CHECKPOINT SYSTEMS, INC. EXPANDS ITS PRESENCE IN RETAIL DRUG INDUSTRY WITH CHAINWIDE INSTALLATION ORDER FROM HARCO DRUG INC.

THOROFARE, N.J.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Feb. 15, 1996--Checkpoint Systems, Inc. (NYSE:CKP) announced today that it will install its radio frequency (RF) based Electronic Article Surveillance (EAS) systems in all 135 Harco Drug Stores. Headquartered in Alabama, Harco Drug Inc. was named the best community drug store chain in 1995 by Chain Drug Review. Harco joins other leading retailers that have installed or are installing Checkpoint's EAS systems chainwide, including: Arbor Drugs Inc., Eckerd Drugs, Fay's Incorporated, Rite Aid Corporation, Thrift Drug Inc., and Walgreen Co.

Operating stores in Alabama, Florida and Mississippi, Harco tested three EAS technologies before choosing Checkpoint. James Harrison, Jr., president of Harco and a member of the National Association of Chain Drug Stores' (NACDS) board of directors, said, "We selected Checkpoint's radio frequency technology because we believe that it offers us the greatest opportunities and that RF will be the primary vehicle for industry-wide source tagging. The fact that the majority of major drug chains have chosen RF EAS certainly further supports our decision and our belief that RF is the way the industry is going for source tagging implementation."

According to Kevin Dowd, president and CEO of Checkpoint, the Harco order underscores the retail drug store industry's preference for RF-based EAS systems. "Harco Drug Inc. is one of the most respected regional drug store chains in the country, and we look forward to working with them to ensure that the chainwide installation proceeds quickly and efficiently. Like many of our drug store customers, Harco is intent on pursuing RF source tagging, and we will vigorously support its source tagging efforts."

Checkpoint's RF-based EAS systems control shoplifting in retail stores. The systems consist of paper-thin RF labels attached to or embedded in merchandise, deactivation electronics at checkout counters and sensors at store entrances and exits to deter and detect the unauthorized removal of protected merchandise. Impulse source tagging embeds RF labels into products or packaging at the point of manufacture, enhancing security and reducing retail labor costs associated with manual application of security labels.

Checkpoint Systems, Inc. is a leading provider of integrated security solutions for retailers worldwide.

Harco Drug Inc., established in 1941, is headquartered in Tuscaloosa, Ala. The company operates 135 full-service drug stores throughout Alabama, Florida and Mississippi. In 1993, Harco was named as one of the top 100 private companies in Alabama.

CONTACT: Mallory Factor Inc.

Steve Gaynes, 212/242-0000

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Checkpoint Systems, Inc.

Glenda Laudisio, 800/257-5540, X2411