Harlem Furniture Inc. Selects Alliance Data Systems To Provide Private Label Credit Card Services, New Point Of Sale (Pos) Technology

Furniture World Magazine

Alliance Data Systems Corp. (NYSE: ADS) announced that it has signed a five-year agreement with retailer Harlem Furniture to provide a full-service private label credit card program and implement new technology for streamlining the credit application processes. Under the terms of the agreement, Alliance Data will provide a turnkey private label credit card program that will include account acquisition and activation; receivables funding; card authorization and data capture; private label credit card issuance; payment processing; statement generation; and customer service. Additionally, Alliance Data will provide 70-75 new POS terminals for Harlem’s 13 retail locations in Chicago and surrounding areas. The new terminals – equipped with touch screen features and proprietary software – designed to make the decision processing time approximately 90 percent faster than the current process. The terminals will be deployed throughout the sales floor, allowing customers greater convenience and faster access when applying for private label card accounts. "We were impressed with Alliance Data’s capabilities not only in providing a comprehensive private label program, but in their ability to deliver innovative POS technology as well," said Bruce Berman, president, Harlem Furniture. "Alliance Data clearly understands consumer demands and the importance of strong customer service in today’s competitive retail marketplace. As such, we’re excited about implementing their services to help drive sales, build our customer relationships and grow our private label customer base." "We’re looking forward to offering customized business solutions and services to Harlem," said Ivan Szeftel, president, retail credit services, Alliance Data Systems. "Historically, Alliance Data has been a leader in providing unsurpassed customer service and developing innovative products that fit our clients’ wide-ranging needs. We’re delighted about the opportunity of working with Harlem and helping them achieve their business goals." Harlem Furniture, Inc. With more than 500 employees, Harlem Furniture, family owned and operated since 1912, services Chicago's highly competitive furniture market by offering the value conscious consumer excellent service and selection at affordable prices. Harlem Furniture, headquartered in Lombard, Illinois, currently operates 13 stores in the metro Chicago area. More information on Harlem Furniture is available at www.harlemfurniture.com. About Alliance Data Systems Based in Dallas, Alliance Data Systems (NYSE: ADS) is a leading provider of transaction services, credit services and marketing services, assisting retail, petroleum, utility and financial services companies in managing the critical interactions between them and their customers. Additionally, Alliance Data operates and markets the largest coalition loyalty program in Canada. All together, each year, the company manages over 2.5 billion transactions and 72 million consumer accounts for some of North America’s most recognizable companies. Alliance Data Systems employs approximately 6,000 associates at more than 20 locations in the United States, Canada and New Zealand. For more information about the company, visit its web site, www.alliancedatasystems.com.