EXHIBIT 99
BEST PRODUCTS AGREES TO SELL ASSETS TO INVESTMENT GROUPS

RICHMOND, Va., October 10, 1996 -- Best Products Co., Inc. (Nasdaq: BESTQ) today
announced  it has signed an agreement  to sell  substantially  all of its retail
store-related assets to a combination of Schottenstein  Bernstein Capital Group,
LLC and Alco Capital Group, Inc. The transaction is valued at approximately $395
million,  including the  liquidation  proceeds from the closing of the 81 retail
stores  announced  earlier this week. The agreement is subject to the completion
of the  investment  groups' due  diligence  and  approval  by the United  States
Bankruptcy Court.

Best Products  Chief  Executive  Officer  Daniel H. Levy said,  "We believe this
agreement is in the best interests of Best  Products'  associates and creditors.
It may allow the Chapter 11 case to be completed  more  quickly than  originally
anticipated,  provide  continuing  employment  possibilities and give continuing
stores their best opportunity to return to profitability."

If a final  agreement is approved,  the  transaction  would be completed  before
Thanksgiving, and Schottenstein Bernstein and Alco would acquire and continue to
operate  Best  Products'  remaining 88 stores and 11 Best  Jewelry  stores.  The
investment  groups would also offer  employment to a substantial  number of Best
Products' employees.

Schottenstein  Bernstein and Alco have said they intend, at least initially,  to
operate  the   acquired   stores  from  Best   Products'   Richmond,   Va.-based
headquarters.

Best Products,  which  commenced  Chapter 11 under the U.S.  Bankruptcy  Code on
September 24,  currently  operates 169 Best stores and 11 Best Jewelry stores in
23 states. The company announced earlier this week that it would close 81 stores
by the end of December.


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