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Business Editors/Hi-Tech Writers

DULLES, Va.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Dec. 13, 2000

"Last Minute Gifts" Catalog Features Quick-Click Gift Ideas, Links

to Express Shipping Merchants, Gift Certificates and More

80% of AOL Members Say They Have Not Completed Their Holiday Shopping; More Than Half Plan to Turn to the Internet for Last Minute

Gift Ideas

With Christmas only 12 days away, last-minute shoppers all over America are preparing to battle traffic, scramble for parking spaces, and fight their way through the crowds at their local malls to finish gift shopping for their friends and family.

To help consumers avoid the last-minute shopping rush, America Online, Inc., the world's leading interactive services company, today launched "Last Minute Gifts" -- an annual catalog on Shop@AOL featuring popular and unique gift selections, links to merchants offering express shipping and gift certificates in one convenient, easy-to-shop location.

In an AOL poll of more than 12,000 members, 80% said they had not yet completed their holiday shopping. And as more and more consumers are turning to online shopping for the convenience and time savings it offers, more than half of AOL members (55%) said they would look for last minute gifts online.

"With AOL's Last Minute Gifts catalog, consumers can shop online up until the very last minute without leaving the comfort of their homes," said Patrick Gates, AOL's Vice President of E-Commerce. "Best of all, they can breathe a big sigh of relief knowing that the recipients will get their gifts in time to enjoy them on Christmas morning."

Last Minute Santas Race Against Clock With The Help of AOL's One-Stop Shopping Destination

Shop@AOL and the Last Minute Gifts catalog are available to all last minute Santas and Internet shoppers at www.aol.com/shopping and to AOL members at AOL Keyword: Last Minute Gifts. The catalog's convenient features include:

"Quick-click" Gift Ideas

Consumers can choose from a selection of hot holiday gift ideas that are chosen by merchandising experts, are in stock, and are ready to ship in time to arrive under the tree on Christmas morning.

These include a fragrant "Fields of Europe" floral arrangement from 1-800-FLOWERS.COM, a bountiful wine and cheese basket from A.K.A. Gourmet, a silver heart charm bracelet from Blue Nile, a tin of Eleni's holiday cookies from RedEnvelope and a men's Swiss Army watch from Diamond.com.

Convenient Access to Express Shipping Merchants

The Last Minute Gifts catalog takes the guesswork out of finding gifts that can be sent in a flash by providing links to Shop@AOL merchants offering delivery within 24 or 48 hours of purchase. Big flick fans will appreciate a gift card from Blockbuster.com, a holiday video set, or a fast-action game.

For gourmets who know all about whisks and woks, Cooking.com offers everything from party ware to scrumptious fare. ritzcamera.com offers a huge selection of cameras for every shutter bug on the list.

Gift Certificates Galore

Last Minute Gifts even offers solutions for shoppers who wait till Santa hitches his sleigh. Thankfully, electronic gift certificates can be delivered via email the same day!

Shop@AOL and GiftCertificates.com features e-mailable gift certificates from nearly 30 merchants (AOL Keyword: Gift Certificates). Sometimes there's no better gift than cold cash. With AOL QuickCash, holiday shoppers can send money online in a flash (AOL Keyword: QuickCash).

Additional Services for Last Minute Cybershoppers

In addition to the Last Minute Gifts catalog, Shop@AOL offers a variety of unique tools and special features that can also help last minute shoppers easily find great gifts.

The Gift of AOL Membership

With so many people giving and receiving home computing systems as holiday gifts, it's no wonder that December 25 is one of the biggest AOL registration days of the year. The gift of an AOL membership, which makes a great stocking stuffer, is available in 3, 6, and 12 month increments. AOL Keyword: AOL Gift.

Shoppers Enjoy "At Your Service" Assistance

Shop@AOL's "At Your Service" concierge shopping area gives consumers the unprecedented opportunity to investigate stores that offer special shopping services, such as complimentary shipping, gift wrapping and bonus gifts, on holiday gift purchases.

For online shoppers who are stumped about what to give that special someone, "At Your Service" also provides links to AOL merchants offering personal shopping services, gift buying advice, wish lists and other innovative ways to find the perfect holiday gift.

First Time Buyers Area

For last minute shoppers who are new to the experience, Shop@AOL offers a "First Time Buyer" area to help them navigate the cybershopping universe. Introduced in 1998, this area guides users through their first online shopping experience, providing valuable information and tips.

It also offers a quick tutorial that introduces users to online shopping, a selection of specially priced merchandise and details on AOL's 100% Guarantee of satisfaction and security (AOL Keyword: Shop 123).

World-Class Customer Service

Setting the standard in customer service, Shop@AOL also offers live shopping assistance to answer online shoppers' questions and provide personal help this holiday season. Available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, AOL's experts are accessible via Instant Messaging, telephone and e-mail.

About Shop@AOL

Known as "the Internet's Miracle Mile," Shop@AOL delivers the easiest, most compelling and dynamic shopping experience available in cyberspace.

AOL's cutting-edge shopping experience brings together millions of products from hundreds of brand-name merchants, a 100% Guarantee of satisfaction and security, a graphically superior and user-friendly interface, as well as convenient shopping tools and features, all in one easy to use, best-of-breed shopping destination.

Designed for both first-time and experienced online shoppers, Shop@AOL is available to AOL members at Shop@AOL (Keyword: Shopping), CompuServe members at Shop@CompuServe, and to visitors through the Web at Shop@AOL.COM, Shop@Netscape, Shop@Spinner, Shop@Winamp and Shop@Gateway.net.

About America Online, Inc.

About America Online, Inc. Founded in 1985, America Online, Inc., based in Dulles, Virginia, is the world's leader in interactive services, Web brands, Internet technologies and e-commerce services.