Retailers target cost savings and improved operational efficiency
with Internet-based EDI alternative

HIGH POINT, NC - FurnishNet today announced that El Dorado Furniture and Z Gallerie, both ranked among the nation's Top 100 retailers by Furniture/Today, have selected FurnishNet to handle electronic transaction exchange with their suppliers. With combined sales exceeding $150 million, the retailers will use FurnishNet to electronically transmit purchase orders, purchase order acknowledgements, advance ship notices, and invoices. The deal signals growing retailer confidence in leveraging FurnishNet's Internet-based supply chain solutions to reduce costs and improve operational efficiency.

El Dorado, a family-owned and operated retailer with seven stores in south Florida, chose FurnishNet after years of searching for a practical, cost-effective way to automate transactions with its key vendors.

"Every time someone would present us with a 'solution,' we found that it was never really directed at the furniture industry and had only two or three vendors participating," said J.R. Capo, El Dorado's Chief Information Officer. FurnishNet, however, offered connections to more than 130 furniture manufacturers. "We were working with almost half of them, and most of our top 10 vendors were already on the list. Then, I saw how the whole thing worked and I said 'Wow!' That's exactly what we've been looking for."

Mike Zeiden, Chief Financial Officer at Z Gallerie, chose FurnishNet to reduce manual processes, such as faxing orders and keying in invoices.

"With FurnishNet, our purchase orders will be sent directly to our vendors over the Internet, and invoices will be automatically entered into our accounts payable for approval," Zeiden said. "By automating these transactions, we can improve productivity, lower labor costs, and reduce lead times for our customers."

Opened in 1979 as a specialty poster store, Z Gallerie has grown into a national home furnishings and accessories retailer with 40 stores across the country.

"Current economic conditions demand that today's retailers do more with less," said Ron Sellers, FurnishNet's Vice President of Sales. "The fact that leading retailers like El Dorado and Z Gallerie have signed with us demonstrates that we are providing clear value to the industry by reducing manual processes, improving efficiencies, and cutting costs without the hassle of traditional EDI."

In addition to FurnishNet's existing customer base, other retailers to have recently signed with FurnishNet include Naturwood, Sleepy's and Slumberland.

To learn more about Transaction Management solutions now available through FurnishNet, contact Ron Sellers at (800) 854-2263, ext. 2525 or visit www.furnishnet.com.

About FurnishNet
FurnishNet, a wholly owned subsidiary of GERS, provides Internet-based supply chain solutions for retailers, manufacturers, and suppliers in the home furnishings industry. FurnishNet offerings include parts management and transaction management solutions that streamline processes, eliminate waste, enhance operations, and improve consumer satisfaction. Leveraging GERS Retail Systems' 27 years of experience in the home furnishings industry, FurnishNet is well positioned to offer solutions tailored to the business needs of the trade. For more information, visit www.furnishnet.com.