DENVER, Oct. 31, 2000 — Recognizing the importance of developing and keeping customer relationships, The Bon-Ton Department Stores, Inc. (BONT) recently signed an agreement with Customer Communications Group (CCG) to implement customer relationship marketing (CRM) strategies for the Northeast-based department store. The Bon-Ton adds to CCG’s growing list of retail clients, which include Nordstrom, Macy’s, Dillard’s, Helzberg Diamonds and Pier 1 Imports.

Acknowledging that the top 20 percent of customers traditionally account for 60 to 80 percent of a company’s business, CCG is performing extensive research and customer segmentation for The Bon-Ton to identify this important group of customers. Profiling customers demographically, along with lifestyle and psychographic information, will drive CCG’s program design and creative strategy for this client.

Using actionable information regarding customer needs, preferences and past purchase behaviors, CCG’s goal is to allow The Bon-Ton to effectively communicate with key customers while strengthening its already strong customer relationships.

“Relationship marketing will allow The Bon-Ton to seize and sustain a competitive edge by developing and expanding relationships with their existing customers,” said Sandra Gudat, president of CCG. “This marketing initiative will enhance the already strong relationships The Bon-Ton has with its customers by recognizing their value and rewarding their loyalty.”

The Bon-Ton operates 72 department stores in secondary markets in Pennsylvania, New York, New Jersey, Maryland, Connecticut, Massachusetts, West Virginia, New Hampshire and Vermont. The stores carry a broad assortment of brand name fashion apparel for women, men and children, as well as home furnishings.




ABOUT CUSTOMER COMMUNICATIONS GROUP

Customer Communications Group, Inc. (CCG) pioneered the concept of relationship marketing more than 25 years ago and continues to prove its leadership position by delivering results that can increase sales 8 percent to 15 percent and generate 200 percent to 400 percent ROI.

As a full-service relationship marketing agency, CCG offers expertise in strategic consulting, analytical data services, creative communications and multimedia solutions ranging from print production to Website development. CCG also offers creative and production services for newsletters, magazines, collateral materials, fax-back systems, email and direct marketing communications.

CCG has implemented profitable programs for Fortune 1000 retail, financial and telecommunications clients including Dillard's, G.H. Bass & Co., Hibernia Bank, IBM, Nordstrom, Payless ShoeSource, Pier 1 Imports, Tommy Hilfiger and Wachovia Bank.

For more information about Customer Communications Group, visit http://www.customer.com or contact Sandra Gudat, president/CEO of Customer Communications Group, 12600 West Cedar Drive, Denver, CO, 80228; (303) 986-3000; (800) 525-0313; Fax (303) 989-4805; or sandra@customer.com.