KETTERING, Ohio --- July 16, 2008 --- GE Money and Janome America, Inc., a leading manufacturer of home sewing machines, today announced a new multi-year relationship to provide consumer credit through the Home Design program managed by GE Money's Sales Finance unit.
The private label credit card, available at Janome dealers nationwide, offers special financing options, including no payment and deferred interest promotions. Longer term promotions are available seasonally. Additionally, cardholders can view their accounts and pay bills online via www.geonlineservice.com.
"Many sew not only to save money by making their own clothes, but for enjoyment and personal expression," said Randy Thomas, senior vice president for Janome. "The Janome financing program will help bring the joy of sewing to more of our customers and their families."
Consumer interest in sewing and crafting continues to expand, as the home sewing industry grew to $3.5 billion in 2000. According to the Home Sewing Association, the continuous demand for home sewing is fueled by the current interest in home-based activities, the technical appeal of sewing machines with computerized functions and the growth in the number of sewing-related sites on the Internet. The U.S. Small Business Administration estimates that as many as 14 million Americans make their living from home, and sewing is a popular home-based business in several of niches, including upholstery, bridal wear, crafts, quilts, etc.
"Sewing offers a unique opportunity to create homemade works as beautiful as they are functional, with the added benefit of helping people save money," said Lou Pagliarini, vice president, specialty industry, GE Money -- Sales Finance. "The Janome Home Design financing program will help sewists purchase the tools they need more easily and economically."
About Janome America
Janome America is the largest subsidiary of Janome Sewing Machine Company of Japan, which produces nearly two million sewing machines annually as well as a line of related sewing products and embroidery software. Janome is a category leader in innovation and Janome sewing machines are recognized throughout the industry for their ease-of-use and unsurpassed stitch quality. For more information, please visit www.janome.com.
About GE Money
With more than $200 billion in assets, GE Money, a unit of General Electric Company, (NYSE: GE) is a leading provider of retail banking and credit services to consumers and retailers in more than 50 countries around the world. With more than 130 million global customers, GE Money, based in London, UK, offers a range of financial products, including private label credit cards, personal loans, bank cards, mortgages, debt consolidation and home equity loans and credit insurance. More information can be found at www.gemoney.com. GE Money's Sales Finance unit, based in Kettering, Ohio, provides private label credit card programs and financial services for consumers through dealers; national, regional and independent retailers; associations; contractors; manufacturers; healthcare practices; and service providers in more than 20 industries including: automotive, consumer electronics and appliances, elective health care, floor covering, home design and improvement, home furnishings, jewelry, music, powersports, outdoor power equipment, sporting goods and travel.
GE is Imagination at Work -- a diversified technology, media and financial services company focused on solving some of the world's toughest problems. With products and services ranging from aircraft engines, power generation, water processing and security technology to medical imaging, business and consumer financing, media content and advanced materials, GE serves customers in more than 100 countries and employs more than 300,000 people worldwide. For more information, visit www.ge.com.
Cristy Williams
[email protected]
678.518.2596