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IBT Named Exclusive Provider of In-Store Retail Design and Construction for Meijer
Grocery and supercenter retailer to rely on IBT to help attract in-store banking and other retail partners

ATLANTA, Feb 21, 2006
IBT Enterprises, LLC, a leader in design and construction services for the financial services and retail industries, announced today it has been named the exclusive provider to identify new additional financial institutions as in-store retail partners for Meijer, Inc.

Meijer is a Michigan-based, family owned and operated grocery and general merchandise supercenter retailer. Currently, Meijer operates 171 stores throughout Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan and Ohio.

In accordance with the agreement, IBT received the exclusive rights to market, design and construct in-store retail space for financial service providers. In-store facilities allow shoppers the convenience of completing multiple tasks at one location, and offer financial institutions a lower cost, high-visibility footprint in target markets. Additionally, the agreement positions IBT to provide its design and construction services to other in-store retailers, such as walk-in health clinics and business services.

"Meijer sees this partnership as a great opportunity to give our customers another convenient service, which will optimize their time by combining two regular errands of grocery shopping and banking," said Lynn Richardson, real estate manager with Meijer. "We are very pleased to work with IBT in offering this retail channel. Enhancing the customer experience is one of Meijer's goals that we know IBT will help us achieve."

"Time-pressed consumers are looking for a retailer that simplifies their routine," said Mylle Mangum, president and CEO of IBT. "Our services help retailers provide the kind of offerings that save shoppers time and ultimately increase their affinity to the retailer. In addition, it gives the in-store retail partner a great opportunity to create their own lasting and profitable relationship with consumers."

According to the 2006 Retail Market Research Yearbook, "Stores-within-stores provide low risk opportunities for retailers to test new markets. Industry statistics indicate that store-within-a-store alliances can bring double-digit sales boosts." 1

Paramount to the agreement is matching Meijer with an in-store partner that is compatible with the retailer's focus on a positive customer experience. "It doesn't matter if a facility is large or overly ornate, the space has to be inviting to the passer-by," said Greg Gray, senior vice president of design for IBT. "The capabilities of any facility are irrelevant if it doesn't attract foot traffic, fulfill the needs of the consumer and support the philosophy and personality of the retailer."

To date, IBT has worked to bring Chase Bank, Flagstar Bank, Consumers Credit, Meijer Credit Union, Team One Credit Union and CASE Credit Union to Meijer shoppers. This agreement comes on the heels of Meijer announcing a partnership with Chase, the U.S. consumer and commercial banking brand of JPMorgan Chase & Co., to open 23 new full-service branches in Meijer stores in Metro Detroit and the Grand Rapids area.
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1 Richard K. Miller & Associates, The 2006 Retail Market Research Yearbook

About Meijer
Meijer is a Michigan-based family owned and operated grocery and general merchandise supercenter retailer operating 171 stores throughout Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan and Ohio. Additional information about Meijer can be found on the Internet at www.meijer.com.