STAMFORD, Conn.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--July 14, 2004--Kirkland's, Inc., a leading U.S. retailer of home decor, and GE Consumer Finance, one of the world's leading consumer lenders, today announced the signing of an agreement to launch the retailer's first-ever private-label credit card program. The new Kirkland's card will be offered at the chain's 282 stores in 36 states, providing qualified customers with a range of valuable programs and benefits.
The nationwide program, which kicked off Monday, features a 10 percent-off promotion on a customer's first purchase using the card, special shopping days and exclusive previews of new merchandise. A customer loyalty program will reward shoppers with a bounce-back $10 certificate for every $150 spent on the card.
Kirkland's is one of the country's best-known names in home decor, and we are excited about the opportunity to be a partner with them in driving sales and building customer loyalty, said Mark W. Begor, president and chief executive officer, GE Consumer Finance-Americas.
Other key benefits of the Kirkland's program: 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.
The introduction of the Kirkland's card is an integral part of our effort to build closer relationships with our customers, said Robert E. Alderson, Kirkland's President and Chief Executive Officer.
The card will provide a new and convenient way for customers to make their home decor and gift purchases, and the loyalty program will enhance the great value our customers already receive when they shop at Kirkland's. GE has tremendous expertise with private-label credit, and we are pleased to have such an experienced partner as we launch this program.
About Kirkland's, Inc.
Kirkland's, Inc. was founded in 1966 and is a leading specialty retailer of home decor in the United States, operating 282 stores in 36 states. The Company's stores present a broad selection of distinctive merchandise, including framed art, mirrors, candles, lamps, picture frames, accent rugs, garden accessories and artificial floral products.
The Company's stores also offer an extensive assortment of holiday merchandise, as well as items carried throughout the year suitable for giving as gifts.
More information can be found at www.kirklands.com.
About GE Consumer Finance
With more than $107 billion in assets, GE Consumer Finance, a unit of General Electric Company, is a leading provider of credit services to consumers, retailers and auto dealers in 38 countries around the world. GE Consumer Finance, based in Stamford, Conn. (USA), 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.
More information can be found online at www.geconsumerfinance.com.
GE (NYSE: GE) is a diversified technology, media and financial services company dedicated to creating products that make life better.
For more information, visit the company's Web site at www.ge.com.
(C) 2004 General Electric Company. All rights reserved.
--30--KB/ny*
CONTACT: Kirkland's
Rennie Faulkner, 731-668-2444
or
GE Consumer Finance
Cristy Williams, 678-518-2596
[email protected]
Cristy Williams
[email protected]
678.518.2596