Exhibit 23 INDEPENDENT AUDITORS' CONSENT We consent to the incorporation by reference in Registration Statement Nos. 333-56975, 333-67441, 333-83561, 333-45710, 333-68322 and 333-96899 of Cost Plus, Inc. and subsidiaries on Form S-8 of our report dated March 17, 2003, incorporated by reference in this Annual Report on Form 10-K of Cost Plus, Inc. and subsidiaries for the year ended February 1, 2003. /s/ Deloitte & Touche LLP San Francisco, California May 1, 2003