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Pickups Plus Strengthens Commitment to Franchisees

17 May 2000

Pickups Plus Strengthens Commitment to Franchisees; Business Team Charged With Developing Opportunities With Growing Retailer

    MASON, Ohio--May 17, 2000--Pickups Plus, Inc. (OTCBB:PUPS), a national retailer and franchiser in the $30 billion a year accessories market for trucks and SUVs, is enhancing its commitment to identify and develop franchise opportunities.
    "Our goal is to become the No. 1 provider of accessories to drivers of pickups and SUVs," said Pickups Plus President John Fitzgerald. "Clearly, franchise development is the key to attaining that goal, and that's why we are assembling a proven management team to focus on that aspect of our business."
    Fitzgerald announced that Jeff Schwoeppe will assist Brian Glover in franchise marketing and development.
    "Brian has more than 10 years of experience in retail marketing, and Jeff brings a wealth of business expertise to Pickups Plus," Fitzgerald said. "We're confident this team will enable Pickups Plus to grow and flourish, and we know their commitment to quality will serve the company, our investors and our customers exceedingly well."
    Glover, a former franchisee himself and currently director of franchise sales, said Pickups Plus delivers both opportunity and support to entrepreneurs.
    "Pickups Plus is in the right business at the right time," Glover said. "The popularity of pickups and sport utility vehicles has never been higher, and Pickups Plus already has established itself as the place to go for expert advice, great merchandise, quality service and professional installation. Also, the Pickups Plus business system is polished and professional, and franchisees receive ongoing marketing and promotional support."
    Schwoeppe, Assistant Director of Franchise Sales and Store Operations, will be responsible for ongoing support as well as initial training.
    "Pickups Plus has a track record of growth, and the company plans to continue its aggressive expansion," Schwoeppe said. "I'll make sure that growth occurs with the same attention to franchise detail that has become a hallmark of Pickups Plus."
    Pickups Plus has 11 stores nationwide that cater to owners of trucks and sport utility vehicles. Already a market leader in the truck and SUV accessory market, Pickups Plus plans to expand to six new markets around the country this year.