APBA International has announced two hobby retailer programs it says are designed to ad address current dealer concerns about taking on additional product lines during a slow sales period.

To take advantage of the upcoming holiday shopping season, APBA, in partnership with its authorized hobby distributors, has introduced an extensive product sampling program. During the month of November, every hobby store in North America will receive more than $100 in free product samples from APBA. Each store will receive APBA's MLB 2000 classic game, MLB All-Star 2000 game, the MLB SuperStars 2000 games and the Card Collector 6.0 software program.

The company also announced a new APBA Premiere Hobby Store Program through its authorized distributors. The program is initially available to 200 stores interested in hosting special APBA demos, tournaments and in-store customer events, along with special appearances by the company mascot, APBA Andy.

"We understand the concern that some hobby retailers have in taking on new product lines," said APBA president Bill Bordegon. "That is why we are going to the expense of getting free sample products into their hands and offering programs that bring them new customers."

APBA also announced its product line was recently selected by Target to be featured nationally on one of its prime end cap spaces during the entire holiday shopping period. Excell Marketing will be servicing the end caps each week. The company says the increased exposure for APBA will ultimately stimulate sales of the APBA line in hobby stores.

SOFTWARE UPGRADE - APBA has also unveiled several new enhancements to its 6.0 Card Collector inventory software package.

Card Collector users can download form the APBA Web site (www.apbastaidum.com) enhancements including improved search capabilities, improved preset reports, improved interface, the ability to transfer "flags" and date from the 4.0 version, the addition of minor league card sets (over 100,000 cards), the ability to track graded cards and sample images of selected sets an inserts.

Additionally, collectors can use the Web site to get user tips for the software, as well updates which are available through monthly, quarterly, and annual subscriptions, ensuring users the latest in checklist and pricing information.

"Our goal is to continually upgrade the product as technological innovations advance, listen to collector feedback, and make the product more accessible to collectors and dealers," Bordegon said.

APBA also announced it is working with Krause Publications to develop additional software packages for collectors of autographs, memorabilia, figurines, comics, toys and toy cars.