Fry, Inc. Helps Manufacturer Whirlpool Launch Redesigned Website

Fry, Inc. Helps Manufacturer Whirlpool Launch Redesigned Website

Whirlpool.com now offers consumers enhanced product and purchase information online

ANN ARBOR, Mich., Feb. 1 /PRNewswire/ -- Fry, Inc., a leading e-commerce design, development and managed services provider announced the successful launch of a redesigned website for Whirlpool, the world's leading appliance brand. (http://www.whirlpool.com/ )

Whirlpool's new site offers improved functionality, new features and a contemporary design that reflects the personality and character of today's Whirlpool brand customers. The site was completely rebuilt and redesigned using Fry's Open Commerce Platform(TM) (OCP), an e-commerce solution that enables manufacturers to quickly and economically develop an online presence. The new whirlpool.com is more attractive and easier to navigate than ever before, providing consumers with a wide range of information about the products, services and accessories available from Whirlpool.

"Response to the new site has been very positive," said David Fry, president and chief executive officer of Fry. "Like other manufacturers we work with, Whirlpool's goals for their new site are to speak directly to their customers, reinforce their brand image and provide the information their shoppers need to make informed product purchases."

Fry's technical redesign and development of the new site followed a strategic services engagement with both the Whirlpool and KitchenAid brand teams. This initial project defined the strategic direction for the redesign of the two websites as well as the requirements for a more flexible, stable platform that would allow Whirlpool to better leverage their current enterprise systems.

Fry will also host the new site and provide managed services and maintenance on an on-going basis.

"As the world's leading appliance brand, consumers turn to Whirlpool first when researching or shopping for a new appliance," said Mike Dykstra, Internet Operations Manager of the eWhirlpool group. "This sophisticated, dynamic, and comprehensive new site conveys Whirlpool's reputation as a trusted source for appliances while helping us evolve as a multi-channel organization."

About Fry, Inc.

Fry, Inc. helps organizations conduct business transactions, disseminate information, build customer relationships and synchronize efforts across multiple channels. The firm designs, builds, integrates, hosts and manages eCommerce applications for clients such as The Auto Club Group, Brookstone, Crate and Barrel, Eddie Bauer, Godiva Chocolatier, Kmart, Lillian Vernon, T.J. Maxx and Whirlpool. Online operations created and managed by Fry generated more than $1 billion in 2004. The company has offices in Ann Arbor, New York and Chicago and specializes in systems engineering, managed services, information architecture, creative design, usability and brand strategy. Fry is a privately held company that has been designing and developing online applications for over ten years. For more information, visit the Fry web site at http://www.fry.com/ .

About Whirlpool

Whirlpool Corporation is the world's leading manufacturer and marketer of major home appliances, with annual sales of over $12 billion, 68,000 employees, and nearly 50 manufacturing and technology research centers around the globe. The company markets Whirlpool, KitchenAid, Brastemp, Bauknecht, Consul and other major brand names to consumers in more than 170 countries.


Source: Fry, Inc.

CONTACT: Jason Brown of Airfoil Public Relations, +1-313-887-7216,
brown@airfoilpr.com , for Fry, Inc.

Web site: http://www.fry.com/
http://www.whirlpool.com/


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