CSK Auto, Inc. Gears Up for E-Commerce
22 June 1999
CSK Auto, Inc. Gears Up for E-Commerce
CSK Auto, Inc. Partners with Integrated Information Systems to Develop First
E-Commerce Site for Major Automotive Parts Retailer
PHOENIX, June 22 -- CSK Auto Corporation
announced today the official launch of an e-commerce web site by its
wholly-owned subsidiary, CSK Auto, Inc., the largest retailer of automotive
parts and accessories in the Western United States and one of the largest such
retailers in the country. CSK's e-tailing site is accessible at
http://www.cskauto.com . Through its wholly-owned subsidiary, CSKAUTO.COM,
Inc., CSK Auto, Inc. is the first major auto parts retailer to sell a full
assortment of automotive parts and accessories on the Internet. Today's
launch represents the first phase of a multi-tiered implementation of a
web-based strategy for CSK Auto.
"Our expansion into e-commerce is consistent with our philosophy of
providing our customers with quality products and service in a manner that is
convenient for them to use," said Maynard Jenkins, Chairman and CEO of CSK
Auto. "The Internet is having a dramatic effect on the way people shop and
conduct business. In order to remain in the forefront and give the consumer
what they want and need, CSK Auto has taken the first of several steps in the
integration of our traditional services with the web."
Today's official launch represents the completion of a successful beta
test that began in late April. The site, which was developed by CSK Auto's IT
Group in partnership with Arizona-based Integrated Information Systems (IIS),
offers parts, accessories and performance products for cars, vans and trucks.
The site also offers a "Hot Deals" location where customers can go to buy
select items at significantly reduced prices. To maximize CSK's current
infrastructure, IIS developed a customized application utilizing Microsoft's
Site Server Commerce Edition that ties directly into CSK's order management
and credit card authorization systems.
"In a very short period of time, IIS and CSK were able to develop an
e-commerce solution that integrated with CSK's existing operations," said Jim
Garvey, President and CEO of IIS. "We are excited about the results to date
and are looking forward to the launching of future site enhancements."
Consistent with what is available at CSK Auto, Inc.'s family of auto parts
stores, the web site offers parts for cars, vans and trucks on models dating
back to 1960. If a specific part is not available on the company's web site,
customers can e-mail special parts requests. The site accepts all major
credit cards and offers free shipping on orders weighing less than 20 lbs.
"The introduction of CSKAUTO.com is just the first step in a series of
initiatives CSK will be undertaking to help our customers keep up with
technological advancements in accessing goods and services. Future
enhancements will allow them to also keep up with technological advancements
in how to maintain and repair the automobile," said Jenkins.
About CSK Auto, Inc.
CSK Auto, Inc. is a specialty retailer in the automotive aftermarket with
annual revenues in excess of $1.0 billion operating approximately 825 stores
under the trade names of Checker, Schuck's and Kragen in 13 Western states.
As the largest retailer of automotive parts and accessories in the Western
United States and one of the top five in the nation, CSK Auto, Inc. provides a
full assortment of products and services through its retail locations, and
through its subsidiary, CSKAUTO.COM, Inc., via e-commerce at
http://www.cskauto.com .
About Integrated Information Systems
Integrated Information Systems (IIS), based in Tempe, Arizona, is building
the new e-conomy by employing advanced Web-based solutions, custom software
and network integration services to address real-world business challenges.
The company's solutions and services distribute the power of information,
eliminating the traditional barriers of time and distance. For additional
information, visit IIS's web site at http://www.iisweb.com .
Certain statements contained in this release are forward-looking
statements. They discuss, among other things, expected growth, future store
development strategy, business strategies, future revenues and future
performance. The forward-looking statements are subject to risks,
uncertainties and assumptions, including, but not limited to, competitive
pressures, demand for the Company's products, uncertainties regarding internet
commerce, the state of the economy, inflation, consumer debt levels and the
weather. Actual results may differ materially from the anticipated results
described in these forward-looking statements.