The not-for-profit Retail Alliance, Inc. (RA) was formed in 2000 by leading collegiate bookstores to enable the strategic alliance of independent college and university stores for the purpose of gaining competitive advantages previously available only to large chain operations.

By acting as a "virtual" chain, the approximately 40 RA member stores leverage their collective size and expertise for the benefit of all. On their behalf, the RA negotiates strategic partnerships with leading industry suppliers that result in lower costs in the total supply channel and higher perceived value to the ultimate consumers -- faculty, students, campus staff, alumni, campus visitors, and others.

Leading industry suppliers with whom the RA has thus far developed channel linkages that drive down the cost of business are:

• Ingram Book Company
• NACSCORP
• Follett Higher Education Group
• Thomson Learning
• The Douglas Stewart Company

In 2000, the RA purchased the industry leading RATEX Retail Management solution, bringing ownership of the powerful system into the user community. Through its subsidiary RATEX Business Solutions, Inc., the RA is committed to strengthening the development and support features of the RATEX product and to speeding the integration of enhanced services to all RATEX customers. The new RATEX Version 7.6, released in February 2002, features significant upgrades and improved functionality including valuable business-to-business links.