ECST Ecost.Com (MM)

eCOST.com, Inc. (Nasdaq:ECST), a leading multi-category, online discount retailer, today announced the launch of the new eCOST.com credit card. In relationship with HSBC Retail Services, a leading issuer of private label (merchant branded) credit cards in the United States, eCOST.com now provides its growing customer base with a new, flexible payment option. With the addition of the eCOST.com credit card, the Company further establishes itself as a premier one-stop online shopping destination. In addition to the many existing payment options, eCOST.com now offers its customers a new, easy way to cost-effectively finance their eCOST.com purchases. Beginning with a simple yet secure online application, once approved, cardholders are presented with a myriad of benefits. Electronic billing, convenient online bill payment, no annual fee and special financing promotions throughout the year are just a few of the card's features. For example, the eCOST.com credit card currently offers qualified cardholders a promotional no payment for 6 months without interest financing offer. "eCOST is quickly becoming a trusted online shopping destination for thousands of consumers. Our relationship with HSBC Retail Services further demonstrates our commitment to serving our customers' needs by providing our customers with high quality products at low prices, now available for purchase on very attractive financing terms," said Adam Shaffer, CEO of eCOST.com. "We are excited about this new credit card and we plan to continue to add new programs, products and categories as we further expand our multi-category destination website." "We are pleased to be partnering with eCost," said Richard Klesse, managing director of client relations for HSBC's retail services business. "Our ability to tailor finance offers to eCost customers' specialized financing needs will help increase customer loyalty and drive eCost product sales." About HSBC Retail Services HSBC Retail Services is a leading issuer of private label (merchant branded) credit cards in the United States. This business provides flexible, customized credit card solutions for the world's premier retailers and manufacturers and has over 60 active merchant relationships, including Best Buy, Levitz Furniture and Saks Fifth Avenue. For more information, visit www.hsbcretailservices.com. About HSBC - North America HSBC - North America comprises all of HSBC's U.S. and Canadian businesses, including the former Household businesses. The company's businesses serve more than 60 million customers in five key areas: personal financial services, consumer finance, commercial banking, private banking and corporate investment banking and markets. Financial products and services are offered under the HSBC, HFC and Beneficial brands. For more information, visit: www.hsbcnorthamerica.com. About eCOST.com, Inc. eCOST.com is a leading multi-category online discount retailer of high quality new, "close-out" and refurbished brand-name merchandise for consumers and small business buyers. eCOST.com offers over 100,000 different products from companies such as Apple, Canon, Sony, HP, Nikon, Onkyo, and Toshiba primarily with online (http://www.ecost.com) and direct marketing campaigns. eCOST.com is a NASDAQ listed company (Nasdaq:ECST). Forward-Looking Statements: This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. Such statements include eCost.com's (the Company) expectations, hopes or intentions regarding the future, including but not limited to statements regarding the new branded credit card, our relationship with HSBC Retail Services, the benefits and features of the new credit card, and our addition of new programs, products and categories. Forward-looking statements involve certain risks and uncertainties, and actual results may differ materially from those discussed in any such statement. Among the factors that could cause actual results to differ materially include changes in terms of the credit card offering, market acceptance of our products and features, our continued relationship with HSBC Retail Services, regulatory requirements and changes in the market for our products. All forward-looking statements in this release are made as of the date hereof, based on information available to the Company as of the date hereof, and the Company assumes no obligation to update any forward-looking statement.