PRESS RELEASE
Nourison Unveils Interactive Multimedia Kiosks for Authorized Dealers
Partnership with First Wave, Inc. and Apple Computer Leads to Innovative Program
SCOTTSDALE, Ariz.-March 1, 2001-Nourison, the world's largest importer and
manufacturer of fine handmade oriental rugs, recently unveiled an interactive multimedia
kiosk program for authorized Nourison Dealers. The kiosk program, developed in close
collaboration with First Wave, Inc. and Apple Computer, allows dealers to lease a kiosk
for their retail outlet to provide consumers with instantaneous access to a virtual
inventory of thousands of rugs.
"The Nourison kiosk is an excellent addition to any dealer�s showroom," said Thomas
Dust, Nourison�s director of multimedia and head of the kiosk project. "It allows a
consumer to browse 46 of Noursion�s collections and search through them by size, color
and style, or any combination of criteria. This ensures the consumer can quickly find a
rug that precisely suits their needs."
The Nourison kiosk, developed by First Wave, runs on a touch-enabled iMac and is
powered by Kiosk Communicator, the company�s industry-leading kiosk development
software. This robust system provides an engaging multimedia environment for
consumers and is easily updated remotely via phone lines so the latest rug collections
and styles are always featured. Additionally, the kiosk automatically runs a customizable
attract loop during periods of inactivity. This allows dealers to display sales promotions,
store hours or other relevant information on the kiosk. The kiosk also provides dealers
with robust reports on the kiosk usage and consumer preferences.
"The Nourison kiosk is a lucrative addition to any dealer�s showroom," said Mr. Dust.
"The dealer instantly expands their inventory by thousands of rugs while giving up only
two square feet of showroom space when they install the kiosk."
The system is available to dealers at a variety of costs, depending on configuration and
lease arrangements, and easily pays for itself in a short period of time. The kiosk has
been implemented in select locations on a pilot basis and the results have been
outstanding.
"The Nourison kiosk generated incremental business for us as soon as it was installed,"
according to Andy Brumlow, Area Rug Manager for Carpets of Dalton, who participated in
the pilot. "It has allowed us to expand our inventory and improve the customer
experience, with very little investment on our part."
About First Wave
Founded a decade ago, First Wave, Inc. is the world�s leading provider of interactive
multimedia kiosks. Today, First Wave kiosks are used by many of the leading Fortune 500
corporations, including Kids "R" Us, Walt Disney Records and Whirlpool to promote and
sell products. Featuring an amazing array of multimedia tools, First Wave kiosk solutions
are powered by the company�s proprietary kiosk development software, Kiosk
Communicator.
Kiosk Communicator enables the development of kiosk-based self service commerce by
allowing a multitude of functions to be programmed in minutes including, collecting and
dispensing information, gathering critical market data, promoting products, taking orders
and arranging shipping. More than 7,000 copies of Kiosk Communicator are currently in
circulation, supported by a community of Resellers and Agents.
The company is headquartered in Scottsdale, Arizona. For additional information and a
free copy of the white paper, "Trends Driving Interactive Displays," please visit
www.first-wave.com.
About Nourison
Nourison is the world's largest importer and manufacturer of fine handmade oriental rugs.
World headquarters in Saddle Brook, New Jersey, with offices in Atlanta, High Point,
Zurich, Germany, China and India, the company also has dozens of distribution centers
throughout the world. Nourison has grown steadily since its inception in 1980. Founded
by the Peykar brothers, Paul, Alex, Edmund and Steven, and named for their father
Noury, the company is now poised to enter the millennium with a continuing dedication to
excellence in both service and product.
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