Zale, Alliance Data Announce New US Private Label Credit Card Program Deal

Zale Corporation ZLC today announced it has signed a new, multi-year private label credit card program agreement with Alliance Data Systems Corporation ADS, a leading provider of loyalty and marketing solutions. Under the terms of the agreement, Alliance Data, through its Comenity Capital Bank (“CCB”) subsidiary, will provide private label credit cards to customers of Zale in the United States beginning no later than October 1, 2015, following the scheduled expiration of Zale's current U.S. private label credit card agreement on September 30, 2015. In addition, prior to October 1, 2015, CCB has the option to participate in certain special financing programs for Zale's customers in the United States. Following the completion of program implementation during the first half of fiscal 2014, Zale will begin to receive benefit from Alliance Data's extensive marketing, analytical and technical services. For each of Zale's U.S. brands, Alliance Data will provide proven marketing and database capabilities, sophisticated analytics and a suite of omnichannel marketing tools designed to generate sales and extend brand affinity. Alliance Data will also provide a portfolio of innovative tablet and mobile marketing solutions for fine jewelry that are designed to optimize cardholder acquisition and retention. In addition, Zale will receive a commencement payment in July 2013 from CCB.