E-websmart Chosen as Preferred Web Site Designer for Apricot Lane USA Boutiques

CONTACT: Michelle Tjelmeland
Apricot Lane Web Sites
217-498-1073
info@apricotlanewebsites.com

E-websmart Chosen as Preferred Web Site Designer for Apricot Lane USA Boutiques

Rochester, Illinois, June 30, 2009 – Scott Jacobs, president of Apricot Lane USA, announced today that e-websmart, a Rochester-based Web site design firm owned by Michelle Tjelmeland, will be the preferred vendor to build Web sites for Apricot Lane Boutique franchise stores. Apricot Lane USA is a division of Country Visions, which was listed by Entrepreneur Magazine as one of the Top 50 New Franchises in March 2008.


“E-websmart designs sites with unmistakable flair, and Michelle’s creativity is the perfect match for Apricot Lane stores,” Jacobs said. “Her passion for her work is contagious. She is professional and knowledgeable, and we are very excited to be moving forward with e-websmart's services and programs to further support our Apricot Lane Boutique franchise.”

Jacobs said e-websmart will also serve as the social networking specialist for Apricot Lane headquarters in Vacaville, California, and the franchise stores.

“Michelle is an industry leader in technology,” said Jacobs, “and she will be developing our social networking strategy so we can reach out and relate to our customers.”
Apricot Lane is a specialty clothing boutique that features branded clothing apparel, jewelry, gifts, and accessories. There currently more than 40 Apricot Lane stores in 25 states across the United States. The company plans to grow by 20 to 35 stores per year.

“We are so thrilled to have this opportunity to work with Apricot Lane,” said Tjelmeland, who has over 10 years of experience in the Web design industry. “The stores offer a unique shopping experience, and we look forward to bringing that to life on each site we design.”

E-websmart designed a Web site for the new Apricot Lane Boutique that recently opened in Springfield, and Jacobs was impressed with the quality and originality of the design.

“I contacted Michelle and told her how pleased I was with the design of the Springfield site. I asked if she would be interested in being our preferred Web vendor, and she immediately began generating ideas and designs,” Jacobs said.

Tjelmeland said that her small business background gives her insight for creating the sites for Apricot Lane USA stores. “I know how important it is to brand your business and present a unique image that differentiates you from the competition. We design each site with that goal in mind.”

Tjelmeland said e-websmart will reflect and convey the individuality of each store while maintaining a consistent corporate brand. “Customers browsing the sites will not only see what each store has to offer, but will also get a sense of the store’s unique personality and shopping atmosphere. We’ll create excitement that will make customers want to go out and start shopping at Apricot Lane!”


About e-websmart
E-websmart (www.e-websmart.com) is a Web design and consultation firm based in Rochester, Illinois. Started in 1999 by Michelle Tjelmeland, the company focuses on creating insightful, high-energy, business-building solutions to provide a visually appealing yet functional Web site for their clients. In addition, e-websmart offers Web support and hosting and domain setup, integrates e-commerce solutions, establishes e-mail service, and offers blog and social networking support. E-websmart also creates one-of-a-kind logo creation, custom correspondence materials, and other print material to present a consistent image in an attractive, unique package.

About Apricot Lane USA
Apricot Lane USA is a specialty retail franchise that combines opportunities from the fashion and gift industries to offer branded fashion apparel, jewelry, handbags, accessories and gifts in the styles and trends customers want. Apricot Lane carries designer apparel brands such as Lucky Brand Jeans, Joe’s Jeans, 1921 Denim, Habitual and many other premium denim lines. They also carry the hot new collections by Ed Hardy, Crystal Rock, Sinful, Free people by Urban Outfitters, Hale Bob and other up and coming designers. Many of these brands can be found in upscale department stores but the small boutique convenience, service and environment are the attraction. Today there are more than 40 stores in 25 states across the United States. The parent company, Country Visions, was listed by Entrepreneur Magazine (March 2008) as one of the Top 50 New Franchises and was previously recognized in the franchise industry as the #1 Gift Store four years in a row by Entrepreneur Magazine, and was rated 21st in Franchisee Satisfaction by Success Magazine. Stores can be found in lifestyle centers, regional malls, tourist spots, downtown locations and some strip centers.

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