Checkpoint Systems Strengthens Dominance of Spanish Retail Security Market With Chainwide Installation of Alcampo Hypermarkets.

Business/Technology Editors

THOROFARE, N.J.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Sept. 19, 2001

Checkpoint Systems, Inc. (NYSE: CKP), a leading provider of supply chain management and security solutions worldwide, has completed a rollout of its Radio Frequency Electronic Article Surveillance (RF EAS) systems for Alcampo, the Spanish hypermarket chain.

The rollout included installations in all of the company's existing hypermarkets. Checkpoint installed 2,100 Radio Frequency systems and integrated 2,000 deactivators into the scanners in Alcampo's stores, increasing Checkpoint's marketshare of the Spanish hypermarket industry to an impressive 91%. Alcampo has confirmed that it will install Checkpoint's RF EAS systems in future stores. Alcampo, one of the largest Spanish hypermarket chains, is the Spanish arm of the French conglomerate, The Auchan Group, which recorded more than $17 billion in sales in 2000.

As a part of the agreement with Checkpoint Systems, Alcampo removed all existing competitive electromagnetic and acousto-magnetic EAS systems. By implementing Checkpoint's radio-frequency equipment, Alcampo will now be able to participate in source tagging programs that have been adopted by an increasing number of Spanish retailers and manufacturers.

Through source tagging, electronic article surveillance (EAS) tags are placed on merchandise at the point of manufacturer, eliminating the need for tag application at the retail level. Currently, 2,700 manufacturers worldwide participate in Checkpoint source tagging programs, applying company tags to tens of thousands of SKUs.

"Alcampo's decision to replace its previous EAS supplier in order to participate in RF source tagging supports the growing acceptance of RF technology as the preferred technology for source tagging of retailers and manufacturers worldwide over competing technologies," stated Per Levin, general manager and vice president, Europe of Checkpoint Systems.

Checkpoint's RF EAS systems are already being used by major retailers worldwide such as Ahold, Albertson's, Auchan, Big W, Carrefour, Casino, Champion, Coop Italy, Despar, Eckerd Corporation, El Corte Ingles, Euromercato, Intermarche, La Rinascente, Kohl's Department Stores, Mercadona, Obi, Rite Aid Corporation, Target Corporation, Toys "R" Us, and Walgreen Co.

Checkpoint Systems, Inc. is a multinational company that manufactures and markets labeling systems designed to improve efficiency, reduce costs and provide value-added labels solutions for customers across many markets and industries. Checkpoint is a leading provider of EAS and RFID systems, source tagging, barcode labeling systems, hand-held labeling systems and retail merchandising systems. Applications include automatic identification, retail security and pricing and promotional labels. Operating directly in 30 countries, Checkpoint has a global network of subsidiaries and provides professional customer service and technical support around the world. Checkpoint Systems, Inc.'s web site is located at www.checkpointsystems.com.