OfficeMax, Excite Sign Sponsorship and Marketing Pact

Cleveland-based OfficeMax Inc. said it signed a two-year comprehensive sponsorship and marketing agreement with Excite Inc.

Under terms of the agreement, OfficeMax OnLine will be the premier online retailer of office products throughout numerous areas of the flagship Excite site.

The deal will give Excite’s more than 20 million monthly users direct access to OfficeMax OnLine through Excite’s Business and Investing, Small Business, Careers and Education, Computers and Internet, and Shopping channels. OfficeMax OnLine will also be prominently featured through keyword and targeted banner advertising throughout the site.

“This agreement positions OfficeMax OnLine with one of the Internet’s largest online services,” said Michael Feuer, chairman and CEO at OfficeMax. “The rapidly emerging small business community on Excite helps OfficeMax OnLine expand its customer base by reaching millions of new customers who are currently using the Internet as an important part of their business.”

OfficeMax OnLine markets a selection of more than 25,000 items, including office supplies and furniture, business machines, computers and software. The site offers a low price guarantee and free next business day delivery on orders over $50.

In addition, OfficeMax OnLine will also utilize targeted advertising during key times of the year to offer Excite customers direct access to product promotions and seasonal specials.

OfficeMax operates 735 full-size superstores in over 300 markets in 48 states and Puerto Rico. The Company also operates CopyMax and FurnitureMax, store- within-a-store modules devoted exclusively to print-for-pay services and office furniture, respectively.