AMARILLO, Texas, June 25, 1999--Hastings
Entertainment, Inc. (NASDAQ: HAST), a leading multimedia entertainment superstore and
Internet retailer, today announced that it is now offering custom CD compilations and
digital download services to customers on its gohastings.com Web site.Under terms of an agreement with amplified.com, a business-to-business
provider of Internet music sampling services, customers on Hastings' www.gohastings.com
Web site will have access to amplified.com's ever-growing list of songs available for sale
over the Internet. Amplified.com currently has licensed more than 100,000 songs in 17
genres, with approximately 8,000 songs now available for purchase. It is the largest
selection of secure song files available for download on the Internet.
"This new service provided by amplified.com is a significant
enhancement of our gohastings.com Web site that provides our customers a new way to
preview and purchase music that reflects our total commitment to satisfying our customers'
desires for personal entertainment and information," said John H. Marmaduke, chairman
and chief executive officer. "amplified.com's private-label service provides our
customers with unprecedented control over their shopping choices," added Marmaduke.
"In addition to previewing a 30 second sample of each song free of charge, they can
immediately download songs that they purchase to their computers with the option of later
recording on a CD recorder. In addition, consumers may create their own custom-made CD
compilation on the site and amplified.com records, packages and ships their custom CDs
normally within 48 hours of the order."
Founded in 1968, Hastings Entertainment, Inc. is a leading
multimedia entertainment retailer that combines the sale of books, music, software,
periodicals, DVDs and videotapes with the rental of videotapes, DVDs and video games in a
superstore format. The company currently operates 132 superstores, averaging 21,200 square
feet, primarily in small to medium-sized markets in 20 states across America. Hastings'
www.gohastings.com Web site makes available to our customers more than 10 million new and
used entertainment products and unique, contemporary gifts and toys. The site features
exceptional product and pricing offers, including best-selling books at up to 50% off list
price. In addition, investors and customers can review general and financial information
about Hastings at this Web site.
Certain statements set forth above are forward-looking statements
within the meaning of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. Such statements are based upon
management's current estimates, assumptions, and expectations and are subject to a number
of factors and uncertainties which could cause actual results to differ materially from
those described herein. The forward-looking statements set forth above are subject to the
factors and uncertainties set forth under the heading "Risk Factors" in the
Company's Registration Statement on Form S-1 as filed with the Securities and Exchange
Commission and declared effective on June 11, 1998 and the Company's annual and quarterly
reports on file with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
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