Star Markets Now Accepts BioPay

Huntsville, AL — February 2, 2006

Alabama residents may now conveniently and securely pay for their groceries with just their finger at Star Supermarkets, Star Pharmacies, Propst Drug and Hunnington Pharmacy using BioPay technology from biometric payments leader Pay By Touch.

The service is the first biometric payment offering in the state of Alabama. Star Supermarkets chose to implement BioPay to give their check writing, credit and debit card customers a faster checkout and greater convenience when making a purchase. BioPay was recently acquired by Pay By Touch, the global leader of biometric authentication, loyalty, membership and payment solutions. Their combined biometric solutions have over two million enrolled customers and have authenticated in excess of $8 billion worth of transactions.

"With the help of BioPay, we are providing our customers with faster, more secure checkouts and an enhanced shopping experience," said T.J. Morris, General Manager, Star Markets. "The BioPay system allows customers a more convenient way to pay. Now the only line in my store is for the fast and free enrollment with BioPay."

As an introductory offer, a free 1/2 gallon of Purity Pride Dairy ice cream will be given to all customers who enroll in BioPay at Star Markets grocery during the months of February and March 2006. The Madison store location will be hosting two separate live radio "remote" broadcasts highlighting the advantages of using BioPay, in addition to in-store advertising and a direct mail offer to consumers within the stores' marketing areas.

BioPay's payment system uses a person's unique finger image and their chosen non-private BioPay Number (usually a phone number) to authorize a secured debit from their checking account. The one-time enrollment can be completed at any merchant that offers the biometric payment service, and the entire process takes less than two minutes. Once enrolled, the customer can purchase in seconds with their finger at any BioPay Payments location across the United States. The BioPay service is free to the consumer.

BioPay is installed coast to coast, serving a broad range of merchants from owner-operated single locations to larger chains most frequented by today's busy consumers including grocery stores, convenience stores, gas stations, beverage stores and other lifestyle retailers.

About Star Markets

Originally located solely in Huntsville's five points area since 1944, Star Markets remains just as committed today as then to offering the community "superstore" selection and value served with that old-fashioned flavor of customer service. Star Markets has a simple philosophy... Together we will provide each and every customer a shopping experience that meets their individual expectations through: Great People, Best Service, Safest Products, and Low Prices With Best Value For Today & Tomorrow. For more information about Star Markets, visit www.huntsvillestarmarket.com.

Star Locations now accepting BioPay include:

Star Market & Pharmacy — Huntsville
702 Pratt Avenue, Huntsville, AL 35804

Star Market & Pharmacy — Madison
7950 Hwy 72 West, Madison, AL 35758

Star Market & Pharmacy — Meridianville
12078 Hwy 231/431 North, Meridianville, AL 35759

Hunnington Pharmacy
11220 Memorial Pkwy SW, Huntsville, AL 35803

Propst Pharmacy
717 Pratt Ave, Huntsville, AL 35801