SAN DIEGO, June 7, 1999 (PRIMEZONE) -- International Brands, Inc. (OTC BB: INBR) announced today that it will launch a new cyber Garage Sale/Fleamarket Web Site, to be called I-Flea, as a part of its unique and diverse Global Internet Mall, www.internetbestbuy.com which is currently under construction and will serve as the main entrance to i-fleamarket.com.
Much like a spin-off of the immensely successful E-Bay or Amazon.com, this site will appeal to consumer's enormous appetite for flea market or garage sale "finds". "One man's virtual junk becomes another man's instant treasure," a company CEO, Steven Zubkis comments on the unique new Internet Garage Sale/Fleamarket format. Such popular shows as the PBS "Antiques Roadshow" attest to the broad appeal of this kind of "treasure hunting" format. This new site is expected to attract a large audience of e-shoppers and generate substantial revenues for IBI's new Internet shopping mall.
IBI is developing a proprietary format for the company's web site which will enable individuals to place unusual, valuable, collectible, or even ordinary used and recycled items for sale on the Internet. Taking the auction format a step further, the Garage Sale/Flea Market format will capitalize on the popularity of other auction style web sites.
IBI plans to develop the I-Flea site into an easy-to-use popular destination location, which will appeal to a widely targeted online community, by introducing features that will have broad appeal for advertisers, consumers and merchants. Features such as specialized chat rooms, bulletin boards, and membership programs will create a higher volume of web site traffic and e-commerce. Each person who participates in the I-Flea Garage Sale will automatically become a member of the I-Flea Community and eligible for premiums and incentives. Through special incentive programs, giveaways and marketing promotions, a high degree of membership involvement will be generated and sustained.
By creating unique new formats and enhancing and reinterpreting proven formulas for its satellite web sites, IBI's Global Internet Mall will be strategically positioned to compete for a larger segment of a burgeoning online market. Successful Internet companies such as eBay Inc. have established the enormously lucrative appeal of this type of concept to consumers.
International Brands, Inc. recently acquired www.jazznetwork.com with a direct link from www.apple.com/quicktime/showcase/music/index.html and www.risun.com. The sites also features: * print interviews * radio interviews * photographs * audio clips * video clips * music industry news * news about popular jazz performers * streaming broadcasts * concert, tour and club date schedules.
These two sites soon to feature special products, CD's, videos and memorabilia that are exclusive products not available elsewhere. IBI's Internet Mall site address will be www.internationalbrands.com, with alternate names for its Internet Mall site, which will link directly to the main site. The International Brands alternate web site names are www.usabestbuy.com, www.worldbestbuy.com and www.internetbestbuy.com.
This press release contains forward-looking information within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and is subject to the safe harbors created by these sections. These forward-looking statements include statements related to potential prospects of the company. Actual results may differ materially due to a number of risks. This press release provides general information and should not be construed as an offer to sell securities. This report is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as advice or as meeting the investment needs of any particular investor or designed to be the basis of any investment decision.