The UPS Store and Mail Boxes Etc. Expand to 5,000 Worldwide Locations

Celebration Benefits Youth Soccer Programs, Geography Education

SAN DIEGO, CA (Monday, September 13, 2004) - Today’s grand opening of the newest The UPS Store™ here creates a worldwide network of 5,000 locations comprising The UPS Store and Mail Boxes Etc.® brands, spotlighting the chain’s status as by far the world’s largest and fastest-growing shipping and business services outlet.

"From a single San Diego location 24 years ago, we have grown into a worldwide network covering more than 40 countries and territories," said Stuart Mathis, president of franchisor Mail Boxes Etc., Inc. "This is a milestone for us, but more importantly a clear indication of the value we bring to the marketplace.

"What started as an alternative to the post office has blossomed into a worldwide network of convenient business centers providing a broad spectrum of services to small businesses, distributed work forces, corporate clients and general consumers alike."

Since its founding in 1980, the company has added more than 200 new locations a year, on average, creating a global retail chain one-and-a-half times larger than all of its competitors combined and one of the largest retail outlets in the world. Entrepreneur magazine has ranked it as the top postal and business services franchise for 14 consecutive years.

"This is one of franchising’s major success stories," said Don DeBolt, president of the International Franchise Association. "It further demonstrates the appeal and adaptability of business format franchising on a global scale."

To celebrate its achievement, the company is hosting grand opening celebrations in five U.S. cities in as many days. Events are slated for San Diego, St. Louis, Detroit, Philadelphia and Palm Beach, beginning today. The celebration will extend beyond the United States with grand opening events scheduled in Australia, Japan, Canada, Mexico, Malaysia and the United Kingdom in coming weeks.

At the five U.S. events, a total of $25,000 will be donated to local youth soccer programs that serve disadvantaged youth while a commemorative soccer ball will be shipped on an international journey that will take it around the world.

A soccer theme was chosen for the celebration because soccer-playing children were featured in recent UPS television ads highlighting the company’s international shipping capabilities. "Soccer is truly an international sport," said Mathis, "and we are truly an international organization."

Due to soccer’s international popularity, and because September is National Youth Soccer month, the company also created a world geography lesson associated with the ball’s journey. Teachers can access either www.theupsstore.com or www.mbe.com and download a complimentary kit for a classroom project to track the soccer ball’s journey around the world.

"We live in a global community," said Mathis. "It’s imperative that our youth develop an appreciation for the cultures of lands around the world. Our hope is that this program will inspire children to seek opportunities for international travel and education."

In the United States, The UPS Store and Mail Boxes Etc. locations are independently owned and operated by licensed franchisees of Mail Boxes Etc., Inc. (MBE), a UPS subsidiary. Outside the U.S., locations are owned or operated by MBE master licensees or their franchisees. For additional information, please visit www.theupsstore.com or www.mbe.com.

UPS is the world’s largest package delivery company and a global leader in supply chain services, offering an extensive range of options for synchronizing the movement of goods, information and funds. Headquartered in Atlanta, Ga., UPS serves more than 200 countries and territories worldwide. UPS's stock trades on the New York Stock Exchange (UPS) and the company can be found on the Web at UPS.com

For More Infromation Please contact:
Steve Holmes
Phone: (404) 828-7391
Email: sholmes@ups.com

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