Exhibit 24 INDEPENDENT AUDITORS' CONSENT Board of Directors and Shareholders Old America Stores, Inc. Howe, Texas We consent to the incorporation by reference in Registration Statement Nos. 33- 68878 and 33-68880 on Form S-8 of Old America Stores, Inc. of our report dated April 15, 1997, appearing in this Annual Report in Form 10-K of Old America Stores, Inc. for the year ended January 31, 1997. Deloitte & Touche LLP Dallas. Texas May 9, 1997