NEW YORK, Dec. 13, 1999 (PRIMEZONE) -- Steuben, a division of Corning Incorporated, now offers modern, sophisticated shoppers the ability to conveniently purchase the world's finest crystal over the Internet and from the comfort of their own homes through their new Ecommerce site, Steuben.com. In anticipation of the electronic holiday shopping season, Steuben.com offers Web users, for the first time, the ability to buy directly from a luxury company with a long, established and respected history of artistic excellence. While several luxury retailers have utilized independent retail Ecommerce sites to sell their products, Steuben is first to offer its high-quality brand through its own Ecommerce site.
"Purchasing exquisite crystal, like any piece of art, should be a meaningful and memorable experience," said Andrea Miles, Director of Sales & Marketing at Steuben. "Steuben.com recreates the fulfilling experience of visiting our store while embracing modern technology and shopping preferences. We've worked hard to translate 'the Steuben experience' to Ecommerce, ensuring online customers the same level of quality and personalized service as they would receive from any of our other sales channels."
The Steuben Catalog
For nearly a century, collectors, gift-givers and all who appreciate the elegance and brilliance of clear crystal have treasured the flawlessness and design innovation of Steuben. The collection of designs available on the Web site includes classic and contemporary bowls, vases and candlesticks; Steuben's signature animal figures; ornamental designs and exhibition sculptures. Prices range from $165 for a handcooler (a small animal collectible that fits in your hand), to $25,000 for a major engraved exhibition work.
Online shoppers can browse quickly through thumbnails of specific categories like bowls or vases, or take part in a more leisurely visit to admire the designs as full-screen images. To showcase the creations more completely, Steuben.com offers a "virtual reality" feature allowing select items to be viewed in a 360 degree rotation. Steuben plans to add this capability to the majority of its online designs in the near future.
Finding the Perfect Gift
Finding a gift for the right person, the right occasion - and one that will be cherished for a lifetime - was once a challenging and time-consuming process. Steuben.com's Gift Finder offers an interactive approach to finding meaningful gifts for weddings, new baby, holidays and other special occasions by providing specific gift recommendations, a user-friendly experience and detailed product descriptions.
The Corporate Catalog is ideal for executives and business owners seeking gifts designed to reward outstanding achievements, recognize milestones or encourage continued excellence. Steuben.com users can take advantage of the company's expertise in multi-level awards and recognition programs, international gift-giving protocol and custom design. Corporate Gift Consultants are available through the site to assist in personalization and gift presentation.
Steuben.com also offers vast information about the company's rich history, special events, new designs and sculptural exhibitions. This wealth of information coupled with the company's interactive gift buying philosophy recreates on the Web Steuben's traditional luxury shopping experience.
About Steuben
Founded in 1903 and acquired by Corning Incorporated in 1918, Steuben has established an international reputation for functional and sculptural works formed from the most optically pure crystal in the world. Balancing state-of-the-art technology with centuries-old glass making techniques, Steuben is continuously at the forefront of glass design.
With the launch of Steuben.com, the first site to address the luxury Ecommerce market, both new and returning customers are offered increased exposure to a luxury shopping experience previously available only through more traditional retail channels. Steuben.com maintains all of the rich traditions associated with the Steuben name while adding greater convenience and a new source of information about Steuben's history.