To: Mr_Merck who wrote (57791 ) 2/23/1999 12:02:00 PM From: cyberman Read Replies (1) | Respond to of 119973
Sterling Vision, Inc. to Launch Revolutionary E-Commerce Website EAST MEADOW, N.Y. (Jan. 29) BUSINESS WIRE -Jan. 29, 1999--Sterling Vision, Inc. (Nasdaq: ISEE), a leading retail optical chain with over 300 stores in North America, today announced the finalization of its plans to launch, in the near future, a major E-commerce initiative that the Company believes will not only revolutionize the way customers choose and purchase optical products, but will additionally revolutionize the methods by which franchise companies support their franchisees, all in the Company's efforts to increase sales and provide interactive support to its more than 300 retail optical stores. Sterling Vision, Inc. has retained the services of Mercury Seven (Nasdaq: XCED), to plan, develop and launch what is anticipated to be the first-ever, interactive, online optical website, enabling visitors to "try on" frames and lenses using their own picture. The Company and its participating franchisees will equip their stores with state-of-the-art digital equipment, allowing each store to download its clients' photofiles into a centralized database. Once downloaded, each customer will be able to access his/her own photo (using a secured password) and digitally "try on" frames and different types of lenses from their own personal computer. Optical products can then be ordered, through the site, with delivery and adjustments to be made at the local Sterling Store. "Our franchisees and our customers are our business, and this initiative is being designed to service them both", stated Dr. Robert Cohen, Chairman of Sterling Vision. According to Cohen, revenues from online sales will go directly to the local store selected by the individual customer. He additionally stated that "We will use Sterling's 85 years of professionalism, retail experience, and product and technical knowledge to enter the 21st Century as the country's first, true optical E-tailer." "This is one of the most exciting E-commerce related initiatives we have ever been involved in. We predict the Sterling Vision sites will become one of the dominant sales channels for optical goods within six months of launch," stated Kevin Labick, President of Mercury Seven. The site is currently under construction and is anticipated to be launched in the course of the first quarter of 1999. All statements contained herein (other than historical facts) are based upon current expectations. These statements are forward looking statements 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. de/ny* CONTACT: Joseph Silver, Esq. Executive Vice President & General Counsel 516/390-2144 KEYWORD: NEW YORK INDUSTRY KEYWORD: MEDICINE COMPUTERS/ELECTRONICS COMED INTERACTIVE/MULTIMEDIA/INTERNET RETAIL Today's News On The Net - Business Wire's full file on the Internet with Hyperlinks to your home page. URL: businesswire.com Small float and a good company too! Enjoy