December 10, 2003

Certain corporate leaders at Eastman Kodak Company had a hunch that a well-conceived, well-targeted e-commerce web site could be a big hit, but no one imagined how right they would be. A Kodak Digital Products e-commerce web site was created expressly for Kodak employees late last year, providing them with last-minute holiday shopping opportunities at top-dollar savings for even the latest model digital cameras and accessories. Publicity was simple but apparently extremely effective for this site; the e-store's launch was simply announced on an internal publication and on the company intranet. Registrations began almost immediately once the store opened, despite its midnight launch time, and continued round the clock at a rate of hundreds of new registrants per hour. Within the first 24 hours, more than 2300 users registered. Not only offering the deepest discounts found online or otherwise, the store also offers reconditioned as well as new merchandise, giving shoppers an option for an even better bargain deal. "The web site is not only attractive, but easy to use," said one shopper, "and very importantly... the prices are unbeatable!" "We're just thrilled with the response and the administrative features that let us easily update the store inventory and news items," reported one manager, "Corporate Communications has been fabulous to work with. Outstanding."