Electronic Arts today announced that it has won the prestigious 2002 SPARC (Supplier Performance Awards by Retail Category) First Place Award. This honor is awarded based on a poll of key merchandising executives in the $550+ billion mass market retailing industry conducted by DSN Retailing Today.

The 2002 SPARC First Place Award salutes Electronic Arts for its service, innovation, and overall programs that best serve the mass market retailing industry.

"We are honored to receive the SPARC award cast by top merchandising executives who recognize EA's dedication and commitment to the retail channel in terms of quality, creativity and support," said Tom Cipolla, vice president of sales, North America for Electronic Arts.

Buyers and merchandise managers from the industry's top 100 retailers voted on a specific set of performance criteria that were identified as important by merchandising executives. Among the criteria of selection were: self-sell packaging, new product innovation, on-time delivery, advertising support and quality control. In other words, EA did the best job marketing their products.