Story Filed: Monday, November 29, 1999 8:16 AM EST

SAN JOSE, Calif., Nov 29, 1999 (BUSINESS WIRE) --

Calico eSales Powers Newly Launched In-Store Kiosks at Best Buy Locations Nationwide; Customers Empowered with Flexible

                      Guided-Shopping Experience

Buying a computer tailored to a consumer's individual needs just became easier thanks to Calico Commerce, Inc and Best Buy. Calico, a leading provider of electronic commerce software and services, today announced that Best Buy Co., Inc. (NYSE: BBY), the nation's largest computer retailer to the home user, has implemented Calico eSales into its newly launched in-store configure-to-order computer kiosks at 354 Best Buy locations nationwide. Best Buy shoppers are already taking advantage of this personalized, guided-selling solution which enables them to assess their computer needs, explore their options and select and purchase customized systems in a completely flexible user-driven fashion.

Best Buy, the number one consumer electronics specialty retailer in the U.S., has deployed Calico eSales to provide its customers with a positive, user-guided shopping experience when ordering a specially configured computer system. Calico empowers retailers such as Best Buy to sell complex products and services via the Web and in stores -- providing customers with relevant, up-to-date information, and assembling the right computer package to meet their expressed preferences and requirements. Calico eSales is a customer-driven eCommerce solution that matches unique customer needs to business initiatives across all channels, leading a customer from initial interest to order placement while engaging them in repeat buying relationships.

"Best Buy is delivering greater value to our customers and earning their long-term loyalty by tailoring their buying experience to individual needs and preferences," said Clark Becker, Vice President, Best Buy, Co., Inc. "Calico eSales has already helped Best Buy eliminate order errors and reduce costs -- just a few of the key benefits that have enabled us to achieve a strategic competitive advantage in this aggressive market."

Best Buy's kiosks provide customers and Best Buy's product specialists access to a centralized database of configurable product information. In addition, the solution is designed to gather user metrics that will permit updating and fine-tuning based on customers' behavior and feedback. While customers are engaged in the purchasing process, Calico eSales can suggest complementary products, special services or appealing options in a context that is relevant and natural to the customers, maximizing the revenue potential of every customer interaction.

"Best Buy has delivered on its vision to provide its customers with an innovative in-store buying experience that not only enhances sales, but strategically positions Best Buy for the future of eCommerce in the highly competitive retail marketplace of the 21st century. Calico is proud to have been selected by Best Buy to make this vision a reality," said Alan Naumann, president and chief executive officer, Calico. "Building long-term relationships with customers is a key strategic advantage for any retailer, and by standardizing on Calico eSales, large retail organizations such as Best Buy can continue to bring expert guidance to their customers and lock in customer loyalty for the long term."

     About Best Buy Co., Inc.

Minneapolis-based Best Buy Co., Inc. is the nation's largest volume specialty retailer of consumer electronics, personal computers, entertainment software and appliances. The Company operates 354 stores in 37 states, and offers CDs and DVD movies online at http://www.bestbuy.com.

     About Calico Commerce, Inc.

Calico Commerce, Inc., headquartered in San Jose, Calif. and with offices throughout the United States and Europe, is a leading provider of customer commerce software solutions for eBusiness. The Calico eSales Suite is a personalized and competitive web-based buying and selling solution that matches unique customer needs to business initiatives across all channels, leading a customer from initial interest to order placement while engaging them in repeat buying relationships. The Calico eSales Suite can be deployed across the Internet, intranets, extranets and corporate networks and can be accessed through desktop and mobile computers and retail kiosks. Calico has helped leading high-technology hardware, manufacturing, telecommunications services, financial services and retail corporations create a lasting competitive advantage and increase customer loyalty, which has resulted in reduced sales costs and increased revenue. Calico Commerce, Inc. can be found on the World Wide Web at http://www.calicocommerce.com.

Except for the historical information contained herein, the matters discussed in news releases contain forward-looking statements that involve substantial risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed in or implied by such forward-looking statements. Potential risks and uncertainties are described in detail in Calico's Registration Statement on Form S-1 as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

Copyright (C) 1999 Business Wire

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Thanks Anna!