News Releases
Brookstone First Retailer to Launch New Federally Recognized Travel Sentry Certified Easy Check(TM) Luggage Locks
Secure system allows TSA screeners to inspect checked bags without breaking locks
NASHUA, NH, November 12, 2003 -- Just in time for the busiest travel season of the year, Brookstone, Inc., (Nasdaq: BKST) today announced it is the first nationwide retailer to offer new federally recognized Travel Sentry Certified luggage locks, which allow travelers once again to secure their checked bags with confidence.
Beginning today, travelers can lock their checked bags with new Brookstone Easy-Check(TM) Travel Sentry Certified luggage locks and not worry that federal Transportation Security Administration (TSA) baggage screeners will break the locks if the bags need to be inspected.
Brookstone Easy Check luggage locks enhance safety and security by allowing travelers to keep their checked bags locked throughout the travel process, from the moment they check their bags at the airport to when they retrieve their luggage at their final destination, as well as during ground transport, in hotel rooms and at any time when strangers may have access to their luggage.
TSA baggage screeners have been fully trained to recognize Brookstone Easy Check Travel Sentry Certified locks - sturdy, die-cast metal combination devices adorned with the red and white diamond-shaped Travel Sentry logo on the front and back and a TSA code number on the bottom.
If TSA screeners need to open a bag fastened with a Brookstone Travel Sentry Certified Easy Check lock, they use a special, secure system to unlock the Easy Check lock and then re-lock it once the inspection is complete. Because screeners will continue to break all other types of luggage locks if they need to inspect checked bags, the TSA gives travelers the option of either locking their bags with a recognized system (like the Brookstone Easy Check lock) or leaving their bags unlocked. In the unlikely event that screeners cut a Brookstone Easy Check lock, Brookstone will replace it free of charge.
"We've heard from our customers that they want to be able to lock their checked baggage when they travel, and we've responded by making the new Brookstone Easy Check Travel Sentry Certified locks available in all of our 267 stores, including our 30 airport locations, just in time for the busiest travel season of the year," said Brookstone Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer Michael Anthony. "As the recognized leader in providing innovative travel solutions, we look forward to enhancing the travel experience of our customers by providing a product that once again will allow them to lock their checked bags with confidence."
"Travel Sentry Certified locks use a special, secure system that is exclusive to TSA screeners," said John Vermilye, managing director of Travel Sentry, the organization that developed the new locks and standards in conjunction with the TSA. "The screeners can easily identify a Travel Sentry lock, unlock the bag for inspection if necessary, and the re-lock it and send the bag on its way."
Brookstone Travel Sentry Certified Easy Check locks are available at all Brookstone stores and online at www.brookstone.com. A package of two locks retails for $20.
About Brookstone, Inc.
Brookstone, Inc. is a specialty retailer that operates 267 Brookstone Brand stores nationwide and in Puerto Rico, including 30 airport locations. Typically located in high-traffic regional shopping malls and airports, the stores feature unique and innovative consumer products. The Company also operates three stores under the Gardeners Eden Brand, and a direct marketing business that consists of three catalogs titles -- Brookstone, Hard-to-Find Tools and Gardeners Eden -- as well as e-commerce web sites at http://www.Brookstone.com and http://www.gardenerseden.com.
About Travel Sentry
Travel Sentry is an organization that provides security solutions for the traveling public and works closely with the federal Transportation Security Administration. Travel Sentry recently created the Travel Sentry Certified lock standard that enables the travelers to lock their checked luggage while still allowing the TSA to inspect the bags as needed and then re-lock them. More information can be found online at www.travelsentry.org.
Contact: Robert Padgett (603) 577-8097 rpadgett@brookstone.com