AVT and Utique, Inc. Enter into 10-Year Exclusive Partnership

Utique has spent the last 5.5 years developing patented retail automation hardware, software and a unique retail concept, the U*tique Shop, which has been awarded for its innovative design and compelling consumer experience.  U*tique Shops have been deployed with strong repeat performance in major international airports, five star resorts, entertainment destinations and top malls, nationwide.  AVT will operate the existing shops and continue to expand the brand throughout the nation.

U*tique's systems have been awarded the "Best New Airport Retail Concept in North America" by ACI, the "Gold Innovation Award for Best Store Design" by NAMA, and was named to McKinsey & Company's "Ones to Watch in Retail" report. U*tique Shops have also been recognized as a top innovation on the world's most visited site for consumer trends, Trendwatching.com, and were named in the Global Creative Intelligence Report. U*tique Shop has received worldwide press in publications such as: The New York Times, W Magazine, InStyle Germany, Self, Vogue Japan, O: The Oprah Magazine, Lucky, and many others.

"AVT continues to lead the industry in providing technologically advanced solutions, including systems that give retailers the ability to increase sales, enhance brand awareness and improve distribution through highly effective 'Micro-Stores'" stated Shannon Illingworth , Founder and Chairman of AVT, Inc. "The partnership with Utique, Inc. will immediately accelerate our growth while providing a higher-end solution for image-sensitive brands, advanced technologies that we can apply across our customer base, a deep knowledge of retail and supply chain management, and immediate capability to diversify our revenue streams."

Utique's turn-key automated retailing system has been shown to generate over 10x more revenue per square foot versus traditional retail, at far lower operating costs. "Retailers are looking for solutions that allow them to grow efficiently and to stay connected to consumers; consumers are seeking convenience and omni-channel shopping experiences. Utique identified these trends early and made an exciting entry into this market," according to Mara Segal , Founder and CEO of Utique. "We needed a partner to be able to deliver on the demand that we were experiencing across our business units.  Our partnership with AVT will undoubtedly accelerate growth and enable us to provide vertically-integrated solutions - a win for both companies and most importantly, for our customers."

"We are pleased to bring this innovative team and their proprietary assets under the AVT umbrella, and we look forward to offering this technology to our customer base," Illingworth commented. "We will work collaboratively with Utique's management to service a strong pipeline of Fortune 500 customers that they have amassed over their operating tenure," he added. "Through key partnerships such as Utique, we will generate additional revenue streams, improved profits, and provide greater value for our shareholders."

For more information on AVT, please call 800-240-5175 or visit the website at: www.autoretail.com.

To view an article on Utique in San Francisco Magazine, visit: http://www.modernluxury.com/san-francisco/story/quick-gifting  

To view an article featuring Utique in the San Francisco Business Times, visit: http://www.bizjournals.com/sanfrancisco/print-edition/2012/06/01/shop-charge-run.html?page=all  

About AVT, Inc.:
AVT is a leading developer of customized automated retailing systems, Micro-Stores, and self-service solutions.  Divisions include design, manufacturing, software engineering, leasing, media, and technology licensing. AVT is able to work with any size company to design a custom automated retailing solution that drives traffic, increases sales, improves security, and lowers overhead. AVT is uniquely qualified to take projects from concept to completion with speed, economy and ingenuity. For more information, visit: www.Autoretail.com.

AVT's stock is traded through the OTC Markets, Ticker Symbol: AVTC

About Utique, Inc.:
Utique, Inc. has created several patented and patent pending technologies for the automated retail/high-tech vending industry.  Utique's back-end system, Mini Portal, provides robust cross-channel inventory, marketing, and technology management capability from any connected handheld or desktop device.  Utique's unique user experience incorporates patented interactive lighting technology and an interface that helps consumers efficiently purchase their favorite items and discover new products through curated recommendations. Utique software also includes other first-to-market features such as: Rules-based Retail^™ that facilitates marketers/merchandisers to set pre-programmed contextual rules to provide greater control in messaging and merchandising.  This technology ensures that every interaction ends with memorably great service and that the consumer is pointed towards relevant products to increase likelihood of purchase.

U*tique's version of automated retail emphasizes human experience and premium merchandising. Automated interactivity and interaction with touch screens allow people to be educated about the products they are buying. Consumers can learn which brands give back to charity, the story behind the product, how the product works, and even dispense a product sample.

U*tique Shop, is Utique's owner-operated automated retail stores.  U*tique Shop is the world's first interactive, high-tech and distinctively designed self-service store that bridges the gap between e-commerce and traditional retail. Where e-commerce and traditional retail stores may feature hundreds or thousands of products, U*tique Shop is focused on curating 56 must-have products to ensure shopping is relevant, interesting and convenient. U*tique Shops emphasize convenience and discovery of new and must-have items for those who appreciate style on-the-go.  In addition, the shops leverage Utique's ability to merchandise trend-forward products with high margins and high turns.

SOURCE AVT, Inc.