ACCESSVIA WEB DSIGNSHOP ENABLES WEB-BASED SIGN PRINTING AT NEWLY MERGED SPORTS AUTHORITY
AND GART SPORTS
Migration made easy for top sporting goods retailer when switching from AccessVia's client/server dSIGN to AccessVia's Web-based Web dSignShop during merger

SEATTLE, January 9, 2004 - AccessVia®, the leading provider of automated sign printing solutions and electronic display technologies for retailers, today announced that The Sports Authority and Gart Sports, which merged in August, have chosen AccessVia Web dSignShop® solution for in-store sign printing. Both retailers are AccessVia customers and say that their success and satisfaction with AccessVia's dSIGN encouraged them to move forward with the newest AccessVia shelf-edge printing solution as they merge data assets and business processes in their combined 385 stores.

The process of unifying the retail display practices of the nation's top two sports retailers is simplified, since both use AccessVia solutions. Each chain currently uses dSIGN-the industry standard sign printing solution for the client/server architecture-to print shelf-edge signs, promotional and seasonal signs, fact tags and labels. While both teams report success across the enterprise with dSIGN, they decided the time is right for them to benefit from the advantages that a Web solution offers.

Dean A. Sleeper, CEO of AccessVia says, "Both companies had no cost options to proceed with dSIGN, but the savings associated with a single, Web-based deployment vs. the efforts required to unify all of the host integration of the two implementations made the investment a clear winner. The need to integrate their systems paid for the new technology and now they'll realize continuous benefits from a single, centralized deployment of application, templates and sign content."

The newly formed company, now known as The Sports Authority, expects to enjoy equal or better performance in terms of speed, formatting choices and ease-of-use with Web dSignShop. The important operational benefit and savings comes from centralized deployment and management of the application, eliminating the burden on individual stores to install or update software and to host large data files. Store staff will simply log on to Web dSignShop via the company intranet and start printing batches of centrally produced signs and labels. All templates and content are created, managed and stored in a single location for all stores as well.

Sleeper says, "It's enormously satisfying for us to build on our success with these well-respected retailers. We believe their decision to adopt another AccessVia solution shows confidence in our technology and our team. It's a critical time for them as they link their operations, and I know the ability to deploy and update instantly across the whole network of stores-without compromising speed or performance-will be invaluable."

AccessVia Web dSignShop was recognized in both 2002 and 2003 as a Microsoft® Retail Application Developer (RAD) Award winner. The Microsoft RAD Award highlights the most innovative Microsoft-based software solutions for the retail and supply chain industries.

The AccessVia Print solution includes both Web dSignShop and dSIGN to provide clients with accurate and attractive signs, shelf-edge labels, fact tags, coupons, and more. Web dSignShop is designed for retailers who want to use the Internet, an intranet, or an extranet to publish signs using a Web browser without installing or maintaining in-store software. dSIGN is built for classic client/server implementations and offers advanced product data delivery and unmatched integration with legacy systems. AccessVia also offers a solution for automated electronic displays, including customer-facing POS displays, self-service terminals, and kiosk applications for price verification, assisted shopping, endless aisle services, and gift registry.

AccessVia customers include Bed Bath & Beyond, Kroger, LCBO, Petco, Safeway, Staples, SUPERVALU, Target and Walgreens.

About The Sports Authority and Gart Sports
On August 4, 2003, The Sports Authority, Inc. and Gart Sports Company, the largest and second-largest U.S. sporting goods retailers, respectively, completed a merger that created the nation's preeminent full-line sporting goods chain. The combined company, now known as The Sports Authority, Inc., is headquartered in Englewood, Colorado, and trades on the NYSE under the symbol TSA. It operates approximately 385 stores in 45 U.S. states. For more information, visit www.thesportsauthority.com.

AccessVia customers include Bed Bath and Beyond, Kroger, LCBO, Petco, Safeway, Staples, SUPERVALU, Target, Walgreens and Wal-Mart.

About AccessVia, Inc.
AccessVia takes retailers beyond price point to a place where they can truly connect with customers at the moment of choice. Smart consumers expect more than flashing lights and red type. The new consumer requires new messaging.

AccessVia Consumer Messaging Optimization Services help you to envision that future and make it happen. Seasoned retail professionals, armed with best practices, industry benchmarks and new ideas, work with your team to transform your consumer messaging effectiveness and efficiency. AccessVia Publishing Platform solutions provide the software tools to extend your retail brand promise to the Last Mile – where the customer chooses to browse or buy.

Create new business processes for the future then manage your publishing systems with software being used today by Global 500 companies in over 40,000 retail stores. Take your customers beyond price point with AccessVia.

For more information contact:
For AccessVia
Gaylene C. Meyer
206-285-4994 x150