STAMFORD, Conn.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Nov. 19, 2002--GE Consumer Finance, a top issuer of private label credit cards in North America, and bebe stores, inc. (Nasdaq: BEBE), a specialty retailer that designs and sells contemporary women's clothing and accessories, announced today the launch of the company's first-ever private label credit card program.
The bebe platinum card is available now and can be used at all bebe, BBSP and BEBE SPORT stores in the United States. We are proud to be working with bebe, said Mark Begor, president and chief executive officer of GE Consumer Finance - Americas. This relationship is a terrific opportunity to support a growing business that shares our commitment to customer satisfaction and passion for quality.
Begor explained that bebe selected GE Consumer Finance as its retail card partner for the company's credit marketing expertise, success in launching national programs and proven ability to provide high-quality service to cardholders. We are at a pivotal point in our growth strategy, says John Kyees, chief financial officer of bebe stores, inc. This partnership with GE Consumer Finance will propel us forward, improve communications with our customers, and enable more customers to become loyal bebe shoppers.
Under the new private label credit card program, bebe cardholders will enjoy a range of valuable programs and benefits, including a 10 percent-off promotion on their first purchase, advance notice of new merchandise arrivals, special offers and store events and a complementary seasonal brochure, featuring the latest bebe fashions.
In addition, bebe customers will be able to apply in-store, receive an instant approval and shop the same day. Cardholders receive a dedicated line of credit and pay no annual fees.
About bebe
bebe, headquartered in Brisbane, Calif., designs, develops and produces a distinctive line of contemporary women's apparel and accessories, which it markets under the bebe, bbsp and bebe sport brand names. Founded in 1976, bebe currently operates 173 stores in the United States and Canada, and through its online store at www.bebe.com.
About GE and GE Consumer Finance
GE Consumer Finance, a unit of General Electric Company, with $7 billion in assets, is a leading provider of credit services to consumers, retailers and auto dealers in more than 35 countries around the world.
GE Consumer Finance, based in Stamford, Conn., offers a range of financial products, including private label credit cards, personal loans, bank cards, auto loans and leases, mortgages, corporate travel and purchasing cards, debt consolidation and home equity loans and credit insurance.
GE (NYSE: GE) is a diversified services, technology and manufacturing company with operations
worldwide.
More information about GE can be found online at www.ge.com.
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CONTACT:
GE Consumer Finance
Peter Tosches
Office: 203/316-7284
Cell: 203/247-7487
Home: 203/758-6646
Cristy Williams
[email protected]
678.518.2596