WEBVAN UNVEILS NEW LOGO, NEW SITE DESIGN

JON SPRINGER

FOSTER CITY, Calif. -- Webvan Group here has unveiled a new Web site design and logo it said will help reinforce its brand as "more than just an on-line grocer," according to George Shaheen, Webvan's chief executive officer.

The Web site, which went live in Webvan's San Francisco, Chicago and Atlanta markets, features 11 product category tabs to display categories of items for sale over Webvan. In addition to pets, fresh market, grocery store, drug store, wine and beer, kids shop and household, categories include electronics, CDs, books and videos, and specialty shops. The specialty shops category includes toys, flowers, apparel and tobacco. The latter three product offerings are becoming increasingly important for Webvan's success, Shaheen said, since they can bump up margins and order sizes.

The redesigned Web site also features enhanced search capabilities and faster navigation than the previous site, Shaheen added.

The new logo, a stylishly joined W and V in blue and green, replaces the original Webvan logo, which featured a bag of groceries. According to Shaheen, the new logo emphasizes Webvan's "last mile" strategy and presents a unified image reflecting the company's takeover of HomeGrocer.com. The Webvan name and logo will eventually replace the HomeGrocer.com name in that company's markets of Dallas, Seattle, San Diego, Los Angeles and Portland, Ore.

"We are sending a strong message to the world that Webvan is more than just an on-line grocer, poised to move boldly into the future as a strong and diverse national e-tailer," Shaheen said.