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Wednesday November 10, 2:11 pm Eastern Time
Company Press Release
SOURCE: World of Science, Inc.
World of Science, Inc. Announces Internet Update
ROCHESTER, N.Y., Nov. 10 /PRNewswire/ -- World of Science, Inc. (Nasdaq: WOSI - news) today announced an update
on its Internet business operated by its wholly owned subsidiary, WOSI on the Web, Inc. Since the inception of its new site in
late April of 1999, Internet sales have experienced steady growth. Website sales in September and October grew at a rate of
300% over July and August and equaled approximately the average sales levels of World of Science permanent stores.
Through October 30, 1999, Internet sales have averaged $95 per sale. World of Science's Internet presence has
complemented its store presence and exposed the company to a larger customer base. The website now offers over 1200
products for sale which appeal to consumers of all ages.
World of Science initially promoted the site by signing advertising contracts with leading Internet service providers. Present
promotional strategy has shifted to setting up stores on high traffic Internet sites and portals, as well as sponsorships and
alliances with frequently visited sites which have a science and nature focus. The affiliation program that began in August 1999
now has approximately 400 active affiliates, plus an additional 800 who have signed up, but are not yet active. Hot links with a
number of our major vendors have also proved to be a great means of bringing customers to our site.
The Company is pleased to announce that the Internet site will be featured as the donor of the 3rd place prize on the popular
game show ''Jeopardy!'' to be aired on December 21st through 23rd. This will expose the site to a nightly audience of
approximately 12 million viewers. The site will also be featured on the ''Jeopardy!'' shows to be aired on December 11th and
18th as part of their closed caption announcement.
The Company has signed an agreement with Encyclopaedia Britannica's website operation, Britannica.com, Inc., to feature
various World of Science products associated with the on-line encyclopedia science category beginning in late November. The
site was launched on October 19, 1999 and received an enormous response its first day, 12 million to 15 million hits.
The Company's website recently received the following honors at the local and national levels:
Rochester Business Journal 4th Annual Best of the Web
The Company's website was honored by the 1999 Rochester Business Journal's 4th Annual Best of the Web Contest. From
140 sites surveyed, worldofscience.com was selected as one of five finalists for the overall award presented in the
Large Company category (annual company sales exceeding $10,000,000). A panel of four judges, choosing from business-
oriented websites in Rochester, New York nominated by readers and others, selected the one, overall winner. Of the company
website, one judge said: ''A clever home page. The range of products and the cross-registration of products is impressive.''
World of Science, Inc. congratulates the 1999 Best of the Web Winner (Large Company), the Xerox Corporation.
ShopOnline123.com rates worldofscience.com among the top 250 e-commerce shopping websites, calling it ''the
thinking child's site.'' Shop Online123, the new Internet guide magazine and website, has rated worldofscience.com
among the top 250 e-commerce shopping websites in the U.S. ShopOnline123 editor Melissa Houtte said: ''We searched
thousands of Internet sites to find the best ones for everything you'll need from now through New Year's and into the next
century. Calling it the ''thinking child's website.'' ShopOnline123 features a review of worldofscience.com in both
its magazine version and on its website at shoponline123.com.
ShopOnline123 reviewed e-commerce websites for Service, Selection and Searchability. Their editors shopped thousands of
websites and made recommendations, placing the top websites (none of which paid to be included) in 13 categories. They even
returned the merchandise they bought to make sure that it met their return policy criteria! With possible ratings of ''Fair, Good,
or Great,'' worldofscience.com rated ''Good'' for both Service and Searchability, and ''Great'' for Selection.
Placed in the Toy category, the World of Science, Inc. company website, earned the following review:
''Here is the thinking child's site. The periodic table of elements has
become an imaginative shopping menu: Click on A for Astronomy, B for
Brain Teasers, D for Dinosaurs, R for Rockets and much more.
Educational doesn't mean nerdy: These science-oriented toys are
incredibly fun. Try playing an electronic violin, creating a mirage or
making root beer. There are plenty of gifts for under $20.''
ShopOnline123.com is the newest member of the Meredith publishing family, which publishes such well known magazines as
Better Homes and Gardens®, Ladies' Home Journal®, Country Home®, and many others. The magazine version will be
mailed to an estimated 5-6 million regular subscribers of Meredith Publications. ''The Net can be an exciting, fascinating place
to shop, but it can also be intimidating,'' says Houtte. ''Our goal is to cut through the worry, save you time and to broaden your
shopping universe.''
The Company is presently planning to introduce in the year 2000 a corporate gift section, scientific supply section, and expand
the teacher/home school services. The Company also is testing the viability of launching an e- commerce business-to-business
site under the web domain www.b-two-b.com. Preliminary response has been encouraging and will enable the Company to
wholesale merchandise to small craft, garden and gift shops throughout the country.
The Company is developing a business plan to accelerate the Internet business. The degree to which this can be accomplished
is dependent upon the availability of financing for capital equipment, software and marketing needs. The Company is presently
exploring various options of financing to secure the necessary funding to expand its e-commerce business.
World of Science is a leading specialty retailer of a variety of traditional and distinctive science and nature products which
emphasize both educational and entertainment values. The Company operated 87 permanent stores and 75 seasonal stores as
of October 30, 1999, compared to 70 permanent stores and 90 seasonal stores as of October 31, 1998.
The matters discussed in this release contain forward-looking statements which are subject to a number of risks and
uncertainties generally associated with specialty retail, including changes in consumer spending, demand for the Company's
products, and competition from other retailers. Reference is made to the Company's filings with the Securities and Exchange
Commission for further discussion of risks and uncertainties regarding the Company's business. The historical results are not
indicative of the future prospects of the Company.
SOURCE: World of Science, Inc.
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