[August 25, 2005]

Trusonic Selected by Mervyns for High-Quality, Contemporary In-Store Music; Custom Programming, Made Possible Through Trusonic Internet Technology, Strengthens Store Branding

SAN DIEGO --(Business Wire)-- Aug. 25, 2005 -- Trusonic, the leading provider of Internet-based business audio solutions, announced the implementation of a custom, point-of-sale music and messaging system throughout Mervyns' stores in 13 states. In partnership with Trusonic, Mervyns uses audio to enhance the in-store experience, complementing their goal of providing a shopping environment that balances style, quality, value and service. In addition, the Trusonic system gives Mervyns a more consistent and trackable delivery of promotional messages that support in-store sales.

"Mervyns worked with Trusonic to select music from our extensive catalog of independent artists and well known musicians," said Joe Tebo, president of Trusonic. "We offer a diverse, eclectic mix of music that our customers can use to match their brand image and store demographics to create a truly unique sound."

Trusonic's Web-based platform was chosen by Mervyns to replace a satellite service that could not deliver a completely custom, radio-like style. Unlike satellite and CD delivery systems, which require an employee on-site to manage the music, Trusonic's commercial grade, proprietary digital player (MBOX) is "no touch" at the store level and offers digital audio programming without volume fluctuations or interruptions in the music flow by promotional inserts.

"We wanted in-store music that appealed to our customers and enhanced their shopping experience by making it fun, entertaining and comfortable," said Terry McDonald, senior vice president of marketing for Mervyns. "At the same time, the system needed to be flexible, functional and affordable. By selecting Trusonic, we now have audio content that is cost-effective, inviting, timely and easily managed."

With Mervyns' target customer in mind -- style-conscious value-seeking women aged 25-49 -- and factoring in the store atmosphere and merchandise, Trusonic's expert music consultants worked with Mervyns to create a distinctive sound. The resulting fresh sound is made possible by both Trusonic's Internet delivery and extensive music catalog, which includes top hits from well-known artists and exclusive selections from more than one million works by independent artists.

The Trusonic system employs a Trusonic MBOX media player, which replaces existing satellite receivers and/or CD players with just a few simple steps. This cost-effective, plug-and-play Internet appliance enables each location to download new music and messages whenever needed and automatically inserts them into the next day's program as instructed. Playlists and audio messages can be delivered to all stores or selectively placed based on store regions or even store-specific demographics.

In addition, the MBOX offers two completely customizable audio programs from a single player. The single MBOX at each store interfaces seamlessly to existing telephone on-hold systems and in-store amplification. The end result is that Trusonic is a more affordable way to provide informative on-hold streams and custom in-store music programs for the entire Mervyns chain.

About Trusonic, Inc.

Trusonic, Inc. (http://trusonic.com) is the leading provider of Internet-based business music and messaging services. Trusonic is committed to bringing comprehensive and convenient audio branding, identity and messaging services to commercial establishments around the world through its Internet-based, self-service media management solutions and reliable media delivery systems. Trusonic Independent Artist music is available exclusively to its subscribers. Trusonic, Inc. is a privately held corporation with offices in La Jolla, Calif., and Seattle, Wash.

About Mervyns

Mervyns LLC, headquartered in the San Francisco Bay Area, is a family-friendly promotional neighborhood department store offering trend-right fashions and home decor for the entire family at affordable prices. With 255 locations in 13 states, Mervyns has a well-earned reputation for its extensive selection of national and private-label fashions and housewares. Community giving has been a cornerstone of the company's business since 1949, with a focus on improving the lives of children and families by giving back to educational programs in its communities. For a list of store locations, or for additional information, visit Mervyns' web site at www.mervyns.com.

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