To: Rande Is who wrote (2567 ) 8/3/1999 10:09:00 PM From: Steven Finkel Read Replies (1) | Respond to of 4766
Current News Release -- Aug 03, 1999 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Contact: Investor Relations 1-888-252-8288 THE GENERAL STORE LAUNCHES WIRELESS POINT-OF-SALE CREDIT CARD +ATM DIRECT DEBIT CARD SYSTEM FOR HOME DELIVERY REDMOND, WASHINGTON - In an effort to provide customers with the convenience of payment options provided by traditional retailers, The General Store International Corp. (GSIC:OTCBB) announced today that it will now offer a wireless Point-of-Sale device for ATM debit cards and major credit card transactions that can be processed at the customer's doorstep in seconds. According to The General Store CEO Glen Easthope the wireless Point-of-Sale device will be utilized for our customers in Vancouver BC as a joint venture with VanCity (Vancouver City Savings and Credit Union). Mr. Easthope states that on-line shoppers have a real concern about the security of using a credit card for purchases over the Internet. This new wireless Point-of-Sale device assures our customers of a secure transaction for any purchase using a major credit card and adds the significant addition of secure ATM Debit Card Transactions. "At The General Store we stand by our commitment of old-fashioned customer service blended with the latest technology to provide the best experience for our customer," Easthope said. "Beyond state-of-the-art wireless technology, we also have been fortunate in securing important alliances with well-respected institutions that will give our customers peace of mind about their financial transactions." The General Store will launch the Point-of-Sale program using an innovative and proven swipe-card wireless Cellular Digital Packet Data (CDPD) technology that offers the same level of security as stand-alone debit machines, with transactions in as little as three seconds. Easthope said that Vancouver BC will be the initial area for use of the wireless POS device, with expansion into the State of Washington and Utah to follow quickly. "As we have recently finalized approval to sell franchises in Washington and Utah, these two markets are targeted for expansion of The General Store International Point-of-Sale program" he said. A pioneer in online shopping, The General Store International Corp. provides convenient, competitively priced shopping solutions "online vs. inline." With its unique ordering and distribution system for grocery products, customers can shop from the comfort of their homes through a color print catalog, CD-ROM catalog, telephone, fax or The General Store's soon-to-be-released e-commerce site. All grocery products are delivered to the customer's front door.