(PR Wires) DJ: Knickerbocker Announces Accelerated Growth Of Combined I
DJ: Knickerbocker Announces Accelerated Growth Of Combined Internet Sites
LAKE FOREST, Calif., Jan. 7 /PRNewswire/ -- The L. L. Knickerbocker Co.,
Inc. (Nasdaq: KNIC) announced today the combined results based on order
volume of the Company's Internet sites www.knickerbocker.com and
www.magicatticclub.com for 1998.
The Company developed the e-commerce sites to enhance the direct response
business module over the past two years. During this growth period,
significant response by consumers has led the Company to expand the product
offerings from 6 basic dolls and teddy bears to over 400 SKU's in 1998. The
sites are expected to grow again in 1999 to over 1,000 product offerings
from seven distinct branded lines. Because of the overwhelming acceptance
of the on-line personal shopping service, coupled with the convenience and
security of the electronic shopping cart, the Company has developed a third
site exclusively for jewelry www.knickerbocker.co.th.
The Internet has afforded the Company the ability to develop and monitor
advertising campaigns, direct special product presentations, establish a
link for customer service and generate sales in a manner traditional direct
response markets have yet to adopt. For example, the Company realized an
average quarterly growth rate based on order volume of 388% over the last
five quarters. Internet volume in dollars was 55% vinyl toy related dolls
and accessories and 45% porcelain dolls and teddy bears.
Additionally, the business relationships with America OnLine and Yahoo!
targets and attracts shoppers with banner ads, key word access and reports
that monitor traffic and consumer acceptance. The reports generated by
these two portal sites help the Company to develop presentations that
parallel consumer purchase preferences in Knickerbocker's retail market for
dolls and teddy bears. Knickerbocker's alignment with these respected
Internet giants caused a 420% increase in order volume between Q1/98 and
Q2/98 alone.
"Our Internet activities continue to grow as we add more product and
information to our sites," said Robert L. West, COO of Knickerbocker. "We
are pleased with this growth rate and will continue to intensify our
commitment and presence to this e-commerce model. Internet growth and
presence is strategic to our core business."
The L. L. Knickerbocker Co., Inc. sells collectible gifts and toy-related
merchandise, primarily porcelain and vinyl dolls and teddy bears.
Additional plans for these sites include marketing programs and links with
other gift- related companies and their web sites. The Company also
designs, manufactures and markets fashion jewelry and accessories, in
addition to offering an extensive line of fine jewelry products and
supplying other jewelry manufacturers with loose cut stones. In addition to
Internet sales, the Company's products are sold through diverse
international distribution channels, including television shopping outlets,
direct response sales and wholesale sales to retailers.
For more information about Knickerbocker, visit the corporate web site at
www.knickerbocker.com.
This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of
the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and the Securities Exchange Act of
1934, as amended, which involve risks and uncertainties, including, but not
limited to, economic, competitive, governmental and technological factors
affecting the Company's operations, markets, products, services and prices,
and other factors. The Company's actual results could differ materially
from those projected in the forward-looking statements as a result of the
factors described herein.
/CONTACT: Robert L. West, COO of The L. L. Knickerbocker Co.,
949-595-7900; or Fran Daniels of Financial Sciences of America,
310-278-4413/
08:04 EST
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