Press Release:
NASHVILLE, Tenn., Dec. 10, 2010 /PRNewswire via COMTEX/ —
Genesco Inc. (NYSE: GCO) announced today that it suffered a criminal intrusion into the portion of its computer network that processes payment card transactions for its United States Journeys, Journeys Kidz, Shi by Journeys and Johnston & Murphy stores, and for some of its Underground Station stores. The Company took immediate steps to secure the affected part of its network, believes the intrusion has been contained and is confident that its customers can safely use their credit and debit cards in the Company’s stores.
The extent of the intrusion is not known at this time. The Company is conducting a full investigation with the assistance of an outside expert to seek to determine the extent of any possible compromise of customer information that occurred in the intrusion. It is possible that the credit or debit card number, expiration date and card verification code contained on the magnetic stripe of some payment cards used at stores in the affected chains may have been acquired without authorization during the intrusion. The Company currently has no reason to believe that personal information, such as names, addresses or Social Security numbers, was acquired by the intruder. Additionally, the Company has no reason to believe that payment card transactions in any of its e-commerce or catalog businesses, any of its Lids Sports businesses, or any of its Canadian stores were affected by the intrusion.
The Company has notified law enforcement authorities and is cooperating in law enforcement’s efforts to identify those responsible for the intrusion. The Company has also notified the major payment card brands and is cooperating in their investigation of the intrusion.
Genesco Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer Robert J. Dennis said, “Since we learned of the intrusion, we have worked diligently with outside experts to protect our customers’ information and we are confident that they are safe shopping with their credit and debit cards at our stores. We recommend that our customers review their card statements and other account information carefully and immediately notify their card issuer if they suspect fraudulent use. We sincerely regret any inconvenience this attack on our network may cause our customers.”
Attached is a letter from Mr. Dennis that provides more information about the intrusion and additional steps customers can take to protect their information. The Company has also set up a toll-free hotline at (877) 441-2998 for customers who have further questions. The letter and the toll-free number are available on the Company’s website at www.genesco.com/customerassistance.
