FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 7, 2007

SGIA Online Storefront Opens New Markets for Members - Turnkey solution for Internet sales designed specifically for specialty imagers

Fairfax, Virginia -- SGIA's Online Storefront program (SGIA.org, Keyword: OnlineStore), the Association's newest member benefit, gives specialty imagers a tool to be more competitive online, says SGIA President & CEO Michael Robertson.
http://www.sgia.org/marketing_and_sales/storefront/index.cfm

According to the National Retail Federation, online apparel sales ($18.3 billion) last year outpaced computer hardware and software products ($17.2 billion) for the first time ever.

"SGIA members need to be part of this trend, instead of watching it from the side lines," Robertson says, "With this program they have a turnkey solution with full control over updates and operation."

For the initial roll-out, SGIA has tailored the Online Storefront program to garment decorators, but will offer graphics production version in the future. Customers can create precisely the orders they want: They select the item to be printed, choose or upload artwork, then pay online.

License fees cover site costs, technical support, graphic elements and business resources.

"Online sales and personalization are crucial and open up new markets for specialty imagers. SGIA's goal is to give members another way to take advantage of these opportunities," Robertson adds.

In addition to at-the-ready technical troubleshooting assistance, the Association is providing a bank of exclusive online resources that includes pointers and sample language for terms & conditions statement; credit card processing (through PayPal); and articles with solid advice for optimizing online marketing. http://www.sgia.org/marketing_and_sales/storefront/lic_includes.cfm

Robertson will lead a free educational session about SGIA's Online Storefront program Thursday, October 25, 9:30 am-10:45 am, during SGIA '07 (Orlando, October 24­27).

SGIA -- Supporting the Leaders of the Digital & Screen Printing Community
Make the most of your specialty imaging business Take full advantage of the information on SGIA.org, and experience the specialty graphic imaging industry first-hand at SGIA '07 (Orange County Convention Center, Orlando, Florida; October 24­27, 2007). "Specialty imaging" comprises digital imaging, screen printing and the many other imaging technologies SGIA members use, including those they'll tap in the future. These are the imaging processes and technologies employed to create new products and to enhance existing products including point-of-purchase displays, signs, advertisements, garments, containers, and vehicles.

SGIA
10015 Main St.
Fairfax, VA 22031
Phone: 703-359-1310
E-Mail: mhiggins@sgia.org
Website URL: www.sgia.org