CHICAGO - Grainger, a leading distributor of facilities maintenance supplies, has announced the launch of its new online “search and select” tool, which is designed to make it easier for customers to search and find any of the more than 400,000 maintenance, repair, and operating products on its Website, www.grainger.com. The company said the new online search tool provides quicker, easier, and more accurate service, to help customers save time and money.

“Customers tell us they need a partner to help them increase productivity and profitability, especially in this tough economy,” said Sam Kim, vice president, eCommerce. “Our new ‘search and select’ tool makes it easy for customers to find the products they need and consolidate their purchases on grainger.com, which allows them to be more productive and improve their bottom line.”

Grainger’s new online “search and select” tool is powered by Endeca Technologies, a search applications company, and is said to include a number of features to help customers quickly and easily search for, compare, and purchase the right products to meet their needs, including:

• Guided search navigation that uses product specifications such as keywords, item numbers, national stocking numbers, cross-reference numbers, and more.

• Multiple sorting options that allow customers to sort their search results by price, brand, category, and delivery.

• Helpful product icons that assist customers in identifying products with specific properties such as “green.”

• Product category landing pages that have relevant and useful information on product use, selection, and reference information.

For more information on the new search feature, go to www.grainger.com/newsearch.

Publication date: 11/16/2009