The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf Offers Totally Free Wi-Fi Using IRG|Wi-Fi

* Reuters is not responsible for the content in this press release.

Tue Sep 2, 2008 10:00am EDT

WILMINGTON, Del., Sept. 2 /PRNewswire/ -- Industry Retail Group Inc.,
(www.industryretail.com), a specialized provider of broadband-enabled network
services to the retail and quick-service markets, announced Tuesday the
completion of its in-store guest Wi-Fi services for The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf
stores nationwide.
    The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf stores offer premium coffees and teas, gifts,
and baked items, both online and in local neighborhoods. With over 650 U.S.
and international locations in 19 countries, the company sought to provide
totally free Wi-Fi to its customers. VP of Supply Chain Paul Balzer selected
Industry Retail Group (IRG) because of its managed network services and
related product offering for multi-site locations. IRG has established itself
as an emerging leader of broadband-enabled network services because of its
commitment to a retail-centric service portfolio of network and professional
services, brand promoting applications, and pro-active, global support.
    "The IRG|Wi-Fi service has truly delivered everything we needed to
establish solid Wi-Fi hotspots in our stores. Choosing IRG provides us the
assurance we can deliver what we've promised to our customers," said Balzer.
The IRG|TruManage software allows CBTL to monitor the Wi-Fi status of every
location. The software features a dashboard, which allows the IT department to
quickly access the information it needs.
    While other coffee chains commonly charge customers to connect to their
Wi-Fi, or limit the free time available, The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf felt
offering it free, all day, remained consistent with their brand reputation.
Known for serving the finest and rarest loose-leaf teas and premium coffees,
The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf has become a destination and lifestyle quality
experience for its patrons. "We've already received positive response from our
customers," said Balzer, noting that the totally free Wi-Fi is compatible with
any device. "Since offering reliable and totally free hotspots, our store
teams have noticed an increase in store traffic as well as higher sales per
order. Providing this service only enhances our company's commitment to
creating a warm and inviting customer experience."
Mike Luzio, CEO of Industry Retail Group shared, "We were able to
implement the entire project and see it through to completion in less than 60
days. We understood the importance of activating all of the locations as
quickly as possible. This would allow The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf to deliver
consistent advertising as they announced this offering to all their markets.
In light of that, IRG was glad to commit our resources and staff to make that
happen. We are excited about the partnership."
    About Industry Retail Group
    IRG is a premier provider of broadband-enabled network services, serving
retailers and multi-site companies worldwide. IRG partners with its clients to
serve as a single, comprehensive source for all network-related services and
solutions, offering proactive, dedicated support. IRG has a growing client
base including Fortune 1000 retailers with locations worldwide.  IRG also
provides value-added services, which include IRG|WiFi, IRG|VoIP, and
IRG|SecurView. These bottom-line impacting services allow clients to further
leverage their WAN investment.
    About The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf
    The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf is a premium coffee and tea retailer with over
650 U.S. and international locations. Founded in 1963, The Coffee Bean & Tea
Leaf has grown into one of the largest privately-owned, family-run coffee and
tea companies in the world. The company offers 22 varieties of coffee and 20
kinds of tea, both online and in its retail locations.
SOURCE  Industry Retail Group Inc.

John Centofanti of Industry Retail Group, +1-330-881-2558, fax:
1-866-748-4042, jcentofanti@industryretail.com
Comments (0)
This discussion is now closed. We welcome comments on our articles for a limited period after their publication.