StoreFront passes rigorous review process to win Alaska Airlines contract
KANSAS CITY, Kan./EWORLDWIRE/Oct. 12, 2004 --- Alaska Airlines, the nation's ninth largest airline, has a rich history of leveraging technology to improve flight and business operations. With the company's recent evaluation of e-commerce solutions and subsequent launch of its online gift store on the award winning StoreFront(R) (www.StoreFront.net) e-business platform, it has written another page in that history.
When Alaska Airlines committed to offer an online store to compliment its existing brick-and-mortar store located in Seattle, they evaluated a number of e-commerce providers. A team of experts in technology, retail, procurement, and inventory management were assembled to identify and deploy the right solution. Selection criteria included: industry reputation, feature/functionality, technology platform, security, compatibility with existing systems, and ability to interface to back-end systems.
"As we talked with other online e-tailers, we consistently heard of StoreFront's superior reputation," said Kevin Wessel, Information and Communication Services.
"We also sought an e-commerce solution which was compatible with our existing technology and tools. StoreFront's technology platform enables interface with the Bank of America payment gateway and provides necessary security safeguards. Perhaps most critical was the need to track and update inventory levels at the Seattle store and distribution center. StoreFront's import capabilities enabled us to build an interface allowing the Web store to sell inventory on the shelf in the Seattle store," said Wessel...
"In the first week following launch of the Web store we realized excellent sales numbers," said Wessel. "The team involved in deploying the site has received very positive feedback. One employee even sent a personal e-mail to the CEO, giving thanks to the company for implementing the site. From all levels of the company, the site has been very well received.
"The goal of our online store was to enhance our service offerings to employees, so an easy and feature-rich shopping experience was a must," said Wessel. "Launching our store on the StoreFront platform, with its extensive shopping cart and behind-the-scenes technology features, has proven to be an effective vehicle for us to meet those customer/employee service goals."
Alaska Airlines is just one of the many high-profile companies and organizations using StoreFront to power their e-commerce websites. Clients such as Florsheim, The Dallas Mavericks, Toyota Parts, Gibson Guitars, Panama Jack, The Boy Scouts of America, The Boston Globe, and The Milwaukee Art Museum are using the StoreFront suite of products and solutions to power their online businesses. StoreFront offers enterprise-level features enabling online shoppers to create saved carts, e-mail friends about products, save address books, ship to multiple addresses, have items gift wrapped and track their purchases. StoreFront's comprehensive management tools make it easy for merchants of all sizes to fulfill orders, add/edit products, create html e-mails, and manage coupons and promotions. StoreFront provides powerful e-business tools for medium-size to enterprise-level businesses starting at under $1,500. Integration and customization services are available from LaGarde.
About LaGarde(R):
Founded in 1996, LaGarde is a leading global provider of e-business solutions. LaGarde's StoreFront software products and services offer robust, feature-rich solutions to develop and maintain e-business sites that deliver high-end functionality at an affordable price point. LaGarde offers advanced e-business solutions, easy shopping cart services, e-commerce software for developers, and enterprise e-commerce solutions for high-volume sellers. StoreFront powers nearly 50,000 Web stores in over 70 countries around the world. More information is available at www.StoreFront.net or by calling 800-943-5823.
About Alaska Airlines
Alaska Airlines, the nation's ninth largest airline, serves more than 50 cities in Alaska, the Lower 48, Canada and Mexico. While relatively small compared to other major carriers, it serves as the dominant West Coast carrier. Founded in 1932, and headquartered in Seattle, Alaska Airlines (and sister-carrier, Horizon Air) have been recognized through their 70 year history for providing outstanding customer service and for their pioneering applications of technology. In 1995, they were the first U.S. airline to offer internet bookings/tickets, followed by firsts to offer Web check-in, wireless check-in, and elimination of ticket counters at the 'Airport of the Future' in Anchorage. More information is available at http://companystore.alaskasworld.com.
LaGarde, StoreFront and StoreFront Now are either registered trademarks or trademarks of LaGarde Incorporated in the United States and/or other countries. The names of actual companies and products mentioned herein may be the trademarks of their respective owners.
CONTACT:
Roxanne Petter
LaGarde
25055 West Valley Parkway
Olathe, KS 66061
PHONE. 913.489.0890
FAX. 913.489.0833
EMAIL: media@lagarde.com
http://www.storefront.net
