ISEE to sell contact lenses on Web...News just out...not hit Yahoo yet..
BW1417 FEB 23,1999 8:39 PACIFIC 11:39 EASTERN
( BW)(NY-STERLING-VISION)(ISEE) Sterling Vision, Inc. Announces
Intention to Sell Contact Lenses Over the Internet
Business Editors
EAST MEADOW, NY--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Feb. 23, 1999--Sterling Vision, Inc. (Nasdaq:
ISEE), today announced certain additions to what it believes will be a revolutionary, interactive web
site that will change the way customers choose and purchase optical products. The latest addition to
this plan will allow consumers to order their replacement contact lenses directly over the internet or
by using a toll-free phone number, in addition to the conventional method of visiting a store.
"The web site is now slated to offer eyeglass and contact lens wearers a full range of optical
products, including Sterling's own private label brands of contact lenses and solutions." stated Dr.
Robert Cohen, Sterling's Chairman. "With a click of the mouse or a call to the Company, the Sterling
customer can select products, purchase them, and have them shipped directly to their home."
Dr. Robert Cohen further stated that "I believe the Company will have a major, competitive
advantage over small, strictly web or telephone-based distributors, in that customers will additionally
have the ability to call or visit one of the Company's 300 retail optical stores, coast to coast, for
professional optometric treatment and care. We expect that this will not only establish the Company
as one of the leaders in the replacement contact lens market, but will also increase traffic and sales in
our stores".
He also stated that "I believe that this addition will help in fostering customer retention, thereby
enabling the Company to compete for a larger share of the more than one billion dollar disposable
contact lens market. Currently, 50% of all replacement contact lenses are purchased in optical
stores, the other half being purchased through mail-order houses, drug stores and supermarkets. We
will use this new distribution method to offer the contact lens consumer a convenient and value priced
alternative for purchasing their replacement lenses."
Sterling Vision, Inc. is one of the largest chains of retail and franchised retail optical stores
operating in the United States.
All statements contained herein (other than historical facts) are based upon current expectations.
These statements are forward looking in nature and involve a number of risks and uncertainties.
Actual results may differ materially from the anticipated results or other expectations expressed in the
Company's forward looking statements. Generally, the words "anticipate", "believe", "estimate",
"expects" and similar expressions as they relate to the Company and/or its management, are intended
to identify forward looking statements. |
