Traffic to SmartBargains.com increased 300% from July to August of this year, according to a recent traffic report from Jupiter Media Metrix, the company announced today. As well, two seasoned retail executives joined the SmartBargains management team. Richard Secor joins SmartBargains as Chief Information Officer and Executive Vice President and Lawrence Chiango joins as Vice President of Technology.

SmartBargains.com is the ultimate online destination for value shopping, combining the thrill of great deals on brand-name items with the excitement of a constantly changing inventory. The site features more than 2,500 items at up to 80% off the manufacturer’s suggested retail price. All SmartBargains items are backed by a 100%, money-back, satisfaction guarantee. According to the Media Metrix report, in less than a year, SmartBargains has become the 67th most trafficked shopping site.

“We are excited that consumers are discovering the power of the values we offer at SmartBargains. It’s great to see them taking advantage of our deals and sharing this excitement with their family and friends,” said Carl Rosendorf, CEO. “This holiday season is going to be the most value-focused we’ve seen in some time and our deals are going to be center stage for all the consumers who are going to be searching for bargains.”

“With the addition of Richard and Lawrence to our management team, we will continue enhancing our site to better serve our customers’ needs,” added Rosendorf. “We are thrilled to have this talent on board.”

Richard Secor comes to SmartBargains with over 18 years of senior technology and business management experience. Prior to joining the company, Secor served as the Chief Information Officer and Senior Vice President of LearningStar Corporation, a diversified children's educational products company. Before joining LearningStar Corp., he worked at W.A. Wilde Company, first as Director of Information Services and then as Chief Information Officer.

Lawrence Chiango joins SmartBargains with 15 years of technology and operations experience in the retail and commerce industries. Before SmartBargains, Chiango was Vice President of Technology and Systems at Cornerstone Brands, which operates several lifestyle brand companies. Prior to his position at Cornerstone Brands, Chiango was Vice President of Technology and Systems at Redrocket.com, Nickelodeon’s online store.

About Smartbargains SmartBargains combines the thrill of great deals on brand-name products and the excitement of rapidly changing merchandise with the convenience of home shopping. It provides customers with a fun and easy way to shop for branded and quality merchandise at prices up to 80% off retail, making it the ultimate bargain-shopping destination. SmartBargains launched in October 2000 and is led by CEO Carl Rosendorf, formerly of BarnesandNoble.com. SmartBargains secured $33 million in first round funding. Investors include Highland Capital Partners, America Online, Dorset Capital, General Catalyst, Berkshire Partners, Madison Dearborn and Gordon Brothers Group. SmartBargains can be reached through its Web site at www.smartbargains.com or through America Online Keyword: Bargains.