NEW YORK -- Aug. 6, 2003 -- Genio Cards(TM) LLC, a division of National Management Consulting, Inc. and FAO, Inc. jointly announced today that FAO will officially sponsor the launch of Genio Cards(TM), a new educational trading card series featuring 22 Marvel Super Heroes(R) including Spider-Man(TM), The Incredible Hulk(TM), X-Men(TM), Elektra(TM), Daredevil(TM), and the Fantastic Four(TM). The launch will take place at FAO Schwarz's New York City Flagship store (58th Street and 5th Avenue) on Tuesday August 19, 2003 starting at 11AM with promotional activities continuing through Sunday, August 24th. The activities are open to the public.
Guided by Marvel Super Heroes, Genio Cards(TM) take kids on an amazing journey through 30 subject categories: from the birth of our universe and the outer reaches of space, to the traditions of martial arts and the death-defying feats of extreme sports. As kids collect, and play with Genio Cards(TM) featuring original artwork, they learn about new topics and test their knowledge with the Genio Power Challenge, which challenges players to match wits using their newly discovered Genio facts.
David Niggli, the Executive Vice President of Merchandising of FAO, Inc. and President of FAO Schwarz, said, "FAO, Inc. is proud to sponsor the official launch of Genio Cards, an exciting new product, combining a commitment to education and high quality entertainment. By using Marvel's world-famous Super Heroes to make learning more accessible and interesting for learners of all ages, Genio Cards are both 'Zany' and 'Brainy' and truly represent what FAO is all about. FAO believes that Genio Cards(TM) are well-positioned for the back-to-school season and throughout the year to be a successful product in the educational entertainment category for children."
FAO, Inc.'s retail chain of 14 FAO Schwarz stores and 89 Zany Brainy stores are proud to launch Genio with a major in-store promotional commitment to the Genio Cards' products, which are the first and only card series that can be played and collected while providing a valuable learning experience taught by the Marvel Universe(TM). Genio Cards(TM) are currently available in FAO Schwarz' 5th Avenue Flagship store and will be available at FAO Schwarz and Zany Brainy stores nationwide.
In celebration of the Genio Cards(TM) launch, some of the world's most famous Marvel Super Heroes will make special appearances at the FAO Schwarz Flagship store in New York City on August 19th and August 23rd The Super Heroes will be on hand to autograph Genio promotional posters, pose for photographs with their fans and provide Genio Card(TM) giveaways and other promotional items. Come to FAO Schwarz to see Genio Cards(TM) demonstrations and the exclusive Genio Cards(TM) window promotions on 58th Street throughout the month of August. Similar in-store promotions will be taking place over the next 30 days at leading FAO Schwarz and Zany Brainy locations nationwide.
David Solomon, EVP of Business Development, Genio Cards, LLC said, "The sponsorship of our Genio Cards(TM) launch by a leading toy retailer like FAO, Inc. enhances our prospects for a successful start in offering Genio Cards(TM) to the public. FAO's enthusiastic, warm response and the depth of their commitment to Genio Cards(TM) demonstrates their leadership in children's educational entertainment products."
Children and their parents should be on the lookout for special events at all FAO Schwarz and Zany Brainy stores during the weeks and months to come. FAO, Inc. will also sponsor an exclusive national Genio Tournament in early 2004 where children can compete for the title of national Genio champion. For more information about Genio Cards and events, visit www.geniocards.com.
The Genio Trading Card Experience
The collection of 360 illustrated cards featuring Marvel Super Heroes and original artwork depicts 30 different subject areas including Dinosaurs, Extreme Sports, Martial Arts, Concept Cars and Space Travel. In addition to the cards, the Genio product line-up includes The Official Genio Card Collector Album, which contains 64 pages, each hosted by a Marvel Super Hero and featuring one of the educational themes.
About Genio Cards, LLC
Genio Cards, LLC is a division of National Management Consulting Inc. (OTCBB: NMCS), and is a diversified retail marketing and distribution company whose team has substantial experience in the marketing of a range of consumer based products. NMCS holds a worldwide license with Marvel Enterprises, Inc. to manufacture and sell specific categories of products built around the globally recognizable Marvel Super Heroes. NMCS recently announced that it would be undergoing a name change to Genio Group, Inc. and a symbol change to GNIO shortly. Pending such changes, NMCS will continue to trade under the symbol NMCS.
About FAO, Inc.
FAO, Inc. (NASDAQ: FAOO) owns a family of high quality, developmental, educational and care brands for infants, toddlers and children and is a leader in children's specialty retailing. FAO, Inc. owns and operates the renowned children's toy retailer FAO Schwarz; The Right Start, the leading specialty retailer of developmental, educational and care products for infants and toddlers; and Zany Brainy, the leading retailer of development toys and educational products for kids. For additional information on FAO, Inc. or its family of brands, visit the Company on line at http://www.irconnect.com/faoo/.
About Marvel Enterprises, Inc.
Marvel Enterprises, Inc. is a leading global character-based entertainment company that has developed and owns a library of more than 4,700 characters, which have entertained generations around the world for over 60 years. Marvel's operations are focused in entertainment and consumer product licensing and comic book publishing. Marvel Studios supports the development of feature films, DVD/video products and TV series. Marvel's creative team also supports the creation of video games and toy lines based on its characters as well as for a broad and growing range of consumer products and services including apparel, collectibles, foods and promotions. Marvel's comic book division is a leading publisher in the global marketplace while also serving as an invaluable source of intellectual property. Marvel's Toy Biz division is a recognized creative force and leader in toy design, sales and marketing, developing and overseeing both licensee and in-house toy lines. For additional information visit http://www.marvel.com.
TM & (C) 2003 MARVEL
Super Heroes is a co-owned registered trademark.
Except for any historical information that they contain, the statements in this news release regarding NMCS' plans regarding Genio Cards are forward-looking statements that are subject to certain risks and uncertainties, including, but not limited to, those relating to product demand, pricing, market acceptance, the effect of economic conditions, and intellectual property rights and the outcome of competitive products, risks in product development, and other factors discussed from time to time in NMCS' Securities and Exchange Commission filings. NMCS undertakes no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statement for events or circumstances after the date on which such statement is made.
