Bandai Gateway Network

Progressive retailer program launches on September 30

Bandai is pleased to announce a milestone for its collectible games division: the "Bandai Gateway Network." This program will launch September 30, 2005 and will provide unparalleled support to brick-and-mortar hobby stores that carry Bandai Collectible games.

"It's essential to have direct communication with retailers," said Andrew Lupp, supervisor of the Gateway Network. "In today's collectible games market, retailers must have direct support from manufacturers to promote and sell through their products. The Gateway Network will accomplish this like never before."

Upon its launch, every retailer who signs up via the Bandai Collectible Games website will receive a "Welcome Kit" that contains 30 exclusive Gateway promo cards for each Bandai CCG. Exclusive promo cards are included for Digimon, Gundam War, Teen Titans, Zatchbell, and One Piece. The kits also contain a full color poster, suitable in size for posting on retailer's front door, that invites players to "enter and experience the adventure of Bandai Collectible Games!" Also included is a counter card that displays each of the promo cards and their use as a sales incentive: one promo card is available for every $10 spent on the corresponding CCG. The welcome kit also includes demo decks for each of Bandai Collectible Games newest CCGs: Zatchbell and One Piece. The welcome kits are free to any retailer who registers as a hobby store that carries Bandai CCGs. But that's not all...

Besides the immediate benefit of becoming a part of the Bandai Gateway Network, there are long term benefits as well: The Gateway Network will also provide an online "where to buy" site that can direct consumers to the nearest hobby store that carries Bandai Collectible Games. Also, in the future, exclusive promos, programs, contests and products will be channeled through the Bandai Network to provide incentive for customers to "Step though the Gateway."

"Most importantly," Lupp continued, "hobby retailers will have a voice here at Bandai CG. Hobby retailers are the "Gate-keepers" for any product by allowing access for that hobby product to the public. It is crucial that Bandai as a manufacturer listen to the hobby store retailers' issues and ideas and incorporate them into their marketing and sales strategy. We want to make it as easy as possible for hobby retailers to get the support they need and have consumers experience some of the best collectible games in the market."

Just look for the Bandai Gateway logo when it appears on any of the Bandai Collectible Games websites, or access the sign up screen directly by going to: www.bandaicg.com/gateway/.