ADVISORY/Expert Available to Discuss the Rebound in E-retail; Consumers flocking online in search of holiday bargains!

Assignment Editors/Hi-Tech Writers

ADVISORY...

--(BUSINESS WIRE)

WHAT: Brick and mortar retailers predict flat Christmas sales this season,
while experts predict that online spending may rise more than 40% over last
year. As experts say that the U.S. economy is edging closer to a recession,
these questions are on everyone's minds: -- Why is e-commerce thriving? -- Why
are consumers going online instead of going to the malls? -- How has the fear
of anthrax affected consumers' willingness to receive goods through the mail?
 -- What are consumers spending their money on in these times of uncertainty?
WHO: Carl Rosendorf, President and CEO of SmartBargains.com, is available
discuss the state of e-commerce. SmartBargains.com features brand name items in
categories ranging from home goods and electronics to women's and men's
apparel, at prices up to 80% off retail. Recently, the company announced more
than a 300% increase in August traffic according to Jupiter Media Metrix.
SmartBargains launched in October 2000, and Rosendorf joined in June 2001 from
BarnesandNoble.com. A veteran of online commerce, Rosendorf founded the
nation's first cyber-cafe chain in 1994. WHEN: Carl Rosendorf, President and
CEO of SmartBargains.com, will be available for interviews beginning Tuesday,
November 6, 2001. Interviews available by appointment.