In The News

For: TD Retail Card Services, Mahwah, NJ
From: Parness & Associates, Aberdeen, NJ

For Immediate Release

TD Retail Card Services Acquires Private Label Credit Card Program of Canadian Luxury Jeweler Birks

MAHWAH, N.J. (1/14/09) - TD Retail Card Services (formerly Shoppers Charge Accounts Co.) has acquired the private label credit card program of the Canadian operations of Montreal-based Birks & Mayors Inc., a leading operator of luxury jewelry stores in Canada and the U.S.

Under the agreement, the Mahwah, N.J.-based business unit of TD will direct all facets of the program for the 37 Birks stores, which are located in major metropolitan markets across Canada and include six flagship locations in Montreal, Ottawa, Toronto, Calgary, Edmonton, and Vancouver. The Birks card can also be used for online purchases on the retailer’s website, www.birks.com. Founded in 1879 by Henry Birks, the venerable retailer’s operations also include a design studio and manufacturing facilities that create and source fine jewelry and timepieces, as well as Birks’ proprietary silver flatware and holloware products. 

Following the move to TD Retail Card Services, Birks cardholders will continue to be able to avail themselves of a number of financing options, including interest-free and low-interest offerings, as well as a customer loyalty rewards program and a variety of special incentives and services.

Through the program’s rewards feature, cardholders will continue to earn gift certificates equal to a percentage their total annual purchases. Additionally, cardholders will continue to enjoy such benefits as free jewelry cleaning, gift certificates on their birthday, free deliveries, free engraving of up to 10 characters with any purchase of $200 or more, and advance notice of all Birks special events, promotions and sales.

About TD Retail Card Services
Based in Mahwah, N.J., TD Retail Card Services (formerly Shoppers Charge Accounts Co.) ranks among the nation’s largest private label credit card companies.  A division of TD Bank, N.A,, the company launches and administers new credit card portfolios for brick-and-mortar, internet and catalog merchants, and acquires retailers’ existing credit card portfolios.  For more information, visit www.TDRetailCardServices.com. 

About Birks & Mayors
Birks & Mayors is a leading operator of 70 luxury jewelry stores in the United States and Canada. As of September 27, 2008, the Company operated 37 stores (Birks Brand) across most major metropolitan markets in Canada and 31 stores (Mayors Brand) across Florida and Georgia, as well as two retail locations in Calgary and Vancouver under the Brinkhaus brand. Birks was founded in 1879 and developed over the years into Canada’s premier retailer, designer and manufacturer of fine jewelry, timepieces, sterling and plated silverware and gifts. Mayors was founded in 1910 and has maintained the intimacy of a family-owned boutique while becoming renowned for its fine jewelry, timepieces, giftware and service. Additional information can be found on Birks & Mayors web site, www.birksandmayors.com.