Chaitime.com Bazaar Opens Its Virtual Doors

Business Wire, Sept 5, 2000

Business Editors & High Tech Writers

PHILADELPHIA--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Sept. 5, 2000

South Asians Worldwide Converge To Find

An Array Of Cultural Amenities

Chaitime.com (www.chaitime.com), the leading South Asian online community, has launched an extensive online Bazaar offering South Asian shopping, opportunities to shop for goods in the US and send gifts to India.

Chaitime.com users will have access to online auctions and opportunities to choose from a selection of merchandise categories including electronics, sporting gear, books, beauty products, jewelry, perfume, groceries, musical instruments and South Asian handicrafts. This is the result of Chaitime.com's recent acquisition of Tajgifts.com which enables Chaitime.com to increase its e-commerce capacity through these quality features and products.

"Chaitime.com is a strong community with a robust entrepreneurial spirit. The Bazaar now showcases the best of what the South Asian community has to offer," said Vineet Aggarwal, Chaitime.com's Vice President of Online Retailing. "Our South Asian viewers can now buy online. I am enthusiastic about the potential of this South Asian e-commerce resource."

Vineet Aggarwal, founder and CEO of Tajgifts.com, joined Chaitime.com as Vice President of Online Retailing. Aggarwal ensures that the site provides the best services for Chaitime.com's customers.

"The acquisition was an easy decision because it enables us to provide the highest quality goods and services for our users," said James Malmberg, Senior VP of Strategic Development for Chaitime.com. "Since our initial introduction of the Bazaar on Chaitime.com, we have been experiencing click through and look-to-buy conversion rates that are several times larger than industry standards."

Chaitime.com's Bazaar is a creative resource and a destination where customers can discover everything South Asian that fits their taste. Chaitime.com's Bazaar offers top quality, South Asian related products at competitive prices. Popular international shopping categories include cultural favorites such as Mithai (sweets), incense, Indian musical instruments, Hindi movies on DVD and a large range of 220v electronics. Shipping for online shopping is free for orders over $25 for delivery in the US. Gifts can be sent to family and friends in India including holiday packages and gift certificates.

The Bazaar also provides an easy to use auction site offering everything from fine art and sports memorabilia to digital cameras and electronics. Chaitime.com's fast paced auctions offer the best deals on the Web. Additionally, Bazaar offers an array of global calling cards and wireless telephones. Visitors can also obtain information and tickets to local cultural festivals, entertainment and sporting events. With over one million events and activities to choose from, Chaitime.com guarantees the ultimate "what to do" guide.

About Chaitime.com

Chaitime.com is the premier gathering place on the Web for South Asians living at home and abroad - a spot to network, access information, go shopping, debate issues and build community ties. The term South Asia encompasses seven countries: India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Nepal, the Maldives and Bhutan. With offices in Philadelphia, Los Angeles, Toronto, Mumbai and London, Chaitime.com reaches the global South Asian community with culture-specific channels such as: Arts & Culture, Astrology, Bollywood, Careers, Cricket, Education, Music, News, Singles' Scene, Young & Desi, and Weddings. Also featured are services including free e-mail, chat, discussion groups, community calendars, and community homepages. Chaitime.com is headquartered in Philadelphia at 100 North 17th Street, 5th floor, Philadelphia, PA. The Company's telephone number is (215) 988-1855; e-mail can be directed to feedback@chaitime.net. Additional information about Chaitime.com and a description of the services offered can be found at www.chaitime.com (http://www.chaitime.com).