, the Administrator shall follow any procedures determined by it from
time to time to be necessary or appropriate to ensure qualification of the Performance Units under Section 162(m) of the Code (e.g., in determining the Performance Goals). 
 13. Deferred Stock Units. 
 (a) Description. Deferred Stock Units shall consist of a Restricted Stock, Performance Share or Performance Unit Award that the Administrator, in its sole discretion permits to be paid out in installments or on a deferred basis, in
accordance with rules and procedures established by the Administrator. Deferred Stock Units shall remain subject to the claims of the Company’s general creditors until distributed to the Participant. 
 (b) 162(m) Limits. Deferred Stock Units shall be subject to the annual 162(m) limits applicable to the underlying Restricted Stock,
Performance Share or Performance Unit Award. 
 14. Death of Participant. In the event that a Participant dies while a Service
Provider, then 100% of his or her Awards shall immediately vest. 
 15. Non-Transferability of Awards. Unless determined otherwise by
the Administrator, an Award may not be sold, pledged, assigned, hypothecated, transferred, or disposed of in any manner other than by will or by the laws of descent or distribution and may be exercised, during the lifetime of the recipient, only by
the recipient. If the Administrator makes an Award transferable, such Award shall contain such additional terms and conditions as the Administrator deems appropriate. 
 16. Adjustments Upon Changes in Capitalization or Change of Control. 
 (a) Changes
in Capitalization. Subject to any required action by the shareholders of the Company, the number of shares of Common Stock covered by each outstanding Award, the number of shares of Common Stock which have been authorized for issuance under the
Plan but as to which no Awards have yet been granted or which have been returned to the Plan upon cancellation or expiration of an Award, as well as the price per share of Common Stock covered by each such outstanding Award and the 162(m) fiscal
year share issuance limits under Sections 6(c), 10(a) and 11(a) shall be proportionately adjusted for any increase or decrease in the number of issued shares of Common Stock resulting from a stock split, reverse stock split, stock dividend,
combination or reclassification of the Common Stock, or any other increase or decrease in the 

  

 -16- 

 
number of issued shares of Common Stock effected without receipt of consideration by the Company; provided, however, that conversion of any convertible
securities of the Company shall not be deemed to have been “effected without receipt of consideration.” Such adjustment shall be made by the Compensation Committee, whose determination in that respect shall be final, binding and
conclusive. Except as expressly provided herein, no issuance by the Company of shares of stock of any class, or securities convertible into shares of stock of any class, shall affect, and no adjustment by reason thereof shall be made with respect
to, the number or price of shares of Common Stock subject to an Award. 
 (b) Change of Control. 
 (i) Stock Options and SARs. In the event of a Change of Control, each outstanding Option and SAR shall become fully
(100%) vested and exercisable. In addition, at the election of the Company the following shall occur: 
 (A) each Option
and SAR shall be deemed to have been exercised to the extent it had not been exercised prior to that date, (ii) the Shares issuable in connection with the deemed exercise of each Option and SAR shall be issued to and in the name of the acquiror
of the Company, if any, and (iii) in respect of each Share issued in connection with the deemed exercise of an Option or SAR, the Participant shall receive a per Share payment equal to the number (or amount) and kind of stock, securities, cash,
property or other consideration that each holder of a Share was entitled to receive in connection with the Change of Control, reduced by the Per Share Strike Price, or 
 (B) immediately after each outstanding Option and SAR has become fully (100%) vested it shall be terminated in exchange for a per
share payment for each Share then subject to such Option or SAR equal to the number (or amount) and kind of stock, securities, cash, property or other consideration that each holder of a Share was entitled to receive in connection with the Change of
Control, reduced by the Per Share Strike Price, or 
 (C) in the event of a Change of Control that is consummated pursuant to
a merger, consolidation or reorganization (a “Transaction”), each outstanding Option and SAR shall become fully (100%) vested and exercisable, and the Plan and the outstanding Options and SARs shall continue in effect in accordance
with their respective terms and each Participant shall be entitled to receive in respect of each Share subject to any outstanding Option, upon exercise of such Option, the same number (or amount) and kind of stock, securities, cash, property or
other consideration that each holder of a Share was entitled to receive in connection with the Transaction in respect of a Share. 
 (ii) Restricted Stock, Performance Shares, Performance Units and Deferred Stock Units. In the event of a Change of Control, each outstanding award of Restricted Stock, Performance Shares, Performance Units and Deferred Stock Units
shall become fully (100%) vested. In addition, at the election of the Company, immediately after each outstanding award of Restricted Stock, Performance Shares, Performance Units and Deferred Stock Units have become fully (100%) vested,
they shall be terminated and cancelled in exchange for a per share payment for each Share (or, for Performance Units, unit) then subject to such each outstanding award of 

  

 -17- 

 
Restricted Stock, Performance Shares, Performance Units and Deferred Stock Units equal to the number (or amount) and kind of stock, securities, cash,
property or other consideration that each holder of a Share was entitled to receive in connection with the Change of Control. The Company may also elect to have vested Deferred Stock Units be assumed by the acquirer for distribution according to
their existing distribution schedule. 
 17. Date of Grant. The date of grant of an Award shall be, for all purposes, the date on
which the Administrator makes the determination granting such Award, or such other later date as is determined by the Administrator. Notice of the determination shall be provided to each Participant within a reasonable time after the date of such
grant. 
 18. Amendment and Termination of the Plan. 
 (a) Amendment and Termination. The Board may at any time amend, alter, suspend or terminate the Plan. 
 (b) Shareholder Approval. The Company shall obtain shareholder approval of any Plan amendment to the extent necessary and desirable
to comply Section 422 of the Code (or any successor rule or statute or other applicable law, rule or regulation, including the requirements of any exchange or quotation system on which the Common Stock is listed or quoted). Such shareholder
approval, if required, shall be obtained in such a manner and to such a degree as is required by the applicable law, rule or regulation. 
 (c) Effect of Amendment or Termination. No amendment, alteration, suspension or termination of the Plan shall impair the rights of any Participant, unless mutually agreed otherwise between the Participant and
the Administrator, which agreement must be in writing and signed by the Participant and the Company. 
 19. Conditions Upon Issuance of
Shares. 
 (a) Legal Compliance. Shares shall not be issued pursuant to the exercise of an Award unless the
exercise of the Award or the issuance and delivery of such Shares (or with respect to Performance Units, the cash equivalent thereof) shall comply with Applicable Laws and shall be further subject to the approval of counsel for the Company with
respect to such compliance. 
 (b) Investment Representations. As a condition to the exercise or receipt of an Award,
the Company may require the person exercising or receiving such Award to represent and warrant at the time of any such exercise or receipt that the Shares are being purchased only for investment and without any present intention to sell or
distribute such Shares if, in the opinion of counsel for the Company, such a representation is required. 
  

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 20. Liability of Company. 
 (a) Inability to Obtain Authority. The inability of the Company to obtain authority from any regulatory body having jurisdiction,
which authority is deemed by the Company’s counsel to be necessary to the lawful issuance and sale of any Shares hereunder, shall relieve the Company of any liability in respect of the failure to issue or sell such Shares as to which such
requisite authority shall not have been obtained. 
 (b) Grants Exceeding Allotted Shares. If the Awarded Stock covered
by an Award exceeds, as of the date of grant, the number of Shares which may be issued under the Plan without additional shareholder approval, such Award shall be void with respect to such excess Awarded Stock, unless shareholder approval of an
amendment sufficiently increasing the number of Shares subject to the Plan is timely obtained in accordance with Section 18(b) of the Plan. 
 21. Reservation of Shares. The Company, during the term of this Plan, will at all times reserve and keep available such number of Shares as shall be sufficient to satisfy the requirements of the Plan.

  

 -19-Second Amended and Restated Employment Severance Agreement

 Exhibit 10.4 
 SECOND AMENDED AND RESTATED EMPLOYMENT SEVERANCE AGREEMENT 
 This Second Amended and Restated
Employment Severance Agreement (the “Agreement”) is made and entered into effective as of April 17, 2006 (the “Effective Date”), by and between Chris Miller (the “Employee”) and Cost Plus, Inc. (the
“Company”). 
 RECITALS 
 A. The Company desires to retain the services of the Employee, and the Employee desires to be employed by the Company, on the terms and subject to the conditions set forth in this Agreement. 
 B. The Board of Directors of the Company (the “Board”) believes the Company should provide the Employee with certain severance benefits should
the Employee’s employment with the Company terminate under certain circumstances, such benefits to provide the Employee with enhanced financial security and sufficient incentive and encouragement to remain with the Company. 
 C. This Agreement amends and restates the Amended and Restated Employment Severance Agreement dated April 29, 2005 between the Company and the
Employee. 
 D. Certain capitalized terms used in the Agreement are defined in Section 6 below. 
 AGREEMENT 
 In consideration of the
mutual covenants herein contained, and in consideration of the continuing employment of the Employee by the Company, the Amended and Restated Employment Severance Agreement is hereby amended and restated in its entirety as set forth herein, and the
parties further agree as follows: 
 1. Duties and Scope of Employment. The Company shall employ the Employee in the
position of Vice President Controller with such duties, responsibilities and compensation as in effect as of the Effective Date. The Board and the Chief Executive Officer of the Company (the “CEO”) shall have the right to revise such
responsibilities and compensation from time to time as the Board or the CEO may deem necessary or appropriate. If any such revision constitutes “Involuntary Termination” as defined in Section 6(d) of this Agreement, the Employee shall
be entitled to benefits upon such Involuntary Termination as provided under this Agreement. 
 2. At-Will Employment.
The Company and the Employee acknowledge that the Employee’s employment is and shall continue to be at-will, as defined under applicable law. If the Employee’s employment terminates for any reason, the Employee shall not be entitled to any
payments, benefits, damages, awards or compensation other than as provided by this Agreement, or as may otherwise be available in accordance with the Company’s established employee plans and practices or in accordance with other agreements
between the Company and the Employee. This 

 
Agreement shall remain in effect until the earlier of (i) the date that all obligations of the parties hereunder have been satisfied or (ii) the
date upon which this Agreement terminates by consent of the parties hereto. 
 3. Severance Benefits. 
 (a) Benefits upon Termination. Unless the Employee is entitled to benefits under Section 3(b) of this Agreement, if the
Employee’s employment terminates as a result of Involuntary Termination prior to June 15, 2007 and the Employee signs and does not revoke a Release of Claims, then the Company shall pay the Employee’s Base Compensation on a salary
continuation basis in accordance with the Company’s normal payroll practices to the Employee for six (6) months from the Termination Date. The Employee shall not be entitled to receive any payments if the Employee voluntarily terminates
employment other than as a result of an Involuntary Termination. 
 (b) Benefits upon Termination After a Change of
Control. If after a Change of Control the Employee’s employment terminates as a result of Involuntary Termination prior to June 15, 2007 and the Employee signs and does not revoke a Release of Claims, then the Company shall pay the
Employee’s Base Compensation on a salary continuation basis in accordance with the Company’s normal payroll practices to the Employee for six (6) months from the Termination Date. The Employee shall not be entitled to receive any
payments if the Employee voluntarily terminates employment other than as a result of an Involuntary Termination. 
 (c)
Stock Options; Bonus. Unless otherwise provided in the Company’s stock option plans or in the Employee’s stock option agreements, the Employee shall not be entitled to acceleration of any unvested stock options or partial bonus
payments for an incomplete bonus plan year upon the termination of the Employee’s employment for any reason, including an Involuntary Termination. 
 (d) Miscellaneous. In addition to the benefits described in Section 3(a) or Section 3(b) of this Agreement, upon the termination of the Employee’s employment, (i) the Company shall pay the
Employee any unpaid base salary due for periods prior to the Termination Date; (ii) the Company shall pay the Employee all of the Employee’s accrued and unused vacation through the Termination Date; and (iii) following submission of
proper expense reports by the Employee, the Company shall reimburse the Employee for all expenses reasonably and necessarily incurred by the Employee in connection with the business of the Company prior to termination. These payments shall be made
promptly upon termination and within the period of time mandated by applicable law. 
 4. Limitation on Payments.

 (a) Code Section 409A. If the Company reasonably determines that Section 409A of the Internal Revenue Code
of 1986, as amended (the “Code”) will result in the imposition of additional tax to an earlier payment of the severance and other benefits provided in this Agreement or otherwise payable to the Employee, then the first six (6) months
of the Employee’s 

  

 -2- 

 
severance benefits under Section 3 of this Agreement will accrue during the six (6)-month period following the Employee’s termination and will
become payable in a lump sum payment on the date that is six (6) months and one (1) day following the date of the Employee’s termination of employment. The remaining severance benefits will be payable as provided in Section 3 of
this Agreement. 
 (b) Code Section 280G. In the event that the severance and other benefits provided for in this
Agreement or otherwise payable to the Employee (i) constitute “parachute payments” within the meaning of Section 280G of the Code and (ii) but for this Section 4, would be subject to the excise tax imposed by
Section 4999 of the Code, then the Employee’s severance benefits under Section 3(b) of this Agreement shall be either: 
 (i) delivered in full, or 
 (ii) delivered as to such lesser extent which would result in no
portion of such severance benefits being subject to excise tax under Section 4999 of the Code, 
 whichever of the
foregoing amounts, taking into account the applicable federal, state and local income taxes and the excise tax imposed by Section 4999 of the Code, results in the receipt by the Employee on an after-tax basis, of the greatest amount of
severance benefits, notwithstanding that all or some portion of such severance benefits may be taxable under Section 4999 of the Code. Unless the Company and the Employee otherwise agree in writing, any determination required under this
Section 4 shall be made in writing by the Company’s independent public accountants immediately prior to Change of Control (the “Accountants”), whose determination shall be conclusive and binding upon the Employee and the Company
for all purposes. For purposes of making the calculations required by this Section 4, the Accountants may make reasonable assumptions and approximations concerning applicable taxes and may rely on reasonable, good faith interpretations
concerning the application of Sections 280G and 4999 of the Code. The Company and the Employee shall furnish to the Accountants such information and documents as the Accountants may reasonably request in order to make a determination under this
Section. The Company shall bear all costs the Accountants may reasonably incur in connection with any calculations contemplated by this Section 4. 
 5. Non-Solicitation. In consideration for the mutual agreements as set forth herein, the Employee agrees that the Employee shall not, at any time, within twelve (12) months following termination of the
Employee’s employment with the Company for any reason, directly or indirectly solicit the employment or other services of any individual who at that time shall be or within the prior twelve (12) months shall have been an employee of the
Company. 
 6. Definition of Terms. The following terms referred to in this Agreement shall have the following
meanings: 
 (a) Base Compensation. “Base Compensation” means the Employee’s monthly base salary paid by
the Company for services performed calculated as the average base salary for the six (6) months completed prior to the Termination Date. If the Employee has not been 

  

 -3- 

 
employed by the Company for six (6) complete months prior to the Termination Date, Base Compensation shall be calculated as the average base salary for
the period of the Employee’s employment. 
 (b) Cause. “Cause” means the Employee’s
(i) intentional failure to perform reasonably assigned duties, (ii) dishonesty or willful misconduct in the performance of duties, (iii) engaging in a transaction in connection with the performance of duties to the Company or any of
its subsidiaries thereof which transaction is adverse to the interests of the Company or any of its subsidiaries and which is engaged in for the Employee’s personal enrichment or (iv) willful violation of any material law, rule or
regulation in connection with the performance of duties. 
 (c) Change of Control. “Change of Control” means
the consummation of any of the following events: 
 (i) The acquisition by any “person” (as such term is used in
Sections 13(d) and 14(d) of the Exchange Act) (other than the Company or a person that directly or indirectly controls, is controlled by, or is under common control with, the Company) of the “beneficial ownership” (as defined in
Rule 13d-3 under the Exchange Act), directly or indirectly, of securities of the Company representing fifty percent (50%) or more of the total voting power represented by the Company’s then outstanding voting securities; 

(ii) A change in the composition of the Board of Directors of the Company occurring within a two (2)-year period, as a result of which
fewer than a majority of the directors are Incumbent Directors. “Incumbent Directors” shall mean directors who either (A) are directors of the Company as of the date hereof, or (B) are elected, or nominated for election, to the
Board of Directors of the Company with the affirmative votes of at least a majority of the Incumbent Directors at the time of such election or nomination (but shall not include an individual not otherwise an Incumbent Director whose election or
nomination is in connection with an actual or threatened proxy contest relating to the election of directors to the Company); 
 (iii) A merger or consolidation of the Company with any other corporation, other than a merger or consolidation which would result in the voting securities of the Company outstanding immediately prior thereto continuing to represent (either
by remaining outstanding or by being converted into voting securities of the surviving entity) at least fifty percent (50%) of the total voting power represented by the voting securities of the Company or such surviving entity outstanding
immediately after such merger or consolidation, or the approval by the stockholders of the Company of a plan of complete liquidation of the Company or of an agreement for the sale or disposition by the Company of all or substantially all the
Company’s assets; 
 (iv) The sale of all or substantially all of the assets of the Company determined on a consolidated
basis; or 
 (v) The complete liquidation or dissolution of the Company. 
 (d) Involuntary Termination. “Involuntary Termination” means: 
 (i) termination of the Employee’s employment by the Company for any reason other than Cause; 
  

 -4- 

 (ii) a material reduction in the Employee’s salary, other than any such reduction
which is part of, and generally consistent with, a general reduction of officer salaries; 
 (iii) a material reduction by
the Company in the kind or level of employee benefits (other than salary and bonus) to which the Employee is entitled immediately prior to such reduction with the result that the Employee’s overall benefits package (other than salary and bonus)
is substantially reduced (other than any such reduction applicable to officers of the Company generally); 
 (iv) any
material breach by the Company of any material provision of this Agreement which continues uncured for thirty (30) days following notice thereof; or 
 (v) a material reduction in the Employee’s titles, duties, responsibilities, or authority; 
 provided that none of the foregoing shall constitute Involuntary Termination to the extent Employee has agreed thereto. Any purported Involuntary Termination pursuant to Section 6(d)(ii) through 6(d)(v) will not be effective until the
Employee has delivered to the Company a written explanation which describes the basis for the Employee’s belief that the Employee should be permitted to terminate his employment and have it treated as an Involuntary Termination and the Company
has been given thirty (30) days to cure any curable violation. 
 (e) Release of Claims. “Release of
Claims” shall mean a waiver by Employee, in a form satisfactory to the Company, of all employment-related obligations of and claims and causes of action against the Company. 
 (f) Termination Date. “Termination Date” shall mean the date on which an event that would constitute Involuntary
Termination occurs, or the later of (i) the date on which a notice of termination is given, or (ii) the date (which shall not be more than thirty (30) days after the giving of such notice) specified in such notice. 
 (g) Management Incentive Plan. “Management Incentive Plan” shall mean the Company’s bonus program, as implemented by
the Company’s board of directors from time to time and pursuant to which the Employee may receive incentive-based compensation at fiscal year end. 
 7. Confidentiality. The Employee acknowledges that during the course of the Employee’s employment, the Employee will have produced and/or have access to confidential information, records, notebooks, data,
formula, specifications, trade secrets, customer lists and secret inventions, and processes of the Company and its affiliated companies. Therefore, during or subsequent to the Employee’s employment by the Company, the Employee agrees to hold in
confidence and not directly or indirectly to disclose or use or copy or make lists of any such information, except to the extent authorized by the Company in writing. All records, files, drawings, 

  

 -5- 

 
documents, equipment, and the like, or copies thereof, relating to the Company’s business, or the business of an affiliated company, which the Employee
shall prepare, or use, or come into contact with, shall be and remain the sole property of the Company, or of an affiliated company, and shall not be removed from the Company’s or the affiliated company’s premises without its written
consent, and shall be promptly returned to the Company upon termination of employment with the Company. 
 8.
Successors. 
 (a) Company’s Successors. Any successor to the Company (whether direct or indirect and
whether by purchase, lease, merger, consolidation, liquidation or otherwise) to all or substantially all of the Company’s business and/or assets shall assume the obligations under this Agreement and agree expressly to perform the obligations
under this Agreement in the same manner and to the same extent as the Company would be required to perform such obligations in the absence of a succession. For all purposes under this Agreement, the term “Company” shall include any
successor to the Company’s business and/or assets which executes and delivers the assumption agreement pursuant to this subsection (a) or which becomes bound by the terms of this Agreement by operation of law. 
 (b) Employee’s Successors. The terms of this Agreement and all rights of the Employee hereunder shall inure to the benefit of,
and be enforceable by, the Employee’s personal or legal representatives, executors, administrators, successors, heirs, distributees, devisees and legatees. 
 9. Notice. 
 (a) General. Notices and all other communications contemplated by this Agreement shall be in writing and shall be deemed to have been duly given when personally delivered or when mailed by U.S. registered or certified mail, return
receipt requested and postage prepaid. In the case of the Employee, mailed notices shall be addressed to the Employee at the home address that the Employee most recently communicated to the Company in writing. In the case of the Company, mailed
notices shall be addressed to its corporate headquarters, and all notices shall be directed to the attention of its CEO. 
 (b) Notice of Termination. Any termination by the Company for Cause or by the Employee as a result of a voluntary resignation or an Involuntary Termination shall be communicated by a notice of termination to the other party hereto
given in accordance with Section 9(a) of this Agreement. Such notice shall indicate the specific termination provision in this Agreement relied upon, shall set forth in reasonable detail the facts and circumstances claimed to provide a basis
for termination under the provision so indicated, and shall specify the termination date (which shall be not more than thirty (30) days after the giving of such notice). The failure by the Employee to include in the notice any fact or
circumstance which contributes to a showing of Involuntary Termination shall not waive any right of the Employee hereunder or preclude the Employee from asserting such fact or circumstance in enforcing the Employee’s rights hereunder.

  

 -6- 

 10. Miscellaneous Provisions. 
 (a) Non-Disparagement. The Employee agrees to refrain from any defamation, libel or slander of the Company and its respective
officers, directors, employees, investors, shareholders, administrators, affiliates, divisions, subsidiaries, predecessor and successor corporations, and assigns or tortious interference with the contracts and relationships of the Company and its
respective officers, directors, employees, investors, shareholders, administrators, affiliates, divisions, subsidiaries, predecessor and successor corporations, and assigns. The Employee acknowledges and agrees that any breach of this paragraph
shall constitute a material breach of the Agreement and shall entitle the Company immediately to recover all consideration paid under this Agreement, including, but not limited to the consideration described in Section 3.

 (b) No Duty to Mitigate. The Employee shall not be required to mitigate the amount of any payment contemplated by
this Agreement, nor shall any such payment be reduced by any earnings that the Employee may receive from any other source. 
 (c) Waiver. No provision of this Agreement shall be modified, waived or discharged unless the modification, waiver or discharge is agreed to in writing and signed by the Employee and by an authorized officer of the Company (other
than the Employee). No waiver by either party of any breach of, or of compliance with, any condition or provision of this Agreement by the other party shall be considered a waiver of any other condition or provision or of the same condition or
provision at another time. 
 (d) Whole Agreement. No agreements, representations or understandings (whether oral or
written and whether express or implied) which are not expressly set forth in this Agreement have been made or entered into by either party with respect to the subject matter hereof. 
 (e) Severance Provisions in Other Agreements. The Employee acknowledges and agrees that the severance provisions set forth in this
Agreement shall supersede any such provisions in any other agreement entered into between the Employee and the Company. 
 (f)
Choice of Law. The validity, interpretation, construction and performance of this Agreement shall be governed by the laws of the State of California. 
 (g) Severability. The invalidity or unenforceability of any provision or provisions of this Agreement shall not affect the validity
or enforceability of any other provision hereof, which shall remain in full force and effect. 
 (h) No Assignment of
Benefits. The rights of any person to payments or benefits under this Agreement shall not be made subject to option or assignment, either by voluntary or involuntary assignment or by operation of law, including (without limitation) bankruptcy,
garnishment, attachment or other creditor’s process, and any action in violation of this subsection shall be void. 
 (i)
Employment Taxes. All payments made pursuant to this Agreement will be subject to withholding of applicable income and employment taxes. 
  

 -7- 

 (j) Code Section 409A. This Agreement will be deemed amended to the extent
necessary to avoid imposition of any additional tax or income recognition prior to actual payment to the Employee under Section 409A of the Code and any temporary, proposed or final Treasury Regulations and guidance promulgated thereunder and
the parties agree to cooperate with each other and to take reasonably necessary steps in this regard. 
 (k) Assignment by
Company. The Company may assign its rights under this Agreement to an affiliate, and an affiliate may assign its rights under this Agreement to another affiliate of the Company or to the Company; provided, however, that no assignment shall be
made if the net worth of the assignee is less than the net worth of the Company at the time of assignment. In the case of any such assignment, the term “Company” when used in a section of this Agreement shall mean the corporation that
actually employs the Employee. 
 (l) Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed in counterparts, each of which shall
be deemed an original, but all of which together will constitute one and the same instrument. 
 IN WITNESS WHEREOF, each of the parties has
executed this Agreement, in the case of the Company by its duly authorized officer, as of the day and year first above written. 
  

					
	COMPANY:	 		 	 COST PLUS, INC.

			
	 	 		 	   /s/ Barry Feld

		 		 	 By

			
	 	 		 	   CEO

		 		 	 Title

			
	EMPLOYEE:	 		 	   /s/ Chris Miller

		 		 	 Chris Miller

  

 -8-

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