| PRESS RELEASE: CRUTCHFIELD WEBSITE PASSES 1 MILLION ORDER MARK |
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For Immediate Release
CRUTCHFIELD WEBSITE PASSES 1 MILLION ORDER MARK CHARLOTTESVILLE, VA., JAN. 17, 2003 — Less than seven years after it launched its website, Crutchfield Corp., the leading catalog and online retailer of consumer electronics for home and car, announced that it has surpassed 1 million web orders. "This is truly a remarkable milestone," said Bill Crutchfield, company founder and CEO. "It is very satisfying to know that Crutchfield has earned the trust of so many customers who shop online." Crutchfield's web sales staff processed the millionth order on Dec. 21, 2002, shipping a set of car speakers to a customer in Houston, TX. The order underscored the phenomenal growth of the website (www.crutchfield.com). Crutchfield entered the world of e-commerce in March 1996, with 40 orders in the first month. By December 2002, that monthly total had soared to 50,000 orders. While the website initially was a minimal part of the company's overall sales, online orders now account for a significant and increasing percentage of revenue. The website received an estimated 2 million unique visits in 2002, a number that has grown steadily. "We really emphasize content and customer service — that's what sets Crutchfield apart," said Larry Becker, vice president of New Media for Crutchfield. "We know that behind all those numbers are real customers who value superior service and helpful information. That's what we strive to deliver." In March 1996, Crutchfield became the first retailer authorized to sell Sony products on the web. By September 1996, nearly all of the Sony products that Crutchfield carried were available online. As additional brands were added to the site, Crutchfield's web sales continued a pattern of sharp growth. Becker noted that the website is designed to work hand-in-hand with the nationally recognized Crutchfield catalog and expert product advisors who staff Crutchfield's call center. Since August 1985, customers have been able to request a copy of the Crutchfield catalog directly from the website. Today, readers of the audio/video catalog are directed to the Crutchfield.com for additional information and a variety of unique customer resources. Crutchfield's exclusive online Vehicle Selector makes it easy for car stereo buyers to identify products that will fit in their vehicle and the comprehensive Crutchfield Info Center contains easy-to-use buying guides and information on all aspects of entertainment products for home and car. For most products, the site provides multi-angle photos including back panel views. Founded in 1974, Crutchfield Corporation is the nation's largest direct integrated marketer (catalog, call center, and Internet) of consumer electronics products. It offers a convenient, full-service shopping destination to buyers of car and home audio/video products. Providing a superior level of customer service, Crutchfield is noted for its high integrity, product expertise, and technical support. Mailed to approximately 8.5 million households, Crutchfield's catalogs include comprehensive explanations of product and technology intended to help consumers make informed buying decisions. Crutchfield was the first authorized vendor-authorized audio/video retailer on the Internet. ### |
