ADX: TSX
TORONTO, Aug. 23 /CNW/ - Advantex Marketing International Inc.
("TSX:ADX") is pleased to announce that an agreement has been signed with
United Airlines to continue the management and development of the Mileage Plus
Shopping Mall program (www.mponlineshopping.com).
"We are very pleased with this announcement," said G. Randall Munger,
Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Advantex. "The Mileage Plus Mall is a
significant contributor to our online business, having grown substantially
each year since its launch in 2002. We are confident that this growth will
continue as more and more members discover the ease and convenience of earning
miles when shopping online at great e-retailers, reaching their reward travel
goals faster."
Industry research confirms that more than 50% of online shoppers now use
online shopping malls, versus going directly to merchant sites. This trend
places Advantex at the forefront of the online shopping movement.
Participating merchants confirm that the Advantex loyalty online shopping
malls are powerful business drivers, offering an effective mix of targeted
customer connectivity, proven sales incentives and supportive direct marketing
campaigns.
Advantex manages all aspects of the Mileage Plus Mall including mall
design, user interface and technical execution, merchant acquisition and
management, award calculation and processing systems, analytics and reporting,
and a portion of consumer marketing. Throughout the year, Advantex develops
and promotes bonus mile promotion offers from participating retailers, keyed
to major gift giving seasons and occasions.
"Planned enhancements to our model over the next year are expected to
substantially increase the value of participating in our online shopping mall
programs for online shoppers, participating e-retailers, and our airline
partners," said Mr. Munger.
The online retail market is stronger than ever, with more growth on the
horizon. Consumer spending online grew to $89 billion in 2004, a 24% increase
over the previous year. Statistics also showed a 31% increase in the number of
online shopping transactions from the 2003. Industry analysts estimate that
online sales will climb to approximately $110 billion in 2005, continuing this
double-digit growth trend.
About Advantex Marketing International Inc.
Advantex Marketing International Inc. is a leading marketing services
company, specializing in integrated marketing solutions for its Merchant and
Channel Partner clients. Advantex offers a range of products and services
including coalition loyalty rewards programs; online shopping malls; direct
marketing and promotion; and data capture and award processing systems. Few
other loyalty marketing companies in North America offer this scope of
expertise under one roof. Advantex loyalty partners include CIBC, United
Airlines, Delta Air Lines, The New York Times, Alaska Airlines, US Airways,
and other major North American corporations, as well as a growing list of
restaurants, online retailers, golf courses, small inns and resorts. Advantex
is a public company, traded on the Toronto Stock Exchange under the symbol
"ADX". For additional information on Advantex, please visit www.advantex.com.
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