))) Prada Personalizing Customer Experience at New York Epicenter Store Using Texas Instruments RFid Smart Labels

RFID tags identify customers, merchandise and staff to enhance service and build loyalty

))) DALLAS, TX (April 23, 2002)

Texas Instruments Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) Systems today announced that its RFID Tag-it™ smart label technology is being used at Prada's new Epicenter store in New York City. TI's RFID smart labels identify customers, merchandise, and link individual shoppers with information about their selections before and after they make a purchase.

Texas Instruments RFID tags and readers are implemented at numerous touchpoints throughout the Prada Epicenter store to identify products, devices and staff. The technology creates a seamless shopping experience designed to enhance customer relationships. Prada sales personnel are equipped with a wireless RFID handheld reader that gives them up-to-date access to inventory and customer information stored in a centralized database. Sales personnel also use the device to read RFID-tagged products and identify staff wearing RFID 'clips.' The device also controls video screens throughout the store, which demonstrate products on the runway, show collection photographs and designer sketches, while providing more in-depth information about the color, cut, fabric and materials used to create Prada merchandise.

In the dressing rooms, RFID readers identify all merchandise a customer brings inside and displays information on the garment on the interactive video touch screen display. From the touch screen, customers can access product specifications as well as alternative and complementary items and accessories. Using RFID technology linked to customer information stored in a database, Prada ensures a high-quality customer experience across multiple sales associates and subsequent Epicenter locations.

"Prada is a spectacular example of a retailer delivering on new forms of customer interaction and CRM," said Tres Wiley, strategy manager for emerging markets, Texas Instruments RFid Systems. "The result of its work in enhancing the customer shopping experience is truly taking full advantage of several cutting-edge technologies."

For more information call 1-888-937-6536 or visit the TI-RFid™ Web site at www.ti-rfid.com.