Charlotte-Mecklenburg, N.C. Area Selected For Market Expansion By National Come-To-Your-Home Window Blinds Franchiser That Plans To Add 39 More Area Franchisees During 1999.

COSTA MESA, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Sept. 2, 1999--

In a move designed to strengthen its position in Eastern Seaboard states, Budget Blinds Inc. (BBI), a Costa Mesa-based mobile window covering service -- with franchises serving over 1,200 cities in 33 states -- has targeted the Charlotte-Mecklenburg metro area for adding approximately 39 more franchisees during 1999.

Chad Hallock, BBI president said, "Because our franchisees come to a customer's home or business to display product choices, do measuring and then return to install the blinds, we seek expansion in cities that not only have a growing economy, but safe streets as well.

"In the Charlotte-Mecklenburg metro area, the Crime Stoppers program (Dial: 334-1600) is gaining results by offering anonymity and cash rewards for information about felony crimes in the community."

Nationwide, during 1999, BBI plans to add 140 new franchises for a total of 299 and has already opened two franchises in the Charlotte-Mecklenburg area. Additional expansion is planned for the smaller metro areas of Greenville, Sparta and Asheville.

Entrepreneur Magazine has rated BBI the top window covering franchise firm for 1996, 1997, 1998 and 1999. The firm is also ranked as a leader in both the 1997 Franchise Times Top 200 and in the Business Start-Ups Top 150.

Budget Blinds Inc. has headquarters at 1570 Corporate Dr., No. B, Costa Mesa, Calif. 92626; 714/708-3337 or 800/420-5374; E-mail: [e-mail]; Web site: http://www.budgetblinds.com.