Pearl River, NY - March, 2002 - Katz & Associates, the nation's largest real estate company dedicated exclusively to retail, is pleased to announce the addition of Harry and David , America's favorite gourmet food gifts, to its expanding client roster, according to Daniel B. Katz, President and CEO.

A national exclusive agreement to handle retail real estate transactions in Regional strip and lifestyle centers was executed last week. Harry and David is the nation's leading fruit gift company and has been steadily growing for over sixty years. Currently, they operate over one hundred stores nationally.

"Our focus will be to work with Harry and David to expand their retail store base by 20+ locations this year," according to John Beaney, Senior Vice President, Western Region. Priority markets for immediate expansion are the Northeast and West; secondary markets are the Midwest and Southeast. Stores will range in size from 1,800 - 2,400 square feet with a minimum frontage of 25 feet. The company will continue to directly handle Factory Outlet Centers and Regional Malls.