Barnesandnoble.com Upgrades Web Site

Barnesandnoble.com launched an enhanced version of its e-commerce Web site, adding Express Lane one click
ordering, a new design, improved book search capabilities, and expanded
product offerings, including an online software store.

“Throughout our first year in business we have listened intently to what our
customers have asked for and believe we have delivered a vastly superior
product based on those requests,” said Jeff Killeen, chief operating officer
for barnesandnoble.com.

In addition to books, the site will now sell software. Intel Corp. opened its
SoftwareForPCs.com site
at barnesandnoble.com. The store offers more than 1,000 software titles,
including new releases and book/software bundles.

The new search engine delivers the nearest possible result based on what is
entered with results sorted by bestseller, date published, or alphabetical
sequence. Searches can be conducted for any book in print by title, author,
keyword, format, subject, price, ISBN or children’s books by age group.

Also added were “e-nnouncements!” allowing barnesandnoble.com to send a
personal e-mail notification to customers regarding new releases,
subject area information, and authors that pertain to their interests.

In celebration of the first anniversary of barnesandnoble.com, visitors to the
site can enter the “Literary Pursuit Sweepstakes.” Prizes include a 1998 Ford
Explorer (provided by Auto-By-Tel Mobalist Rewards), three home computer
systems (provided by Gateway), books, and magazine subscriptions. The
sweepstakes will take place through July 21.

Separately, barnesandnoble.com named four new members to its senior
management team–Rob Chmiel as chief financial officer; Melissa Lake
Roberson as vice president and executive editor; Brenda Marsh as vice
president of
merchandising; and Tom Simon as vice president of content development.