Circle K Uses Hometown Talent for Innovative Web DesignArea Tech Leaders Say Results of National Vendor Search Another Indication that Phoenix is Becoming Tech Center

Tempe, Arizona
December, 2003

Circle K, one of the world's leading convenience store chains and an Arizona icon since the 1950s, has just launched an industry-leading Web site, designed and developed by the Phoenix-based team of Mighty Interactive, Sitewire and B12. The three local Internet consulting firms were selected following a competitive national RFP review to locate partners to provide online strategic planning, Web site development and interactive marketing services.

"While we considered proposals from out-of-state firms and several local competitors, we felt that the combined expertise and professionalism of the Mighty Interactive, Sitewire and B12 team was the right fit given the business objectives for the new site," said Brad Beranek, Web services director for Circle K. "To have them in our own backyard made the collaboration even more effective."

The Arizona Technology Council said that Circle K's selection of Phoenix-area firms to execute this large project is an affirmation of the Internet services talent available in the Valley.

"This again says a lot about the talent here in Arizona," said Todd Bankofier, president and chief executive officer of the Arizona Technology Council. "Our state's businesses can easily compete on a national scale for projects. Local companies, as this example shows, simply need to tap into them."

One of the main business goals of the site is to strengthen the relationship between Circle K stores and the Web site. The most exciting and industry-leading feature on the site is the "Search for Online Specials" function that lets customers view monthly specials and local activities going on at their neighborhood Circle K. Site visitors can choose to have these specials e-mailed to them as well, further enhancing the value of the site.

"CircleK.com needs to support stores at the regional and local level," says Beranek. "This localization also demonstrates Circle K's commitment to the communities where we operate."

Other features on the site that will push retail store visitation, says Beranek, include a store locator function that lets visitors search for Circle K's and select those with popular amenities including car washes, diesel fuel, Zaplink kiosks and Western Union money transfer. In addition, an online trip planner will help site visitors find Circle K's along travel routes. Another appealing feature for customers will be online coupons that can be downloaded and redeemed at Circle K stores for new or popular products.

"Historically, convenience store Web sites haven't had features that could drive Web site users to return to the site," said Jason Baer, president of Mighty Interactive. "Circle K wanted to build a site that went beyond their customers' expectations and we're delighted to have been able to work with other Phoenix-area companies to make it a reality."

For this project, Mighty Interactive provided interactive marketing, customer experience and online strategy consulting, with Sitewire handling development of the new CircleK.com site (as well as a franchisee extranet). B12 provided interface design and creative direction.

"It's a unique solution," said Bret Giles, president of Sitewire. "There are three companies working on behalf of Circle K, but we've built a team where the whole really is greater than the sum of its parts. We see this type of collaboration and specialization becoming more routine as the Web site development industry matures."

About Mighty Interactive

Mighty Interactive is an Internet marketing agency based in Phoenix, Arizona. Founded in 2000, the firm provides Internet strategy, usability consulting, e-mail marketing, search engine marketing, and online advertising services. Ranked as the Valley's No. 1 Internet services firm by readers of the Phoenix Business Journal, and Arizona Business Magazine's "Ranking Arizona". Mighty Interactive clients include: Arizona Lottery, City of Phoenix, Circle K Stores, Pinnacle West/APS, DMB Associates, Arizona Highways Magazine, Phoenix Children's Hospital, Greater Phoenix Chamber of Commerce, The Flinn Foundation, and others.

About Circle K

Circle K is a registered trademark of ConocoPhillips [NYSE: COP] or its affiliates. Circle K convenience stores are located in 18 states and seven countries. ConocoPhillips is a major international integrated energy company headquartered in Houston with operations in more than 40 countries. More information is available www.conocophillips.com and www.circlek.com.

About Sitewire

Sitewire, an e-marketing consulting firm focused on customer attraction and retention, provides strategic marketing, Web application development and loyalty marketing services.

Since its inception in January 1999, Sitewire has worked with many clients including Pulte Homes, Inc. / Del Webb Corporation, Rich Dad Poor Dad, The Irvine Company, Lake Las Vegas Resort, Pelican Hill Golf Club and University of Phoenix. For more information, visit www.sitewire.net

About B12

B12 is an award winning Scottsdale-based graphic design firm specializing in Web, corporate identity, print communication and interface design. With more than a decade of experience in San Francisco and Silicon Valley, B12 delivers integrated communications solutions for companies such as Charles Schwab, Downtown Phoenix Partnership, Confoti, Inc., AvantGo, Google and IBM. For more information, visit www.btwelve.com.