Crown American Licenses Mall Web Site Software to Harford Mall
JOHNSTOWN, PA -- (May 3, 2002) -- Another shopping mall will soon feature the award-winning mall web site software developed by Crown American. Harford Mall, Bel Air, Maryland has signed a contract to license the Shop-Dot-Com application from Crown American.
This marks the third time that Crown American has licensed their mall web site program to outside parties. Earlier this year, South Bay Pavilion at Carson (Carson, California) and Laurel Mall (Laurel, Maryland) began using the Shop-Dot-Com program. Last August, JP Realty, Inc. began implementing this same application at its 18 shopping mall properties in Utah, Idaho, Washington, Oregon, Wyoming, California, Arizona and New Mexico. Harford Mall is owned and operated by Mid-Atlantic Realty Trust.
Sears and Hecht's anchor the 592,000 square foot property that is located 32 miles north of Baltimore. Designed to complement the physical shopping experience, Crown American debuted its Internet system at all of its 26 mall properties in August, 2000. A total of 46 malls, located in 18 states, will now feature this program that includes consumer-friendly, dynamic content presented in a personalized and interactive format.
Consumers visiting any of the sites can find information on current sales and events and register for weekly e-mail notifications that contain information only on the events, special offers and sales that the user specifies. After indicating individual preferences, the web site automatically reconfigures to the interests of the user and provides a true one-to-one marketing tool for the mall. Other functions include a mall directory, directions and a listing of jobs available at the mall. From time to time, special contests and games entertain and continue to keep consumers interested. A strict privacy policy has also been developed with regards to information communicated by consumers.
In October, 2001, Crown American's mall web site program was recognized by the International Council of Shopping Centers (ICSC) with a mall MAXI marketing award in the consumer or trade advertising category. It was only one of 18 mall marketing programs worldwide recognized with a MAXI award in 2001.
Crown American Realty Trust (NYSE: CWN) is an equity real estate investment trust (REIT) that, through various affiliates and subsidiaries owns, acquires, operates and develops regional shopping malls in Pennsylvania, Maryland, West Virginia, Virginia, New Jersey, North Carolina, Tennessee and Georgia. The current portfolio includes enclosed regional malls aggregating 16 million square feet of gross leasable area. Crown American is listed on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol CWN and is headquartered in Johnstown, Pennsylvania.