GENESIS DIRECT INC
S-1/A, 1998-05-01
CATALOG & MAIL-ORDER HOUSES
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<PAGE>
 
      
   AS FILED WITH THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION ON MAY 1, 1998     
 
                                                     REGISTRATION NO. 333-47455
 
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
                      SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
                            WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549
 
                               ---------------
                                
                             AMENDMENT NO. 2     
                                      TO
                                   FORM S-1
 
                            REGISTRATION STATEMENT
                                     UNDER
                          THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933
 
                               ---------------
 
                             GENESIS DIRECT, INC.
            (EXACT NAME OF REGISTRANT AS SPECIFIED IN ITS CHARTER)
 
        DELAWARE                    5961                  22-3449666
     (STATE OR OTHER          (PRIMARY STANDARD        (I.R.S. EMPLOYER
     JURISDICTION OF             INDUSTRIAL         IDENTIFICATION NUMBER)
    INCORPORATION OR         CLASSIFICATION CODE
      ORGANIZATION)                NUMBER)
 
                                100 PLAZA DRIVE
                          SECAUCUS, NEW JERSEY 07094
                                (201) 867-2800
  (ADDRESS, INCLUDING ZIP CODE, AND TELEPHONE NUMBER, INCLUDING AREA CODE OF
                   REGISTRANT'S PRINCIPAL EXECUTIVE OFFICES)
 
                               ---------------
 
                                 WARREN STRUHL
                            CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER
                             GENESIS DIRECT, INC.
                                100 PLAZA DRIVE
                          SECAUCUS, NEW JERSEY 07094
                                (201) 867-2800
(NAME, ADDRESS, INCLUDING ZIP CODE, AND TELEPHONE NUMBER, INCLUDING AREA CODE,
                             OF AGENT FOR SERVICE)
 
                               ---------------
 
                                  COPIES TO:
 
 IRA A. GREENSTEIN, ESQ.    RAPHAEL S. GRUNFELD,    STEPHEN H. COOPER, ESQ.
  MARK L. MANDEL, ESQ.              ESQ.            WEIL, GOTSHAL & MANGES
 MORRISON & FOERSTER LLP       GENERAL COUNSEL                LLP
   1290 AVENUE OF THE       GENESIS DIRECT, INC.       767 FIFTH AVENUE
        AMERICAS               100 PLAZA DRIVE     NEW YORK, NEW YORK 10153
NEW YORK, NEW YORK 10104    SECAUCUS, NEW JERSEY        (212) 310-8000
     (212) 468-8000                 07094
 
                               (201) 867-2800
  APPROXIMATE DATE OF COMMENCEMENT OF PROPOSED SALE TO THE PUBLIC: As soon as
practicable after this Registration Statement becomes effective.
 
                               ---------------
 
  THE REGISTRANT HEREBY AMENDS THIS REGISTRATION STATEMENT ON SUCH DATE OR
DATES AS MAY BE NECESSARY TO DELAY ITS EFFECTIVE DATE UNTIL THE REGISTRANT
SHALL FILE A FURTHER AMENDMENT WHICH SPECIFICALLY STATES THAT THIS
REGISTRATION STATEMENT SHALL THEREAFTER BECOME EFFECTIVE IN ACCORDANCE WITH
SECTION 8(A) OF THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933 OR UNTIL THE REGISTRATION STATEMENT
SHALL BECOME EFFECTIVE ON SUCH DATE AS THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION,
ACTING PURSUANT TO SAID SECTION 8(A), MAY DETERMINE.
 
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<PAGE>
 
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
+INFORMATION CONTAINED HEREIN IS SUBJECT TO COMPLETION OR AMENDMENT. A         +
+REGISTRATION STATEMENT RELATING TO THESE SECURITIES HAS BEEN FILED WITH THE   +
+SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION. THESE SECURITIES MAY NOT BE SOLD NOR MAY  +
+OFFERS TO BUY BE ACCEPTED PRIOR TO THE TIME THE REGISTRATION STATEMENT        +
+BECOMES EFFECTIVE. THIS PROSPECTUS SHALL NOT CONSTITUTE AN OFFER TO SELL OR   +
+THE SOLICITATION OF AN OFFER TO BUY NOR SHALL THERE BE ANY SALE OF THESE      +
+SECURITIES IN ANY STATE IN WHICH SUCH OFFER, SOLICITATION OR SALE WOULD BE    +
+UNLAWFUL PRIOR TO REGISTRATION OR QUALIFICATION UNDER THE SECURITIES LAWS OF  +
+ANY SUCH STATE.                                                               +
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
                    
                 SUBJECT TO COMPLETION, DATED MAY 1, 1998     
 
PROSPECTUS
                               10,125,000 SHARES
 
                              GENESIS DIRECT, INC.
 
                                  COMMON STOCK
   
  Of the 10,125,000 shares of Common Stock offered hereby, 8,577,406 shares
will be sold by Genesis Direct, Inc. ("Genesis Direct" or the "Company") and
1,547,594 shares will be sold by certain Selling Stockholders. See "Principal
and Selling Stockholders." Prior to this offering, there has been no public
market for the Common Stock. It is currently estimated that the initial public
offering price will be between $13.00 and $15.00 per share. For a discussion of
the factors to be considered in determining the initial public offering price,
see "Underwriting." The Company's Common Stock has been approved for trading on
the Nasdaq Stock Market under the symbol GEND.     
 
  SEE "RISK FACTORS" BEGINNING ON PAGE 9 FOR CERTAIN INFORMATION RELEVANT TO AN
INVESTMENT IN THE COMMON STOCK.
 
                                  -----------
 
THESE SECURITIES HAVE  NOT BEEN APPROVED  OR DISAPPROVED BY  THE SECURITIES AND
EXCHANGE COMMISSION  OR ANY STATE SECURITIES COMMISSION NOR HAS  THE SECURITIES
 AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION  OR ANY  STATE SECURITIES COMMISSION  PASSED UPON THE
 ACCURACY OR ADEQUACY  OF THIS PROSPECTUS. ANY REPRESENTATION  TO THE CONTRARY
  IS A CRIMINAL OFFENSE.
 
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                          UNDERWRITING              PROCEEDS TO
                                PRICE TO DISCOUNTS AND  PROCEEDS TO   SELLING
                                 PUBLIC  COMMISSIONS(1) COMPANY(2)  STOCKHOLDERS
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                             <C>      <C>            <C>         <C>
Per Share.....................    $           $             $           $
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total(3)......................   $           $             $           $
</TABLE>
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(1) See "Underwriting" for indemnification arrangements with the Underwriters.
(2) Before deducting expenses payable by the Company estimated at $1,500,000.
(3) The Company has granted the Underwriters a 30-day option to purchase up to
    1,518,750 additional shares of Common Stock solely to cover over-
    allotments, if any. If the option is exercised in full, the total Price to
    Public, Underwriting Discounts and Commissions, Proceeds to Company and
    Proceeds to Selling Stockholders will be $   , $   , $    and $   ,
    respectively. See "Underwriting."
 
                                  -----------
 
  The shares are offered by the several Underwriters, subject to prior sale,
when, as and if delivered to and accepted by them and subject to certain
conditions. The Underwriters reserve the right to withdraw, cancel or modify
this offering and to reject orders in whole or in part. It is expected that
delivery of the shares will be made against payment therefor on or about    ,
1998, at the offices of Bear, Stearns & Co. Inc., 245 Park Avenue, New York,
New York 10167.
 
                                  -----------
 
BEAR, STEARNS & CO. INC.
 
    GOLDMAN, SACHS & CO.
 
           SALOMON SMITH BARNEY
 
                 INVEMED ASSOCIATES, INC.
 
                                                  MORGAN KEEGAN & COMPANY, INC.
 
                                       , 1998
<PAGE>
 
 
 
                                [INSERT PHOTOS]
 
 
 
  CERTAIN PERSONS PARTICIPATING IN THIS OFFERING MAY ENGAGE IN TRANSACTIONS
THAT STABILIZE, MAINTAIN OR OTHERWISE AFFECT THE PRICE OF THE COMMON STOCK,
INCLUDING OVER-ALLOTMENT, STABILIZING TRANSACTIONS, SYNDICATE SHORT COVERING
TRANSACTIONS AND PENALTY BIDS. FOR A DESCRIPTION OF THESE ACTIVITIES, SEE
"UNDERWRITING."
 
                                       2
<PAGE>
 
                               PROSPECTUS SUMMARY
 
  The following summary is qualified in its entirety by, and should be read in
conjunction with, the more detailed information and consolidated financial
statements and notes thereto appearing elsewhere in this Prospectus. Unless the
context otherwise requires, references in this Prospectus to the "Company" or
"Genesis Direct" are to Genesis Direct, Inc., a Delaware corporation, and its
direct and indirect wholly-owned subsidiaries and its predecessor, Genesis
Direct L.L.C., a Delaware limited liability company. As used in this
Prospectus, references to a fiscal year refer to the Company's fiscal year
ended or ending on the Saturday next preceding April 1 of the next calendar
year. Unless otherwise indicated, the information in this Prospectus (i) has
been adjusted to give effect to (a) the conversion of all outstanding shares of
the Company's Series A Cumulative Convertible Preferred Stock (the "Series A
Preferred Stock") into 8,644,156 shares of Common Stock, (b) the conversion of
$9.75 million principal amount of the Company's outstanding Convertible
Subordinated Debentures due June 1, 2003 (the "Debentures") into 2,331,521
shares of Common Stock, (c) the conversion of an outstanding note in the amount
of $1.4 million into 128,333 shares of Common Stock and (d) a 275-for-1 split
of the Common Stock, all of which transactions will occur immediately prior to
the consummation of this offering (the "Stock Split"), and (ii) assumes that
the Underwriters' over-allotment option will not be exercised.
 
                                  THE COMPANY
   
  Genesis Direct is a leading database-driven specialty retailer in the rapidly
growing universe of non-store shopping. With a current portfolio of 30 Company-
owned brands, the Company offers products directly to consumers in targeted
niche markets primarily through a variety of distinctive, information-rich
catalogs, as well as Internet websites and electronic media, including
television and radio. The Company's marketing efforts are supported by a
customer database of over 10 million names, a 450-station call center at its
Secaucus, New Jersey headquarters and a custom-designed 500,000 square foot
distribution center strategically located in Memphis, Tennessee. For the nine
months ended December 27, 1997, the Company had net sales of approximately
$81.5 million.     
 
  The Company currently offers more than 15,000 products within four distinct,
but interrelated, market categories: sports (including licensed and non-
licensed apparel, accessories, home furnishings, equipment and limited edition
collectibles), kids (including toys, games, crafts, clothing and educational
and developmental materials), gifts and collectibles (including mechanical
toys, dolls, and music- and entertainment-related products and memorabilia) and
institutional/business-to-business (including educational, recreational and
therapeutic products for schools, camps and therapists). The Company has
established a variety of strategic relationships including, in the sports
market, with the National Basketball Association, the National Hockey League,
Major League Baseball, the National Association of Stock Car Auto Racing
(NASCAR) and the NFL Quarterback Club. Pursuant to these relationships, the
Company produces the exclusive official catalogs of these organizations and
offers through them licensed and non-licensed merchandise directly to consumers
and institutions, including, in the case of the NBA, the NHL, Major League
Baseball and NASCAR, through the leagues' websites.
   
  In recent years, retailing in the United States has been characterized by a
rapidly growing shift to non-store sales through such media as printed
catalogs, broadcast and cable television infomercials, home shopping channels
and the Internet. According to the Direct Marketing Association ("DMA"), an
industry trade group, these alternative forms of non-store retailing, which in
1997 accounted for approximately $382.0 billion in sales, are expected to grow
approximately 9% per annum for the next five years. The Company believes that
this growth is due to the convenience of home shopping for time-constrained,
dual-career consumer households and the increasingly high level of customer
service and reliability offered by leading direct marketing firms. The
traditional catalog segment of the United States direct marketing industry,
which, according to the DMA, generated approximately $79.0 billion in total
sales in 1997, is highly fragmented. The Company believes that     
 
                                       3
<PAGE>
 
there are over 12,000 catalog companies in existence, most of which lack the
necessary capital, support systems and economies of scale to effectively
exploit available opportunities for growth. The Company believes it is well-
positioned to pursue an active consolidation strategy in this market because of
its high capacity order-taking, processing and fulfillment infrastructure, its
well-developed expertise in catalog design and merchandising, its use of
sophisticated statistical modeling and cross-marketing segmentation techniques
and its development of detailed criteria for identifying and evaluating
potential acquisition candidates. Since its inception, the Company has
completed 14 acquisitions of catalog businesses, of which all but one were
acquired since November 1996.
   
  The Company was founded in June 1995 by Warren Struhl, Hunter Cohen and David
Sable, who presently serve, respectively, as its chief executive, chief
operating and chief marketing officers. Prior to forming the Company, Mr.
Struhl was the principal shareholder and chief executive officer, and Messrs.
Cohen and Sable were directors, of PaperDirect, Inc., a leading direct marketer
of high quality business papers and presentation materials, founded by Mr.
Struhl in October 1989 and sold in August 1993. Since its inception, Genesis
Direct has received $168.1 million of funding from various sources, including
the founders and major institutional investors, which has been utilized to
acquire and start up catalogs and to build an infrastructure in anticipation of
further growth.     
 
                               OPERATING STRATEGY
 
  The key elements of the Company's operating strategy are as follows:
 
  .  TARGET AND PENETRATE NICHE MARKETS. The Company identifies and focuses
     its efforts on penetrating niche markets that it believes are
     underserved by retail stores and other catalogs, that will be responsive
     to its innovative direct marketing techniques and in which it can become
     a market leader. The Company then acquires a variety of catalogs within
     the target market, each of which it transforms into a readily
     identifiable brand by investing heavily to enhance the catalog's image.
     In addition, the Company trains a core group of specialized customer-
     responsive employees to serve that market and seeks to establish
     innovative strategic relationships with other participants in that
     market. The Company also employs sophisticated database management
     techniques and systems to cross-sell product offerings designed for one
     niche market to customers in its other niche markets. The Company
     believes that by targeting several niche markets and serving each market
     with multiple brands, it reduces its reliance on any particular market
     or brand.
 
  .  DEVELOP CENTRALIZED STATE-OF-THE-ART INFRASTRUCTURE. Since its
     inception, the Company has invested approximately $20.4 million to
     develop an order-taking, processing and fulfillment infrastructure with
     sufficient capacity and operational flexibility to service increased
     sales volume and exploit strategic or market opportunities as they
     occur. In addition to its state-of-the-art call center and distribution
     center, the Company has invested in sophisticated management information
     systems and database technologies that effectively coordinate a full
     range of functions from catalog production and mailing to order-taking
     and fulfillment. The Company's substantial investment in infrastructure
     allows it to quickly consolidate and integrate newly acquired catalogs
     and to introduce new catalogs. The Company believes that, as sales
     volume increases through acquisitions and internal growth, it can
     leverage its infrastructure to reduce the per order cost of fulfillment.
     The Company believes that, without significant additional capital
     expenditures beyond its fiscal 1998 spending plan, its current systems
     infrastructure, call center and distribution center can accommodate up
     to $1.0 billion in annual sales.
 
  .  OFFER PROPRIETARY, PERSONALIZED AND HARD-TO-FIND PRODUCTS. The Company
     seeks to increase its gross margins by offering proprietary and
     personalized products, as well as products that are difficult
 
                                       4
<PAGE>
 
     to find in retail stores and other catalogs. The Company strives to
     offer customers in each of its target markets a broader merchandise
     selection than is generally offered by traditional retailers and smaller
     direct marketers. The Company has established a department dedicated to
     the development of proprietary products and the personalization of
     products within each of the Company's target markets. As part of this
     initiative, the Company is currently building a customization facility
     in its distribution center that will enable it to personalize most of
     its products by means of etching, laser engraving and embroidery.
 
  .  UTILIZE MULTIPLE MARKETING CHANNELS. To reach potential customers, the
     Company uses multiple marketing channels, including mail, Internet
     websites, television and radio advertisements, infomercials, airplane
     seat-backs, hotel rooms, sports events and trade shows. The Company
     currently takes on-line orders for products from Internet websites under
     two of its brands and maintains informational websites for eight of its
     other brands. In addition, under exclusive arrangements with the NBA,
     NHL and Major League Baseball, the Company maintains the on-line store
     on those leagues' websites, where potential customers can receive
     information, view merchandise, enter inquiries and orders and request
     catalogs.
 
  .  BUILD LIFETIME CUSTOMER RELATIONSHIPS. The Company's objective is to
     make every customer a customer for life. Through its niche marketing
     strategy and sophisticated database, enhanced with up-to-date
     demographic information, the Company offers products intended to satisfy
     customer preferences as they evolve over their lifetimes. In addition,
     the Company strives to provide consistently prompt, knowledgeable and
     courteous service and rapid order fulfillment. In its 450-station call
     center, calls are routed to the customer service representative most
     knowledgeable about the products within the particular catalog brand in
     question. Because of the high level of automation at its distribution
     center and the strategic location of that center at a shipping hub for
     such carriers as Federal Express, UPS and the U.S. Postal Service, the
     Company is able to provide next-day delivery, if requested, on orders
     received prior to 11:00 p.m. EST. The Company continually strives to
     develop the Genesis Direct name into an umbrella seal-of-approval symbol
     associated with superior service and product quality.
 
  .  ATTRACT AND RETAIN EXPERIENCED MANAGEMENT TEAM. The Company seeks to
     attract and retain highly qualified management personnel with extensive
     experience. To date, the Company has assembled some of the country's
     most experienced professionals in direct marketing or related
     industries. The Company has also retained many of the former owners of
     the acquired catalog companies, who bring extensive expertise in their
     respective niche markets.
 
                                GROWTH STRATEGY
 
  The key elements of the Company's growth strategy are as follows:
     
  .  PURSUE STRATEGIC ACQUISITIONS. As a result of its acquisition of 15
     catalog businesses, the Company has developed considerable expertise in
     identifying and evaluating appropriate acquisition candidates and in
     integrating the operations and expanding the sales of acquired
     companies. The Company believes that the fragmented direct marketing
     industry provides significant consolidation opportunities and is
     pursuing an aggressive but disciplined acquisition strategy focused
     primarily on catalog brands that complement existing brands in its
     targeted niche markets. In particular, the Company seeks catalog brands
     that have been unable to realize their growth and profitability
     potential due to capital constraints and infrastructure limitations. To
     date, the typical acquisition candidate has demonstrated a high average
     order value and a low rate of merchandise returns and is believed to
     have the potential to eventually achieve at least $25.0 million in
     annual sales, realize high rates in customer retention and successfully
     offer higher margin proprietary products.     
 
 
                                       5
<PAGE>
 
  .  INCREASE REVENUES OF ACQUIRED CATALOGS. The Company believes that, in
     addition to achieving synergies through the integration of acquired
     catalogs, there are opportunities to substantially increase the revenues
     of acquired catalogs by utilizing the Company's database to efficiently
     target a more precise group of potential customers based on demographic
     information and individual purchase behavior. In addition, the Company
     believes that its superior customer service and its development of each
     acquired catalog into a readily identifiable brand can increase the
     revenue opportunities of those catalogs.
 
  .  DEVELOP NEW BRANDS. The Company uses its existing customer database to
     create and introduce new catalog brands. The Company currently has eight
     active start-up catalog brands and intends to introduce and develop
     additional new catalog brands featuring original merchandise concepts
     that will allow it to penetrate further distinct segments of its niche
     markets. For example, the Company has recently used its customer lists
     in the sports and kids market segments to start-up S.K.U.S.A. (an
     acronym for Sports Kids U.S.A.), through which the Company offers hard-
     to-find "sports lifestyle" products for children, including apparel,
     home furnishings and toys.
 
  .  EXPAND AND LEVERAGE CUSTOMER DATABASE. The Company is continually
     expanding its customer database through a variety of techniques,
     including catalog and list acquisitions, renting of mailing lists and
     strategic alliances. Examples of strategic alliances that enhance the
     Company's customer database are its exclusive arrangements with
     professional sports leagues that allow the Company access to the
     leagues' databases, Internet websites and advertising opportunities. The
     Company uses sophisticated statistical modeling and segmentation
     techniques to develop purchasing profiles of the customers in its
     database, which facilitates cross-marketing, cross-selling and more
     precisely focused catalog distributions and marketing efforts.
 
  .  EXPAND INTERNATIONAL SALES. The demographic and technological trends
     that are driving the retail consumer shift to non-store shopping in the
     United States are also present in many international markets. The
     Company believes that its catalog development expertise and existing
     infrastructure will enable it to expand into certain of those markets,
     particularly those with a strong interest in U.S. sports-related
     products. The Company intends, where appropriate, to produce foreign
     language versions of several of its catalogs. In addition, the Company's
     distribution center in Memphis, Tennessee is strategically placed at the
     hub of courier services serving international markets to permit rapid
     direct-to-consumer overseas order fulfillment. The Company is currently
     expanding its operations into France, Germany, Japan and the United
     Kingdom and expects to launch an extension of its 1-800-Pro-Team brand
     in several of those countries.
 
  .  GENERATE MULTIPLE REVENUE STREAMS. The Company intends to generate
     multiple revenue streams within its target markets by permitting third-
     party direct marketers to sell non-competing goods and services to its
     customers, by including third-party/vendor advertising in Company
     catalogs and by renting its customer lists to non-competing vendors. For
     example, through several of its sports brands, the Company offers MBNA
     credit cards with sports team logos.
 
                ANTICIPATED FOURTH QUARTER AND YEAR-END RESULTS
 
  For the three months ended March 28, 1998, the Company expects to report a
net loss of approximately $19.0 million to $20.0 million on net sales of
approximately $23.0 million to $24.0 million, and for the fiscal year then
ended the Company expects to report a net loss of approximately $76.0 million
to $77.0 million on net sales of approximately $104.0 million to $105.0
million. Definitive results for those periods are subject to final review and
audit. Management believes that the Company's historical results of operations
are not necessarily indicative of future operating results.
 
                                       6
<PAGE>
 
 
                                  THE OFFERING
 
<TABLE>
<S>                                <C>
Common Stock offered by:
  The Company..................... 8,577,406 shares
  The Selling Stockholders........ 1,547,594 shares
Common Stock to be outstanding
 after this offering(1)........... 28,652,741 shares
Use of proceeds................... For general corporate purposes, including
                                   debt reduction, acquisitions, capital
                                   expenditures and working capital. See "Use
                                   of Proceeds."
Proposed Nasdaq Stock Market
 symbol........................... GEND
</TABLE>
- --------
(1) Excludes (a) 1,598,162 shares of Common Stock issuable upon the exercise of
    stock options outstanding as of April 15, 1998 at a weighted average
    exercise price of $12.32 per share and (b) 275,000 shares of Common Stock
    issuable upon the exercise of outstanding warrants at a price of $10.91 per
    share. In addition, upon consummation of this offering, the Company will
    grant to certain executive officers additional options to purchase an
    aggregate of 1,155,000 shares. See "Management--Option Grants in Last
    Fiscal Year," "--Stock Option Plan" and Note 11 to the Company's
    Consolidated Financial Statements.
 
                                  RISK FACTORS
 
  See "Risk Factors" for a discussion of certain risks that should be
considered in connection with an investment in the Common Stock.
 
                                   ---------
 
  The Company's executive offices are located at 100 Plaza Drive, Secaucus, New
Jersey 07094 and its telephone number is (201) 867-2800.
 
                                   ---------
   
  Hand-in-Hand(R), The Music Stand(R), Gifts For Grandkids(R), The Voyager's
Collection(R), 1-800-Pro-Team(R), Manny's Baseball Land(R) and Competitive Edge
Golf(R) are registered trademarks of the Company. Genesis Direct(TM),
Childswork/Childsplay(TM), Command Performance(TM), From The Sidelines(TM), Hot
Off The Ice(TM), Nothin' But Hoops(TM), S.K.U.S.A.(TM), Sports Kids USA(TM),
The Training Camp(TM), Lilliput(TM), Ninos(TM), Sportime(TM), Abilitations(TM),
Chime Time(TM), Sportime Senior Products(TM), Active Minds(TM), Soccer
Madness(TM) and Biobottoms(TM) are trademarks or service marks of the Company.
    
                                       7
<PAGE>
 
                SUMMARY HISTORICAL AND PRO FORMA FINANCIAL DATA
 
  The following Summary Consolidated Financial and Operating Data of the
Company are qualified by reference to and should be read in connection with
"Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of
Operations," the Consolidated Financial Statements and notes thereto and the
Pro Forma Condensed Combined Financial Statements and notes thereto, which are
included elsewhere in this Prospectus.
<TABLE>   
<CAPTION>
                                                          PRO FORMA                              PRO FORMA
                             PERIOD FROM      FISCAL YEAR   FISCAL        NINE MONTHS ENDED     NINE MONTHS
                             JUNE 8, 1995        ENDED    YEAR ENDED  -------------------------    ENDED
                          (INCEPTION) THROUGH  MARCH 29,  MARCH 29,   DECEMBER 28, DECEMBER 27, DECEMBER 27,
                           MARCH 30, 1996(1)    1997(1)    1997(2)        1996         1997       1997(2)
                          ------------------- ----------- ----------  ------------ ------------ ------------
                                           (IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT SHARE AND PER SHARE DATA)
<S>                       <C>                 <C>         <C>         <C>          <C>          <C>
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT
 OF OPERATIONS DATA:
Net sales...............            --         $  18,537  $ 157,369    $   6,051    $  81,505    $ 130,967
Gross profit............            --             8,089     66,098        2,633       19,362       41,395
Selling, general and
 administrative
 expenses...............        $ 2,710           20,711     85,010        8,246       73,053       95,131
                                -------        ---------  ---------    ---------    ---------    ---------
Loss from operations....         (2,710)         (12,622)  (18,912)       (5,613)     (53,691)     (53,736)
Interest expense, net...              5              888      4,605          112        3,163        3,354
                                -------        ---------  ---------    ---------    ---------    ---------
Net loss................         (2,715)         (13,510)   (23,517)      (5,725)     (56,854)     (57,090)
Dividends accruing on
 Series A Preferred
 Stock..................            --               --       1,373          --         1,032        2,123
                                -------        ---------  ---------    ---------    ---------    ---------
Net loss attributable to
 Common Stockholders....        $(2,715)       $ (13,510) $ (24,890)   $  (5,725)   $ (57,886)   $ (59,213)
                                =======        =========  =========    =========    =========    =========
Net loss per share
 attributable to Common
 Stockholders (3).......        $ (4.49)       $   (4.60) $   (8.22)   $   (2.73)   $   (6.57)   $   (6.65)
                                =======        =========  =========    =========    =========    =========
Weighted average number
 of shares outstanding..        605,000        2,933,700  3,028,025    2,093,300    8,810,175    8,904,500
                                =======        =========  =========    =========    =========    =========
</TABLE>    
 
<TABLE>   
<CAPTION>
                                                 DECEMBER 27, 1997
                                       ---------------------------------------
                                                                  PRO FORMA
                                        ACTUAL    PRO FORMA(4)  AS ADJUSTED(5)
                                       --------  -------------- --------------
                                                 (IN THOUSANDS)
<S>                                    <C>       <C>            <C>
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET DATA:
Cash and cash equivalents............. $  7,615     $ 20,274       $ 94,502
Working capital (deficiency)..........     (378)      11,472         93,050
Total assets..........................  110,294      151,673        225,901
Debentures............................   30,000       20,250            --
Other long-term debt, less current
 portion..............................    7,852        7,840          7,840
Series A Preferred Stock..............   72,390          --             --
Total stockholders' equity
 (deficiency).........................  (42,518)      65,341        169,919
</TABLE>    
- --------
(1) The Company's fiscal year is a 52/53 week year that ends on the Saturday
    next preceding April 1 of the next calendar year. Accordingly, the year
    ended March 29, 1997 is referred to as "Fiscal 1996" and the period from
    June 8, 1995 (inception) through March 30, 1996 is referred to as "Fiscal
    1995."
   
(2) Prepared on a pro forma basis to reflect the acquisition of Biobottoms,
    Inc. ("Biobottoms"), in April 1998 and described under "Use of Proceeds"
    (the "Biobottoms Acquisition"), and all acquisitions completed after March
    31, 1996 and before the date hereof, as if such acquisitions were completed
    as of March 31, 1996. See "Pro Forma Condensed Combined Financial
    Statements."     
          
(3) The net loss per share is based upon the weighted average number of shares
    of Common Stock outstanding during each period. See Note 2 to the Company's
    Consolidated Financial Statements and Note 4 to the Company's Pro Forma
    Condensed Combined Financial Statements.     
   
(4) Prepared on a pro forma basis to reflect (i) the Biobottoms Acquisition and
    the acquisition completed after December 27, 1997 and before the date
    hereof, as if they had been completed as of December 27, 1997, (ii) the
    sale, on December 29, 1997, of 22,942 shares of Series A Preferred Stock
    for aggregate proceeds of $22,942,000, (iii) the issuance of Bridge Notes
    in the amount of $7.65 million (as defined under "Use of Proceeds") during
    April 1998 and (iv) the following transactions which will occur immediately
    prior to the consummation of this offering: (a) the conversion of all
    outstanding shares of Series A Preferred Stock into 8,644,156 shares of
    Common Stock; (b) the conversion of $9.75 million principal amount of
    outstanding Debentures into 2,331,521 shares of Common Stock; and (c) the
    conversion of an outstanding note in the amount of $1.4 million into
    128,333 shares of Common Stock. See "Pro Forma Condensed Combined Financial
    Statements."     
   
(5) Prepared on a pro forma as adjusted basis to reflect (i) the Biobottoms
    Acquisition and the acquisition completed after December 27, 1997 and
    before the date hereof, as if they had been completed as of December 27,
    1997, (ii) the sale, on December 29, 1997, of 22,942 shares of Series A
    Preferred Stock for aggregate proceeds of $22,942,000, (iii) the issuance
    of Bridge Notes in the amount of $7.65 million during April 1998, (iv) the
    following transactions which will occur immediately prior to the
    consummation of this offering: (a) the conversion of all outstanding shares
    of Series A Preferred Stock into 8,644,156 shares of Common Stock; (b) the
    conversion of $9.75 million of outstanding Debentures into 2,331,521 shares
    of Common Stock; and (c) the conversion of an outstanding note in the
    amount of $1.4 million into 128,333 shares of Common Stock, and (v) the
    sale by the Company of 8,577,406 shares of Common Stock in this offering
    and the application of the net proceeds therefrom as described under "Use
    of Proceeds." Pursuant to the terms of the Debentures, the Company will
    redeem approximately $20.25 million principal amount of Debentures plus
    accrued interest and prepayment premium through May 11, 1998, the
    anticipated date of redemption. Approximately $5.3 million of the cash
    prepayment premium will be recorded as an extraordinary item in the period
    in which the redemption occurs. See "Pro Forma Condensed Combined Financial
    Statements."     
 
                                       8
<PAGE>
 
                                 RISK FACTORS
 
  Prospective investors should carefully consider all of the information in
this Prospectus and, in particular, should evaluate the following risks in
connection with an investment in the Common Stock being offered hereby.
 
LIMITED OPERATING HISTORY; HISTORY OF LOSSES
 
  The Company was organized in June 1995 and, accordingly, has had only a
limited operating history. Since its formation, the Company has expended
significant funds to acquire other direct marketing businesses, to create and
develop various marketing vehicles and brands and to build an order processing
and distribution infrastructure capable of supporting future operations on a
scale substantially in excess of current levels. As a result, the Company has
incurred losses since its inception and expects to continue to incur losses
through fiscal 1998. The Company had an accumulated deficit of approximately
$73.1 million at December 27, 1997 and had a net loss of $57.9 million for the
nine months then ended. The Company expects that, for the three months ended
March 28, 1998, it will report a net loss of approximately $19.0 million to
$20.0 million and, for the fiscal year then ended, it will report a net loss
of approximately $76.0 million to $77.0 million. There can be no assurance
that the Company will be able to achieve profitability. See "Management's
Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations."
 
NEED FOR ADDITIONAL CAPITAL
 
  The Company will require substantial additional capital in order to pursue
its acquisition strategy, grow its database, enhance its existing brands and
merchandise lines and introduce and develop new brands and merchandise lines.
Additional capital may be sought through public or private offerings of equity
or debt securities as well as additional bank borrowings. The Company does not
have any commitments for additional financing and there can be no assurance
that such financing will be available when and to the extent required or that,
if available, such financing will be obtainable on acceptable terms.
 
RISKS ASSOCIATED WITH ACQUISITIONS
   
  To date, the Company has acquired 15 catalog businesses, of which all but
one were acquired since November 1996. The Company's continued growth will
depend in part upon its ability to identify other direct marketing companies
that are suitable acquisition candidates, to acquire those companies upon
appropriate terms and to effectively integrate and expand their operations
within its own infrastructure. There can be no assurance that the Company will
be able to continue to identify candidates that it deems suitable for
acquisition or that the Company will be able to consummate desired
acquisitions on acceptable terms and integrate and expand the operations of
acquired companies, without excessive costs, delays or other problems.     
 
DEPENDENCE ON KEY OPERATING SYSTEMS AND THIRD-PARTY SERVICE PROVIDERS
 
  The Company's ability to provide high quality customer service, process and
fulfill orders and manage inventory depends, to a large degree, on the
efficient and uninterrupted operation of its call center, distribution center
and management information systems and on the timely performance of vendors,
catalog printers, shipping companies and the U.S. Postal Service. Any material
disruption or slowdown in the operation of the Company's call center,
distribution center or management information systems, or comparable
disruptions or slowdowns suffered by its principal service providers, could
cause delays in the Company's ability to receive, process and fulfill customer
orders and may cause orders to be canceled, lost or delivered late, goods to
be returned or receipt of goods to be refused. In the course of replacing and
upgrading its systems, the Company has occasionally experienced temporary
system shutdowns, slowdowns and processing problems. For example, between
September and December 1997, the Company experienced a temporary inability of
its call center software to interface with its distribution center software,
resulting in a higher than normal rate of order cancellations that the Company
believes accounted for a significant percentage of the loss for the nine
months ended December 27, 1997. See "Management's Discussion and Analysis of
Financial Condition and Results of Operations." The Company plans to upgrade
certain of the equipment and operating systems at its distribution center. The
Company has taken a number of precautions to prevent disruptions in the
operation of its call center, distribution
 
                                       9
<PAGE>
 
center and management information systems, including in connection with the
future upgrades, but there can be no assurance that the Company will not
experience systems failures or other disruptions that could have a material
adverse effect on the Company's results of operations.
 
FLUCTUATIONS IN COSTS OF PAPER AND POSTAGE
 
  Paper and postage are significant components of the Company's operating
costs. Paper stock represents the largest element of the cost of printed
merchandise catalogs and paper-based packaging products, such as shipping
cartons, constitute a significant element of distribution expense. Paper
prices have historically been volatile, increasing dramatically in 1995 and
declining in 1996 and 1997. Future price increases could have a material
adverse effect on the Company's results of operations. Postage for catalog
mailings is also a significant element of the Company's operating expense. The
Company generally mails its catalogs by third-class mail service. Third-class
postage rates increase periodically and can be expected to increase in the
future, and there can be no assurance that future increases will not adversely
impact the Company's operating margins.
 
HIGH FIXED COSTS
 
  Operation and maintenance of the Company's call center, distribution center
and management information systems involve substantial fixed costs. Catalog
mailings entail substantial paper, postage, merchandise acquisition and human
resource costs, including costs associated with catalog development and
increased inventories, virtually all of which are incurred prior to the
mailing of the catalog. If net sales from catalog mailings are substantially
below expectations, the Company's results of operations may be adversely
effected. In addition, the Company continually evaluates the results of its
mailings and will discontinue a catalog, particularly a start-up catalog, if
it determines that the catalog's results are not satisfactory, in which event
it may not recover its investment in developing and mailing that catalog.
 
RELIANCE ON VENDORS
 
  The Company currently purchases merchandise from more than 1,000
unaffiliated vendors. In some instances, the Company's purchases from a
particular vendor may account for a significant percentage of that vendor's
total sales, resulting in more favorable terms for the Company than might
otherwise be available. However, there can be no assurance that the Company
will continue to be able to procure merchandise on such favorable terms. The
Company does not have any long-term contracts with its vendors and competes
with other purchasers for the vendors' production capacity. No vendor
accounted for more than 10% of the Company's inventory purchases in the nine
months ended December 27, 1997.
 
QUARTERLY AND SEASONAL FLUCTUATIONS
 
  The Company's net sales and results of operations have fluctuated and can be
expected to continue to fluctuate on a quarterly basis as a result of such
factors as the timing of new merchandise offerings and brand introductions,
fluctuations in response rates, paper and postage costs and merchandise return
rates, shifts in the timing of holidays and changes in the Company's
merchandise mix. In addition, the Company's sales, particularly its catalog
sales, generally are higher in the second and fourth calendar quarters, which
correspond to the first and third quarters of its fiscal year. See
"Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of
Operations."
 
MERCHANDISE RETURNS
 
  As part of its customer service commitment, the Company maintains an
unconditional merchandise return policy, which allows customers to return any
non-personalized merchandise, at any time and for any reason, regardless of
condition. The Company has established an allowance for merchandise returns
based on historical return rates. There can be no assurance that the Company's
merchandise returns will not exceed its reserves. Any significant increase in
the Company's merchandise return rate could have a material adverse effect on
its results of operations.
 
                                      10
<PAGE>
 
DEPENDENCE ON KEY PERSONNEL
 
  The Company depends to a significant extent upon the efforts of its senior
management team, particularly its founders and principal executive officers,
Warren Struhl, Hunter Cohen and David Sable, each of whom is party to an
employment agreement with the Company. See "Management." The Company maintains
$5.0 million of key man life insurance on Mr. Struhl. The Company's future
success will depend on its ability to retain key managers and to attract and
employ additional qualified management personnel.
 
COMPETITION
 
  The markets for the Company's merchandise are highly competitive, and the
recent growth in these markets has encouraged the entry of many new
competitors as well as increased competition from established companies.
Within each merchandise category the Company has significant competitors and
may face new competition from new entrants or existing competitors who focus
on market segments currently served by the Company. These competitors include
large retail operations, including some with catalog operations, other catalog
and direct marketing companies and internet retailers. Increased competition
could result in pricing pressures, increased marketing expenditures and loss
of market share and could have a material adverse effect on the Company's
results of operations.
 
INTERNATIONAL OPERATIONS
 
  The Company is currently expanding its operations into several international
markets, including France, Germany, Japan and the United Kingdom. In so doing,
the Company will be subject to risks generally associated with doing business
abroad, such as foreign government regulation, economic conditions, exchange
rate fluctuations, duties, taxes and disruptions or delays in shipments. In
addition, the Company's sales historically have been derived from customers in
the United States and most of its information on buying patterns and consumer
preferences is based on those customers. As a result, predicting foreign
consumer demand may present a higher than normal risk of error.
 
COLLECTION OF STATE SALES TAXES
 
  Various states have sought to impose on direct marketers having no physical
presence in the state the burden of collecting state sales and use taxes on
the sale of merchandise shipped to that state's residents. However, the U.S.
Supreme Court has reaffirmed its 1967 holding in National Bellas Hess v. Ill.
Dept. of Revenue, 368 U.S. 753, that a state, absent Congressional
legislation, may not impose tax collection obligations on an out-of-state mail
order company whose only contacts with the taxing state are the distribution
of catalogs and other advertisement materials through the mail, and whose
subsequent delivery of purchased goods occurs by mail or interstate common
carriers. Recently, the DMA entered into negotiations with various state
taxing authorities towards reaching an agreement for the collection of sales
tax in connection with catalog sales pursuant to uniform rules that would
reduce the cost of compliance with the laws of multiple taxing jurisdictions.
Such an agreement would have required catalog companies that chose to become a
party thereto, to collect sales and use taxes in return for the simplified
collection procedures. Due to objections voiced by members of the catalog
industry and catalog customers, the negotiations were suspended.
 
YEAR 2000 RISK
 
  Year 2000 compliance is the ability of computer hardware and software to
respond to the problems posed by the fact that computer programs have
traditionally been written using two digits rather than four to define the
applicable year. As a consequence, unless modified, computer systems will not
be able to differentiate between the year 2000 and 1900. Failure to address
this problem could result in system failures and the generation of erroneous
data. The Company is reviewing its computer programs and systems to ensure
that the programs and systems will function properly and be year 2000
compliant. The Company presently believes that, with certain modifications to
existing software and the installation of certain new software, its computer
systems will be year
 
                                      11
<PAGE>
 
2000 compliant. However, while the estimated cost of these efforts are not
expected to be material to the Company's financial position or any year's
results of operations, there can be no assurance to this effect. In addition,
the Company cannot predict the effect of the year 2000 problem on entities
with which the Company transacts business, and there can be no assurance that
the effect of the year 2000 problem on such entities will not have a material
adverse effect on the Company's business, financial condition or results of
operations.
 
BENEFITS OF THE OFFERING TO EXISTING STOCKHOLDERS
   
  Of the net proceeds from this offering, the Company plans to use (i)
approximately $28.3 million to redeem approximately 67.5% of its outstanding
Debentures, all of which are owned by GE Investment Private Placement Partners
II, a Limited Partnership ("GEIPPP II"), a principal stockholder of the
Company, and to exchange the balance of the Debentures for newly-issued shares
of Common Stock, (ii) approximately $7.75 million to repay the entire $7.65
million principal amount (including original issue discount) of the Bridge
Notes held by GEIPPP II, together with accrued interest thereon. See "Use of
Proceeds," "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and
Results of Operations--Liquidity and Capital Resources" and "Certain
Relationships and Related Transactions."     
 
GOVERNMENT REGULATION
 
  The Company's direct mail operations are subject to regulation by the U.S.
Postal Service, the Federal Trade Commission and various state, local and
private consumer protection and other regulatory authorities. In general,
these regulations govern the manner in which orders may be solicited, the form
and content of advertisements, information which must be provided to
prospective customers, the time within which orders must be filled,
obligations to customers if orders are not shipped within a specified period
of time and the time within which refunds must be paid if the ordered
merchandise is unavailable or returned. From time to time, the Company has
modified its methods of doing business and its marketing operations in
response to such regulation. To date, such regulation has not had a material
adverse effect on the Company's business, financial condition or results of
operations. However, there can be no assurance that any future regulatory
requirements or actions will not have a material adverse effect on the
Company's business, financial condition or results of operations.
 
POTENTIAL EFFECTS OF ANTI-TAKEOVER PROVISIONS
   
  Certain provisions of Delaware law and the Company's Amended and Restated
Certificate of Incorporation (the "Restated Certificate of Incorporation") and
Amended and Restated By-laws could delay or impede the removal of incumbent
directors and could make it more difficult for a third party to acquire, or
could discourage acquisition bids for, control of the Company. Such provisions
could limit the price that certain investors might be willing to pay in the
future for shares of the Common Stock. For example, the Restated Certificate
of Incorporation provides for a classified Board of Directors with staggered
three-year terms. In addition, shares of preferred stock may be issued by the
Board of Directors of the Company without stockholder approval on such terms
and conditions, and having such rights, privileges and preferences, as the
Board of Directors may determine. The rights of the holders of the Common
Stock will be subject to, and may be adversely affected by, the rights of the
holders of any preferred stock that may be issued in the future. The Company
has no current plans to issue any shares of preferred stock. See "Description
of Capital Stock--Anti-takeover Effects of Certain Provisions of the
Certificate of Incorporation and By-laws."     
 
DILUTION
 
  Purchasers of Common Stock in this offering will experience immediate and
substantial dilution in the pro forma net tangible book value per share of
such Common Stock from the initial public offering price. See "Dilution."
 
DIVIDENDS
 
  The Company does not anticipate paying any cash dividends on its Common
Stock in the foreseeable future. See "Dividend Policy."
 
                                      12
<PAGE>
 
NO PRIOR PUBLIC MARKET; DETERMINATION OF PUBLIC OFFERING PRICE
 
  Prior to this offering, there has been no public market for the Common
Stock. Although application has been made to list the Common Stock on the
NASDAQ Stock Market, there can be no assurance that an active public market
will develop or be sustained after this offering or that the market price of
the Common Stock will not decline below the initial public offering price. The
initial public offering price of the Common Stock will be determined through
negotiations among the Company, the Selling Stockholders and the Underwriters.
See "Underwriting."
 
SHARES ELIGIBLE FOR FUTURE SALE
   
  All of the shares of Common Stock to be sold in this offering will be freely
tradable. The remaining shares of Common Stock, representing approximately
64.7% of the outstanding Common Stock upon completion of this offering, will
be deemed "restricted securities" under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended
(the "Securities Act"), and, as such, will be subject to restrictions on the
timing, manner and volume of sales of such shares. Holders of substantially
all of those shares will have the right to request the registration of their
shares under the Securities Act following the completion of a period of 180
days after the date of this Prospectus, which, upon the effectiveness of such
registration, would permit the free transferability of such shares. See
"Shares Eligible for Future Sale."     
   
  The Company, its executive officers, key employees, directors and all of its
current stockholders have agreed that, subject to certain limited exceptions,
for a period of 180 days after the date of this Prospectus, without the prior
written consent of Bear, Stearns & Co. Inc., they will not, directly or
indirectly, offer to sell, sell or otherwise dispose of any shares of Common
Stock. See "Underwriting."     
 
  No predictions can be made as to the effect, if any, that future sales of
shares or the availability of shares for future sale, will have on the market
price for Common Stock prevailing from time to time. The sale of a substantial
number of shares held by existing stockholders, whether pursuant to a
subsequent public offering or otherwise, or the perception that such sales
could occur, could adversely affect the market price of the Common Stock and
could materially impair the Company's future ability to raise capital through
an offering of equity securities. See "Shares Eligible for Future Sale" and
"Underwriting."
 
                                      13
<PAGE>
 
                                USE OF PROCEEDS
 
  The net proceeds to the Company from this offering are estimated to be
approximately $110,178,000 ($129,952,000 if the Underwriters' over-allotment
option is exercised in full), based upon an assumed initial public offering
price of $14.00 per share. The Company will not receive any of the proceeds
from the sale of shares by the Selling Stockholders.
   
  Of such proceeds, (i) approximately $28.3 million will be used to redeem a
portion of the Company's outstanding Debentures, aggregating $20.25 million in
principal amount (which bear interest at 8% per annum and are due on June 1,
2003) plus a prepayment premium, all of which are owned by GEIPPP II,
(ii) approximately $7.75 million will be used to repay the entire $7.65
million principal amount (including original issue discount of $300,000),
together with accrued interest at a rate of 15% per annum, of promissory notes
held by GEIPPP II (the "Bridge Notes"), (iii) approximately $40.0 million will
be used for future acquisitions and (iv) approximately $17.0 million will be
used for capital expenditures. The balance of the proceeds will be used for
general corporate purposes, including working capital. Pending application,
the net proceeds will be invested in short-term, investment-grade, interest-
bearing obligations.     
   
  Proceeds from the Bridge Notes which were issued in April 1998, are being
used (a) to pay for the expansion and upgrading of the infrastructure at the
Company's distribution center, (b) to fund the Biobottoms Acquisition and (c)
to provide additional working capital. See "Management's Discussion and
Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations--Liquidity and
Capital Resources" and "Certain Relationships and Related Transactions."     
          
  The Company continually evaluates potential acquisitions. The Company has
held preliminary discussions with a number of acquisition candidates and has
entered into one non-binding letter of intent with respect to a potential
acquisition. The Company has no outstanding contracts or obligations with
respect to any future acquisitions.     
 
                                DIVIDEND POLICY
 
  The Company has never declared or paid any dividends on its Common Stock and
does not expect to pay dividends in the foreseeable future. The Company's
current policy is to retain all of its earnings to finance future growth. Any
future declaration of dividends will be subject to the discretion of the Board
of Directors of the Company and will depend upon, among other things, the
future earnings, results of operations, capital requirements and general
financial condition of the Company, general economic conditions and other
factors. The Company's existing loan agreements with its lenders generally
restrict its ability to pay dividends or make other distributions on the
Common Stock without the prior approval of the lenders. The Company
anticipates that any future credit facility or other indebtedness that the
Company may enter into or incur may contain a similar restriction.
 
                                      14
<PAGE>
 
                                   DILUTION
   
  At December 27, 1997, the Company had a pro forma net tangible book value of
approximately $4,872,000 or $0.24 per share. "Net tangible book value" per
share represents net tangible assets (total assets less liabilities and cost
in excess of net assets acquired) of the Company on a consolidated basis,
divided by the total number of shares outstanding before this offering, after
giving effect to (i) the Biobottoms Acquisition and the acquisition completed
after December 27, 1997 and before the date hereof, as if they had been
completed as of December 27, 1997, (ii) the sale, on December 29, 1997, of
22,942 shares of Series A Preferred Stock for aggregate proceeds of
$22,942,000, (iii) the issuance of Bridge Notes in the amount of $7.65 million
during April 1998 and (iv) the following transactions which will occur
immediately prior to the consummation of this offering: (a) the conversion of
all outstanding shares of Series A Preferred Stock into 8,644,156 shares of
Common Stock, (b) the conversion of $9.75 million principal amount of
outstanding Debentures into 2,331,521 shares of Common Stock and (c) the
conversion of an outstanding note in the amount of $1.4 million into 128,333
shares of Common Stock. After giving effect to the receipt of approximately
$110,178,000 of estimated net proceeds from the sale by the Company of
8,577,406 shares of Common Stock in this offering (at an assumed initial
public offering price of $14.00 per share) and the application of the
estimated net proceeds as described under "Use of Proceeds," the pro forma net
tangible book value at December 27, 1997 would have been approximately
$109,450,000, or $3.82 per share of Common Stock. This represents an immediate
increase in pro forma net tangible book value of $3.58 per share of Common
Stock to existing stockholders and an immediate dilution to new investors of
$10.18 per share of Common Stock. The following table illustrates such
dilution:     
 
<TABLE>
   <S>                                                            <C>   <C>
   Assumed initial public offering price per share...............       $14.00
     Pro forma net tangible book value per share as of
      December 27, 1997(1)....................................... $0.24
     Increase per share attributable to new investors............  3.58
                                                                  -----
   Pro forma net tangible book value per share after this
    offering.....................................................         3.82
                                                                        ------
   Dilution per share to new investors...........................       $10.18
                                                                        ======
</TABLE>
 
  The following table sets forth at December 27, 1997, the number of shares of
Common Stock purchased from the Company, the total consideration paid and the
average price per share paid by the existing holders of Common Stock and by
new investors purchasing shares of Common Stock sold by the Company in this
offering.
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                               SHARES PURCHASED  TOTAL CONSIDERATION   AVERAGE
                              ------------------ --------------------   PRICE
                                NUMBER   PERCENT    AMOUNT    PERCENT PER SHARE
                              ---------- ------- ------------ ------- ---------
<S>                           <C>        <C>     <C>          <C>     <C>
Existing stockholders(1)..... 20,053,335   70.0% $138,679,000   53.6%  $ 6.92
New investors................  8,577,406   30.0   120,083,684   46.4    14.00
                              ----------  -----  ------------  -----
  Total...................... 28,630,741  100.0% $258,762,684  100.0%
                              ==========  =====  ============  =====
</TABLE>
- --------
(1) Includes the conversion of the Series A Preferred Stock into 8,644,156
    shares of Common Stock, the conversion of $9.75 million principal amount
    of Debentures into 2,331,521 shares of Common Stock, the conversion of an
    outstanding note in the amount of $1.4 million into 128,333 shares of
    Common Stock and the issuance of 91,575 shares of Common Stock in
    connection with the acquisition of Select Service & Supply, Inc. ("Select
    Service") in January 1998.
 
 
                                      15
<PAGE>
 
                                CAPITALIZATION
   
  The following table sets forth the capitalization of the Company as of
December 27, 1997 (i) on an actual basis, (ii) on a pro forma basis to give
effect to (a) the Biobottoms Acquisition and the acquisition completed after
December 27, 1997 and before the date hereof, as if they had been completed as
of December 27, 1997, (b) the sale, on December 29, 1997, of 22,942 shares of
Series A Preferred Stock for aggregate proceeds of $22,942,000, (c) the
issuance of Bridge Notes in the amount of $7.65 million during April 1998 and
(d) the following transactions which will occur immediately prior to the
consummation of this offering: (1) the conversion of all outstanding shares of
Series A Preferred Stock into 8,644,156 shares of Common Stock; (2) the
conversion of $9.75 million principal amount of outstanding Debentures into
2,331,521 shares of Common Stock; and (3) the conversion of an outstanding
note in the amount of $1.4 million into 128,333 shares of Common Stock, and
(iii) on a pro forma as adjusted basis to give further effect to the sale by
the Company of 8,577,406 shares of Common Stock in this offering and the
application of the net proceeds therefrom as described under "Use of
Proceeds." Pursuant to the terms of the Debentures, the Company will redeem
approximately $20.25 million of principal amount of Debentures plus accrued
interest and prepayment premium through May 11, 1998, the anticipated date of
redemption. A portion of such cash prepayment premium approximating $5.3
million will be recorded as an extraordinary item in the period in which the
redemption occurs. This table should be read in conjunction with the
Consolidated Financial Statements and the notes thereto appearing elsewhere in
the Prospectus. See "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial
Conditions and Results of Operations" and "Pro Forma Condensed Combined
Financial Statements."     
 
<TABLE>   
<CAPTION>
                                                      DECEMBER 27, 1997
                                                --------------------------------
                                                                      PRO FORMA
                                                 ACTUAL   PRO FORMA  AS ADJUSTED
                                                --------  ---------  -----------
                                                 (IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT SHARE
                                                           AMOUNTS)
<S>                                             <C>       <C>        <C>
Cash and cash equivalents...................... $  7,615  $ 20,274    $ 94,502
                                                ========  ========    ========
Short-term debt:
  Revolving line of credit..................... $    264  $    264    $    264
  Current portion of notes and long-term debt.. $  7,001  $ 15,185    $  9,185
                                                ========  ========    ========
Long-term debt:
  Convertible Subordinated Debentures due June
   1, 2003..................................... $ 30,000  $ 20,250    $    --
  Other long-term debt, less current portion...    7,852     7,840       7,840
Series A Cumulative Convertible Preferred
 Stock, $.01 par value, 122,000 shares
 authorized; 71,358 shares issued and
 outstanding (actual) and no shares issued and
 outstanding (pro forma and pro forma as
 adjusted).....................................   72,390       --          --
Stockholders' equity:
  Common Stock, $.01 par value; 275,000,000
   shares authorized; 8,857,750 shares issued
   and outstanding (actual); 20,053,335 shares
   issued and outstanding (pro forma) and
   28,630,741 shares issued and outstanding
   (pro forma as adjusted)(1)..................       89       201         286
  Additional paid-in capital...................   30,472   138,219     248,312
  Accumulated deficit..........................  (73,079)  (73,079)    (78,679)
                                                --------  --------    --------
    Total stockholders' (deficiency) equity....  (42,518)   65,341     169,919
                                                --------  --------    --------
    Total capitalization....................... $ 67,724  $ 93,431    $177,759
                                                ========  ========    ========
</TABLE>    
- --------
(1) Excludes (a) 1,847,450 shares of Common Stock reserved for issuance under
    the Option Plan, of which 1,065,625 shares of Common Stock are issuable
    upon the exercise of outstanding stock options with a weighted average
    exercise price of $10.91 per share, and (b) 275,000 shares of Common Stock
    issuable upon the exercise of outstanding warrants at a price of $10.91
    per share. See "Management--Stock Option and Incentive Plans" and Note 11
    to Consolidated Financial Statements.
 
                                      16
<PAGE>
 
               PRO FORMA CONDENSED COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
   
  The following unaudited pro forma condensed combined balance sheet of the
Company as of December 27, 1997 gives effect to (i) the acquisition of Select
Service on January 7, 1998, (ii) the sale of 22,942 shares of Series A
Preferred Stock for aggregate proceeds of $22,942,000 on December 29, 1997,
(iii) the Biobottoms Acquisition and (iv) the issuance of Bridge Notes in the
amount of $7.65 million during April 1998, net of original issue discount. The
pro forma combined balance sheet also gives effect to (i) the conversion of
all outstanding shares of Series A Preferred Stock into 8,644,156 shares of
Common Stock, (ii) the conversion of $9.75 million principal amount of
Debentures into 2,331,521 shares of Common Stock, and (iii) the conversion of
an outstanding note in the amount of $1.4 million into 128,333 shares of
Common Stock, as if all such transactions had been completed as of December
27, 1997.     
   
  The following unaudited pro forma combined statements of operations for the
year ended March 29, 1997 and the nine months ended December 27, 1997 give
effect to the acquisition of each of Manny's Baseball Land, Inc. ("Manny's
Baseball"), Athletic Supply of Dallas, Inc. ("Athletic Supply"), Lilliput
Motor Company, Ltd. ("Lilliput"), First Step Designs, Ltd. ("First Step"), The
Thursley Group, Inc. ("Thursley"), Duclos Direct Marketing, Inc. ("Duclos")
(collectively, the "Fiscal 1996 Acquisitions"), and the Center for Applied
Psychology, Inc., Artesania, Inc., Global Friends Collection, Inc., Fanfare
Enterprises, Inc., H&L Productions, Inc., Zig Zag Imports, Inc. and Select
Service (collectively, the "Fiscal 1997 Acquisitions"), and the Biobottoms
Acquisition and the financing of each such acquisition, as if all such
transactions had occurred as of March 31, 1996. Disclosure regarding the
results of operations for each of the Company's Fiscal 1997 Acquisitions,
except for Select Service (which is individually significant), has been
presented on a combined basis rather than individually since each acquisition
is individually insignificant. Disclosure regarding the results of operations
for Biobottoms has been presented separately because it is scheduled to close
in April 1998.     
 
  The following unaudited pro forma condensed combined financial statements
have been prepared assuming the Select Service acquisition was, and the
Biobottoms Acquisition will be, accounted for under the purchase method of
accounting. Under the purchase method of accounting, the assets acquired and
liabilities assumed will be recorded at their fair values at the date of
acquisition. The total purchase price has been allocated to the assets
acquired and liabilities assumed based upon estimates of their respective fair
values which are subject to revision.
 
  The Company's fiscal year is a 52/53 week year that ends on the Saturday
next preceding April 1 of the next calendar year. The Company's historical
consolidated financial statements include the results of operations of each of
the acquired businesses for the period subsequent to the date of acquisition.
Each of the Fiscal 1996 Acquisitions and the Fiscal 1997 Acquisitions had
fiscal years which differ from the Company's fiscal year-end. The historical
results of operations for the Fiscal 1996 Acquisitions (except for Duclos
Direct Marketing, Inc., whose fiscal year ends within 93 days of that of the
Company) and the Fiscal 1997 Acquisitions presented below have been adjusted
to conform to the Company's year-end for purposes of the Pro Forma Condensed
Combined Statements of Operations. For the twelve months ended March 29, 1997,
the adjustments were accomplished by adding subsequent unaudited interim
period results through March 1997 to the most recent historic fiscal year end
of the acquired company prior to March 29, 1997 and deducting the comparable
preceding year unaudited interim period results. Similarly, for the nine
months ended December 27, 1997, the adjustments were accomplished by adding
subsequent unaudited interim period results through December 1997 to the most
recent historic fiscal year end of the acquired company prior to December 27,
1997 and deducting any period prior to March 30, 1997.
 
  The unaudited Pro Forma Condensed Combined Statements of Operations are not
necessarily indicative of operating results which would have been achieved had
the foregoing transactions been completed at the beginning of the respective
periods and should not be construed as representative of future operating
results.
 
  These unaudited Pro Forma Condensed Combined Financial Statements should be
read in conjunction with the accompanying notes, the Company's historical
consolidated financial statements, the historical financial statements of
certain of the Fiscal 1996 Acquisitions and Fiscal 1997 Acquisitions including
the notes thereto and "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial
Condition and Results of Operations," all included elsewhere in this
Prospectus.
 
                                      17
<PAGE>
 
                   PRO FORMA CONDENSED COMBINED BALANCE SHEET
                         DECEMBER 27, 1997 (UNAUDITED)
                                 (IN THOUSANDS)
 
<TABLE>   
<CAPTION>
                                                                 ADJUSTMENTS               ADJUSTMENTS
                                                                     FOR                    FOR EQUITY
                                                                 ACQUISITIONS              TRANSACTIONS     PRO FORMA
                            GENESIS                              AND RELATED    PRO FORMA      AND          COMBINED
                          DIRECT, INC. SELECT SERVICE BIOBOTTOMS  FINANCINGS    COMBINED   CONVERSIONS    (AS ADJUSTED)
                          ------------ -------------- ---------- ------------   ---------  ------------   -------------
<S>                       <C>          <C>            <C>        <C>            <C>        <C>            <C>
ASSETS
Current Assets:
 Cash & Cash                $  7,615      $   397       $    1                  $ 20,304                    $ 20,274
  Equivalents...........                                           $ 22,942 (a)              $    (30)(e)
                                                                      7,350 (b)
                                                                    (17,001)(c)
                                                                     (1,000)(d)
 Accounts Receivable....       5,619        3,658          302          --         9,579          --           9,579
 Merchandise Inventory,
  net...................      22,993        3,844        3,297          --        30,134          --          30,134
 Prepaid expenses &
  other current assets..       3,615        1,963        1,324          --         6,902          --           6,902
                            --------      -------       ------     --------     --------     --------       --------
  Total current assets..      39,842        9,862        4,924       12,291       66,919          (30)        66,889
Intangibles & goodwill..      47,579          --           --        11,571 (c)   60,469          --          60,469
                                                                      1,319 (d)
Property, equipment and
 leasehold improvements,
 net....................      19,857        1,333          368          --        21,558          --          21,558
Other assets............       1,656          115          626       (1,000)(c)    1,397          --           1,397
Note Receivable.........       1,360          --           --           --         1,360          --           1,360
                            --------      -------       ------     --------     --------     --------       --------
                            $110,294      $11,310       $5,918     $ 24,181     $151,703     $    (30)      $151,673
                            ========      =======       ======     ========     ========     ========       ========
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY (DEFICIENCY)
Current liabilities:
 Accounts payable.......    $ 14,373      $ 1,410       $2,896     $    --      $ 18,679     $    --        $ 18,679
 Accrued liabilities....      15,309          971          494          --        16,774         (483)(f)     16,291
 Current portion of
  notes and
  long-term debt........       7,265        2,892        1,514        7,350 (b)   16,799          --          16,799
                                                                     (2,892)(c)
                                                                        670 (d)
 Other current                 3,273
  liabilities...........                      --           --           250 (c)    3,648                       3,648
                                                                        125 (c)                                  --
                            --------      -------       ------     --------     --------     --------       --------
  Total current
   liabilities..........      40,220        5,273        4,904        5,503       55,900         (483)        55,417
Notes & long-term debt,
 less current portion...       7,852           84           63          750 (c)    9,165       (1,325)(g)      7,840
                                                                        (84)(c)                                  --
                                                                        500 (d)
Subordinated notes--
 related parties........      30,000          --           --           --        30,000       (9,750)(h)     20,250
Other liabilities.......       2,350          --           --           375 (c)    2,825          --           2,825
                                                                        100 (d)
Series A Preferred            72,390          --           --        22,942 (a)   95,332                         --
 stock..................                                                                      (95,332)(i)
Total stockholders'
 equity (deficiency)....     (42,518)       5,953          951       (5,953)(c)  (41,519)         (30)(e)     65,341
                                                                        999 (c)                   483 (f)
                                                                       (951)(d)                 1,325 (g)
                                                                                                9,750 (h)
                                                                                               95,332 (i)
                            --------      -------       ------     --------     --------     --------       --------
                            $110,294      $11,310       $5,918     $ 24,181     $151,703     $    (30)      $151,673
                            ========      =======       ======     ========     ========     ========       ========
</TABLE>    
 

                                       18
<PAGE>
 
              PRO FORMA CONDENSED COMBINED STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS
                 TWELVE MONTHS ENDED MARCH 29, 1997 (UNAUDITED)
               (IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT SHARE AND PER SHARE AMOUNTS)
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                             FISCAL 1996 ACQUISITIONS                    FISCAL 1997
                               -------------------------------------------------------   ACQUISITIONS
                    GENESIS    MANNY'S   ATHLETIC                                         EXCLUDING
                  DIRECT, INC. BASEBALL   SUPPLY   LILLIPUT FIRST STEP THURSLEY DUCLOS  SELECT SERVICE SELECT SERVICE BIOBOTTOMS
                  ------------ --------  --------  -------- ---------- -------- ------  -------------- -------------- ----------
<S>               <C>          <C>       <C>       <C>      <C>        <C>      <C>     <C>            <C>            <C>
Net Sales.......   $  18,537   $11,269   $21,732     $794    $ 8,306    $ 604   $6,287     $40,733        $27,877      $21,230
Cost of Goods
 Sold...........      10,448     8,119     9,013      572      5,503      332    3,711      22,460         17,434       13,679
                   ---------   -------   -------     ----    -------    -----   ------     -------        -------      -------
Gross Profit....       8,089     3,150    12,719      222      2,803      272    2,576      18,273         10,443        7,551
Selling, general
 and
 administrative
 expenses.......      20,711     3,787    12,875      156      3,976      724    2,912      18,587          8,445        8,318
                         --        --        --       --         --       --       --          --             --           --
                   ---------   -------   -------     ----    -------    -----   ------     -------        -------      -------
Income (Loss)
 from
 operations.....     (12,622)     (637)     (156)      66     (1,173)    (452)    (336)       (314)         1,998         (767)
Interest
 expense........       1,162       141       152       23        299       86       14         247            137          136
 
Interest
 income.........         274        22       --       --           8      --       --           28            --           --
                   ---------   -------   -------     ----    -------    -----   ------     -------        -------      -------
Income (Loss)
 before income
 taxes..........     (13,510)     (756)     (308)      43     (1,464)    (538)    (350)       (533)         1,861         (903)
Income taxes
 (benefit)......         --        --        164        3        --         1       30         --             --            83
                   ---------   -------   -------     ----    -------    -----   ------     -------        -------      -------
Net Income
 (Loss).........   $ (13,510)  $  (756)  $  (472)    $ 40    $(1,464)   $(539)  $ (380)    $  (533)       $ 1,861      $  (986)
                               =======   =======     ====    =======    =====   ======     =======        =======      =======
Dividends
 accruing on
 Series A
 Preferred
 Stock..........         --
                   ---------
Net loss
 attributable to
 common
 stockholders...   $ (13,510)
                   =========
Pro forma loss
 per share......   $   (4.61)
                   =========
Weighted average
 number of
 common shares
 outstanding....   2,933,700
                   =========
<CAPTION>
                  ADJUSTMENTS
                    FOR THE      PRO FORMA
                  ACQUISITIONS   COMBINED
                  -------------- ----------
<S>               <C>            <C>
Net Sales.......    $   --       $ 157,369
Cost of Goods
 Sold...........        --          91,271
                  -------------- ----------
Gross Profit....        --          66,098
Selling, general
 and
 administrative
 expenses.......        (33)(a)     85,010
                      4,552 (b)        --
                  -------------- ----------
Income (Loss)
 from
 operations.....     (4,519)       (18,912)
Interest
 expense........      3,775 (c)      4,937
                     (1,235)(d)        --
Interest
 income.........        --             332
                  -------------- ----------
Income (Loss)
 before income
 taxes..........     (7,059)       (23,517)
Income taxes
 (benefit)......       (281)(e)        --
                  -------------- ----------
Net Income
 (Loss).........    $(6,778)     $ (23,517)
Dividends
 accruing on
 Series A
 Preferred
 Stock..........     (1,373)(f)     (1,373)
                  -------------- ----------
Net loss
 attributable to
 common
 stockholders...    $(8,151)     $ (24,890)
                  ============== ==========
Pro forma loss
 per share......                 $   (8.22)
                                 ==========
Weighted average
 number of
 common shares
 outstanding....                 3,028,025
                                 ==========
</TABLE>
 
                                       19
<PAGE>
 
              PRO FORMA CONDENSED COMBINED STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS
                 
              NINE MONTHS ENDED DECEMBER 27, 1997 (UNAUDITED)     
               (IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT SHARE AND PER SHARE AMOUNTS)
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                            ADJUSTMENTS
                                               FISCAL 1997 ACQUISITIONS                       FOR THE
                                      ------------------------------------------            ACQUISITIONS
                           GENESIS      FANFARE       H & L     ZIG-ZAG                     & PREFERRED
                           DIRECT,    ENTERPRISES, PRODUCTIONS, IMPORTS, SELECT                STOCK       PRO FORMA
                             INC.         INC.         INC.       INC.   SERVICE BIOBOTTOMS   OFFERING      COMBINED
                          ----------  ------------ ------------ -------- ------- ---------- ------------   ----------
<S>                       <C>         <C>          <C>          <C>      <C>     <C>        <C>            <C>
Net Sales...............  $   81,505     $2,018       $5,903     $4,100  $24,173  $13,268     $   --       $  130,967
Cost of Goods Sold......      62,143        512        3,312      2,937   12,441    8,227         --           89,572
                          ----------     ------       ------     ------  -------  -------     -------      ----------
Gross Profit............      19,362      1,506        2,591      1,163   11,732    5,041         --           41,395
Selling, general and
 administrative
 expenses...............      73,053      2,240        1,981      1,393    9,113    6,176       1,175 (b)      95,131
                          ----------     ------       ------     ------  -------  -------     -------      ----------
Income (Loss) from
 operations.............     (53,691)      (734)         610       (230)   2,619   (1,135)     (1,175)        (53,736)
Interest expense........       3,163         35          --         --       147      177         214 (c)       3,377
                                                                                                 (359)(d)
Interest income.........         --          23          --         --       --       --          --               23
                          ----------     ------       ------     ------  -------  -------     -------      ----------
Income (Loss) before
 income taxes...........     (56,854)      (746)         610       (230)   2,472   (1,312)     (1,030)        (57,090)
Income taxes (benefit)..         --         --           --         --       --     (193)        (193)(e)         --
                          ----------     ------       ------     ------  -------  -------     -------      ----------
Net Income (Loss).......     (56,854)      (746)         610       (230)   2,472   (1,119)     (1,223)        (57,090)
Dividends accruing on
 Series A
 Preferred Stock........      (1,032)                                                          (1,091)(f)      (2,123)
                          ----------     ------       ------     ------  -------  -------     -------      ----------
Net loss attributable to
 common stockholders....  $  (57,886)    $ (746)      $  610     $ (230) $ 2,472  $(1,119)    $(2,314)     $  (59,213)
                          ==========     ======       ======     ======  =======  =======     =======      ==========
Pro forma loss per
 share..................  $    (6.57)                                                                      $    (6.65)
                          ==========                                                                       ==========
Weighted average number
 of
 common shares
 outstanding............   8,810,175                                                                        8,904,500
                          ==========                                                                       ==========
</TABLE>
 
                                       20
<PAGE>
 
          NOTES TO PRO FORMA CONDENSED COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
 
1. BACKGROUND AND DESCRIPTION OF TRANSACTIONS
 
 Adjustments for the Acquisitions and Related Financings
 
  Genesis Direct, Inc. (in the form of its predecessor entity Genesis Direct
L.L.C.) was organized in June 1995. During Fiscal 1996 and for the nine months
ended December 27, 1997, the Company completed the acquisition of twelve
businesses, consisting of the Fiscal 1996 Acquisitions and the Fiscal 1997
Acquisitions (other than Select Service) and Biobottoms all of which are
engaged in the catalog and direct marketing business. All of these
acquisitions were accounted for under the purchase method of accounting. The
operating results of each acquired business is included in the historic
financial statements of the Company from the date of the respective
acquisition.
   
  Subsequent to December 27, 1997, the Company completed the sale of 22,942
shares of its Series A Preferred Stock for aggregate proceeds of $22,942,000.
The principal use of these proceeds was the acquisition of Select Service.
Dividends on the Series A Preferred Stock are cumulative from the date of
issuance at an annual rate of 6% and are payable in cash or shares of Common
Stock, at the option of the Company. Upon liquidation or conversion, in
connection with a "qualifying sale or qualifying public offering" (as
defined), dividends are payable only to the extent required to yield the
holders of Series A Preferred Stock an "annualized compound rate of return"
(as defined) of 30%. The Company at its option may redeem all shares, but not
less than all shares, of Series A Preferred Stock on or after January 31, 2005
at an amount equal to liquidation value. Liquidation value is $1,000 per share
plus any unpaid dividends. As of December 27, 1997, dividends of $1.032
million have accrued on the Series A Preferred Stock. The holders of Series A
Preferred Stock may elect to require the Company to redeem all such shares on
any date on or after January 31, 2005. Upon such redemption, the holders would
be entitled to receive the liquidation value in cash. If the Company fails to
redeem all such shares, the dividend rate shall be increased to 14% per annum,
payable quarterly in cash until such shares are redeemed. The Series A
Preferred Stock is convertible, at the holders' option, at any time into
shares of Common Stock at an initial conversion price of $10.91 per share,
subject to adjustment. The Series A Preferred Stock also is subject to
automatic conversion into shares of Common Stock upon the completion of a
qualifying public offering at an initial conversion of $10.91 per share,
subject to adjustment and, therefore, has been reflected as if converted into
Common Stock for purposes of the Pro Forma Condensed Combined Financial
Statements. Potential adjustments to the initial conversion price for both
optional and automatic conversions would result principally from the issuance
or sale of certain "equity instruments" (as defined) at less than the initial
conversion price per share by the Company prior to the date of such
conversions. In all cases, fractional shares resulting from conversion of
Series A Preferred Stock will be exchanged for cash.     
 
  In January 1998, the Company completed the acquisition of certain assets and
assumed certain liabilities of Select Service, a company engaged in the direct
marketing of licensed and other sports merchandise. Payment of the aggregate
preliminary purchase price of approximately $20.4 million consisted of (i)
$18.1 million of cash, (ii) a $1.0 million promissory note payable in equal
semi-annual installments of $250,000 commencing July 1998 through January 2000
together with interest at an annual rate of 8%, (iii) $.5 million of non-
compete payments due in equal quarterly installments of $31,250 commencing
January 1998 through January 2002 and (iv) the issuance of 91,575 shares of
Common Stock. The Common Stock was valued at $10.91 per share (the conversion
price per share of the Series A Preferred Stock described above, the proceeds
of which were used to finance the acquisition). Prior to December 27, 1997,
the Company deposited $1.0 million in an escrow account for purposes of
completing the transaction. The excess of the preliminary purchase price over
the estimated fair value of the net assets acquired (approximately $11.0
million) has been recorded as goodwill. The acquisition has been accounted for
under the purchase method of accounting.
   
  In April 1998, the Company acquired Biobottoms, a company engaged in the
direct marketing of children's apparel. Payment of the aggregate preliminary
purchase price of $2.27 million will include (i) $1.0 million of cash, (ii)
$1.17 million of notes, together with interest at an annual rate of 7.0%, of
which $670,000 is due within four months after this offering and the balance
is due 15 months after the closing of the acquisition, and (iii)     
 
                                      21
<PAGE>
 
   
$100,000 of non-compete payments due in equal annual installments of $50,000
on the first and second anniversaries of the closing of the acquisition. The
excess of the preliminary purchase price over the estimated fair value of the
net assets acquired (approximately $619,000 as of December 27, 1997) will be
recorded as goodwill. The acquisition will be accounted for under the purchase
method of accounting.     
   
  In April 1998, the Company issued to GEIPP, a principal stockholder of the
Company, Bridge Notes in the amount of $7.65 million. A portion of the
proceeds from the Bridge Notes will be used to finance the Biobottoms
Acquisition. Cash proceeds from the issuance of the Bridge Notes were $7.35
million, resulting in original issue discount of $300,000. The Bridge Notes
bear interest at a rate of 15% per annum, payable quarterly in arrears
commencing June 30, 1998, increasing to 30% per annum if the full principal is
not repaid by January 1, 1999. The Bridge Notes will be prepaid in full from
the proceeds of this offering.     
 
 Adjustments for Equity Conversions
   
  From inception through December 27, 1997, the Company issued $30.0 million
principal amount of Debentures. The Debentures bear interest at 8% and are due
June 1, 2003. The Debentures are convertible at the option of the holder, at
an initial price of $4.18 per share, into 7,173,913 shares of Common Stock at
any time after the earlier of (i) June 25, 2001, (ii) an "initial public
offering" (as defined) or (iii) a "change in control event" (as defined). At
the time of such conversion, the Company has the option to redeem up to 67.5%
of the principal amount of the Debentures surrendered for conversion. The
Debentures are also redeemable at the option of the Company any time after the
earlier of (i) an initial public offering or (ii) June 25, 1998, at an amount
which provides a total annualized return of 30% of the principal amount being
redeemed. At the date of redemption, however, the holders have the right to
convert up to 32.5% of the principal amount being redeemed. The Company has
been notified by the holder of its intention to convert 32.5% of the $30.0
million aggregate principal amount of Debentures and, therefore, for purposes
of the pro forma balance sheet, the Company has assumed that $9.75 million
aggregate principal amount of Debentures will be converted into 2,331,521
shares of Common Stock.     
   
  In connection with the acquisition of H&L Productions, Inc. the Company
issued to one of the sellers a note in the principal amount of $1.325 million.
In the event the Company completes this offering, the holder may elect to
convert the balance of this note into Common Stock at a rate of $10.91 per
share. The Company has been notified by the holder of its intention to convert
such debt into Common Stock and, therefore, such conversion is assumed to
occur for purposes of the Pro Forma Condensed Combined Financial Statements.
In the event of such conversion, the principal amount of the note for purposes
of calculating the number of shares into which the note will be converted will
be deemed to be $1.4 million. The amount of this increase, less the amount of
interest actually accrued on the note through the date of conversion, will
result in the recognition of additional interest expense by the Company upon
conversion.     
 
2. HISTORICAL FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
 
  Each of the Fiscal 1996 Acquisitions and the Fiscal 1997 Acquisitions had
fiscal years which differ from the Company's fiscal year-end. The historical
results of operations for the Fiscal 1996 Acquisitions (except for Duclos
Direct Marketing, Inc.) and the Fiscal 1997 Acquisitions have been adjusted to
conform to the Company's year-end for purposes of the Pro Forma Condensed
Combined Statements of Operations. The historical financial data presented in
the Pro Forma Condensed Combined Statements of Operations for the year ended
March 29, 1997 and for the nine months ended December 27, 1997 represent the
results of operations of the Company and each of the Fiscal 1996 Acquisitions
and the Fiscal 1997 Acquisitions for the year and the nine months ended March
29, 1997 and December 27, 1997, respectively (except that the results of
operations of Duclos Direct Marketing, Inc. are as of January 31, 1997 for
purposes of inclusion in the year ended March 29, 1997). Such data is derived
from the respective financial statements of such companies.
 
                                      22
<PAGE>
 
3. PRO FORMA ADJUSTMENTS
 
 Balance Sheet
 
<TABLE>   
 <C> <S>                                                             <C>
 (a) Record sale and aggregate proceeds of Series A Preferred
     Stock.........................................................  $ 22,942
 (b) Record issuance and proceeds from Bridge Notes payable:
     Cash..........................................................     7,350
     Notes payable--current, net of original issue discount of
      $300.........................................................     7,350
 (c) Purchase accounting adjustments to reflect Select Service
      assets and liabilities at
      estimated fair value:
     Cash..........................................................   (17,001)
     Other assets..................................................    (1,000)
     Intangibles and goodwill......................................    11,571
     Liabilities not assumed:
     Notes, current portion........................................     2,892
     Notes.........................................................        84
     Stockholders' Equity..........................................     5,953
     Record financing used to complete acquisition:
     Notes issued to sellers--current..............................      (250)
     Notes issued to sellers--non-current..........................      (750)
     Common stock issued to sellers................................      (999)
     Other liabilities--current....................................      (125)
     Other liabilities--non-current................................      (375)
 (d) Purchase accounting adjustments to reflect Biobottoms assets
      and liabilities at
      estimated fair value:
     Cash..........................................................    (1,000)
     Intangibles and goodwill......................................     1,319
     Stockholders' Equity..........................................       951
     Record financing used to complete acquisition:
     Notes issued to seller--current...............................      (670)
     Notes issued to seller--non-current...........................      (500)
     Other liabilities.............................................      (100)
 (e) Redemption in cash of Series A Preferred Stock fractional
     shares upon conversion........................................       (30)
 (f) Record forgiveness of deferred interest on Debentures.........       483
 (g) Record conversion of seller note..............................     1,325
 (h) Record conversion of Debentures...............................     9,750
 (i) Record conversion of Series A Preferred Stock.................    95,332
</TABLE>    
 
                                       23
<PAGE>
 
 Statement of Operations
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                               YEAR ENDED   NINE MONTHS ENDED
                                             MARCH 29, 1997 DECEMBER 27, 1997
                                             -------------- -----------------
 <C> <S>                                     <C>            <C>
 (a)  Eliminate amortization of historic
      basis goodwill and other intangibles
      recorded by acquired companies......       $   33
 (b)  Record additional amortization of
      goodwill and other intangibles
      resulting from business
      acquisitions, including aggregate
      goodwill of $53.4 million, of which
      $45.1 million is amortized over
      forty years and $8.3 million is
      amortized over ten years, $7.2
      million of customer lists amortized
      over three years and $4.3 million of
      non-compete agreements amortized
      over their respective terms,
      principally four years..............        4,552          $1,175
 (c)  Record incremental interest expense
      as of the beginning of the period
      presented attributable to additional
      indebtedness resulting from the
      portion of acquisition consideration
      funded through borrowings or
      issuance of notes or other
      obligations to sellers including
      $30.0 million of debentures payable
      with interest at 8.0% per annum, an
      aggregate of $15.4 million of seller
      notes and other obligations payable
      to sellers with interest at 12% per
      annum, an aggregate of $7.22 million
      of seller notes or other obligations
      with interest at rates ranging from
      5.76% to 8.0% per annum and $1.0
      million of bridge note financing
      with interest at 15% per annum......        3,775             214
 (d)  Eliminate interest expense
      attributable to indebtedness not
      assumed in business acquisitions....        1,235             359
 (e)  Elimination of provision (benefit)
      for income taxes assuming inclusion
      of all acquired entities in the
      consolidated tax return of the
      Company.............................         (281)           (193)
 (f)  Accrued dividends on $22,942 of
      Series A Preferred Stock............        1,373           1,091
</TABLE>
 
4. PRO FORMA LOSS PER SHARE
 
  Pro forma loss per share is based on 2,933,700 and 8,810,175 weighted
average number of shares of Common Stock outstanding for the year ended March
29, 1997 and for the nine months ended December 27, 1997, respectively, each
increased by an aggregate of 94,325 shares representing the total shares of
Common Stock issued in connection with the acquisitions of Zig Zag Imports,
Inc. (2,750 shares) and Select Service (91,575 shares) as if such shares were
outstanding from the beginning of the respective periods.
 
                                      24
<PAGE>
 
                     SELECTED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL DATA
 
  The selected consolidated financial data presented below as of March 30,
1996 and for the period from June 8, 1995 (inception) through March 30, 1996,
as of March 29, 1997 and for the fiscal year ended March 29, 1997 and as of
December 27, 1997 and the nine months ended December 27, 1997 and December 28,
1996 has been derived from the Company's Consolidated Financial Statements.
The selected consolidated financial data as of March 30, 1996, March 29, 1997
and December 27, 1997 and for the periods from June 8, 1995 (inception)
through March 30, 1996, the fiscal year ended March 29, 1997 and the nine
months ended December 27, 1997 have been derived from the Company's historical
financial statements which have been audited by Ernst & Young LLP, independent
auditors whose report thereon appears elsewhere in this Prospectus. The
results for the nine months ended December 28, 1996 have been derived from the
Company's unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements and, in the opinion of
the Company, include all adjustments (consisting only of normal, recurring
adjustments) necessary to present fairly such information in accordance with
generally accepted accounting principles applied on a consistent basis. The
results for the nine months ended December 27, 1997 are not necessarily
indicative of the results for the full fiscal year. The selected consolidated
financial data are qualified by reference to and should be read in conjunction
with "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results
of Operations", the Consolidated Financial Statements and notes thereto, the
Pro Forma Condensed Combined Financial Statements and notes thereto, and other
financial information appearing elsewhere in this Prospectus.
 
<TABLE>   
<CAPTION>
                          PERIOD FROM
                          JUNE 8, 1995              PRO FORMA                             PRO FORMA
                          (INCEPTION)  FISCAL YEAR FISCAL YEAR     NINE MONTHS ENDED     NINE MONTHS
                            THROUGH       ENDED       ENDED    -------------------------    ENDED
                           MARCH 30,    MARCH 29,   MARCH 29,  DECEMBER 28, DECEMBER 27, DECEMBER 27,
                            1996(1)      1997(1)     1997(2)       1996         1997       1997 (2)
                          ------------ ----------- ----------- ------------ ------------ ------------
                                        (IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT SHARE AND PER SHARE DATA)
<S>                       <C>          <C>         <C>         <C>          <C>          <C>
STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS
 DATA:
Net sales...............        --      $  18,537   $ 157,369   $   6,051      $81,505    $ 130,967
Gross profit............        --          8,089      66,098       2,633       19,362       41,395
Selling, general and
 administrative
 expenses...............    $ 2,710        20,711      85,010       8,246       73,053       95,131
                            -------     ---------   ---------   ---------    ---------    ---------
Loss from operations....     (2,710)      (12,622)    (18,912)     (5,613)     (53,691)     (53,736)
Interest expense, net...          5           888       4,605         112        3,163        3,354
                            -------     ---------   ---------   ---------    ---------    ---------
Net loss................     (2,715)      (13,510)    (23,517)     (5,725)     (56,854)     (57,090)
Dividends accruing on
 Series A Preferred
 Stock..................        --            --        1,373         --         1,032        2,123
                            -------     ---------   ---------   ---------    ---------    ---------
Net loss attributable to
 Common Stockholders....    $(2,715)    $ (13,510)  $ (24,890)  $  (5,725)   $ (57,886)   $ (59,213)
                            =======     =========   =========   =========    =========    =========
Net loss per share
 attributable to Common
 Stockholders(3)........    $ (4.49)    $   (4.60)  $   (8.22)  $   (2.73)   $   (6.57)   $   (6.65)
                            =======     =========   =========   =========    =========    =========
Weighted average number
 of shares outstanding..    605,000     2,933,700   3,028,025   2,093,300    8,810,175    8,904,500
                            =======     =========   =========   =========    =========    =========
</TABLE>    
 
<TABLE>   
<CAPTION>
                                                                DECEMBER 27, 1997
                                                       -------------------------------------
                                                                                PRO FORMA
                         MARCH 30, 1996 MARCH 29, 1997  ACTUAL   PRO FORMA(4) AS ADJUSTED(5)
                         -------------- -------------- --------  ------------ --------------
                                                     (IN THOUSANDS)
<S>                      <C>            <C>            <C>       <C>          <C>            <C>
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE
 SHEET DATA:
Cash and cash
 equivalents............    $   240        $ 8,184     $  7,615    $ 20,274      $ 94,502
Working capital
 (deficiency)...........     (1,197)           (53)        (378)     11,472        93,050
Total assets............      1,186         56,866      110,294     151,673       225,901
Debentures..............        --          22,500       30,000      20,250           --
Other long-term debt,
 less current portion...        --           4,918        7,852       7,840         7,840
Series A Preferred
 Stock..................        --             --        72,390         --            --
Total stockholders'
 equity (deficiency)....       (515)         8,375      (42,518)     65,341       169,919
</TABLE>    
- --------
footnotes on next page
 
                                      25
<PAGE>
 
(1) The Company's fiscal year is a 52/53 week year that ends on the Saturday
    next preceding April 1 of the next calendar year. Accordingly, the year
    ended March 29, 1997 is referred to as "Fiscal 1996" and the period from
    June 8, 1995 (inception) through March 30, 1996 is referred to as "Fiscal
    1995."
(2) Prepared on a pro forma basis to reflect the Biobottoms Acquisition and
    all acquisitions completed after March 31, 1996 and before the date
    hereof, as if such acquisitions were completed as of March 31, 1996. See
    "Pro Forma Condensed Combined Financial Statements."
          
(3) The net loss per share is based upon the weighted average number of shares
    of Common Stock outstanding during each period. See Note 2 to the
    Company's Consolidated Financial Statements and Note 4 to the Company's
    Pro Forma Condensed Combined Financial Statements.     
   
(4) Prepared on a pro forma basis to reflect (i) the Biobottoms Acquisition
    and the acquisition completed after December 27, 1997 and before the date
    hereof, as if they had been completed as of December 27, 1997, (ii) the
    sale, on December 29, 1997, of 22,942 shares of Series A Preferred Stock
    for aggregate proceeds of $22,942,000 (iii) the issuance of Bridge Notes
    in the amount of $7.65 million during April 1998 and (iv) the following
    transactions which will occur immediately prior to the consummation of
    this offering: (a) the conversion of all outstanding shares of Series A
    Preferred Stock into 8,644,156 shares of Common Stock; (b) the conversion
    of $9.75 million principal amount of outstanding Debentures into 2,331,521
    shares of Common Stock; and (c) the conversion of an outstanding note in
    the amount of $1.4 million into 128,333 shares of Common Stock. See "Pro
    Forma Condensed Combined Financial Statements."     
   
(5) Prepared on a pro forma as adjusted basis to reflect (i) all acquisitions
    completed after December 27, 1997 and before the date hereof, as if they
    had been completed as of December 27, 1997, (ii) the sale, on December 29,
    1997, of 22,942 shares of Series A Preferred Stock for aggregate proceeds
    of $22,942,000, (iii) the issuance of Bridge Notes in the amount of $7.65
    million during April 1998, (iv) the following transactions which will
    occur immediately prior to the consummation of this offering: (a) the
    conversion of all outstanding shares of Series A Preferred Stock into
    8,644,156 shares of Common Stock; (b) the conversion of $9.75 million
    principal amount of outstanding Debentures into 2,331,521 shares of Common
    Stock; and (c) the conversion of an outstanding note in the amount of $1.4
    million into 128,333 shares of Common Stock, and (v) the sale by the
    Company of 8,577,406 shares of Common Stock in this offering and the
    application of the net proceeds therefrom as described under "Use of
    Proceeds." Pursuant to the terms of the Debentures, the Company will
    redeem approximately $20.25 million of principal amount of Debentures plus
    accrued interest and prepayment premium through May 11, 1998, the
    anticipated date of redemption. A portion of such cash prepayment premium
    approximating $5.3 million will be recorded as an extraordinary item in
    the period in which the redemption occurs. See "Pro Forma Condensed
    Combined Financial Statements."     
 
                                      26
<PAGE>
 
                     MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS
               OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
 
  The following discussion and analysis should be read in conjunction with
"Selected Consolidated Financial Data" and the Company's Consolidated
Financial Statements and the related notes thereto which are included
elsewhere in this Prospectus. Except for the historical information contained
herein, the discussion in this Prospectus contains forward-looking statements
that involve risks and uncertainties, such as statements of the Company's
plans, objectives, expectations and intentions. The cautionary statements made
in this Prospectus shall be read as being applicable to all related forward-
looking statements wherever they appear in this Prospectus. The Company's
actual results could differ materially from those anticipated in such forward-
looking statements. Factors that could cause or contribute to such differences
include, but are not limited to, those discussed before and in the section
entitled "Risk Factors," as well as those discussed elsewhere in this
Prospectus.
 
OVERVIEW
   
  Genesis Direct is a leading database-driven specialty retailer in the
rapidly growing universe of non-store shopping. With a current portfolio of 30
Company-owned brands, the Company offers products directly to consumers in
targeted niche markets primarily through a variety of distinctive,
information-rich catalogs, as well as Internet websites and electronic media,
including television and radio. The Company intends to continue its expansion
program through acquisitions and start-ups of a variety of catalog brands
which it believes have the potential, among other things, to produce high
gross margins, low merchandise return rates, high average orders and repeat
customers. The Company believes it is well-positioned to pursue an active
consolidation strategy in the fast-growing, highly fragmented direct marketing
industry.     
 
  Since its inception, the Company has concentrated on building an
infrastructure necessary to manage its operating and growth strategies. To
date, the Company has invested approximately $20.4 million on its state-of-
the-art call center, distribution center and management information systems
and database technologies that effectively coordinate the call center, order-
taking, distribution and fulfillment functions. Because of the Company's
desire to build a state-of-the-art infrastructure and to become a leading
database-driven specialty catalog-based retailer as rapidly as possible, the
Company has accumulated a significant amount of expenses in a very short time
and, as a result, has not been profitable. The Company had an accumulated
deficit of approximately $73.1 million at December 27, 1997 and had a net loss
of $57.9 million for the nine months then ended. For the three months ended
March 28, 1998, the Company expects to report a net loss of approximately
$19.0 million to $20.0 million on net sales of approximately $23.0 million to
$24.0 million, and for the fiscal year then ended the Company expects to
report a net loss of approximately $76.0 million to $77.0 million on net sales
of approximately $104.0 million to $105.0 million. Management believes that
the Company's historical results of operations are not indicative of future
operating results.
 
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
 
  The following table sets forth, for the periods indicated, selected items
from the Company's statement of operations expressed as a percentage of net
sales. Any trends reflected by the following table may not be indicative of
future results.
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                  PERCENTAGE OF NET SALES
                         -------------------------------------------------------------------------
                             PERIOD FROM
                            JUNE 8, 1995                                NINE MONTHS ENDED
                         (INCEPTION) THROUGH FISCAL YEAR ENDED -----------------------------------
                           MARCH 30, 1996     MARCH 29, 1997   DECEMBER 28, 1996 DECEMBER 27, 1997
                         ------------------- ----------------- ----------------- -----------------
                                                                  (UNAUDITED)
<S>                      <C>                 <C>               <C>               <C>
Net sales...............          --               100.0%            100.0%            100.0%
Gross profit............          --                43.6              40.5              23.8
Selling, general and
 administrative
 expenses...............        100.0%             111.7             126.8              89.6
Loss from operations....        100.0               68.1              86.3              65.9
Interest expense........          --                 6.3               5.3               3.9
Net loss................        100.0               72.9              88.1              69.8
</TABLE>
 
                                      27
<PAGE>
 
NINE MONTHS ENDED DECEMBER 27, 1997 COMPARED TO NINE MONTHS ENDED DECEMBER 28,
1996
 
  Net Sales. Net sales increased to $81.5 million in the nine months ended
December 27, 1997 from $6.5 million in the nine months ended December 28,
1996. This increase was attributable to acquisitions completed and start-ups
launched during the 1997 period, revenue growth from existing catalogs and the
1996 acquisitions (which were completed in December 1996) being included for
the entire 1997 period.
 
  Gross Profit. Gross profit increased to $19.4 million or 23.8% of sales for
the 1997 period compared to $2.6 million or 40.5% for the 1996 period. This
increase was attributable to the acquisitions completed and start-ups launched
during the 1997 period and the 1996 acquisitions being included for the entire
1997 period. The decrease in the gross profit percentage primarily occurred in
the period between September and December 1997, when the Company experienced a
temporary inability of its call center software to interface with its
distribution center software resulting in lost sales revenues, reduced gross
margins and increased per order fulfillment costs. The Company believes that
this disruption contributed significantly to the loss for the nine month
period ended December 27, 1997.
 
  Selling, general and administrative expenses. Selling, general and
administrative expenses consist primarily of direct response advertising and
promotion costs, administrative payroll and related costs, fixed distribution
and telemarketing costs, integration costs for acquisitions and depreciation
and amortization. Selling, general and administrative expenses increased to
$73.1 million in the 1997 period, from $8.2 million in the 1996 period.
Selling, general and administrative expenses as a percentage of net sales
decreased to 89.6% in the 1997 period from 127% in the 1996 period. This
decrease was due to increased sales volume resulting from the acquisitions
completed and start-ups launched during 1997 and the 1996 acquisitions being
included for the entire 1997 period, offset in part by increased costs
associated with the Company's decision to invest in infrastructure in order to
take advantage of its opportunities for future growth in new markets and
channels as well as to integrate new brands. In connection with the Company's
acquisitions, amortization of acquired intangibles of $2.9 million is included
in selling, general and administrative expenses in the 1997 period as compared
to $30,000 in the 1996 period.
 
  Interest expense. Interest expense increased to $3.2 million in the nine
months ended December 27, 1997 from $0.3 million in the nine months ended
December 28, 1996, primarily as a result of a higher average debt balance.
 
FISCAL YEAR ENDED MARCH 29, 1997 ("FISCAL 1996") COMPARED TO PERIOD FROM JUNE
 8, 1995 THROUGH MARCH 30, 1996 ("FISCAL 1995")
 
  Net Sales and Gross Profit. Net sales in Fiscal 1996, the first year of the
Company's sales, were $18.5 million. Gross profit was $8.1 million in Fiscal
1996. As a percentage of net sales, gross profit was 43.6% in Fiscal 1996.
Such net sales and gross profit were attributable to the acquisitions
completed and start-ups launched during Fiscal 1996.
 
  Selling, general and administrative expenses. Selling, general and
administrative expenses increased to $20.7 million in Fiscal 1996 from $2.7
million in Fiscal 1995. This increase was due to (i) the Company's decision to
invest in infrastructure in order to take advantage of its opportunities for
future growth in new markets and channels as well as to integrate new brands
and (ii) the acquisitions completed and start-ups launched during Fiscal 1996.
 
  Interest expense. Interest expense increased to $1.16 million in Fiscal 1996
from $5,000 in Fiscal 1995, primarily as a result of the issuance of $22.5
million principal amount of convertible debt in Fiscal 1996 and $10.2 million
in notes related to the acquisitions completed during Fiscal 1996.
 
LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES
 
  At December 27, 1997, the Company had cash of $7.6 million and a working
capital deficit of $0.4 million. The Company's capitalization, defined as the
sum of long-term debt, redeemable preferred stock and stockholders' equity, at
December 27, 1997 was $67.7 million.
 
                                      28
<PAGE>
 
  The Company's principal capital needs arise from (i) the acquisition and
start-up of new catalog businesses, (ii) the funding of operating losses
arising from maintaining the infrastructure necessary to support future
acquisitions and the investment in growing these new acquisitions through
prospect mailings, (iii) growing the customer database and (iv) capital
expenditures related to the telemarketing and fulfillment centers.
 
  The Company's ability to acquire new catalog businesses will depend on a
number of factors, including the ability of management of the Company to
identify target businesses and to negotiate acceptable acquisition terms, the
availability of adequate financing and other factors, many of which are beyond
the control of the Company. Through December 27, 1997, the Company acquired 13
businesses for an aggregate of $32.8 million cash, $30,000 of Common Stock,
$17.2 million of notes and certain other deferred payments and up to $1.9
million in contingent payments. There can be no assurance that the Company
will be successful in identifying and acquiring new businesses or that the
Company can integrate such new businesses into its operations.
   
  Since its inception, the Company has received $168.1 million of funding from
various sources, including the founders and major institutional investors as
well as a $5.0 million term loan. From June 1996 through April 1997, the
Company raised $62.2 million of capital commitments from GEIPPP II and Genesis
Direct, L.P. ("GDLP"). See "Certain Relationships and Related Transactions."
The $62.2 million consisted of $32.2 million of Common Stock and $30.0 million
of Debentures to GEIPPP II. In September and December 1997, the Company raised
a total of $94.3 million through the issuance of Series A Preferred Stock to
GEIPPP II, GDLP and several other private equity funds. The proceeds of these
financings were used to fund the Company's acquisitions, working capital needs
and capital expenditure program. In April 1998, the Company raised a total of
$7.35 million through the issuance of Bridge Notes to GEIPPP II. Proceeds from
the Bridge Notes are being used (i) to pay for the expansion and upgrading of
the infrastructure at the Company's distribution center, (ii) to fund the
Biobottoms Acquisition and (iii) to provide additional working capital.     
 
  In May 1997, the Company entered into a $25.0 million revolving credit
facility and a $5.0 million term loan with The CIT Group/Business Credit Inc.
(the "Credit Facility"). The Credit Facility is collateralized by
substantially all of the Company's assets. The $25.0 million revolving credit
portion of the Credit Facility bears interest at a variable rate equal to
Prime Rate of The Bank of New York plus 1/2% or LIBOR plus 3%. The $5.0
million term loan is payable over five years and bears interest at the Prime
Rate plus 1/2%. The Credit Facility contains a covenant with respect to the
maintenance of specified consolidated net worth.
 
  During the nine months ended December 27, 1997, net cash used by operating
activities was $57.4 million. Net cash used in investing activities was $30.1
million, consisting primarily of cash paid for acquisitions, net of cash
acquired, of $13.4 million and cash paid for additions to property and
equipment of $16.9 million. Net cash provided by financing activities was
$87.2 million consisting primarily of the $85.6 million raised from GEIPPP II
and GDLP and other holders of Series A Preferred Stock as set forth above.
 
  During Fiscal 1996, net cash used by operating activities was $13.5 million.
Net cash used by investing activities was $25.0 million, consisting primarily
of cash paid for acquisitions of $19.2 million and cash paid for additions to
property and equipment of $3.0 million. Net cash provided by financing
activities resulted from $44.9 million raised by GEIPPP II and GDLP as set
forth above.
 
  The Company expects to make capital expenditures which will total
approximately $17.0 million during fiscal 1998 to invest in its existing
state-of-the-art infrastructure, to exploit new channels of distribution and
to increase its activities in international markets. However, no assurance can
be made with respect to the actual timing and amount of the expenditures. The
Company anticipates that its cash, proceeds from this offering and financing
available under the Credit Facility will be sufficient to meet the Company's
liquidity requirements for its operations for at least the next 12 months.
There can be no assurances that additional sources of financing will not be
required during such time or thereafter.
 
  As of March 29, 1997, the Company had approximately $10.0 million of federal
tax net operating loss carryforwards which expire in 2012. The Company also
has approximately $8.6 million of state tax net operating loss carryforwards
which expire principally in 2004. In addition, the Company incurred
approximately $46 million of tax losses for the nine-month period ended
December 27, 1997.
 
                                      29
<PAGE>
 
  The Tax Reform Act of 1986 enacted a complex set of rules limiting the
potential utilization of net operating loss carryforwards and tax credit
carryforwards in periods following a corporate "ownership change." In general,
an ownership change is deemed to occur if the percentage of stock of a
corporation owned (actually, constructively and, in some cases, deemed) by one
or more "5% stockholders" has increased by more than 50 percentage points over
the lowest percentage of such stock owned during a three-year testing period.
As a result of cumulative changes in the Company's ownership which have
occurred, including this offering, the Company's net operating loss
carryforwards may be subject to annual limitations.
 
SEASONALITY
 
  The Company's business is subject to seasonal fluctuations. Management
anticipates that approximately 50% of the Company's net revenues will be
derived from the fall and holiday seasons. As a result, the Company expects
its sales and results of operations generally to be the lowest in the second
quarter of each fiscal year, which precedes the back-to-school and holiday
purchases. The Company's quarterly results may fluctuate as a result of
numerous factors, including the timing of acquisitions, the timing, quantity
and cost of catalog mailings, the response rates to such mailings, the timing
of merchandise deliveries, the merchandise mix, pricing and presentation of
products offered and sold, market acceptance of the Company's merchandise
(including new merchandise categories or products introduced) and the hiring
and training of additional personnel. Accordingly, results of operations in
any quarter will not necessarily be indicative of the results that may be
achieved for a full fiscal year or any future quarters. Results of operations
are affected not only by the seasonality of the Company's net revenues, but
also by seasonal variations in product mix and the fixed portion of the
Company's operating expenses.
 
INFLATION
 
  Results of operations have not been significantly affected by inflation
since the Company's inception. Management expects that in the normal course of
business, the Company will be able to offset the effects of increased costs
through operating efficiencies and selected price increases.
 
YEAR 2000 ISSUE
 
  Year 2000 compliance is the ability of computer hardware and software to
respond to the problems posed by the fact that computer programs have
traditionally been written using two digits rather than four to define the
applicable year. As a consequence, unless modified, computer systems will not
be able to differentiate between the year 2000 and 1900. Failure to address
this problem could result in system failures and the generation of erroneous
data. The Company is reviewing its computer programs and systems to ensure
that the programs and systems will function properly and be year 2000
compliant. The Company presently believes that, with certain modifications to
existing software and the installation of certain new software, its computer
system will be year 2000 compliant. The estimated cost of these efforts are
not expected to be material to the Company's financial position or any year's
results of operations, although there can be no assurance to this effect. In
addition, the year 2000 problem may impact other entities with which the
Company transacts business, and the Company cannot predict the effect of the
year 2000 problem on such entities.
 
RECENT PRONOUNCEMENTS OF THE FINANCIAL ACCOUNTING STANDARDS BOARD
 
  Recent pronouncements of the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB")
which are not required to be adopted at December 27, 1997, include the
following Statements of Financial Accounting Standards ("SFAS"):
 
  SFAS No. 129, "Disclosure of Information about Capital Structure," which
will be effective for the Company for the fiscal year ending March 27, 1999,
consolidates existing disclosure requirements. This new standard contains no
change in disclosure requirements for the Company.
 
  SFAS No. 130, "Reporting Comprehensive Income," establishes standards for
reporting and display of comprehensive income (all changes in equity during a
period except those resulting from investments by and distributions to owners)
and its components in the financial statements. This new standard, which will
be
 
                                      30
<PAGE>
 
effective for the Company for the fiscal year ending March 27, 1999, is not
currently anticipated to have a significant impact on the Company's financial
statements based on the current financial structure and operations of the
Company.
 
  SFAS No. 131, "Disclosure about Segments of an Enterprise and Related
Information," which will be effective for the Company for the fiscal year
ending March 27, 1999, establishes standards for reporting information about
operating segments in the annual financial statements, selected information
about operating segments in interim financial reports and disclosures about
products and services, geographic areas and major customers. This new standard
may require the Company to report financial information on the basis that is
used internally for evaluating segment performance and deciding how to
allocate resources to segments, which may result in more detailed information
in the notes to the Company's financial statements than is currently required
and provided. The Company has not yet determined the effects, if any, of
implementing SFAS No. 131 on its reporting of financial information.
 
                                      31
<PAGE>
 
                                   BUSINESS
   
  Genesis Direct is a leading database-driven specialty retailer in the
rapidly growing universe of non-store shopping. With a current portfolio of 30
Company-owned brands, the Company offers products directly to consumers in
targeted niche markets primarily through a variety of distinctive,
information-rich catalogs, as well as Internet websites and electronic media,
including television and radio. The Company's marketing efforts are supported
by a customer database of over 10 million names, a 450-station call center at
its Secaucus, New Jersey, headquarters and a custom-designed 500,000 square
foot distribution center strategically located in Memphis, Tennessee. For the
nine months ended December 27, 1997, the Company had net sales of
approximately $81.5 million.     
 
MARKET OVERVIEW
   
  According to the DMA, in recent years, retailing in the United States has
been characterized by a rapidly growing shift to non-store sales through such
media as printed catalogs, broadcast and cable television infomercials, home
shopping channels and the Internet. These alternative forms of non-store
retailing, which in 1997 accounted for approximately $382.0 billion in sales,
are expected to grow approximately 8% per annum for the next five years. The
Company believes that this growth is due to the convenience of home shopping
for time-constrained, dual-career consumer households and the increasingly
high level of customer service and reliability offered by leading direct
marketing firms. The Company also believes that, on a percentage basis, the
fastest growing portion of the home shopping market will be on-line shopping
via the Internet. According to estimates published by the Yankee Group, a
Boston-based research firm, Internet-driven sales in 1997 totaled $2.7
billion. The Yankee Group predicts that consumer Internet-driven sales will
grow to $10.0 billion by the year 2000 and $32.0 billion by the year 2002. In
addition, the Yankee Group estimates that the total number of on-line
households grew from 15.5 million in 1996 to 20.0 million in 1997.     
   
  The DMA has also found that the traditional catalog segment of the United
States direct marketing industry, which generated approximately $79.0 billion
in total sales in 1997, is highly fragmented. The Company believes that there
are over 12,000 consumer catalog companies in existence, most of which lack
the necessary capital, support systems and economies of scale to effectively
exploit available opportunities for growth. The Company believes that the most
successful catalog marketers will be those with a critical mass of at least
$25.0 million in annual sales, whether through internal growth or acquisition.
There will also be a need to recognize the strategic importance of developing
a presence in electronic media and capitalizing on expanding international
markets. In order to implement these strategies, catalog operators require
capital and management and development expertise.     
 
  According to Marketing Logistics, an industry consulting and research group,
international consumers and businesses have spent more than $94.0 billion in
1995 buying from direct marketing sources. Germany and Japan offer
particularly interesting direct marketing opportunities. According to the U.S.
Commerce Department, catalog sales in Germany were estimated to have reached
$24.0 billion in 1995. Research conducted by the U.S. and Foreign Commercial
Service, as of 1996, shows that Germany was the world's second largest mail
order market with spending on mail order products in 1995 averaging $293 per
capita, second only to the United States. Moreover, according to research
conducted by the German postal service, the apparel return ratio in Germany is
lower than the ratio experienced by most countries. In addition, according to
the U.S. Commerce Department, catalog sales in Japan reached $20.0 billion in
1995, with United States catalogers generating over $1.0 billion of such
annual sales. With the advent of the single European market, there should also
be opportunity for catalog growth, as well as other remote shopping growth, in
the rest of the European community.
 
THE GENESIS DIRECT STRATEGY
 
  The Company's objective is to become the leading provider of a broad array
of branded consumer and business catalogs offered in a variety of traditional
and innovative markets. The key elements of the Company's operating and growth
strategies are set forth below:
 
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OPERATING STRATEGY
 
  The key elements of the Company's operating strategy are as follows:
 
  .  TARGET AND PENETRATE NICHE MARKETS. The Company identifies and focuses
     its efforts on penetrating niche markets that it believes are
     underserved by retail stores and other catalogs, that will be responsive
     to its innovative direct marketing techniques and in which it can become
     a market leader. The Company then acquires a variety of catalogs within
     the target market, each of which it transforms into a readily
     identifiable brand by investing heavily to enhance the catalog's image.
     In addition, the Company trains a core group of specialized customer-
     responsive employees to serve that market and seeks to establish
     innovative strategic relationships with other participants in that
     market. The Company also employs sophisticated database management
     techniques and systems to cross-sell product offerings designed for one
     niche market to customers in its other niche markets. The Company
     believes that by targeting several niche markets and serving each market
     with multiple brands, it reduces its reliance on any particular market
     or brand.
 
  .  DEVELOP CENTRALIZED STATE-OF-THE-ART INFRASTRUCTURE. Since its
     inception, the Company has invested approximately $20.4 million to
     develop an order-taking, processing and fulfillment infrastructure with
     sufficient capacity and operational flexibility to service increased
     sales volume and exploit strategic or market opportunities as they
     occur. In addition to its state-of-the-art call center and distribution
     center, the Company has invested in sophisticated management information
     systems and database technologies that effectively coordinate a full
     range of functions from catalog production and mailing to order-taking
     and fulfillment. The Company's substantial investment in infrastructure
     allows it to quickly consolidate and integrate newly acquired catalogs
     and to introduce new catalogs. The Company believes that, as sales
     volume increases through acquisitions and internal growth, it can
     leverage its infrastructure to reduce the per order cost of fulfillment.
     The Company believes that, without significant additional capital
     expenditures beyond its fiscal 1998 spending plan, its current systems
     infrastructure, call center and distribution center can accommodate up
     to $1.0 billion in annual sales.
 
  .  OFFER PROPRIETARY, PERSONALIZED AND HARD-TO-FIND PRODUCTS. The Company
     seeks to increase its gross margins by offering proprietary and
     personalized products, as well as products that are difficult to find in
     retail stores and other catalogs. The Company strives to offer customers
     in each of its target markets a broader merchandise selection than is
     generally offered by traditional retailers and smaller direct marketers.
     The Company has established a department dedicated to the development of
     proprietary products and the personalization of products within each of
     the Company's target markets. As part of this initiative, the Company is
     currently building a customization facility in its distribution center
     that will enable it to personalize most of its products by means of
     etching, laser engraving and embroidery.
 
  .  UTILIZE MULTIPLE MARKETING CHANNELS. To reach potential customers, the
     Company uses multiple marketing channels, including mail, Internet
     websites, television and radio advertisements, infomercials, airplane
     seat-backs, hotel rooms, sports events and trade shows. The Company
     currently takes on-line orders for products from Internet websites under
     two of its brands and maintains informational websites for eight of its
     other brands. In addition, under exclusive arrangements with the NBA,
     NHL and Major League Baseball, the Company maintains the on-line store
     on those leagues' websites, where potential customers can receive
     information, view merchandise, enter inquiries and orders and request
     catalogs.
 
  .  BUILD LIFETIME CUSTOMER RELATIONSHIPS. The Company's objective is to
     make every customer a customer for life. Through its niche marketing
     strategy and sophisticated database, enhanced with up-to-date
     demographic information, the Company offers products intended to satisfy
     preferences as they evolve over their lifetimes. In addition, the
     Company strives to provide consistently prompt, knowledgeable and
     courteous service and rapid order fulfillment. In its 450-station call
     center, calls are routed to the customer service representative most
     knowledgeable about the products within the
 
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<PAGE>
 
     particular catalog brand in question. Because of the high level of
     automation at its distribution center and the strategic location of that
     center at a shipping hub for such carriers as Federal Express, UPS and
     the U.S. Postal Service, the Company is able to provide next-day
     delivery, if requested, on orders received prior to 11:00 p.m. EST. The
     Company continually strives to develop the Genesis Direct name into an
     umbrella seal-of-approval symbol associated with superior service and
     product quality.
 
  .  ATTRACT AND RETAIN EXPERIENCED MANAGEMENT TEAM. The Company seeks to
     attract and retain highly qualified management personnel with extensive
     experience. To date, the Company has assembled some of the country's
     most experienced professionals in direct marketing or related
     industries. The Company has also retained many of the former owners of
     the acquired catalog companies, who bring extensive expertise in their
     respective niche markets.
 
GROWTH STRATEGY
 
  The key elements of the Company's growth strategy are as follows:
 
  .  PURSUE STRATEGIC ACQUISITIONS. As a result of its acquisition of 14
     catalog businesses, the Company has developed considerable expertise in
     identifying and evaluating appropriate acquisition candidates and in
     integrating the operations and expanding the sales of acquired
     companies. The Company believes that the fragmented direct marketing
     industry provides significant consolidation opportunities and is
     pursuing an aggressive but disciplined acquisition strategy focused
     primarily on catalog brands that complement existing brands in its
     targeted niche markets. In particular, the Company seeks catalog brands
     that have been unable to realize their growth and profitability
     potential due to capital constraints and infrastructure limitations. To
     date, the typical acquisition candidate has demonstrated a high average
     order value and a low rate of merchandise returns and is believed to
     have the potential to eventually achieve at least $25.0 million in
     annual sales, realize high rates in customer retention and successfully
     offer higher margin proprietary products.
 
  .  INCREASE REVENUES OF ACQUIRED CATALOGS. The Company believes that, in
     addition to achieving synergies through the integration of acquired
     catalogs, there are opportunities to substantially increase the revenues
     of acquired catalogs by utilizing the Company's database to efficiently
     target a more precise group of potential customers based on demographic
     information and individual purchase behavior. In addition, the Company
     believes that its superior customer service and its development of each
     acquired catalog into a readily identifiable brand can increase the
     revenue opportunities of those catalogs.
 
  .  DEVELOP NEW BRANDS. The Company uses its existing customer database to
     create and introduce new catalog brands. The Company currently has eight
     active start-up catalog brands and intends to introduce and develop
     additional new catalog brands featuring original merchandise concepts
     that will allow it to penetrate further distinct segments of its niche
     markets. For example, the Company has recently used its customer lists
     in the sports and kids market segments to start-up S.K.U.S.A. (an
     acronym for Sports Kids U.S.A.), through which the Company will offer
     hard-to-find "sports lifestyle" products for children, including
     apparel, home furnishings and toys.
 
  .  EXPAND AND LEVERAGE CUSTOMER DATABASE. The Company is continually
     expanding its customer database through a variety of techniques,
     including catalog and list acquisitions, renting of mailing lists and
     strategic alliances. Examples of strategic alliances that enhance the
     Company's customer database are its exclusive arrangements with
     professional sports leagues that allow the Company access to the
     leagues' databases, Internet websites and advertising opportunities. The
     Company uses sophisticated statistical modeling and segmentation
     techniques to develop purchasing profiles of the customers in its
     database, which facilitates cross-marketing, cross-selling and more
     precisely focused catalog distributions and marketing efforts.
 
 
                                      34
<PAGE>
 
  .  EXPAND INTERNATIONAL SALES. The demographic and technological trends
     that are driving the retail consumer shift to non-store shopping in the
     United States are also present in many international markets. The
     Company believes that its catalog development expertise and existing
     infrastructure will enable it to expand into certain of those markets,
     particularly those with a strong interest in U.S. sports-related
     products. The Company intends, where appropriate, to produce foreign
     language versions of several of its catalogs. In addition, the Company's
     distribution center in Memphis, Tennessee is strategically placed at the
     hub of courier services serving international markets to permit rapid
     direct-to-consumer overseas order fulfillment. The Company is currently
     expanding its operations into France, Germany, Japan and the United
     Kingdom and expects to launch an extension of its 1-800-Pro-Team brand
     in several of those countries.
 
  .  GENERATE MULTIPLE REVENUE STREAMS. The Company intends to generate
     multiple revenue streams within its target markets by permitting third-
     party direct marketers to sell non-competing goods and services to its
     customers, by including third-party/vendor advertising in Company
     catalogs and by renting its customer lists to non-competing vendors. For
     example, through several of its sports brands, the Company offers MBNA
     credit cards with sports team logos.
 
THE GENESIS DIRECT PORTFOLIO OF BRANDS
 
  The Company currently organizes its product offerings within four distinct,
but interrelated, market categories, each with a specific market focus
designed to appeal to a particular customer profile: sports, kids, gifts and
collectibles and institutional/business to business. The Company has trained a
core group of specialized customer-responsive managers and employees to serve
each of those markets and is establishing innovative and strategic
relationships with participants in each market. In addition, the Company has
retained and seeks to incentivize a majority of the former owners of its
acquired catalog companies who have expertise in merchandising to customers in
their targeted niche markets. The Company also employs sophisticated database
management techniques and systems to cross-sell product offerings designed for
one niche market to customers in its other niche markets.
 
 SPORTS
 
  The Company has developed a strategy of building specialty sports brands,
each focused on a single sport, plus one multi-sport brand. Sports merchandise
includes licensed and non-licensed apparel, accessories, home furnishings,
equipment and limited edition collectibles, as well as fantasy packages which
offer customers the opportunity to interact with sports celebrities. The
Company believes that an important factor in the success of its sports brands
is its ability to offer a much greater selection of licensed merchandise
compared to traditional retailers. In particular, in many communities there is
strong demand for non-local team products that is generally not fulfilled by
local retailers because of capacity constraints. In addition, serving the
sports market segment adds selling seasons to the traditional holiday seasons
through marketing efforts around major sporting events, such as the Super
Bowl, the World Series, the NBA Championship and the Stanley Cup. The Company
has exclusive "Official Catalog" relationships with the NBA, the NHL, Major
League Baseball and NASCAR, as well as a strategic relationship with the NFL.
 
  Hot Off The Ice, the first Genesis Direct start-up catalog, was launched
during the 1996 holiday period. Under an exclusive arrangement with the NHL,
Hot off The Ice is marketed as the "Official Catalog of the Coolest Game on
Earth." Hot Off The Ice offers licensed and non-licensed hockey-related
products and collectibles. Hot Off The Ice has access to the NHL's proprietary
database for its Hot Off The Ice mailings. In addition, Hot Off The Ice
reaches customers as the exclusive store on the NHL's website. The average
order value for Hot Off The Ice merchandise for fiscal 1997 was approximately
$83.
 
  Nothin' But Hoops, a start-up catalog, was launched in October 1997. Under
an exclusive arrangement with the NBA, Nothin' But Hoops is marketed as the
"Official Catalog of the NBA." Nothin' But Hoops offers
 
                                      35
<PAGE>
 
licensed NBA products, non-licensed basketball products and basketball
collectibles. The Company has access to the NBA's proprietary database for its
Nothin' But Hoops mailings. In addition, Nothin' But Hoops reaches customers
as the exclusive store on the NBA's website, through NBA-provided television,
radio and print advertisements at no additional fee to the Company and through
the ability to distribute advertising materials at sports events. The average
order value for Nothin' But Hoops merchandise for fiscal 1997 from launch was
approximately $82.
 
  Manny's Baseball Land, a start-up catalog, was launched in March 1998. Under
an exclusive arrangement with Major League Baseball, Manny's Baseball Land is
marketed as the "Official Catalog of Major League Baseball." Manny's Baseball
Land is based on the well-known and established brand name "Manny's Baseball
Land," which was started in 1949 outside of Yankee Stadium. Manny's Baseball
Land offers baseball-related products, including licensed Major League
Baseball products.
 
  From The Sidelines, a start-up catalog, was launched in July 1997. From the
Sidelines was previously operated under the name Athletic Supply, which was
acquired by the Company in December 1996. During 1997, the Company changed the
acquired catalog's focus from multi-sport to football and launched the new
catalog under the name From The Sidelines, offering licensed and non-licensed
football products and memorabilia. The average order value for From The
Sidelines merchandise for fiscal 1997 from launch was approximately $85. In
connection with the Athletic Supply acquisition, the Company acquired the
Official NFL Quarterback Club catalog, which offers limited edition
autographed football collectibles. The average order value for Official NFL
Quarterback Club merchandise for the period from acquisition to date was
approximately $85.
 
  The Official NASCAR Catalog, acquired in October 1997, offers licensed
NASCAR merchandise, including apparel and collectibles. The Company also owns
NASCAR Shoptalk, a television infomercial on ESPN, and the Official NHRA
Catalog, which offers licensed National Hot Rod Association merchandise
including apparel and collectibles. In addition, the Company has a related
commercial promotions business, through which it markets its products through
various sports activities and events, often in connection with well-known
consumer product companies. The Company hopes to capitalize from the
anticipated increased media attention resulting from NASCAR's planned
promotional events surrounding its 50th anniversary in 1998. The average order
value for The Official NASCAR Catalog merchandise for the period from
acquisition to date was approximatelly $72.
 
  1-800-Pro-Team was acquired in December 1996. 1-800-Pro-Team is a source for
team or league logo merchandise that is typically hard-to-find, with an
emphasis on professional team licensed products. 1-800-Pro-Team is not only a
strong brand with a loyal customer base of its own, but is also used as a
prospecting vehicle, bringing customers with strong potential to the single-
sport catalogs. The Company upgraded the look and feel of the catalog
following its acquisition and has implemented an aggressive customer
acquisition plan to take advantage of the former owners' under-utilization of
direct-mail prospecting opportunities. The average order value for 1-800-Pro-
Team merchandise for fiscal 1997 was approximately $69. 1-800-Pro-Team is also
mailed under an exclusive arrangement with Sears to a portion of the Sears
mailing list under the name Sears My Team. The average order value for Sears
My Team merchandise for fiscal 1997 was approximately $69. In May 1998, the
Company plans to launch 1-800-Pro-Team in the United Kingdom, France, Germany
and Japan (under the catalog name USA ProSports Direct).
 
  Competitive Edge Golf was acquired in March 1997. Competitive Edge Golf
offers proprietary and non-proprietary golf products, including equipment,
apparel and novelties that appeal both to golf fans and players. The founder
of Competitive Edge Golf was retained after the acquisition to manage and
develop the brand. The average order value for Competitive Edge Golf
merchandise for fiscal 1997 was approximately $112.
 
  Soccer Madness was acquired in October 1997. Soccer Madness offers brand-
name merchandise, including soccer shoes, apparel, equipment, bags, watches,
jewelry and accessories. As with Competitive Edge Golf, Soccer Madness appeals
to participants as well as fans and capitalizes on the growing popularity of
soccer in the United States. The Company also offers soccer merchandise in
Japan through a Japanese language version of Soccer Madness. The average order
value for Soccer Madness merchandise for the period from acquisition to date
was approximately $85.
 
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<PAGE>
 
  ProSports Liquidators, a start-up catalog, was launched in March 1998.
ProSports Liquidators offers discounted merchandise from the Company's various
sports catalogs and is mailed primarily to the Company's less responsive or
discount-driven customers.
 
 KIDS
 
  The kids market is one of the principal entry points for the lifetime
customer that the Company hopes to develop. Through its various brands in the
kids market, the Company seeks to give families helpful, trusted choices in
providing for their children's needs as they grow and change. The Company
takes a lifestage approach to the market and creates and acquires catalogs
that offer high quality products and serve children's needs in all aspects of
life, from the nursery through high school, from schoolwork to school
clothing, for playtime and family time. Kids merchandise includes toys, games,
crafts, clothing and educational and developmental materials. Through its
sophisticated database marketing, the Company is able to track the demographic
changes in its customer households and prospective households, thereby
targeting appropriate offerings to each lifestage.
 
  Gifts For Grandkids, which was acquired in October 1995, celebrates the
unique relationship between generations of family members and enhances the
experience of gift giving and receiving for all ages. Products offered range
from infant toys and dolls to room furnishings and outdoor play products.
Gift-giving grandparents can also purchase personalized products for special
occasions and special kids. The brand has established its own niche in the
market and the catalog has received consistent national publicity as one of
the premium children's gift catalogs. The average order value for Gifts For
Grandkids merchandise for fiscal 1997 was approximately $70.
 
  Hand-in-Hand was acquired in February 1997. Under Hand-in-Hand, the Company
offers a selection of high quality, distinctive products for infants,
toddlers, and young children, serving both consumers through the Hand-in-Hand
Consumer Catalog and child care professionals and institutions through the
Hand-in-Hand Professional Catalog. The products offered focus on the lifestyle
of children and their families and include toys, furniture, arts and crafts,
videos, books and apparel. Hand-in-Hand has been carefully nurtured as a high
quality, high value brand that will make a contribution to children's lives.
The Company also offers such merchandise in Japan through a version of Hand-
in-Hand that is selectively translated into Japanese. The average order value
for Hand-in-Hand merchandise for fiscal 1997 was approximately $81.
 
  The Training Camp, a start-up catalog, was launched in May 1997 and offers
unique children's developmental sports training products, methods and
equipment to inspire and help improve "whole child" development and introduce
children to the fun and rewards of sports and good sportsmanship. In print
catalog and website format, The Training Camp offers unique, safe and high-
value items including play products that help develop motor skills, such as
ball throwing machines, basketball shooting training devices and sports
parenting videos. Additionally, the catalog and website include tips from
renowned coaches in a number of athletic disciplines on the fundamentals of
the sport for which equipment is being sold. The average order value for The
Training Camp merchandise for fiscal 1997 from launch was approximately $92.
 
  S.K.U.S.A., a start-up catalog, was launched in March 1998 using the
Company's customer lists in the sports and kids market segments. S.K.U.S.A.
offers hard-to-find "sports lifestyle" products for children, including
apparel, home furnishings and toys.
   
  Biobottoms, which was acquired in April 1998, offers a wide selection of
natural fiber children's apparel., The Company believes that Biobottoms will
enable the Company to offer an enhanced selection of children's merchandise.
    
 GIFTS AND COLLECTIBLES
 
  Gifts and collectibles offers unique, hard-to-find items for gift givers and
collectors. This segment markets nostalgic themed entertainment- and music-
related memorabilia and collectible items, including personalized sweatshirts
with designs of musical instruments, miniature toy mechanical cars,
collectible dolls and limited edition hand-signed lithographs from well-known
musical groups. Many of the gifts and collectibles catalog brands have high
gross margins, low stock-keeping unit ("SKU") counts, low inventory
obsolescence, high customer loyalty and few competitors.
 
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<PAGE>
 
  Lilliput was acquired in December 1996. Lilliput offers a collection of
unique, hand-crafted, limited production, primarily European-made mechanical
toys, including automobiles, airplanes, building blocks, musical toys, steam
engines and trains. Lilliput owns exclusive North American distribution rights
for models and mechanical toy cars produced by Schuco of Germany and Gonio of
the Czech Republic. The founders of Lilliput were retained after the
acquisition, and have applied their knowledge of merchandising and developing
proprietary products through all of the Company's target markets. The average
order value for Lilliput merchandise for fiscal 1997 was approximately $196.
 
  The Voyager's Collection was acquired in March 1997 and is an example of the
use of alternate distribution channels, a component of the Company's overall
strategy. When acquired, the catalog was distributed only to consumers in
upscale hotel rooms throughout the United States and provided travel products
to the discriminating and time-sensitive business traveler. Since the
acquisition, the Company has supplemented the catalog with product offerings
from its numerous other catalogs. Including merchandise from other Genesis
Direct catalogs allows The Voyager's Collection to be not only a strong
catalog with a loyal customer base of its own, but also used as a prospecting
vehicle, bringing customers with high potential to other Genesis Direct
catalogs. In addition, the Company has entered into an agreement with a major
commercial airline for the exclusive right to distribute The Voyager's
Collection catalogs in seat pockets on the airline's domestic flights and in
its passenger clubs in domestic airports. The Company plans to enlarge The
Voyager's Collection's customer base by distributing its catalog in other
travel-related areas, including additional commercial airliners and hotel
rooms. The average order value for The Voyager's Collection merchandise for
fiscal 1997 was approximately $110.
   
  Global Friends, acquired in two steps in June 1997 and April 1998, offers
proprietary theme dolls each from a different country or region with related
books, videos and playkits to create an educational and fun experience for
young girls. To further promote the Global Friends brand, customers can join a
Pen Pal club and communicate with other customers from around the world by
letter and through the Internet on Global Friends' website. The average order
value for Global Friends merchandise for fiscal 1997 from acquisition was
approximately $110.     
 
  Command Performance, a start up catalog, was launched in July 1997. Command
Performance includes a variety of music- and entertainment-related
collectibles and memorabilia, including limited edition lithographs of album
cover art autographed by musicians and videocassettes of classic television
series. Also included are a variety of music and music-related products. The
average order value for Command Performance merchandise for fiscal 1997 from
launch was approximately $91.
 
  The Music Stand was acquired in August 1997. The Music Stand offers music-
related gifts and collectibles, including a substantial number of products
which can be personalized. The average order value for The Music Stand
merchandise for fiscal 1997 from acquisition was approximately $54.
 
  In May 1998, the Company plans to launch Romance Boutique, a start-up
catalog that will offer romantic gifts, such as lingerie, fragrance products,
candles and candy.
 
 INSTITUTIONAL/BUSINESS-TO-BUSINESS
 
  The institutional/business-to-business marketing segment offers educational,
recreational and therapeutic products for schools, camps and therapists. The
Company believes that developing catalogs in the institutional/business-to-
business niche market is important strategically for several reasons. Since
sales to businesses and institutions generally do not peak during the holiday
season, as do sales to individual consumers, catalog brands in the
institutional/business-to-business market may serve to reduce the seasonal
fluctuation in the Company's sales. The Company plans to explore opportunities
for extending many of the product offerings in its consumer catalogs into the
institutional and business markets.
 
 
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<PAGE>
 
  Childswork/Childsplay was acquired in April 1997, and was the Company's
first investment in the school and professional markets.
Childswork/Childsplay, created by the widely recognized child psychologist and
founder of the catalog, Dr. Lawrence Shapiro, an industry leader in special
education products, helps parents, educators, therapists and other mental
health professionals who work with socially and emotionally challenged
children. Childswork/Childsplay offers proprietary learning tools that
encourage children to work through problems while enjoying books, games and
special activities. Dr. Shapiro was retained by the Company after the
acquisition and continues to manage and develop the catalog. The average order
value for Childswork/Childsplay merchandise for fiscal 1997 was approximately
$109.
 
  Ninos was acquired in April 1997. Ninos, a pioneer in the bilingual
children's direct marketing category, provides quality Spanish-language
educational toys, books and audio-visual products to parents and bilingual
educators nationwide. The products range from reference books to translations
of popular English books and videos that teach Spanish and/or Hispanic
culture. The founder of Ninos was retained by the Company after the
acquisition to manage the catalog and to assist the Company in serving other
bilingual markets. The average order value for Ninos merchandise for fiscal
1997 was approximately $109.
 
  Sportime was acquired in January 1998. Sportime, which is an innovator of
proprietary products and owner of several patents and trademarks, offers
schools, camps, parks and other institutions traditional recreational and
athletic products including balls, rackets, hockey sticks, nets, parachutes
and jump ropes as well as innovative physical education products that enable
children to learn important social, athletic and creative skills through play.
Examples of the innovative products offered by Sportime include the Co-oper
Blanket, designed to teach groups cooperation skills, Perceptual Motorugs, to
teach balance, coordination, visual perception and spatial planning, and a
variety of teacher resources. The Company also offers Sportime merchandise in
Canada, several countries in Europe (under the catalog name Spordas),
Australia, New Zealand and Japan (through a Japanese language version). The
average order value for Sportime merchandise for fiscal 1997 from acquisition
was approximately $198.
 
  Abilitations, which was acquired together with Sportime, offers equipment
for development and restoration of physical and mental ability to physical,
recreational and occupational therapists. The average order value for
Abilitations merchandise for fiscal 1997 from acquisition was approximately
$136.
 
  Chime Time, which was acquired together with Sportime, offers movement-
related products to the pre-school market. The average order value for Chime
Time merchandise for fiscal 1997 from acquisition was approximately $160.
 
  Senior Products, which was acquired together with Sportime, offers age-
appropriate physical, social and recreation activities to senior groups. The
average order value for Senior Products merchandise for fiscal 1997 from
acquisition was approximately $83.
 
  Active Minds, which was acquired together with Sportime and initially mailed
in February 1998, offers creative movement-oriented educational products for
the pre-school and grade school markets. The average order value for Active
Minds merchandise from the initial mailing was approximately $65.
 
MARKETING
 
  The Company's marketing strategy is to invest in the Genesis Direct name as
an "umbrella seal of approval" associated with superior service and product
quality. Each catalog includes or will include the Genesis Direct logo and tag
line to further draw a connection between the individual catalog, Genesis
Direct and sister catalogs. The message creates a credible link between each
brand, ultimately enabling the Company to fulfill its mission of "Every
Customer--A Customer For Life," through cross-selling between and among brands
as customers' needs develop and change.
 
  The Company seeks to transform each catalog into a well-known brand through
a variety of marketing methods, including: enhancing logos, investing in easy-
to-remember toll-free phone numbers, introducing proprietary products labeled
with a brand's logo, enhancing the look, feel, and tone of the catalog,
establishing a brand personality that appeals to the target market, developing
a dialogue with customers through contests,
 
                                      39
<PAGE>
 
surveys, e-mail, and "customer care" programs, adding value through
information-rich materials and event promotions and developing strategic
alliances with other participants in the niche market. Finally, the Company
expands the prospecting efforts and merchandise selection, broadening into
areas that match the interests of a very clearly defined target market.
 
  GROWING THE CUSTOMER DATABASE. The Company believes that building a large
and loyal customer base is critical to its growth strategy. The Company grows
its customer database through catalog and list acquisitions, renting of
mailing lists and strategic alliances. Examples of strategic alliances that
enhance the Company's customer database are the Company's exclusive
arrangements with professional sports leagues that allow the Company to use
the leagues' databases, Internet websites and advertising opportunities. As of
December 27, 1997, Genesis Direct had a proprietary mailing list of
approximately 10 million individuals, of which approximately 1.2 million have
purchased from the Company's businesses in the last twelve months.
 
  CUSTOMER DATABASE MANAGEMENT; CUSTOMER SEGMENTATION. In March 1998, the
Company introduced a state-of-the-art marketing database system to allow it to
use more sophisticated and efficient methods to analyze the performance of
each catalog mailing and predict future performance of products and customers.
This marketing database system allows the Company to segment its customer base
according to many variables and to analyze each segment's performance and
buying patterns. Names will be selectable not only by frequency and monetary
value of purchases, but by specific product, product category, brand, market
segment, or overall Company purchase behavior. Statistical models will also be
able to analyze promotional history, individual vs. household buying
information, merchandise return information and externally enhanced
information such as creditworthiness and household demographics. The resulting
information is used to refine the frequency and name selection for Genesis
Direct's various mailings to maximize the productivity of each market segment.
This analysis also enables the Company to strengthen the merchandising of its
catalogs through analysis of various products' roles in enhancing the long-
term profitability of particular customer segments.
 
  In addition, database analysis of product purchase history combined with
demographic information allows the Company to identify important cross-selling
opportunities. For example, the Company intends to mail S.K.U.S.A. to existing
sports catalog customers who have been purchasers of children's products.
 
  SPECIAL PROMOTIONS. The Company uses special promotions to strengthen brand
image and to enhance customer retention and is currently testing many concepts
and innovations through its mailings and product offerings. For example, prior
to the Super Bowl, From The Sidelines, in cooperation with the NFL, tested an
exclusive product promotion, "Super Bowl In A Box," a box containing items
that appeal to avid football fans, including a hat and T-shirt, each with the
Super Bowl teams logos, an official Super Bowl program and coupons for
discounts on future From The Sidelines purchases. A postcard promoting the
product, which could be ordered by dialing 1-800-SUPERBOWL, was mailed to a
test group of From The Sidelines customers and was promoted in radio and print
advertisements. Another example of a special promotion was a full-color 1998
calendar produced by the Company and inserted free of charge into all outgoing
packages in the sports brands during the Holiday season of 1997. The calendar
advertises promotions on each page which encourage customers to purchase all
year long from each brand in the sports market segment. These tests were
successful and the Company plans to develop similar promotions in the future.
 
  ALTERNATE MEDIA. The Company has developed an Alternate Media department
dedicated to evaluating and developing new channels of distribution for the
Company. Currently, the Alternate Media Department focuses on three areas: (i)
the Internet and other forms of electronic commerce, (ii) television,
including short and long form television infomercials, and (iii) promotional
books and videos. The Company also plans to employ new technologies that it
believes will enable it to effectively bring its brands to its customers.
 
  The Company currently conducts on-line transactions on two of its websites.
The Company also takes catalog requests and provides information on eight of
its other websites, including its recently completed corporate website. The
Company continues to expand its web presence by placing its catalog brands
into high traffic, high profile sites as well as smaller associate sites
through strategic relationships with third parties
 
                                      40
<PAGE>
 
including the NHL, the NBA, Major League Baseball and NASCAR. These strategic
relationships reduce the Company's web marketing and production costs,
increases traffic into the on-line stores and allows the Company to take
advantage of its partners' access to other media, such as television, print
and radio. The Company has recently licensed, from InterWorld, an Internet
software package that will enhance the Company's ability to allow customers to
obtain products by placing secure orders over the world-wide web. As a result,
the Company expects to incur lower expenses to build and maintain appealing
websites. In addition, acquiring electronic commerce capability should result
in higher margins as the Company can cross-market its products across several
media including print, web and television without the need for catalogs,
thereby saving the cost of producing, printing and mailing catalogs.
 
  The Company has begun the expansion of its television efforts and produced
its first television and radio spots this year with the NBA and Classic Sports
Network. The Company has also acquired the rights to a series of ESPN programs
called NASCAR Shoptalk, a television infomercial featuring famous drivers,
that airs after NASCAR events. The Company plans to replicate this infomercial
format for several of its product lines and has produced the first two in a
series of The Training Camp videos, and the first The Training Camp book,
which was published by a division of Simon & Schuster in Spring 1998.
 
MERCHANDISING
 
  MERCHANDISE SELECTIONS. The Company's objective in selecting its merchandise
is to offer products that are reflective of the identities and interests of
its target customers. The Company's merchandising personnel utilize the
Company's proprietary databases and their niche market expertise to identify
merchandise in each market that appeal to their customers. By providing
customers with products that are (i) exclusive or hard-to-find, (ii)
proprietary or in limited editions and (iii) personalized or customized, the
Company believes it achieves higher gross margins and lower return rates than
those that generally prevail in the industry.
 
  A critical element of the Company's merchandising strategy is to offer
proprietary and limited edition products. The Company works closely with its
vendors to develop and source such products. Many of the Company's brands
currently offer such products, including Command Performance, Competitive Edge
Golf, Childswork/Childsplay and Sportime. The Company has developed in-house
new product development expertise to create unique products which appeal to
the Company's niche market customers. Based on its experience, the Company
believes that proprietary and limited edition products have high gross
margins.
 
  Personalized and customized products have already proven to be strong
sellers with high margin potential in The Music Stand, Gifts For Grandkids and
many of the sports catalogs. The Company is committed to further developing
its personalization capabilities and is building a 20,000-square-foot
customization facility (that is expected to be fully operational by August
1998) in its distribution center that will enable it to personalize and
customize most of its products by means of etching (for example, trophies and
awards), laser engraving (for example, desk accessories) and embroidery (for
example, caps and sweatshirts).
 
  The Company continually adds new merchandise and refines existing
merchandise categories in an effort to promote additional purchases from
target customers and increase retention rates by responding to customers'
changing preferences. The Company has begun increasing the page counts of its
catalogs to accommodate the introduction of new, related or similar
merchandise and merchandise categories. The Company's merchandising personnel
continually evaluate the performance of the Company's existing products and
make merchandise placement and promotion decisions based on item quality,
sales trends, customer demand, performance histories, current inventory
positions and the projected success of each item. Merchandising personnel also
plan the introduction and testing of new items. Consequently, the Company's
merchandise mix is continually refined as new items are introduced and tested
and as items which do not meet the Company's performance standards are
replaced.
 
  Satisfying customer preferences requires the Company to maintain a wide
assortment of products. Currently, the Company has 45,000 SKUs, with
capability to expand to 130,000 SKUs. This large capacity enables the Company
to offer significant depth and breadth of merchandise selection, particularly
in sports apparel. Licensed
 
                                      41
<PAGE>
 
sports apparel is an example of a merchandise category that is not readily
available in a wide selection through traditional retailers, has high gross
margins and low return rates since it is generally non-fitted with limited
fashion risk.
 
  PRODUCT PRESENTATION. Genesis Direct catalogs and websites include full
color photographs displaying the merchandise as well as product descriptions
and pricing information. Merchandise is described in a manner designed to
stimulate the reader's interest, highlight lifestyle and use of product and
convey the unique spirit of each item to the customer, thereby promoting the
purchase decision. Many of the catalogs and websites include additional
information of interest to the niche market customer. For example, several of
the sports catalogs include season game schedules and sports trivia and tips
and The Voyager's Collection includes travel tips. Merchandise narratives are
often presented in a thematic manner or "voice" designed to deliver the
catalog brand's essence to each customer and to personalize the catalog
shopping experience.
 
  The Company has an in-house design team that designs new catalogs and
upgrades acquired catalogs. The in-house design team is responsible for all
catalog design and an in-house desktop publishing studio that controls all
aspects of the final digital preparation of the catalogs. These capabilities
allow the Company to preserve each catalog's distinctive character and also
allow the Company greater control of the catalog production schedule, which
the Company believes reduces the lead time necessary to produce catalogs and
reduces the costs of preparing pages for printing.
 
OPERATIONS
 
  The Company has invested heavily to develop an infrastructure that
effectively integrates the call center, order entry, distributions,
fulfillment and inventory management functions.
 
  CALL CENTER. The Company maintains a highly efficient, state-of-the-art call
center in Secaucus, New Jersey. The Company offers prompt, knowledgeable and
courteous order entry services through the use of its easy-to-remember toll-
free telephone numbers, which may be called 24 hours a day, seven days a week
to place orders, request a catalog, or make merchandise inquiries. The Company
has 450 customer service stations installed in its call center. During the
1997 holiday season, the Company had 551 full-time, part-time or seasonal
trained customer service representatives on staff. Once a call is received by
the Company, it is automatically routed to the best available customer service
representative who is knowledgeable about the particular catalog in question.
The Company closely tracks forecasted demand and hires and trains new customer
service representatives and seasonal customer service representatives as
required to maintain its service standards. All of the Company's customer
service representatives undergo a two-week training program and receive
ongoing training at "Genesis University," the Company's on-site training
facility. Customer service representatives are trained in responding to all
customer inquiries as well as in up-selling and cross-selling and are
compensated in part based on gross margins. Since becoming fully operational
in August 1997, the Company's call center handled approximately 1.5 million
calls and handled approximately 27,300 calls on its peak sales day.
 
  The Company uses an integrated management information system that allows
telephone orders to be captured on-line and mail orders to be efficiently
entered. As the Company's sales representative processes the order, the
Company's on-line data processing system provides, among other things,
customer history information, merchandise availability information,
merchandise specifications, available substitutes and accessories, expected
shipping date and order number. Customers can pay with major credit cards,
checks or money orders. All credit charges are pre-authorized prior to
shipping the order and credit authorization occurs coincident with order
processing. The Company has also recently implemented a deferred billing
program for several of its catalogs that enables customers to defer payment
for merchandise over several months.
 
  DISTRIBUTION AND ORDER FULFILLMENT. The Company's 500,000 square foot
distribution center in Memphis, Tennessee is efficiently integrated with the
Company's order entry systems to enable the Company to send out most orders on
the same day they are placed.
 
 
                                      42
<PAGE>
 
  Once a customer's telephone order is completed, the Company's computer
system forwards the order to the Company's distribution center, where all
necessary distribution and shipping documents are printed to facilitate
processing. Thereafter, the orders are prepared, packed and shipped
continually throughout the day with the last shipment for the day leaving the
distribution center at 1:30 a.m. EST. Shipped orders are bar-coded and scanned
and the merchandise and ship date are entered automatically into the customer
order file for access by sales agents. A system of conveyors automatically
routes totes and boxes carrying merchandise throughout the distribution center
for fulfillment of orders and replenishment of inventory. A unique feature of
the conveyor system design is its ability to rapidly receive, shelve and
integrate products of acquired companies into the distribution center. An
electronic link between the Company's distribution center and its headquarters
allows senior management to monitor its distribution center operations at any
time.
 
  The distribution center is strategically placed at the hub of courier
services as well as convenient access to U.S. Postal Service priority mail all
serving domestic and international markets to permit rapid order fulfillment.
The distribution center's location near courier hubs enables the Company to
ship orders until midnight, and for an expedited delivery fee the customer can
receive merchandise by 8:00 a.m. the next day. Currently, approximately 90% of
the in-stock orders placed before 5:00 p.m. EST are shipped on the same day of
the order.
 
  INVENTORY MANAGEMENT. The Company's broad assortment of products is
carefully controlled through sophisticated inventory management techniques. As
of December 27, 1997, the Company's inventory management system contained over
45,000 SKUs. Purchases are forecasted down to the SKU level using a database
system that takes into account historical category results, seasonality
models, market expectations and product and raw material lead times. The
Company believes that its centralized inventory management system enables it
to maintain high levels of inventory accuracy and to continuously measure and
analyze inventory levels and compare them against demand. This helps the
Company to lower inventory levels, increase turns, maintain high fill rates,
reduce mark-downs and increase gross margins. If an overstock position
develops, the Company acts quickly to dispose of the excess inventory at the
highest possible margin by moving the product through several promotional
distribution channels, including price promotions in current season catalogs,
end-of-season clearance catalogs and sales flyers in outbound packages.
 
  The Company regularly evaluates the performance of its brands and catalog
mailings and adjusts its mailings in response to anticipated market demand.
Despite circulation adjustments and inventory forecasting techniques, the
Company has designed a process for selling any excess inventory. In March
1998, the Company launched Pro Sports Liquidators, a start-up catalog. Pro
Sports Liquidators, which is mailed primarily to the Company's less responsive
or discount driven customers, offers discounted merchandise selected from the
Company's various sports catalogs and is an important component of the
Company's inventory management for the sports market segment.
 
INFORMATION SYSTEMS AND TECHNOLOGY
 
  The Company has adopted a "best of breed" philosophy and flexible systems
architecture as the foundation of its information systems strategy. The
Company has implemented a variety of widely used, state-of-the-art systems,
each uniquely qualified for use in a specific functional area. These systems
are widely used by leading companies in the direct marketing industry for
catalog management, order-taking (mail and telephone), Internet/electronic
commerce, order fulfillment, inventory management, inventory forecasting,
catalog production, and financial management. The systems are electronically
integrated to facilitate seamless data flow in support of the Company's
operations.
 
  The Company's software systems operate on a variety of hardware platforms,
including Hewlett Packard 3000, Hewlett Packard 9000, IBM AS400 and Sun Sparc
systems. The Company believes its systems architecture, systems investment and
implementation of a Siemens telephone switch provide the Company with a
reliable, redundant and scaleable systems environment facilitating both
current operations and future growth.
 
  The Company's telecommunications system strategy is designed to reduce the
risk of telephone delays and capacity constraints, as well as optimize the
routing of calls to the most skilled customer service representatives.
 
                                      43
<PAGE>
 
In the event the call center is unable to receive incoming calls due to
factors such as natural disasters, equipment or electrical failures, the
Company's telecommunications system has the capacity to route calls to a third
party call service bureau to ensure that service interruptions can be
minimized.
 
  The Company's information systems are engineered to provide quick response
and minimize the risk of data loss and operational delays due to system
failure. Critical processing systems operate in a redundant manner such that
all data is duplicated simultaneously on backup systems. In the event that one
of the Company's critical business systems fails, the Company is equipped to
transact business on a real-time back-up system with minimal downtime.
 
REGULATION
 
  The direct response business as conducted by the Company is subject to the
Mail or Telephone Order Merchandise Trade Regulation and related regulations
promulgated by the Federal Trade Commission. While the Company believes it is
in compliance with such regulations, no assurance can be given that new laws
or regulations will not be enacted or adopted which might adversely affect the
Company's operations.
 
COMPETITION
 
  The markets for the Company's merchandise are highly competitive, and the
recent growth in these markets has encouraged the entry of many new
competitors as well as increased competition from established companies.
Although the Company believes that it does not compete directly with any
single company with respect to its entire range of merchandise, within each
merchandise category the Company has significant competitors and may face new
competition from new entrants or existing competitors who focus on market
segments currently served by the Company. These competitors include large
retail operations, including some with catalog operations, other catalog and
direct marketing companies and international competitors.
 
EMPLOYEES
 
  As of April 10, 1998, the Company had approximately 800 full-time employees,
260 part-time employees, 35 seasonal employees and 30 consultants or temporary
employees. As of December 1997, the Company had approximately 850 full-time
employees, 370 part-time employees, 130 seasonal employees and 185 consultants
or temporary employees. During the Company's peak selling season, which
includes November and December, the Company utilizes a substantial number of
seasonal employees. None of the Company's employees is currently covered by
collective bargaining agreements. The Company considers its employee relations
to be excellent.
 
PROPERTIES
 
  The Company leases a 500,000 square foot distribution center in Memphis,
Tennessee and 100,000 square feet of office space for its principal executive
and administrative offices and its call center in Secaucus, New Jersey. The
Memphis lease expires in 2007 and the Secaucus lease expires in 2005. In
addition, the Company currently leases smaller office and
warehouse/distribution space in several locations in the United States. The
Company intends to integrate the call center and distribution center
operations of these locations with its facilities in Memphis and Secaucus, but
may retain a small office presence in several of these locations. The Company
also leases office space in Windsor, England for its international
headquarters. The Windsor lease is terminable by either party upon three
months notice.
 
LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
 
  The Company is party to claims and litigation that arise in the normal
course of business. Management believes that the ultimate outcome of these
claims and litigation will not have a material impact on the financial
position or results of operations of the Company.
 
                                      44
<PAGE>
 
                                  MANAGEMENT
 
EXECUTIVE OFFICERS, DIRECTORS AND OTHER KEY PERSONNEL
 
  The executive officers, directors and other key personnel of the Company and
their ages are as follows:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
NAME                          AGE                  POSITION
- ----                          ---                  --------
<S>                           <C> <C>
EXECUTIVE OFFICERS AND
 DIRECTORS
Warren Struhl................  36 Chairman of the Board of Directors,
                                   President and Chief Executive Officer(1)(2)
Hunter C. Cohen..............  41 Chief Operating Officer and a director(2)
David M. Sable...............  43 Chief Marketing Officer and a director(2)
Ronald R. Benanto............  49 Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
Raphael S. Grunfeld..........  50 Vice President, General Counsel and
                                   Secretary
Edward Spiegel...............  59 Director
David W. Wiederecht..........  42 Director(1)(2)
OTHER KEY PERSONNEL
James D. Abrams..............  52 Vice President of Kids Marketing
Kathleen M. Davis............  36 Vice President of Human Resources
George A. D'Amico............  42 Vice President of Customer Service and
                                   Sales
Dominic J. DiMascia..........  38 Vice President of Information Systems
Linda C. Ireland.............  38 Vice President of Personalization and
                                   Product Development
Alan J. Kipust...............  35 Vice President of Operations and
                                   Institutional/Business-to-Business
Dale G. Marksberry...........  48 Vice President of Distribution Center
George J. Mollo Jr...........  46 Vice President of Merchandise Operations
                                   and Inventory Control
Douglas S. Rose..............  35 Vice President of Corporate Development
Mitchel E. Rothschild........  43 Vice President of Sports Marketing
Stephen H. Samuels...........  48 Vice President of Alternate Media
Monica E. Schulze-Hodges.....  34 Vice President of Product Marketing
Charles S. Silver............  44 Vice President of Gifts and Collectibles
Edward D. Wallo..............  48 Vice President of International
</TABLE>
- --------
(1) Member of the Compensation Committee.
(2) Member of the Executive Committee.
 
EXECUTIVE OFFICERS AND DIRECTORS
 
  WARREN STRUHL. Mr. Struhl has served as Chairman of the Board of Directors,
President and Chief Executive Officer of the Company since its founding in
June 1995. He founded PaperDirect, Inc. in 1989 and served as its President
until he joined the Company. PaperDirect, Inc. was sold to Deluxe Corporation
in August 1993. From 1984 to 1989, Mr. Struhl was Vice President of JMB Realty
Corporation. Mr. Struhl is a director of CyberShop, Inc.
 
  HUNTER C. COHEN. Mr. Cohen has served as Chief Operating Officer and a
director of the Company since its founding in June 1995. From 1993 until he
joined the Company, he served as Chief Financial Officer of PaperDirect. From
March 1990 to June 1993, Mr. Cohen was President of The Soundcoat Company,
Inc., a multinational noise control materials manufacturer.
 
  DAVID M. SABLE. Mr. Sable has served as Chief Marketing Officer and a
director of the Company since its founding in June 1995. From 1990 to 1995, he
was the Executive Vice President and Director of Account Management at Young &
Rubicam. Mr. Sable served as a director of PaperDirect from 1989 to 1993. He
is a member of the U.S. Postal Service Marketing Advisory Board.
 
                                      45
<PAGE>
 
  RONALD R. BENANTO. Mr. Benanto has served as Vice President and Chief
Financial Officer of the Company since February 1998. From 1991 until December
1997, he served as Senior Vice President of Finance, Chief Financial Officer
and Treasurer of Viewlogic Systems, Inc., a publicly traded electronic design
automation software company. From 1988 to 1991, Mr. Benanto served as Vice
President of Finance and Operations and Chief Financial Officer of Symbolics,
Inc., a public artificial intelligence company.
 
  RAPHAEL S. GRUNFELD. Mr. Grunfeld has served as Vice President, Secretary
and General Counsel of the Company since November 1995. From 1992 to 1995, Mr.
Grunfeld was General Counsel and Secretary to First Capital Asset Management,
Inc. and Executive Vice President of its operating subsidiaries including
newspaper, media, money management and public companies. From 1990 to 1992,
Mr. Grunfeld was an attorney with Baer Marks & Upham and from 1986 to 1990,
Mr. Grunfeld was an attorney with Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP.
 
  EDWARD SPIEGEL. Mr. Spiegel has served as a director of the Company since
January 1998. Since December 1996, Mr. Spiegel has served as a limited partner
and consultant to The Goldman Sachs Group, L.P. From December 1984 to November
1996, Mr. Spiegel served as a general partner of The Goldman Sachs Group, L.P.
where he was responsible for the New York Institutional Sales Department.
 
  DAVID W. WIEDERECHT. Mr. Wiederecht has served as a director of the Company
since June 1996. Since 1978, Mr. Wiederecht has served in various capacities
at General Electric Company ("GE"); currently he serves as Vice President-
Alternative Investment of GE Investment Corporation, a subsidiary of GE. Mr.
Wiederecht is a director of Elephant & Castle Group, Inc.
 
  Directors of the Company are elected by holders of Common Stock for a three-
year term, and are divided into three classes with staggered terms that
currently have expiration dates as follows: (a) Class A Directors--1999, (b)
Class B Directors--2000 and (c) Class C Directors--2001. As of the date
hereof, Mr. Cohen serves as Class A Director, Mr. Sable and Mr. Spiegel serve
as Class B Directors and Mr. Struhl and Mr. Wiederecht serve as Class C
Directors. The Company intends to add two additional directors as soon as
practicable following this offering but has not yet identified potential
nominees for those positions.
 
OTHER KEY PERSONNEL
 
  JAMES D. ABRAMS. Mr. Abrams has served as Vice President of Kids Marketing
since October 1996. From December 1991 to September 1996, Mr. Abrams served in
various positions with Biobottoms, Inc., a direct marketer of children's
apparel and, most recently, as its President. Mr. Abrams' prior experience
includes senior financial and operational positions at Williams-Sonoma, Inc.
and The Gap. He was co-founder and President of Kinderzimmer, a start-up
venture specializing in children's playthings and furniture.
 
  KATHLEEN M. DAVIS. Ms. Davis has served as Vice President of Human Resources
since June 1995. From November 1993 to May 1995, she was Director of Human
Resources for Noble Centers, a not-for-profit social service agency serving
people with developmental disabilities. From May 1989 to November 1993, she
worked for Resort Condominiums International, an international vacation
exchange and travel company where she held positions in corporate recruitment,
human resources consulting and employment services management.
 
  GEORGE A. D'AMICO. Mr. D'Amico has served as Vice President of Customer
Service and Sales since January 1997. From 1991 to January 1997, he served in
various capacities, including as Director of Corporate Sales and Vice
President of Sales and Distribution of Micro Warehouse, Inc., a computer
catalog company.
 
  DOMINIC J. DIMASCIA. Mr. DiMascia has served as Vice President of
Information Systems since August 1996. From November 1993 to July 1996, Mr.
DiMascia was Vice President Product Development for Smith Gardner &
Associates, a software vendor for the direct marketing and catalog industry.
From January 1991 to November 1993, Mr. DiMascia was President of Target
Information Systems Inc., a catalog management systems vendor. Prior to that,
Mr. DiMascia also held positions in applications development and client
services for Hanover Direct, Inc., Coral Group and QVC Network, Inc.
 
                                      46
<PAGE>
 
  LINDA C. IRELAND. Ms. Ireland has served as Vice President of
Personalization and Product Development since joining the Company in September
1997. From June 1988 to August 1997, Ms. Ireland served in various capacities
at Deluxe Corporation, including as Group Product Manager of Deluxe Business
Forms and Supplies and as Director of Merchandising and Business Development
at PaperDirect.
 
  ALAN J. KIPUST. Mr. Kipust has served as Vice President of Operations since
joining the Company in October 1997 and has also served as Vice President of
Institutional/Business-to-Business since January 1998. From March 1996 to
September 1997, Mr. Kipust was an Executive Consultant at Banker's Trust. From
1989 to 1995 he was Senior Vice President of PaperDirect.
 
  DALE G. MARKSBERRY. Mr. Marksberry has served as Vice President of the
Distribution Center since January 1997. From April 1995 to January 1997, Mr.
Marksberry served as Vice President/General Manager of Logistics for Nobody
Beats The Wiz, where he was responsible for the construction and operation of
distribution centers. From January 1993 to April 1995, Mr. Marksberry was
Operations Manager of Sears Logistics Services (SLS) distribution center in
Delano, CA which serviced approximately one third of Sears U.S. retail stores.
From 1991 to January 1993, Mr. Marksberry served as National Manager of Sears
Store Support Transportation, where he supervised the liquidation of the Sears
support fleet.
 
  GEORGE J. MOLLO, JR. Mr. Mollo has served as Vice President of Merchandise
Operations and Inventory Control since September 1997. From January 1997 to
September 1997, Mr. Mollo worked as an inventory operations consultant. From
May 1996 to January 1997, Mr. Mollo was Director of Merchandise Planning and
Operations of Time Warner Music Sound Exchange. From January 1994 to December
1995, he was Director of Merchandise Operations of Disney Direct, Inc. From
1985 to 1993, he served in various capacities at J. Crew Group Inc., including
as Vice President of Merchandise Planning and Inventory Operations of J. Crew,
Inc. from November 1990 to December 1993.
 
  DOUGLAS S. ROSE. Mr. Rose has served as Vice President of Corporate
Development since he joined the Company in June 1996. From April 1995 to May
1996, Mr. Rose was an independent investment banker providing merger and
acquisition advisory services to middle-market companies. From June 1993 to
March 1995, Mr. Rose was Managing Director of Grendel Capital Co., a private
investment firm. From March 1989 to June 1993, Mr. Rose was Vice President of
Niederhoffer and Niederhoffer, Inc., a merger and acquisition advisory firm.
 
  MITCHEL E. ROTHSCHILD. Mr. Rothschild has served as Vice President of Sports
Marketing since February 1997 and served as a consultant to the Company from
November 1996 to February 1997. Mr. Rothschild was the General Manager of
Viewer's Edge from January 1991 to October 1996. From 1984 to 1991, Mr.
Rothschild served as Vice President of Prentice Hall Media, a direct marketer
of educational media. From 1979 to 1984, Mr. Rothschild served in the
Circulation Department at Time Inc. and became Circulation Director in 1984.
 
  STEPHEN H. SAMUELS. Mr. Samuels has served as Vice President of Alternate
Media since he joined the Company in July 1996. From 1989 to 1996, Mr. Samuels
served as President of NMI, a television production company. Mr. Samuels was
an executive producer of television programming and documentary features that
have won awards including the Academy Award.
 
  MONICA E. SCHULZE-HODGES. Ms. Schulze-Hodges has served as Vice President of
Marketing since April 1996. From October 1991 to February 1996, she served in
various capacities, including as Vice President of Marketing, at PaperDirect.
From June 1985 to August 1989, Ms. Schulze-Hodges served in various
capacities, including as Vice President of Retail and Mail Order, for
Inkadinkado, a manufacturer/distributor of decorative rubber stamps.
 
  CHARLES S. SILVER. Mr. Silver has served as Vice President of Gifts and
Collectibles since May 1997. Mr. Silver was Senior Vice President and General
Manager of Time Warner Music Sound Exchange Catalog from January 1996 to March
1997. From October 1991 to December 1995, Mr. Silver served in various
capacities, including as Vice President and General Manager, of Disney Direct,
Inc., which included the Disney catalog, Play Clothes, Child Craft and Just
Kids catalogs. From October 1984 to October 1991, Mr. Silver served in various
capacities at J. Crew, including as Vice President of Marketing.
 
                                      47
<PAGE>
 
  EDWARD D. WALLO. Mr. Wallo has served as Vice President of International
since November 1996. From July 1994 to October 1996, Mr. Wallo worked as an
international marketing consultant. From 1977 to 1994 (with the exception of
1982 to 1984), Mr. Wallo served in various capacities, including as Country
General Manager and Vice President of Marketing, at Inmac Corp., a business-
to-business catalog company, and resided in six countries: the United Kingdom,
France, Germany, Italy, Japan and the U.S.
 
COMMITTEES OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
 
  The Company's Board of Directors has an Executive Committee and a
Compensation Committee. Subject to the supervision of the Board of Directors,
the Executive Committee is responsible for the operations of the Company in
the ordinary course of business. The Executive Committee is composed of
Messrs. Struhl, Cohen, Sable and Wiederecht. The Compensation Committee is
responsible for reviewing and establishing the compensation structure for the
Company's officers and directors, including salary rates, participation in
incentive compensation and benefit plans, 401(k) plans, stock option and
purchase plans and other forms of compensation, and, after the effective date
of the initial registration of the Company's Common Stock under Section 12(g)
of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the "Securities Exchange Act"),
administering the Company's Stock Option/Stock Issuance Plan. See "--Stock
Option and Incentive Plans." The Compensation Committee is composed of Messrs.
Struhl and Wiederecht.
 
  Subsequent to this offering, the Board of Directors will establish an Audit
Committee. The Audit Committee will be comprised solely of independent
directors and will be responsible for recommending the firm to be appointed as
independent accountants to audit the Company's financial statements,
discussing the scope and results of the audit with the independent
accountants, reviewing the functions of the Company's management and
independent accountants with respect to the Company's financial statements and
performing such other related duties and functions as are deemed appropriate
by the Audit Committee and the Board of Directors.
 
DIRECTORS COMPENSATION
 
  No compensation has been paid by the Company to its directors prior to this
offering. Upon completion of the offering, directors who are not employees of
the Company will receive compensation to be determined by the Board of
Directors.
 
                                      48
<PAGE>
 
EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
 
  The following table summarizes all compensation paid to the Company's Chief
Executive Officer and to the Company's four most highly compensated executive
officers other than the Chief Executive Officer whose total annual salaries
and bonuses exceeded $100,000 for services rendered in all capacities to the
Company during Fiscal 1997. Fiscal 1997 covers the period from March 30, 1997
through March 28, 1998.
 
                          SUMMARY COMPENSATION TABLE
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                    LONG-TERM
                                                   COMPENSATION
                               ANNUAL COMPENSATION    AWARDS
                               --------------------------------
                                                    SECURITIES
                                                    UNDERLYING     ALL OTHER
 NAME AND PRINCIPAL POSITION    SALARY     BONUS   OPTIONS (#)  COMPENSATION (1)
 ---------------------------   ---------- --------------------- ----------------
<S>                            <C>        <C>      <C>          <C>
Warren Struhl
 Chief Executive Officer ....    $300,000      --    137,500        $16,205
Hunter Cohen
 Chief Operating Officer.....     300,000      --    137,500         18,765
David Sable
 Chief Marketing Officer.....     300,000      --    137,500         22,289
Barry Curtis
 Chief Financial Officer(2)..     183,333 $  5,000       --           3,147
Raphael Grunfeld
 General Counsel.............     175,000    5,000       --          10,583
</TABLE>
- --------
(1) Includes (a) Company contributions under the Company's 401(k) Plan of
    $1,731 for each of Messrs. Struhl, Cohen and Sable and of $4,750 for Mr.
    Grunfeld, (b) Company payments of health insurance premiums of $4,309 for
    each of Messrs. Struhl, Cohen, Sable and Grunfeld and of $3,147 for Mr.
    Curtis and (c) Company payments of premiums on life insurance of $10,165
    for Mr. Struhl, $12,725 for Mr. Cohen, $16,249 for Mr. Sable and $1,525
    for Mr. Grunfeld, the value of each of which belongs in part to the
    Company and in part to the individuals.
(2) Mr. Curtis resigned as Chief Financial Officer of the Company in January
    1998. Ronald Benanto has served as Chief Financial Officer of the Company
    since February 1998.
 
                       OPTION GRANTS IN LAST FISCAL YEAR
 
  The following table sets forth information concerning stock options granted
to each of the executives named in the Summary Compensation Table during
Fiscal 1997:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                          POTENTIAL REALIZABLE
                                                                                            VALUE AT ASSUMED
                                                                                             ANNUAL RATES OF
                                                                                               STOCK PRICE
                         NUMBER OF SHARES   PERCENTAGE OF                                   APPRECIATION FOR
NAME                        UNDERLYING     OPTIONS GRANTED                                   OPTION TERM(2)
- ----                         OPTIONS         TO EMPLOYEES    EXERCISE PRICE  EXPIRATION   ---------------------
                             GRANTED      DURING FISCAL YEAR   PER SHARE        DATE         5%         10%
                         ---------------- ------------------ -------------- ------------- --------- -----------
<S>                      <C>              <C>                <C>            <C>           <C>       <C>
Warren Struhl...........    137,500(1)          12.5%            $16.36     March 2, 2008  $193,342  $1,640,614
Hunter Cohen............    137,500(1)          12.5%             16.36     March 2, 2008   193,342   1,640,614
David Sable.............    137,500(1)          12.5%             16.36     March 2, 2008   193,342   1,640,614
</TABLE>
- --------
(1) This option becomes fully exercisable on March 2, 1999.
(2) The amounts shown in these columns represent the potential realizable
    values using the options granted and the exercise price. The assumed rates
    of stock price appreciation are set by the Securities and Exchange
    Commission's executive compensation disclosure rules and are not intended
    to forecast appreciation of the Common Stock.
 
                                      49
<PAGE>
 
  Upon the consummation of this offering, the Company will grant to each of
Messrs. Struhl, Cohen and Sable options to purchase a total of 385,000 shares
of Common Stock as follows: (1) options to purchase 165,000 shares with an
exercise price equal to the greater of $23.64 and the Price to Public shown on
the cover page of this Prospectus, exercisable on March 2, 2000 and (2)
options to purchase 220,000 shares with an exercise price equal to the greater
of $30.91 and the Price to Public shown on the cover page of this Prospectus
exercisable on March 2, 2001.
 
                         FISCAL YEAR-END OPTION VALUES
 
  To date, no options have been exercised by the executives named in the
Summary Compensation Table. The following table sets forth certain information
concerning the number of shares covered by both exercisable and unexercisable
stock options as of March 31, 1998. Also reported are values of "in-the-money"
options that represent the positive spread between the respective exercise
prices of outstanding stock options and the fair market value of the Company's
Common Stock as of March 31, 1998.
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                             NUMBER OF SHARES SUBJECT    VALUE OF IN-THE-MONEY
                             TO UNEXERCISED OPTIONS AT  OPTIONS AT FISCAL YEAR
                                  FISCAL YEAR-END               END(1)
                             ------------------------- -------------------------
NAME                         EXERCISABLE UNEXERCISABLE EXERCISABLE UNEXERCISABLE
- ----                         ----------- ------------- ----------- -------------
<S>                          <C>         <C>           <C>         <C>
Warren Struhl...............        0       137,500         $0           $0
Hunter Cohen................        0       137,500          0            0
David Sable.................        0       137,500          0            0
Barry Curtis................    5,500             0          0            0
Raphael Grunfeld............    5,500        22,000          0            0
</TABLE>
- --------
(1) Based on estimated fair market value of $10.91 per share on March 31,
1998.
 
 
EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENTS
 
  The Company has entered into employment agreements (the "Employment
Agreements") with Warren Struhl, David Sable and Hunter Cohen (the "Senior
Executives") to serve as Chief Executive Officer, Chief Marketing Officer and
Chief Operating Officer, respectively, from March 1, 1998 through February 28,
2001. The term of the Employment Agreements will be extended automatically for
additional one-year periods on March 1 of each year beginning in 1999, unless
the Company provides notice of termination at least 90 days prior to any such
extension date. In addition, the Employment Agreements will remain in effect
for at least 24 months following a Change of Control (as defined in the
Employment Agreements). The Company has agreed to nominate each of the Senior
Executives as a director of the Company during the period from March 1, 1998
through February 28, 2001.
 
  Pursuant to the Employment Agreements, each of the Senior Executives
receives an annual base salary of $300,000, increasing to $400,000 upon the
consummation of this offering, subject to annual review and increase. In
addition, (1) each Senior Executive is entitled to receive a bonus of up to
50% of his annual base salary depending on performance results and (2) the
Company pays annual premiums on split-dollar life insurance policies in the
amount of $4,000,000 for each of the Senior Executives. The Employment
Agreements further provide for grants to each of the Senior Executives of
options to purchase 522,500 shares of Common Stock as described above under
the heading "Option Grants in Last Fiscal Year."
 
  If a Senior Executive's employment is terminated either by the Company
without Cause (as defined in the Employment Agreements) or by such Senior
Executive for Good Reason (as defined in the Employment Agreements), the
Company shall pay to such Senior Executive two times the Senior Executive's
annual base salary plus two times the highest annual bonus paid to the Senior
Executive during the 36-month period ending the date of termination.
 
                                      50
<PAGE>
 
  If the Senior Executive's employment is terminated by the Company for Cause,
or by the Senior Executive without Good Reason, then for a period of one year
after the termination of his employment, the Senior Executive may not engage
in any business which competes with the business conducted by the Company.
 
  If the Senior Executive terminates his employment with the Company without
Good Reason, then for a period of two years after such termination, or for a
period of one year after his employment is terminated for any other reason,
the Senior Executive may not solicit or hire any employee of the Company.
 
STOCK OPTION PLAN
 
  The Board of Directors and the Company's stockholders adopted the Genesis
Direct Long-Term Incentive Plan in February 1997, and adopted amendments to
such plan in December 1997 and April 1998 (as so amended, the "Option Plan").
As of the consummation of this offering, a total of 4,125,000 shares of Common
Stock will be reserved for issuance upon exercise of outstanding options under
the Option Plan. The purpose of the Option Plan is to attract and retain
qualified personnel and to provide additional incentive to executive and other
key employees of the Company.
 
  The Option Plan provides for the granting to executives and other key
employees of the Company incentive stock options intended to qualify under
Section 422 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, and non-
qualified stock options, stock appreciation rights, restricted stock,
performance shares and units and other stock-based awards. To date, the
Company has granted only incentive stock options and non-qualified stock
options under the Option Plan. The Option Plan is administered by the
Compensation Committee which determines the terms of the options granted under
the Option Plan, including the exercise price, number of shares subject to the
option and exercisability. The exercise price may not be less than the fair
market value as of the date of grant of the shares subject to option and the
term of the option may not exceed ten years. Generally, unless the
Compensation Committee otherwise determines, no option may be transferred by
the optionee other than by will or the laws of descent or distribution. Each
option may be exercised during the lifetime of the optionee only by the
optionee.
 
  As of April 15, 1998, options to purchase 1,598,162 shares of Common Stock
were outstanding under the Option Plan at a weighted average exercise price of
$12.32 per share.
 
1998 EMPLOYEE STOCK PURCHASE PLAN
   
  The Company's proposed 1998 Employee Stock Purchase Plan (the "Stock
Purchase Plan"), was approved by the Board of Directors and the Company's
stockholders in April 1998. The Stock Purchase Plan is intended to qualify as
an "employee stock purchase plan" under Section 423 of the Code in order to
provide employees of the Company with an opportunity to purchase Common Stock
through payroll deductions. An aggregate of 250,000 shares of Common Stock has
been reserved for purchase under the Stock Purchase Plan, subject to
adjustment in the event of a stock split, stock dividend or other similar
change in the Common Stock or the capital structure of the Company. All
employees of the Company (and employees of "subsidiary corporations" of the
Company (as defined in the Code) designated by the administrator of the Stock
Purchase Plan) whose customary employment is for more than five months in a
calendar year and 20 hours per week are eligible to participate in the Stock
Purchase Plan, subject to a six month waiting period after hiring. Non-
employee directors and consultants, as well as employees who are subject to
the rules or laws of a foreign jurisdiction that prohibit or make impractical
the participation in the Stock Purchase Plan, are not eligible to participate
in the Stock Purchase Plan.     
   
  The Stock Purchase Plan designates Offer Periods and Exercise Dates. During
an Offer Period, participating employees may use payroll deductions to create
a fund that will be applied to purchase shares of Common Stock. Offer Periods
are periods of up to 27 months in duration. The initial Offer Period may begin
on the date of this Prospectus. Additional Offer Periods may commence from
time to time thereafter and may overlap an Offer period already in progress.
"Exercise Dates" are the dates on which the funds accumulated during the Offer
Period are applied to purchase Common Stock. Exercise Dates occur at six-month
intervals.     
 
                                      51
<PAGE>
 
   
  On the first day of each Offer Period, a participating employee is granted
the right to purchase shares of Common Stock. During the Offer Period,
deductions are made from the pay of participants in amounts authorized by them
up to a statutory limit, and are credited to their accounts under the Stock
Purchase Plan. On each Exercise Date, the funds in the participant's account
are used to purchase shares of Common Stock. The price per share of such
Common Stock is determined using a formula established before the beginning of
the Offer Period, and is a percentage between 85% and 100% of the fair market
value of the Common Stock on the first day of the Offer Period or the Exercise
Date or at such percentage of the lesser of the price on both such dates. The
participant's purchase right is exercised in this manner on every Exercise
Date arising in the Offer Period unless the participant withdraws from the
Stock Purchase Plan before that date.     
   
  Payroll deductions may range from 1% to 10% (in whole percentage increments)
of a participant's regular base pay, exclusive of bonuses, overtime, shift-
premiums or commissions. Participants may not make direct cash payments to
their accounts. The maximum amount of shares of Common Stock that a
participant may purchase under the Stock Purchase Plan during the calendar
year is $25,000.     
   
  The Stock Purchase Plan will be administered by the Board of Directors or a
committee designated by the Board, which will have the authority to terminate
or amend the Stock Purchase Plan (subject to specified restrictions) and
otherwise to administer the Stock Purchase Plan and to resolve all questions
relating to the administration of the Stock Purchase Plan. In the event of a
merger of the Company with or into another corporation, the sale of
substantially all of the assets of the Company, or certain other transactions
in which the stockholders of the Company before the transaction own less than
50% of the total combined voting power of the Company's outstanding securities
following the transaction, the administrator of the Stock Purchase Plan may
elect to shorten the Offer Period then in progress.     
 
COMPENSATION COMMITTEE INTERLOCKS AND INSIDER PARTICIPATION
 
  The Chairman of the Compensation Committee is Mr. Struhl, who is Chairman of
the Board of Directors, President and Chief Executive Officer of the Company.
No other member of the Compensation Committee was at any time during the
fiscal year ended March 29, 1997, or at any other time, an officer or employee
of the Company.
 
                                      52
<PAGE>
 
                CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS
 
  On June 25, 1996, the Company entered into a Note and Stock Purchase
Agreement (as amended, the "Note and Stock Purchase Agreement") with GEIPPP II
and GDLP. Pursuant to the Note and Stock Purchase Agreement, between June 1996
and April 1997, the Company issued (i) to GEIPPP II, an aggregate of 2,750,000
shares of Common Stock and $30.0 million principal amount of Debentures, in
consideration of $40.0 million in cash and (ii) to GDLP, an aggregate of
6,105,000 shares of Common Stock, in consideration of $20.0 million in cash
and $2.2 million in value by contribution of GDLP's interest in Genesis Direct
L.L.C., the Company's predecessor. Upon consummation of this offering, $9.75
million principal amount of GEIPPP II's Debentures will be converted into
2,331,521 shares of Common Stock and approximately $28.3 million from the
proceeds of this offering will be used to redeem the remaining amount of the
Debentures. Following such conversion and redemption, the Company will no
longer have any obligations under the Debentures, but GEIPPP II will continue
to be a principal stockholder of the Company.
 
  On September 30, 1997, the Company entered into a Stock Purchase Agreement
("Stock Purchase Agreement") with certain investors, including GEIPPP II,
GDLP, Genesis Direct II, L.P. ("GDLP II"), First Union Capital Partners, Inc.
("First Union"), Strategic Investment Partners, Ltd. and Invemed Associates,
Inc., one of the underwriters of this offering, pursuant to which such
investors purchased an aggregate of 71,358 shares of Series A Preferred Stock
from the Company for an aggregate purchase price of $71,358,000. The Stock
Purchase Agreement contemplated the sale of additional shares of Series A
Preferred Stock. On December 29, 1997, the Stock Purchase Agreement was
supplemented to reflect the sale by the Company of an additional 22,942 shares
of Series A Preferred Stock for an aggregate purchase price of $22,942,000 to
certain investors, including the Warren Struhl Family Partnership and Genesis
Acquisition Corp., an affiliate of Bear, Stearns & Co. Inc., one of the
underwriters of this offering. The 94,300 shares of Series A Preferred Stock
issued pursuant to the Stock Purchase Agreement will automatically convert
into 8,644,156 shares of Common Stock immediately prior to consummation of
this offering.
   
  During April 1998, the Company issued to GEIPPP II Bridge Notes in the
amount of $7.65 million (with original issue discount of $300,000). The
Company will use approximately $7.75 million of the net proceeds of this
offering to prepay the entire $7.65 million principal amount of the Bridge
Notes, together with accrued interest thereon at a rate of 15% per annum.     
 
   As noted above, GDLP, a principal stockholder of the Company, owns
6,105,000 shares of Common Stock. In addition, GDLP owns 2,732 shares of
Series A Preferred Stock which will automatically be converted into 250,433
shares of Common Stock upon consummation of this offering. Pursuant to the
GDLP partnership agreement, Genesis Direct Management LLC ("GD Management"),
the general partner of GDLP, has voting power over all of the shares of stock
owned by GDLP. The voting members of GD Management are Warren Struhl, Hunter
Cohen, David Sable, Ted Struhl, the Warren Struhl Family Partnership and the
Ted Struhl Family Partnership. Warren Struhl, Hunter Cohen and David Sable are
directors and executive officers of the Company, Ted Struhl is Warren Struhl's
brother, Warren Struhl is the managing partner of the Warren Struhl Family
Partnership and Ted Struhl is the managing partner of the Ted Struhl Family
Partnership.
 
  GD Management is also the general partner of GDLP II, which owns 8,709
shares of Series A Preferred Stock which will automatically be converted into
798,325 shares of Common Stock immediately prior to consummation of this
offering. Pursuant to the GDLP II partnership agreement, GD Management has
voting power over all of the shares of stock owned by GDLP II.
 
  David Wiederecht and Edward Spiegel, directors of the Company, were
designated as directors by GEIPPP II pursuant to the Note and Stock Purchase
Agreement. Mr. Wiederecht is Vice President--Investments for the Investment
Division of General Electric Company, an affiliate of GE. Mr. Spiegel is a
limited partner of The Goldman Sachs Group, L.P., which is an affiliate of
Goldman, Sachs & Co., one of the underwriters of this offering. The Company
and GEIPPP II have agreed that, following the consummation of this offering
and for so long as GEIPPP II continues to own certain threshold amounts of
shares of the Company, GEIPPP II may continue to designate two nominees to the
Board of Directors.
 
                                      53
<PAGE>
 
                      PRINCIPAL AND SELLING STOCKHOLDERS
 
  The following table sets forth, as of April 15, 1998, except as otherwise
provided, information with respect to beneficial ownership of the Common Stock
by (i) each director, (ii) each executive officer named in the Summary
Compensation Table under "Management", (iii) the executive officers and
directors as a group and (iv) each person known to the Company who
beneficially owns 5% or more of the outstanding shares of the Common Stock.
Unless otherwise indicated, each of the stockholders has sole voting and
investment power with respect to the shares beneficially owned. Unless
otherwise indicated, the address of each person listed below is c/o Genesis
Direct, Inc., 100 Plaza Drive, Secaucus, NJ 07094.
 
<TABLE>   
<CAPTION>
                              SHARES BENEFICIALLY          SHARES BENEFICIALLY
                                  OWNED BEFORE                 OWNED AFTER
                                  THE OFFERING                 THE OFFERING
                              -------------------- SHARES  --------------------
NAME OF BENEFICIAL OWNER       NUMBER   PERCENTAGE  SOLD    NUMBER   PERCENTAGE
- ------------------------      --------- ---------- ------- --------- ----------
<S>                           <C>       <C>        <C>     <C>       <C>
GE Investment Private
 Placement Partners II, a
 Limited Partnership(1).....  8,117,979    40.1%       --  8,117,979    28.1%
Genesis Direct, L.P.(2)(3)..  6,355,433    36.1    683,192 3,000,533    10.5
Genesis Direct II,
 L.P.(2)(3).................    798,325     4.5     48,686       --      --
Genesis Direct Management
 L.L.C.(2)(3)...............  7,153,758    40.6        --  3,760,236    13.1
First Union Capital Part-
 ners, Inc.(6)..............  1,100,000     6.2        --  1,100,000     3.8
Genesis Acquisition
 Corp.(7)...................  1,375,000     7.8        --  1,375,000     4.8
Strategic Investment Part-
 ners Ltd.(8)...............  1,358,041     7.7    679,020   679,021     2.4
Stan Druckenmiller(9).......      9,166       *      4,583     4,583       *
Arminio Fraga(9)............      2,291       *      1,145     1,146       *
Gerald Kerner(9)............      1,375       *        687       688       *
Paul McNulty(9).............      2,291       *      1,145     1,146       *
Sean Warren(9)..............      1,833       *        916       917       *
WERCO--Genesis Direct
 L.L.C.(9)..................     75,808       *     18,221    57,587       *
NATC Holding Company,
 Ltd.(9)....................     18,333       *     18,333       --      --
Mark Graham(9)..............     91,666       *     91,666       --      --
Ted Struhl(3)(4)............  1,448,636     8.2        --    761,448     2.7
Warren Struhl(3)(4)(5)......  2,723,436    15.5        --  1,431,522     4.9
Hunter Cohen(3)(4)(5).......  1,100,963     6.2        --    578,700     2.0
David Sable(3)(4)(5)........  1,100,963     6.2        --    578,700     2.0
Raphael Grunfeld(3)(10).....      6,397       *        --      6,397       *
Barry Curtis(11)............      5,500       *        --      5,500       *
Edward Spiegel..............        --      --         --        --      --
David Wiederecht(1).........        --      --         --        --      --
All current officers and
 directors as a group
 (7 persons)(3)(4)(5).......  4,936,362    28.0        --  2,600,845     9.1
</TABLE>    
- --------
*Less than 1%.
(1) Includes (1) 30,125 shares of Series A Preferred Stock which will be
    converted into 2,761,458 shares of Common Stock immediately prior to the
    consummation of this offering, (2) warrants to purchase 275,000 shares of
    Common Stock which are currently exercisable and (3) 2,331,521 shares of
    Common Stock which will be issued upon the conversion of a portion of the
    Debentures immediately prior to the consummation of this offering. Mr.
    Wiederecht, a Director of the Company, is an officer of an affiliate of
    GEIPPP II. Mr. Wiederecht disclaims beneficial ownership of the shares
    owned by GEIPPP II. The address of GEIPPP II is c/o GE Investment
    Management Incorporated, General Electric Investment Corporation, 3003
    Summer Street, Stamford, CT 06904.
(2) The shares beneficially owned before this offering (a) by GDLP include
    2,732 shares of Series A Preferred Stock, which will be converted into
    250,433 shares of Common Stock, and (b) by GDLP II consist of 2,903 shares
    of Series A Preferred Stock, which will be converted into 798,325 shares
    of Common Stock, such conversions to be effective immediately prior to the
    consummation of this offering. GD Management is the
 
                                      54
<PAGE>
 
   General Partner of each of GDLP and GDLP II as well as a limited partner of
   GDLP. By virtue of its position as General Partner of GDLP and GDLP II, GD
   Management may be deemed to beneficially own all of the shares owned by
   GDLP and GDLP II.
   
 (3) In connection with this offering, GDLP is distributing a portion of its
     interest, and GDLP II is distributing all of its interest, in the Common
     Stock on a pro rata basis to its respective partners, who have been
     granted the right to have GDLP and GDLP II sell in this offering all of
     the shares they would receive in such distribution and receive the
     proceeds in cash. Of the 3,354,900 shares of Common Stock being
     distributed to the partners of GDLP, 683,192 shares are being sold in
     this offering, and of the 798,325 shares of Common Stock being
     distributed to the partners of GDLP II, 48,686 shares are being sold in
     this offering. GD Management has elected to retain all of the shares of
     Common Stock it will receive in the distribution.     
 (4) The voting members of GD Management are Warren Struhl, Hunter Cohen,
     David Sable, Ted Struhl, and certain family trusts and partnerships of
     such persons. By virtue of their voting interests in GD Management, each
     of Warren Struhl, Hunter Cohen, David Sable and Ted Struhl may be deemed
     to beneficially own that portion of the total number of shares of Common
     Stock held by GDLP and GDLP II equal to his percentage interest in GD
     Management. However, each of them disclaims beneficial ownership of the
     shares beneficially owned by the other partners of GDLP and GDLP II.
   
 (5) Messrs. Struhl, Sable and Cohen are not selling any shares in this
     offering. The reduction in their beneficial ownership after the offering
     is due to the distribution of shares by GDLP and GDLP II. As described
     above, through their respective interests in GD Management, Messrs.
     Struhl, Sable and Cohen have voting and dispositive rights over certain
     of the shares held by GDLP and GDLP II (including those that are
     beneficially owned by the other partners of GDLP and GDLP II).
     Accordingly, when shares are distributed by GDLP and GDLP II, Messrs.
     Struhl, Sable and Cohen will have voting and dispositive rights with
     respect to fewer shares. However, their pecuniary interest in the Company
     will not change as a result of such distribution.     
 (6) The number of shares beneficially owned before this offering consists of
     12,000 shares of Series A Preferred Stock which will be converted into
     1,100,000 shares of Common Stock immediately prior to the consummation of
     this offering. The address of First Union Capital Partners, Inc. is One
     First Union Center, 301 S. College Street, 5th Floor, Charlotte, NC
     28288-0732.
 (7) The number of shares beneficially owned before this offering consists of
     15,000 shares of Series A Preferred Stock which will be converted into
     1,375,000 shares of Common Stock immediately prior to the consummation of
     this offering. The address of Genesis Acquisition Corp. is c/o Bear,
     Stearns & Co. Inc., 245 Park Avenue, New York, NY 10167.
 (8) The number of shares beneficially owned before this offering consists of
     14,815 shares of Series A Preferred Stock which will be converted into
     1,358,041 shares of Common Stock immediately prior to the consummation of
     this offering. The address of Strategic Investments is c/o Curacao
     International Trust Company N.V., Kaya Flamboyan 9, Willemstad, Curacao,
     Netherlands Antilles.
   
 (9) For each of Stan Druckenmiller, Arminio Fraga, Gerald Kerner, Paul
     McNulty, Sean Warren, WERCO--Genesis Direct L.L.C., NATC Holding Company,
     Ltd. and Mark Graham, the number of shares listed consists of shares of
     Series A Preferred Stock which will be converted into shares of Common
     Stock immediately prior to the consummation of this offering.     
   
(10) Consists of (1) 5,500 shares of Common Stock issuable upon the exercise
     of currently exercisable options granted to Mr. Grunfeld and (2) pursuant
     to Mr. Grunfeld's limited partnership interest in GDLP, 897 shares of
     Common Stock owned by GDLP prior to this offering, of which 554 will be
     distributed to Mr. Grunfeld as shares upon the consummation of this
     offering. Mr. Grunfeld disclaims beneficial ownership of the shares owned
     by GDLP.     
   
(11) Consists of 5,500 shares of Common Stock issuable upon the exercise of
     currently exercisable options granted to Mr. Curtis.     
 
                                      55
<PAGE>
 
                         DESCRIPTION OF CAPITAL STOCK
 
  Prior to the consummation of this offering, the Company's Certificate of
Incorporation and By-laws will be amended and restated in their entirety. The
following description of the Company's capital stock and certain provisions of
such Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation (the "Restated
Certificate of Incorporation") and such Amended and Restated By-laws (the
"Restated By-laws") is qualified in its entirety by the provisions of such
Certificate of Incorporation and such By-laws (which are included as exhibits
to the Registration Statement of which this Prospectus is a part).
 
  Immediately prior to the consummation of this offering, the Company will
effect a 275-for-1 stock split of its current outstanding Common Stock. The
Restated Certificate of Incorporation authorizes 275,000,000 shares of Common
Stock, par value $0.01 per share, and 500,000 shares of preferred stock, par
value $0.01 per share (the "Preferred Stock").
 
COMMON STOCK
 
  There will be 28,652,741 shares of Common Stock outstanding upon completion
of this offering.
 
  All outstanding shares of Common Stock are, and the shares offered hereby
will be, fully paid and nonassessable. The holders of Common Stock are
entitled to one vote for each share held of record on all matters voted upon
by stockholders and may not cumulate votes. Thus, the owners of a majority of
the Common Stock outstanding may elect all of the directors if they choose to
do so, and the owners of the balance of such shares would not be able to elect
any directors. Subject to the rights of holders of any future series of
undesignated Preferred Stock that may be designated, each share of outstanding
Common Stock is entitled to participate equally in any distribution of net
assets made to the stockholders in a liquidation, dissolution or winding up of
the Company and is entitled to participate equally in dividends as and when
declared by the Board of Directors. There are no redemption, sinking fund,
conversion or preemptive rights with respect to the shares of Common Stock.
All shares of Common Stock have equal rights and preferences.
 
PREFERRED STOCK
 
  The Board of Directors is authorized, subject to certain limitations
prescribed by law, without further stockholder approval, to issue from time to
time up to an aggregate of 500,000 shares of Preferred Stock in one or more
series with such designations and such powers, preferences and rights, and
such qualifications, limitations or restrictions (which may differ with
respect to each series) as the Board of Directors may fix by resolution.
 
  The Board of Directors is empowered to set the terms of such shares
(including terms with respect to redemption, sinking fund, dividend,
liquidation, preemptive, conversion and voting rights and preferences).
Accordingly, the Board of Directors, without stockholder approval, may issue
shares of Preferred Stock with terms that could adversely affect the voting
power and other rights of holders of Common Stock.
 
  On September 29, 1997, the Company filed a Certificate of Designation
designating Series A Preferred Stock. In September and December 1997, the
Company issued 94,300 shares of Series A Preferred Stock, all of which will
convert automatically upon the consummation of this offering into an aggregate
of 8,644,156 shares of Common Stock. Accordingly, upon the consummation of
this offering, no shares of Preferred Stock will be outstanding, and the
Company has no present plans to issue any shares of Preferred Stock.
 
LIMITATION OF LIABILITY AND INDEMNIFICATION MATTERS
 
  The Restated Certificate of Incorporation limits the liability of directors
to the maximum extent permitted by Delaware law. Delaware law provides that
directors of a company will not be personally liable to the company or its
stockholders for monetary damages for breach of their fiduciary duties as
directors, except liability for (i) any breach of their duty of loyalty to the
company or its stockholders, (ii) acts or omissions not in good faith or
 
                                      56
<PAGE>
 
which involve intentional misconduct or a knowing violation of law, (iii)
unlawful payments of dividends or unlawful stock repurchases or redemptions or
(iv) any transaction from which the directors derived an improper personal
benefit. The Restated Certificate of Incorporation also provides that the
Company shall indemnify any director or officer to the maximum extent provided
by Delaware law, and that such right of indemnification shall continue as to a
person who has ceased to be a director or officer of the Company.
Responsibility for determinations with respect to such indemnification will be
made by the Board of Directors. In addition the Company intends to enter into
indemnity agreements (the "Indemnity Agreements") with its directors and
officers that further indemnifies them to the maximum extent permitted by
Delaware law.
 
  The limited liability provisions in the Restated Certificate of
Incorporation with respect to directors, and the indemnification provisions
with respect to directors and officers in the Restated Certificate of
Incorporation and pursuant to the Indemnity Agreements may discourage
stockholders from bringing a lawsuit against directors for breach of their
fiduciary duty and also may have the effect of reducing the likelihood of
derivative litigation against directors and officers, even though such an
action, if successful, might otherwise have benefited the Company and its
stockholders. Furthermore, a stockholder's investment in the Company may be
adversely affected to the extent that costs of settlement and damage awards
against the Company's directors and officers are paid by the Company pursuant
to the indemnification provisions contained in the Restated Certificate of
Incorporation described above.
 
CERTAIN PROVISIONS OF DELAWARE LAW AND CERTAIN CERTIFICATE OF INCORPORATION
AND BY-LAW PROVISIONS
 
  THE DELAWARE BUSINESS COMBINATION ACT. Upon completion of this offering, the
Company will be subject to Section 203 (the "Delaware Business Combination
Act") of the General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware ("DGCL") which
imposes a three-year moratorium on business combinations between a Delaware
corporation whose stock generally is publicly traded or held of record by more
than 2,000 stockholders and an "interested stockholder" (in general,
stockholder owning 15% or more of a corporation's outstanding voting stock) or
an affiliate or associate thereof unless (a) prior to an interested
stockholder becoming such, the board of directors of the corporation approved
either the business combination or the transaction resulting in the interested
stockholder becoming such, (b) upon consummation of the transaction resulting
in an interested stockholder becoming such, the interested stockholder owns
85% of the voting stock outstanding at the time the transaction commenced
(excluding, from the calculation of outstanding shares, shares beneficially
owned by directors who are also officers and certain employee stock plans) or
(c) on or after an interested stockholder becomes such, the business
combination is approved by (i) the board of directors and (ii) holders of at
least 66 2/3% of the outstanding shares (other than those shares beneficially
owned by the interested stockholder) at a meeting of stockholders. The term
"business combination" is defined generally to include mergers or
consolidations between a Delaware corporation and an "interested stockholder"
involving the assets or stock of the corporation or its majority-owned
subsidiaries and transactions which increase an "interested stockholder's"
percentage ownership of stock.
 
  SUPERMAJORITY VOTING REQUIREMENTS. The Restated Certificate of Incorporation
and Restated By-laws provide that certain provisions in the Restated
Certificate of Incorporation and Restated By-laws may not be amended, altered,
changed or repealed in any respect, and new provisions inconsistent therewith
may not be adopted unless such action is approved by the affirmative vote of
the holders of at least eighty percent (80%) of the votes represented by the
outstanding shares of capital stock of the Company entitled to vote in the
election of Directors.
 
  ADVANCE NOTICE PROVISIONS. The Restated By-laws establish an advance notice
procedure for stockholders to make nominations of candidates for election as
directors or to bring other business before an annual meeting of stockholders
of the Company. The Restated By-laws provide that only persons who are
nominated by, or at the direction of, the Board of Directors, or by a
stockholder who has given timely written notice to the Secretary of the
Company prior to the meeting at which directors are to be elected, will be
eligible for election as directors of the Company. Under the Restated By-laws,
for notice of stockholder nominations to
 
                                      57
<PAGE>
 
be made at an annual meeting to be timely, such notice must be received by the
Company not less than 60 days nor more than 90 days prior to the anniversary
date of the immediately preceding annual meeting of stockholders or, in the
event that the annual meeting is called for a date that is not within 30 days
before or after such anniversary date, notice by the stockholder to be timely
must be received not later than the close of business on the tenth day
following the day on which such notice of the date of the annual meeting was
mailed or such public disclosure was made. Under the Restated By-laws, a
stockholder's notice must also contain certain information specified in the
Restated By-laws.
 
ANTI-TAKEOVER EFFECT OF CERTAIN PROVISIONS OF THE CERTIFICATE OF INCORPORATION
AND BY-LAWS
 
  Certain provisions of the Restated Certificate of Incorporation and Restated
By-laws and the DGCL, summarized in the following paragraphs, could discourage
potential acquisition proposals and could delay or prevent a change in control
of the Company. These provisions are intended to enhance the likelihood of
continuity and stability in the composition of the Board of Directors and in
the policies formulated by the Board of Directors and to discourage certain
types of transactions that may involve an actual or threatened change of
control of the Company, such as an unsolicited acquisition proposal. Because
these provisions could have the effect of discouraging a third party from
acquiring control of the Company, they may inhibit fluctuations in the market
price of shares of Common Stock that could otherwise result from actual or
rumored takeover attempts and, therefore could deprive stockholders of an
opportunity to realize a takeover premium. These provisions also may have the
effect of limiting the price that certain investors might be willing to pay in
the future for shares of the Company's Common Stock and of preventing changes
in the management of the Company.
 
  CLASSIFIED BOARD OF DIRECTORS. The Restated Certificate of Incorporation
provides for the Board of Directors to be divided into three classes of
directors serving staggered three-year terms. As a result, approximately one-
third of the Board of Directors will be elected each year. Classification of
the Board of Directors expands the time required to change the composition of
a majority of directors and may tend to discourage a proxy contest or other
takeover bid for the Company. Moreover, under the DGCL in the case of a
corporation having a classified board of directors, the stockholders may
remove a director only for cause. In addition, the Restated By-laws provide
that any director or the entire Board of Directors may be removed from office
at any time, but only for cause and by the affirmative vote of at least a
majority of all of the outstanding shares of capital stock of the Company
entitled to vote in the election of directors at a meeting of stockholders
called for that purpose. These provisions, when coupled with the provisions of
the Restated By-laws authorizing (with a limited exception) only the Board of
Directors to fill vacant directorships, will preclude stockholders of the
Company from removing incumbent directors without cause, and simultaneously
gaining control of the Board of Directors by filling the vacancies with their
own nominees.
 
  PREFERRED STOCK. It is possible that the ability of the Board of Directors
to issue Preferred Stock may have the effect of discouraging attempts, through
the acquisition of a substantial number of shares of Common Stock, to acquire
control of the Company with a view to effecting a merger, sale or exchange of
assets or a similar transaction. For example, the Board of Directors could
issue such shares as a dividend to holders of Common Stock or place such
shares privately with purchasers who may side with the Board of Directors in
opposing a takeover bid. The anti-takeover effects of the undesignated
Preferred Stock may deny stockholders the receipt of a premium on their Common
Stock and may also have a depressive effect on the market price of the Common
Stock.
 
TRANSFER AGENT AND REGISTRAR
 
  The Transfer Agent and Registrar for the Common Stock is American Stock
Transfer & Trust Company.
 
                                      58
<PAGE>
 
                        SHARES ELIGIBLE FOR FUTURE SALE
 
  Prior to this offering, there has been no market for the Common Stock of the
Company. Future sales of substantial amounts of Common Stock in the public
market could adversely affect market prices prevailing from time to time.
Furthermore, since only a limited number of shares will be available for sale
shortly after this offering because of certain contractual and legal
restrictions on resale described below, sales of substantial amounts of Common
Stock of the Company in the public market after the restrictions lapse could
adversely affect the prevailing market price and the ability of the Company to
raise equity capital in the future.
 
  Upon completion of this offering, the Company will have outstanding an
aggregate of 28,652,741 shares of Common Stock, assuming no exercise of the
Underwriters' over-allotment option and no exercise of outstanding options. Of
these shares, all of the 10,125,000 shares sold in this offering will be
freely tradable without restriction or further registration under the
Securities Act, unless such shares are purchased by "affiliates" of the
Company, as that term is defined in Rule 144 under the Securities Act
("Affiliates"). The remaining 18,527,741 shares of Common Stock held by
existing stockholders are "restricted securities" as that term is defined in
Rule 144 under the Securities Act (the "Restricted Shares"). Restricted Shares
may be sold in the public market only if registered or if they qualify for an
exemption from registration under Rules 144, 144(k) or 701 promulgated under
the Securities Act, which rules are summarized below. Holders of substantially
all of those shares will have the right to request the registration of their
shares under the Securities Act following the completion of a period of 180
days after the date of this Prospectus, which, upon the effectiveness of such
registration, would permit the free transferability of such shares.
 
  In general, under Rule 144, beginning 90 days after the date of this
Prospectus, an Affiliate of the Company, or person (or persons whose shares
are aggregated) who has beneficially owned Restricted Shares for at least one
year, will be entitled to sell in any three-month period a number of shares
that does not exceed the greater of (i) one percent of the then outstanding
shares of the Company's Common Stock or (ii) the average weekly trading volume
of the Company's Common Stock in the Nasdaq Stock Market during the four
calendar weeks immediately preceding the date on which notice of the sale is
filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Sales pursuant to Rule 144
are subject to certain requirements relating to manner of sale, notice and
availability of current public information about the Company. A person (or
person whose shares are aggregated) who is not deemed to have been an
Affiliate of the Company at any time during the 90 days immediately preceding
the sale and who has beneficially owned Restricted Shares for at least two
years is entitled to sell such shares pursuant to Rule 144(k) without regard
to the limitations described above.
   
  The Company, its executive officers, key personnel, directors and all of its
current stockholders have agreed that, subject to certain exceptions, they
will not, without the prior written consent of Bear, Stearns & Co. Inc.,
directly or indirectly, sell, offer, contract to sell, transfer the economic
risk of ownership in, make any short sale, pledge or otherwise dispose of any
shares of Common Stock or any securities convertible into or exchangeable or
exercisable for or any other rights to purchase or acquire shares of Common
Stock owned by them during the 180-day period commencing on the date of this
Prospectus. The Company may, however, issue shares of Common Stock upon the
exercise of stock options that are currently outstanding, and may grant
additional options under the Option Plan. All of the Restricted Shares are
subject to the lock-up agreements described in this paragraph. Upon the
expiration of the lock-up period, 16,332,693 of the shares subject to such
lock-up agreements will be eligible for sale under Rule 144 subject to the
volume and other restrictions of Rule 144. The remaining 2,195,048 shares will
become eligible for sale pursuant to Rule 144 upon expiration of applicable
holding periods.     
 
  Any employee, officer or director of or consultant to the Company who
purchased or was awarded shares or options to purchase shares pursuant to a
written compensatory plan or contract is entitled to rely on the resale
provisions of Rule 701 shares without having to comply with Rule 144's holding
period restrictions, in each case commencing 90 days after the date of this
Prospectus. In addition, non-Affiliates may sell Rule 701 shares without
complying with the public information, volume and notice provisions of Rule
144. Rule 701 is available for stockholders of the Company as to all shares
issued pursuant to the exercise of options granted prior to this offering.
 
                                      59
<PAGE>
 
  The Company intends to file a registration statement under the Securities
Act covering shares of Common Stock reserved for issuance under the Option
Plan. Based on the number of options outstanding and shares to be reserved for
issuance under the Option Plan upon the consummation of this offering, such
registration statement would cover 4,125,000 shares. Such registration
statement is expected to be filed and to become effective as soon as
practicable after the date of this Prospectus. Shares registered under such
registration statement will, subject to Rule 144 volume limitations applicable
to Affiliates, be available for sale in the open market, unless such shares
are subject to vesting restrictions with the Company or the lock-up agreements
described above. See "Management."
 
                                      60
<PAGE>
 
                                 UNDERWRITING
 
The underwriters of this offering named below (the "Underwriters"), for whom
Bear, Stearns & Co. Inc., Goldman, Sachs & Co., Smith Barney Inc., Invemed
Associates, Inc. and Morgan Keegan & Company, Inc. are acting as
representatives, have severally agreed with the Company and the Selling
Stockholders, subject to the terms and conditions of the Underwriting
Agreement (the form of which has been filed as an exhibit to the Registration
Statement on Form S-1 of which this Prospectus is a part), to purchase from
the Company and the Selling Stockholders the aggregate number of shares of
Common Stock set forth opposite their respective names below:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
       UNDERWRITER                                              NUMBER OF SHARES
       -----------                                              ----------------
     <S>                                                        <C>
     Bear, Stearns & Co. Inc...................................
     Goldman, Sachs & Co.......................................
     Smith Barney Inc. ........................................
     Invemed Associates, Inc. .................................
     Morgan Keegan & Company, Inc..............................
                                                                   ----------
         Total.................................................    10,125,000
                                                                   ==========
</TABLE>
 
  The nature of the obligations of the Underwriters is such that all of the
Common Stock must be purchased if any is purchased. Those obligations are
subject, however, to various conditions, including the approval of certain
matters by counsel. The Company and the Selling Stockholders have agreed to
indemnify the Underwriters against certain liabilities, including liabilities
under the Securities Act, and, where such indemnification is unavailable, to
contribute to payments that the Underwriters may be required to make in
respect of such liabilities.
 
  The Company and the Selling Stockholders have been advised that the
Underwriters proposed to offer the Common Stock directly to the public
initially at the public offering price set forth on the cover page of this
Prospectus and to certain selected dealers at such price less a concession not
to exceed $   per share, that the Underwriters may allow, and such selected
dealers may reallow, a concession to certain other dealers not to exceed $
per share and that after the commencement of this offering, the public
offering price and the concessions may be changed.
 
  The Company has granted to the Underwriters an option to purchase in the
aggregate up to 1,518,750 additional shares of Common Stock solely to cover
over-allotments, if any. The option may be exercised in whole or in part at
any time within 30 days after the date of this Prospectus. To the extent the
option is exercised, the Underwriters will be severally committed, subject to
certain conditions, including the approval of certain matters by counsel, to
purchase the additional shares of Common Stock in proportion to their
respective purchase commitments as indicated in the preceding table.
 
  The underwriters have reserved for sale at the initial public offering price
up to 500,000 shares of Common Stock for sale to certain directors, officers
and employees of the Company, business affiliates and related persons who have
expressed an interest in purchasing shares. The number of shares available for
sale to the general public will be reduced to the extent any reserved shares
are purchased. Any reserved shares not so purchased will be offered by the
Underwriters on the same basis as the other shares offered hereby.
 
 
                                      61
<PAGE>
 
   
  The Company, its executive officers, key personnel, directors and all of its
current stockholders have agreed that, subject to certain limited exceptions,
for a period of 180 days after the date of this Prospectus, without the prior
written consent of Bear, Stearns & Co. Inc., they will not directly or
indirectly, offer or agree to sell, sell or otherwise dispose of any shares of
Common Stock (or securities convertible into, exchangeable for or evidencing
the right to purchase shares of Common Stock).     
 
  Prior to this offering, there has been no public market for the Common
Stock. Consequently, the initial public offering price will be determined
through negotiations among the Company, the Selling Stockholders and the
representatives of the Underwriters. Among the factors to be considered in
making such determination will be the Company's financial and operating
history and condition, its prospects and prospects for the industry in which
it does business in general, the management of the Company, prevailing equity
market conditions and the demand for securities considered comparable to those
of the Company.
 
  In order to facilitate this offering, certain persons participating in this
offering may engage in transactions that stabilize, maintain or otherwise
affect the price of the Common Stock during and after this offering.
Specifically, the Underwriters may over-allot or otherwise create a short
position in the Common Stock for their own account by selling more shares of
Common Stock than have been sold to them by the Company. The Underwriters may
elect to cover any such short position by purchasing shares of Common Stock in
the open market or by exercising the over-allotment option granted to the
Underwriters. In addition, the Underwriters may stabilize or maintain the
price of the Common Stock by bidding for or purchasing shares of Common Stock
in the open market and may impose penalty bids, under which selling
concessions allowed to syndicate members or other broker-dealers participating
in this offering are reclaimed if shares of Common Stock previously
distributed in this offering are repurchased in connection with stabilization
transactions or otherwise. The effect of these transactions may be to
stabilize or maintain the market price of the Common Stock at a level above
that which might otherwise prevail in the open market. The imposition of a
penalty bid may also affect the price of the Common Stock to the extent that
it discourages resales thereof. No representation is made as to the magnitude
or effect of any such stabilization or other transactions. Such transactions
may be effected on the Nasdaq Stock Market or otherwise and, if commenced, may
be discontinued at any time.
 
  Certain of the Underwriters and their affiliates have from time to time
provided, and may continue to provide, investment banking services and general
financing and banking transactions to the Company and certain of its
affiliates for such Underwriters or affiliates have received and will receive
fees and commissions. As of April 15, 1998, Genesis Acquisition Corp. an
affiliate of Bear, Stearns & Co. Inc., held 15,000 shares of Series A
Preferred Stock (which will be converted into 1,375,000 shares of Common Stock
immediately prior to the consummation of this offering). In addition, as of
such date, certain directors, officers and employees of Bear, Stearns & Co.
Inc. held 806 shares of Series A Preferred Stock (which will be converted into
73,883 shares of Common Stock immediately prior to the consummation of this
offering). As of April 15, 1998, Invemed Associates, Inc. and certain of its
directors, officers and affiliates held 1,937 shares of Series A Preferred
Stock (which will be converted into 177,558 shares of Common Stock immediately
prior to the consummation of this offering). Such shares of Series A Preferred
Stock were purchased in September and December 1997 at a purchase price of
$1,000 per share. For a period of one year from the date of purchase of the
Series A Preferred Stock described in this paragraph, the holders of such
stock may not sell, transfer, assign, pledge or hypothecate the Series A
Preferred Stock or the Common Stock issuable upon conversion thereof. Edward
Spiegel, a director of the Company, is a limited partner of an affiliate of
Goldman, Sachs & Co.
 
                                 LEGAL MATTERS
 
  The validity of the shares of Common Stock offered hereby will be passed
upon for the Company by Morrison & Foerster LLP, New York, New York. Certain
legal matters in connection with this offering will be passed upon for the
Underwriters by Weil, Gotshal & Manges LLP, New York, New York.
 
                                      62
<PAGE>
 
                                    EXPERTS
 
  The consolidated financial statements and schedule of Genesis Direct, Inc.,
and its predecessor entity, Genesis Direct LLC at March 30, 1996, March 29,
1997, and December 27, 1997 and for the period from June 8, 1995 (date of
inception) to March 30, 1996, the year ended March 29, 1997 and the nine month
period ended December 27, 1997 and appearing in the Prospectus and
Registration Statement have been audited by Ernst & Young LLP, independent
auditors, and the information under the caption "Selected Consolidated
Financial Data" for each of the aforementioned periods, appearing in this
Prospectus and Registration Statement have been derived from consolidated
financial statements audited by Ernst & Young LLP, as set forth in their
report thereon appearing elsewhere herein. Such consolidated financial
statements, schedule and selected financial data are included in reliance upon
such report given the authority of such firm as experts in accounting and
auditing.
 
  The financial statements of Manny's Baseball Land, Inc. for the year ended
December 31, 1995 and for the period January 1, 1996 to December 3, 1996,
appearing in this Prospectus and Registration Statement have been audited by
Ernst & Young LLP, independent auditors, as set forth in their report thereon
appearing elsewhere herein, and are included in reliance upon such report
given upon the authority of such firm as experts in accounting and auditing.
 
  The financial statements of Select Service & Supply Co., Inc. at December
31, 1997, and for the year then ended, appearing in this Prospectus and
Registration Statement have been audited by Ernst & Young LLP, independent
auditors, as set forth in their report thereon appearing elsewhere herein, and
are included in reliance upon such report given upon the authority of such
firm as experts in accounting and auditing.
 
  The statements of income and cash flows of Athletic Supply of Dallas, Inc.
for each of the years in the three-year period ended June 30, 1996 and for the
period from July 1, 1996 to December 20, 1996, have been included herein in
reliance upon the report of KPMG Peat Marwick LLP, independent certified
public accountants, appearing elsewhere herein, and upon the authority of said
firm as experts in accounting and auditing. The report of KPMG Peat Marwick
LLP refers to a change in the method of accounting for income taxes in fiscal
1994.
 
  The financial statements of Lilliput Motors Corporation for the years ended
August 31, 1995 and 1996, appearing in this Prospectus and Registration
Statement have been audited by Boscia Goldenberg & Company, independent
auditors, as set forth in their report thereon appearing elsewhere herein, and
are included in reliance upon such report given upon the authority of such
firm as experts in accounting and auditing.
 
  The financial statements of First Step Designs Ltd. included in this
prospectus and elsewhere in the registration statement have been audited by
Arthur Andersen LLP, independent public accountants, as indicated in their
report with respect thereto, and are included herein in reliance upon the
authority of said firm as experts in giving said report.
 
  The financial statements of The Thursley Group, Ltd. for the years ended
December 31, 1995 and 1996, appearing in this Prospectus and Registration
Statement have been audited by Mendlowitz Weitsen, LLP, independent auditors,
as set forth in their report thereon appearing elsewhere herein, and are
included in reliance upon such report given upon the authority of such firm as
experts in accounting and auditing.
 
  The financial statements of Duclos Direct Marketing, Inc. for the years
ended January 31, 1996 and 1997, appearing in this Prospectus and Registration
Statement have been audited by Mendlowitz Weitsen, LLP, independent auditors,
as set forth in their report thereon appearing elsewhere herein, and are
included in reliance upon such report given upon the authority of such firm as
experts in accounting and auditing.
 
                                      63
<PAGE>
 
                             AVAILABLE INFORMATION
 
  The Company has filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the
"Commission") a registration statement on Form S-1 under the Securities Act
with respect to the Common Stock offered hereby (as amended, the "Registration
Statement"). This Prospectus does not contain all of the information set forth
in the Registration Statement and the exhibits and schedules thereto. For
further information with respect to the Company and such Common Stock,
reference is made to the Registration Statement and the exhibits and schedules
filed as a part thereof. Statements contained herein as to the contents of any
documents are not necessarily complete. In each instance, reference is made to
the copy of such document filed as an exhibit to the Registration Statement,
and each such statement is qualified in its entirety by such reference. Copies
of the Registration Statement, including exhibits and schedules filed
therewith, may be inspected without charge at the Commission's principal
office in Washington, D.C. or obtained at prescribed rates from the Public
Reference Section of the Commission at 450 Fifth Street, N.W., Washington,
D.C. 20549. The Commission maintains a World Wide Website on the Internet at
http://www.sec.gov that contains reports, proxy and information statements and
other information regarding companies that file electronically with the
Commission. The Company has filed the Registration Statement, including the
exhibits and schedules thereto, electronically with the Commission via the
Commission's Electronic Data Gathering, Analysis, and Retrieval (EDGAR)
system.
 
  The Company intends to distribute to its stockholders annual reports
containing audited financial statements examined by an independent public
accountant and will make available copies of quarterly reports for the first
three quarters of each fiscal year containing unaudited interim financial
information.
 
               SPECIAL NOTE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
 
  Certain statements contained herein under "Prospectus Summary," "Risk
Factors," "Pro Forma Condensed Combined Financial Statements," "Selected
Consolidated Financial Data," "Management's Discussion and Analysis of
Financial Condition and Results of Operations" and "Business," including,
without limitation, those concerning (i) the Company's strategy, (ii) the
Company's expansion plans, (iii) the Company's capital expenditures, (iv) the
number of catalogs expected to be acquired by the Company in the near future,
and (v) the terms upon which such catalogs will be acquired, contain forward-
looking statements (within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act)
concerning the Company's operations, economic performance and financial
condition. Because such statements involve risks and uncertainties, actual
results may differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-
looking statements. Factors that could cause such differences include, but are
not limited to, those discussed under "Risk Factors." The Company undertakes
no obligation to publicly release the result of any revisions to these
forward-looking statements that may be made to reflect any future events or
circumstances.
 
                                      64
<PAGE>
 
                         INDEX TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
 
<TABLE>
<S>                                                                        <C>
GENESIS DIRECT, INC.
  Report of Independent Auditors..........................................  F-3
  Consolidated Balance Sheets at March 30, 1996, March 29, 1997 and
   December 27, 1997......................................................  F-4
  Consolidated Statements of Operations for the period June 8, 1995
   (inception) to March 30, 1996 and the year ended March 29, 1997 and the
   nine-month periods ended December 28, 1996 (unaudited) and December 27,
   1997...................................................................  F-5
  Consolidated Statements of Stockholders' Equity (Deficiency) for the
   period June 8, 1995 (inception) to March 30, 1996 and the year ended
   March 29, 1997 and the nine-month period ended December 27, 1997.......  F-6
  Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the period June 8, 1995
   (inception) to March 30, 1996 and the year ended March 29, 1997 and the
   nine-month periods ended December 28, 1996 (unaudited) and December 27,
   1997...................................................................  F-7
  Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements..............................  F-8
MANNY'S BASEBALL LAND, INC.
  Report of Independent Auditors.......................................... F-22
  Statements of Operations for the year ended December 31, 1995 and the
   period January 1, 1996 to December 2, 1996............................. F-23
  Statements of Cash Flows for the year ended December 31, 1995 and the
   period January 1, 1996 to December 2, 1996............................. F-24
  Notes to Financial Statements........................................... F-25
ATHLETIC SUPPLY OF DALLAS, INC.
  Report of Independent Auditors.......................................... F-26
  Statements of Income for the years ended June 30, 1994, 1995 and 1996,
   for the six months ended December 31, 1995 (unaudited) and for the
   period from July 1, 1996 to December 20, 1996.......................... F-27
  Statements of Cash Flows for the years ended June 30, 1994, 1995 and
   1996, for the six months ended December 31, 1995 (unaudited) and July
   1, 1996 to December 20, 1996........................................... F-28
  Notes to Financial Statements........................................... F-29
LILLIPUT MOTORS COMPANY, LTD.
  Independent Auditors' Report............................................ F-35
  Statements of Operations for the years ending August 31, 1996 and 1995
   and the four month periods ended December 24, 1996 (unaudited) and
   December 31, 1995 (unaudited).......................................... F-36
  Statements of Cash Flows for the years ending August 31, 1996 and 1995
   and the four month periods ended December 24, 1996 (unaudited) and
   December 31, 1995 (unaudited).......................................... F-37
  Notes to Financial Statements........................................... F-38
FIRST STEP DESIGNS LTD.
  Report of Independent Public Accountants................................ F-40
  Statements of Operations for the years ended December 31, 1995 and 1996
   and the period from January 1, 1997 to February 6, 1997................ F-41
  Statements of Cash Flows for the years ended December 31, 1995 and 1996
   and the period from January 1, 1997 to February 6, 1997................ F-42
  Notes to Financial Statements........................................... F-43
THE THURSLEY GROUP, INC.
  Independent Auditors' Report............................................ F-46
  Statements of Operations for the years ended December 31, 1996 and
   1995................................................................... F-47
  Statements of Cash Flows for the years ended December 31, 1996 and
   1995................................................................... F-48
  Notes to Financial Statements........................................... F-49
</TABLE>
 
                                      F-1
<PAGE>
 
<TABLE>
<S>                                                                        <C>
DUCLOS DIRECT MARKETING, INC.
  Independent Auditors' Report............................................ F-51
  Statements of Operations for the years ended January 31, 1997 and 1996.. F-52
  Statements of Cash Flows for the years ended January 31, 1997 and 1996.. F-53
  Notes to Financial Statements........................................... F-54
SELECT SERVICE AND SUPPLY CO., INC.
  Report of Independent Auditors.......................................... F-57
  Balance Sheet at December 31, 1997...................................... F-58
  Statement of Income and Retained Earnings for the year ended December
   31, 1997............................................................... F-59
  Statement of Cash Flows for the year ended December 31, 1997............ F-60
  Notes to Financial Statements........................................... F-61
</TABLE>
 
                                      F-2
<PAGE>
 
                        REPORT OF INDEPENDENT AUDITORS
 
Board of Directors
Genesis Direct, Inc.
 
  We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Genesis
Direct, Inc. and subsidiaries and its predecessor entity, Genesis Direct, LLC
as of December 27, 1997, March 29, 1997 and March 30, 1996, and the related
consolidated statements of operations, common stockholders' equity
(deficiency) and cash flows for the nine month period ended December 27, 1997,
the year ended March 29, 1997, and the period from June 8, 1995 (date of
inception) to March 30, 1996. These financial statements are the
responsibility of the Company's management. Our responsibility is to express
an opinion on these financial statements based on our audits.
 
  We conducted our audits in accordance with generally accepted auditing
standards. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to
obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of
material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence
supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit
also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant
estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial
statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis
for our opinion.
 
  In our opinion, the financial statements referred to above present fairly,
in all material respects, the consolidated financial position of Genesis
Direct, Inc. and subsidiaries and its predecessor entity, Genesis Direct, LLC
at December 27, 1997, March 29, 1997 and March 30, 1996, and the consolidated
results of their operations and their cash flows for the nine month period
ended December 27, 1997, the year ended March 29, 1997, and the period from
June 8, 1995 (date of inception) to March 30, 1996, in conformity with
generally accepted accounting principles.
 
Hackensack, New Jersey
February 16, 1998                                     Ernst & Young LLP
 
The foregoing report is in the form that will be signed upon the completion of
the Common Stock split described in Note 16 to the consolidated financial
statements.
 
Hackensack, New Jersey
                                                      /s/ Ernst & Young LLP
April 30, 1998     
 
                                      F-3
<PAGE>
 
                     GENESIS DIRECT, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
                          CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
               (IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT SHARE AND PER SHARE AMOUNTS)
 
<TABLE>   
<CAPTION>
                                 MARCH 30, 1996 MARCH 29, 1997 DECEMBER 27, 1997
                                 -------------- -------------- -----------------
<S>                              <C>            <C>            <C>
ASSETS
Current assets:
 Cash and cash equivalents,
  including restricted cash of
  $240, $2,440 and $2,200,
  respectively.................      $  240        $ 8,184         $  7,615
 Accounts receivable, less
  allowances of $-0-, $254 and
  $1,090, respectively.........                      1,042            5,619
 Merchandise inventory, net....          50          7,017           22,993
 Prepaid expenses..............          84          2,456            3,193
 Other current assets..........                        270               82
 Note receivable, current
  portion......................                                         340
                                     ------        -------         --------
  Total current assets.........         374         18,969           39,842
Intangibles, net of accumulated
 amortization of $21, $549 and
 $2,601, respectively..........         295          6,294            8,129
Goodwill, net of accumulated
 amortization of $-0-, $270 and
 $1,154, respectively..........                     27,684           39,450
Property, equipment and
 leasehold improvements, net...         417          3,536           19,857
Note receivable, less current
 portion.......................                                       1,360
Other assets...................         100            383            1,656
                                     ------        -------         --------
                                     $1,186        $56,866         $110,294
                                     ======        =======         ========
LIABILITIES AND COMMON
 STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
 (DEFICIENCY)
Current liabilities:
 Accounts payable..............      $  213        $ 6,205         $ 14,373
 Accrued expenses..............         636          6,885           15,309
 Current portion of notes
  payable and long-term debt...         722          5,274            7,265
 Other current liabilities.....                        658            3,273
                                     ------        -------         --------
  Total current liabilities....       1,571         19,022           40,220
Notes payable and long-term
 debt, less current portion....                      4,918            7,852
Debentures--related parties....                     22,500           30,000
Other liabilities..............         130          2,051            2,350
Series A Preferred Stock
 (liquidation value $1,000 per
 share), 122,000 shares
 authorized, 71,358 shares
 issued and outstanding at
 December 27, 1997.............                                      72,390
Common stockholders' equity
 (deficiency):
 Common stock, par value $.01
  per share; 82,500,000 shares
  authorized, 6,792,500 and
  8,857,750 shares issued and
  outstanding at March 29, 1997
  and December 27, 1997,
  respectively (17,858,754
  shares on a pro forma basis
  at December 31, 1997 assuming
  the conversion of the Series
  A Preferred Stock and
  convertible note)............                         68               89
 Capital contributions.........       2,200
 Additional paid-in capital....                     24,532           30,472
 Accumulated deficit...........      (2,715)       (16,225)         (73,079)
                                     ------        -------         --------
  Total common stockholders'
   equity (deficiency).........        (515)         8,375          (42,518)
                                     ------        -------         --------
  Total liabilities and common
   stockholders' equity........      $1,186        $56,866         $110,294
                                     ======        =======         ========
</TABLE>    
 
                            See accompanying notes.
 
                                      F-4
<PAGE>
 
                     GENESIS DIRECT, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
                     CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
              (IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT SHARE AND PER SHARE AMOUNTS )
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                              PERIOD
                           JUNE 8, 1995
                             (DATE OF                            NINE MONTHS ENDED
                          INCEPTION) TO    YEAR ENDED   -----------------------------------
                          MARCH 30, 1996 MARCH 29, 1997 DECEMBER 28, 1996 DECEMBER 27, 1997
                          -------------- -------------- ----------------- -----------------
                                                           (UNAUDITED)
<S>                       <C>            <C>            <C>               <C>
Net sales...............                   $  18,537        $   6,501         $  81,505
Cost of goods sold......                      10,448            3,868            62,143
                                           ---------        ---------         ---------
Gross profit............                       8,089            2,633            19,362
Selling, general and
 administrative
 expenses...............     $ 2,710          20,711            8,246            73,053
                             -------       ---------        ---------         ---------
Loss from operations....      (2,710)        (12,622)          (5,613)          (53,691)
Interest expense........           5           1,162              345             3,163
Interest income.........                         274              233
                             -------       ---------        ---------         ---------
Net loss................      (2,715)        (13,510)          (5,725)          (56,854)
Dividends accruing on
 Series A Preferred
 Stock..................                                                         (1,032)
                             -------       ---------        ---------         ---------
Net loss attributable to
 common stockholders....     $(2,715)      $ (13,510)       $  (5,725)        $ (57,886)
                             =======       =========        =========         =========
Basic net loss per
 share..................     $ (4.49)      $   (4.60)       $   (2.73)        $   (6.57)
                             =======       =========        =========         =========
Weighted average common
 shares outstanding.....     605,000       2,933,700        2,093,300         8,810,175
                             =======       =========        =========         =========
</TABLE>
 
 
                            See accompanying notes.
 
                                      F-5
<PAGE>
 
                     GENESIS DIRECT, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
          CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY (DEFICIENCY)
                      (IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT SHARE AMOUNTS)
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                         GENESIS DIRECT,                                             TOTAL
                             L.L.C.      SHARES OF        ADDITIONAL             STOCKHOLDERS'
                            MEMBERS'      COMMON   COMMON  PAID-IN   ACCUMULATED    EQUITY
                          CONTRIBUTIONS    STOCK   STOCK   CAPITAL     DEFICIT   (DEFICIENCY)
                         --------------- --------- ------ ---------- ----------- -------------
<S>                      <C>             <C>       <C>    <C>        <C>         <C>
Balance at June 8, 1995
 (inception):
  Capital
   contributions........     $ 2,200                                               $  2,200
  Net loss..............                                              $ (2,715)      (2,715)
                             -------     ---------  ---    -------    --------     --------
Balance at March 30,
 1996...................       2,200                                    (2,715)        (515)
  Capital contribution
   to Genesis Direct,
   Inc..................      (2,200)      605,000  $ 6    $ 2,194
  Issuance of Common
   Stock................                 6,187,500   62     22,338                   22,400
  Net loss..............                                               (13,510)     (13,510)
                             -------     ---------  ---    -------    --------     --------
Balance at March 29,
 1997...................                 6,792,500   68     24,532     (16,225)       8,375
  Issuance of Common
   Stock................                 2,062,500   21      7,479                    7,500
  Common stock purchase
   warrant issued in
   connection with
   Debentures...........                                       203                      203
  Issuance Costs of
   Series A Preferred
   Stock................                                      (740)                    (740)
  Dividends accruing on
   Series A Preferred
   Stock................                                    (1,032)                  (1,032)
  Issuance of Common
   Stock in connection
   with business
   acquisitions.........                     2,750              30                       30
  Net loss..............                                               (56,854)     (56,854)
                             -------     ---------  ---    -------    --------     --------
Balance at December 27,
 1997...................     $   --      8,857,750  $89    $30,472    $(73,079)    $(42,518)
                             =======     =========  ===    =======    ========     ========
</TABLE>
 
 
                            See accompanying notes.
 
                                      F-6
<PAGE>
 
                     GENESIS DIRECT, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
                     CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
                                 (IN THOUSANDS)
 
<TABLE>   
<CAPTION>
                              PERIOD
                           JUNE 8, 1995
                             (DATE OF                            NINE MONTHS ENDED
                          INCEPTION) TO    YEAR ENDED   -----------------------------------
                          MARCH 30, 1996 MARCH 29, 1997 DECEMBER 28, 1996 DECEMBER 27, 1997
                          -------------- -------------- ----------------- -----------------
                                                           (UNAUDITED)
<S>                       <C>            <C>            <C>               <C>
CASH FLOWS FROM
 OPERATING ACTIVITIES
Net loss................     $(2,715)       $(13,510)        $(5,725)         $(56,854)
Adjustments to reconcile
 net loss to net cash
 used in operating
 activities:
Depreciation and
 amortization...........          52           1,303             165             4,275
Provision for losses on
 accounts receivable....                                         125               836
Non-cash interest
 expense................                         966             247             2,440
Changes in operating
 assets and liabilities
 net of businesses
 acquired:
Accounts receivable.....                       1,102            (466)           (4,744)
Merchandise inventory...         (50)           (161)            735           (10,595)
Prepaid expenses and
 other current assets...         (84)         (1,569)           (486)            1,824
Accounts payable and
 accrued liabilities....         849          (1,038)          1,545             6,134
Other assets............        (100)           (221)           (980)           (1,002)
Other liabilities.......          80            (333)            174               242
                             -------        --------         -------          --------
Net cash used in
 operating activities...      (1,968)        (13,461)         (4,666)          (57,444)
CASH FLOWS FROM
 INVESTING ACTIVITIES
Intangibles.............         (42)           (550)           (507)              (56)
Acquisition of property,
 equipment and leasehold
 improvements...........        (448)         (3,000)         (2,617)          (16,902)
Cash paid for acquired
 businesses, net of cash
 acquired...............        (224)        (19,223)        (15,568)          (13,376)
(Increase) decrease in
 restricted cash........        (240)         (2,200)                              240
                             -------        --------         -------          --------
Net cash used in
 investing activities...        (954)        (24,973)        (18,692)          (30,094)
CASH FLOWS FROM
 FINANCING ACTIVITIES
Proceeds from (repayment
 of) line of credit.....         722            (722)           (722)              264
Proceeds from issuance
 of Debentures--related
 parties................                      22,500          15,000             7,500
Proceeds from sale of
 Member Interest or
 Common Stock...........       2,200          22,400          14,900             7,500
Proceeds from sale of
 Series A Preferred
 Stock, net of issuance
 costs..................                                                        44,437
Proceeds from bridge
 note borrowing.........                                                        26,175
Proceeds from term
 loan...................                                                         5,000
Payments of notes
 payable................                                                        (3,667)
                             -------        --------         -------          --------
Net cash provided by
 financing activities...       2,922          44,178          29,178            87,209
                             -------        --------         -------          --------
Net increase (decrease)
 in cash and cash
 equivalents............                       5,744           5,820              (329)
Cash and cash
 equivalents at
 beginning of period....                                                         5,744
                             -------        --------         -------          --------
Cash and cash
 equivalents at end of
 period.................     $   --         $  5,744         $ 5,820          $  5,415
                             =======        ========         =======          ========
SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURES
 OF CASH FLOW
 INFORMATION Interest
 paid...................     $     5        $    197         $   108          $  1,659
                             =======        ========         =======          ========
SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURES
 OF NON-CASH INVESTING
 AND FINANCING
 ACTIVITIES
Acquisitions:
 Liabilities assumed....                    $ 17,029         $11,613          $  8,145
 Issuance of notes
  payable...............                       9,349           9,239             4,138
 Issuance of Common
  Stock.................                                                            30
Conversion of debt to
 Series A Preferred
 Stock..................                                                        26,175
Reduction of seller
 notes payable in
 connection with the
 subsequent sale of net
 assets acquired........                                                         1,000
</TABLE>    
 
                            See accompanying notes.
 
                                      F-7
<PAGE>
 
                     GENESIS DIRECT, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
                  NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
 
              (IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT SHARE AND PER SHARE AMOUNTS)
 
                               DECEMBER 27, 1997
 
1. ORGANIZATION
 
  Genesis Direct, Inc. and subsidiaries (collectively "Genesis Direct" or the
"Company") is engaged in catalog, direct and database marketing serving
customers principally in the United States, Europe and Japan. The Company's
current catalog business offers a broad range of consumer products.
 
  Genesis Direct, LLC, the predecessor to Genesis Direct, Inc., was formed on
June 8, 1995 to develop a direct marketing company through the acquisition and
start-up of catalog businesses. On June 25, 1996, the assets and liabilities
of Genesis Direct, LLC were contributed to Genesis Direct, Inc. in exchange
for 2,200 shares of Common Stock. The assets and liabilities contributed by
Genesis Direct, LLC were valued at their carryover basis in accordance with
accounting for predecessor companies. The 2,200 shares issued in exchange for
the contribution of assets and liabilities were assigned a value equal to the
original cash contributions to Genesis Direct, LLC by its members.
 
2. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
 
 Principles of Consolidation
 
  For the period subsequent to June 25, 1996, the consolidated financial
statements include the accounts of Genesis Direct, Inc. and its wholly-owned
subsidiaries. Prior to June 25, 1996, the financial statements included the
accounts of Genesis Direct, LLC. All significant intercompany accounts and
transactions have been eliminated.
 
 Basis of Presentation
 
  All amounts, except share and per share data are presented in thousands,
unless otherwise indicated.
 
 Fiscal Year
 
  The Company's fiscal year ends on the Saturday next preceding April 1,
resulting in either a 52 or 53 week fiscal year. The year ended March 29, 1997
("fiscal 1996") was a 52-week year and the period ended March 30, 1996
("fiscal 1995") was from inception on June 8, 1995. The nine months ended
December 27, 1997 is included in fiscal 1997.
 
 Cash Equivalents
 
  Cash equivalents consist of highly liquid investments with original
maturities of three months or less when purchased.
 
 Restricted Cash
 
  Restricted cash represents amounts deposited in a bank to support letters of
credit in connection with certain of the Company's lease obligations.
 
 Concentration of Credit Risk
 
  Certain financial instruments potentially subject the Company to
concentrations of credit risk. These financial instruments consist of cash and
cash equivalents and trade accounts receivable. The Company restricts its
temporary cash investments to financial institutions with high credit
standing. Accounts receivable include sales to a national retailer under a
fulfillment agreement. The Company believes the credit risk related to this
customer is not significant. The remaining portion of accounts receivable
represent sales to governmental agencies and other institutional customers
throughout the United States. The Company performs periodic credit evaluation
of these customers but does not require collateral.
 
                                      F-8
<PAGE>
 
                     GENESIS DIRECT, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
            NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(CONTINUED)
 
              (IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT SHARE AND PER SHARE AMOUNTS)
 
2. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (CONTINUED)
 
 Merchandise Inventory, Net
 
  Merchandise inventory, consisting principally of finished goods, is stated
at the lower of cost (first-in, first-out) or market. Merchandise inventory
reflects valuation reserves of approximately $1,390 and $4,120 at March 29,
1997 and December 27, 1997, respectively.
 
 Property, Equipment and Leasehold Improvements
 
  Property, equipment and leasehold improvements are stated at cost.
Depreciation is computed using the straight-line method over the estimated
useful lives of the related assets, ranging from five to ten years. Leasehold
improvements are amortized on a straight-line basis over the shorter of the
life of the improvement or the remainder of the lease term.
 
 Use of Estimates
 
  The preparation of financial statements in conformity with generally
accepted accounting principles requires management to make estimates and
assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the financial statements and
accompanying notes. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
 
 Long-Lived Assets
 
  The Company periodically assesses long-lived assets, including goodwill and
other intangibles for recoverability. The Company's assessment at December 27,
1997 is based on undiscounted projected operating results of the acquired
businesses. Management believes that these projections are reasonable,
however, actual future operating results may differ.
 
 Fair Values of Financial Instruments
   
  The estimated fair values of financial instruments have been determined by
the Company using available market information, including current interest
rates, and the following valuation methodologies:     
          
  Cash and cash equivalents--the carrying amounts reported in the balance
sheet for cash and cash equivalents approximate their fair values because of
the short maturity of these instruments.     
   
  Notes receivable--the fair value is estimated on the basis of discounted
cash flow analyses, using appropriate interest rates for similar maturities.
       
  Notes payable, Long-term debt and Debentures--related parties--the fair
value is estimated on the basis of rates offered to the Company for debt of
similar maturities.     
 
 Revenue Recognition
 
  Sales are recorded at the time of shipment and a provision for anticipated
merchandise returns, net of exchanges, is recorded based upon historical
experience.
 
 Advertising and Promotion Costs
 
  Recognition of advertising costs is in accordance with the provisions of the
AICPA Statement of Position 93-7, Reporting of Advertising Costs. Advertising
costs other than direct response are expensed at the time the initial
advertising takes place. Direct response advertising costs, consisting
primarily of catalog design, printing and postage expenditures, are amortized
over the period during which associated net revenues are expected,
 
                                      F-9
<PAGE>
 
                     GENESIS DIRECT, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
            NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(CONTINUED)
 
2. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (CONTINUED)
 
generally approximating three months or less. Direct response and other
advertising expenses were $3,740 and $35,841 for fiscal 1996 and nine months
ended December 27, 1997, respectively. As of March 29, 1997 and December 27,
1997, approximately $1,379 and $2,421, respectively, of direct response and
other advertising costs are included in prepaid expenses.
 
 Income Taxes
 
  Deferred income taxes are determined using the liability method. Under this
method, deferred tax assets and liabilities are determined based on
differences between financial reporting and tax bases of assets and
liabilities and are measured using the enacted tax rates and laws that will be
in effect when the differences are expected to reverse.
       
 Business Combinations
 
  The Company has accounted for all business combinations under the purchase
method of accounting. Under this method the purchase price is allocated to the
assets and liabilities of the acquired enterprise as of the acquisition date
based on their estimated respective fair values and, under certain
circumstances, are subject to revision for a period not to exceed one year
from the date of acquisition. In certain cases, the purchase price is subject
to adjustment based upon the verification of financial position and results of
operations of the acquired business as of a specified date. The results of
operations of the acquired enterprises are included in the Company's
consolidated financial statements for the period subsequent to the
acquisitions.
 
 Goodwill
 
  Goodwill represents the cost in excess of fair value of the net assets of
businesses acquired and is being amortized over periods from ten to forty
years.
 
 Intangibles
 
  Intangible assets include the cost of agreements not-to-compete entered into
in connection with certain business combinations and costs to acquire customer
mailing lists. The costs of non-compete agreements are amortized over the
terms of the agreements. The costs of acquired customer lists are amortized
over the period which the acquired company, based on historical experience,
retains its customers, generally three years.
 
 Computer Software
   
  The Company capitalizes the cost of computer software purchased from third
parties which is amortized over five years. Internal costs incurred to modify
purchased software and to develop software for internal use are expensed as
incurred.     
 
 Loss Per Share
 
  Loss per share amounts for all periods are based on the provisions of
Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 128 Earnings Per Share.
Diluted loss per share is not presented since the effect of all potentially
dilutive securities is anti-dilutive. In addition, no shares have been issued
since inception for amounts representing nominal consideration.
 
  All common share and per share information reflects a 275 for-one stock
split. See Note 16.
 
 Interim Financial Statements
 
  The financial information with respect to the nine-month period ended
December 28, 1996 is unaudited. In the opinion of management, such information
contains all adjustments, consisting only of normal recurring adjustments,
necessary for a fair presentation of the results of operations for the period.
 
  The results of operations for interim periods are not necessarily indicative
of the results of operations for the full fiscal year due to, among other
things, the seasonality of the Company's revenues.
 
 
                                     F-10
<PAGE>
 
                     GENESIS DIRECT, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
            NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(CONTINUED)
 
              (IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT SHARE AND PER SHARE AMOUNTS)
 
3. NOTE RECEIVABLE
 
  The note was received in connection with the sale of certain assets, bears
interest at 6% and is payable in 20 quarterly installments beginning January
1998.
 
4. PROPERTY, EQUIPMENT AND LEASEHOLD IMPROVEMENTS
 
  Property, equipment and leasehold improvements consist of the following:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                               MARCH 30, 1996 MARCH 29, 1997 DECEMBER 27, 1997
                               -------------- -------------- -----------------
   <S>                         <C>            <C>            <C>
   Equipment, furniture and
    fixtures.................       $163          $2,293          $ 6,476
   Computer equipment and
    software.................        285           1,372            7,617
   Leasehold improvements....                        406            7,638
                                    ----          ------          -------
                                     448           4,071           21,731
   Lease accumulated depreci-
    ation....................         31             535            1,874
                                    ----          ------          -------
                                    $417          $3,536          $19,857
                                    ====          ======          =======
</TABLE>
 
  Depreciation expense was approximately $32, $505 and $1,339 for fiscal 1995,
fiscal year 1996 and the nine months ended December 27, 1997, respectively.
 
5. ACCRUED EXPENSES
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                 MARCH 30, 1996 MARCH 29, 1997 DECEMBER 27, 1997
                                 -------------- -------------- -----------------
   <S>                           <C>            <C>            <C>
   Sales returns................                    $  169          $ 1,395
   Employee compensation........      $ 83             627            2,088
   Interest.....................                       966            1,832
   Reorganization costs.........                     2,212            2,780
   Accrued inventory............                        15            2,265
   Due to customers.............                       709            1,467
   Other........................       553           2,187            3,482
                                      ----          ------          -------
                                      $636          $6,885          $15,309
                                      ====          ======          =======
</TABLE>
 
6. ACQUISITIONS
 
 Fiscal 1997
 
  In April 1997, Genesis acquired certain assets and assumed certain
liabilities of Artesania, Inc. ("Ninos"). Ninos is engaged in the direct
marketing of children's bilingual educational products. The aggregate purchase
price, including all direct costs, was approximately $1,358. The cost of the
acquisition exceeded the fair value of the acquired net assets by
approximately $1,298 which has been recorded as goodwill.
 
  In April 1997, Genesis acquired certain assets and assumed certain
liabilities of Center for Applied Psychology, Inc. ("Childswork/Childsplay").
Childswork/Childsplay is engaged in the direct marketing of children's
educational products to the school and professional markets. The aggregate
purchase price, including all direct costs, was approximately $2,245. The cost
of the acquisition exceeded the fair value of the acquired net assets by
approximately $997 which has been recorded as goodwill.
 
  In June 1997, Genesis acquired certain assets from and entered into a
license agreement with Global Friends Collection, Inc. ("Global Friends").
Global Friends is engaged in the direct marketing of collectible dolls and
related merchandise. The preliminary aggregate purchase price, including all
direct costs, was approximately $1,394 and was partially financed through the
issuance of a $210 non-interest bearing note payable to the seller.
 
                                     F-11
<PAGE>
 
                     GENESIS DIRECT, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
            NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(CONTINUED)
 
              (IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT SHARE AND PER SHARE AMOUNTS)
 
6. ACQUISITIONS (CONTINUED)
 
This note has been discounted to its present value using an effective annual
interest rate of 12%. The cost of the acquisition exceeded the fair value of
the acquired assets by approximately $718 which has been recorded as goodwill.
 
  In August 1997, Genesis acquired all of the outstanding common stock of
Fanfare Enterprises, Inc. ("Fanfare"). Fanfare is engaged in the direct
marketing of consumer products relating to the performing arts. The
preliminary aggregate purchase price, including all direct costs, was
approximately $4,888 and was partially financed through the issuance of a $500
interest bearing (8%) note payable to the sellers. The cost of the acquisition
exceeded the fair value of the acquired net assets by approximately $2,549
which has been recorded as goodwill.
 
 
  In October 1997, the Company acquired certain assets and assumed certain
liabilities of H&L Productions, Inc. ("NASCAR"). NASCAR is engaged in the
direct marketing of licensed NASCAR merchandise and other collectibles. The
preliminary aggregate purchase price, including all direct costs, was
approximately $6,455 and was partially financed through the issuance of an
aggregate of $1,325 interest bearing (5.76%) convertible notes and $1,075
interest bearing (5.76%) notes payable to the sellers. The cost of the
acquisition exceeded the fair value of the acquired net assets by
approximately $5,820 which has been recorded as goodwill. The principal former
stockholder, who is employed by the Company, is also entitled to certain
additional payments based on operating results for the year ended December 31,
1997. The portion of such additional payments, if any, attributable to
operating results subsequent to the date of acquisition will be accounted for
as compensation expense in accordance with Emerging Issues Task Force (EITF)
Issue No. 95-8.
 
 
  In October 1997, Genesis acquired all of the outstanding common stock of Zig
Zag Imports, Inc. ("Soccer Madness"). Soccer Madness is engaged in the direct
marketing of licensed and other sports merchandise. The preliminary aggregate
purchase price, including all direct costs, was approximately $3,090 and was
partially financed through the issuance of 2,750 shares of Common Stock valued
at $10.91 per share and $1,050 interest-bearing (7.0%) notes payable to the
sellers. The cost of the acquisition exceeded the fair value of the acquired
net assets by approximately $2,516 which has been recorded as goodwill.
 
  The following unaudited pro forma summary presents the combined results of
operations as if the fiscal 1997 acquisitions had occurred on March 31, 1996:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                  YEAR ENDED   NINE MONTHS ENDED
                                                MARCH 29, 1997 DECEMBER 27, 1997
                                                -------------- -----------------
   <S>                                          <C>            <C>
   Net sales...................................    $108,262         $93,526
   Net loss....................................     (23,758)        (57,846)
   Pro forma loss per share....................    $  (8.56)        $ (6.68)
</TABLE>
 
  The unaudited pro forma information is not necessarily indicative either of
results of operations that would have occurred had the acquisitions been made
on March 31, 1996 or future results of operations of the combined companies.
 
 Fiscal 1996
 
  In December 1996, Genesis acquired all of the outstanding common stock of
Athletic Supply of Dallas, Inc. ("ASD"). ASD is engaged in the direct
marketing of licensed and other sports merchandise. The aggregate purchase
price, including all direct costs, was approximately $10,000 and was partially
financed through the
 
                                     F-12
<PAGE>
 
                     GENESIS DIRECT, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
            NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(CONTINUED)
 
              (IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT SHARE AND PER SHARE AMOUNTS)
   
6. ACQUISITIONS (CONTINUED)     
   
issuance of $5,000 of non-interest bearing notes payable to the sellers. These
notes payable have been discounted to their present value at an effective
annual interest rate of 12%. The cost of the acquisition exceeded the fair
value of the acquired net assets by approximately $11,413 which has been
recorded as goodwill. On the date of acquisition, the Company determined it
would divest the fulfillment operations of ASD and expected that divestiture
to occur within one year.     
 
  In October 1997, the Company completed the sale of the assets and
liabilities of the fulfillment operations of ASD to one of ASD's former
shareholders. The aggregate proceeds from the sale were approximately $2.7
million, including a $1.0 million reduction in the outstanding principal
balance of the existing seller note payable. The amounts of loss from
operations and allocated interest costs for the period prior to the sale which
were excluded from the determination of net loss in accordance with EITF Issue
No. 87-11 were not material. The sale resulted in a reduction of goodwill of
approximately $2.8 million.
       
  In December 1996, Genesis acquired certain assets and assumed certain
liabilities of Manny's Baseball Land, Inc. ("ProTeam"). ProTeam is engaged in
the direct marketing of licensed and other sports merchandise. The aggregate
purchase price, including all direct costs, was approximately $10,932 and was
partially financed through the issuance of $5,275 of non-interest bearing
notes payable to the sellers. These notes payable have been discounted to
their present value at an effective annual interest rate of 12%. The cost of
the acquisition exceeded the fair value of the acquired net assets by
approximately $11,351 which has been recorded as goodwill.
 
  In February 1997, Genesis acquired certain assets and assumed certain
liabilities of First Step Design Ltd. ("Hand In Hand"). Hand In Hand is
engaged in the direct marketing of children's games, educational material, and
related products. The aggregate purchase price, including all direct costs,
was approximately $2,486. The cost of the acquisition exceeded the fair value
of the acquired net assets by approximately $2,119 which has been recorded as
goodwill.
 
  During fiscal 1996, in separate transactions, Genesis acquired certain
assets and assumed certain liabilities of Lilliput Motor Company, Inc., Duclos
Direct Marketing, Inc. and The Thursley Group, Inc., all of which are engaged
in direct marketing of consumer products. The aggregate purchase price for
these businesses, including all direct costs, was approximately $2,416, and
was partially financed through the issuance of $800 of non-interest bearing
notes payable to the sellers. These notes payable have been discounted to
their present value at an effective annual interest rate of 12%. The cost of
the acquisitions exceeded the fair value of acquired businesses' net assets by
approximately $2,917 which has been recorded as goodwill.
 
  In conjunction with each of the transactions described above, certain
individuals and the Company entered into agreements not-to-compete. These
agreements cover periods ranging from six months to four years from the date
of the respective transactions. The cost of these agreements totaled
approximately $2,610 and $1,119 for the acquisitions completed during fiscal
1996 and the nine months ended December 27, 1997, respectively. Such amounts
are generally payable over the term of the agreements. These obligations have
been discounted to their present value at an effective annual interest rate of
12%.
 
  In connection with certain of the transactions described above, the Company
has adopted, although in certain cases not finalized, plans to relocate the
operations of the acquired businesses. Such plans are finalized when the date
of integration of the acquired business into the Company's call center and
distribution center is
 
                                     F-13
<PAGE>
 
                     GENESIS DIRECT, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
            NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(CONTINUED)
 
              (IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT SHARE AND PER SHARE AMOUNTS)
 
determined, which, in all cases, has been within one year of the date of
consummation of the acquisition. The Company has recorded estimated
liabilities aggregating approximately $2,212 (of which $578 has been paid
through December 27, 1997) and $1,146 for fiscal 1996 and the nine months
ended December 27, 1997, respectively, related principally to employee
termination costs and remaining lease obligations. The ultimate amounts
incurred may differ from the amounts recorded. Any such differences will
result in an adjustment to these estimated liabilities and a corresponding
adjustment to goodwill, unless the differences result from events occurring
after the consummation date, which differences will be expensed when incurred.
 
  In connection with certain of the transactions described above, the Company
has pledged all of its member interests in the respective LLC subsidiary
formed for the purpose of acquiring the business of the sellers and provided a
guarantee of the notes payable.
 
7. SERIES A PREFERRED STOCK
 
  In September 1997, the Company sold 71,358 shares of Series A Cumulative
Convertible Preferred Stock ("Series A Preferred Stock") including 36,413
shares to the holders of all of the shares of the Company's common stock and
outstanding debentures. Dividends at an annual rate of 6% are cumulative from
the date of issuance and are payable in cash or shares of Common Stock, at the
option of the Company. Upon liquidation or conversion, in connection with a
qualifying sale or initial public offering, as defined, dividends are payable
only to the extent required to yield the holders of Series A Preferred Stock
an annualized compound rate of return, as defined, of 30%.
 
  The Company at its option may redeem all shares, but not less than all
shares, of Series A Preferred Stock on or after January 31, 2005 at an amount
equal to liquidation value. Liquidation value is $1,000 per share plus any
unpaid dividends. As of December 27, 1997 dividends of $1,032 have accrued on
Series A Preferred Stock. The holders of Series A Preferred Stock may elect to
require the Company to redeem all such shares on any date on or after January
31, 2005. Upon such mandatory redemption, the holder would be entitled to
receive the liquidation value in cash. If the Company fails to redeem all such
shares the dividend rate shall be increased to 14% per annum, payable
quarterly in cash until such shares are redeemed.
 
  The Series A Preferred Stock is convertible, at the holders option, at any
time into shares of Common Stock at an initial conversion price of $10.91 per
share, subject to adjustment. The Series A Preferred Stock is subject to
automatic conversion upon the completion of (i) a qualifying initial public
offering, as defined, at an initial conversion of $10.91 per share, subject to
adjustment. Potential adjustments to the initial conversion price for both
optional and automatic conversions would result principally from the issuance
or sale of certain equity instruments, as defined, at less than the initial
conversion price per share by the Company prior to the date of such
conversions.
 
  The holders of Series A Preferred Stock are entitled to vote together with
the holders of shares of Common Stock as a single class. Each holder of Series
A Preferred Stock is entitled to that number of votes such holder would be
entitled if the holder had converted the shares of Series A Preferred Stock
into shares of Common Stock.
 
  The purchase of an aggregate of 26,175 shares of Series A Preferred Stock
was completed through the conversion in September 1997 of $26,175,000
principal amount of 8% notes payable issued by the Company during August and
September 1997. Such notes payable were automatically convertible into shares
of the Series A Preferred Stock at a conversion price of $3.63 per share.
 
                                     F-14
<PAGE>
 
                     GENESIS DIRECT, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
            NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(CONTINUED)
 
               (IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT SHARE AND PER SHARE AMOUNTS)
 
 
8. NOTES PAYABLE AND LONG-TERM DEBT
 
  The Company's notes payable and long-term debt consists of the following:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                MARCH 30, 1996 MARCH 29, 1997 DECEMBER 27, 1997
                                -------------- -------------- -----------------
<S>                             <C>            <C>            <C>
Revolving credit note payable
 to bank......................       $722                          $   264
Term loan payable to bank.....                                       5,000
Non-interest bearing notes
 payable (discounted at 12%)
 to sellers in a business
 acquisition, due in quarterly
 installments of $500 through
 March 1998...................                    $ 4,414            2,548
Non-interest bearing notes
 payable (discounted at 12%)
 to sellers in a business
 acquisition, balance due in
 December 1998................                      4,682            2,377
5.76% notes payable to sellers
 in a business acquisition,
 due in semi-annual
 installments of $442
 beginning April 1998.........                                       1,075
5.76% convertible note
 ("convertible note") payable
 to sellers in a business
 acquisition, due in semi-
 annual installments of $442
 (subject to adjustment)
 beginning April 1999.........                                       1,325
7% notes payable to sellers in
 a business acquisition, due
 in annual installments of
 $350 beginning October 1998..                                       1,050
8% notes payable to sellers in
 a business acquisition, due
 in April 1998................                                         500
Non-interest bearing notes
 payable (discounted at 11.4%)
 to sellers in a business
 acquisition, due February
 1998.........................                        321              347
Non-interest bearing notes
 payable (discounted at 12%)
 to sellers in a business
 acquisition, due December
 1998.........................                        533              268
Non-interest bearing notes
 payable (discounted at 12%)
 to sellers in a business
 combination, due March 1999..                        242              174
Non-interest bearing notes
 payable (discounted at 12%)
 to sellers in a business
 combination, due in annual
 installments of $105
 beginning June 1998..........                                         189
                                     ----         -------          -------
                                      722          10,192           15,117
Less current portion..........        722           5,274            7,265
                                     ----         -------          -------
                                     $--          $ 4,918          $ 7,852
                                     ====         =======          =======
</TABLE>
 
  The principal balance of the convertible note is subject to reduction based
on a measurement of operating results, as defined, of the acquired business.
The determination of such reduction, if any, has not been finalized and will
result in a reduction of goodwill. In the event the Company completes an
initial public offering of its Common Stock, the holder may elect to convert
the balance of this note into Common Stock at a rate of $10.91 per share.
 
                                      F-15
<PAGE>
 
                     GENESIS DIRECT, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
            NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(CONTINUED)
 
              (IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT SHARE AND PER SHARE AMOUNTS)
 
8. NOTES PAYABLE AND LONG-TERM DEBT (CONTINUED)
 
  The principal balances of certain of the seller notes described above are
subject to adjustments to reflect finalization of the applicable purchase
transaction. Such potential adjustments principally relate to measurements of
financial targets and indemnification provisions of the purchase agreements.
 
  In May 1997, the Company entered into a $30 million revolving credit and
term loan facility (the "Credit Agreement"), with a commercial lender. Under
the Credit Agreement, the Company may borrow up to $25 million (including $2
million reserved for issuance of letters of credit) under a revolving credit
facility based on eligible collateral which includes specified percentages of
certain accounts receivable and inventory. As of December 27, 1997, based on
existing collateral the Company had approximately an additional $17 million
available under the revolving credit facility. All borrowings under the
revolving credit facility bear interest at the prime rate plus 0.5% or LIBOR
plus 3%, at the Company's option. The term loan bears interest at the prime
rate plus 0.5% with annual payments of $800 beginning in May 1998 and the
balance payable in May 2002. The term loan is also subject to certain
mandatory prepayments should the Company prepay any portion of the outstanding
principal balance of the debentures in connection with an initial public
offering of its stock. The amount of any such required prepayment is based on
a formula specified in the Credit Agreement. Among other things, the Credit
Agreement restricts the Company's ability to incur additional indebtedness,
pay dividends on Common Stock and requires the Company to maintain a specified
level of consolidated net worth, as defined.
 
  The revolving credit note payable in existence at March 30, 1996 was repaid
and was not renewed.
 
  Short-term borrowings at March 30, 1996 and December 27, 1997 were at
weighted-average interest rates of 9% and 9.25%, respectively.
 
  As of December 27, 1997, maturities, excluding imputed interest, of notes
payable and long-term debt over the next three months and the succeeding five
fiscal years are as follows:
 
<TABLE>
      <S>                                                                  <C>
      Three months ending March 28, 1998.................................. 1,096
      1998................................................................ 7,348
      1999................................................................ 2,481
      2000................................................................ 1,592
      2001................................................................   800
      2002................................................................ 1,800
</TABLE>
 
9. DEBENTURES PAYABLE--RELATED PARTIES
 
  On June 25, 1996, the Company entered into a Note and Stock Purchase
Agreement (as amended, the "Note and Stock Purchase Agreement") with GE
Investment Private Placement Partners II ("GEIPPP II") and Genesis Direct LP
("GDLP"). Pursuant to the Note and Stock Purchase Agreement, between June 1996
and April 1997, the Company issued to GEIPPP II 2,750,000 shares of the
Company's common stock and $30.0 million principal amount of Debentures, in
consideration of $40.0 million in cash.
 
  The Debentures are subordinated to all other outstanding obligations, bear
interest at 8% and are due June 1, 2003. The Debentures are convertible, at an
initial conversion price of $4.18 per share, into 7,173,913 shares of Common
Stock at any time after the earlier of (i) June 25, 2001, (ii) a qualified
initial public offering, as defined, or (iii) a change in control event, as
defined. At the time of such conversion, the Company has the option to redeem
up to 75% of the principal amount of the Debentures surrendered for
conversion. The Debentures also are redeemable at the option of the Company
any time after the earlier of (i) a qualified initial public offering, as
defined, or (ii) June 25, 1998 at an amount which provides a total annualized
return of 30% of the principal amount being redeemed ("prepayment interest
rate"). Any such redemption will result in the difference between
 
                                     F-16
<PAGE>
 
                     GENESIS DIRECT, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
            NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(CONTINUED)
 
              (IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT SHARE AND PER SHARE AMOUNTS)
 
9. DEBENTURES PAYABLE--RELATED PARTIES (CONTINUED)
 
interest accrued and interest due at the prepayment interest rate being
recorded as an extraordinary charge to earnings in the period in which the
prepayment occurs. At the date of redemption, however, the holders of the
Debentures, have the right to convert up to 32 1/2 percent of the principal
amount being redeemed. The Debentures provide for mandatory prepayment at the
option of the holders upon occurrence of defined mandatory prepayment events
which principally relate to the continued involvement and ownership of the
founders. The holder of the Debentures is also one of the Company's principal
common stockholders.
 
  The Debentures bear interest at an annual rate of 8% (payable semi-annually
on December 1 and June 1) with 6% of such interest deferred through June 1,
1997, 4% deferred through June 1, 1998 and 2% deferred through June 1, 1999.
The deferred interest bears interest at 8% and is payable, at the Company's
option, in either cash or Common Stock at the earlier of either June 1, 2003
or a conversion or redemption of the Debentures as described above. Total
interest expense on the Debentures was $667 and $1,793 for the year ended
March 29, 1997 and the nine months ended December 27, 1997, respectively.
 
10. STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
 
  In conjunction with a subsequent sale of Series A Preferred Stock the
parties to the Note and Stock Purchase Agreement entered into Amendment No. 3
to the Note and Stock Purchase Agreement. In consideration for entering into
such amendment, the Company issued to a holder of the Debentures and Common
Stock four warrants each to purchase up to 68,750 shares of the Common Stock
at an initial price of $10.91 per share, subject to adjustment. The warrants
are exercisable at any time after the Company completes an initial public
offering of its Common Stock. In the event the Company does not complete such
an initial public offering the warrants expire on September 25, 1998, March
17, 1999, May 25, 1999 and July 4, 1999, respectively. The warrants had a fair
value of $200 at the date of grant which has been accounted for as additional
paid-in capital and interest expense.
 
  As of December 27, 1997 the Company has reserved shares of Common Stock for
issuance as follows:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                               NUMBER OF SHARES
                                                               ----------------
      <S>                                                      <C>
      Conversion of outstanding Series A Preferred Stock......     6,600,000
      Conversion of outstanding Debentures....................     2,331,521
      Exercise of common stock purchase warrants..............       275,000
      Conversion of seller note payable.......................       128,333
      Exercise of common stock options........................     1,847,450
                                                                  ----------
        Total shares reserved.................................    11,182,304
                                                                  ==========
</TABLE>
 
11. STOCK OPTION PLAN
 
  During fiscal 1996, the Company's Board of Directors adopted the Genesis
Direct, Inc. Employee Stock Option Plan (the "Plan"). Under the terms of the
Plan, the Board of Directors or committee thereof may grant stock options,
stock appreciation rights, or restricted stock at such prices as may be
determined by the Board of Directors. The maximum number of shares subject to
the Plan is 1,847,450. The options vest ratably over five years and expire
after ten years. Vested options are exercisable at the end of year ten or
earlier in the event the Company completes an initial public offering of its
Common Stock.
 
                                     F-17
<PAGE>
 
                     GENESIS DIRECT, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
            NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(CONTINUED)
 
              (IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT SHARE AND PER SHARE AMOUNTS)
 
 
11. STOCK OPTION PLAN (CONTINUED)
 
  Option activity under the plan is as follows:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                       NUMBER OF
                                                                        OPTIONS
                                                                       ---------
   <S>                                                                 <C>
   Outstanding at March 31, 1996......................................       --
     Granted..........................................................   498,025
     Forfeited........................................................       --
                                                                       ---------
   Outstanding at March 29, 1997......................................   498,025
     Granted..........................................................   607,200
     Forfeited........................................................    39,600
                                                                       ---------
   Outstanding at December 27, 1997................................... 1,065,625
                                                                       =========
</TABLE>
 
  All grants made under the Plan have been at an exercise price of $10.91 per
share. No options were exercisable at March 29, 1997 or December 27, 1997.
 
  The weighted-average grant date fair value of options was $2.91 and $2.95
per share for fiscal 1996 and nine months ended December 27, 1997,
respectively. At December 27, 1997, the outstanding options have a weighted
average remaining contractual life of 9.4 years.
 
  The Company has elected to follow Accounting Principles Board Opinion No.
25, Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees ("APB 25") and related
interpretations in accounting for its employee stock options because, as
discussed below, the alternative fair value accounting provided for under FASB
Statement No. 123, Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation ("SFAS No. 123")
requires use of option valuation models that were not developed for use in
valuing employee stock options. Under APB 25, because the exercise price of
the Company's employee stock options equals the market price of the underlying
stock on the date of grant, no compensation expense is recognized.
 
  The fair value of these options was estimated at the date of grant using a
Black-Scholes option pricing model with the following assumptions for the year
ended March 27, 1997 and the nine month period ended December 27, 1997:
weighted-average risk-free interest rate of 6.5%; no dividends; a near-zero
volatility factor of the expected market price of Common Stock and a weighted-
average expected life of the options of 5 years.
 
  The Black-Scholes option valuation model was developed for use in estimating
the fair value of traded options which have no vesting restrictions and are
fully transferable. In addition, option valuation models require the input of
highly subjective assumptions including the expected stock price volatility.
Because the Company's employee stock options have characteristics
significantly different from those of traded options, and because changes in
the subjective input assumptions can materially affect the fair value
estimate, in management's opinion the existing models do not necessarily
provide a reliable single measure of the fair value of its employee stock
options.
 
  Had the Company accounted for its employee stock options under the fair
value method of SFAS No. 123, the impact on the Company's net loss for the
year ended March 29, 1997 would have been approximately $22 ($.01 per share)
and approximately $208 ($.02 per share) for the nine months ended December 27,
1997. The pro forma impact of accounting for stock options under SFAS No. 123
could be significant in future periods.
 
                                     F-18
<PAGE>
 
                     GENESIS DIRECT, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
            NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(CONTINUED)
 
 
12. COMMITMENTS
 
  The Company leases certain office and distribution facilities, as well as
certain equipment, under long-term operating leases. Lease terms range from
five to ten years, with renewal options of up to ten years. In addition,
certain of the leases require the Company to pay additional rents based on
costs of operating the property and contain certain escalation clauses.
 
  Future minimum lease payments under the leases for the next three months and
the succeeding five fiscal years are approximately as follows:
 
<TABLE>
   <S>                                                                    <C>
   Three months ending March 28, 1998.................................... $1,338
   1998..................................................................  5,387
   1999..................................................................  4,947
   2000..................................................................  4,751
   2001..................................................................  4,457
   2002..................................................................  3,891
   Thereafter............................................................  8,758
</TABLE>
 
  Rent expense was $86, $428 and $3,204 for fiscal 1995, fiscal 1996 and the
nine month period ended December 27, 1997, respectively.
 
13. INCOME TAXES
 
  No provision (benefit) for income taxes has been recorded for fiscal 1995,
fiscal 1996 or for the nine month period ended December 27, 1997 due to the
fact that the Company was an LLC for the period from June 8, 1995 (date of
inception) to June 21, 1996 and due to net operating losses incurred in the
subsequent periods for which a full valuation allowance has been provided.
 
  Significant components of the Company's deferred tax liabilities and assets
are as follows:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                               MARCH 29, 1997 DECEMBER 27, 1997
                                               -------------- -----------------
   <S>                                         <C>            <C>
   Deferred tax liabilities:
     Property, plant and equipment............     $  245          $   --
     Goodwill.................................      1,149            2,172
                                                   ------          -------
       Total deferred tax liabilities.........      1,394            2,172
   Deferred tax assets:
     Accounts receivable......................                         522
     Inventory................................        527            3,157
     Intangible assets........................         73              229
     Property and equipment...................                         135
     Accrued liabilities......................      2,670            4,201
     Net operating loss carryforwards.........      3,913            3,913
                                                   ------          -------
   Total deferred tax assets..................      7,183           12,157
   Valuation allowance........................      5,789            9,985
                                                   ------          -------
   Net deferred tax assets....................      1,394            2,172
                                                   ------          -------
   Net deferred tax (assets) liabilities......     $  --           $   --
                                                   ======          =======
</TABLE>
 
                                     F-19
<PAGE>
 
                     GENESIS DIRECT, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
            NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(CONTINUED)
 
              (IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT SHARE AND PER SHARE AMOUNTS)
 
 
13. INCOME TAXES (CONTINUED)
 
  As of March 29, 1997, the Company has approximately $10.0 million of federal
tax net operating loss carryforwards which expire in 2012. The Company also
has approximately $8.6 million of state tax net operating loss carryforwards
which expire principally in 2004. In addition, the Company incurred
approximately $46 million of tax losses for the nine-month period ended
December 27, 1997 that are not reflected in the gross deferred tax assets
above.
 
  The Tax Reform Act of 1986 enacted a complex set of rules limiting the
potential utilization of net operating loss carryforwards and tax credit
carryforwards in periods following a corporate "ownership change". In general,
an ownership change is deemed to occur if the percentage of stock of a loss
corporation owned (actually, constructively and, in some cases, deemed) by one
or more "5% stockholders" has increased by more than 50 percentage points over
the lowest percentage of such stock owned during a three-year testing period.
As a result of cumulative changes in the Company's ownership which have
occurred, including the proposed initial public offering, the Company's net
operating loss carryforwards may be subject to annual limitations.
 
14. EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLAN
 
  The Company has established a defined contribution employee savings plan
pursuant to Internal Revenue Code Section 401(k) which allows employees
meeting certain eligibility requirements to contribute up to 15% of their
annual compensation. The Company matches these contributions at a rate of 50%
of the employees' pre-tax contributions up to a maximum of 6% of the
employee's annual compensation. The Company's contributions for fiscal 1996
and the nine months ended December 27, 1997 were $26 and $34, respectively.
 
15. SALES AND USE TAX
 
  A 1992 Supreme Court decision confirmed that the Commerce Clause of the
United States Constitution prevents a state from requiring the collection of
its use tax by a mail order company unless the company has a physical presence
in the state. However, there continues to be uncertainty due to inconsistent
application of the Supreme Court decision by state and federal courts. The
Company attempts to conduct its operations in compliance with its
interpretation of the applicable legal standard, but there can be no assurance
that such compliance will not be challenged.
 
  In recent challenges, various states have sought to require companies to
begin collection of use taxes and/or pay taxes from previous sales. The
Company has not received assessments from any state. The amount of potential
assessments, if any, cannot be reasonably estimated.
 
  The Supreme Court decision also established that Congress has the power to
enact legislation which would permit states to require collection of use taxes
by mail order companies. Congress has from time to time considered proposals
for such legislation. The Company anticipates that any legislative change, if
adopted, would be applied only on a prospective basis.
 
16. SUBSEQUENT EVENTS (UNAUDITED)
 
  Subsequent to December 27, 1997, the Company completed the acquisition of
certain assets and certain liabilities of Select Service & Supply Co., Inc.
("Sportime"). Sportime is engaged in the direct marketing of licensed and
other sports merchandise. Payment of the aggregate preliminary purchase price
of approximately $20.4 million included cash of $18.1 million, a $1.0 million
8% term note, $.5 million of non-compete payments due in equal quarterly
installments through January 2002 and the issuance of 91,575 shares of
 
                                     F-20
<PAGE>
 
                     GENESIS DIRECT, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
            NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(CONTINUED)
 
              (IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT SHARE AND PER SHARE AMOUNTS)
 
 
16. SUBSEQUENT EVENTS (UNAUDITED) (CONTINUED)
   
Common Stock valued at $10.91 per share. Prior to December 27, 1997, the
Company deposited $1.0 million in an escrow account for purposes of completing
this transaction. This amount is included in other assets at December 27,
1997. The Company will account for the acquisition under the purchase method
of accounting.     
   
  In April 1998, the Company acquired Biobottoms, a company engaged in the
direct marketing of children's apparel. Payment of the aggregate purchase
price of $2.27 million consisted of (i) $1.0 million of cash, (ii) $1.17
million of notes, bearing interest at an annual rate of 7.0%, of which
$670,000 is due within four months after this offering and the balance is due
in August 1999 and (iii) $100,000 of non-compete payments due in equal annual
installments of $50,000 due in April 1999 and April 2000. The excess of the
purchase price over the estimated fair value of the net assets acquired
(approximately $619,000 as of December 27, 1997) will be recorded as goodwill.
The acquisition will be accounted for under the purchase method of accounting.
    
  Subsequent to December 27, 1997, the Company completed the sale of 22,942
shares of its Series A Cumulative Convertible Preferred Stock for aggregate
proceeds of $22,942.
 
  In March 1998, the Board of Directors of the Company proposed to
stockholders for approval a 275 for 1 stock split. All common share and per
share information in the accompanying financial statements has been
retroactively restated to reflect this reverse stock split, which will be
effective upon consummation of the initial public offering.
 
  In March 1998, the Company's Board of Directors authorized the filing of a
registration statement with the Securities and Exchange Commission for an
initial public offering of Common Stock.
 
  In March 1998, the Company amended its Credit Agreement with a commercial
lender dated May 1997. Pursuant to the amendment, the Company is no longer
required to prepay the term loan in connection with an initial public offering
of its stock.
   
  Subsequent to December 27, 1997, the Company issued $7.65 million principal
amount of notes payable to GEIPPP II for net proceeds of $7.35 million. The
notes bear interest at 15% per annum and are payable on June 1, 2003. The
notes require prepayment in the event of an initial public offering, as
defined.     
 
  Subsequent to December 27, 1997, the Company's Board of Directors approved
grants of stock options to employees and executives who are also principal
stockholders and granted an aggregate of 120,037 stock options to employees at
an exercise price of $10.91 per share and an aggregate of 412,500 stock
options to certain executives at an exercise price of $16.36 per share. The
employee options vest ratably over five years and expire after ten years. The
executive options vest in full on March 2, 1999 and expire after ten years. In
addition, the Company's Board of Directors approved grants to certain
executives aggregating 495,000 stock options at an exercise price of $23.64
and 660,000 stock options at an exercise price of $30.91. Such options will be
granted upon the completion of the Company's initial public offering and will
vest in full on March 2, 2000 and March 2, 2001, respectively, and expire
after ten years from the date of grant. In addition, effective upon the
consummation of the initial public offering, a total of 4,125,000 shares of
Common Stock will be reserved for issuance upon exercise of options granted
under the Option Plan.
 
                                     F-21
<PAGE>
 
                        REPORT OF INDEPENDENT AUDITORS
 
Board of Directors
Manny's Baseball Land, Inc.
 
  We have audited the accompanying statements of operations and cash flows of
Manny's Baseball Land, Inc. for the period from January 1, 1996 to December 2,
1996 and the year ended December 31, 1995. These financial statements are the
responsibility of the Company's management. Our responsibility is to express
an opinion on these financial statements based on our audits.
 
  We conducted our audits in accordance with generally accepted auditing
standards. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to
obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of
material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence
supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit
also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant
estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial
statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis
for our opinion.
 
  In our opinion, the financial statements referred to above present fairly,
in all material respects, the results of operations and cash flows of Manny's
Baseball Land, Inc. for the period from January 1, 1996 to December 2, 1996
and the year ended December 31, 1995 in conformity with generally accepted
accounting principles.
 
                                          /s/ Ernst & Young LLP
 
Hackensack, New Jersey
June 6, 1997
 
                                     F-22
<PAGE>
 
                          MANNY'S BASEBALL LAND, INC.
 
                            STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                PERIOD FROM
                                               YEAR ENDED       JANUARY 1 TO
                                            DECEMBER 31, 1995 DECEMBER 2, 1996
                                            ----------------- ----------------
<S>                                         <C>               <C>
Net sales..................................    $19,405,069      $15,741,956
Cost of goods sold.........................     11,621,420        9,775,489
                                               -----------      -----------
Gross profit...............................      7,783,649        5,966,467
Selling, general and administrative
 expense...................................      7,205,494        6,825,745
                                               -----------      -----------
Income (loss) from operations..............        578,155         (859,278)
Interest expense...........................        192,451          187,619
Interest and other income..................         21,189           22,086
                                               -----------      -----------
Net income (loss)..........................    $   406,893      $(1,024,811)
                                               ===========      ===========
</TABLE>
 
 
 
                            See accompanying notes.
 
                                      F-23
<PAGE>
 
                          MANNY'S BASEBALL LAND, INC.
 
                            STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                 PERIOD FROM
                                                YEAR ENDED       JANUARY 1 TO
                                             DECEMBER 31, 1995 DECEMBER 2, 1996
                                             ----------------- ----------------
<S>                                          <C>               <C>
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES
Net income (loss)..........................     $   406,893      $(1,024,811)
Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss)
 to net cash used in operating activities:
 Depreciation and amortization.............         217,553          274,047
 Provision for losses on accounts
  receivable...............................          10,011           48,715
 Changes in other operating assets and
  liabilities:
  Accounts receivable......................         (43,428)        (159,176)
  Merchandise inventory....................         144,938         (230,440)
  Prepaid expenses.........................         (82,220)        (134,928)
  Deposits.................................         (28,286)          29,514
  Accounts payable.........................      (1,297,603)         949,983
  Accrued liabilities......................         (40,793)         158,111
                                                -----------      -----------
Net cash used in operating activities......        (712,935)         (88,985)
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES
Acquisition of property and equipment......        (644,667)        (359,476)
                                                -----------      -----------
Net cash used in investing activities......        (644,667)        (359,476)
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES
Distributions to stockholders..............        (597,354)         (35,986)
Net borrowings under revolving line of
 credit....................................       1,703,101          579,737
Proceeds from long-term borrowings.........         354,000          118,460
Principal payments on long-term debt.......        (102,145)        (161,941)
                                                -----------      -----------
Net cash provided by financing activities..       1,357,602          500,270
Net increase in cash.......................             --            51,809
Cash overdraft at beginning of period......             --               --
                                                -----------      -----------
Cash at end of period......................     $       --       $    51,809
                                                ===========      ===========
</TABLE>
 
 
                            See accompanying notes.
 
                                      F-24
<PAGE>
 
                          MANNY'S BASEBALL LAND, INC.
 
                         NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
 
1. ORGANIZATION
 
  Manny's Baseball Land, Inc. (the Company) is a mail order company that sells
authentic professional sports attire. The Company's primary market is the
United States, other markets include Canada, Europe and the Pacific Basin
area.
 
  On December 2, 1996, substantially all assets and liabilities of the Company
were acquired by a third party, Genesis Direct Five, LLC. ("Genesis"), in
exchange for cash of $5,925,000 and promissory notes of $5,275,000.
 
  The financial statements of the Company have been prepared as supplemental
information about the entity which Genesis will own following consummation of
the acquisition. The Company previously operated as a separate independent
entity. The results of operations and cash flows do not reflect any
adjustments relating to the acquisition.
 
2. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
 
 Revenue Recognition
 
  Sales are recorded at the time of shipment and a provision for anticipated
merchandise returns is recorded based upon historical experience.
 
 Property and Equipment
 
  Depreciation of furniture and equipment has been provided on the straight-
line method over the estimated useful lives of five to seven years.
Depreciation expense was $205,761 and $264,706 for the year ended December 31,
1995 and the period ended December 2, 1996, respectively.
 
 Income Taxes
 
  The Company has elected to be treated as an S Corporation under the
provisions of the Internal Revenue Code, which eliminates federal income taxes
at the corporate level.
 
 Direct Response Advertising and Promotion Costs
 
  Direct response advertising costs, consisting primarily of catalog
production and postage expenditures, are amortized over the period during
which associated net revenues are expected, generally two months or less.
Recognition of advertising costs is in accordance with the provisions of the
AICPA Statement of Position 93-7 Reporting of Advertising Costs. Direct
response and other advertising expenses were $2,365,988 and $2,310,295 for the
year ended December 31, 1995 and the period ended December 2, 1996,
respectively.
 
 Use of Estimates
 
  The preparation of financial statements in conformity with generally
accepted accounting principles requires management to make estimates and
assumptions that affect the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during
the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
 
3. EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLAN
 
  The Company has established a defined contribution employee savings plan
pursuant to Internal Revenue Code Section 401(k) which allows employees
meeting certain eligibility requirements to contribute up to 15% of their
annual compensation. The Company may contribute to such plan at a
discretionary rate determined yearly by the Board of Directors. The Company's
contributions for the year ended December 31, 1995 and the period ended
December 2, 1996 were approximately $7,740 and $12,095, respectively.
 
4. COMMITMENTS
 
  Rent expense for the year ended December 31, 1995 and the period ended
December 2, 1996 was approximately $87,000 and $100,000 respectively.
 
                                     F-25
<PAGE>
 
                        REPORT OF INDEPENDENT AUDITORS
 
The Board of Directors
Athletic Supply of Dallas, Inc.:
 
  We have audited the accompanying statements of income and cash flows of
Athletic Supply of Dallas, Inc. for each of the years in the three-year period
ended June 30, 1996, and for the period from July 1, 1996 to December 20,
1996. These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company's
management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial
statements based on our audit.
 
  We conducted our audits in accordance with generally accepted auditing
standards. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to
obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of
material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence
supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit
also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant
estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial
statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis
for our opinion.
 
  In our opinion, the financial statements referred to above present fairly,
in all material respects, the results of operations and cash flows of Athletic
Supply of Dallas, Inc. for each of the years in the three-year period ended
June 30, 1996, and for the period from July 1, 1996 to December 20, 1996, in
conformity with generally accepted accounting principles.
 
  As discussed in note 1 to the financial statements, the Company changed its
methods of accounting for income taxes in fiscal 1994.
 
                                          /s/ KPMG Peat Marwick LLP
 
Dallas, Texas
April 18, 1997
 
                                     F-26
<PAGE>
 
                        ATHLETIC SUPPLY OF DALLAS, INC.
 
                              STATEMENTS OF INCOME
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                               PERIOD FROM
                                                                  SIX MONTHS   JULY 1, 1996
                                 YEARS ENDED JUNE 30,               ENDED           TO
                          -------------------------------------  DECEMBER 31,  DECEMBER 20,
                             1994         1995         1996          1995          1996
                          -----------  -----------  -----------  ------------  ------------
                                                                 (UNAUDITED)
<S>                       <C>          <C>          <C>          <C>           <C>
Revenues:
  Merchandise sales,
   net..................  $26,561,643  $30,973,035  $23,985,590  $21,051,801   $15,990,059
  Fulfillment revenues..          --     2,409,052    5,612,748    2,869,138     2,986,556
  Other.................      617,207      341,256      586,651      109,296       783,471
                          -----------  -----------  -----------  -----------   -----------
                           27,178,850   33,723,343   30,184,989   24,030,235    19,760,086
Operating expenses:
  Cost of sales.........   12,679,741   15,050,116   11,464,346   10,146,476     8,009,108
  Selling, general and
   administrative.......   12,711,937   17,774,347   17,122,691   11,626,390    11,588,454
                          -----------  -----------  -----------  -----------   -----------
                           25,391,678   32,824,463   28,587,037   21,772,866    19,597,562
                          -----------  -----------  -----------  -----------   -----------
    Operating income....    1,787,172      898,880    1,597,952    2,257,369       162,524
Other income (expense):
  Interest expense......      (17,314)    (207,521)    (267,623)    (163,908)     (106,287)
  Interest income.......        1,298        1,568          149          --            --
                          -----------  -----------  -----------  -----------   -----------
                              (16,016)    (205,953)    (267,474)    (163,908)     (106,287)
                          -----------  -----------  -----------  -----------   -----------
    Income from
     continuing
     operations before
     income taxes.......    1,771,156      692,927    1,330,478    2,093,461        56,237
Income taxes (note 4)...      613,802      266,971      527,379      244,000        31,301
                          -----------  -----------  -----------  -----------   -----------
    Income from
     continuing
     operations.........    1,157,354      425,956      803,099    1,849,461        24,936
Discontinued operations
 (note 2):
  Loss from operations
   of discontinued
   retail division (net
   of income tax benefit
   of $8,694 in 1994 and
   $42,138 in 1995).....      (16,876)     (67,312)         --           --            --
  Loss on disposal of
   retail division (net
   income tax benefit of
   $77,000 in 1995 and
   $26,693 in 1996).....          --      (123,000)     (42,640)         --            --
                          -----------  -----------  -----------  -----------   -----------
    Income before
     extraordinary
     item...............    1,140,478      235,644      760,459    1,849,461        24,936
Extraordinary item--gain
 on extinguishment of
 debt (net of income
 taxes of $96,690) (note
 3).....................          --       183,392          --           --            --
                          -----------  -----------  -----------  -----------   -----------
    Income before
     cumulative effect
     of a change in
     accounting method..    1,140,478      419,036      760,459    1,849,461        24,936
Cumulative effect of a
 change in method of
 accounting for income
 taxes (note 4).........      873,351          --           --           --            --
                          -----------  -----------  -----------  -----------   -----------
    Net income..........    2,013,829      419,036      760,459    1,849,461        24,936
Preferred stock
 dividends..............          --           --        41,493          --         20,509
                          -----------  -----------  -----------  -----------   -----------
    Income available to
     common stock.......  $ 2,013,829  $   419,036  $   718,966  $ 1,849,461   $     4,427
                          ===========  ===========  ===========  ===========   ===========
</TABLE>
 
                See accompanying notes to financial statements.
 
                                      F-27
<PAGE>
 
                        ATHLETIC SUPPLY OF DALLAS, INC.
 
                            STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                           PERIOD FROM
                                                               SIX MONTHS  JULY 1, 1996
                               YEARS ENDED JUNE 30,              ENDED          TO
                         -----------------------------------  DECEMBER 31, DECEMBER 20,
                            1994         1995        1996         1995         1996
                         -----------  ----------  ----------  ------------ ------------
                                                              (UNAUDITED)
<S>                      <C>          <C>         <C>         <C>          <C>
Cash flows from
 operating activities:
 Net income............  $ 2,013,829  $  419,036  $  760,459   $1,849,461   $   24,936
 Adjustments to
  reconcile net income
  to net cash provided
  by operating
  activities:
 Depreciation and
  amortization.........      163,859     264,442     371,334      203,070      204,976
 Provision for doubtful
  accounts.............       (8,988)    (10,643)      5,892          --        54,990
 Inventory writedown...          --          --          --           --       700,000
 Deferred income
  taxes................     (268,243)     54,117     136,282                  (362,576)
 Changes in assets and
  liabilities:
  Accounts receivable..        6,241    (759,102)     66,328     (440,676)  (1,020,175)
  Income taxes.........     (150,000)     11,550     308,051      162,738     (237,493)
  Inventories..........   (1,650,187)   (618,243)  1,026,940      274,610     (129,496)
  Prepaid expenses.....      (27,377)   (145,902)    204,182      (83,455)    (187,563)
  Other assets.........      (13,833)    (11,748)     20,627       12,630          --
  Accounts payable.....      444,107     841,179  (1,565,299)    (829,306)   2,062,790
  Customer deposits....       (6,552)    258,296    (174,829)      21,127      583,860
  Accrued expenses.....      137,754     513,287    (691,643)     532,176      968,573
                         -----------  ----------  ----------   ----------   ----------
   Net cash provided by
    operating
    activities.........      640,610     816,269     468,324    1,702,375    2,662,822
                         -----------  ----------  ----------   ----------   ----------
Cash flows used in
 investing activities--
 additions to property
 and equipment.........     (239,015) (1,016,133)   (543,337)    (242,382)    (335,700)
                         -----------  ----------  ----------   ----------   ----------
Cash flows from
 financing activities:
 Proceeds received on
  borrowings from
  stockholders.........      580,000         --          --                        --
 Proceeds received from
  long-term debt.......          --    1,130,000     900,000                       --
 Proceeds from issuance
  of preferred stock...          --          --      600,000      406,601          --
 Net (payments made)
  proceeds received
  under line of
  credit...............          --      986,009    (250,000)  (2,000,000)  (1,750,000)
 Payments made on
  borrowings from
  stockholders.........     (360,000)   (321,000)        --                        --
 Payments made on long-
  term debt............     (316,557)   (726,648) (1,036,682)      (6,305)         --
 Preferred stock
  issuance costs.......          --          --     (211,398)                      --
 Principal payments
  under capital lease
  obligations..........       (8,176)    (42,978)    (64,294)                  (40,308)
 Purchase of treasury
  stock................          --     (950,000)        --                        --
                         -----------  ----------  ----------   ----------   ----------
   Net cash provided by
    (used in) financing
    activities.........     (104,733)     75,383     (62,374)  (1,599,704)   1,790,308
                         -----------  ----------  ----------   ----------   ----------
Net change in cash and
 cash equivalents......      296,862    (124,481)   (137,387)    (139,711)     536,814
Cash and cash
 equivalents at
 beginning of period...       12,922     309,784     185,303      185,304       47,916
                         -----------  ----------  ----------   ----------   ----------
Cash and cash
 equivalents at end of
 period................  $   309,784  $  185,303  $   47,916   $   45,539   $  584,730
                         ===========  ==========  ==========   ==========   ==========
Supplemental
 disclosure:
 Noncash investing
  activity--property
  and equipment
  acquired under
  capital leases.......  $   178,741  $   64,379  $   28,538   $      --    $   13,764
                         ===========  ==========  ==========   ==========   ==========
 Interest paid.........  $    17,314  $  197,466  $  267,624   $  176,528   $  119,399
                         ===========  ==========  ==========   ==========   ==========
 Income taxes paid.....  $   150,000  $  178,855  $   56,354   $   30,000   $  631,372
                         ===========  ==========  ==========   ==========   ==========
</TABLE>
 
                See accompanying notes to financial statements.
 
                                      F-28
<PAGE>
 
                        ATHLETIC SUPPLY OF DALLAS, INC.
 
                         NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
 
(1) SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
 
 (a) General Information
 
  Athletic Supply of Dallas, Inc. (the Company) is engaged in the sale of
sports related apparel and other related products primarily through a mail
order catalog merchandising operation. The mail order operation markets its
products throughout the United States and Canada.
 
  In fiscal year 1995, the Company expanded its business to include a
fulfillment operation for Sears, Roebuck and Co. (Sears) tool and healthcare
products. The Company receives a fixed fee for each call processed by its
telemarketing center and for each item filled through its warehouse. In June
1996, the Company further expanded its business when it entered into an
agreement with Sears and its designated vendors to provide operating systems
and support for catalog order processing for the Sears Wish Book.
 
  The Company discontinued the operations of its retail division, consisting
of one retail store, on December 31, 1995 (see note 2).
 
  On December 20, 1996, all outstanding common stock of the Company was
purchased by Genesis Direct (Genesis) for $10,000,000, consisting of
$5,000,000 cash and a $5,000,000 promissory note. The accompanying financial
statements do not reflect any basis adjustments as a result of this
transaction.
 
 (b) Cash Equivalents
 
  The Company considers cash equivalents to be all highly liquid investments
with original maturities of three months or less. Cash equivalents consisted
of money market accounts of $23,666, $114,906, $3,374, and $6,661, at June 30,
1994, 1995 and 1996, and December 20, 1996, respectively.
 
 (c) Inventories
 
  Inventories are stated at the lower of average cost or market. An allowance
of $700,000 was recorded for the period ended December 20, 1996 to reflect the
reduction of certain inventory items to their estimated net realizable value.
 
 (d) Property and Equipment
 
Depreciation and amortization are computed using the straight-line method over
the estimated useful lives of the assets. Leasehold improvements are amortized
straight-line over the shorter of the lease term or estimated useful life of
the asset.
 
  Depreciation and amortization charged to expense was $129,715, $230,298, and
$337,190, for the years ended June 30, 1994, 1995 and 1996, respectively and
$187,902 for the period from July 1, 1996 to December 20, 1996.
 
  Costs of maintenance and repairs are charged to expense when incurred. Upon
retirement or other disposition, the cost of assets and related accumulated
depreciation and amortization are removed from the accounts and any resulting
gain or loss is recognized in operations.
 
 (e) Goodwill
 
  Goodwill is amortized over 40 years on a straight-line basis. Included in
selling, general and administrative expenses is goodwill amortization of
$34,144 for each of the years ended June 30, 1994, 1995 and 1996, and
 
                                     F-29
<PAGE>
 
                        ATHLETIC SUPPLY OF DALLAS, INC.
 
                  NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(CONTINUED)
 
$17,072 for the period from July 1, 1996 to December 20, 1996, for the excess
of the purchase price over the fair market value of assets acquired at the
date of purchase.
 
 (f) Revenue Recognition
 
  Revenues from merchandise sales are recognized upon shipment of products.
Fulfillment revenues are recognized as services are rendered. The Company has
an in-house mailing list consisting of approximately 700,000 customers from
which $152,000, $167,000, $112,000, and $53,000 of rental list income was
generated in the years ended June 30, 1994, 1995 and 1996, and the period from
July 1, 1996 to December 20, 1996, respectively. This income is included in
other revenues in the accompanying statements of income.
 
 (g) Income Taxes
 
  In February 1992, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued Statement
of Financial Accounting Standards No. 109, Accounting for Income Taxes
(Statement 109). Statement 109 requires a change from the deferred method of
accounting for income taxes of APB Opinion 11 to the asset and liability
method of accounting for income taxes. Under the asset and liability method of
Statement 109, deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the
estimated future tax consequences attributable to differences between the
financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and
their respective tax bases. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured
using enacted tax rates in effect for the year in which those temporary
differences are expected to be recovered or settled. Under Statement 109, the
effect on deferred tax assets and liabilities of a change in tax rates is
recognized in income in the period that includes the enactment date.
 
  Effective July 1, 1993, the Company adopted Statement 109 and has reported
the cumulative effect of that change in the method of accounting for income
taxes in the statement of income for the year ended June 30, 1994.
 
 (h) Advertising Costs
 
  Advertising costs for newspaper and other media are expensed as incurred.
Direct response advertising costs, which consist primarily of catalog
preparation, printing and postage costs, are capitalized and amortized over
the period during which the benefits of the catalogs are expected, not to
exceed six months.
 
  Advertising expense was $3,756,328, $5,695,737, and $4,654,400 for the years
ended June 30, 1994, 1995 and 1996, respectively, and $112,296 for the period
from July 1, 1996 to December 20, 1996.
 
 (i) Use of Estimates
 
  The preparation of the financial statements in conformity with generally
accepted accounting principles requires management to make estimates and
assumptions that affect the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during
the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
 
 (j) Unaudited Interim Information
 
  The financial information for the six months ended December 31, 1995 is
unaudited, and certain information and disclosures normally included in
financial statements prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting
principles, have been omitted. In the opinion of management, all adjustments,
consisting of normal recurring adjustments necessary to fairly present the
results of operations and cash flows with respect to such interim financial
statements, have been included.
 
 
                                     F-30
<PAGE>
 
                        ATHLETIC SUPPLY OF DALLAS, INC.
 
                  NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(CONTINUED)
 
(2) DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS
 
  On June 30, 1995, the Company adopted a formal plan to discontinue
operations of its retail division. Operations of the retail division were
discontinued on December 31, 1995. Sales for the discontinued operations of
the retail division were $3,528,852, $3,143,369, and $627,118 for the years
ended June 30, 1994, 1995 and 1996, respectively.
 
(3) NOTES PAYABLE AND LONG-TERM DEBT
 
  In July 1994, the Company repaid in full its then existing notes payable to
bank and recognized an extraordinary gain of $280,082. The Company then
entered into a new debt agreement with another bank consisting of a $1,000,000
term note and a $2,000,000 revolving note, both of which were collateralized
by substantially all the assets of the Company. Repayment of the notes was
guaranteed by the president of the Company up to a maximum of $2,000,000. The
interest rate on the notes was .75% per annum above the lender's prime rate
and interest was payable monthly.
 
  Effective July 14, 1995, the Company entered into a new debt agreement with
a different lender and repaid in full its obligations to the previous lender.
The new debt agreement consisted of a $900,000 term note ($600,000 outstanding
at December 20, 1996) and a $3,500,000 revolving note (repaid in full on
December 18, 1996), both of which are collateralized by substantially all the
assets of the Company. The interest rate on the debt agreement is .50% per
annum above the lender's prime rate (8.75% at December 20, 1996) and is
payable monthly. Repayment of the Company's obligations under the new debt
agreement was guaranteed by the president of the Company up to a maximum of
$2,000,000.
 
  Principal payments on the new term note are due in three equal annual
installments of $300,000, with the final payment due on January 10, 1998.
 
  The new debt agreement requires the Company to maintain a minimum tangible
net worth and to comply with other financial and nonfinancial covenants.
 
  Also on July 14, 1995, the Company borrowed $400,000 from Sears. The Sears
borrowings, which are subordinated to borrowings under the bank debt
agreement, bear interest at 9% per annum and are payable in two installments
of $200,000 plus accrued interest.
 
  In connection with the purchase of the common stock of the Company by
Genesis, the outstanding balance of $600,000 on the term note was repaid in
full on December 20, 1996 by Genesis on behalf of the Company.
 
(4) INCOME TAXES
 
  Total income tax expense was allocated as follows:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                PERIOD FROM
                                   YEARS ENDED JUNE 30,       JULY 1, 1996 TO
                                 ---------------------------   DECEMBER 20,
                                   1994      1995     1996         1996
                                 --------  --------  -------  ---------------
   <S>                           <C>       <C>       <C>      <C>
   Income from continuing
    operations.................. $613,802   266,971  527,379      31,301
   Discontinued operations......   (8,694) (119,138) (26,693)        --
   Extraordinary item...........      --     96,690      --          --
                                 --------  --------  -------      ------
                                 $605,108   244,523  500,686      31,301
                                 ========  ========  =======      ======
</TABLE>
 
                                     F-31
<PAGE>
 
                        ATHLETIC SUPPLY OF DALLAS, INC.
 
                  NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(CONTINUED)
 
 
  Income tax expense attributable to income from continuing operations
consists of:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                   CURRENT  DEFERRED    TOTAL
                                                   -------- ---------  --------
   <S>                                             <C>      <C>        <C>
   Year ended June 30, 1994:
     Federal...................................... $    --  $ 613,802  $613,802
                                                   ======== =========  ========
   Year ended June 30, 1995:
     Federal......................................  208,181    26,071   234,252
     State franchise..............................   27,553     5,166    32,719
                                                   -------- ---------  --------
                                                    235,734   331,237   266,971
                                                   ======== =========  ========
   Year ended June 30, 1996:
     Federal......................................  421,604    46,616   468,220
     State franchise..............................   53,014     6,145    59,159
                                                   -------- ---------  --------
                                                    474,618    52,761   527,379
                                                   ======== =========  ========
   Period from July 1, 1996 to December 20, 1996:
     Federal......................................  376,152  (346,260)   29,892
     State franchise..............................   17,725   (16,316)    1,409
                                                   -------- ---------  --------
                                                   $393,877 $ 362,576  $ 31,301
                                                   ======== =========  ========
</TABLE>
 
  Income tax expense attributable to continuing operations differs from the
"expected" tax expense (computed by applying the 34% U.S. federal corporate
rate to income from continuing operations before income taxes) as follows:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                  PERIOD FROM
                                       YEARS ENDED JUNE 30,     JULY 1, 1996 TO
                                    ---------------------------  DECEMBER 20.
                                      1994     1995      1996        1996
                                    -------- --------  -------- ---------------
   <S>                              <C>      <C>       <C>      <C>
   Computed "expected" tax expense
    ............................... $602,193 $235,592  $452,362     $19,121
   State franchise taxes, net of
    federal income tax benefit.....      --    21,595    39,045         930
   Increase in income taxes
    resulting from amortization of
    excess cost over net assets
    acquired, meals and
    entertainment, and officers'
    life insurance.................   11,609   11,609    11,609       8,524
   Other...........................      --    (1,828)   24,363       2,726
                                    -------- --------  --------     -------
                                    $613,802 $266,971  $527,379     $31,301
                                    ======== ========  ========     =======
</TABLE>
 
(5) LEASES
 
  The Company leases warehouse and office space under operating leases that
expire at various dates through 2000. The Company also leases computer,
telephone, and other equipment under capital leases that expire at various
dates through the year 2000.
 
                                     F-32
<PAGE>
 
                        ATHLETIC SUPPLY OF DALLAS, INC.
 
                  NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(CONTINUED)
 
 
  A summary of the minimum rental commitments under noncancellable operating
leases and the present value of future minimum capital lease payments as of
December 20, 1996 is as follows:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
     PERIODS
      ENDING                                                 CAPITAL  OPERATING
     JUNE 30,                                                 LEASES   LEASES
     --------                                                -------- ---------
   <S>                                                       <C>      <C>
     1997................................................... $ 30,148  247,646
     1998...................................................   63,864  270,556
     1999...................................................   47,402  176,600
     2000...................................................    6,049   87,500
                                                             -------- --------
                                                              147,463 $782,302
                                                                      ========
     Less amount representing interest (at 10%).............   17,036
                                                             --------
     Present value of minimum capital lease payments........ $130,427
                                                             ========
</TABLE>
 
  The 1997 payments are for the period December 21, 1996 to June 30, 1997.
Rent expense for the years ended June 30, 1995 and 1996 and the period from
July 1, 1996 to December 20, 1996 was $614,044, $536,504 and $259,345,
respectively.
 
(6) STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
 
  In January and March 1995, the Company repurchased a total of 2,444,596
shares of its common stock, representing 55% ownership, from two principal
shareholders for $950,000. The shares were constructively retired during the
year ended June 30, 1995.
 
  In June 1995, the Company's Board of Directors (Board) approved an amendment
to the Company's Articles of Incorporation to increase the number of common
shares authorized to 10 million and to authorize 5 million shares of Series A
preferred stock at a par value of $2.50 per share. The par value of the Series
A preferred stock was subsequently reduced to $1.75 per share.
 
  In June 1995, the Company's Board approved a 43.11 to 1 common stock split,
increasing outstanding shares at June 30, 1995 to 2 million with a par value
of $20,000. All share disclosures have been retroactively restated to reflect
the common stock split.
 
  In July 1995, 342,857 shares of Series A preferred stock were issued at
$1.75 per share. The Series A preferred stock has a cumulative annual dividend
of 5% of the original purchase price per share and has a liquidation value
equal to the greater of $1.80 per share plus unpaid dividends or such amount
per share of preferred stock as would have been payable and each such share
been converted into common stock immediately prior to liquidation (as defined
in the Series A Preferred Stock and Warrant Purchase Agreement). The stock is
convertible, at any time, into an equal number of shares of the Company's
common stock. The conversion ratio may be adjusted from time to time upon the
occurrence of various capital stock transactions. Holders of the Series A
preferred stock may require the Company to redeem the shares at any time
subsequent to January 14, 1998 at an amount equal to the liquidation value.
The Company may redeem the shares, at an amount equal to the liquidation
value, at the earlier of the closing of an initial public offering on July 14,
2001. As of December 20, 1996, $62,002 in cumulative preferred stock dividends
is in arrears.
 
  In connection with the issuance of the Series A preferred stock, the Company
issued warrants to purchase 68,514 shares of the Series A preferred stock. The
exercise price of the warrants is $2.16 per share. The warrants may be
exercised for all or any lesser number of shares at any time and from time to
time between issuance and January 14, 1998. The exercise price may be adjusted
from time to time upon the occurrence of various capital stock transactions.
 
                                     F-33
<PAGE>
 
                        ATHLETIC SUPPLY OF DALLAS, INC.
 
                  NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(CONTINUED)
 
 
(7) RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS
 
  In consideration for the Company president's guaranty of borrowings under
the Company's debt agreements discussed in note 3, the Company has agreed to
pay him a fee equal to .167% in fiscal 1995 and .333% in fiscal 1996 and
thereafter of the outstanding balance under the agreements, up to a maximum of
$2,000,000. Such fee amounted to $20,506 and $52,835 for the years ended June
30, 1995 and 1996, respectively, and $44,889 for the period from July 1, 1996
to December 20, 1996.
 
  The Company leases an office/warehouse building, used by the mail order
division, from its president and stockholder. Rentals paid during each of the
years ended June 30, 1994, 1995 and 1996, and during the period from July 1,
1996 to December 20, 1996, amounted to $100,000, and $50,000, respectively.
 
(8) LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
 
  The Company is involved in various claims and legal actions arising from the
ordinary course of business. In the opinion of management, the ultimate
disposition of these matters will not have a material adverse effect on the
Company's results of operations or cash flows.
 
                                     F-34
<PAGE>
 
                         INDEPENDENT AUDITORS' REPORT
 
To the Board of Directors
and Stockholders of Lilliput Motor Company, Ltd.:
 
  We have audited the accompanying statements of operations and cash flows of
Lilliput Motor Company, Ltd. for the years ending August 31, 1996 and 1995.
These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company's management.
Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements
based on our audits.
 
  We conducted our audits in accordance with generally accepted auditing
standards. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to
obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of
material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence
supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit,
also, includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant
estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial
statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis
for our opinion.
 
  In our opinion, the financial statements referred to above present fairly,
in all material respects, the results of operations and cash flows of Lilliput
Motor Company, Ltd. for the years ending August 31, 1996 and 1995, in
conformity with generally accepted accounting principles.
 
                                          /s/ Boscia Goldenberg & Company
 
Wayne, New Jersey
February 2, 1998
 
                                     F-35
<PAGE>
 
                          LILLIPUT MOTOR COMPANY, LTD.
 
                            STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                             YEARS ENDED
                             AUGUST 31,            FOUR MONTH PERIODS ENDED
                          ------------------  -----------------------------------
                            1996      1995    DECEMBER 24, 1996 DECEMBER 31, 1995
                          --------  --------  ----------------- -----------------
                                                          (UNAUDITED)
<S>                       <C>       <C>       <C>               <C>
Net sales...............  $871,062  $855,793      $520,490          $501,380
Cost of sales...........   608,180   583,965       369,604           275,685
                          --------  --------      --------          --------
  Gross profit..........   262,882   271,828       150,886           225,695
Selling, general and ad-
 ministrative expenses..   253,510   235,362       111,782           126,026
                          --------  --------      --------          --------
  Income from opera-
   tions................     9,372    36,466        39,104            99,669
Other income (Expense)
  Gain on sale of as-
   sets.................     1,127                     --                --
  Interest expense......   (22,817)  (16,282)          --                --
  Other income..........                  90             8                 6
                          --------  --------      --------          --------
                           (21,690)  (16,192)            8                 6
                          --------  --------      --------          --------
(Loss) income before
 benefit of (provision
 for) income taxes......   (12,318)   20,274        39,112            99,675
Tax benefit of net oper-
 ating loss carryback
 (Provision for federal
  income tax)...........     1,848    (3,041)       (5,275)          (36,640)
                          --------  --------      --------          --------
Net (Loss) Income.......  $(10,470) $ 17,233      $ 33,837          $ 63,035
                          ========  ========      ========          ========
</TABLE>
 
 
    The accompanying notes are integral part of these financial statements.
 
                                      F-36
<PAGE>
 
                          LILLIPUT MOTOR COMPANY, LTD.
 
                            STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                   YEARS ENDED AUGUST
                                          31,           FOUR MONTH PERIODS ENDED
                                   -------------------  -------------------------
                                                        DECEMBER 24, DECEMBER 31,
                                     1996       1995        1996         1995
                                   ---------  --------  ------------ ------------
                                                               (UNAUDITED)
<S>                                <C>        <C>       <C>          <C>
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING
 ACTIVITIES:
  Net (loss) income..............  $ (10,470) $ 17,233    $ 33,837     $ 63,035
  Adjustments to reconcile net
   income to net cash provided by
   operating activities
    Depreciation and
     amortization................     12,988    24,753         864        6,079
    Gain on sale of assets.......     (1,127)
    (Decrease) increase in de-
     ferred income taxes.........     (1,848)    3,041
  Change in assets and
   liabilities:
    Decrease (increase) in
     accounts receivable.........     27,053   (24,431)    (22,553)     (16,304)
    Increase in inventories......    (78,677)  (59,206)    (14,053)     (54,417)
    Decrease in prepaid
     advertising.................                8,675     (45,158)         --
    Increase in accounts
     payable.....................     58,769    22,614      90,501       77,136
    Increase (decrease) in
     current portion of long term
     debt........................     80,032   (25,000)    (35,016)     (35,579)
    Increase in other
     liabilities.................      1,311         8       5,198          114
                                   ---------  --------    --------     --------
      Net cash provided by (used
       in) operating activities..     88,031   (32,313)     13,620       76,704
                                   ---------  --------    --------     --------
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING
 ACTIVITIES:
  Purchase of office furniture
   and equipment.................    (10,362)      --          --        (4,187)
  Increase in improvements to
   building......................               (6,690)     (2,828)
  Proceeds from sale of assets...     59,938       255
  Purchase of antiques held for
   investment....................     (7,740)  (20,000)    (10,619)
                                   ---------  --------    --------     --------
      Net cash provided from
       (used in) investing
       activities................     41,836   (26,435)    (13,447)      (4,187)
                                   ---------  --------    --------     --------
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING
 ACTIVITIES:
  (Repayment) proceeds of long-
   term debt.....................   (145,422)   44,020        (173)      (4,921)
  Proceeds from issuance of
   preferred stock...............      6,300    20,000
                                   ---------  --------    --------     --------
      Net increase in cash from
       financing activities......   (139,122)   64,020        (173)      (4,921)
                                   ---------  --------    --------     --------
Net (Decrease) Increase in Cash..     (9,255)    5,272         --        67,596
Cash, beginning of the year......      9,255     3,983         --         9,255
                                   ---------  --------    --------     --------
Cash, end of the year............  $       0  $  9,255    $      0     $ 76,851
                                   =========  ========    ========     ========
SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURES OF CASH
 FLOW INFORMATION
CASH PAID DURING THE PERIOD FOR:
  Interest.......................  $  22,817  $ 16,282    $      0     $      0
                                   =========  ========    ========     ========
  Income taxes...................  $       0  $      0    $      0     $      0
                                   =========  ========    ========     ========
</TABLE>
 
    The accompanying notes are integral part of these financial statements.
 
                                      F-37
<PAGE>
 
                         LILLIPUT MOTOR COMPANY, LTD.
 
                         NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
                           AUGUST 31, 1996 AND 1995
 
1. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
 
  OPERATIONS--Lilliput Motor Company, Ltd. (the Company) is engaged in mail
order sales of collectibles and toys. The Company markets and sells its
products throughout the United States and has several customers in other
countries. The warehouse and office facility are located in Yerington, Nevada.
 
  INVENTORIES--Inventories consist primarily of collectibles and toys held for
resale. Cost of sales is computed at the lower of cost (first-in, first-out)
or market.
 
  DEPRECIATION--The Company follows the policy of charging to costs and
expenses annual amounts of depreciation which allocate the cost of the office
furniture and equipment, tooling equipment and buildings over their estimated
useful lives. The Company employs the straight-line method for office
furniture and equipment and buildings and the units-of-production method for
tooling equipment for determining the annual charge for depreciation. The
range of estimated useful lives used are:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                           YEARS
                                                                           -----
   <S>                                                                     <C>
   Office furniture and equipment.........................................    5
   Buildings and improvements.............................................   30
</TABLE>
 
  Depreciation expense was $12,906 and $24,334 for the years ended August 31,
1996 and 1995, respectively.
 
  CATALOG COSTS--Most catalog costs are deemed to have a short-term benefit
associated only with the production and mailing of a particular catalog. These
short-term catalog costs are recorded to prepaid catalog costs as incurred and
are charged off to operating expenses as the stream of revenue attributable to
the catalog is realized.
 
  ESTIMATES--The preparation of financial statements in conformity with
generally accepted accounting principles requires management to make estimates
and assumptions that affect the reported amounts in the financial statements
and accompanying notes. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
 
2. COMMITMENTS
 
  On January 25, 1995, the Company entered into a three year non-cancellable
lease on an office copy machine. The lease has been accounted for as an
operating lease. For the years ending August 31, 1996 and 1995, monthly rental
payments were $1,252 and $835, respectively, and are included in selling,
general and administrative expenses on the statements of operations.
 
  Future minimum lease payments under this lease are as follows:
 
<TABLE>
   <S>                                                                    <C>
   1997.................................................................. $1,252
   1998..................................................................    417
   Thereafter............................................................   None
</TABLE>
 
                                     F-38
<PAGE>
 
                         LILLIPUT MOTOR COMPANY, LTD.
 
                  NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(CONTINUED)
 
                           AUGUST 31, 1996 AND 1995
 
3. INCOME TAXES
 
  Primarily due to timing differences in recognition of depreciation for tax
and financial statement presentation, the Company has taxable income (loss)
which differs from that for financial statement purposes.
 
  The amounts of net operating losses available for carryover at August 31,
1996 and their dates of expiration are as follows:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                         AMOUNT  EXPIRATION DATE
                                                         ------- ---------------
   <S>                                                   <C>     <C>
                                                         $   838 August 31, 2007
                                                          23,863 August 31, 2011
                                                         -------
   Total................................................ $24,701
                                                         =======
</TABLE>
 
4. RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS
 
  During the years ending August 31, 1996 and 1995 the Company borrowed
amounts from common stockholders totaling $11,938 and $14,453, respectively.
These notes were non-interest bearing. The funds were for working capital.
 
  On May 8, 1995, a preferred stockholder loaned $20,000 to the Company. This
loan bears interest at 10%. The funds were used for working capital. Interest
paid on this note was $2,000 and $333 for the years ending August 31, 1996 and
1995, respectively.
 
  During the year ending August 31, 1995, the Company borrowed $25,000 at 10%
interest per year from a trust which was represented by an attorney who
performed legal services for the Company. Interest paid on this note was
$3,072 and $2,283 for the years ending August 31, 1996 and 1995, respectively.
 
  On August 6, 1996 property located at 1247 Missouri Lane, Yerrington, Nevada
was sold to a common stockholder. The outstanding mortgage balance was assumed
by the stockholder. This property was purchased by the Company on April 27,
1993. The sale resulted in a gain to the Company in the amount of $1,127.
 
5. SUBSEQUENT EVENT
 
  On December 24, 1996 all of the assets except the building located at 321
South Main Street, Yerington, Nevada were acquired by Genesis Direct, Inc.
(Genesis). All liabilities existing on December 24, 1996 except the mortgage
obligation on the building located at 321 South Main Street, Yerington, Nevada
were assumed by Genesis. The operating lease commitment referred to in Note 2
was also assumed by Genesis.
 
                                     F-39
<PAGE>
 
                   REPORT OF INDEPENDENT PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS
 
To First Step Designs Ltd:
 
  We have audited the accompanying statements of operations and cash flows of
First Step Designs Ltd. (a Massachusetts corporation) for the years ended
December 31, 1995 and 1996 and the period ended February 6, 1997. These
financial statements are the responsibility of the Company's management. Our
responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on
our audits.
 
  We conducted our audits in accordance with generally accepted auditing
standards. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to
obtain reasonable assurance about whether the statements of operations and
cash flows are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on
a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the
statements of operations and cash flows. An audit also includes assessing the
accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as
well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe
that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.
 
  In our opinion, the statements of operations and cash flows referred to
above present fairly, in all material respects, the results of operations and
cash flows of First Step Designs Ltd. for the years ended December 31, 1995
and 1996 and February 6, 1997 in conformity with generally accepted accounting
principles.
 
                                          /s/ Arthur Andersen LLP
 
Boston, Massachusetts
March 18, 1997
 
                                     F-40
<PAGE>
 
                            FIRST STEP DESIGNS LTD.
 
                            STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                    PERIOD FROM
                                                YEARS ENDED         JANUARY 1,
                                               DECEMBER 31,           1997 TO
                                          ------------------------  FEBRUARY 6,
                                             1995         1996         1997
                                          -----------  -----------  -----------
<S>                                       <C>          <C>          <C>
Net Sales................................ $10,821,510  $ 9,779,931   $ 453,534
Costs and Expenses:
  Cost of sales..........................   5,966,864    5,321,397     262,690
  Selling and marketing..................   3,572,276    3,311,257     202,397
  General and administrative.............   2,136,544    2,496,440     261,412
                                          -----------  -----------   ---------
    Loss from operations.................    (854,174)  (1,349,163)   (272,965)
Interest Expense, Net....................    (197,532)    (269,304)    (29,873)
                                          -----------  -----------   ---------
    Net loss............................. $(1,051,706) $(1,618,467)  $(302,838)
                                          ===========  ===========   =========
</TABLE>
 
 
 
   The accompanying notes are an integral part of these finacial statements.
 
                                      F-41
<PAGE>
 
                            FIRST STEP DESIGNS LTD.
 
                            STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                    PERIOD FROM
                                                YEARS ENDED         JANUARY 1,
                                               DECEMBER 31,           1997 TO
                                          ------------------------  FEBRUARY 6,
                                             1995         1996         1997
                                          -----------  -----------  -----------
<S>                                       <C>          <C>          <C>
Cash Flows From Operating Activities:
 Net loss................................ $(1,051,706) $(1,618,467)  $(302,838)
 Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net
  cash used in operating activities--
  Amortization of deferred compensation..      17,014        6,070         605
  Depreciation and amortization..........      32,810       73,583       9,570
  Changes in current assets and
   liabilities--
   Accounts receivable...................     (99,820)      42,469       3,311
   Inventories...........................    (130,633)     (48,006)    (70,383)
   Prepaid expenses......................    (187,909)     (74,253)    (63,043)
   Accounts payable and accrued
    expenses.............................      69,852      517,000     161,341
                                          -----------  -----------   ---------
    Net cash used in operating
     activities..........................  (1,350,392)  (1,101,604)   (261,437)
                                          -----------  -----------   ---------
Cash Flows From Investing Activities:
Purchases of property and equipment......     (30,292)    (272,176)        --
                                          -----------  -----------   ---------
    Net cash used in investing
     activities..........................     (30,292)    (272,176)        --
                                          -----------  -----------   ---------
Cash Flows From Financing Activities:
  Obligations under a capital lease......         --        13,130        (450)
Proceeds from notes payable to
 stockholder.............................   1,629,548      696,793     272,684
Proceeds from notes payable to a bank....     350,000      650,000         --
Payments on convertible notes payable....     (33,333)         --          --
Payments on notes payable to
 stockholder.............................    (200,000)    (500,000)        --
Proceeds from the exercise of stock
 options.................................       2,550          --          --
                                          -----------  -----------   ---------
    Net cash provided by financing
     activities..........................   1,748,765      859,923     272,234
                                          -----------  -----------   ---------
Net Increase (Decrease) in Cash..........     368,081     (513,857)     10,797
Cash, Beginning of Period................     209,867      577,948      64,091
                                          -----------  -----------   ---------
Cash, End of Period...................... $   577,948  $    64,091   $  74,888
                                          -----------  -----------   ---------
Supplemental Disclosure of Cash Flow
 Information:
Cash paid during the year for interest... $     7,937  $    72,511   $   7,190
                                          ===========  ===========   =========
</TABLE>
 
   The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
 
                                      F-42
<PAGE>
 
                            FIRST STEP DESIGNS LTD.
 
                         NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
 
(1) ORGANIZATION
 
  First Step Designs Ltd. (the Company) has been a direct marketer of products
for infants, toddlers and young children since 1985 and operates principally
in the United States.
 
  On February 6, 1997, the Company entered into a purchase agreement with
Genesis Direct Ten, LLC (the Buyer), whereby substantially all of the assets
and certain liabilities of the Company, as defined, were acquired for a
purchase price of approximately $2,000,000 of which $350,000 is payable one
year from the closing date. Under the agreement, the purchase price is subject
to adjustment based upon the balance sheet at closing. These amounts were used
to partially satisfy the Company's debt obligations.
 
(2) SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
 
  The accompanying financial statements reflect the application of certain
accounting policies as described in this note and other notes to financial
statements.
 
 (a) Mailing List
 
  Through prospective mailing, the Company has historically achieved an order
response rate of 1% to 4%. Customers added to the Company's house file are
expected to provide a recurring revenue base. The house file is also rented to
third parties as an additional source of revenue. Net rental fees derived from
house file rentals totaled approximately $85,000 and $149,000 for the years
ended December 31, 1995 and 1996, respectively, and totaled approximately
$16,000 for the period ending February 6, 1997.
 
 (b) Revenue Recognition
 
  Revenue from product sales is recognized at the time of shipment. Revenue
from mailing list rentals are recognized at the time of shipment of the names
rented.
 
 (c) Inventories
 
  The Company values inventories at the lower of cost (first-in, first-out) or
market. Inventories are comprised of purchased finished goods.
 
 (d) Prepaid Marketing Costs
 
  Costs related to the production and distribution of marketing materials to
potential customers are capitalized. These costs are charged to operations
over the estimated period in which revenues are derived from the mailings,
which is generally four months.
 
 (e) Depreciation and Amortization
 
  The Company provides for depreciation and amortization, computed on both the
straight-line and accelerated methods, by charges to operations in amounts
that allocate the cost of fixed assets over their estimated useful lives:
furniture and fixtures, 7 years or MACRS; equipment, 5 years; equipment under
capital lease and leasehold improvements, 5 years or the life of the lease, if
shorter.
 
 (f) Income Taxes
 
  The Company has elected to be treated as a subchapter S corporation for
federal and state income tax purposes. Under this election, the taxable income
and losses of the Company are reported on the individual tax returns of its
stockholders.
 
 
                                     F-43
<PAGE>
 
                            FIRST STEP DESIGNS LTD.
 
                  NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(CONTINUED)
 
 (g) Use of Estimates
 
  The preparation of the statements of operations and cash flows in conformity
with generally accepted accounting principles requires management to make
estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of revenues and
expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those
estimates.
 
(3) RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS
 
  For the years ended December 31, 1995 and 1996, and for the period ending
February 7, 1997, the Company recorded $180,000, $197,000 and $23,000 of
interest expense, respectively, relating to notes payable to a stockholder of
the Company.
 
(4) COMMITMENTS
 
  The Company conducts its operations in leased facilities and leases certain
equipment under agreements expiring through June 2008. The future minimum
operating lease payments under these agreements as of December 31, 1996 were
approximately as follows:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                 YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,
                 -----------------------
            <S>                                <C>
              1997............................ $  105,000
              1998............................     75,000
              1999............................     78,000
              2000............................     80,000
              2001............................     85,000
              Thereafter......................    585,000
                                               ----------
                                               $1,008,000
                                               ==========
</TABLE>
Rental expense charged to operations for the years ended December 31, 1995 and
1996 and the period ended February 6, 1997 was approximately $77,000, $97,000
and $9,000, respectively.
 
(5) COMMON STOCK
 
 (a) Stock Option Plan
 
  On August 5, 1993, the Company adopted the First Step Designs Ltd. 1993
Stock Option Plan (the Plan). The Plan provides for the granting of incentive
and nonqualified stock options. The number of options granted and the vesting
of the options are at the discretion of the Board of Directors. The Company
has reserved 150,000 shares of common stock pursuant to the Plan.
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                             NUMBER
                                                            OF SHARES   PRICE
                                                            --------- ---------
   <S>                                                      <C>       <C>
   Balance, December 31, 1994                                 27,216  $.01-$.29
     Exercised.............................................  (15,309)  .01- .29
     Terminated............................................  (11,907)  .01- .29
                                                             -------  ---------
   Balance, December 31, 1995                                    --   $     --
     Granted...............................................      400        .45
     Terminated............................................     (100)       .45
                                                             -------  ---------
   Balance, December 31, 1996..............................      300  $     .45
                                                             =======  =========
   Exercisable, December 31, 1996..........................      300  $     .45
                                                             =======  =========
   Balance, February 6, 1997...............................      300  $     .45
                                                             =======  =========
</TABLE>
 
 
                                     F-44
<PAGE>
 
                            FIRST STEP DESIGNS LTD.
 
                  NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(CONTINUED)
 
  The value of these options under the provision of Statement of Financial
Accounting Standards (SFAS) No. 123, Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation,
is insignificant. These options terminated with the sale of the business.
 
 (b) Stock Grants
 
  On November 30, 1995, 61,919 shares of stock were issued to an executive of
the Company. Of these shares, 35,385 are no longer subject to forfeiture,
while the balance vests ratably through August 31, 1999. The value of this
restricted stock award, as calculated under SFAS 123, is equal to the
compensation calculated under APB No. 25.
 
  In connection with the sale of the Company's assets, as discussed in Note 1,
this compensation arrangement was terminated. Pursuant to the terms of this
compensation agreement, the Company repurchased 15,480 shares of stock, from
the executive for $.01 per share.
 
(6) FIRST STEP DESIGNS LTD. SAVINGS AND RETIREMENT PLAN
 
  During 1994, the Company established the First Step Designs Ltd. Savings and
Retirement Plan (the Savings and Retirement Plan). In January 1997, this plan
was terminated. Previously, all employees were eligible to participate in the
Savings and Retirement Plan and were able to contribute specified percentages
of their salaries, a portion of which could be matched by the Company. In
addition, the Company was able to make contributions to the Savings and
Retirement Plan at the discretion of the Board of Directors. There were no
discretionary contributions made in 1995, 1996 or the one month period ended
February 1, 1997.
 
                                     F-45
<PAGE>
 
                         INDEPENDENT AUDITORS' REPORT
 
THE THURSLEY GROUP, INC.
New York, New York
 
  We have audited the accompanying statements of operations and cash flows of
THE THURSLEY GROUP, INC. for the years ended December 31, 1996 and 1995. These
financial statements are the responsibility of the Company's management. Our
responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on
our audit.
 
  We conducted our audits in accordance with generally accepted auditing
standards. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to
obtain reasonable assurance about whether the statements of operations and
cash flows are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on
a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the
statements of operations and cash flows. An audit also includes assessing the
accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as
well as evaluating the overall presentation of the statements of operations
and cash flows. We believe that our audits of the statements of operations and
cash flows provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.
 
  In our opinion, the statements of operations and cash flows referred to
above present fairly, in all material respects, the results of operations of
THE THURSLEY GROUP, INC. for the years ended December 31, 1996 and 1995 in
conformity with generally accepted accounting principles.
 
                                          /s/ Mendlowitz Weitsen, LLP
 
East Brunswick, New Jersey
February 26, 1997
 
                                     F-46
<PAGE>
 
                            THE THURSLEY GROUP, INC.
 
                            STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
 
                     YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1996 AND 1995
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                            1996       1995
                                                          ---------  ---------
<S>                                                       <C>        <C>
Sales.................................................... $ 603,521  $ 347,601
Cost of Goods Sold.......................................   271,524    155,250
                                                          ---------  ---------
Gross Profit.............................................   331,997    192,351
Operating Expenses
  Selling expenses.......................................   660,169    638,323
  General and administrative expenses....................   123,734    138,363
                                                          ---------  ---------
Loss From Operations.....................................  (451,906)  (584,335)
Other Income (Expense), net..............................   (85,576)   (19,005)
                                                          ---------  ---------
Loss Before Provision for Income Taxes...................  (537,482)  (603,340)
Provision For Income Taxes...............................     1,306      3,769
                                                          ---------  ---------
Net Loss................................................. $(538,788) $(607,109)
                                                          =========  =========
</TABLE>
 
 
                       See notes to financial statements
 
                                      F-47
<PAGE>
 
                            THE THURSLEY GROUP, INC.
 
                            STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
 
                     YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1996 AND 1995
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                            1996       1995
                                                          ---------  ---------
<S>                                                       <C>        <C>
Cash Flows From Operating Activities:
 Net loss................................................ $(538,788) $(607,109)
 Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided
  by operating activities:
  Depreciation...........................................     4,782      6,929
  (Increase) decrease in:
   Accounts receivable...................................     5,895     (8,547)
   Inventories...........................................   (16,198)   (25,500)
   Prepaid expenses......................................   (47,680)    23,475
   Security deposits.....................................       653        --
  Increase (decrease) in:
   Accounts payable and accrued expenses.................   126,263     76,152
   Taxes payable.........................................     5,079      7,089
   Payroll taxes withheld................................    (2,877)    (9,855)
                                                          ---------  ---------
                                                             75,917     69,743
                                                          ---------  ---------
    Net cash (used) by operating activities..............  (462,871)  (537,366)
                                                          ---------  ---------
Cash Flows From Financing Activities:
  Proceeds from issuance of trade note...................    26,101    150,000
  Proceeds from issuance of floating rate convertible de-
   bentures..............................................   397,723    150,000
  Proceeds from issuance of common stock.................       499     25,971
                                                          ---------  ---------
    Net cash provided by financing activities............   424,323    325,971
                                                          ---------  ---------
Net (Decrease) in Cash...................................   (38,548)  (211,395)
Cash, beginning..........................................    61,016    272,411
                                                          ---------  ---------
Cash, end................................................ $  22,468  $  61,016
                                                          =========  =========
Supplemental disclosures of cash flow information:
 Cash paid during the year for:
  Interest expense....................................... $   5,658  $     --
                                                          =========  =========
  Income Tax............................................. $   1,006  $   2,869
                                                          =========  =========
</TABLE>
 
                       See notes to financial statements
 
                                      F-48
<PAGE>
 
                           THE THURSLEY GROUP, INC.
 
                         NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
 
                               DECEMBER 31, 1996
 
NOTE 1--SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
 
 Business Activity
 
  THE THURSLEY GROUP, INC. (the "Company") incorporated in Delaware in 1993
and maintains offices in New York City. The Company created The Voyager's
Collection--a catalog of merchandise for business travelers. The catalog was
launched in December 1994 and is distributed in the rooms of many upscale
hotels throughout the United States.
 
 Cash and Cash Equivalents
 
  For purposes of the statement of cash flows, the Company considers all
short-term debt securities purchased with a maturity of three months or less
to be cash equivalents.
 
 Accounts Receivable
 
  The Company uses the direct write-off method of recognizing uncollectible
accounts receivable. Under this method, accounts are charged to operations
when they are deemed by management to be uncollectible. The effects of using
the direct write-off method approximates those of the allowance method.
 
 Property and Equipment
 
  Property and equipment is stated at cost. Depreciation is provided on the
straight line basis over the estimated useful lives of the assets. Additions
and betterments are capitalized, whereas costs of maintenance and repairs are
charged to expense as incurred. Depreciation expense for December 31, 1996 and
1995 was $4,782 and $6,928, respectively.
 
 Inventory
 
  Inventories are stated at the lower of cost or market using the first in,
first out cost method and consists completely of finished goods.
 
 Income Tax
 
  The Company has adopted FASB Statement No. 109, Accounting for Income Taxes,
which requires an asset and liability approach to financial accounting and
reporting for income taxes. Deferred income tax assets and liabilities are
computed annually for differences between the financial statement and tax
basis of assets and liabilities that will result in taxable or deductible
amounts in the future based on enacted tax laws and rates applicable to the
periods in which the differences are expected to affect taxable income.
Valuation allowances are established when necessary to reduce deferred tax
assets to the amount expected to be realized. Income tax expense is the tax
payable or refundable for the period plus or minus the change during the
period in deferred tax assets and liabilities. The only provision made was for
the minimum statutory taxes. No credit has been taken for tax loss
carryforwards that aggregate $1,613,852 and will expire in years 2008 to 2011.
 
 Use of Estimates
 
  The preparation of financial statements in conformity with generally
accepted accounting principles requires management to make estimates and
assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and
disclosures at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts
of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could
differ from those estimates.
 
                                     F-49
<PAGE>
 
                           THE THURSLEY GROUP, INC.
 
                  NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(CONTINUED)
 
                               DECEMBER 31, 1996
 
 
NOTE 2--INTEREST
 
  A promissory note is payable in the principal amount of $176,101 with 0%
interest to a supplier. The Company defaulted on the terms of the note at
which time all outstanding balances immediately became due. An accrual for
interest has been estimated at 15% per year for one and a half years. Interest
charged to expense was $26,415 and $13,208 as of December 31, 1996 and 1995,
respectively.
 
  Additional accrued interest on convertible debenture as of December 31, 1996
was $29,778.
 
NOTE 3--COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
 
  The Company entered into two consulting agreements expiring on May 31, 1998
with payment to be made in stock options. The maximum obligation under the
contracts is $1,600 per month before conversion into options. The number of
shares per option is equal to 125% of cash amount divided by the per share net
value of common stock on the issue date. Net value is defined as the per share
price paid by the most recent arm's length purchaser of common stock from the
Company, less the exercise price of $0.01 per share.
 
  The Company rented office space under a noncancellable lease until January
31, 1995. Commencing February 1, 1995 the Company began renting this space on
a month to month basis. The annual rent as of December 31, 1996 and 1995 was
$23,087 and $33,509, respectively.
 
NOTE 4--PENSION PLANS
 
  The Company has a defined contribution SEP pension plan that covers all
qualified employees effective as of January 1996. There were no company
contributions made for 1996.
 
NOTE 5--SUBSEQUENT EVENTS
 
  On February 18, 1997, the Company entered into an asset purchase agreement
which calls for the sale of substantially all the assets of the Company,
including, without limitation, all inventory, catalogs, mailing lists,
contracts with suppliers and hotels, business goodwill, the names "The
Thursley Group" and "The Voyager's Collection" and all other assets, tangible
and intangible. The closing is expected to take place in March 1997.
 
                                     F-50
<PAGE>
 
                         INDEPENDENT AUDITOR'S REPORT
 
DUCLOS DIRECT MARKETING, INC.
New York, NY
 
  We have audited the accompanying statements of operations and cash flows of
DUCLOS DIRECT MARKETING, INC. for the years ended January 31, 1997 and 1996.
These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company's management.
Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements
based on our audit.
 
  We conducted our audits in accordance with generally accepted auditing
standards. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to
obtain reasonable assurance about whether the statements of operations and
cash flows are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on
a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the
statements of operations and cash flows. An audit also includes assessing the
accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as
well as evaluating the overall presentation of the statements of operations
and cash flows. We believe that our audits of the statements of operations and
cash flows provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.
 
  In our opinion, the statements of operations and cash flows referred to
above present fairly, in all material respects, the results of operations of
DUCLOS DIRECT MARKETING, INC. for the years ended January 31, 1997 and 1996,
in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles.
 
                                          /s/ Mendlowitz Weitsen, LLP
 
East Brunswick, New Jersey
February 21, 1997
 
                                     F-51
<PAGE>
 
                         DUCLOS DIRECT MARKETING, INC.
 
                            STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
                     YEARS ENDED JANUARY 31, 1997 AND 1996
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                      JANUARY 31,  JANUARY 31,
                                                         1997         1996
                                                      -----------  -----------
<S>                                                   <C>          <C>
Sales
  Sales.............................................. $6,785,361   $6,391,919
  Less returns and allowances........................    498,170      575,759
                                                      ----------   ----------
  Sales, net.........................................  6,287,191    5,816,160
Cost of sales........................................  2,697,079    2,680,014
                                                      ----------   ----------
Gross profit.........................................  3,590,112    3,136,146
                                                      ----------   ----------
Operating expenses
  Selling expenses...................................  3,481,435    2,690,324
  General and administrative expenses................    479,681      365,071
                                                      ----------   ----------
    Total operating expenses.........................  3,961,116    3,055,395
                                                      ----------   ----------
Operating income (loss)..............................   (371,004)      80,751
                                                      ----------   ----------
Other income (expense)
  Miscellaneous income...............................     35,493          --
  Interest expense...................................    (14,039)      (7,746)
                                                      ----------   ----------
    Total other income (expense).....................     21,454       (7,746)
                                                      ----------   ----------
Income before provision (benefit) for income taxes...   (349,550)      73,005
Provision (benefit) for income taxes.................     30,200       (1,426)
                                                      ----------   ----------
Net income (loss).................................... $ (379,750)  $   74,431
                                                      ==========   ==========
</TABLE>
 
 
                       See Notes to Financial Statements.
 
                                      F-52
<PAGE>
 
                         DUCLOS DIRECT MARKETING, INC.
                            STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
 
                     YEARS ENDED JANUARY 31, 1997 AND 1996
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                 JANUARY 31, JANUARY 31,
                                                    1997        1996
                                                 ----------- -----------
<S>                                              <C>         <C>         <C> <C>
Cash flows from operating activities:
  Net income (loss).............................  $(379,750)  $  74,431
  Adjustment to reconcile net income to net cash
   used by operating activities:
    Depreciation................................     14,095      12,764
    Bad debts...................................      6,900      11,100
    Deferred taxes (benefit)....................     30,200      (7,100)
    Changes in assets and liabilities:
    Decrease (increase) in:
      Accounts receivable.......................    (29,808)    (19,492)
      Inventory.................................   (187,530)     33,180
      Income taxes refundable...................    (17,755)    (27,045)
      Prepaid expenses..........................    (44,789)   (116,262)
      Security deposit..........................        --         (100)
    (Decrease) increase in:
      Accounts payable and accrued expenses.....    254,715      42,928
      Refunds payable...........................     69,468      11,148
      Unearned revenue..........................      9,039         --
      Taxes payable.............................      8,302       (832)
                                                  ---------   ---------
        Net cash provided by (used for)
         operating activities...................   (266,913)     14,720
                                                  ---------   ---------
Cash flows used for investing activities
  Purchase of equipment.........................     (5,454)    (11,590)
                                                  ---------   ---------
Cash flows provided by financing activities
  Proceeds from notes...........................    268,500         --
  Proceeds of loan from officer.................      2,700       2,550
  Proceeds from sale of business................    100,000         --
  Payments on notes payable.....................    (14,978)     (3,491)
  Payments on capital lease obligations.........     (8,700)     (1,140)
                                                  ---------   ---------
        Net cash provided by (used for)
         financing activities...................    347,522      (2,081)
                                                  ---------   ---------
Net increase in cash............................     75,155       1,049
Cash, beginning.................................     10,732       9,683
                                                  ---------   ---------
Cash, end.......................................  $  85,887   $  10,732
                                                  =========   =========
Supplementary disclosures of cash flow
 information:
  Cash paid during the year for:
    Interest....................................  $  11,339   $   5,196
                                                  =========   =========
    Income taxes................................  $  17,756   $  32,719
                                                  =========   =========
  Non cash transactions
    During 1996, equipment was leased for $19,515. This lease is
     recorded as a capital lease.
</TABLE>
 
                       See Notes to Financial Statements.
 
                                      F-53
<PAGE>
 
                         DUCLOS DIRECT MARKETING, INC.
 
                         NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
                               JANUARY 31, 1997
 
1. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
 
 Organization
 
  DUCLOS DIRECT MARKETING, INC. ("the Company"), organized in New York in
1982, is a manufacturer, marketer and distributor of golf equipment and
related clothing and supplies. Its "Competitive Edge" catalog was first mailed
in 1983.
 
 Use of estimates
 
  The preparation of financial statements in conformity with generally
accepted accounting principles requires management to make estimates and
assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and
disclosures of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial
statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the
reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
 
 Revenue recognition
 
  Revenues from sales are generally recognized at the time the order is
shipped to the customer. The Company allows for merchandise to be returned
within thirty days of receipt by the customer. The Company has provided for an
estimate of returned merchandise based on prior experience.
 
 Accounts receivable
 
  Provision for losses on trade accounts receivable is made in amounts
required to maintain an adequate allowance to cover anticipated bad debts.
Accounts receivable are charged against the allowance when it is determined by
the Company that payment will not be received. Any subsequent receipts are
credited to the allowance. At year end, the allowance is adjusted by
management based on a review of the accounts receivable. The allowance for
uncollectible accounts was $46,500 at January 31, 1997 and $39,600 at January
31, 1996.
 
 Inventories
 
  Inventories are stated at the lower of cost (first in, first out) or market.
 
 Advertising expenses
 
  The Company's policy for direct response advertising costs consisting of,
production, printing and mailing of its catalogs, is for it to be capitalized
and amortized over a four month period based on a formula which considers the
life of a catalog in terms of orders received over the time between mailings.
The unamortized costs are included in prepaid expenses.
 
 Equipment and furniture
 
  Equipment and furniture is stated at cost. Depreciation is provided
principally on the double declining balance methods over the estimated useful
lives of the assets, which range from 5 to 7 years. Additions and betterments
are capitalized whereas costs of maintenance, repairs and minor replacements
are charged to operations as incurred.
 
 Income taxes
 
  Income taxes are provided for the tax effects of transactions reported in
the financial statements and consist of taxes currently due plus deferred
taxes related primarily to differences between the basis of fixed assets,
 
                                     F-54
<PAGE>
 
                         DUCLOS DIRECT MARKETING, INC.
 
                  NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(CONTINUED)
 
                               JANUARY 31, 1997
 
allowances for doubtful accounts and returned merchandise for financial and
income tax reporting. The deferred tax liability represents the future tax
return consequences of those timing differences, which will either be taxable
or deductible when the assets and liabilities are recovered or settled.
Deferred taxes are also recognized for operating losses that are available to
offset future taxable income and tax credits that are available to offset
future federal income taxes.
 
2. RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS
 
  The amount due to officer is an open obligation, bearing interest at 5% per
annum. Accrued interest of $2,700 for 1997 and $2,550 for 1996 is included in
interest expense.
 
  The Company created and placed advertising for a company owned by a relative
of the Company's sole stockholder. The revenues earned of $30,645 for 1997 and
$-0- for 1996 are included in miscellaneous income. The accounts receivable
included $15,355 from this entity.
 
3. INCOME TAXES
 
  The provision for income taxes differs from the amount of income tax
determined by applying the federal and state statutory rates to pre-tax
income. The differences are primarily due to the provision for doubtful
accounts and the provision for sales returns and allowances. Taxes have been
provided for state and local purposes as required by those jurisdictions.
 
  Summary of the provisions are as follows:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                 1997    1996
                                                                ------- -------
   <S>                                                          <C>     <C>
   Current tax
     Federal................................................... $   --  $   268
     State.....................................................     --    2,981
     City......................................................     --    2,425
                                                                ------- -------
                                                                    --    5,674
                                                                ------- -------
   Deferred tax (benefit)
     Federal...................................................  15,700  (3,700)
     State.....................................................   5,200  (1,200)
     City......................................................   9,300  (2,200)
                                                                ------- -------
                                                                 30,200  (7,100)
                                                                ------- -------
   Provision (benefit) for income taxes........................ $30,200 $(1,426)
                                                                ======= =======
</TABLE>
 
  For tax purposes, the Company has sustained a net operating loss of
approximately $300,000 which can be carried forward to offset future taxable
income. This net operating loss, if unused, will expire in the year 2012.
 
4. COMMITMENTS
 
  The Company leases its office and warehouse space. The ten year lease
expires December 31, 2002. The annual basic rent is $121,275 and will increase
each January 1 by 5% over the previous year. In addition to the basic rent,
the Company is charged a portion of the real estate taxes.
 
                                     F-55
<PAGE>
 
                         DUCLOS DIRECT MARKETING, INC.
 
                  NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(CONTINUED)
 
                               JANUARY 31, 1997
 
 
  Minimum annual rent for the next six years, exclusive of real estate taxes,
is as follows:
 
<TABLE>
   <S>                                                                  <C>
   January 31,
    1998............................................................... $134,263
    1999...............................................................  140,976
    2000...............................................................  148,025
    2001...............................................................  155,426
    2002...............................................................  163,197
   Thereafter..........................................................  156,426
</TABLE>
 
  Rent expense, including the additional charge for real estate taxes and rent
taxes, was $141,213 for 1997 and $123,722 for 1996.
 
  The Company has an obligation to purchase merchandise from a supplier over
the next several months. The total of the purchase orders is $200,000.
 
5. SALE OF BUSINESS
 
  On December 20, 1996 the Company entered into an agreement for the sale of
substantially all of its assets, which will be consummated in March 1997.
 
                                     F-56
<PAGE>
 
                        REPORT OF INDEPENDENT AUDITORS
 
Board of Directors
Select Service & Supply Co., Inc.
 
  We have audited the accompanying balance sheet of Select Service & Supply
Co., Inc. as of December 31, 1997, and the related statements of income and
retained earnings, and cash flows for the year then ended. These financial
statements are the responsibility of the Company's management. Our
responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on
our audit.
 
  We conducted our audit in accordance with generally accepted auditing
standards. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to
obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of
material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence
supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit
also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant
estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial
statement presentation. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis
for our opinion.
 
  In our opinion, the financial statements referred to above present fairly,
in all material respects, the financial position of Select Service & Supply
Co., Inc. as of December 31, 1997, and the results of its operations and its
cash flows for the year then ended in conformity with generally accepted
accounting principles.
 
                                          /s/ Ernst & Young LLP
 
Hackensack, New Jersey
January 30, 1998
 
                                     F-57
<PAGE>
 
                       SELECT SERVICE & SUPPLY CO., INC.
 
                                 BALANCE SHEET
                               DECEMBER 31, 1997
 
<TABLE>
<S>                                                                 <C>
                              ASSETS
Current assets:
  Cash............................................................. $   397,012
  Accounts receivable, less allowance of $131,700..................   3,657,754
  Inventories......................................................   3,844,340
  Deferred advertising costs and other current assets..............   1,962,695
                                                                    -----------
    Total current assets...........................................   9,861,801
Property, equipment and leasehold improvements, net................   1,333,243
Other assets.......................................................     115,211
                                                                    -----------
    Total assets................................................... $11,310,255
                                                                    ===========
               LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
Current liabilities:
  Notes payable to bank............................................ $ 2,866,000
  Accounts payable.................................................   1,410,261
  Accrued expenses.................................................     970,370
  Current portion of long-term debt................................      26,074
                                                                    -----------
    Total current liabilities......................................   5,272,705
Long-term debt, less current portion...............................      84,226
Stockholders' equity:
  Class A common stock, $.10 par value; authorized 100,000 shares,
   issued and
   outstanding 1,000 shares........................................         100
  Class B common stock, non-voting, $.10 par value; authorized
   900,000 shares,
   issued and outstanding 99,000 shares............................       9,900
  Additional paid-in capital.......................................      32,889
  Retained earnings................................................   5,910,435
                                                                    -----------
    Total stockholders' equity.....................................   5,953,324
                                                                    -----------
    Total liabilities and stockholders' equity..................... $11,310,255
                                                                    ===========
</TABLE>
 
 
                            See accompanying notes.
 
                                      F-58
<PAGE>
 
                       SELECT SERVICE & SUPPLY CO., INC.
 
                   STATEMENT OF INCOME AND RETAINED EARNINGS
 
                          YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1997
 
<TABLE>
<S>                                                                 <C>
Net sales.......................................................... $29,257,897
Cost of goods sold.................................................  15,314,982
                                                                    -----------
Gross profit.......................................................  13,942,915
Selling, general and administrative expenses.......................  11,654,280
                                                                    -----------
Income from operations.............................................   2,288,635
Interest expense...................................................    (181,289)
Other income.......................................................     232,199
                                                                    -----------
Net income.........................................................   2,339,545
Retained earnings at beginning of year.............................   5,612,680
Dividends..........................................................  (2,041,790)
                                                                    -----------
Retained earnings at end of year................................... $ 5,910,435
                                                                    ===========
</TABLE>
 
 
 
                            See accompanying notes.
 
                                      F-59
<PAGE>
 
                       SELECT SERVICE & SUPPLY CO., INC.
 
                            STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS
 
                          YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1997
 
<TABLE>
<S>                                                                 <C>
Cash flows from operating activities
  Net income....................................................... $2,339,545
  Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by
   operating activities:
    Depreciation and amortization..................................    356,644
    Gain on sale of property and equipment.........................    (10,909)
    Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
      Accounts receivable..........................................      1,195
      Inventories..................................................   (110,306)
      Deferred advertising costs and other current assets..........   (349,173)
      Accounts payable and accrued expenses........................    421,308
      Other liabilities............................................    (97,415)
                                                                    ----------
        Net cash provided by operating activities..................  2,550,889
Cash flows from investing activities
  Purchase of property and equipment...............................   (691,721)
  Proceeds from disposition of property and equipment..............     13,650
                                                                    ----------
        Net cash used in investing activities......................   (678,071)
Cash flows from financing activities
  Increase in revolving line of credit.............................    554,000
  Principal payment on long-term debt..............................    (24,471)
  Payment of notes to related parties..............................    (75,000)
  Payment of dividends............................................. (2,041,790)
                                                                    ----------
        Net cash used in financing activities...................... (1,587,261)
                                                                    ----------
Net increase in cash...............................................    285,557
Cash at beginning of year..........................................    111,455
                                                                    ----------
Cash at end of year................................................ $  397,012
                                                                    ==========
Supplemental disclosures of cash flow information
  Interest paid.................................................... $  179,977
                                                                    ==========
</TABLE>
 
                            See accompanying notes.
 
                                      F-60
<PAGE>
 
                       SELECT SERVICE & SUPPLY CO., INC.
 
                         NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
                               DECEMBER 31, 1997
 
1. ORGANIZATION
 
  The Company is engaged in catalog and direct sales primarily to education
systems, camps and church organizations, principally in the United States.
 
2. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
 
 Concentration of Credit Risk
 
  Certain financial instruments potentially subject the Company to
concentrations of credit risk. Accounts receivable represent sales to
government agencies and other institutional customers throughout the United
States. The Company periodically performs credit evaluations of its customers
but generally does not require collateral.
 
 Inventory
 
  Inventories are valued at the lower of cost or market with cost determined
by the first-in, first-out method.
 
Property, Equipment and Leasehold Improvements
 
  Property, equipment and leasehold improvements are stated at cost.
Depreciation of assets, including leasehold improvements, is computed using
the straight-line method over the lesser of the estimated useful lives of the
assets or the lease term. Leasehold improvements are amortized on a straight-
line basis over the shorter of the life of the improvement or the remainder of
the lease term. Amortization of leasehold improvements is included in
depreciation expense.
 
 Fair Values of Financial Instruments
 
  The fair value of financial instruments does not materially differ from
their carrying value.
 
 Revenue Recognition
 
  Sales are recorded at the time of shipment and a provision of anticipated
merchandise returns, net of exchanges, is recorded based upon historical
experience.
 
 Direct Response Advertising and Promotion Costs
 
  Recognition of advertising costs is in accordance with the provisions of the
AICPA Statement of Position 93-7, Reporting of Advertising Costs. Direct
response advertising costs, consisting primarily of catalog design, printing
and postage expenditures, are amortized over the period during which
associated net revenues are expected, generally approximating nine months or
less. Direct response advertising expenses were $2,882,924 for the year ended
December 31, 1997. As of December 31, 1997, approximately $1,816,000 of direct
response advertising costs have been deferred.
 
 Income Taxes
 
  The Company and its stockholders have elected to be treated as an S
Corporation under the Internal Revenue Code for federal and state purposes.
Therefore, no provision for income taxes has been made as the Company's income
will be included in the personal income tax returns of the stockholders.
 
 Use of Estimates
 
  The preparation of financial statements in conformity with generally
accepted accounting principles requires management to make estimates and
assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the financial statements and
accompanying notes. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
 
                                     F-61
<PAGE>
 
                       SELECT SERVICE & SUPPLY CO., INC.
 
                  NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(CONTINUED)
 
                               DECEMBER 31, 1997
 
 
3. PROPERTY, EQUIPMENT AND LEASEHOLD IMPROVEMENTS
 
  Property, equipment and leasehold improvements consist of the following:
 
<TABLE>
   <S>                                                               <C>
   Equipment, furniture and fixtures................................ $2,640,360
   Leasehold improvements...........................................    105,659
                                                                     ----------
                                                                      2,746,019
   Less accumulated depreciation....................................  1,412,776
                                                                     ----------
                                                                     $1,333,243
                                                                     ==========
</TABLE>
 
  Depreciation expense, including amortization of leasehold improvements was
approximately $351,246 for the year ended December 31, 1997.
 
4. ACCRUED LIABILITIES
 
  Accrued liabilities consist of the following:
 
<TABLE>
   <S>                                                                 <C>
   Employee compensation.............................................. $109,478
   Customer prepayments...............................................  455,633
   Other..............................................................  405,259
                                                                       --------
                                                                       $970,370
                                                                       ========
</TABLE>
 
5. NOTES PAYABLE AND LONG-TERM DEBT
 
  The Company maintains a revolving line of credit with a bank which provides
for borrowings of up to $5.0 million (including $1.0 million available for
letters of credit) based on eligible collateral. The note is payable on
demand, bears interest payable monthly at the lower of LIBOR plus 1.25% or the
banks prime rate minus .25%, and is secured by certain trade accounts
receivable, inventory, equipment and life insurance. The rate in effect at
December 31, 1997 was 7.2%.
 
  Long-term debt consists of secured notes payable to commercial lenders,
which bear interest at various rates (weighted-average of approximately 14.4%
at December 31, 1997) and are payable in varying monthly installments of
principal and interest through April 2004. The loans are secured by equipment
with a carrying value of $102,000 at December 31, 1997.
 
  As of December 31, 1997, maturities of long-term debt are as follows:
 
<TABLE>
   <S>                                                                   <C>
   1998................................................................. $26,074
   1999.................................................................  20,896
   2000.................................................................  20,430
   2002.................................................................  24,047
   2003.................................................................  16,463
</TABLE>
 
6. STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
 
  During 1997, the Company's Board of Directors and shareholders approved a
Restatement and Amendment by the Entirety of the Articles of Incorporation
(the "Plan of Reorganization") which authorized two new classes of common
stock which replaced the then existing single class of common stock. As a
result of the Plan of Reorganization, each of the previously existing 900
shares of common stock was converted into 1 and one-ninth
 
                                     F-62
<PAGE>
 
                       SELECT SERVICE & SUPPLY CO., INC.
 
                  NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(CONTINUED)
 
                               DECEMBER 31, 1997
 
shares of the newly authorized Class A common stock and 110 shares of the
newly authorized Class B Non-Voting Common Stock. As a result of these
conversions, $1,000 was reclassified from additional paid-in capital to Class
B Non-Voting Common Stock.
 
7. RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS AND COMMITMENTS
 
  At December 31, 1996 the Company had outstanding notes payable to related
parties which represented amounts due to individuals related to the Company's
stockholders. The notes carried interest at 12%, and were payable on demand.
These notes were fully repaid in 1997. Interest expense relating to these
notes totaled approximately $7,550 in 1997.
 
  The Company leases office and warehouse facilities under a 15 year non-
cancelable operating lease with a related party which expires in 2005. In
addition to the fixed rental, the lease requires the Company to pay additional
rents based on certain operating costs of the facility including property
taxes. Future minimum rental commitments under this agreement are as follows:
 
<TABLE>
   <S>                                                                  <C>
   1998................................................................ $315,600
   1999................................................................  315,600
   2000................................................................  315,600
   2001................................................................  315,600
   2002................................................................  315,600
   Thereafter..........................................................  798,000
</TABLE>
 
  Rent expense under this agreement was approximately $316,000 in 1997.
 
8. EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLAN
 
  The Company has established a defined contribution employee savings plan
pursuant to Internal Revenue Code Section 401(k) which allows all employees
meeting certain eligibility requirements to contribute a portion of their
annual compensation. Company contributions are at the discretion of the
Company's Board of Directors. The Company accrued a contribution of $45,200
for the year ended December 31, 1997.
 
9. SUBSEQUENT EVENT
 
  On January 8, 1998, Genesis Direct, Inc. acquired certain of the Company's
assets and assumed certain of the Company's liabilities. These financial
statements represent the historical carrying values of the assets and
liabilities, and no adjustments have been recorded related to this
transaction.
 
                                     F-63
<PAGE>
 
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
 NO DEALER, SALESPERSON OR OTHER INDIVIDUAL HAS BEEN AUTHORIZED TO GIVE ANY
INFORMATION OR MAKE ANY REPRESENTATIONS NOT CONTAINED IN THIS PROSPECTUS IN
CONNECTION WITH THIS OFFERING COVERED BY THIS PROSPECTUS. IF GIVEN OR MADE,
SUCH INFORMATION OR REPRESENTATIONS MUST NOT BE RELIED UPON AS HAVING BEEN AU-
THORIZED BY THE COMPANY, THE SELLING STOCKHOLDERS OR THE UNDERWRITERS. THIS
PROSPECTUS DOES NOT CONSTITUTE AN OFFER TO SELL, OR A SOLICITATION OF AN OFFER
TO BUY, THE COMMON STOCK IN ANY JURISDICTION WHERE, OR TO ANY PERSON TO WHOM,
IT IS UNLAWFUL TO MAKE SUCH OFFER OR SOLICITATION. NEITHER THE DELIVERY OF
THIS PROSPECTUS NOR ANY SALE MADE HEREUNDER SHALL, UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES,
CREATE AN IMPLICATION THAT THERE HAS NOT BEEN ANY CHANGE IN THE FACTS SET
FORTH IN THIS PROSPECTUS OR IN THE AFFAIRS OF THE COMPANY SINCE THE DATE HERE-
OF.
 
                                ---------------
 
                               TABLE OF CONTENTS
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                          PAGE
                                                                          ----
<S>                                                                       <C>
Prospectus Summary.......................................................   3
Risk Factors.............................................................   9
Use of Proceeds..........................................................  14
Dividend Policy..........................................................  14
Dilution.................................................................  15
Capitalization...........................................................  16
Pro Forma Condensed Combined Financial Statements........................  17
Selected Consolidated Financial Data.....................................  25
Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results
 of Operations...........................................................  27
Business.................................................................  32
Management...............................................................  45
Certain Relationships and Related Transactions...........................  53
Principal and Selling Stockholders.......................................  54
Description of Capital Stock.............................................  56
Shares Eligible for Future Sale..........................................  59
Underwriting.............................................................  61
Legal Matters............................................................  62
Experts..................................................................  63
Available Information....................................................  64
Special Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements........................  64
Index to Financial Statements............................................ F-1
</TABLE>
 
                                ---------------
 
 UNTIL      , 1998 (25 DAYS AFTER THE DATE OF THIS PROSPECTUS), ALL DEALERS
EFFECTING TRANSACTIONS IN COMMON STOCK, WHETHER OR NOT PARTICIPATING IN THIS
DISTRIBUTION, MAY BE REQUIRED TO DELIVER A PROSPECTUS. THIS IS IN ADDITION TO
THE OBLIGATION OF DEALERS TO DELIVER A PROSPECTUS WHEN ACTING AS UNDERWRITERS
AND WITH RESPECT TO THEIR UNSOLD ALLOTMENTS OR SUBSCRIPTIONS.
 
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
                               10,125,000 SHARES
 
                                (LOGO TO COME)
 
                             GENESIS DIRECT, INC.
 
                                 COMMON STOCK
 
                                 ------------
 
                                  PROSPECTUS
 
                                 ------------
 
                           BEAR, STEARNS & CO. INC.
                             GOLDMAN, SACHS & CO.
                             SALOMON SMITH BARNEY
                           INVEMED ASSOCIATES, INC.
                         MORGAN KEEGAN & COMPANY, INC.
 
                                       , 1998
 
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<PAGE>
 
                                    PART II
 
                    INFORMATION NOT REQUIRED IN PROSPECTUS
 
ITEM 13. OTHER EXPENSES OF ISSUANCE AND DISTRIBUTION.
 
  The following table sets forth the costs and expenses, other than
underwriting discounts and commissions, incurred in connection with the sale
of Common Stock being registered (all amounts are estimated except the SEC
registration fee, the NASD filing fee and the NASDAQ Stock Market listing
fee).
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
      ITEM                                                             AMOUNT
      ----                                                           ----------
      <S>                                                            <C>
      SEC registration fee.......................................... $   53,100
      NASD filing fee...............................................     18,500
      NASDAQ Stock Market listing fee...............................     95,000
      Printing and engraving expenses...............................    350,000
      Legal fees and expenses.......................................    400,000
      Accounting fees and expenses..................................    400,000
      Transfer agent fees and expenses..............................     15,000
      Miscellaneous.................................................    168,400
                                                                     ----------
          Total..................................................... $1,500,000
                                                                     ==========
</TABLE>
 
ITEM 14. INDEMNIFICATION OF DIRECTORS AND OFFICERS.
 
  The Company is incorporated under the laws of the State of Delaware. Section
145 of the General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware ("Section 145")
provides that a Delaware corporation may indemnify any person who is, or is
threatened to be made, a party to any threatened, pending or completed action,
suit or proceeding, whether civil, criminal, administrative or investigative
(other than an action by or in the right of such corporation), by reason of
the fact that such person was an officer, director, employee or agent of such
corporation, or is or was serving at the request of such corporation as a
director, officer, employee or agent of another corporation or enterprise. The
indemnity may include expenses (including attorneys' fees), judgments, fines
and amounts paid in settlement actually and reasonably incurred by such person
in connection with such action, suit or proceeding, provided such person acted
in good faith and in a manner he reasonably believed to be in or not opposed
to the corporation's best interests and, with respect to any criminal action
or proceeding, had no reasonable cause to believe that his conduct was
illegal. A Delaware corporation may indemnify any person who is, or is
threatened to be made, a party to any threatened, pending or completed action
or suit by or in the right of the corporation by reason of the fact that such
person was a director, officer, employee or agent of such corporation, or is
or was serving at the request of such corporation as a director, officer,
employee or agent of another corporation or enterprise. The indemnity may
include expenses (including attorneys' fees) actually and reasonably incurred
by such person in connection with the defense or settlement of such action or
suit, provided such person acted in good faith and in a manner he reasonably
believed to be in or not opposed to the corporation's best interests except
that no indemnification is permitted without judicial approval if the officer
or director is adjudged to be liable to the corporation. Where an officer or
director is successful on the merits or otherwise in the defense of any action
referred to above, the corporation must indemnify him against the expenses
which such officer or director has actually and reasonably incurred.
 
  The Company's Certificate of Incorporation provides for the indemnification
of directors and officers of the Company to the fullest extent permitted by
Section 145.
 
  In that regard, the Certificate of Incorporation provides that the Company
shall indemnify any person who was or is a party or is threatened to be made a
party to any threatened, pending or completed action, suit or proceeding,
whether civil, criminal, administrative or investigative (other than an action
by or in the right of the corporation) by reason of the fact that he is or was
a director or officer of such corporation, or is or was serving
 
                                     II-1
<PAGE>
 
at the request of such corporation as a director, officer or member of another
corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust or other enterprise, against
expenses (including attorneys' fees), judgments, fines and amounts paid in
settlement actually and reasonably incurred by him in connection with such
action, suit or proceeding if he acted in good faith and in a manner he
reasonably believed to be in or not opposed to the best interests of such
corporation, and, with respect to any criminal action or proceeding, had no
reasonable cause to believe his conduct was unlawful. Indemnification in
connection with an action or suit by or in the right of such corporation to
procure a judgment in its favor is limited to payment of settlement of such an
action or suit except that no such indemnification may be made in respect of
any claim, issue or matter as to which such person shall have been adjudged to
be liable for negligence or misconduct in the performance of his duty to the
indemnifying corporation unless and only to the extent that the Court of
Chancery of Delaware or the court in which such action or suit was brought
shall determine that, despite the adjudication of liability but in
consideration of all the circumstances of the case, such person is fairly and
reasonably entitled to indemnity for such expenses which the court shall deem
proper.
 
ITEM 15. RECENT SALES OF UNREGISTERED SECURITIES.
 
  All references in this Item 15 to Common Stock reflect a 275-for-1 split
effective immediately prior to the consummation of the offering of the Common
Stock pursuant to this Registration Statement.
 
  Between February 1997 and March 1998, the Company issued options to purchase
an aggregate of 1,598,162 shares of Common Stock to certain of its officers
and employees under its 1997 Long-Term Incentive Plan. Such securities were
sold in transactions that were exempt from registration under Section 4(2) of
the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "Securities Act").
 
  In June and December 1996, and March and April 1997, the Company issued an
aggregate of 8,855,000 shares of Common Stock to investors for an aggregate
consideration of $32.2 million. The transactions were exempt from registration
under Section 4(2) of the Securities Act.
 
  In September and December 1997, the Company issued an aggregate of 94,300
shares of Series A Preferred Stock, which will convert into 8,644,157 shares
of Common Stock upon consummation of this offering, to investors for an
aggregate consideration of $94.3 million. The transactions were exempt from
registration under Section 4(2) of the Securities Act.
 
  In October 1997 and January 1998, the Company issued an aggregate of 116,325
shares of Common Stock, valued at $1,269,000, to certain persons in connection
with the acquisition by the Company of certain assets, stock or licenses, as
the case may be, of such persons. The transactions were exempt from
registration under Section 4(2) of the Securities Act.
 
ITEM 16. EXHIBITS AND FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES.
 
  (A) EXHIBITS:
 
<TABLE>   
<CAPTION>
 EXHIBIT NO.                             DESCRIPTION
 -----------                             -----------
 <C>         <S>
   1.1       Form of Underwriting Agreement.**
   3.1       Certificate of Incorporation of the Registrant, as amended to
              date.**
   3.2       Certificate of Designation of the Registrant.**
   3.3       Form of Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation of the
              Registrant.**
   3.4       By-laws of the Registrant.**
   3.5       Form of Amended and Restated By-laws of the Registrant.**
   4.1       Specimen certificates for shares of the Registrant's Common
              Stock.**
   4.2       Stockholders Agreement.*
   5.1       Opinion of Morrison & Foerster LLP.*
  10.1       Credit Agreement with CIT Group Business Credit, Inc., as
              administrative agent.**
  10.2       Lease Agreement relating to property in Memphis, Tennessee, as
              amended to date.*
  10.3       Sublease Agreement relating to property in Secaucus, New Jersey.**
</TABLE>    
 
 
                                     II-2
<PAGE>

 
<TABLE>   
<CAPTION>
 EXHIBIT NO.                           DESCRIPTION
 -----------                           -----------
 <C>         <S>
  10.4       Form of Employment Agreement between the Registrant and Warren
              Struhl.**
  10.5       Form of Employment Agreement between the Registrant and Hunter
              Cohen.**
  10.6       Form of Employment Agreement between the Registrant and David
              Sable.**
  10.7       Registrant's Long-Term Incentive Plan.**
  10.8       Form of the Registrant's Employee Stock Purchase Plan.*
  10.9       Registrant's Directed Share Program.*
  21.1       Subsidiaries of the Registrant.**
  23.1       Consent of Morrison & Foerster LLP (contained in Exhibit 5.1).*
  23.2       Consent of Ernst & Young LLP.*
  23.3       Consent of KPMG Peat Marwick LLP.*
  23.4       Consent of Boscia Goldenberg & Company.*
  23.5       Consent of Arthur Andersen LLP.*
 
  23.6       Consent of Mendlowitz Weitsen, LLP.*
  23.7       Consent of Direct Marketing Association.**
  23.8       Consent of Marketing Logistics.**
  23.9       Consent of Yankee Group.**
  24.1       Power of Attorney (included on page II-4 hereof).**
  27.1       Financial Data Schedule.**
</TABLE>    
- --------
 * Filed herewith.
** Previously filed.
 
  (B) FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SCHEDULE:
 
  (1)Financial Statements:
 
    Financial Statements filed as a part of this Registration Statement are
    listed in the Index to Financial Statements on page F-1.
 
  (2)Financial Statement Schedules:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
     SCHEDULE NO.   DESCRIPTION
     ------------   -----------
     <S>            <C>
         II         Valuation and Qualifying Accounts
</TABLE>
 
ITEM 17. UNDERTAKINGS.
 
  The undersigned registrant hereby undertakes to provide to the underwriters
at the closing specified in the underwriting agreement certificates in such
denominations and registered in such names as required by the underwriters to
permit prompt delivery to each purchaser.
 
  Insofar as indemnification for liabilities arising under the Securities Act
may be permitted to directors, officers and controlling persons of the
registrant pursuant to the foregoing provisions, or otherwise, the registrant
has been advised that in the opinion of the Commission such indemnification is
against public policy as expressed in the Securities Act and is, therefore,
unenforceable. In the event that a claim for indemnification against such
liabilities (other than the payment of the registrant of expenses incurred or
paid by a director, officer or controlling person of the registrant in the
successful defense of any action, suit or proceeding) is asserted by such
director, officer or controlling person in connection with the securities
being registered, the registrant will, unless in the opinion of its counsel
the matter has been settled by controlling precedent, submit to a court of
appropriate jurisdiction the question whether such indemnification by it is
against public policy as expressed in the Securities Act and will be governed
by the final adjudication of such issue.
 
                                     II-3
<PAGE>
 
  The undersigned registrant hereby undertakes that:
 
  (1) For purposes of determining any liability under the Securities Act, the
      information omitted from the form of prospectus filed as part of this
      registration statement in reliance upon Rule 430A and contained in a
      form of prospectus filed by the registrant pursuant to Rule 424(b)(1)
      or (4) or 497(h) under the Securities Act shall be deemed to be part of
      this registration statement as of the time it was declared effective.
 
  (2) For the purpose of determining any liability under the Securities Act,
      each post-effective amendment that contains a form of prospectus shall
      be deemed to be a new registration statement relating to the securities
      offered therein, and the offerings of such securities at that time
      shall be deemed to be the initial bona fide offerings thereof.
 
                                     II-4
<PAGE>
 
                                  SIGNATURES
   
  PURSUANT TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF THE SECURITIES ACT, THE REGISTRANT HAS DULY
CAUSED THIS AMENDMENT NO. 1 TO THE REGISTRATION STATEMENT TO BE SIGNED ON ITS
BEHALF BY THE UNDERSIGNED, THEREUNTO DULY AUTHORIZED, IN THE CITY OF SECAUCUS,
STATE OF NEW JERSEY, ON APRIL 30, 1998.     
 
                                          Genesis Direct, Inc.
 
                                                    /s/ Warren Struhl
                                          By: _________________________________
                                                      Warren Struhl
                                                 Chief Executive Officer
 
  PURSUANT TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF THE SECURITIES ACT, THIS REGISTRATION
STATEMENT HAS BEEN SIGNED BY THE FOLLOWING PERSONS IN THE CAPACITIES AND ON
THE DATES INDICATED.
 
              SIGNATURE                         TITLE                 DATE
 
                  *                    Chief Operating                
- -------------------------------------   Officer and Director       April 30,
           HUNTER C. COHEN                                         1998     
 
                  *                    Chief Marketing                
- -------------------------------------   Officer and Director       April 30,
           DAVID M. SABLE                                          1998     
 
                  *                    Chief Financial                
- -------------------------------------   Officer (Principal         April 30,
          RONALD R. BENANTO             Financial and              1998     
                                        Accounting Officer)
 
                  *                    Director                       
- -------------------------------------                              April 30,
           EDWARD SPIEGEL                                          1998     
 
                  *                    Director                       
- -------------------------------------                              April 30,
         DAVID W. WIEDERECHT                                       1998     
 
       *By: /s/ Warren Struhl          Chairman of the Board          
- -------------------------------------   of Directors,              April 30,
            WARREN STRUHL               President and Chief        1998     
ATTORNEY-IN-FACT PURSUANT TO A POWER    Executive Officer
     OF ATTORNEY FILED WITH THE         (Principal Executive
       REGISTRATION STATEMENT.          Officer)
 
                                     II-5
<PAGE>
 
                        REPORT OF INDEPENDENT AUDITORS
 
Board of Directors
Genesis Direct, Inc.
 
  We have audited the consolidated financial statements of Genesis Direct,
Inc., and its predecessor entity, Genesis Direct LLC at December 27, 1997,
March 29, 1997, and March 30, 1996, and the nine-month period ended December
27, 1997, the year ended March 29, 1997, and for the period from June 8, 1995
(date of inception) to March 30, 1996, and have issued our report thereon
dated February 16, 1998 (included elsewhere in this Registration Statement).
Our audits also included the financial statement schedule listed in Item 16(b)
of this Registration Statement. This schedule is the responsibility of the
Company's management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion based on our
audits.
 
  In our opinion, the financial statement schedule referred to above, when
considered in relation to the basic financial statements taken as a whole,
presents fairly in all material respects the information set forth therein.
 
                                          /s/ Ernst & Young LLP
 
Hackensack, New Jersey
February 16, 1998
 
                                      S-1
<PAGE>
 
                                  SCHEDULE II
                             GENESIS DIRECT, INC.
                       VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS
 
                                 (IN THOUSANDS)
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
        COLUMN A          COLUMN B         COLUMN C           COLUMN D     COLUMN E
        --------         ---------- ----------------------- ------------- ----------
                                          ADDITIONS
                                    -----------------------
                                                CHARGED TO
                         BALANCE AT CHARGED TO     OTHER                  BALANCE AT
                         BEGINNING  COSTS AND   ACCOUNTS -- DEDUCTIONS --   END OF
      DESCRIPTION        OF PERIOD   EXPENSES    DESCRIBE     DESCRIBE      PERIOD
      -----------        ---------- ----------  ----------- ------------- ----------
<S>                      <C>        <C>         <C>         <C>           <C>
YEAR ENDED MARCH 30,
 1996
Deducted from asset ac-
 counts:
Allowance for doubtful
 accounts...............   $    0                                           $    0
Inventory Valuation Re-
 serve..................        0                                                0
Deferred tax valuation
 allowance..............        0                                                0
YEAR ENDED MARCH 29,
 1997
Deducted from asset ac-
 counts:
Allowance for doubtful
 accounts...............        0       254                                    254
Inventory Valuation Re-
 serve..................        0     1,390                                  1,390
Deferred tax valuation
 allowance..............        0     5,789(1)                               5,789
YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 27,
 1997
Deducted from asset ac-
 counts:
Allowance for doubtful
 accounts...............      254       836                                  1,090
Inventory Valuation Re-
 serve..................    1,390     3,060                    330(2)        4,120
Deferred tax valuation
 allowance..............    5,789     4,196(1)                               9,985
</TABLE>
- --------
(1)Includes amounts resulting from business combinations.
(2)Inventory liquidations.
 
                                      S-2
<PAGE>
 
                                 EXHIBIT INDEX
 
<TABLE>   
<CAPTION>
 EXHIBIT NO.                       DESCRIPTION                         PAGE NO.
 -----------                       -----------                         --------
 <C>         <S>                                                       <C>
   1.1       Form of Underwriting Agreement.**
   3.1       Certificate of Incorporation of the Registrant, as
              amended to date.**
   3.2       Certificate of Designation of the Registrant.**
   3.3       Form of Amended and Restated Certificate of
              Incorporation of the Registrant.**
   3.4       By-laws of the Registrant.**
   3.5       Form of Amended and Restated By-laws of the
              Registrant.**
   4.1       Specimen certificates for shares of the Registrant's
              Common Stock.**
   4.2       Stockholders Agreement.*
   5.1       Opinion of Morrison & Foerster LLP.*
  10.1       Credit Agreement with CIT Group Business Credit, Inc.,
              as administrative agent.**
  10.2       Lease Agreement relating to property in Memphis,
              Tennessee, as amended to date.*
  10.3       Sublease Agreement relating to property in Secaucus,
              New Jersey.**
  10.4       Form of Employment Agreement between the Registrant and
              Warren Struhl.**
  10.5       Form of Employment Agreement between the Registrant and
              Hunter Cohen.**
  10.6       Form of Employment Agreement between the Registrant and
              David Sable.**
  10.7       Registrant's Long-Term Incentive Plan.**
  10.8       Form of the Registrant's Employee Stock Purchase Plan.*
  10.9       Registrant's Directed Share Program.*
  21.1       Subsidiaries of the Registrant.**
  23.1       Consent of Morrison & Foerster LLP (contained in
              Exhibit 5.1).*
  23.2       Consent of Ernst & Young LLP.*
  23.3       Consent of KPMG Peat Marwick LLP.*
  23.4       Consent of Boscia Goldenberg & Company.*
  23.5       Consent of Arthur Andersen LLP.*
 
  23.6       Consent of Mendlowitz Weitsen, LLP.*
  23.7       Consent of Direct Marketing Association.**
  23.8       Consent of Marketing Logistics.**
  23.9       Consent of Yankee Group.**
  24.1       Power of Attorney (included on page II-4 hereof).**
  27.1       Financial Data Schedule.**
</TABLE>    
- --------
 * Filed herewith.
** Previously filed.

<PAGE>
 
                                                                     EXHIBIT 4.2


                             STOCKHOLDERS AGREEMENT

                   This Stockholders Agreement dated September 30, 1997 (this
"Agreement") by and among Genesis Direct, Inc., a Delaware corporation (the
"Company"), and each of the individuals or entities signatory hereto (each a
"Stockholder" and together the "Stockholders").

                              W I T N E S S E T H:

                   WHEREAS, pursuant to the terms and conditions of the Stock
Purchase Agreement (the "Stock Purchase Agreement") dated the date hereof
between the Company and the purchasers signatory thereto (the "Purchasers"), the
Company has agreed to issue and sell, and the Purchasers have severally agreed
to purchase, shares of Series A Preferred Stock of the Company (the "Purchased
Shares") in the aggregate amount of 71,358 shares for an aggregate purchase
price of $71,358,000;

                   WHEREAS, the Company and each of the Stockholders party to
the Existing Agreement desire to terminate, as of the date of issuance of the
Purchased Shares, certain provisions of the Existing Agreement, and establish as
of the date of such termination certain rights and obligations of such
Stockholders as set forth in this Agreement;

                   WHEREAS, it is a condition precedent to the obligation of the
Purchasers to purchase the Purchased Shares pursuant to the Stock Purchase
Agreement that the parties hereto enter into this Agreement;

                   NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the agreement of the
Purchasers to purchase the Purchased Shares and other good and valuable
consideration the receipt and adequacy of which are hereby acknowledged, the
parties hereto agree as follows:

                                   ARTICLE 1

                                  DEFINITIONS
                                  -----------

                   1.1 Defined Terms. All terms capitalized but not defined
                       -------------
herein shall have the meanings attributable to such terms in the Stock Purchase
Agreement, except where the context otherwise requires. The following additional
terms when used in this Agreement, including its preamble and recitals, shall,
except where the context otherwise requires, have the following meanings, such
meanings to be equally applicable to the singular and plural forms thereof:

                   "Affiliate" shall mean, with respect to any Person, any
                    ---------
person that, directly or indirectly, controls, is controlled by or is under
common control with such Person. For the purposes of this definition, "control"
(including, with correlative meanings, the terms "controlled by" and "under
common control with"), as used with 
<PAGE>
 
respect to any Person, shall mean the possession, directly or indirectly, of the
power to direct or cause the direction of the management and policies of such
Person,whether through the ownership of voting securities or by contract or
otherwise.

                   "Capital Stock" means all of the (i) Common Stock, (ii)
                    -------------
Purchased Shares, (iii) Interest Shares, (iv) Conversion Shares and (v) other
equity securities of the Company.

                   "Cause" means the commission by a person as (a) admitted by
                    -----
said person or (b) determined by a court of competent jurisdiction (after all
appeals and the expiration of the time to appeal), of a felony if the acts
constituting such felony are materially injurious to the Company (including its
reputation) or the commission of such felony has a material financial injurious
effect on the Company.

                   "Change in Control" means (i) the failure of the GE
                    -----------------
Partnership, GDLP and GDLP II collectively to hold beneficially and of record,
and have the right to vote shares of securities of the Company with voting power
to elect a majority of the Company's Board of Directors; (ii) the failure of the
GE Partnership to hold beneficially and of record, until the second anniversary
of the Closing Date, all of the Notes and Common Stock held by the GE
Partnership as of the Closing Date, or acquired any time thereafter; (iii)
Warren Struhl, David Sable and Hunter Cohen cease collectively to have the power
to vote, directly or indirectly, and dispose of each class and type of Company
securities held by GDLP on the date hereof or hereafter acquired by GDLP or GDLP
II; or (iv) any of Warren Struhl, David Sable and Hunter Cohen fails to hold,
directly or indirectly, at least 80% of the amount he holds today, at the
Closing or at any time thereafter, of his rights to participate in profits of
GDLP and GDLP II in respect of each class and type of Company securities held by
GDLP or GDLP II as of the Closing Date or acquired at any time thereafter, or in
his capital account in GDLP or GDLP II; provided, that neither of the following
will be deemed to be a Change of Control pursuant to clause (ii) above: (A)
transfers of Common Stock by GE Partnership to Affiliates of the GE Partnership
who at all times remain Affiliates of the GE Partnership and who agree in
writing to be bound by the terms of this Agreement; and (B) sales of Common
Stock by the GE Partnership or its Affiliates (excluding shares issued upon
conversion of Series A Preferred Stock) that, in the aggregate (including all
such sales after the date hereof) result in gross proceeds of $20 million or
less, and, in the aggregate, include 49% or less of the GE Partnership's Common
Stock (excluding shares issued upon conversion of Series A Preferred), and
additional sales of shares of Common Stock if consummated at the $6,000 Price so
long as the weighted average price paid on all sales of Common Stock pursuant to
this clause (B) is equal to or in excess of the $6,000 Price.

                   "Common Stock" shall have the meaning set forth in the Stock
                    ------------
Purchase Agreement.

                   "Conversion Shares" shall mean Common Stock previously
                    -----------------
issued, or unless the context otherwise requires, issuable upon conversion of
the Notes.

                   "Common Stock Equivalents" shall mean the number of shares of
                    ------------------------
Common Stock issuable upon the exercise, exchange or conversion of any security.

                                       2
<PAGE>
 
                   "Consideration Warrants" shall have the meaning set forth in
                    ----------------------
the Stock Purchase Agreement.

                   "Disability" shall mean, with respect to any natural person,
                    ----------
the certified incompetency as determined by a physician selected by you and
reasonably acceptable to the Company or failure of such person to render and
perform the services required of such person during any period of six
consecutive months because of physical or mental incapacity. The date on which
the Disability occurred shall be determined by Special Majority Approval.

                   "Existing Agreement" shall mean the Note and Stock Purchase
                    ------------------
Agreement.

                   "FUCP" shall have the meaning set forth in paragraph 2.1(c)
                    ----
hereof.

                   "Fully Diluted" with respect to Capital Stock or Common Stock
                    -------------
shall mean: (i) all currently outstanding shares of Common Stock, (ii) 8,478
shares issuable upon the conversion of 32.5% of the GE Partnership's Notes,
subject to adjustment as provided in the Note and Stock Purchase Agreement or in
the case of a conversion of greater than 32.5% of the GE Partnership's Notes,
such number of shares issued upon such conversion, (iii) 23,786 shares of Common
Stock issuable upon the conversion of the Series A Preferred Stock, subject to
adjustment as provided in the Certificate of Designation with respect to the
Series A Preferred Stock, (iv) (a) 3,864 shares of Common Stock issued or
subject to issuance pursuant to the Genesis Direct, Inc. stock option plan and
(b) after an initial public offering, such additional amount of shares of Common
Stock of the Company as the Company may award (with the sum of (a) and (b) not
to exceed 12% of the number of shares of Common Stock outstanding immediately
after the closing of such initial public offering), (v) 1,000 shares of Common
Stock issuable upon exercise of the Consideration Warrants to the extent such
Consideration Warrants are exercisable at the time as of which the applicable
calculation is made and (vi) any Interest Shares.

                   "GDLP" shall mean Genesis Direct, L.P., a Delaware limited
                    ----
partnership.

                   "GDLP II" shall mean Genesis Direct II, L.P., a Delaware
                    -------
limited partnership.

                   "GE Partnership" shall have the meaning set forth in Section
                    --------------
2.1 hereof.

                   "GE Partnership Approval" shall mean so long as the GE
                    -----------------------
Partnership or its Affiliates hold at least 7,000 shares of Series A Preferred
Stock, the consent of the GE Partnership or any transferee who hold all shares
of Series A Preferred Stock issued to the GE Partnership.

                   "Holder" shall mean any holder of Registrable Securities or
                    ------
Notes.

                   "Interest Shares" shall have the meaning set forth in
                    ---------------
paragraph 1 of the Note and Stock Purchase Agreement.

                                       3
<PAGE>
 
                   "Liquidation" shall mean a liquidation, dissolution or
                    -----------
winding up of the affairs of the Company or consolidation or merger of the
Company with or into any other corporation (unless the acquiring or surviving
corporation shall be a corporation more than 50% of the combined voting power of
which corporation's then outstanding equity securities, after such acquisition
or combination, are owned, immediately after such acquisition or combination, by
the owners of more than 50% of the voting power of the Company immediately prior
to such acquisition or combination), or a sale or transfer of all or
substantially all of the Company's assets for cash or securities or a statutory
share exchange in which stockholders of the Company may participate; provided,
                                                                     --------
however, that a Qualifying Public Offering shall not be deemed a Liquidation.
- -------

                   "Majority of Other Initiating Holders" shall mean holders of
                    --------
more than 50% of the Registrable Securities held by holders other than the GE
Partnership, GDLP or GDLP II or their respective Affiliates or partners.

                   "New Investor Approval" shall mean so long as not less than
                    ---------------------
20% of the shares of New Investor Series A Preferred Stock issued under the
Stock Purchase Agreement are outstanding, (x) prior to the issuance of any
Subsequent Series A Preferred Stock, the consent of holders of a majority of the
outstanding shares of New Investor Series A Preferred Stock; provided, that if
                                                             --------
fewer than 14,000 shares of New Investor Series A Preferred Stock are
outstanding, regardless of the number of shares voted in favor of the matter
being voted on, New Investor Approval shall be deemed to have been obtained
unless holders of at least 7,000 shares of New Investor Series A Preferred Stock
have voted against the matter being voted on and (y) following the issuance of
any Subsequent Series A Preferred Stock, the consent of holders of a majority of
the outstanding shares of New Investor Series A Preferred Stock; provided, that
                                                                 --------
if at least three unaffiliated New Investors holding a number of shares of New
Investor Series A Preferred Stock equal in the aggregate to more than 20% of the
number of shares of New Investor Series A Preferred Stock issued on the Initial
Closing Date and any Subsequent Closing Date and on or prior to December 31,
1997, affirmatively vote not to approve the matter being voted on, New Investor
Approval shall not have been obtained.

                   "New Investor Series A Preferred Stock" shall mean the shares
                    -------------------------------------
of Series A Preferred Stock issued to the New Investors on or prior to December
31, 1997.

                   "New Investors" shall mean all holders of Series A Preferred
                    -------------
Stock other than the GE Partnership, Genesis Direct, L.P., Genesis Direct II,
L.P. and the Affiliates or any transferees thereof.

                   "Note and Stock Purchase Agreement" means the Note and Stock
                    ---------------------------------
Purchase Agreement dated June 25, 1996 among the Company, the GE Partnership and
with respect to certain provisions, Genesis Direct, L.P., as amended.

                   "Offeree Stockholder" shall have the meaning set forth in
                    -------------------
Section 3.2 hereof.

                   "Offering Stockholder" shall have the meaning set forth in
                    --------------------
Section 3.2 hereof.

                                       4
<PAGE>
 
                   "Percentage in Interest" shall mean with respect to any
                    ----------------------
holder of Capital Stock or Notes, the ratio of number of shares of Capital Stock
(on a Fully Diluted basis) beneficially owned by such holder to the total amount
of shares of Capital Stock outstanding (on a Fully Diluted basis).

                   "Permitted Transferees" shall have the meaning set forth in
                    ---------------------
Section 3.5 hereof.

                   "Person" shall mean and include an individual, a corporation,
                    ------
a limited liability company, an association, a partnership, a trust or estate, a
government or any department or agency thereof.

                   "Qualifying Public Offering" shall have the meaning set forth
                    --------------------------
in the Stock Purchase Agreement.

                   "Qualifying Sale" shall mean a sale of the Company (by sale
                    ---------------
of stock, merger, sale of assets or otherwise) to an unaffiliated third party in
which (i) the Notes are prepaid in full or in part in accordance with the terms
thereof and no Notes remain outstanding, (ii) all consideration is solely in
cash and/or freely marketable securities, payable pro rata according to holdings
of Common Stock (after payment of the Notes and conversion or redemption of the
Series A Preferred Stock outstanding), and (iii) all liabilities of each Holder
of Series A Preferred Stock being converted in connection with such sale (other
than representations as to title to its own stock) shall be several and pro rata
with all other Holders of Capital Stock, based on Fully Diluted holdings of
Common Stock and shall not in the aggregate exceed the cash proceeds received by
such Holder in such sale, (iv) the amount of proceeds paid to each Holder of
Series A Preferred Stock (where to the extent proceeds include freely marketable
securities, such securities shall be valued at their Market Price (as defined in
the Certificate of Designation with respect to the Series A Preferred Stock)),
measured net of expenses and liabilities assumed, retained or incurred in
connection with such sale (other than each Holder's liability for its own
representations as to title to its securities) are equal to or greater than the
product of the number of shares of Common Stock issuable upon conversion of all
outstanding shares of Series A Preferred Stock of such Holder multiplied by (A)
the price per share of Common Stock that would satisfy the condition described
in clause (b) of part (ii) of the definition of Qualifying Public Offering, or
(B) if lower, the $6,000 Price.

                   "Registrable Securities" shall mean at any time (i) the
                    ----------------------
Common Stock held by any Stockholder, (ii) the Common Stock previously issued
or, unless the context otherwise requires, issuable upon conversion of the Notes
or Purchased Shares or the exercise of the Consideration Warrants, (iii) any
Common Stock issued subsequent to the conversion of any of the Notes or
Purchased Shares or the exercise of the Consideration Warrants as a dividend or
other distribution with respect to, or in exchange for or in replacement of, the
Common Stock issued upon such conversion or exercise, (iv) any Common Stock
issued or, unless the context otherwise requires, issuable as interest on the
Notes and (v) any Common Stock issued as a dividend or distribution with respect
to, or in exchange for or in replacement of, any Purchased Shares or Common
Stock, provided, that any Common Stock sold to the public under a registration
statement filed 

                                       5
<PAGE>
 
with the Securities and Exchange Commission or pursuant to Rule 144 shall not be
deemed Registrable Securities.

                   "Registration Expenses" shall mean all expenses incident to
                    ---------------------
the Company's performance of or compliance with its obligations under Sections
5.1, 5.2 and 5.3 hereof, including without limitation, all Securities and
Exchange Commission, NASD and stock exchange or NASDAQ registration and filing
fees and expenses, fees and expenses of compliance with applicable state
securities or "blue sky" laws (including, without limitation, reasonable fees
and disbursements of counsel for the underwriters in connection with "blue sky"
qualifications of the Registrable Securities), printing expenses, messenger and
delivery expenses, the fees and expenses incurred in connection with the listing
of the securities to be registered in the Qualifying Public Offering on each
securities exchange or national market system on which such securities are to be
so listed and, following such Qualifying Public Offering, the fees and expenses
incurred in connection with the listing of such securities to be registered on
each securities exchange or national market system on which such securities are
listed, fees and disbursements of counsel for the Company and all independent
certified public accountants (including the expenses of any annual audit and
"cold comfort" letters required by or incident to such performance and
compliance), the fees and disbursements of underwriters customarily paid by
issuers or sellers of securities (including the fees and expenses of any
"qualified independent underwriter" required by the NASD), the reasonable fees
of one counsel retained in connection with each such registration by the holders
of a majority of the Registrable Securities being registered, the reasonable
fees and expenses of any special experts retained by the Company in connection
with such registration, and fees and expenses of other Persons retained by the
Company (but not including any underwriting discounts or commission or transfer
taxes, if any, attributable to the sale of Registrable Securities by holders of
such Registrable Securities other than the Company).

                   "Series A Preferred Stock" shall mean all shares of Series A
                    ------------------------
Cumulative Convertible Preferred Stock issued by the Company pursuant to the
Stock Purchase Agreement, including Subsequent Series A Preferred Stock.

                   "Shareholder Securities" shall have the meaning set forth in
                    ----------------------
Section 3.2 hereof.

                   "Shares" shall mean shares of the Series A Preferred Stock,
                    ------
Share Equivalents and the Common Stock of the Company.

                   "$6,000 Price" shall mean, with respect to the sale of a
                    ------------
share of Common Stock, $6,000 (as hereafter adjusted for stock splits, stock
dividends, combinations of shares and other similar recapitalizations), plus,
the portion of dividends accrued and unpaid on the Series A Preferred Stock
allocable to such share of Common Stock.

                   "Stock Purchase Agreement" shall have the meaning set forth
                    ------------------------
in the first WHEREAS clause.

                   "Stockholder" shall have the meaning set forth in the
                    -----------
preamble hereto.

                                       6
<PAGE>
 
                   "Subsequent Series A Preferred Stock" shall mean any shares
                    -----------------------------------
of Series A Preferred Stock issued subsequent to the Initial Closing Date
pursuant to paragraph 1(c) of the Stock Purchase Agreement.

                                   ARTICLE 2

                                VOTING AGREEMENT
                                ----------------

                   2.1 Board of Directors of the Company. (a) The Company's
                       ---------------------------------
Board of Directors shall, as of the effectiveness of this Agreement, consist of
six directors. So long as the GE Partnership shall be the beneficial owner of
(i) any Notes or (ii) any Shares, Share Equivalents, Interest Shares or Common
Stock issued upon conversion of the Notes or the Purchased Shares or exercise of
the Consideration Warrants in excess of 20 percent of the Capital Stock on a
fully converted basis, the Company will not increase the size of the Board of
Directors of the Company without the consent of the general partner of the GE
Partnership. The Company will not increase the size of the Board of Directors of
the Company without New Investor Approval; provided, however, that if at least
                                           --------  -------
50% of the Notes outstanding on the date hereof are converted into Common Stock
and no Notes remain outstanding, such New Investor Approval shall not be
required to increase the size of the Board of Directors of the Company.

                   (b) (1)(A) So long as the GE Partnership has not sold or
otherwise disposed of more than 50% of the maximum amount of shares of Fully
Diluted Common Stock held by it at any given time, or it continues to hold in
excess of 20% of the total outstanding shares of Fully Diluted Common Stock,
each Stockholder agrees to vote all shares of Capital Stock as to which it has
voting rights for the election of two directors designated by the GE
Partnership; and (B) so long as the GE Partnership has sold or otherwise
disposed of more than 50% of the maximum amount of shares of Fully Diluted
Common Stock held by it at any given time, and it continues to hold 1 share of
Capital Stock but less than 20% of the total outstanding shares of Fully Diluted
Common Stock, each Stockholder agrees to vote all shares of Capital Stock as to
which it has voting rights for the election of one director designated by the GE
Partnership.

                   (2)(A) So long as GLDP and GDLP II have not sold or otherwise
disposed of more than 75% of the maximum amount of shares of Fully Diluted
Common Stock held by them in the aggregate at any given time, or they continue
to hold in the aggregate 12% or more of the total outstanding shares of Fully
Diluted Common Stock, each Stockholder agrees to vote all shares of Stock as to
which it has voting rights for the election of three directors collectively
designated by GDLP and GLDP II; (B) so long as GDLP and GDLP II have sold or
otherwise disposed of more than 75% of the maximum amount of shares of Fully
Diluted Common Stock held by them in the aggregate at any given time, and they
continue to hold in the aggregate less than 12% but 8% or more of the total
outstanding shares of Fully Diluted Common Stock, each Stockholder agrees to
vote all shares of Capital Stock as to which it has voting rights for the
election of two directors collectively designated by GDLP and GDLP II; and (C)
so long as GDLP and GDLP II in the aggregate have sold or otherwise disposed of
more than 75% of the maximum amount of shares of Fully Diluted Common Stock held
by them in the aggregate at any given time, and continue to hold 1 share of
Capital Stock but less than 

                                       7
<PAGE>
 
8% of the total outstanding shares of Fully Diluted Common Stock, each
Stockholder agrees to vote all shares of Capital Stock as to which it has voting
rights for the election of one director collectively designated by GDLP and GDLP
II.

                   (c) So long as the New Investors shall hold any shares of
Series A Preferred Stock or Share Equivalents, each Stockholder agrees to vote
all shares of Capital Stock as to which it has voting rights for the election of
one director designated by First Union Capital Partners, Inc. ("FUCP") as long
as FUCP and its Affiliates hold at least 50% of the Share Equivalents acquired
by FUCP at the Closing, and otherwise by a majority of New Investors holding
over 50% of the Share Equivalents acquired by the New Investors at the Closing;
and

                   (d) The Company and each of the Stockholders shall appear in
person or by proxy at any annual or special meeting of stockholders for the
purpose of obtaining a quorum and shall vote or cause the vote of the Capital
Stock owned by such Stockholder or by any affiliate of such Stockholder, either
in person or by proxy, to be cast in accordance with the provisions of this
Article 2.

                   (e) The officers of the Company will be selected by a
decision of the Board of Directors of the Company, provided however that the
directors designated by the GE Partnership may remove any such officer for
Cause.

                   (f) Each Stockholder as a shareholder of the Company further
agrees to vote all the Capital Stock with respect to which it has voting rights,
and to cause all persons designated by it to vote, in favor of removal from the
Board of Directors, upon written notice by the GE Partnership, GDLP and GDLP II
or the New Investors, of the person or persons designated to the Board of
Directors by such Person giving notice or removal, and to elect to the unexpired
term of each director so removed another person designated by such Person. Each
Stockholder further agrees to cooperate fully with the GE Partnership, GDLP or
the New Investors in connection with the voting of its shares of Capital Stock,
the execution of written consents, the calling of meetings and other stockholder
matters.

                   (g) If any director is unable to serve, or once having
commenced to serve, is removed or withdraws from the Board of Directors of the
Company, the replacement of such director on the Board of Directors of the
Company will be elected in accordance with the procedures described in (b), (c),
(d) and (f) above.

                   (h) The Company hereby agrees that the Company will pay the
(i) reasonable expenses of the Directors and Observers (as defined below) and
(ii) reasonable fees to Directors designated by GE Partnership, GDLP and GDLP II
or the New Investors that are not employees of the GE Partnership, GDLP and GDLP
II, the New Investors or the Company or any of their Affiliates.

                   (i) Each Stockholder agrees not to and not to permit any
Affiliate to grant any proxy or enter into or be bound by any voting trust with
respect to its Capital Stock, or enter into any stockholder arrangements of any
kind with any person with respect to its 

                                       8
<PAGE>
 
Capital Stock, in any such case in a manner that is inconsistent with the
provisions of this Agreement.

                   (j) The obligations of the GE Partnership set forth in this
Section 2.1 shall be null and void and of no further effect in the event that
either (x) all three of Warren Struhl, David Sable and Hunter Cohen cease to
control, directly or indirectly, the general partner of GDLP and GDLP II or (y)
all three of Warren Struhl, David Sable and Hunter Cohen, collectively, cease to
own, without any pledge of or lien thereon, directly or indirectly, at least 50%
of their beneficial economic interest in GDLP and GDLP II, as applicable, held
on June 25, 1996.

                   (k) Each holder of Series A Preferred Stock with an original
purchase price aggregating $10 million or more shall be entitled to designate an
observer (an "Observer") to attend meetings of the Board of Directors and
committees thereof.

                   2.2 New Investor Approval. Without New Investor Approval, the
                       ---------------------
Company shall not: (1) cause a Liquidation to occur, other than a Qualifying
Sale, (2) declare any dividend or authorize any purchase or repurchase of stock,
(3) authorize or issue any options to purchase Common Stock except for options
authorized or issued with the approval of the Company's Board of Directors, (4)
authorize or issue shares of stock of any class which would be senior or
superior to the Series A Preferred Stock as to dividends or liquidation or any
bonds, debentures, notes or other obligations convertible into or exchangeable
for, or having rights to purchase, any shares of stock of the Company provided,
that the Company may issue as consideration for acquisitions bonds, debentures,
notes or other debt obligations convertible into or exchangeable for, or having
rights to purchase (A) Common Stock upon an initial public offering at the
public offering price and (B) up to 5,000 additional shares of Common Stock in
any 12-month period at a conversion price equal to or higher than the Conversion
Price of the Series A Preferred Stock then in effect pursuant to the Certificate
of Designation or (5) amend or repeal the Certificate of Designation with
respect to the Series A Preferred Stock other than in connection with the
issuance of New Series A Preferred Stock as and to the extent permitted pursuant
to Section 1 of the Stock Purchase Agreement.

                   2.3 GE Partnership Approval. Without GE Partnership Approval,
                       -----------------------
the Company shall not: (1) cause a Liquidation to occur, other than a Qualifying
Sale, (2) declare any dividend or authorize any purchase or repurchase of stock,
(3) authorize or issue any options to purchase Common Stock except for options
authorized or issued with the approval of the Company's Board of Directors, (4)
authorize or issue shares of stock of any class which would be senior or
superior to the Series A Preferred Stock as to dividends or liquidation or any
bonds, debentures, notes or other obligations convertible into or exchangeable
for, or having rights to purchase, any shares of stock of the Company provided,
that the Company may issue as consideration for acquisitions bonds, debentures,
notes or other debt obligations convertible into or exchangeable for, or having
rights to purchase (A) Common Stock upon an initial public offering at the
public offering price and (B) up to 5,000 additional shares of Common Stock in
any 12-month period at a conversion price equal to or higher than the Conversion
Price of the Series A Preferred Stock then in effect pursuant to the Certificate
of Designation or (5) amend or repeal the Certificate of Designation with
respect to the Series A Preferred Stock other 

                                       9
<PAGE>
 
than in connection with the issuance of New Series A Preferred Stock as and to
the extent permitted pursuant to Section 1 of the Stock Purchase Agreement.

                   2.4 Actions Consistent with Agreement. The Company shall not
                       ---------------------------------
take any action inconsistent with the provisions of this Agreement.
                   

                                   ARTICLE 3

                  RESTRICTIONS ON TRANSFERS BY THE STOCKHOLDERS
                  ---------------------------------------------
                        
                   3.1 Restrictions on Transfers Generally. Subject to the
                       -----------------------------------
provisions of Section 3.8 hereof, each Stockholder hereby agrees that such
Stockholder shall not, and shall not permit any Affiliate to, directly or
indirectly, (i)transfer, sell or otherwise dispose of any shares of Capital
Stock or Notes that would result in a Change of Control, except in a Qualifying
Sale or a Qualifying Public Offering or (ii) transfer, sell or otherwise dispose
of any shares of Capital Stock or Notes other than pursuant to Sections 3.2,
3.3, 3.4 or 3.5, provided, that Section 3.3 shall not restrict the sale of any
Notes. Subject to the provisions of Section 3.8 hereof, each party hereto agrees
not to pledge, mortgage, hypothecate or otherwise encumber any shares of Capital
Stock.

                   3.2 Right of First Offer. (a) At any time prior to a
                       --------------------
Qualifying Public Offering, if a Stockholder, Noteholder or holder of
Consideration Warrants (the "Offering Stockholder") desires to transfer or sell
any Capital Stock, Notes or Consideration Warrants held by it (the "Shareholder
Securities") to a third party that is not its Permitted Transferee (a "Third
Party Buyer"), the Offering Stockholder shall give written notice (the "Transfer
Notice") to all the other Stockholders, Noteholders and holders of Consideration
Warrants ("Offeree Stockholder(s)") and the Company, which Transfer Notice shall
state the number of Shareholder Securities such Offering Stockholder proposes to
transfer and the name and notice address of each Person (i.e., each Offeree
Stockholder and the Company) to whom such notice is being sent.

                   (b) The Offeree Stockholder(s) shall have the first
irrevocable and exclusive option, but not the obligation, to purchase the
Shareholder Securities. The option to purchase the offered Shareholder
Securities shall be exercisable by the Offeree Stockholders collectively
(pro-rata in accordance with the number of Shareholder Securities held by each
Offeree Stockholder providing Exercise Notice) with respect to all but not less
than all of such Shareholder Securities by delivery of a written notice of
exercise (the "Exercise Notice") to the Offering Stockholder within 15 days
after receipt of the Transfer Notice. Such Exercise Notice shall set forth the
price and the terms and conditions on which such Offeree Stockholder(s) would be
willing to purchase all but not less than all such Shareholder Securities. In
the event that the Offering Stockholder accepts the price set forth in the
Exercise Notice, then such Offeree Stockholder(s) shall be required to purchase
all such Shareholder Securities. In the event that the Offering Stockholder does
not accept the price set forth in the Exercise Notice then such Offering
Stockholder shall be permitted to sell all, but not less than all, the
Shareholder Securities to a Third Party Buyer for a purchase price not lower
than that set forth in the Exercise Notice and on terms and conditions taken as
a whole no more favorable to such Third Party Buyer than those set forth in the
Exercise Notice. In the event that the Offeree 

                                       10
<PAGE>
 
Stockholder(s) shall fail to deliver an Exercise Notice within 15 days after
receipt of the Transfer Notice, the Offering Stockholder may sell the
Shareholder Securities to a Third Party Buyer at any price and on any terms and
conditions.

                   (c) The closing of any purchase of Shareholder Securities by
Offeree Stockholder(s) under this Section 3.2 shall be held at such place as the
Offering Stockholder and the Offeree Stockholder(s) shall agree upon on the 30th
day following delivery of the Exercise Notice or such other date as shall be
mutually agreeable to the parties (or such later time as may be necessary to
comply with the Hart-Scott-Rodino Antitrust Improvements Act, as amended ("HSR"
Act), and other applicable laws).

                   (d) If the Offeree Stockholder(s) do not collectively wish to
purchase all of the offered Shareholder Securities, fail to consummate such
purchase within such period, or fail to deliver an Exercise Notice within the
period specified in Section 3.2(b) hereof, the Offering Stockholder may transfer
to the Third Party Buyer, subject to the provisions of this Agreement, all but
not less than all, of the offered Shareholder Securities; provided, however,
that (x) such transfer is bona fide and made before the later of 120 days from
the date of the Transfer Notice and the date which is five days after the
expiration or waiver of any applicable waiting period to such transfer pursuant
to the HSR Act and (y) prior to such transfer the Third Party Buyer shall agree
in writing, in a form reasonably satisfactory to the Company, to be bound by the
terms of this Agreement (as a Stockholder) and that the Shareholder Securities
held by it shall be subject to the terms of this Agreement. If such sale is not
consummated within the period described in clause (x) of the proviso in the
preceding sentence, the restrictions provided for in this Section 3.2(d) shall
again become effective, and no transfer of such Shareholder Securities may be
made thereafter without again offering the same to the Other Stockholders in
accordance with the terms and conditions of this Agreement.

                   3.3 Tag Along. (a) If at any time prior to a Qualifying
                       ---------
Public Offering, any Offering Stockholder (other than a Noteholder with respect
to the Notes) desires to transfer to any Third Party Buyer (other than pursuant
to a registered public offering or pursuant to Rule 144) all or any portion of
its Shareholder Securities (other than any Notes) in accordance with Section 3.2
above, such Offering Stockholder shall afford each other Stockholder the
opportunity to sell, in the same transaction contemplated between such Offering
Stockholder and the Third Party, at the same price and on the same terms and in
such proportion of the total number of shares of Shareholder Securities being
sold to the Third Party Buyer as the total number of shares of Capital Stock
owned by each such Stockholder (including Share Equivalents) bears to the total
number of shares of Fully Diluted Common Stock on such date (the "Tag-Along
Offer").

                   (b) Written notice (the "Sale Notice") of the Tag-Along Offer
shall be sent to each Stockholder. Such Sale Notice shall state (i) such
Offering Stockholder's intention to transfer all the Shareholder Securities to
the Third Party Buyer, (ii) the name and address of the proposed Third Party
Buyer and (iii) the offered purchase price per share of Common Stock to be
transferred, expressed solely as a dollar amount, the manner of payment thereof
and a statement that the price will be payable wholly in cash and/or marketable
securities. Each other Stockholder desiring to participate in such Tag-

                                       11
<PAGE>
 
Along sale shall, within 15 days of the date of delivery of the Sale Notice,
notify the Offering Stockholder of its election to sell shares of Common Stock
pursuant to the provisions of this Section 3.3. The failure by any Stockholder
to deliver a notice pursuant to this section shall be deemed an election by such
holder not to sell any shares of Common Stock owned by it and the Offering
Stockholder may transfer its Capital Stock to the Third Party Buyer in
accordance with the terms of the Sale Notice so long as such transfer occurs
prior to 120 days after the date the Sale Notice was received by the other
Stockholders.

                   3.4 Drag Along. If at any time the Company receives from a
                       ----------
Third Party Buyer an offer to purchase all of the issued and outstanding Capital
Stock of the Company in a transaction that satisfies the definition of a
Qualifying Sale, then the Company shall notify in writing each Stockholder. Upon
the affirmative approval or consent of 66-2/3% of the shares of Fully Diluted
Common Stock and provided that such offer would result in a Qualifying Sale, the
Company shall have the option to require each such Stockholder to sell all of
the shares of Capital Stock held by each such Stockholder to the Third Party
Buyer at the same price and on the same terms and conditions as apply to such
other shares of stock of the Company being purchased by the Third Party Buyer
and shall state whether such option is being exercised in a notice provided to
each Stockholder in writing at least twenty (20) Business Days prior to the date
set for consummation of such sale.

                   3.5 Transfer to Affiliates. Notwithstanding anything to the
                       ----------------------
contrary contained in Section 3.1 and subject to the provisions of Section 3.7,
a Stockholder or Noteholder may transfer its shares of Capital Stock or Notes or
Consideration Warrants to an Affiliate of such Stockholder ("Permitted
Transferee") provided that such Stockholder shall not transfer control of any
such Affiliate to a person which is not an Affiliate of such Stockholder without
first reacquiring such shares of Capital Stock or Notes or Consideration
Warrants; and provided further, that the Permitted Transferee of a Stockholder
may only transfer its shares of Capital Stock or Notes or Consideration Warrants
to the transferor Stockholder from whom such Permitted Transferee received such
shares of Capital Stock or Notes or Consideration Warrants or any of such
transferor's Permitted Transferees or otherwise in accordance with the terms
hereof.

                   3.6 Restrictive Legends. Each share of Capital Stock, each
                       -------------------
Note and each Consideration Warrant shall bear a legend in substantially the
following form: 

                   The securities represented by this certificate have not been
                   registered under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and
                   neither the securities nor any interest therein may be sold,
                   transferred, pledged or disposed of in the absence of such
                   registration or an exemption under such Act and the rules and
                   regulations thereunder. The transfer of such securities is
                   subject to the restrictions set forth in that certain
                   Stockholders Agreement, dated September 30, 1997 among
                   Genesis Direct, Inc. and certain Stockholders, copies of
                   which are available for inspection at the offices of Genesis
                   Direct, Inc., and such securities may be transferred only in
                   compliance with the terms and conditions of said Stockholders
                   Agreement.

                                       12
<PAGE>
 
                   3.7 Transferees Subject to Agreement. Any transferee of any
                       --------------------------------
shares of Series A Preferred Stock shall, as a condition of the consummation of
such transfer, agree to be subject to the terms of Article 2 of this Agreement.


                   3.8 Expiration of Restrictions. All restrictions imposed by
                       --------------------------
Section 3 hereof upon the transferability of Capital Stock, Notes or
Consideration Warrants shall cease and terminate (a) as to any particular share
of Capital Stock, when such share has been sold pursuant to Rule 144 or shall
have been effectively registered under the Securities Act and disposed of in
accordance with the registration statement covering such share or (b) upon the
consummation of a Qualifying Public Offering. Whenever such restrictions shall
terminate as to any Capital Stock, Notes or Consideration Warrants, the holder
thereof shall be entitled to receive from the Company without expense a new
certificate or certificates representing such securities not bearing the legend
set forth in Section 3.6 hereof.

                   3.9 Regulatory Compliance Cooperation. In the event that FUCP
                       ---------------------------------
determines that it has a Regulatory Problem (as defined below), FUCP shall have
the right to transfer its shares of Series A Preferred Stock without regard to
any restriction on transfer set forth in Section 3.3 of the this Agreement
(provided that the transferee agrees to become a party to this Agreement and the
Stock Purchase Agreement), and the Company shall take all such actions as are
reasonably requested in writing by FUCP in order to (a) effectuate and
facilitate any transfer by FUCP of any securities of the Company then held by
FUCP to any Person designated by FUCP, provided that such transfer shall not
result in the acquisition by any "person" (as that term is used in Sections 13
(d) and 14 (d) (2) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended) of
beneficial ownership, direct or indirect, of securities of the Company
representing more than 50% of the combined voting power of the Company's then
outstanding securities, (b) permit FUCP to exchange all or any portion of any
voting security then held by it on a share-for-share basis for shares of a
nonvoting security of the Company, which nonvoting security shall be identical
in all respects to the voting security exchanged for it, except that it shall be
nonvoting and shall be convertible back into the voting security from which it
was converted, having the same terms and conditions as the voting security from
which it was converted, on such terms as are requested by FUCP in light of
regulatory considerations then prevailing and (c) to amend this Agreement, the
Articles of Incorporation, the Bylaws and related agreements and instruments to
effectuate and reflect the foregoing. For purposes of this Agreement and the
Stockholders Agreement, a "Regulatory Problem" means any set of facts or
circumstances wherein it has been asserted by any governmental regulatory agency
that FUCP is not entitled to hold, or exercise any significant right with
respect to, the Company's securities then held by it.

                                   ARTICLE 4

                           RIGHT TO ACQUIRE SECURITIES
                           ---------------------------

                   4.1 Right to Acquire Securities. If at any time the Company
                       ---------------------------
proposes to issue in any offering other than a public offering registered with
the Securities and Exchange Commission equity securities of any kind (the term
"equity securities" including for these purposes any common stock, warrants,
options or other rights to 

                                       13
<PAGE>
 
acquire equity securities and debt securities convertible into equity
securities) of the Company, the Company shall:
                   

                   (a) give written notice setting forth in reasonable detail
(i) the designation and all of the terms and provisions of the equity securities
proposed to be issued (the "Proposed Securities"), including, where applicable,
the voting powers, preferences and relative participating, optional or other
special rights, and the qualification, limitations or restrictions thereof and
interest or dividend rate and maturity; (ii) the price and other terms of the
proposed sale of such securities; (iii) the amount of such securities proposed
to be issued; and (iv) such other information as may be reasonably required or
requested by any such Stockholder in order to evaluate the proposed issuance;
and

                   (b) offer to issue to each such Stockholder its pro rata
share of the Proposed Securities based on its Percentage in Interest.

provided, however, that no such right shall apply, and the Company shall have no
- --------  -------
obligation to comply with clauses (a) and (b) above, in connection with (i) the
issuance of any shares of Common Stock upon the exercise of options granted
under the existing option plan and included in the definition of Fully Diluted
at an exercise price of not less than the greater of (A) $3,000 per share (as
hereafter adjusted for stock splits, stock dividends, combinations of shares and
other similar recapitalizations) or (B) the then prevailing fair market value
per share of Common Stock, (ii) the issuance of any shares of Common Stock
issued by the Company in connection with the acquisition of any business, (iii)
the issuance of any shares of Common Stock in connection with or at any time
after the consummation of a Qualifying Public Offering or (iv) the conversion of
the Notes or the Series A Preferred Stock or the exercise of the Consideration
Warrants.

                   Each such Stockholder that wishes to exercise its purchase
rights hereunder shall deliver a written notice to that effect to the Company
within fifteen (15) days after its receipt of the notice specified in Section
4.1(a) from the Company.

                   Upon the expiration of such fifteen day period, the Company
will be free to sell Proposed Securities that such Stockholders have not elected
to purchase during the ninety (90) days following such expiration on terms and
conditions (considered as a whole) no more favorable to the purchasers thereof
than those offered to such Stockholders. Any Proposed Securities offered or sold
by the Company after such 90-day period must be re-offered to such Stockholders
pursuant to this Section 4.1. The election by any such Stockholder not to
exercise its subscription rights under this Section 4.1 in any one instance
shall not affect its right (other than in respect of a reduction in its
percentage holdings) as to any subsequent proposed issuance. Any sale of such
securities by the Company without first giving such Stockholders the rights
described in this Section 4.1 shall be void and of no force and effect, and the
Company shall cause any correction required to be effected.

                   For purposes of this Article 4, the pro rata share of the
Proposed Securities (as defined above) offered to and not purchased by the GE
Partnership may be purchased by any limited partner thereof or an Affiliate of
the partnership or the general partner of the GE Partnership.

                                       14
<PAGE>
 
                                   ARTICLE 5

                               REGISTRATION RIGHTS
                               -------------------

                   5.1 Demand Registration. (a) At any time (i) after the
                       -------------------
lock-up period established at the time of an initial public offering of
securities of the Company and for a period of one year thereafter, upon the
written request of the GE Partnership (the "Exclusive Demand Right"), and (ii)
following the earlier of the expiration of such one year period and the
consummation of a registration of Registrable Securities following the Exclusive
Demand Right, upon the written request of the GE Partnership, GDLP, GDLP II or a
Majority of Other Initiating Holders (the GE Partnership, GDLP and GDLP II
collectively and a Majority of Other Initiating Holders, each, an "Initiating
Holder"), the Company shall use its best efforts to effect the registration of
all or part of such holder's Registrable Securities under the Securities Act as
described below. Such request shall state the intended method of disposition by
such holder of the Registrable Securities and the Company will promptly give
written notice of such requested registration to all holders of Registrable
Securities and the Notes. The Company will use its best efforts to effect such
registration of (i) the Registrable Securities which the Company has been so
requested to register for disposition in accordance with the intended method of
disposition stated in such request, and (ii) all other Registrable Securities
the holders of which shall have, within 30 days after the receipt of such
written notice from the Company, made written request (stating the intended
method of disposition of such securities by such holders) to the Company for
registration thereof, all to the extent required to permit the disposition (in
accordance with the intended method thereof as aforesaid) by all such holders of
the Registrable Securities so to be registered; provided, however, that the
Company shall not be obligated to effect any such registration pursuant to this
Section 5.1, (w) pursuant to a request by the GE Partnership at any time
subsequent to (i) the third such registration made pursuant to a request by the
GE Partnership following exercise by the GE Partnership of its Exclusive Demand
Right or (ii) the fourth such registration made pursuant to a request by the GE
Partnership if the Exclusive Demand Right was not exercised by the GE
Partnership or (x) pursuant to a request by GDLP or GDLP II at any time
subsequent to the fourth such registration made pursuant to a request by GDLP or
GDLP II collectively or (y) pursuant to a request of any Initiating Holder other
than the GE Partnership or GDLP or GDLP II at any time subsequent to the second
such registration made pursuant to a request by such Initiating Holder or (z)
where all shares requested to be included therein do not exceed in the
aggregate, 5% of the fully diluted shares of Common Stock; provided, however
that a demand right shall not be deemed to have been exercised pursuant to this
Section 5.1 unless a registration statement shall have become effective with
respect to at least 85% of all shares requested to be included therein by the
party requesting such demand and not have been interfered with by any order or
requirement of the Securities and Exchange Commission or any other governmental
agency or any court. The Company, after consultation with the holders requesting
any registration pursuant to this paragraph, shall select the underwriter or
underwriters of recognized standing to be used in connection with any public
offering of securities registered pursuant to this paragraph; provided, however,
                                                              --------  -------
that so long as the GE Partnership or FUCP shall hold any Registrable
Securities, each shall have the right, in its sole discretion, to approve of any
underwriter 

                                       15
<PAGE>
 
in which General Electric Company or First Union Corporation, as applicable, has
a direct or indirect interest of 5% or more.

                   (b) If a requested registration pursuant to this Section 5.1
involves an underwritten offering, and the managing underwriter shall advise the
Company in writing (with a copy to each holder of Registrable Securities
requesting registration) that, in its opinion, the number of securities
requested to be included in such registration exceeds the number which can be
sold in such offering within a price range acceptable to such holders, the
Company will exclude from such registration, to the extent of the number of
securities which the Company is so advised cannot be sold in such offering,
first, the Registrable Securities requested to be registered for the account of
any Person (including the Company), other than the holders of Priority
Registrable Securities (as defined below) and second, on a pro rata basis in
accordance with the Fully Diluted Common Stock held, the securities requested to
be registered by any holder of Common Stock (i) issued or issuable upon the
conversion of Series A Preferred Stock or the exercise of the Consideration
Warrants, (ii) issued upon the conversion of the Notes or issuable upon the
conversion of the Notes notwithstanding any right of the Company to redeem the
Notes pursuant to the Notes and Stock Purchase Agreement or (iii) held by the GE
Partnership (collectively, the "Priority Registrable Securities") pursuant to
this Section 5.1. Any holder of Registrable Securities to be included in any
registration pursuant to Section 5.1 by written notice to the Company within 20
days after its receipt of a copy of a notice from the managing underwriter
delivered pursuant to this Section 5.1(b) may rescind its request for
registration of any Registrable Securities held by it with respect to all or any
part of such Registrable Securities. In addition to such underwriter cut backs,
any such registration will be subject to any conditions that might be imposed by
the managing underwriter of the underwritten offering.

                   (c) Notwithstanding anything in this Section 5.1 to the
contrary, if after the Initiating Holders have given a written request under
this section and prior to the effective date of the registration statement filed
in connection with such registration, the Board of Directors of the Company
shall determine, in its good faith judgment, that the filing of such
registration statement would interfere with any material financing, investment,
acquisition or merger transaction then under consideration or would reasonably
in the judgment of the Board of Directors of the Company adversely affect the
interests of the Company and its stockholders, the Company may decide to delay
the registration of such Registrable Securities as defined below) and if the
Board of Directors makes such determination, the Company shall give written
notice of such determination to each holder of Registrable Securities and Notes
that has requested registration of its securities; provided that the Company may
not delay registration as permitted in this paragraph more than once in any
twelve month period. Such delay shall be for the period the Company determines
on the basis provided above as is in good faith necessary or desirable, but in
no event greater than six months. The Company shall notify the Initiating
Holders of the period of delay. Following such delay, the Company shall promptly
cause the Registrable Securities to be registered unless, within 15 days of
receipt of notice from the Company, the Initiating Holders withdraw their
written request made pursuant to Section 5.1, in which case such written request
will not be considered a request for the purposes of Section 5.1.

                                       16
<PAGE>
 
          (d) A registration statement requested pursuant to this Section 5.1
shall not be deemed to have been effected if (i) the registration does not
remain effective for a period of at least 120 days or such earlier time as the
underwriter allows and all the Registrable Securities requested to be registered
in connection therewith were not sold, (ii) the Initiating Holders withdraw
their request for registration in its entirety pursuant to Section 5.1, (iii) a
registration with respect therewith has not become effective, provided that if
such registration statement does not become effective following its filing by
the Company solely by reason of the refusal to proceed of the Initiating
Holders, it shall be deemed to have been effected unless the Initiating Holders
shall have elected to pay all registration expenses in connection with such
registration or (iv) if within 120 days after it has become effective, such
registration is interfered with by any stop order, injunction or other order or
requirement of the Commission or other governmental agency or court for any
reason .

                   5.2 Piggy-Back Registration. (a) If the Company at any time
                       -----------------------
proposes to register any of its equity securities (other than securities issued
with respect to any acquisition or any employee stock option, stock purchase, or
similar plan or any other securities to be registered pursuant to a special
purpose registration) under the Securities Act on Form S-1, Form S-2, Form S-3
or any other form of general application for sale of securities to the public in
an underwritten offering upon which may be registered securities similar to the
Registrable Securities, it will each such time at least 30 days prior to the
anticipated filing date of such proposed registration statement give written
notice to all holders of all Notes or Registrable Securities of its intention so
to do and, upon the written request of any such holder made within 15 days after
the receipt of any such notice (which request shall specify the Registrable
Securities intended to be disposed of by such holder and state the intended
method of disposition thereof), the Company will use its best efforts to effect
the registration under the Securities Act of Registrable Securities which the
Company has been so requested to register, to the extent requisite to permit the
disposition (in accordance with the intended methods thereof as aforesaid) by
such holders of the Registrable Securities to be so registered, subject to the
discretion of the managing underwriter to limit or exclude any of such equity
securities from the offering (subject to the same priorities as set forth in
Section 5.2(b) hereof) if it determines that the inclusion thereof would
adversely affect the marketing of the securities to be sold by the Company
therein; provided, however, that if any Registrable Securities are to be
distributed pursuant to this paragraph through a firm of underwriters to the
public and the GE Partnership or FUCP shall be participating in such offering it
shall have the right, after consultation with the Company, to approve of any
underwriter in which General Electric Company or First Union Corporation, as
applicable, has a direct or indirect interest of 5% or more. No registration
effected pursuant to this Section 5.2 shall relieve the Company from its
obligation to effect any registration upon request pursuant to Section 5.1
hereof.

                   (b) If a requested registration pursuant to this Section 5.2
involves an underwritten offering, and the managing underwriter shall advise the
Company in writing (with a copy to each holder of Registrable Securities
requesting registration) that in its opinion, the number of securities requested
to be included in such registration exceeds the number which can be sold in such
offering within a price range acceptable to the holders of a majority of the
Registrable Securities requested to be registered therein, the 

                                       17
<PAGE>
 
Company will exclude from such registration, to the extent of the number of
securities which the Company is so advised cannot be sold in such offering,
first the Registrable Securities requested to be registered for the account of
any Person (including the Company), other than holders of Priority Registrable
Securities and second, on a pro rata basis in accordance with Fully Diluted
Common Stock held, the Priority Registrable Securities pursuant to this Section
5.2. Any holder of Registrable Securities to be included in any registration
pursuant to Section 5.2 by written notice to the Company within 20 days after
its receipt of a copy of a notice from the managing underwriter delivered
pursuant to this Section 5.2(b), may rescind its request for registration of any
Registrable Securities held by it with respect to all or any of such Registrable
Securities. In addition to such underwriter cutbacks, any such registration will
be subject to any commercially reasonable conditions that might be imposed by
the managing underwriter of the Underwritten Offering.

                   5.3 Form S-3 Registration. At any time when the Company is
                       ---------------------
eligible to register securities on Form S-3 and the holders of Registrable
Securities are eligible to make demand for registration of Registrable
Securities pursuant to Section 5.1, if the Company shall receive from any Holder
or Holders of Registrable Securities holding 5% or more of the maximum shares of
Fully Diluted Common Stock or $5 million or more in equity securities a written
request or requests that the Company effect a registration on Form S-3 and any
related qualification or compliance with respect to all or a part of the
Registrable Securities owned by such Holder or Holders of the Registrable
Securities the Company will: (i) promptly give written notice of the proposed
registration, and any related qualification or compliance, to all other Holders
of Registrable Securities; (ii) as soon as practicable effect such registration
and all such qualifications and compliance's as may be so requested and as would
permit or facilitate the sale and distribution of all or such portion of such
Holder's or Holders' Registrable Securities as are specified in such request,
together with all or such portion of the Registrable Securities of any other
Holder or Holders joining in such request as are specified in a written request
given within 15 days after receipt of written notice from the Company; provided,
                                                                       --------
however, that the Company shall not be obligated to effect any such
- -------
registration, qualification or compliance, pursuant to this Section 5.3 (A) if
Form S-3 is not available for such offering by the Holders; (B) more than two
times in any twelve-month period; or (C) if the Company shall furnish to the
Holders a certificate signed by the President or Chief Executive Officer of the
Company to the effect that, in the good faith judgment of the Board of
Directors, the filing, the offering or the disclosure required thereby would
adversely affect a pending or contemplated acquisition, financing or other
material transaction of the Company and it is therefore in the best interests of
the Company to defer the filing of such registration statement, then the Company
shall have the right to defer such filing or to block the sale of shares
thereunder for a period of not more than 90 days after the date of furnishing
such certificate; provided, however, that the Company may not exercise such
                  --------  -------
right more than once in any twelve-month period; and (iii) subject to the
foregoing, the Company shall file a registration statement covering the
Registrable Securities and other securities so requested to be registered as
soon as practicable after receipt of the request or requests of the Holders. No
registration effected pursuant to this Section 5.3 shall relieve the Company
from its obligation to effect any registration pursuant to Section 5.1 or 5.2.

                                       18
<PAGE>
 
                   5.4 Registration Expenses. The Registration Expenses in
                       ---------------------
connection with any registration in which Registrable Securities shall be
included pursuant to Section 5.1 or Section 5.2 (including any registration
withdrawn or determined to be ineffective in accordance with Section 5.1(c) or
5.1(d), other than as set forth in clause (iii) of Section 5.1(d)) shall be
borne by the Company.
                   

                   5.5 Registration Procedures. If and whenever the Company is
                       -----------------------
required to use its best efforts to effect the registration of any Registrable
Securities under the Securities Act as provided in this Agreement, the Company
will as promptly as possible:
                   

                (i)  prepare and (in any event within 120 days after the end of
          the period within which requests for registration may be given to the
          Company) file with the Commission a registration statement with
          respect to such Registrable Securities and use its best efforts to
          cause such registration statement to become effective; provided,
          however, that before filing with the Commission a registration
          statement or prospectus or any amendments or supplements thereto, the
          Company will furnish to each Holder of Registrable Securities included
          in such registration statement copies of such documents proposed to be
          filed for such Holder's review;

                (ii) prepare and file with the Commission such amendments and
          supplements to such registration statement and the prospectus used in
          connection therewith as may be necessary to keep such registration
          statement effective and to comply with the provisions of the
          Securities Act with respect to the disposition of all such Registrable
          Securities and other securities covered by such registration statement
          until such time as all of such Registrable Securities and other
          securities have been disposed of in accordance with the intended
          methods of disposition by the seller or sellers thereof set forth in
          such registration statement, but in no event for a period of less than
          120 days after such registration statement becomes effective;

                (iii) furnish to each seller of such Registrable Securities such
          number of copies of such registration statement and of each such
          amendment and supplement thereto (in each case including all
          exhibits), such number of copies of the prospectus included in such
          registration statement (including each preliminary prospectus), in
          conformity with the requirements of the Securities Act, and such other
          documents, as such seller may reasonably request in order to
          facilitate the disposition of the Registrable Securities owned by such
          seller;

                (iv)  use its best efforts to register or qualify such
          Registrable Securities covered by such registration statement under
          such other applicable securities or Blue Sky laws of such
          jurisdictions within the United States of America (including
          territories and commonwealths thereof) as each seller shall reasonably
          request, except that the Company shall not for any such purpose be
          required to qualify generally to do business as a foreign corporation
          in any jurisdiction wherein it is not so qualified, to subject itself
          to taxation in any such jurisdiction, or to consent to general service
          of process in any jurisdiction;

                                       19
<PAGE>
 
                  (v) notify each seller of any such Registrable Securities
          covered by such registration statement, at any time when a prospectus
          relating thereto is required to be delivered under the Securities Act
          within the period mentioned in subdivision (ii) of this Section 5.5,
          of the happening of any event as a result of which the prospectus
          included in such registration statement, as then in effect, includes
          an untrue statement of a material fact or omits to state any material
          fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements
          therein not misleading in light of the circumstances under which they
          were made (and upon receipt of such notice and until a supplemented or
          amended prospectus as set forth below is available, each such seller
          shall not offer or sell any securities covered by such registration
          statement and shall return all copies of such prospectus to the
          Company if requested to do so by it), and at the request of any such
          seller prepare and furnish to such seller a reasonable number of
          copies of a supplement to or an amendment of such prospectus as may be
          necessary so that, as thereafter delivered to the purchasers of such
          Registrable Securities, such prospectus shall not include an untrue
          statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact required
          to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein not
          misleading in light of the circumstances under which they were made;
          and

                  (vi) furnish to each holder for which Registrable Securities
          are registered or are to be registered at the time of the disposition
          of such Registrable Securities by such holder, a signed copy of an
          opinion of counsel dated the effective date of such registration
          statement reasonably satisfactory in form and substance to the three
          largest such holders (based on their percentage in interest of the
          Registrable Securities or the largest such holder if such holder's
          percentage in interest of the Registrable Securities is equal to or
          greater than 50%) covering substantially the matters with respect to
          such registration statement (and the prospectus, included therein) as
          are customarily covered in opinions of issuers counsel delivered to
          underwriters in underwritten public offerings of securities; it being
          understood that such opinion may contain such qualifications and
          assumptions as are customary in the rendering of similar opinions.

The Company may require each seller of any Registrable Securities as to which
any registration is being effected to furnish the Company such information
regarding such seller and the distribution of such Registrable Securities as the
Company may from time to time request in writing and as shall be required by law
to effect such registration.

                   5.6 Indemnification. (a) In the event of any registration of
                       ---------------
any Registrable Securities under the Securities Act pursuant to this Agreement,
the Company will indemnify and hold harmless the seller of such securities and
its directors and officers and each underwriter of such securities and each
other person, if any, who controls such seller or underwriter within the meaning
the Securities Act, against any losses, claims, damages or liabilities, joint or
several, to which such seller, director or officer or underwriter or controlling
person may become subject under the Securities Act or otherwise, insofar as such
losses, claims, damages or liabilities (or actions or proceedings in respect
thereof) arise out of or are based upon (i) any untrue statement or alleged
untrue statement of any material fact contained in any registration statement
under which such securities were registered under the Securities Act, any
preliminary 

                                       20
<PAGE>
 
prospectus or final prospectus contained therein, or any amendment
or supplement thereto, or (ii) any omission or alleged omission to state therein
a material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the
statements therein not misleading; and the Company will reimburse such seller,
each such director and officer, each such underwriter and each such controlling
person for any legal or any other expenses reasonably incurred by them in
connection with investigating or defending any such loss, claim, damage,
liability, action or proceeding; provided, however, that the Company shall not
be liable in any such case to the extent that any such loss, claim, damage or
liability arises out of or is based upon any untrue statement or alleged untrue
statement or omission or alleged omission made in such registration statement,
any such preliminary prospectus, final prospectus, amendment or supplement in
reliance upon and in conformity with written information furnished to the
Company through an instrument duly executed by such seller, officer or director,
underwriter or controlling person specifically for use in the preparation
thereof. Such indemnity shall remain in full force and effect irrespective of
any investigation by any person indemnified above.

                   (b) In connection with any registration statement in which a
holder of Registrable Securities is participating each holder shall indemnify to
the extent permitted by law in the same manner and to the same extent as set
forth in subdivision (a) of this Section 5.6, but only to an amount, with
respect to such prospective seller, not in excess of the gross proceeds realized
by such seller from the sale of Registrable Securities registered pursuant to
such registration statement) the Company, each director of the Company, each
officer of the Company who shall sign such registration statement and any person
who controls the Company within the meaning of the Securities Act, with respect
to any statement in or omission from such registration statement, any
preliminary prospectus or final prospectus contained therein, or any amendment
or supplement thereto, if such statement or omission was made in reliance upon
and in conformity with written information furnished to the Company through an
instrument duly executed by such seller or underwriter, specifically for use in
the preparation of such registration statement, preliminary prospectus, final
prospectus, amendment or supplement.

                   (c) Promptly after receipt by an indemnified party of notice
of the commencement of any action involving a claim referred to in the preceding
paragraphs of this Section 5.6, such indemnified party shall, if a claim in
respect thereof is to be made against an indemnifying party, give written notice
to the latter of the commencement of such action; provided, however, that the
failure of any indemnified party to give notice as provided herein shall not
relieve the indemnifying party of its obligations under the preceding paragraphs
of this Section 5.5, except to the extent that the indemnifying party is
actually prejudiced by such failure to give notice. In case any such action is
brought against an indemnified party, unless in the written opinion of counsel
for such indemnified party a conflict of interest between such indemnified and
indemnifying parties may exist in respect of such claim, the indemnifying party
shall be entitled to participate in and to assume the defense thereof, jointly
with any other indemnifying party similarly notified to the extent that it may
wish, with counsel reasonably satisfactory to such indemnified party, and after
notice from the indemnifying party to such indemnified party of its election so
to assume the defense thereof, the indemnifying party shall not be liable to
such indemnified party for any legal or other expense subsequently incurred by
the latter in connection with the defense thereof. No 

                                       21
<PAGE>
 
indemnifying party, in the defense of any such claim or litigation, shall,
except with the consent of each indemnified party, consent to entry of any
judgment or enter into any settlement which does not include as an unconditional
term thereof the giving by the claimant or plaintiff to such indemnified party
of a release from all liability in respect to such claim or litigation. An
indemnifying party shall not be subject to any liability for any settlement made
without its consent which shall not be unreasonably withheld.

                   If for any reason, the foregoing indemnity is unavailable,
then the indemnifying party shall contribute to the amount paid or payable by
the indemnified party as a result of such losses, claims, damages, liabilities
or expenses in such proportion as is appropriate to reflect the relative
benefits received by the indemnifying party on the one hand and the indemnified
party on the other hand.

                   5.7  Information by the Holders. Each of the Holders
                        --------------------------
included in registration shall furnish to the Company such information
regarding such Holder and the distribution proposed by such Holder as the
Company may reasonably request in writing and as shall be reasonably required in
connection with any registration, qualification or compliance referred to in
this Article 5.

                   5.8  "Market Stand-Off" Agreement. Any Holder, if required by
                        ----------------------------
the Company and any underwriter of Registrable Securities of the Company, shall
agree not to sell or otherwise transfer or dispose of any Registrable Securities
of the Company held by such holder during the period not to exceed one hundred
and eighty (180) days as requested by the managing underwriter following the
effective date of the first registration statement of the Company filed under
the Securities Act, provided that all officers and directors of the Company
enter into similar agreements. Such agreement shall be in writing in the form
satisfactory to the Company and such underwriter. The Company may impose a
stop-transfer instruction with respect to the shares or other securities)
subject to the foregoing restriction until the end of such period.

                   5.9  Rule 144 Reporting. With a view to making available the
                        ------------------
benefits of certain rules and regulations of the Commission which may permit the
sale of the Registrable Securities to the public without registration, the
Company agrees to use all commercially reasonable efforts to:

                     (i)   make and keep public information available as those
          terms are understood and defined in Rule 144, at all times from and
          after the effective date of the first registration statement under the
          Securities Act filed by the Company for an offering of its securities
          to the general public;

                     (ii)  file with the Commission in a timely manner all
          reports and other documents required of the Company under the
          Securities Act and the Exchange Act at any time after it has become
          subject to such reporting requirements; and

                     (iii) so long as any Holder owns any Registrable
          Securities, furnish to such Holder upon request a written statement by
          the Company as to its compliance with the reporting requirements of
          Rule 144 (at any time from and after the effective date of the first
          registration statement filed by the Company for an 

                                       22
<PAGE>
 
          offering of its securities to the general public), and of the
          Securities Act and the Exchange Act (at any time after it has become
          subject to such reporting requirements), a copy of the most recent
          annual or quarterly report of the Company, and such other reports and
          documents so filed as any Holder may reasonably request in availing
          itself of any rule or regulation of the Commission allowing such
          Holder to sell any such securities without registration.

                   5.10  Assignability. The registration rights set forth in
                         -------------                           
this Article 5 shall be assignable by any Holder, in whole or in part, to any
transferee of Registrable Securities provided such transferee agrees to be bound
by all provisions of this Agreement. Any such assignee of a Purchaser shall be
deemed to be a Purchaser for purposes of this Article 5.

                                   ARTICLE 6

                     CERTAIN REPRESENTATIONS AND COVENANTS
                     -------------------------------------

                   6.1   Stockholder Representation. Each Stockholder
                         --------------------------                        
represents and warrants as to itself that as of the Closing Date (after giving
effect to all transactions occurring on or as of the Closing Date) such
Stockholder is not a party with any other Person to any other agreement with
respect to the holding, voting, acquisition or disposition of shares of Capital
Stock, other than the Stock Purchase Agreement, this Agreement or the Existing
Agreement.

                   6.2   Company Representation. The Company represents and
                         ----------------------
warrants that except as set forth on Schedule 4F to the Stock Purchase
Agreement, as of the Closing Date (i) it is not a party with any other Person to
any other agreement with respect to the holding, voting, acquisition or
disposition of shares of Capital Stock other than this Agreement, the Stock
Purchase Agreement or the Existing Agreement and (ii) it has not granted to any
other Person any other registration rights with respect to capital stock of the
Company, and no holder of any capital stock of the Company shall have as of the
date hereof any right to require registration of any capital stock of the
Company under the Securities Act or to include any security in any registration
statement filed by the Company under the Securities Act except pursuant hereto.

                   6.3   Company Covenants. Subsequent to the Qualifying Public
                         -----------------
Offering, the Company will comply with the reporting requirements of Sections 13
and 15(d) of the Exchange Act applicable to it and shall use its best efforts to
comply with all other public information reporting requirements of the
Commission (including reporting requirements which serve as a condition to
utilization of Rule 144 promulgated by the Commission under the Securities Act)
applicable to it from time to time in effect and relating to the availability of
an exemption from the Securities Act for the sale of any Notes or Registrable
Securities. The Company will also cooperate with each holder of any Notes or
Registrable Securities in supplying such information and documentation as may be
necessary for such holder to complete and file any information reporting forms
presently or hereafter required by the Commission as a condition to the
availability of an exemption from the Securities Act for the sale of any Notes
or Registrable Securities.

                                       23
<PAGE>
 
                                   ARTICLE 7

                                 MISCELLANEOUS
                                 -------------

                   7.1  Injunctive Relief. It is acknowledged that it will be
                        -----------------
impossible to measure in money the damages that would be suffered if the parties
fail to comply with certain of the obligations imposed on them by this
Agreement, including without limitation those obligations set forth in Article
2, Article 3 and Article 4, and that in the event of any such failure, an
aggrieved Person will be irreparably damaged and will not have an adequate
remedy at law. Any such Person shall, therefore, be entitled to injunctive
relief and/or specific performance to enforce such obligations, and if any
action should be brought in equity to enforce any of such provisions of this
Agreement, none of the parties hereto shall raise the defense that there is an
adequate remedy at law.

                   7.2   Further Assurances. Each party hereto shall do and
                         ------------------
 perform or cause to be done and performed all such further acts and things and
 shall execute and deliver all such other agreements, certificates, instruments
 and documents as any other party hereto reasonably may request in order to
 carry out the intent and accomplish the purposes of this Agreement and the
 consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby.
 
                   7.3   Governing Law. This Agreement shall be construed and
                         -------------
enforced in accordance with, and the rights of the parties shall be governed by,
the laws of the State of New York.

                   7.4   Entire Agreement; Amendment; Waiver. This Agreement (a)
                         -----------------------------------
together with the Stock Purchase Agreement and the Existing Agreement contains
the entire agreement among the parties hereto with respect to the subject matter
hereof, (b) may not be amended or supplemented except (i) by an instrument or
counterparts thereof in writing signed by the Company and the Stockholders
holding at least 66-2/3% of the shares of Fully Diluted Common Stock, (ii) with
New Investor Approval, provided that New Investor Approval will not be required
for any amendment which (1) adds new parties to this Agreement, (2) amends
Sections 3.2 and 3.3 to give pro rata rights of first offer and pro rata tag
along rights to stock issued by the Company after the date hereof, (3) changes
the "66-2/3%" in Section 3.4 to another percentage, or (4) amends Article 5 in a
manner that is not disproportionately adverse to the registration rights of any
Holder of Registrable Securities relatively to other such Holders and (c) may
not be discharged except by such written instrument or by performance. Any such
amendment so approved shall be binding on all Stockholders. No waiver of any
term or provision shall be effective unless in writing signed by the party to be
charged.

                   7.5   Binding Effect. This Agreement shall be binding on and
                         --------------
inure to the benefit of the parties hereto and, subject to the terms and
provisions hereof, their respective legal representatives, successors and
assigns.

                   7.6   Invalidity of Provision. The invalidity or
                         -----------------------
unenforceability of any provision of this Agreement in any jurisdiction shall
not affect the validity or 

                                       24
<PAGE>
 
enforceability of the remainder of this Agreement in that jurisdiction or the
validity or enforceability of this Agreement, including that provision, in any
other jurisdiction.

                   7.7   Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed
                         ------------
simultaneously in two or more counterparts, all of which shall be deemed but one
and the same instrument and each of which shall be deemed an original, and it
shall not be necessary in making proof of this Agreement to produce or account
for more than one such counterpart.

                   7.8   Notices. All notices and other communications provided
for or given or made hereunder shall be in writing (including delivery by
facsimile transmission) and, unless otherwise provided herein, shall be deemed
to have been given when received by the party to whom such notice is to be given
at its address set forth in the Stock Purchase Agreement, or such other address
for the party as shall be specified by notice given pursuant hereto.

                   7.9   Headings. The descriptive headings of the several
paragraphs of this Agreement are inserted for convenience only and do not
constitute part of this Agreement.

                   7.10  Expiration of Rights. Notwithstanding any other
provision in this Agreement, the parties hereto agree that the rights and
obligations set forth in this Agreement, other than those contained in Article 5
hereof and any provision necessary to effect the rights and obligations under
such Article 5, shall expire and be of no further force and effect as of the
date on which the Company shall consummate a Qualifying Public Offering. In
order to satisfy provisions under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of
1974, as amended and, notwithstanding the above, following the termination of
this Agreement, so long as the GE Partnership shall hold Common Stock, the
Company shall nominate a designee of the GE Partnership to the Board of
Directors of the Company so long as the GE Partnership has requested such
nominee to be designated.

                                       25
<PAGE>
 
              IN WITNESS WHEREOF, this Agreement has been executed by or on
behalf of each of the parties hereto as of the date first above written.

                                          GENESIS DIRECT, INC.

                                          By /s/ Barry Curtis
                                            ---------------------------------
                                             Name: Barry Curtis
                                             Title: CFO

STOCKHOLDERS:

GE INVESTMENT PRIVATE PLACEMENT PARTNERS II,
a LIMITED PARTNERSHIP

      By:  GE Investment Management Incorporated
           Its: General Partner

      By: /s/ Michael Pastore
         -----------------------------------
         Name: Michael Pastore
         Title: Vice President

GENESIS DIRECT, L.P.

      By:   Genesis Direct Management L.L.C.

      By: /s/ Warren Struhl
         -----------------------------------
         Name: Warren Struhl
         Title: Member

GENESIS DIRECT II, L.P.

      By:   Genesis Direct Management L.L.C.

      By: /s/ Warren Struhl
         --------------------------------
           Name: Warren Struhl
           Title: Member

                                       26
<PAGE>
 
FIRST UNION CAPITAL PARTNERS, INC.

By: /s/ Kevin Roche
    --------------------------------------
    Name: Kevin J. Roche
    Title:  Senior Vice President

THE CIT GROUP/EQUITY INVESTMENTS, INC.

By: /s/ Kenneth Walters 
   --------------------------------------
     Name:  Kenneth L. Walters Jr.
     Title:  Vice President

SSM VENTURE PARTNERS, L.P.

SSM I, L.P.
General Partner of SSM Venture Partners, L.P.

      By:  SSM Corporation General Partner

      By: /s/ R. Wilson Orr, III
         ------------------------------------
           Name:  R. Wilson Orr, III
           Title:  Vice-President

INVEMED ASSOCIATES, INC.

By: /s/ Cristina H. Kepner
   ----------------------------------------
   Name: Cristina H. Kepner
   Title: Executive Vice President

/s/ Cristina H. Kepner
- -------------------------------------------
Cristina H. Kepner

/s/ Kenneth G. Langone
- -------------------------------------------
Kenneth G. Langone

/s/ G. Allen Mebane
- -------------------------------------------
G. Allen Mebane

/s/ Thomas Teague
- -------------------------------------------
Thomas L. Teague

/s/ Baldwin Smith, Jr.
- -------------------------------------------
Baldwin Smith, JR.

                                       27
<PAGE>
 
/s/ Carlisle Jones
- -------------------------------------------
Carlisle Jones

/s/ Harris Berenholz
- -------------------------------------------
Harris Berenholz

/s/ Andrew  Taussig
- -------------------------------------------
Andrew R. Taussig

WERCO - GENESIS DIRECT L.L.C.

By: /s/ Joseph Wekselblatt
   ----------------------------------------
     Name:  Joseph R. Wekselblatt
     Title:  Manager

NATC HOLDING COMPANY, LTD.

By: /s/ Mark Graham
   ----------------------------------------
     Name:  Mark R. Graham
     Title:  Vice President

                                       28
<PAGE>
 
STRATEGIC INVESTMENT PARTNERS LTD.

By: /s/ Michael Neus
   ------------------------------------
     Name:  Michael C. Neus
     Title:  Attorney-in-Fact

/s/ Stan Druckenmiller
- ---------------------------------------
Stan Druckenmiller

/s/ Arminio Fraga
- ---------------------------------------
Arminio Fraga

/s/ Gerald Kerner
- ---------------------------------------
Gerald Kerner

/s/ Paul McNulty
- ---------------------------------------
Paul McNulty

/s/ Sean Warren
- ---------------------------------------
Sean Warren

                                       29

<PAGE>
 
                                                                     Exhibit 5.1

             [LETTERHEAD OF MORRISON & FOERSTER LLP APPEARS HERE]


                                  May 1, 1998


Genesis Direct, Inc.
100 Plaza Drive
Secaucus, NJ 07094

Ladies and Gentlemen:

          At your request, we have examined the Registration Statement on Form
S-1 filed by Genesis Direct, Inc., a Delaware corporation (the "Company"), with
the Securities and Exchange Commission on March 6, 1998 (Registration No. 333-
47455), Amendment No. 1 thereto filed on April 17, 1998 and Amendment No. 2
thereto filed on May 1, 1998 (the "Registration Statement"), relating to the
registration under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, of shares of the
Company's common stock, par value $0.01 per share (the "Stock"), including
authorized but unissued shares being offered by the Company (including shares
subject to the underwriters' over-allotment option) and presently issued and
outstanding shares being offered by certain selling shareholders (the "Selling
Shareholders") (including shares subject to the underwriters' over-allotment
option). The Stock is to be sold to the underwriters named in the Registration
Statement for resale to the public.

          As counsel to the Company, we have examined such corporate records, 
documents, instruments, certificates of public officials and of the Company and
such questions of law as we have deemed necessary for the purpose of rendering 
the opinions set forth herein.

          We are of the opinion that (a) the shares of Stock to be offered and 
sold by the Company have been duly authorized and, when issued and sold by the 
Company in the manner described in the Registration Statement and in accordance 
with the resolutions adopted by the Board of Directors of the Company, will be 
legally issued, fully paid and nonassessable, and (b) the shares of Stock that 
may be sold by the Selling Shareholders are legally and validly issued, fully 
paid and nonassessable.

<PAGE>
 
Genesis Direct, Inc.
May 1, 1998
Page 2


      We consent to the use of this opinion as an exhibit to the Registration 
Statement and further consent to all references to us in the Registration 
Statement, the prospectus constituting a part thereof and any amendments 
thereto.


                                Very truly yours,

                                /s/ Morrison & Foerster LLP

<PAGE>
 
                                                                    Exhibit 10.2

                                LEASE AGREEMENT
                        (Single Tenant Facility) - 1996


ARTICLE ONE: BASIC TERMS.

     This Article One contains the Basic Terms of this Lease between the
Landlord and Tenant named below. Other Articles, Sections and Paragraphs of the
Lease referred to in this Article One explain and define the Basic Terms and are
to be read in conjunction with the Basic Terms.

     Section 1.1. Date of Lease: February 14, 1997

     Section 1.2. Landlord (include legal entity): CORPORATE ESTATES, INC., a
California corporation, and MITCHELL INVESTMENTS, LLC, a Tennessee limited
liability company

                 Address of Landlord:       8413 Jackson Road, Suite C
                                            Sacramento, CA 95826

     Section 1.3. Tenant (include legal entity): GENESIS DIRECT NINE, LLC, a
Delaware limited liability company

                 Address of Tenant:         Genesis Direct Nine, LLC
                                            One Bridge Plaza, Suite 680
                                            Fort Lee, New Jersey 07024-0407

     Section 1.4. Property: an office/warehouse building consisting of
approximately 500,000 square feet of total area currently under construction by
Landlord on the land in Shelby County, Tennessee described on the attached
Exhibit A, incorporated herein by reference, and known as 4770 Southpoint Drive.

     Section 1.5. Lease Term: 10 years 2 months beginning on the "Commencement
Date" (defined in Rider Paragraph 2) or such other date as is specified in this
Lease, and ending on the last day of the month in which the date that is the ten
(10) year and two (2) month anniversary of the Commencement Date shall occur
(the "Expiration Date").

     Section 1.6. Permitted Uses (See Article Five): office/warehouse, shipping,
receiving, distribution and light manufacturing

     Section 1.7. Tenant's Guarantor (if none, so state): Genesis Direct, Inc.,
a Delaware corporation, pursuant to the terms of the Guaranty of even date
herewith from Tenant's Guarantor to Landlord.

     Section 1.8. Brokers (See Article fourteen) (if none, so state):

                 Landlord's Broker:      None

                 Tenant's Broker:        Weston Companies/The Galbreath Company 

     Section 1.9. Commission payable to Landlord's Broker (See Article
Fourteen): None



                                       1
<PAGE>
 
     Section 1.10. Initial Security Deposit (See Section 3.3): $650,000.00. See
paragraph 6 of the attached Rider.

     Section 1.11. Vehicle parking Spaces Allocated to Tenant: 500, as per the
Parking Specifications attached hereto as Exhibit A-1.

     Section 1.12. Rent and Other Charges Payable by Tenant:

     (a) BASE RENT: ONE HUNDRED EIGHT THOUSAND THREE HUNDRED THIRTY-THREE and
33/100 DOLLARS ($108,333.33) per month, for the first 62 months, and shall be
increased on the first day of the 61st month after the Rental Commencement Date
(hereinafter defined) to ONE HUNDRED NINETEEN THOUSAND ONE HUNDRED SIXTY-SIX and
67/100 DOLLARS ($119,166.67) per month for the remaining 60 months of the Lease
term; which monthly base rent shall be payable as provided in Section 3.1.

     (b) OTHER PERIODIC PAYMENTS: (i) Real Property Taxes (See Section 4.2);
(ii) Utilities (See Section 4.3); (iii) Insurance Premiums (See Section 4.04);
(iv) Impounds for Insurance Premiums and Property Taxes (See Section 4.7); (v)
Maintenance, Repairs and Alterations (See Article Six).

     Section 1.13. Landlord's Share of Profit on Assignment or Sublease (See
Section 9.5): fifty percent (50%) of the profit (the "Landlord's Share").

     Section 1.14. Riders: The following Riders are attached to and made a part
of this Lease: (If none, so state) Rider of even date, containing paragraphs
1-14.


ARTICLE TWO. LEASE TERM.

     Section 2.1. Lease of Property for Lease Term. Landlord leases the Property
to Tenant and Tenant leases the Property from Landlord for the Lease Term. The
Lease Term is for the period stated in Section 1.5 above and shall begin and end
on the dates specified in Section 1.5 above, unless the beginning or end of the
Lease Term is changed under any provision of this Lease. The "Commencement Date"
shall be the date specified in Section 1.5 above for the beginning of the Lease
Term, unless delayed under any provision of this Lease.

     Section 2.2. Delay in Commencement. Except as provided in paragraph 9 of
the Rider, Landlord shall not be liable to Tenant if Landlord does not deliver
possession of the Property to Tenant by April 1, 1997. Landlord's non-delivery
of the Property to Tenant on that date shall not affect this Lease or the
obligations of Tenant under this Lease except as set forth in Rider Paragraph 9
and that the Commencement Date shall be delayed until Landlord delivers
possession of the Property to Tenant and the Lease Term shall be extended for a
period equal to the delay in delivery of possession of the Property to Tenant,
plus the number of days necessary to end the Lease Term on the last day of a
month. Upon delivery of possession of the Property to Tenant, Landlord and
Tenant shall, upon such delivery, execute an amendment to this Lease setting
forth the actual Commencement Date and expiration date of the Lease. Failure to
execute such amendment shall not affect the actual Commencement Date and
Expiration Date of the Lease.

                                       2
<PAGE>
 
     Section 2.3. Early Occupancy. If Tenant occupies the Property prior to the
Commencement Date, Tenant's occupancy of the Property shall be subject to all of
the provisions of this Lease, except that in no event shall rent be payable by
Tenant until the Rental Commencement Date (hereinafter defined) if such
occupancy is for the purpose of preparing the Property for Tenant's occupancy of
the Property during the Lease Term.

     Section 2.4. Holding Over. Tenant shall vacate the Property upon the
Expiration Date or earlier termination of this Lease. Tenant shall reimburse
Landlord for and indemnify Landlord against all damages which Landlord incurs
from Tenant's delay in vacating the Property. If Tenant does not vacate the
Property upon the Expiration Date or earlier termination of the Lease and
Landlord thereafter accepts rent from Tenant, Tenant's occupancy of the Property
shall be a "month to month" tenancy, subject to all of the terms of this Lease
applicable to a month-to-month tenancy, except that the Base Rent then in effect
shall be increased by twenty-five percent (25%).


ARTICLE THREE: BASE RENT.

     Section 3.1. Time and Manner of Payment. Anything herein to the contrary
notwithstanding, Base Rent shall be abated in its entirety for the first two (2)
full months of the Lease Term. Upon execution of this Lease, Tenant shall pay
Landlord the Base Rent in the amount stated in paragraph 1.12(a) above for the
third full calendar month of the Lease Term. On the first day of the fourth full
calendar month of the Lease Term and each month thereafter, Tenant shall pay
Landlord the Base Rent, in advance, and, except as otherwise set forth in this
Lease, without offset, deduction or prior demand. The Base Rent shall be payable
at Landlord's address or at such other place as Landlord may designate in
writing. Base Rent for any partial calendar month at the beginning of the Lease
term shall be prorated and shall be payable on the first day of the third full
calendar month of the Lease term.

     Section 3.2. Security Deposit; Increases. Upon the execution of this Lease,
Tenant shall deposit with Landlord a cash Security Deposit in the amount set
forth in Section 1.10 above. Landlord may apply all or part of the Security
Deposit to any unpaid rent or other charges due from Tenant or to cure any other
defaults of Tenant. If Landlord uses any part of the Security Deposit, Tenant
shall restore the Security Deposit to its full amount within ten (10) days after
Landlord's written request. Tenant's failure to do so shall be a material
default under this Lease. Landlord shall keep the Security Deposit in an
interest bearing account and, until applied in accordance with the terms hereof,
shall be deemed the property of Tenant subject to a security interest (hereby
granted) in such funds in favor of Landlord. Interest on the Security Deposit
shall be added to the Security Deposit. At Tenant's option, Tenant may furnish
an irrevocable, unconditional letter of credit in such amount (the "Letter of
Credit:"). The Letter of Credit must:

         (i)   be in favor of Landlord or its assignee as beneficiary;

         (ii)  provide for automatic renewals, without amendment, for
consecutive periods of one year each, unless the issuing bank or financial
institution sends written notice to Landlord by certified or registered mail,
return receipt requested, not less than thirty (30) days next preceding the then
expiration date of the Letter of Credit, that it elects not to have such Letter
of Credit renewed;

         (iii) be issued by Chase Manhattan Bank, N.A., or another financial
institution satisfactory to Landlord in Landlord's sole discretion; and

                                       3
<PAGE>
 
         (iv)  provide that it can be drawn upon by Landlord's certification
that Tenant is in default under this Lease beyond any applicable cure period. In
the event Landlord draws under the Letter of Credit and applies the proceeds to
cure a default by Tenant hereunder, the balance, if any, of such proceeds shall
be retained by Landlord and held as a cash Security Deposit and invested at
interest as above provided. Tenant shall restore the amount so applied by
Landlord in cash or in the form of a new letter of credit.

     Section 3.3. Termination; Advance Payments. Upon termination of this Lease
under Article Seven (Damage or Destruction), Article Eight (Condemnation) or any
other termination not resulting from Tenant's default, and no more than fifteen
(15) days after Tenant has vacated the Property in the manner required by this
Lease, Landlord shall refund or credit to Tenant (or Tenant's successor) the
unused portion of the Security Deposit, any advance rent or other advance
payments made by Tenant to Landlord, and any amounts paid for real property
taxes and other reserves which apply to any time periods after termination of
this Lease.


ARTICLE FOUR: OTHER CHARGES PAYABLE BY TENANT.

     Section 4.1. Additional Rent. All charges payable by Tenant other than Base
Rent are called "Additional Rent." Unless this Lease provides otherwise, Tenant
shall pay all Additional Rent then due with the next monthly installment of Base
Rent. The term "rent" shall mean Base Rent and Additional Rent.

     Section 4.2. Property Taxes.

     (a) Real Property Taxes. Tenant shall pay all Real Property Tax
(hereinafter defined) on the Property (including any fees, taxes or assessments
against, or as a result of, any tenant improvements installed on the Property by
or for the benefit of Tenant) during the Lease Term. Subject to Section 4.2(c)
and Section 4.7 below, such payment shall be made at least ten (10) days prior
to the delinquency date of the taxes. Within such ten (10)-day period, Tenant
shall furnish Landlord with reasonable evidence that the Real Property Tax has
been paid. Prior to the time that Tenant shall be obligated to pay same pursuant
to the immediately preceding sentence, Landlord shall advance to Tenant any Real
Property Tax to be paid by Tenant covering any period of time prior to or after
the Lease Term. If Tenant fails to pay the Real Property Tax when due, Landlord
may pay the taxes and Tenant shall reimburse Landlord for the amount of such tax
payment as Additional Rent. See Paragraph 8 of the attached Rider.

     (b) Definition of "Real Property Tax." "Real Property Tax" means: (i) any
ad valorem fee, license fee, license tax, business license fee, commercial
rental tax, levy charge, assessment, penalty or tax imposed by any taxing
authority against the Property; (ii) any tax on the Landlord's right to receive,
or the receipt of, rent or income from the Property, provided that for such
purposes, the rent paid by Tenant for the Property shall be deemed Landlord's
sole source of income, (iii) any tax or charge for fire protection, streets,
sidewalks, road maintenance, refuse or other services provided to the Property
by any governmental agency; (iv) any tax imposed upon this transaction or based
upon a reassessment of the Property due to a change of ownership, as defined by
applicable law, or other transfer of all or part of Landlord's interest in the
Property (excluding transfer and transfer gains tax); and (v) any charge or fee
replacing any tax previously included within the definition of Real Property
Tax. "Real Property Tax" does not, however, include

                                       4
<PAGE>
 
Landlord's federal, state, or local income, franchise, inheritance, estate taxes
or similar taxes.

         (c) Joint Assessment. Landlord shall have the Property separately
assessed. Until the Property is separately assessed, Landlord shall reasonably
determine Tenant's share of the Real Property Tax payable by Tenant under
Section 4.2(a) from the assessor's worksheets or other reasonably available
information. Tenant shall pay such share to Landlord within fifteen (15) days
after receipt of Landlord's written statement.

         (d) Personal Property Taxes.

                 (i)  Tenant shall pay all taxes charged against trade fixtures,
furnishings, equipment or any other personal property belonging to Tenant.
Tenant shall reasonably try to have personal property taxed separately from the
Property.

                 (ii) If any of Tenant's personal property is taxed with the
Property, Tenant shall pay Landlord the taxes for the personal property within
fifteen (15) days after Tenant receives a written statement from Landlord for
such personal property taxes.

         (e) Tenant's Right to Contest Taxes. Tenant may attempt to have the
assessed valuation of the Property reduced or may initiate proceedings to
contest the Real Property Tax. If required by law, Landlord shall join in the
proceedings brought by Tenant. However, Tenant shall pay all costs of the
proceedings, including any costs or fees incurred by Landlord. Upon the final
determination of any proceedings or contest, Tenant shall pay when due pursuant
to such final determination, the Real Property Tax due, together with all costs,
charges, interest and penalties incidental to the proceedings. If Tenant does
not pay the Real Property Tax when due and contests such taxes, Tenant shall not
be in default under this Lease for nonpayment of such taxes if Tenant deposits
funds with Landlord or opens an interest bearing account reasonably acceptable
to Landlord in the joint names of Landlord and Tenant. The amount of such
deposit shall be sufficient to pay the Real Property Tax plus a reasonable
estimate of the interest, costs, charges and penalties which may accrue if
Tenant's action is unsuccessful, less any applicable tax impounds previously
paid by Tenant to Landlord. The deposit shall be applied to the Real Property
Tax due, as determined at such proceedings. Such Real Property Tax shall be paid
under protest from such deposit if such payment under protest is necessary to
prevent the Property from being sold under a "tax sale" or similar enforcement
proceeding.

         Section 4.3. Utilities. Tenant shall pay, directly to the appropriate
supplier, the cost of all natural gas, heat, light, power, sewer service,
telephone, water, refuse disposal and other utilities and services supplied to
the Property. Landlord shall construct the Property with all utilities brought
to the Building and with all utilities and services supplied to the Property
being separately metered.

         Section 4.4. Insurance Policies.

         (a) Liability Insurance. During the Lease Term, Tenant shall maintain a
policy of commercial general liability insurance (sometimes known as broad form
comprehensive general liability insurance) insuring Tenant against liability for
bodily injury, property damage (including loss of use of property) and personal
injury arising out of the operation, use or occupancy of the Property. Tenant
shall name Landlord as an additional insured under such policy. The initial
amount of such insurance shall be ONE MILLION DOLLARS

                                       5
<PAGE>
 
($1,000,000.00) per occurrence and shall be subject to periodic increase to
amounts consistent with that carried by occupants of similarly situated
properties used for the same purposes as the Property based upon inflation,
increased liability awards, recommendation of Landlord's professional insurance
advisers and other relevant factors, but in no event shall the amount of such
insurance be required to exceed $5,000,000.00 per occurrence. The liability
insurance obtained by Tenant under this Section 4.4(a) shall (i) be primary and
non-contributing; (ii) contain cross-liability endorsements; and (iii) insure
Landlord against Tenant's performance under Section 5.5, if the matters giving
rise to the indemnity under Section 5.5 result from the negligence of Tenant.
The amount and coverage of such insurance shall not limit Tenant's liability nor
relieve Tenant of any other obligations under this Lease. Landlord may also
obtain comprehensive public liability insurance in an amount and with coverage
determined by Landlord insuring Landlord against liability arising out of
ownership, operation, use or occupancy of the Property. The policy obtained by
Landlord shall not be contributory and shall not provide primary insurance.

         (b) Property and Rental Income Insurance. During the Lease Term,
Landlord shall maintain policies of insurance covering loss of or damage to the
Property in the full amount of its replacement value. Such policy shall contain
an inflation Guard Endorsement and shall provide protection against all perils
included within the classification of fire, extended coverage, vandalism,
malicious mischief, special extended perils (all risk), sprinkler leakage and
any other perils which Landlord deems reasonably necessary. Landlord shall have
the right to obtain flood and earthquake insurance if required by any lender
holding a security interest in the Property. Landlord shall not obtain insurance
for Tenant's fixtures or equipment or building improvements installed by Tenant
on the Property. During the Lease Term, Landlord shall also maintain a rental
income insurance policy, with loss payable to Landlord, in an amount equal to
one (1) year's Base Rent, plus estimated Real Property Tax and insurance
premiums. Tenant shall be liable for the payment of any deductible amount under
Landlord's or Tenant's insurance policies maintained pursuant to this Section
4.4, in an amount not to exceed TWENTY-FIVE THOUSAND DOLLARS ($25,000.00).
Tenant shall not knowingly do or permit anything to be done which invalidates
any such insurance policies. If Tenant notifies Landlord that it is able to
obtain a policy of insurance complying with this Section and subsection (d)below
at a lower premium than being paid for Landlord's policy, Landlord shall cause
the cancellation of its own policy and Landlord's policy shall be substituted
with the policy obtained by Tenant.

         (c) Payment of Premiums. Subject to Section 4.7, Tenant shall pay all
premiums for the insurance policies described in Sections 4.4(a) and (b)
(whether obtained by Landlord or Tenant) within fifteen (15) days after Tenant's
receipt of a copy of the premium statement or other evidence of the amount due,
except Landlord shall pay all premiums for non-primary comprehensive public
liability insurance which Landlord elects to obtain as provided in Section
4.4(a). If insurance policies maintained by Landlord cover improvements to real
property other than the Property, Landlord shall deliver to Tenant a statement,
subject to Tenant's approval, of the premium applicable to the Property showing
in reasonable detail how Tenant's share of the premium was computed. If the
Lease Term expires before the expiration of an insurance policy maintained by
Landlord, Tenant shall be liable only for Tenant's prorated share of the
insurance premiums. Before the Commencement Date, Landlord and Tenant shall
deliver to each other copies of all policies of insurance which the other is
required to maintain under this Section 4.4. At least thirty (30) days prior to
the expiration of any such policy, Landlord and Tenant shall deliver to the
other a renewal of any such policy as an alternative to providing a policy of
insurance. Landlord and Tenant shall have the right to provide the other a
certificate of insurance, executed by an authorized officer of the insurance
company, showing that

                                       6
<PAGE>
 
the insurance which the other is required to maintain under this Section 4.4 is
in full force and effect and containing such other information which the other
party reasonably requires.

         (d) General Insurance Provisions.

                 (i)   Any insurance which Tenant or Landlord is required to
maintain under this Lease shall include a provision which requires the insurance
carrier to give the other party not less than thirty (30) days' written notice
prior to any cancellation or modification of such coverage. All such policies
shall name Landlord's mortgagee as additional insured or loss payee, as
applicable.

                 (ii)  If Landlord or Tenant fails to deliver a policy,
certificate or renewal to the other required under this Lease within the
prescribed time period or if any such policy is canceled or modified during the
Lease Term without the other party's consent, the other party may obtain such
insurance, in which case, as applicable, Tenant shall reimburse Landlord for the
cost of such insurance within fifteen (15) days after receipt of a statement
that indicates the cost of such insurance, or Tenant shall take a credit against
the Base Rent next coming due in the amount of the cost of such insurance.

                 (iii) All insurance required under this Lease shall be carried
with companies holding a "General Policy Rating" of A-12 or better, as set
forth in the most current issue of "Best Key Rating Guide". Landlord and Tenant
acknowledge the insurance markets are rapidly changing and that insurance in the
form and amounts described in this Section 4.4 may not be available in the
future. Tenant acknowledges that the insurance described in this Section 4.4 is
for the primary benefit of Landlord. If at any time during the Lease Term,
Landlord or Tenant is unable to maintain the insurance required under the Lease,
they shall nevertheless maintain insurance coverage which is customary and
commercially reasonable in the insurance industry for Tenant's type of business,
and for properties like the Property, as that coverage may change from time to
time.

                 (iv)  Unless prohibited under any applicable insurance policies
maintained, Landlord and Tenant each hereby waive any and all rights of recovery
against the other, or against the officers, employees, agents or representatives
of the other, for loss of or damage to its property or the property of others
under its control, if such loss or damage is covered by any insurance policy in
force (whether or not described in this Lease) at the time of such loss or
damage. Upon obtaining the required policies of insurance, Landlord and Tenant
shall give notice to the insurance carriers of this mutual waiver of
subrogation.

                 (v)   Tenant may carry any insurance required under this lease
in an umbrella policy or other policy covering Tenant and the Property along
with other affiliates of Tenant and their respective properties.

                 (vi)  Landlord and Tenant each shall endeavor to secure an
appropriate clause in, or an endorsement upon, each property or casualty
insurance policy insuring the Building or the Property pursuant to which the
insurance company waives subrogation against the other party, or permits the
insured, prior to a loss, to waive any claim it may have against the other party
without invalidating the coverage under the insurance policy. If either party's
insurer shall refuse to issue such clause or endorsement even with an additional
premium, then the other party shall have the right to designate another insurer
complying with the conditions of subsection (d)(iii) of this Section 4.4 who
would be prepared to permit such clause or endorsement.

                                       7
<PAGE>
 
         Section 4.5. Late Charges. Tenant's failure to pay rent promptly may
cause Landlord to incur unanticipated costs. The exact amount of such costs are
impractical or extremely difficult to ascertain. Such costs may include, but are
not limited to, processing and accounting charges and late charges which may be
imposed on Landlord by any ground lease, mortgage or trust deed encumbering the
Property. Therefore, if Landlord does not receive any rent payment within ten
(10) days after it becomes due, Tenant shall pay to Landlord a late charge equal
to five percent (5%) of the overdue amount. The parties agree that such late
charge represents a fair and reasonable estimate of the costs Landlord will
incur by reason of such late payment; no more than one late charge shall be
applied against any payment due. Notwithstanding the foregoing, Landlord shall
not impose a late charge without giving Tenant written notice that Tenant is
delinquent in paying any rent due hereunder and allowing Tenant a period of five
(5) days from receipt of such notice to pay such delinquent rent unless Tenant
has previously been notified by Landlord of a delinquency in paying rent at any
time within the immediately preceding twelve (12) month period, in which event
no notice shall be required to be given by Landlord prior to imposition of the
late fee.

         Section 4.6. Interest on Past Due Obligations. Any amount owed by
Tenant to Landlord which is not paid within ten (10) days after it first becomes
due shall bear interest at the rate of twelve percent (12%) per annum from the
due date of such amount. However, interest shall not be payable on late charges
to be paid by Tenant under this Lease. The payment of interest on such amounts
shall not excuse or cure any default by Tenant under this Lease. If the interest
rate specified in this Lease is higher than the rate permitted by law, the
interest rate is hereby decreased to the maximum legal interest rate permitted
by law.

         Section 4.7. Impounds for Insurance Premiums and Real Property Taxes.
If requested by any ground lessor or lender to whom Landlord has granted a
security interest in the Property, or if Tenant is more than ten (10) days late
in the payment of rent more than three (3) times in any consecutive twelve (12)
month period, Tenant shall pay Landlord a sum equal to one-twelfth (1/12) of the
annual Real Property Tax and insurance premiums payable by Tenant under this
Lease, together with each payment of Base Rent. Unless otherwise provided in the
existing Mortgage on the Property, Landlord shall hold such payments in an
interest bearing impound account and the interest thereon shall be added to such
amount. If unknown, Landlord shall reasonably estimate the amount of Real
Property Tax and insurance premiums when due. Tenant shall pay any deficiency of
funds in the impound account to Landlord upon written request. If Tenant
defaults under this Lease and Landlord terminates this Lease or Tenant abandons
the Property, Landlord may apply any funds in the impound account to any
obligation then due under this Lease. Tenant's payments under this Section 4.7
shall be in satisfaction of Tenant's obligations for payment of Real Property
Tax under Section 4.2.

         Section 4.8. Management Fees. Tenant shall reimburse Landlord monthly
for management fees in connection with the Property in an amount not to exceed
two and one-half percent (2-1/2%) of the monthly Base Rent whether or not such
fees are actually paid or incurred by Landlord. In consideration of payment of
such management fees by Tenant, Landlord shall, upon request, arrange for and
monitor performance of service contracts for landscape maintenance and trash
removal with respect to the Property. Such service contracts shall be in
Tenant's name and Tenant shall pay all charges and fees due the service provider
thereunder without markup. Should Landlord fail or refuse to provide such
services as requested and such failure or refusal continues for a period of
fifteen (15) days after notice from Tenant, Tenant may cease payment of said
management fees until such time as Landlord is requested to and does provide
such services.

                                       8
<PAGE>
 
     Section 4.9. Maintenance Expense. Tenant shall reimburse Landlord for
amounts paid by Landlord as Landlord's share of the costs of maintenance and
repair (but not the initial construction) of Southpoint Drive pursuant to the
Declaration of Ingress-Egress Easement recorded under Register's No. FZ 0217,
Shelby County Register's Office, in an amount not to exceed $10,000.00 for each
lease year, cumulative, but not in any event to exceed $30,000.00 per each
consecutive four (4) year period.


ARTICLE FIVE: USE OF PROPERTY.

     Section 5.1. Permitted Uses. Tenant may use the Property only for the
Permitted Uses set forth in Section 1.6 above.

     Section 5.2. Manner of Use. Tenant shall not cause or permit the Property
to be used in any way which constitutes a violation of any law, ordinance, or
governmental regulation or order, which annoys or interferes with the rights of
other tenants of Landlord, or which constitutes a nuisance or waste. Tenant
shall obtain and pay for all permits, including a Certificate of Occupancy
(provided that Landlord obtains a temporary certificate of occupancy subject
only to final inspection of Tenant's materials handling and storage equipment
and racking; and all other certificates and permits, if any, required with
respect to the construction and operation of the "Shell Building"), required for
Tenant's occupancy of the Property and shall promptly take all actions necessary
to comply with all applicable statutes, ordinances, rules, regulations, orders
and requirements regulating the specific use by Tenant of the Property,
including the Occupational Safety and Health Act (as opposed to the general
compliance by the Building with applicable statutes, ordinances, rules,
regulations, orders and requirements, which shall be Landlord's obligation).

     Section 5.3. Hazardous Materials. As used in this Lease, the term
"Hazardous Material" means any flammable items, explosives, radioactive
materials, hazardous or toxic substances, material or waste or related
materials, including any substances defined as or included in the definition of
"hazardous substances", "hazardous wastes", "hazardous materials" or "toxic
substances" now or subsequently regulated under any applicable federal, state or
local laws or regulations, including, without limitation petroleum-based
products, paints, solvents, lead, cyanide, DDT, printing inks, acids,
pesticides, ammonia compounds and other chemical products, asbestos, PCBs and
similar compounds, and including any different products and materials which are
subsequently regulated as "hazardous" or "toxic" under applicable federal, state
or local law. Tenant shall not cause or permit any Hazardous Material to be
generated, produced, brought upon, used, stored, treated or disposed of in or
about the Property by Tenant, its agents, employees, contractors, sublessees
(other than Hazardous Materials used in compliance with applicable law for
ordinary cleaning, maintenance or office purposes provided that such Hazardous
Materials are used, handled or stored upon the Property only in the minimum
quantities necessary for such purposes) without the prior written consent of
Landlord. Landlord shall be entitled to take into account such other factors or
facts as Landlord may reasonably determine to be relevant in determining whether
to grant or withhold consent to Tenant's proposed activity with respect to
Hazardous Material. In no event, however, shall Landlord be required to consent
to the installation or use of any storage tanks on the Property.

     Section 5.4. Signs and Auctions. Subject to the remaining portions of this
Section, Tenant shall not place any signs on the Property without Landlord's
prior written

                                       9
<PAGE>
 
consent. Landlord will not unreasonably withhold its consent to signs proposed
by Tenant for placing on or above the doors of the Property identifying Tenant's
business. Landlord shall furnish two (2) pylon mounted signs and parking,
loading and shipping dock signage comparable to similar signage on other
buildings in Southpoint Distribution Park. No signs shall be permitted on the
Building except as provided in the previous two sentences. Tenant shall not
conduct or permit any auctions or sheriff's sales at the Property.

         Section 5.5. Indemnity. Subject to Section 4.4(d)(iv) and subject to
Landlord's representations and warranties as to the permitted uses of the
Property contained in Section 6.2, Tenant shall indemnify Landlord against and
hold Landlord harmless from any and all costs, claims or liability arising from:
(a) Tenant's use of the Property; (b) the conduct of Tenant's business or
anything else done or permitted by Tenant to be done in or about the Property,
including any contamination of the Property or any other property resulting from
the presence or use of Hazardous Material caused or permitted by Tenant; (c) any
breach or default in the performance of Tenant's obligations under this Lease;
(d) any material misrepresentation or material breach of material warranty by
Tenant under this Lease; or (e) other acts or omissions of Tenant (excluding
immaterial representations or immaterial breaches of warranties). Tenant shall
defend Landlord against any such cost, claim or liability at Tenant's expense
with counsel reasonably acceptable to Landlord or, at Landlord's election,
Tenant shall reimburse Landlord for any reasonable legal fees or costs incurred
by Landlord in connection with any such claim. As a material part of the
consideration to Landlord, Tenant assumes all risk of damage to property or
injury to persons in or about the Property arising from any cause, and Tenant
hereby waives all claims in respect thereof against Landlord, except for any
injury or claim arising out of Landlord's negligence or willful act or failure
to act. As used in this Section, the term "Tenant" shall include Tenant's
employees, agents, contractors and invitees, if applicable.

         Landlord shall indemnify Tenant against and hold Tenant harmless from
any and all costs, claims or liability arising from: (a) any breach or default
in the performance of Landlord's obligations under this Lease; (b) any material
misrepresentation or material breach of warranty by Landlord under this Lease;
(c) other acts or omissions of Landlord; or (d) any entry or testing by Landlord
on the Property under Section 5.6 below. Landlord shall defend Tenant against
any such cost, claim or liability at Landlord's expense with counsel reasonably
acceptable to Tenant or, at Tenant's election, Landlord shall reimburse Tenant
for any reasonable legal fees or costs incurred by Tenant in connection with any
such claim. As used in this Section, the term "Landlord" shall include
Landlord's employees, agents, contractors and invitees, if applicable.

         Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, Landlord shall have no
liability to Tenant for damages to Tenant's property, inventory or other
personalty, or for consequential damages or damages for loss of Tenant's
business, except if caused by Landlord's gross negligence or willful misconduct.

         Section 5.6. Landlord's Access. Landlord or its agents may enter the
Property at all reasonable times during business hours to show the Property to
potential buyers, investors or (during the last six (6) months of the Lease
Term) tenants, without interfering with the conduct of Tenant's business, to
inspect and conduct tests in order to monitor Tenant's compliance with all
applicable environmental laws and all laws governing the presence and use of
Hazardous Material; or for any other purpose Landlord deems necessary, or to
comply with Landlord's repair and maintenance obligations under this Lease.
Landlord shall give Tenant prior notice of such entry, except in the case of an
emergency. Landlord may place customary "For Sale" or "For Lease" signs on the
Property during the last six (6) months of the Lease Term.

                                       10
<PAGE>
 
         Section 5.7. Quiet Possession. If Tenant pays the rent and complies
with all other terms of this Lease, Tenant may peaceably and quietly occupy and
enjoy the Property for the full Lease Term, subject to the provisions of this
Lease. Landlord expressly warrants that all rights of Honeywell Inc.
to lease the Property have been terminated.


ARTICLE SIX:   CONDITION OF PROPERTY; MAINTENANCE, REPAIRS AND ALTERATIONS

         Section 6.01. Existing Conditions. Tenant accepts the Property in its
condition as of the Commencement Date, subject to all recorded matters listed on
Exhibit A-2, laws, ordinances, and governmental regulations and orders and to
Landlord's completion of the building in accordance with Rider Paragraph 1.
Except as provided herein, Tenant acknowledges that neither Landlord nor any
agent of Landlord has made any representation as to the condition of the
Property or the suitability of the Property for Tenant's intended use. Tenant
represents and warrants that Tenant has made its own inspection of and inquiry
regarding the condition of the Property and is not relying on any
representations of Landlord or any Broker with respect thereto, except as set
forth in this Lease.

         Section 6.2. Exemption of Landlord from Liability. Landlord represents
that the zoning applicable to the Premises permits the construction and
completion of the Property (including the parking) and for operation of the
Property for the purposes permitted hereby. Landlord warrants that the Property,
upon "substantial completion" (hereinafter defined) shall be free from defects.
Landlord shall not be liable for any damage or injury to the person, business
(or any loss of income therefrom), goods, wares, merchandise or other property
of Tenant, Tenant's employees, invitees, customers or any other person in or
about the Property, whether such damage or injury is caused by or results from:
(a) fire, steam, electricity, water, gas or rain; (b) the breakage, leakage or
obstruction or other defects of pipes, sprinklers, wires, appliances, plumbing,
air conditioning or lighting fixtures or any other cause; (c) conditions arising
in or about the Property or upon other portions of the Project, or from other
sources or places; or (d) any act or omission of any other tenant of the
Project. Landlord shall not be liable for any such damage or injury even though
the cause of or the means of repairing such damage or injury are not accessible
to Tenant unless Landlord negligently or willfully obstructs such access.

         Section 6.3. Intentionally Deleted.

         Section 6.4. Tenant's Obligations.

         (a) Except as provided in Article Seven (Damage Destruction) and
Article Eight (Condemnation) and Rider Paragraphs 4 and 12, Tenant shall keep
all portions of the Property (including nonstructural, interior, exterior, and
landscaped areas, systems and equipment) in good order, condition and repair
(including interior repainting and refinishing, as needed). If any portion of
the Property or any system or equipment in the Property which Tenant is
obligated to repair cannot be fully repaired or restored, Tenant shall promptly
replace such portion of the Property or system or equipment or equipment in the
Property, regardless of whether the benefit of such replacement extends beyond
the Lease Term; but if the benefit or useful life of such replacement extends
beyond the Lease Term (as such term may be extended by exercise of any options),
the useful life of such replacement shall be prorated over the remaining portion
of the Lease Term (as extended, if extended), and Tenant shall be liable only
for that portion of the cost which is applicable

                                       11
<PAGE>
 
to the Lease Term (as extended, if extended) and Tenant shall not be obligated
to undertake such replacement until Landlord has deposited with Tenant Tenant's
reasonable estimate of the cost of such replacement. Notwithstanding the
foregoing, in no event shall Tenant be obligated to undertake any replacement
during the last year of the Lease Term (as extended, if extended). Tenant shall
maintain a preventive maintenance contract providing for the regular inspection
and maintenance of the heating and air conditioning system by a licensed heating
and air conditioning contractor. If any part of the Property is damaged by any
act or omission of Tenant, Tenant shall pay Landlord the cost of repairing or
replacing such damaged property, whether or not Landlord would otherwise be
obligated to pay the cost of maintaining or repairing such property. It is the
intention of Landlord and Tenant that at all times Tenant shall maintain the
portions of the Property which Tenant is obligated to maintain in a condition
commensurate with the other buildings in the Project used for purposes similar
to the Property, subject to ordinary wear and tear.

         (b) Tenant shall fulfill all of Tenant's obligations under this Section
6.4, at Tenant's sole expense. If Tenant fails to maintain, repair or replace
the Property as required by this Section 6.4, Landlord may as necessary to avoid
further damage to or deterioration of the Building or deterioration of
landscaping plants and/or materials, upon ten (10) days' prior notice to Tenant
(except that no notice shall be required in the case of an emergency), enter the
Property and perform such maintenance or repair (including replacement, as
needed) on behalf of Tenant. In such case, Tenant shall reimburse Landlord for
all costs incurred in performing such maintenance or repair immediately upon
demand.

         (c) If Landlord fails to maintain the Property or perform any other
obligation of Landlord as required under this Lease, Tenant, upon ten (10) days'
prior notice to Landlord (except no notice shall be required in the case of an
emergency), may perform such maintenance or repair (or replacement, if needed)
or other obligation on behalf of Landlord and shall take a credit against the
Base Rent for all reasonable costs incurred in performing such maintenance or
repair. Tenant shall not perform such maintenance or repair if Landlord within
such ten (10) day period commences performance and thereafter continues
diligently to complete performance of such obligation.

         Section 6.5. Alterations, Additions, and Improvements.

         (a) Tenant shall not make any alterations, additions, or improvements
to the exterior of the Property or which are visible from the outside of the
Building without Landlord's prior written consent. Landlord's consent shall not
be required for (i) non-structural alterations to the interior of the Building
which do not exceed $50,000.00 in each instance; and (ii) painting and other
decorative alterations, installations and modifications of Tenant's materials
storage and handling equipment and other trade fixtures. Landlord may require
Tenant to provide demolition and/or lien and completion bonds in form and amount
reasonably satisfactory to Landlord but in no event in excess of 105% of the
contracted cost of the proposed alteration. Tenant shall promptly remove any
alterations, additions, or improvements constructed in violation of this Section
6.5(a) upon Landlord's written request. All alterations, additions, and
improvements shall be done in a good and workmanlike manner, in conformity with
all applicable laws and regulations, and by a contractor reasonably approved by
Landlord. Upon completion of any such work, Tenant shall provide Landlord with
"as built" plans, copies of all construction contracts (if any), and proof of
payment for all labor and materials. Landlord shall not unreasonably withhold
its consent to structural changes to the Building to accommodate Tenant's
materials handling equipment provided such changes do not reduce the original
clear height or column

                                       12
<PAGE>
 
spacing of the Building or otherwise materially adversely affect the ordinary
function of the Building as a warehouse.

         (b) Tenant shall pay when due all claims for labor and material
furnished to the Property. Tenant shall give Landlord at least twenty (20) days'
prior written notice of the commencement of any work on the Property, regardless
of whether Landlord's consent to such work is required. Landlord may elect to
record and post notices of non-responsibility on the Property.

         Section 6.6. Condition upon Termination. Upon the termination of the
Lease, Tenant shall surrender the Property to Landlord, broom clean and in the
same condition as received on the Commencement Date, except for ordinary wear
and tear which Tenant was not otherwise obligated to remedy under any provision
of this Lease. However, Tenant shall not be obligated to repair any damage which
Landlord is required to repair under Article Seven (Damage or Destruction) or
Rider Paragraph 4. In addition, Landlord may require Tenant to remove only those
alterations, additions or improvements (made without Landlord's consent or made
with Landlord's consent conditioned upon removal by Tenant at expiration of the
Lease term) prior to the expiration of the Lease and to restore the Property to
its prior condition, all at Tenant's expense. All other alterations, additions
and improvements shall, at Tenant's option, be surrendered to Landlord upon the
expiration or earlier termination of the Lease, except that Tenant may remove
any of Tenant's machinery or equipment which can be removed without material
damage to the Property and Tenant's materials storage and handling equipment and
all non-affixed personalty of Tenant. Tenant shall repair, at Tenant's expense,
any damage to the Property caused by the removal of any such machinery or
equipment (other than ordinary wear and tear). In no event, however, shall
Tenant remove any of the following materials or equipment (which shall be deemed
Landlord's property) without Landlord's prior written consent; any power wiring
or power panels; lighting or lighting fixtures; wall coverings; window blinds;
carpets or other floor coverings; heaters, air conditioners or any other heating
or air conditioning equipment; fencing or security gates; or other similar
building operating equipment and permanently affixed decorations. It is
expressly understood that Tenant shall not be obligated to remove any structural
changes made to accommodate Tenant's materials handling equipment provided such
changes do not reduce the original clear height of or column spacing of the
Building or otherwise materially adversely affect the ordinary function of the
Building as a warehouse.


ARTICLE SEVEN: DAMAGE OR DESTRUCTION

         Section 7.1. Partial Damage to Property.

         (a) Tenant shall notify Landlord in writing immediately upon the
occurrence of any damage to the Property. If the Property is only partially
damaged (i.e., less than ten percent (10%) of the Property is untenantable or
inaccessible as a result of such damage), this Lease shall remain in effect and
Landlord shall repair the damage as soon as reasonably possible. Landlord may
elect (but is not required unless Landlord has received insurance applicable
thereto) to repair any damage to Tenant's fixtures, equipment, or improvements.
Subject to the provisions of Section 13.12 hereof, if for any reason Landlord
has not restored and repaired the damage to the Building and the Property within
ninety (90) days after the date of said casualty, then Tenant shall have the
option to terminate this Lease at any time thereafter prior to the substantial
completion of the repair and restoration of the damage to the Building and the
Property by Landlord by

                                       13
<PAGE>
 
giving written notice to Landlord, which notice shall specify a date for
expiration of the Lease, which date shall not be more than ninety (90) days
after the giving of such notice.

         (b) Tenant shall pay Landlord the "deductible amount" (if any) under
Landlord's insurance policies.

         (c) If the damage to the Property occurs during the last six (6) months
of the Lease Term and such damage will require more than thirty (30) days to
repair, either Landlord or Tenant may elect to terminate this Lease as of the
date the damage occurred, regardless of the sufficiency of any insurance
proceeds. The party electing to terminate this Lease shall give written
notification to the other party of such election within thirty (30) days after
Tenant's notice to Landlord of the occurrence of the damage.

         Section 7.2. Substantial or Total Destruction.

         (a) If the Property is substantially or totally destroyed by any cause
whatsoever (i.e., the damage to the Property is greater than partial damage as
described in Section 7.1 or if such damage, regardless of the size of the
portion damaged, renders the Building unfit for the operation of Tenant's
business), and if the Property can be rebuilt within six (6) months after the
date of destruction, Landlord shall rebuild the Property at Landlord's own
expense, and this Lease shall remain in full force and effect. Landlord shall
rebuild the Property at Landlord's sole expense, except that Tenant shall pay
Landlord the "deductible amount" (if any) under Landlord's insurance policies.
In addition and subject to the provisions of Section 13.12 hereof, if for any
reason Landlord has not restored and repaired the damage to the Building and the
Property within six (6) months after the occurrence of said casualty and the
removal of Tenant's equipment and other property sufficient to allow Landlord's
contractor to begin restoration and repair, time being strictly of the essence,
then Tenant shall have the option to terminate this Lease at any time thereafter
prior to the substantial completion of the repair and restoration of the damage
to the Building and the Property by giving written notice to Landlord, which
notice shall specify a date for expiration of the Lease, which date shall not be
more than ninety (90) days after the giving of such notice.

         (b) If the substantial or total damage to the Property occurs during
the last twelve (12) months of the Lease Term, either Landlord or Tenant may
elect to terminate this Lease as of the date the damage occurred by giving
written notice to the other within sixty (60) days after Tenant's notification
to Landlord of the occurrence of the damage.

         Section 7.3. Temporary Reduction of Rent. If the Property is destroyed
or damaged, any rent payable during the period of such damage, repair and/or
restoration shall be reduced according to the degree, if any, to which Tenant's
use of the Property is impaired. Except for such possible reduction in rent,
including but not limited to Base Rent, insurance premiums, Real Property Tax
and management fee, Tenant shall not be entitled to any compensation, reduction,
or reimbursement from Landlord as a result of any damage, destruction, repair,
or restoration of or to the Property.

         Section 7.4. Waiver. Tenant waives the protection of any statute, code
or judicial decision which grants a tenant the right to terminate a lease in the
event of the substantial or total destruction of the leased property. Tenant
agrees that the provisions of Section 7.2 above shall govern the rights and
obligations of Landlord and Tenant in the event of any substantial or total
destruction to the Property.

                                       14
<PAGE>
 
ARTICLE EIGHT: CONDEMNATION

         If all or any portion of the Property is taken under the power of
eminent domain or sold under the threat of that power (all of which are called
"Condemnation"), this Lease shall terminate as to the part taken or sold on the
date the condemning authority takes title or possession, whichever occurs first.
If more than twenty percent (20%) of the floor area of the Building is taken, or
if any condemnation renders the Property unfit for Tenant's business as then
being conducted, Tenant may terminate this Lease as of the date the condemning
authority takes title or possession, by delivering written notice to the
Landlord within thirty (30) days after receipt of written notice of such taking
(or in the absence of such notice, within thirty (30) days after the condemning
authority takes title or possession). If Tenant does not terminate and provided
that the Building can be restored to an economically usable unit, this Lease
shall remain in effect as to the portion of the Property not taken, except that
the Base Rent and Additional Rent shall be reduced in proportion to the
reduction in the floor area of the Property. Any Condemnation award or payment
shall be distributed in the following order: (a) first, to any ground lessor,
mortgagee or beneficiary under a deed of trust encumbering the Property, the
amount of its interest in the Property; (b) second, to Tenant, only the amount
of any award specifically designated for loss of or damage to Tenant's trade
fixtures or removable personal property; and (c) third, to Landlord, the
remainder of such award, whether as compensation for reduction in the value of
the leasehold, the taking of the fee, or otherwise. Tenant may also make a claim
for an award for Tenant's loss of business and relocation costs. If this Lease
is not terminated, Landlord shall repair any damage to the Property caused by
the Condemnation, except that Landlord shall not be obligated to repair any
damage for which Tenant has been reimbursed by the condemning authority.


ARTICLE NINE: ASSIGNMENT AND SUBLETTING

         Section 9.1. Landlord's Consent Required. No portion of the Property or
of Tenant's interest in this Lease may be acquired by any other person or
entity, whether by sale, assignment, mortgage, sublease, transfer, operation of
law, or act of Tenant, without Landlord's prior written consent, except as
provided in Section 9.2 below. Landlord has the right to grant or withhold its
consent as provided in Section 9.5 below. Any attempted transfer without consent
shall be void and shall constitute a non-curable breach of this Lease. If Tenant
is a partnership, any cumulative transfer of more than fifty percent (50%) of
the partnership interests shall be deemed an assignment of this Lease requiring
Landlord's consent. Except as set forth below, if Tenant is a corporation, any
change in the ownership of a controlling interest of the voting stock of the
corporation shall be deemed an assignment of this Lease requiring Landlord's
consent. For the purposes hereof, "control" shall be deemed to mean ownership of
not less than 50% of all of the voting stock of such corporation or not less
than 50% of all of the legal and equitable interest in any other business
entities.

         Section 9.2. Tenant Affiliate. Notwithstanding Section 9.1 above,
Tenant may assign this Lease or sublease the Property, without Landlord's
consent, to any corporation which controls, is controlled by or is under common
control with Tenant, or to any corporation resulting from the merger of or
consolidation with Tenant ("Tenant's Affiliate"). In such case, any Tenant's
Affiliate shall assume in writing all of Tenant's obligations under this Lease.
This Article IX shall not apply in connection with a bona fide sale or other
transfer by Tenant of its business or substantially all of its assets, or the
sale of all

                                       15
<PAGE>
 
or substantially all of Tenant's corporate stock or other interests in
connection with such sale or other transfer of its business, provided such sale
or other transfer is the primary purpose of the transaction and the assignment
or other transfer of this lease is merely incidental thereto. Any assignment or
subletting of this lease in connection with such sale or transfer (whether
direct, by operation of law, or default by virtue of the sale of stock) shall be
nonetheless subject to Landlord's prior written consent which Landlord shall not
unreasonably withhold or delay, provided (i) the proposed assignee, sublessee or
new stockholder is a reputable person of good character and of sound financial
condition and Landlord has been furnished with reasonable proof thereof; (ii)
the form of the proposed sublease or instrument of assignment shall be in form
reasonably satisfactory to Landlord and shall comply with the provisions of this
lease; (iii) the successor to Tenant has a net worth computed in accordance with
generally accepted accounting principles at least equal to the lesser of (A) the
net worth as shown on the consolidated financial statements of Tenant's parent,
Genesis Direct, Inc. immediately prior to such transaction, or (B) the net worth
as shown on the consolidated financial statements of Genesis Direct, Inc. on
January 31, 1997; and (iv) proof satisfactory to Landlord of such net worth
shall have been delivered to Landlord at least ten (10) days prior to the
effective date of any such transaction. In addition, Tenant shall have the right
to retain a sublease interest in the Property and/or a reassignment of this
Lease as collateral security for any obligation which the purchaser of Tenant's
business shall owe to Tenant or its stockholders in connection with any such
transaction.

         Section 9.3. No Release of Tenant. No transfer permitted by this
Article Nine, whether with or without Landlord's consent, shall release Tenant
or change Tenant's primary liability to pay the rent and to perform all other
obligations of Tenant under this Lease. Landlord's acceptance of rent from any
other person is not a waiver of any provision of this Article Nine. Consent to
one transfer is not a consent to any subsequent transfer. If Tenant's transferee
defaults under this Lease, Landlord may proceed directly against Tenant without
pursuing remedies against the transferee. Landlord may consent to subsequent
assignments or modifications of this Lease by Tenant's transferee, without
notifying Tenant or obtaining its consent. Such action shall not relieve
Tenant's liability under this Lease.

         Section 9.4. Offer to Terminate. If Tenant desires to assign the Lease
or sublease eighty percent (80%) or more of the Property, Tenant shall have the
right to offer, in writing, to terminate the Lease as of a date specified in the
offer. If Landlord elects in writing to accept the offer to terminate within
twenty (20) days after notice of the offer, the Lease shall terminate as of the
date specified and all the terms and provisions of the Lease governing
termination shall apply; and Landlord shall pay to Tenant (which obligation to
pay shall survive the termination of this Lease) fifty percent (50%) of the
"profit" Landlord receives or may receive from any reletting of the Property
over the period that would have been the original Lease term but for such
termination. If Landlord does not so elect, the Lease shall continue in effect
until otherwise terminated and the provisions of Section 9.5 with respect to any
proposed transfer shall continue to apply. As used in this Section 9.4, the term
"profit" shall mean all amounts Landlord receives from such reletting which
exceed the amounts which would have been received from Tenant over the original
Lease Term, less costs and expenses incurred directly by Landlord in connection
with the execution and performance of the new lease for broker's commissions,
advertising, legal fees and expenses, tenant improvements, and renovations, and
concessions. Tenant's share of the "profit" received by Landlord shall be paid
as received by Landlord, after recovery by Landlord of all of the foregoing
costs and expenses.

                                       16
<PAGE>
 
         Section 9.5. Landlord's Consent.

         (a) Tenant's request for consent to any transfer described in Section
9.1 shall set forth in writing the details of the proposed transfer, including
the name, business and financial condition of the prospective transferee,
financial details of the proposed transfer (e.g., the term of and the rent and
security deposit payable under any proposed assignment or sublease), and any
other information Landlord reasonably deems relevant. Landlord shall have the
right to withhold consent, if reasonable, or to grant consent, based on the
following factors: (i) the business of the proposed assignee or subtenant and
the proposed use of the Property: (ii) the net worth and financial reputation of
the proposed assignee or subtenant: (iii) Tenant's material compliance with all
of its material obligations under the Lease: and (iv) such other factors as
Landlord may reasonably deem relevant. If Landlord objects to a proposed
assignment solely because of the net worth and/or financial reputation of the
proposed assignee, Tenant may nonetheless sublease (but not assign), all or a
portion of the Property to the proposed transferee, but only on the other terms
of the proposed transfer.

         (b) If Tenant assigns or subleases, the following shall apply:

                 (i)   Tenant shall pay to Landlord as Additional Rent under the
Lease the Landlord's Share (stated in Section 1.13) of the Profit (defined
below) on such transaction as and when received by Tenant, unless Landlord gives
written notice to Tenant and the assignee or subtenant that Landlord's Share
shall be paid by the assignee or subtenant to Landlord directly. The "Profit"
means (A) all amounts paid to Tenant for such assignment or sublease, including
"key" money (other than amounts paid for the purchase of Tenant's fixtures and
improvements), monthly rent in excess of the monthly rent payable under the
Lease, and all fees and other consideration paid for the assignment or sublease,
including fees under any collateral agreements, less (B) costs and expenses
directly incurred by Tenant in connection with the execution and performance of
such assignment or sublease for real estate broker's commissions, advertising,
legal fees and expenses, moving expenses, transfer taxes and costs of renovation
or construction of tenant improvements required under such assignment or
sublease. Tenant is entitled to recover such cost and expenses before Tenant is
obligated to pay the Landlord's Share to Landlord. The Profit in the case of a
sublease of less than all the Property shall be calculated as the rent allocable
to the subleased space as a percentage on a square footage basis.

                 (ii)  Tenant shall provide Landlord a written statement
certifying all amounts to be paid from any assignment or sublease of the
Property within thirty (30) days after the transaction documentation is signed,
and Landlord may inspect Tenant's books and records, only as they apply to such
transaction, to verify the accuracy of such statement. On written request,
Tenant shall promptly furnish to Landlord copies of all the transaction
documentation, all of which shall be certified by Tenant to be complete, true
and correct. Landlord's receipt of Landlord's Share shall not be consent to any
further assignment or subletting. The breach of Tenant's obligation under this
Section 9.5(b) shall be a material default of the Lease.

         Section 9.6. No Merger. No merger shall result from Tenant's sublease
of the Property under this Article Nine and Tenant's surrender of this Lease to
Landlord or the termination of this Lease in any other manner. In any such
event, Landlord may terminate any or all subtenancies or succeed to the interest
of Tenant as sublandlord under any or all subtenancies.

                                      17
<PAGE>
 
ARTICLE TEN: DEFAULTS; REMEDIES

     Section 10.1. Defaults. Tenant shall be in material default under this
Lease:

     (a) If Tenant abandons the Property or if Tenant's vacation of the Property
results in the cancellation of any insurance described in Section 4.4;

     (b) If Tenant fails to pay rent or any other charge when due and continues
to do so for ten (10) days after written notice from Landlord;

     (c) If Tenant fails to perform any of Tenant's non-monetary obligations
under this Lease for a period of thirty (30) days after written notice from
Landlord; provided that if more than thirty (30) days are required to complete
such performance, Tenant shall not be in default if Tenant commences such
performance within the thirty (30)-day period and thereafter diligently pursues
its completion. However, Landlord shall not be required to give such notice if
Tenant's failure to perform constitutes a non-curable breach of this Lease as
specified in subsection (d) immediately following. The notice required by this
Section is intended to satisfy any and all notice requirements imposed by law on
Landlord and is not in addition to any such requirement.

     (d) (i) If Tenant makes a general assignment or general arrangement for
the benefit of creditors; (ii) if a petition for adjudication of bankruptcy or
for reorganization or rearrangement is filed by or against Tenant and is not
dismissed within sixty (60) days; (iii) if a trustee or receiver is appointed to
take possession of substantially all of Tenant's assets located at the Property
or of Tenant's interest in this Lease and possession is not restored to Tenant
within sixty (60) days; or (iv) if substantially all of Tenant's assets located
at the Property or of Tenant's interest in this Lease is subjected to
attachment, execution or other judicial seizure which is not discharged within
sixty (60) days. If a court of competent jurisdiction determines that any of the
acts described in this subparagraph (d) is not a default under this Lease, and a
trustee is appointed to take possession (or if Tenant remains a debtor in
possession) and such trustee or Tenant transfers Tenant's interest hereunder,
then Landlord shall receive, as Additional Rent, the excess, if any, of the rent
(or any other consideration) paid in connection with such assignment or sublease
over the rent payable by Tenant under this Lease.

     (e) If any guarantor of the Lease revokes or otherwise terminates, or
purports to revoke or otherwise terminate, any guaranty of all or any portion of
Tenant's obligations under the Lease. Unless otherwise expressly provided, no
guaranty of the Lease is revocable.

     Section 10.2. Remedies. On the occurrence of any material default by
Tenant, Landlord may, at any time thereafter, with or without notice or demand
and without limiting Landlord in the exercise of any right or remedy which
Landlord may have:

     (a) Terminate Tenant's right to possession of the Property by any lawful
means, in which case this Lease shall terminate and Tenant shall immediately
surrender possession of the Property to Landlord. In such event, Landlord shall
be entitled to recover from Tenant all damages incurred by Landlord by reason of
Tenant's default, including (i) the worth at the time of the award of the unpaid
Base Rent, Additional Rent and other charges which Landlord had earned at the
time of the termination; (ii) the worth at the time of the award of the amount
by which the unpaid Base Rent, Additional Rent and other charges which Landlord
would have earned after termination until the time of the award exceeds the
amount of such rental loss that Tenant proves Landlord could have reasonably



                                      18
<PAGE>
 
avoided;(iii) the worth at the time of the award of the amount by which the
unpaid Base Rent, and other charges which Tenant would have paid for the balance
of the Lease Term after the time of award exceeds the amount of such rental loss
that Tenant proves Landlord could have reasonably avoided; and (iv) any other
amount (not accounted for in clauses (i), (ii) or (iii) above) necessary to
compensate Landlord (but not consequential damages) for all the detriment
proximately caused by Tenant's failure to perform its obligations under the
Lease or which in the ordinary course of things would be likely to result
therefrom, including, but not limited to, any costs or expenses Landlord incurs
in maintaining or preserving the Property after such default, the cost of
recovering possession of the Property, expenses of reletting, including
necessary renovation or alteration of the Property, Landlord's reasonable
attorneys' fee incurred in connection therewith, and any real estate commission
paid or payable. As used in subparts (i) and (ii) above, the "worth at the time
of the award" is computed by allowing interest on unpaid amounts at the rate per
annum of one percent (1%) over the then prime rate, or such lesser amount as may
then be the maximum lawful rate. As used in subpart (iii) above, the "worth at
the time of the award" is computed by discounting such amount at the discount
rate of the Federal Reserve Bank of San Francisco at the time of the award, plus
one percent (1%). If Tenant has abandoned the Property for one (1) year or
more, Landlord shall have the option of (i) retaking possession of the Property
and recovering from Tenant the amount specified in this Section 10.2(a), or (ii)
proceeding under Section 10.2(b);

     (b) Maintain Tenant's right to possession, in which case this Lease
shall continue in effect whether or not Tenant has abandoned the Property. In
such event, Landlord shall be entitled to enforce all of Landlord's rights and
remedies under this Lease, including the right to recover the rent as it becomes
due;

     (c) Pursue any other remedy now or hereafter available to Landlord under
the laws or judicial decisions of the state in which the Property is located.

     Section 10.3. Repayment of "Free" Rent. The rent that would be payable
during the first two months of the Term but for the abatement thereof is called
the "Abated Rent". If this Lease terminates as a result of Tenant's default and
failure to cure within any applicable grace period, the Abated Rent shall
immediately become due and payable in full and this Lease shall be enforced as
if there were no such rent abatement or other rent concession. In such case,
Abated Rent shall be calculated based on the full initial rent payable under
this Lease.

     Section 10.4. Automatic Termination. Notwithstanding any other term or
provision hereof to the contrary, the Lease shall terminate on the occurrence of
any act which affirms the Landlord's intention to terminate the Lease as
provided in Section 10.2 hereof (none of which actions may be taken until
expiration of any applicable grace period), including the filing of an unlawful
detainer action against Tenant. On such termination, Landlord's damages for
default shall include all costs and fees, including reasonable attorneys' fees
that Landlord incurs in connection with the filing, commencement, pursuing
and/or defending of any action in any bankruptcy court or other court with
respect to the Lease; the obtaining of relief from any stay in bankruptcy
restraining any action to evict Tenant; or the pursuing of any action with
respect to Landlord's right to possession of the Property. All such damages
suffered (apart from Base Rent and other rent payable hereunder) shall
constitute pecuniary damages which must be reimbursed to Landlord prior to
assumption of the Lease by Tenant or any successor to Tenant in any bankruptcy
or other proceeding.

     Section 10.5. Cumulative Remedies. Landlord's exercise of any right or
remedy shall not prevent it from exercising any other right or remedy.


                                      19
<PAGE>
 
ARTICLE ELEVEN. PROTECTION OF LENDERS.

         Section 11.1. Subordination. Landlord shall have the right to
subordinate this Lease to any ground lease, deed of trust or mortgage
encumbering the Property, any advances made on the security thereof and any
renewals, modifications, consolidations, replacements or extensions thereof,
whenever made or recorded. Tenant shall reasonably cooperate with Landlord and
any lender which is acquiring a security interest in the Property or the Lease.
Tenant shall execute such further documents and assurances as such lender may
require, provided that Tenant's obligations under this Lease shall not be
increased (except for the performance of ministerial acts), and Tenant shall
not be deprived of its rights under this Lease. Tenant's right to quiet
possession of the Property during the Lease Term shall not be disturbed if
Tenant pays the rent and performs all of Tenant's obligations under this Lease
and is not otherwise in default beyond any applicable grace periods. If any
ground lessor, beneficiary or mortgagee elects to have this Lease prior to the
lien of its ground lease, deed of trust or mortgage and gives written notice
thereof to Tenant, this Lease shall be deemed prior to such ground lease, deed
of trust or mortgage whether this Lease is dated prior or subsequent to the date
of said ground lease, deed of trust or mortgage or the date of recording
thereof.

         Section 11.2. Attornment. If Landlord's interest in the Property is
acquired by any ground lessor, beneficiary under a deed of trust, mortgagee, or
purchaser at a foreclosure sale, this Lease shall not be terminated and Tenant
shall attorn to the transferee or successor to Landlord's interest in the
Property and recognize such transferee or successor as Landlord under this
Lease. Tenant waives the protection of any statute or rule of law which gives or
purports to give Tenant any right to terminate this Lease or surrender
possession of the Property upon the transfer of Landlord's interest.

         Section 11.3. Signing of Documents. Tenant shall sign and deliver any
instrument or documents reasonably necessary or appropriate to evidence any such
attornment or subordination or agreement to do so. If Tenant fails to do so
within twenty (20) days after written request, Tenant hereby makes, constitutes
and irrevocably appoints Landlord, or any transferee or successor of Landlord,
the attorney-in-fact of Tenant to execute and deliver any such instrument or
document.

         Section 11.4. Non-Disturbance-Agreement.

         Anything contained in this Lease to the contrary notwithstanding,
Tenant's subordination or attornment to a ground lessor or the holder of a deed
of trust or mortgage is conditioned on Tenant's receipt from such lessor or
holder of a Non-Disturbance Agreement.

         "Non-Disturbance Agreement" shall mean an agreement, in recordable
form, executed, acknowledged and delivered by a holder or lessor to Tenant,
providing in substance that so long as no default exists under this Lease which
is continuing after notice and beyond the expiration of any applicable grace
period, (i) the holder or the lessor, as applicable, shall not name or join
Tenant nor any person claiming through or under Tenant as a party defendant to
any action for foreclosure or other enforcement of the remedies under the
mortgage, deed of trust or lease as applicable; (ii) the leasehold, possession
and use of the Property in accordance with the terms of this Lease and all other
rights of Tenant (and any person claiming through or under Tenant) under this
Lease shall not be interfered with, affected or disturbed in any way by reason
of the subordination of this Lease to such mortgage, deed of trust or lease or
any sale pursuant to any foreclosure, deed or assignment in lieu of foreclosure
or similar device; (iii) this Lease



                                      20
<PAGE>
 
shall not be terminated in connection with, or by reason of, foreclosure or
other proceedings or by reason of a transfer of the Landlord's interest under
this Lease pursuant to the taking of a deed or assignment in lieu of foreclosure
or similar device, or by reason of the termination or expiration of a ground
lease or by other enforcement proceeding with respect to any mortgage, deed of
trust or ground lease, and this Lease shall be unaffected by any of the
foregoing proceedings.

         Section 11.5. Estoppel Certificates.

         (a) Upon either party's written request, the other party shall execute,
acknowledge and deliver a written statement certifying: (i) that none of the
terms or provisions of this Lease have been changed (or if they have been
changed, stating how they have been changed); (ii) that this Lease has not been
canceled or terminated; (iii) the last date of payment of the Base Rent and
other charges and the time period covered by such payment; and (iv) that the
other party is not in default under this Lease (or, if the other party is
claimed to be in default, stating why). Such a statement shall be delivered
within ten (10) days after request. Tenant may give any such statement by
Landlord to any prospective purchaser or encumbrancer of the Property. Landlord
may give any such statement by Tenant to any prospective purchaser, investor,
subtenant or assignee. Any Party may rely conclusively upon such statement as
true and correct.

         (b) If either party does not deliver such statement to the other within
such ten (10) day period, the other party, and any prospective purchaser or
encumbrancer, investor, subtenant or assignee, as applicable, may conclusively
presume and rely upon the following facts: (i) that the terms and provisions of
this Lease have not been changed except as otherwise represented; (ii) that this
Lease has not been canceled or terminated except as otherwise represented; (iii)
that not more than one month's Base Rent or other charges have been paid in
advance; and (iv) that the other party is not in default under the Lease. In
such event, the party failing to deliver the statement shall be estopped from
denying the truth of such facts.

         Section 11.6. Tenant's Financial Condition. Within ten (10) days after
written request from Landlord in connection with Tenant's request for consent to
a sublease, a sale or financing transaction with regard to the Building or in
connection with Rider Paragraph 11, or for any other reason which Landlord may
reasonably request, Tenant shall deliver to Landlord such financial statements
as Landlord reasonably requires to verify the net worth of Tenant or any
assignee or subtenant; it being understood, however, that Tenant has not made
any representation or warranty regarding its net worth and the failure to
maintain or obtain any level of net worth shall have no effect on Tenant's
rights hereunder. In addition, Tenant shall deliver to any lender designated by
Landlord any financial statements of Tenant and/or its parent required by such
lender to facilitate the financing or refinancing of the Property. Tenant
represents and warrants to Landlord that each such financial statement is a true
and accurate statement as of the date of such statement. All financial
statements shall be confidential and shall be used only for the purposes set
forth in the foregoing sentence.


ARTICLE TWELVE: LEGAL COSTS

         Section 12.1. Legal Proceedings. If Tenant or Landlord shall be in
breach or default under this Lease, such party (the "Defaulting Party") shall
reimburse the other party (the "Nondefaulting Party") upon demand for any costs
or expenses that the Nondefaulting Party incurs in connection with any breach or
default of the Defaulting Party under this



                                      21
<PAGE>
 
Lease, whether or not suit is commenced or judgment entered. Such costs shall
include legal fees and costs incurred for the negotiation of a settlement,
enforcement of rights or otherwise. Furthermore, if any action for breach of or
to enforce the provisions of this Lease is commenced, the court in such action
shall award to the party in whose favor a judgment is entered, a reasonable sum
as attorneys' fees and costs. The losing party in such action shall pay such
attorneys' fees and costs. Tenant shall also indemnify Landlord against and hold
Landlord harmless from all costs, expenses, demands and liability Landlord may
incur if Landlord becomes or is made a party to any claim or action (a)
instituted by Tenant against any third party, or by any third party against
Tenant, or by or against any person holding any interest under or using the
Property by license of or agreement with Tenant; (b) for foreclosure of any lien
for labor or material furnished to or for Tenant or such other person; (c)
otherwise arising out of or resulting from any act or transaction of Tenant or
such other person; or (d) necessary to protect Landlord's interest under this
Lease in a bankruptcy proceeding, or other proceeding under Title 11 of the
United States Code, as amended. Tenant shall defend Landlord against any such
claim or action at Tenant's expense with counsel reasonably acceptable to
Landlord or, at Landlord's election, Tenant shall reimburse Landlord for any
reasonable legal fees or costs Landlord incurs in any such claim or action.

         Landlord shall also indemnify Tenant against and hold Tenant
harmless from all costs, expenses, demands and liability Tenant may incur if
Tenant becomes or is made a party to any claim or action (a) instituted by
Landlord against any third party, or by any third party against Landlord, or by
or against any person holding any interest under or using the property by
license of or agreement with Landlord; (b) for foreclosure of any lien for labor
or material furnished to or for Landlord or such other person; (c) otherwise
arising out of or resulting from any act or transaction of Landlord or such
other person; or (d) necessary to protect Tenant's interest under this Lease in
a bankruptcy proceeding, or other proceeding under Title 11 of the United States
Code, as amended. Landlord shall defend Tenant against any such claim or action
at Landlord's expense with counsel reasonably acceptable to Tenant or, at
Tenant's election, Landlord shall reimburse Tenant for any reasonable legal fees
or costs Tenant incurs in any such claim or action.

         Section 12.2. Landlord's Consent. Tenant shall pay Landlord's
reasonable out-of-pocket attorneys' fees incurred in connection with Tenant's
request for Landlord's consent under Article Nine (Assignment and Subletting),
or in connection with any other act which Tenant proposes to do and which
requires Landlord's consent under the terms of this Lease.


ARTICLE THIRTEEN: MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS

         Section 13.1. Non-Discrimination. Tenant promises, and it is a
condition to the continuance of this Lease, that there will be no discrimination
against, or segregation of, any person or group of persons on the basis of race,
color, sex, creed, national origin or ancestry in the leasing, subleasing,
transferring, occupancy, tenure or use of the Property or any portion thereof.

         Section 13.2. Landlord's Liability; Certain Duties.

         (a) As used in this Lease, the term "Landlord" means only the then
current owner or owners of the fee title to the Property or the leasehold estate
under a ground lease of the Property at the time in question. Each Landlord is
obligated to perform the obligations of Landlord under this Lease only during
the time such Landlord owns such interest or title.



                                      22
<PAGE>
 
Any Landlord who transfers its title or interest in an arms'-length transaction
for value is relieved of all liability with respect to the obligations of
Landlord under this Lease to be performed on or after the date of transfer.
However, each Landlord shall deliver to its transferee all funds that Tenant
previously paid if such funds have not yet been applied under the terms of this
Lease.

         (b) Subject to Tenant's rights under Section 13 of the attached Rider
and under Section 6.4(c): except in the event of an emergency, Tenant shall give
written notice of any failure by Landlord to perform any of its obligations
under this Lease to Landlord and to any ground lessor, mortgagee or beneficiary
under any deed of trust encumbering the Property whose name and address have
been furnished to Tenant in writing. Landlord shall not be in default under this
Lease unless Landlord (or such ground lessor, mortgagee or beneficiary) fails to
cure such non-performance within thirty (30) days after receipt of Tenant's
notice. However, if such non-performance reasonably requires more than thirty
(30) days to cure, Landlord shall not be in default if such cure is commenced by
Landlord or such mortgagee within such thirty (30) day period and thereafter
diligently pursued to completion.

         (c) Notwithstanding any term or provision herein to the contrary, the
liability of Landlord for the performance of its duties and obligations under
this Lease is limited to Landlord's interest in the Property and the proceeds
thereof, and neither the Landlord nor its partners, shareholders, officers or
other principals shall have any personal liability under this Lease, except to
the extent of the proceeds of the Property.

         Section 13.3. Severability. A determination by a court of competent
jurisdiction that any provision of this Lease or any part thereof is illegal or
unenforceable shall not cancel or invalidate the remainder of such provision or
this Lease, which shall remain in full force and effect.

         Section 13.4. Interpretation. The captions of the Articles or Sections
of this Lease are to assist the parties in reading this Lease and are not a part
of the terms or provisions of this Lease. Whenever required by the context of
this Lease, the singular shall include the plural and the plural shall include
the singular. The masculine, feminine and neuter genders shall each include the
other. In any provision relating to the conducts, acts or omissions of Tenant,
the term "Tenant" shall include Tenant's agents, employees, contractors,
invitees, successors or others using the Property with Tenant's expressed or
implied permission (other than Landlord, its agents, employees, contractors,
invitees or successors).

         Section 13.5. Incorporation of Prior Agreements; Modifications. This
Lease is the only agreement between the parties pertaining to the lease of the
Property and no other agreements are effective. All amendments to this Lease
shall be in writing and signed by all parties. Any other attempted amendment
shall be void.

         Section 13.6. Notices. All notices required or permitted under this
Lease shall be in writing and shall be personally delivered or sent by certified
mail, return receipt requested, postage prepaid. Notices to Tenant shall be
delivered to the address specified in Section 1.3 above, except that upon
Tenant's taking possession of the Property, the Property shall be Tenant's
address for notice purposes with copies to the address specified in Section 1.3
above and to Tenant's Guarantor, Genesis Direct, Inc., One Bridge Plaza, Suite
680, Fort Lee, New Jersey 07024-0407, and Greenberg, Traurig, Hoffman, Lipoff,
Rosen & Quentel, 153 East 53rd Street, New York, New York 10022, Attention:
Stephen L. Rabinowitz, Esq. Notices to Landlord shall be delivered to the
address



                                      23
<PAGE>
 
specified in Section 1.02 above. All notices shall be effective upon delivery.
Either party may change its notice address upon written notice to the other
party.

         Section 13.7. Waivers. All waivers must be in writing and signed by the
waiving party. Landlord's failure to enforce any provision of this Lease or its
acceptance of rent shall not be a waiver and shall not prevent Landlord from
enforcing that provision or any other provision of this Lease in the future. No
statement on a payment check from Tenant or in a letter accompanying a payment
check shall be binding on Landlord. Landlord may, with or without notice to
Tenant, negotiate such check without being bound to the conditions of such
statement.

         Section 13.8. No Recordation. Tenant shall not record this Lease
without prior written consent from Landlord. However, either Landlord or Tenant
may require that a "Short Form" memorandum of this Lease executed by both
parties be recorded against the Property and the expansion lot. The party
requiring such recording shall pay all transfer taxes and recording fees.

         Section 13.9. Binding Effect; Choice of Law. This Lease binds any party
who legally acquires any rights or interest in this Lease from Landlord or
Tenant. However, Landlord shall have no obligation to Tenant's successor unless
the rights or interests of Tenant's successor are acquired in accordance with
the terms of this Lease. The laws of the state in which the Property is located
shall govern this Lease.

         Section 13.10. Corporate Authority; Partnership Authority. If Tenant is
a corporation, each person signing this Lease on behalf of Tenant represents and
warrants that he has full authority to do so and that this Lease binds the
corporation. Within thirty (30) days after this Lease is signed, Tenant shall
deliver to Landlord a certified copy of a resolution of Tenant's Board of
Directors authorizing the execution of this Lease or other evidence of such
authority reasonably acceptable to Landlord. If Tenant is a partnership, each
person or entity signing this Lease for Tenant represents and warrants that he
or it is a general partner of the partnership, that he or it has full authority
to sign for the partnership and that this Lease binds the partnership and all
general partners of the partnership. Tenant shall give written notice to
Landlord of any general partner's withdrawal or addition. Within thirty (30)
days after this Lease is signed, Tenant shall deliver to Landlord a copy of
Tenant's recorded statement of partnership or certificate of limited
partnership.

         Section 13.11. Joint and Several Liability. All parties signing this
Lease as Tenant, or Landlord, shall be jointly and severally liable for all
obligations of Tenant, or Landlord, as applicable.

         Section 13.12. Force Majeure. If either Landlord or Tenant cannot
perform any of its obligations due to events beyond such party's reasonable
control, the time provided for performing such obligations shall be extended by
a period of time equal to the duration of such events. Events beyond a party's
reasonable control include, but are not limited to, acts of God, war, civil
commotion, labor disputes, strikes, fire, flood or other casualty, shortages of
labor or material, government regulation or restriction and weather conditions
but shall not include insufficiency of funds. Without limiting Tenant's rights
under the other provisions of this Lease giving Tenant the right to abatement of
Rent, this provision shall not extend the time for performance by Tenant of any
of Tenant's financial obligations hereunder, including without limitation the
timely payment of Rent.


                                      24
<PAGE>
 
         Section 13.13. Execution of Lease. This Lease may be executed in
counterparts and, when all counterpart documents are executed, the counterparts
shall constitute a single binding instrument. Landlord's delivery of this Lease
to Tenant shall not be deemed to be an offer to lease and shall not be binding
upon either party until executed and delivered by both parties.


ARTICLE FOURTEEN: BROKERS

         Section 14.1. Broker's Fee. When this Lease is signed by and delivered
to both Landlord and Tenant, Landlord shall pay a real estate commission to
Tenant's Broker named in Section 1.8 above, as provided in the written agreement
between Landlord and Tenant's Broker.

         Section 14.2. Agency Disclosure; No Other Brokers. Landlord and Tenant
each warrant that they have dealt with no other real estate broker(s) in
connection with this transaction except: See paragraph 7 of the attached Rider.


ARTICLE FIFTEEN: COMPLIANCE

         The parties hereto agree to comply with all applicable federal, state
and local laws, regulations, codes, ordinances and administrative orders having
jurisdiction over the parties property or the subject matter of this Agreement,
including, but not limited to, the 1964 Civil Rights Act and all amendments
thereto, the Foreign Investment in Real Property Tax Act, the Comprehensive
Environmental Response Compensation and Liability Act, and The Americans With
Disabilities Act.

         Landlord and Tenant have signed this Lease at the place and on the
dates specified adjacent to their signatures below and have initialed all Riders
which are attached to or incorporated by reference in this Lease.

                                            "LANDLORD"

Signed on February 24, 1997                 CORPORATE ESTATES, INC.
at Sacramento, California
                                            By: /s/ Linda M. Stanley
                                               ----------------------------
                                                 Linda M. Stanley
                                            Its: President

Signed on February 25, 1997                 MITCHELL INVESTMENTS, LLC
at Memphis, TN          
                                            By: /s/ Dudley Mitchell
                                               ----------------------------
                                                 Dudley Mitchell
                                            Its: Chief Manager



                                      25
<PAGE>
 
                                            "TENANT"

Signed on February 13, 1997                 GENESIS DIRECT NINE, LLC
at Ft. Lee, NJ                             
                                            By: Genesis Direct Inc.
                                               ---------------------------

                                            Its: Managing Member
                                               ---------------------------
                                            
                                            By:  /s/ Hunter Cohen
                                               ---------------------------

                                            Its: EVP, COO
                                               ---------------------------



<PAGE>
 
                                      RIDER

     DATED FEBRUARY __, 1997, TO LEASE AGREEMENT DATED FEBRUARY 14, 1997,
BETWEEN CORPORATE ESTATES, INC. and MITCHELL INVESTMENTS, LLC, AS LANDLORD, AND
GENESIS DIRECT NINE, LLC, AS TENANT

If there is any inconsistency between this Rider and the Lease to which it is
attached, the provisions of this Rider shall prevail.

         1. Construction of the Building. Landlord currently has under
construction a warehouse/office building consisting of approximately 500,000
square feet (the "Building") on the real property described in the attached
Exhibit A to this Lease and Rider. The Building will be constructed in
accordance with the Building Specifications attached as Exhibit B. Landlord will
cause the Building to be constructed in accordance with all applicable federal,
state and local laws, regulations, codes and ordinances, including, but not
limited to, applicable requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act.

Landlord shall construct the Building (including installation of all restroom
facilities required to satisfy building code requirements) and all exterior
lighting, landscaping, parking areas and driveways and painting of the interior
and exterior walls at Landlord's sole cost; however, Tenant shall pay all costs
of constructing Tenant's office improvements in the Building in accordance with
plans and specifications to be prepared by Landlord and approved by Tenant, such
costs to be paid by Tenant promptly in progress payments during the course of
construction under Landlord's construction contract for such office
improvements. Landlord shall submit the approved plans for Tenant's office
improvements for bids and advise Tenant of the price to construct said
improvements. Tenant shall have the opportunity to eliminate or add construction
items after receipt of bids in order to adjust the bid price to an amount which
is acceptable to Tenant prior to Landlord's contracting for such improvements.

         2. Term of Lease. The term of the Lease shall commence on the date (the
"Commencement Date") that is the later of (i) April 1, 1997, and (ii) the date
the entire Building including all office improvements is "substantially
completed" (as hereinafter defined) and extend for a period often (10) years and
two (2) months from such date plus the number of days necessary to end the Lease
Term on the last day of a month. Provided that Tenant approves the plans and the
costs for construction of Tenant's office improvements on or before February 15,
1997, Landlord covenants to deliver the entire Building in "substantially
completed" condition on or before April 1, 1997.

         As used herein, the term "substantially completed" shall mean that the
Building including Tenant's office improvements has been completed to the point
that it may be safely and lawfully occupied (including issuance of a temporary
certificate of occupancy subject only to final inspection of Tenant's materials
handling and storage equipment and racking by applicable governmental
authorities and all other certificates and permits) for the intended use,
subject only to correction of minor defects or imperfections commonly referred
to as "punch list" items; provided that all "punch list" items shall be
completed within 30 days after Tenant has completed installation of its
materials storage and delivery system.

         Notwithstanding the above, if Tenant fails or neglects to approve
either the plans or the costs for construction of Tenant's office improvements
in writing by February 15, 1997, through no fault of Landlord, and the "Base
Building" (defined as the entire Building


                            

                                       1
<PAGE>
 
and parking facilities less Tenant's office improvements) is substantially
completed on April 1, 1997, the term of this Lease shall commence on April 1,
1997. Tenant shall be allowed possession of the Building subject to the presence
and activities of the contractor engaged to construct Tenant's office
improvements. Tenant shall not hinder or delay said contractor. Landlord shall
be allowed one day after Apr11 1, 1997, for every day after February 15, 1997,
that Tenant's plans and costs are not approved by Tenant in writing within which
to substantially complete said office improvements; and provided that said
office improvements are substantially completed within such extended period,
Tenant shall have no claim for abatement of rent pursuant to Paragraph 13 below;
or any claim for a penalty under Paragraph 9 below.

         3. Rental Commencement. Base Rent shall commence to be payable on
June 1, 1997 (the "Rental Commencement Date"); provided that any delay in
occurrence of the Commencement Date after April 1, 1997 shall extend the Rental
Commencement Date by a like number of days.

         4. Maintenance, Repairs, Expenses. Notwithstanding Sections 6.03 and
6.04 of this Lease, the Landlord shall be responsible for maintenance and
repair, and replacement if necessary, of the roof, exterior walls (excluding
painting), subsurface utilities and structural aspects of the Building including
the floors and foundation and the replacement of any pavement and parking
surfaces which fail or deteriorate to the degree that they must be replaced (as
opposed to patched or repaired) unless the necessity for replacement of such
surfaces arises out of Tenant's abuse as opposed to ordinary wear and tear
during the Lease Term and any renewal term. Tenant will be responsible for all
other expenses of maintenance and repair in accordance with Section 6.4 of this
Lease. In addition, Tenant shall be responsible for payment of all operating
expenses associated with the Building including without limitation the
following:

            (a) Real Estate Tax applicable to the Building and the land on which
                it is located in accordance with Section 4.2 of this Lease;

            (b) expenses of fire and hazard insurance (including loss of rents)
                on the Building and liability insurance protecting both Tenant
                and Landlord in accordance with Section 4.4 of this Lease;

            (c) sprinkler security/fire protection system;

            (d) landscape maintenance (provided that Landlord, at its expense,
                provides the initial planting of such landscaping);

            (e) utilities in accordance with Section 4.3 of this Lease;

            (f) parking lot sweeping and lighting (electrical and maintenance)
                expense;
  
            (g) property management expense as provided in Section 4.8 of this
                Lease.

         5. Options to Renew.
   
            (a) Tenant shall have the option to renew this Lease for an
additional five (5) year period (the "First Renewal Term") at the end of the
initial Lease Term, and the option to renew for an additional five (5) year
period at the end of the First Renewal Term (the "Second Renewal Term"). Each
renewal shall be on the same terms as provided



                                       2
<PAGE>
 
herein except that the base rental during each such renewal term shall be equal
to the greater of (a) 95% of the "Fair Market Rental Value" of the Building, as
determined as of the first day of such renewal term pursuant to subparagraph (b)
below; or (b) the rental for the immediately preceding term of the Lease. To be
effective, each such option must be exercised by written notice from Tenant to
Landlord not later than six months prior to the end of the then current term.

                  (b) In determining the Fair Market Rental Value of the
Building, Landlord shall first inform Tenant of a proposed rental rate within
ten (10) days after receipt of Tenant's notice of exercise of Tenant's renewal
option. If Tenant does not agree with the proposed rental rate, then at Tenant's
expense, the Fair Market Rental Value of the Building shall be determined by an
appraisal done by a Member of the Appraisal Institute ("Institute") with no less
than ten (10) years' experience in the Memphis, Tennessee metropolitan area, the
arrangements for which must be made by Tenant and which must be completed within
forty-five (45) days after receipt of Landlord's proposed rental rate ("Tenants
Renewal Appraisal"). In the event that Landlord does not agree with Tenant's
Renewal Appraisal, then Landlord may, at Landlord's expense, obtain another
appraisal from an Institute member, with no less than ten (10) years' experience
in the Memphis, Tennessee metropolitan area ("Landlord's Renewal Appraisal")
which must be completed, within forty-five (45) days of receipt of Tenant's
Renewal Appraisal. In the event that the two rental rates determined by Tenant's
Renewal Appraisal and Landlord's Renewal Appraisal differ by less than ten
percent (10%), the Fair Market Rental Rate shall be the average of the two
rental rates determined by Tenant's Renewal Appraisal and Landlord's Renewal
Appraisal. In the event that the two rental rates determined by Tenant's Renewal
Appraisal and Landlord's Renewal Appraisal differ by greater than 10%, the
appraisers designated by Landlord and Tenant shall within twenty (20) days
designate a third Institute member to make a third appraisal. The Fair Market
Rental Rate as determined by the appraisal of the third Institute member shall
then be averaged with either Tenant's Renewal Appraisal or Landlord's Renewal
Appraisal, whichever shall be closest to the appraisal of the third Institute
member and the results of said averaging shall be binding on the parties.
Tenant's Renewal Appraisal and Landlord's Renewal Appraisal as well as the
appraisal of the third Institute member (if applicable) shall be based upon the
rental rates then being charged for similar buildings in the immediate area and
shall take into consideration all relevant factors including without limitation,
the age of the Building, term of the renewal and the fact that Landlord will not
be incurring concessions, if any, then being offered in the Market such as rent
abatement and improvement allowances. Each party shall bear the expense of the
appraiser designated by it with the expense of the third appraiser being shared
equally by the parties.

                  (c) if Tenant is in material default under any of the terms,
covenants or conditions of the Lease after notice and the expiration of the
applicable grace periods on the date of giving the option notice or the date the
Renewal Term(s) is to commence, the Renewal Term(s) in question shall not
commence and the Lease shall expire at the end of the then existing term.

         6.       Security Deposit/Application to Rent. Provided no uncured
material default of Tenant then exists, at the end of each twelve month period
of the Lease Term: (i) if the Security Deposit is in cash, Landlord shall apply
one-sixth of the Security Deposit provided in Section 1.10 to the next due
installment of base rent, which payment shall be in lieu of Tenant's Base Rent
payment for such month, or (ii) if the Security Deposit is in the form of a
letter of credit, the Security Deposit shall be reduced by one-sixth of the
original principal amount thereof.

                     

                                       3
<PAGE>
 
         7.  Brokerage. Tenant has represented that its exclusive agents in this
transaction are The Weston Companies and The Galbreath Company, whom Landlord
has agreed under separate agreement to pay a commission in the event the Lease
is executed. Except for the foregoing commissions, Tenant agrees to indemnify
and hold Landlord harmless from the claims of all brokers claiming to have been
engaged by Tenant in connection with this transaction.

         8.  PILOT Program. Upon the request of Tenant, Landlord will cooperate
with Tenant in seeking a property tax "freeze" with respect to the Building and
land under the Payment in Lieu of Taxes (PILOT) Program including without
limitation by entering into a quit-claim and leaseback transaction as may be
necessitated by the PILOT Program. All costs associated therewith shall be borne
by Tenant including all reasonable fees and charges of Landlord's attorney in
connection with review and approval of the documents required to place the
Building in the PILOT Program. All benefits accruing from the PILOT Program will
inure to Tenant's benefit. Tenant shall assume all obligations imposed on
Landlord with respect to the Property and Building by the Industrial Development
Board of the City of Memphis and County of Shelby, Tennessee (except those with
which Tenant cannot reasonably comply, e.g., payment of Landlord's taxes and
maintaining Landlord in good standing), as a condition to receiving such tax
"freeze" and Tenant shall indemnify and hold Landlord harmless from and against
any and all loss, cost or expense in connection therewith.

         9.  Penalty for Late Delivery. In the event Landlord is late in
delivering the Base Building (as defined in Paragraph 2 above) in substantially
completed condition by April 1, 1997, the Rental Commencement Date shall be
extended in accordance with Rider Paragraph 3 and Landlord will credit against
the Base Rent payments first due under this Lease an amount equal to $5,000.00
for each day Landlord is late. The amount of the daily penalty will increase by
$5,000.00 per day if the delay continues for as much as two weeks and will
increase by an additional $5,000.00 per day for each period of two weeks
thereafter until Landlord has delivered the Building "substantially completed".
Furthermore, for purposes of this paragraph, Landlord shall have a period of
forty-five (45) days after approval by Tenant in writing of the plans and costs
of Tenant's office improvements to cause said office improvements to be
substantially completed. In the event Landlord is late in delivering said office
improvements within said 45-day period, Landlord shall credit against the Base
Rent payments first due hereunder a further $5,000.00 per day penalty (which
shall increase as provided above) as provided above for late delivery of the
Base Building, until said office improvements are substantially completed.
Landlord will not be obligated for such penalty in the event that Landlord is
prevented from delivering the Base Building on or before April 1, 1997 (the
"Delivery Date") or Tenant's office improvements within said 45-day period by
events beyond Landlord's reasonable control as provided in Section 13.12 of the
Lease. If Landlord has not delivered the Base Building "substantially completed"
by July 1, 1997, Tenant may terminate this Lease by written notice given at any
time prior to November 1, 1997.

         10. Expansion.

             (a) Landlord agrees to hold available for the exclusive benefit
of Tenant for a period of up to five years from the Commencement Date the land
lying north of the Building shown on Exhibit C (the "Expansion Lot") for
construction of an expansion of the Building of between approximately 50,000 -
100,000 square feet (the "Expansion Building"). Landlord shall hold the
Expansion Lot for the first three years at no cost to Tenant. Thereafter, a
payment of $20,000.00 per year shall be required to reserve the Expansion Lot
for years four and five. Each such annual payment shall be made in advance, on
or before the first day of each Lease Year. If Tenant fails to pay the required
annual payment within thirty (30) days of its due date, Landlord's obligation to
reserve such land shall terminate.

                                                                         

                                       4
<PAGE>
 
             (b) If Tenant notifies Landlord that it elects to build the
Expansion Building prior to the end of the fifth lease year, Landlord shall
construct the Expansion Building subject to the following conditions: (i) a
building shell (the "Base Warehouse Building") substantially in accordance with
the specification of the Building shall be constructed at Landlord's cost and
expense; (ii) the construction of all office improvements or any upgrade to the
Base Warehouse Building shall be at Tenant's cost and expense; (iii) the
Expansion Building shall be between approximately 50,000 and 100,000 rentable
square feet, subject to Tenant's needs, as determined by Tenant and applicable
zoning, subdivision and sits conditions; (iv) the plans, specifications and
construction schedule for the Expansion Building shall be mutually agreed upon
between Landlord and Tenant; (v) the Expansion Building shall not be attached to
the Building unless otherwise agreed.

             (c) The Base Rent for the Expansion Building will be at the
then Fair Market Rental Value computed in accordance with the provisions of
Paragraph 5(b) of this Rider. The security for the Expansion Building will be
determined as follows: (i) twelve months of the initial Base Rent if the net
worth as shown on the consolidated financial statements of Genesis Direct, Inc.
("GDI") at the time of the commencement of the lease for the Expansion Building
(the "Expansion Commencement") is $10,000,000.00 or less; (ii) six months of the
initial Base Rent if the net worth as shown on the consolidated financial
statements of GDI at the Expansion Commencement is greater than $10,000,000.00.
One-sixth of the security for the Expansion Building lease will be returned at
the end of each 12 month period under the Expansion Lease in accordance with the
provisions of Paragraph 6 of this Rider. Otherwise, the Expansion Building will
be leased on substantially the same terms and conditions of this Lease.

             (d) The term of the lease of the Expansion Building shall be
the greater of (i) seven (7) years from the date of Expansion Commencement and
(ii) a term expiring on the Expiration Date, in the event that the term of the
lease of the Expansion Building extends beyond the Expiration Date, Tenant shall
be deemed to have exercised its option for the First Renewal Term, the length of
which shall be adjusted so that it shall be coterminous with the then remaining
term of the lease of the Expansion Building. Thereafter, Tenant shall have
options to renew this Lease as to either or both the Building and the Expansion
Building (as if this Lease and the lease for the Expansion Building were two (2)
separate and distinct leases) for two periods of five (5) years each, upon the
terms and at the base rental determined according to Paragraph 5(a) above,
except that if the First Renewal Term is adjusted to a term less than five (5)
years, as provided in the second (2nd) sentence of this Paragraph 10(d), Tenant
shall have the option to renew this Lease (but not the lease for the Expansion
Building) for a "Third Renewal Term" of five (5) years, upon the terms and at
the base rental determined according to Paragraph 5(a) above. Each of said
options must be exercised as provided in said Paragraph 5(a) to be effective.


         11. Payment of Option Cancellation Fee. In addition to all other
payments required hereunder, Tenant shall pay to Landlord upon execution of this
Lease the sum of $162,000.00 being one-half of the fee to be paid to Honeywell
Inc. in consideration of relinquishment by Honeywell Inc. of the option/right of
refusal it currently holds on the Building; provided that in consideration
thereof, Landlord shall deliver to Tenant a copy of an executed amendment to the
Honeywell Inc. lease, in recordable form, terminating all rights of Honeywell
with respect to the Building.


             

                                       5
<PAGE>
 
         12. Landlord's Construction Warranty. Landlord shall repair or replace
any defects in materials or workmanship in the Building or in any of its systems
of which Landlord receives notice within one (1) year of the date of substantial
completion of the Building. Landlord and Tenant shall share equally the cost of
repairing any defects in materials or workmanship in the Building systems [i.e.,
HVAC, sprinkler, plumbing, and lighting (but not light bulbs and not including
any fixtures, wiring or equipment installed by Tenant)] of which Landlord
receives notice between the first and third anniversaries of substantial
completion of the Building. Landlord shall have no liability for any
consequential damages suffered by Tenant as a result of any such defect nor any
liability for damages to Tenant's property; however, Landlord will assign to
Tenant any right of Landlord to recover for any such damages against Landlord's
contractor or such contractor's insurance carrier upon request. Nothing in this
paragraph is intended to limit Landlord's obligations under Paragraph 4 of this
Rider.

         13. Abatement of Rent When Tenant is Prevented from Using Premises. In
addition to Tenant's rights under Section 7.3, in the event that Tenant is
prevented from using, and does not use, the Building or any portion thereof, for
ten (10) consecutive business days (the "Eligibility Period") as a result of any
repair, maintenance or alteration performed by Landlord after the date hereof
and required by this Lease, which substantially interferes with Tenant's use of
the Building, then the Rent shall be abated or reduced, as the case may be,
after expiration of the Eligibility Period for such time that Tenant continues
to be so prevented from using, and does not use, the Building or any portion
thereof, in the proportion that the area of the portion of the Building that
Tenant is prevented from using and does not use, bears to the total area of the
Building.


                                       6
<PAGE>
 
14. Optional Parking Areas. Tenant shall have the option, exercisable at any
time during the period commencing on the date of this Lease and ending on the
fifth (5th) anniversary of the Commencement Date, by written notice to Landlord,
to require Landlord to pave and stripe for parking the two areas indicated on
Exhibit "D" attached hereto and made a part hereof. In the event Tenant
exercises such option, Landlord shall promptly pave and stripe such areas, and
upon the completion of such work, Tenant shall pay to Landlord, as Additional
Rent, the reasonable out-of-pocket expenses paid by Landlord for same, as
substantiated by paid invoices and other evidence reasonably satisfactory to
Tenant. If Tenant exercises such option within thirty (30) days after the date
of this Lease, Landlord agrees that the expense for such paving and striping
shall be $178,000.00, which shall be paid to Landlord on the Commencement Date
of this Lease (provided that such work has been substantially completed by the
Commencement Date), and which shall be in addition to all other amounts due from
Tenant to Landlord as elsewhere in this Lease provided. If such option is
exercised, the additional parking area shown on Exhibit D which is located on
the Expansion Lot shall become a part of the Property demised hereunder for the
entire term of this Lease and any extension thereof pursuant to Tenant's renewal
options (regardless of whether or not Tenant exercises its rights under
Paragraph 10 above, but, except for the cost of paving and striping, there shall
be no additional, or increases of, Base Rent or Additional Rent, including,
without limitation, any payments of Real Property Tax attributable to parking
area located on the expansion lot, notwithstanding anything contained in the
Lease or this Rider which may be deemed to the contrary.


                               LANDLORD:

                                      CORPORATE ESTATES, INC.

                                      By: /s/ Linda M. Stanley
                                         ----------------------------
                                          Linda M. Stanley, President


                                       MITCHELL INVESTMENTS, LLC

                                       By: /s/ Dudley Mitchell
                                          ---------------------------
                                           Dudley Mitchell, Chief Manager


                               TENANT:

                                       GENESIS DIRECT NINE, LLC

                                       By: Genesis Direct, Inc.
                                          ---------------------------
                                       Its: Managing Member
                                           --------------------------
           
                                       By:  /s/ Hunter Cohen
                                          ---------------------------
                                       Its: EVP, COO
                                           -------------------------- 
                                      

                                                                   

                                       7
<PAGE>
 
                               AMENDMENT TO LEASE

        THIS AMENDMENT TO LEASE is made and entered into as of December 19,
1997, by and between CORPORATE ESTATES, INC., a California corporation
("Corporate Estates"), MITCHELL INVESTMENTS, LLC, a Tennessee limited liability
company ("Mitchell"), DR. CHARLES KESSINGER, an individual residing in
California and J & C INVESTMENTS, L.L.C., a California limited liability company
(collectively, the "Lessor")~ and GENESIS DIRECT MEMPHIS OPERATIONS, LLC, a
Delaware limited liability company (f/k/a Genesis Direct Nine, LLC) (herein
called "Lessee").

                             W I T N E S S E T H:

           WHEREAS, Lessor is the owner of certain real property (the
"Premises") situated in the County of Shelby, State of Tennessee, and more
particularly described in Exhibit "A" attached hereto; and

           WHEREAS, Corporate Estates and Mitchell (as predecessors in interest
to Lessor) and Lessee have entered into a Lease Agreement dated February 14,
1997 (herein referred to as the "Sublease") by which Lessor has leased the
Premises to Lessee; and

           WHEREAS, Lessor has, effective this date, by Special Warranty Deed
conveyed the Premises to the Industrial Development Board of the City of Memphis
and County of Shelby, Tennessee (the "IDB"), and the IDB has, in turn, leased
the Premises back to Lessor pursuant to that certain Real Property Lease
Agreement (the "Base Lease") effective this date, by and between the IDB, as
lessor, and Lessor, as lessee: and

           WHEREAS, Lessor and Lessee desire to enter into this Amendment to
Lease to confirm the demise of the Premises to Lessee as a sublease, subject to
all of the rents, terms and conditions of the Base Lease and to further amend
the Sublease as hereinafter set forth.

           NOW, THEREFORE, for and in consideration of the premises, and other
good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which is hereby
acknowledged, the Lessor and Lessee hereby agree as follows:

1.  Confirmation of Sublease. Lessor and Lessee hereby confirm that,
    ------------------------
    except as amended by this instrument, the Sublease shall continue in
    full force and effect as a sublease, subject to all the terms and
    provisions of the Base Lease.
    
2.  Additional Obligations. The Sublease is hereby amended to provide
    ----------------------
    that, subject to the provisions of this Section 2 and Section 3
    hereof, in addition to the rents and obligations of Lessee under the
    Sublease, the Lessee shall also assume all of the rents and
    obligations of the Lessor, in its capacity as a lessee, under the
    terms of the Base Lease (except as
<PAGE>
 
    further provided in this Section 2 and except that for so long as the Base
    Lease is in effect, the Lessee's obligation to make the rental and other
    payments provided for in the Base Lease shall be in lieu of Lessee's
    obligations to reimburse Lessor for real and personal property taxes paid by
    Lessor, as provided in Section 4.2 of the Sublease) without diminishing the
    other rental obligations in the Sublease. These assumed obligations shall
    include, but are not limited to: (a) the payment of all Basic Rent under
    Section 4.01(2) of the Base Lease, (b) payment of all ad valorem taxes and
    payments in lieu of taxes described in Article IV and VI of the Base Lease,
    (c) payment of all costs and expenses required under the Base Lease to
    exercise the option to purchase contained in the Base Lease (including the
    Option Price of One Thousand Dollars, recording expenses for a quit claim
    deed and reasonable attorney fees of counsel for Lessor and the IDB but
                                                                        ---
    excluding the payment of the principal and accrued interest then due and
    owing under the Note (as defined in the Base Lease) which shall be paid by
    Lessor), and (d) all indemnification and reimbursement due from Lessor to
    the IDB under the Base Lease including, but not limited to, Sections 5.03,
    6.01 and 6.02 of the Base Lease, except to the extent the same are
    attributable to the acts or omissions of the Lessor. Such assumed
    obligations shall be subject to the following provisions:

    (i)   The Base Lease obligations so assumed by the Lessee shall be in the
          nature of Additional Rent under the Sublease, payable as the same
          become due under the Base Lease, and discharged by direct remittance
          to, or performance for the benefit of the IDB.

    (ii)  Such assumed obligations shall not abate, notwithstanding the terms of
          the Sublease, unless (and only to the extent that) an abatement is
          expressly provided under the terms of the Base Lease.

    (iii) Lessee shall at all times throughout the term of the Base Lease
          maintain and cause the Project to constitute a "Project" within the
          meaning of Section 7-53-101 of the Tennessee Code Annotated.

    (iv)  Notwithstanding any other provision contained herein or in the
          Sublease or Base Lease, Lessee shall not be liable or responsible
          under this Amendment for (i) any obligations or liabilities of Lessor
          contained in the Base Lease which are also the obligations or
          liabilities of Lessor under the Sublease (collectively, the "Lessor
          Sublease Obligations"); or (ii) payment of Basic Rent payable by
          lessee under Section 4.01(1) of the Base Lease.

3.  Obligations of Lessor. Notwithstanding the foregoing, Lessor shall be
    ---------------------
    responsible for (i) through (v) hereinbelow and Lessor shall not be released
    in any way from any liability, obligation, expense or damages incurred by
    Lessee as a result of Lessor's failure to comply with the following
    obligations of Lessor:
<PAGE>
 
    (i)   Lessor shall be required to execute such documents (with such
          reasonable assurances and indemnities required of the Lessee), respond
          to notices and notify the Lessee, or take such other ministerial acts
          as may be required to maintain the Base Lease, all at the Lessee's
          cost and expense.

    (ii)  Lessor shall not, by its acts or omissions, terminate or void the Base
          Lease unless the Lessee has so requested or an event of default has
          occurred under the Sublease.

    (iii) Lessor shall not, by its acts or omissions, cause or allow an event of
          default (as defined in the Base Lease) to occur under the Base Lease.

    (iv)  Lessor shall forward to Lessee, within ten (10) business days of
          receipt by Lessor, copies of all notices received by Lessor under the
          Base Lease.

    (v)   Lessor shall perform all of the Lessor Sublease Obligations, at
          Lessor's sole cost and expense.

          Notwithstanding the foregoing, or any other provision of this
          Amendment, but subject to the express provisions of the Sublease,
          Lessor shall at all times be responsible and fully liable for any and
          all claims, damages, expenses, liabilities and demands resulting from
          Lessor's negligence or intentional misconduct and any liability
          arising in connection with the Lessor Sublease Obligations, and
          nothing contained in the Base Lease or this Amendment shall in any way
          release Lessor from, or limit Lessor's liability for, any liability
          resulting from Lessor's negligence or intentional misconduct or any
          liability arising in connection with the Lessor Sublease Obligations.

4.        No Amendment to Base Lease. It is hereby agreed by the Lessor and
          --------------------------
          Lessee that no amendment or modification to the Base Lease shall be
          effective unless such amendment or modification is in writing and is
          executed by Lessor and Lessee. Any amendment or modification which
          does not comply with the preceding sentence shall be deemed void and
          of no force and effect.

5.        Termination of Base Lease. (i) Upon the exercise by Lessor of the
          -------------------------
          purchase option set forth in the Base Lease, the Base Lease shall be
          terminated in all respects and shall have no further force and effect
          (except for terms which expressly survive such termination) but the
          Sublease shall continue in full force and effect in accordance with
          its terms as a lease and shall govern the rights and liabilities of
          the Lessor and Lessee as to the Premises.

<PAGE>
 
                    (ii) Upon a termination of the Sublease for any reason,
          Lessor agrees to use its best efforts to exercise the purchase option
          contained in the Base Lease and purchase the Premises from the IDB.

                    (iii) Upon the written request of Lessee at any time during
          the term of the Sublease, Lessor agrees to exercise the purchase
          option contained in the Base Lease.

6.        Tenant's Obligations to Monitor Option Dates. The Lessee shall
          --------------------------------------------
          undertake full responsibility to monitor the termination date of the
          Base Lease and shall take all necessary steps to exercise, on behalf
          of the Lessor, the option to repurchase the Premises as provided in
          the Base Lease, upon the termination of the Base Lease. The Lessee
          shall give notice to the Lessor in a timely fashion to allow the
          Lessor to take necessary steps to join with the Lessee in the exercise
          of the option, and the Lessee shall indemnify the Lessor against any
          loss which may arise as a result of the failure of the Lessee to
          initiate actions to exercise the Base Lease purchase option.


                 [REMAINDER OF PAGE LEFT INTENTIONALLY BLANK]


<PAGE>
 
  7.      Counterparts. This Amendment may be executed in multiple counterparts,
          each of which shall be an original but all of which together shall
          constitute but one and the same instrument.

           IN WITNESS WHEREOF, Lessor and Lessee have each duly executed this
Amendment to Lease as of the day and year first above written.

                                GENESIS DIRECT MEMPHIS OPERATIONS,

                                LLC

                                By /s/ Barry Curtis
                                   ----------------------------------
                                Title  CFO
                                     --------------------------------
                                     
                                CORPORATE ESTATES, INC.

                                By: /s/ Linda M. Stanley
                                   ----------------------------------
                                Title   President
                                     --------------------------------

                                MITCHELL INVESTMENTS, LLC

                                By: /s/ Dudley Mitchell
                                   ----------------------------------
                                Title   Chief Manager
                                   ----------------------------------

                                J & C INVESTMENTS, L.L.C.

                                By: /s/ Charles Kessinger
                                    -----------------------------------
                                Title:  Owner
                                      ---------------------------------

                                /s/ CHARLES KESSINGER    
                                ---------------------------------------
                                DR. CHARLES KESSINGER    


<PAGE>
 
                                                                   EXHIBIT 10(8)

                             GENESIS DIRECT, INC.

                       1998 EMPLOYEE STOCK PURCHASE PLAN
                       ---------------------------------

          The following constitute the provisions of the 1998 Employee Stock
Purchase Plan of Genesis Direct, Inc.

          1.  Purpose.  The purpose of the Plan is to provide employees of the
              -------                                                         
Company and its Designated Parents or Subsidiaries with an opportunity to
purchase Common Stock of the Company through accumulated payroll deductions.  It
is the intention of the Company to have the Plan qualify as an "Employee Stock
Purchase Plan" under Section 423 of the Code.  The provisions of the Plan,
accordingly, shall be construed so as to extend and limit participation in a
manner consistent with the requirements of that section of the Code.

          2.  Definitions.  As used herein, the following definitions shall
              -----------                                                  
apply:

          (a) "Board" means the Board of Directors of the Company.
               -----                                              

          (b) "Change in Control" means a change in ownership or control of the
               -----------------                                               
Company effected through the direct or indirect acquisition by any person or
related group of persons (other than an acquisition from or by the Company or by
a Company-sponsored employee benefit plan or by a person that directly or
indirectly controls, is controlled by, or is under common control with, the
Company) of beneficial ownership (within the meaning of Rule 13d-3 of the
Exchange Act) of securities possessing more than 50% of the total combined
voting power of the Company's outstanding securities.

          (c) "Code" means the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended.
               ----                                                      

          (d) "Common Stock" means the common stock of the Company.
               ------------                                        

          (e) "Company" means Genesis Direct, Inc., a Delaware corporation.
               -------                                                     

          (f) "Compensation" means an Employee's base salary from the Company or
               ------------                                                     
one or more Designated Parents or Subsidiaries, including such amounts of base
salary as are deferred by the Employee (i) under a qualified cash or deferred
arrangement described in Section 401(k) of the Code, or (ii) to a plan qualified
under Section 125 of the Code.  Compensation does not include overtime, bonuses,
annual awards, other incentive payments, reimbursements or other expense
allowances, fringe benefits (cash or noncash), moving expenses, deferred
compensation, contributions (other than contributions described in the first
sentence) made on the Employee's behalf by the Company or one or more Designated
Parents or Subsidiaries under any employee benefit or welfare plan now or
hereafter established, and any other payments not specifically referenced in the
first sentence.

          (g) "Corporate Transaction" means any of the following transactions:
               ---------------------                                          

                                       1
<PAGE>
 
               (1) a merger or consolidation in which the Company is not the
          surviving entity, except for a transaction the principal purpose of
          which is to change the state in which the Company is incorporated;

               (2) the sale, transfer or other disposition of all or
          substantially all of the assets of the Company (including the capital
          stock of the Company's subsidiary corporations) in connection with
          complete liquidation or dissolution of the Company;

               (3) any reverse merger in which the Company is the surviving
          entity but in which securities possessing more than 50% of the total
          combined voting power of the Company's outstanding securities are
          transferred to a person or persons different from those who held such
          securities immediately prior to such merger; or

               (4) any person or related group of persons (other than the
          Company or by a Company-sponsored employee benefit plan) who becomes
          the beneficial owner (within the meaning of Rule 13d-3 of the Exchange
          Act) of securities possessing more than 50% of the total combined
          voting power of the Company's outstanding securities (whether or not
          in a transaction also constituting a Change in Control), but excluding
          any such transaction that the Plan Administrator determines shall not
          be a Corporate Transaction

          (h) "Designated Parents or Subsidiaries" means the Parents or
               ----------------------------------                      
Subsidiaries which have been designated by the Plan Administrator from time to
time as eligible to participate in the Plan.

          (i) "Effective Date" means a date designated as such by the Plan
               --------------                                             
Administrator, which shall be not earlier than the effective date of the
Registration Statement relating to the Company's initial public offering of its
Common Stock and not later than July 1, 1998.  However, should any Designated
Parent or Subsidiary become a participating company in the Plan after such date,
then such entity shall designate a separate Effective Date with respect to its
employee-participants.

          (j) "Employee" means any individual, including an officer or director,
               --------                                                         
who is an employee of the Company or a Designated Parent or Subsidiary for
purposes of Section 423 of the Code.  For purposes of the Plan, the employment
relationship shall be treated as continuing intact while the individual is on
sick leave or other leave of absence approved by the individual's employer.
Where the period of leave exceeds ninety (90) days and the individual's right to
reemployment is not guaranteed either by statute or by contract, the employment
relationship shall be deemed to have terminated on the ninety-first (91st) day
of such leave, for purposes of determining eligibility to participate in the
Plan.

          (k) "Enrollment Date" means the first day of each Offer Period.
               ---------------                                           

          (l) "Exchange Act" means the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as
               ------------                                               
amended.

                                       2
<PAGE>
 
          (m) "Exercise Date" means the last day of each Purchase Period.
               -------------                                             

          (n) "Fair Market Value" means, as of any date, the value of Common
               -----------------                                            
Stock determined as follows:

               (1) Where there exists a public market for the Common Stock, the
          Fair Market Value shall be (A) the closing price for a share of Common
          Stock for the last market trading day prior to the time of the
          determination (or, if no closing price was reported on that date, on
          the last trading date on which a closing price was reported) on the
          stock exchange determined by the Plan Administrator to be the primary
          market for the Common Stock or the Nasdaq National Market, whichever
          is applicable or (B) if the Common Stock is not traded on any such
          exchange or national market system, the average of the closing bid and
          asked prices of a share of Common Stock on the Nasdaq Small Cap Market
          for the day prior to the time of the determination (or, if no such
          prices were reported on that date, on the last date on which such
          prices were reported), in each case, as reported in The Wall Street
          Journal or such other source as the Plan Administrator deems reliable;

               (2) In the absence of an established market of the type described
          in (1), above, for the Common Stock, and subject to (3), below, the
          Fair Market Value thereof shall be determined by the Plan
          Administrator in good faith; or

               (3) On the Effective Date, the Fair Market Value shall be the
          price at which the Board, or if applicable, the Pricing Committee of
          the Board, and the underwriters agree to offer the Common Stock to the
          public in the initial public offering of the Common Stock, net of
          discounts and underwriting commissions.

          (o) "Offer Period" means a Offer Period established pursuant to
               ------------                                              
Section 4 hereof.

          (p) "Parent" means a "parent corporation," whether now or hereafter
               ------                                                        
existing, as defined in Section 424(e) of the Code.

          (q) "Participant" means an Employee of the Company or Designated
               -----------                                                
Parent or Subsidiary who is actively participating in the Plan.

          (r) "Plan" means this Employee Stock Purchase Plan.
               ----                                          

          (s) "Plan Administrator" means either the Board or a committee of the
               ------------------                                              
Board that is responsible for the administration of the Plan as is designated
from time to time by resolution of the Board.

          (t) "Pricing Date" means, with respect to each Offer Period, the date
               ------------                                                    
designated as such by the Plan Administrator, which date shall be either the
Enrollment Date or the Exercise Date, or both, with respect to that Offer
Period.

                                       3
<PAGE>
 
          (u) "Purchase Period" means a period of approximately six months,
               ---------------                                             
commencing on January 1 and July 1 of each year and terminating on the next
following June 30 or December 31, respectively; provided, however, that the
first Purchase Period shall commence on the Effective Date and shall end on
December 31, 1998.


          (v) "Purchase Price" shall mean an amount equal to the Purchase Price
               --------------                                                  
Percentage multiplied by the Fair Market Value of a share of Common Stock on the
Enrollment Date or on the Exercise Date, whichever is designated as the Pricing
Date, or the lesser of the Fair Market Value on both such dates if both are
designated as the Pricing Date.

          (w) "Purchase Price Percentage" shall mean, with respect to each Offer
               -------------------------                                        
Period, a percentage, not less than 85% nor more than 100%, as established by
the Plan Administrator with respect to that Offer Period.
 
          (x) "Reserves" means the sum of the number of shares of Common Stock
               --------                                                       
covered by each option under the Plan which have not yet been exercised and the
number of shares of Common Stock which have been authorized for issuance under
the Plan but not yet placed under option.

          (y) "Subsidiary" means a "subsidiary corporation," whether now or
               ----------                                                  
hereafter existing, as defined in Section 424(f) of the Code.

          3.  Eligibility.
              ----------- 

          (a) General.  Any individual who is an Employee on an Enrollment Date
              -------                                                          
shall be eligible to participate in the Plan for the Offer Period commencing
with that Enrollment Date.

          (b) Limitations on Grant and Accrual.  Any provisions of the Plan to
              --------------------------------                                
the contrary notwithstanding, no Employee shall be granted an option under the
Plan (i) if, immediately after the grant, such Employee (taking into account
stock owned by any other person whose stock would be attributed to such Employee
pursuant to Section 424(d) of the Code) would own stock or hold outstanding
options to purchase stock, or both, which in aggregate possess five percent (5%)
or more of the total combined voting power or value of all classes of stock of
the Company or of any Parent or Subsidiary, or (ii) which permits the Employee's
rights to purchase stock under all employee stock purchase plans of the Company
and its Parents or Subsidiaries to accrue at a rate which exceeds $25,000 worth
of stock (determined at the Fair Market Value of the shares at the time such
option is granted) for each calendar year in which such option is outstanding at
any time.  The determination of the accrual of the right to purchase stock shall
be made in accordance with Section 423(b)(8) of the Code and the regulations
thereunder.

          (c) Other Limits on Eligibility.  Notwithstanding Subsection (a),
              ---------------------------                                  
above, the following Employees shall not be eligible to participate in the Plan
for any relevant Offer Period: (i) Employees whose customary employment is 20
hours or less per week; (ii) Employees whose customary employment is for not
more than 5 months in any calendar year; (iii) Employees who have been employed
for fewer than six months; and (iv) Employees who are subject to rules or 

                                       4
<PAGE>
 
laws of a foreign jurisdiction that prohibit or make impractical the
participation of such Employees in the Plan.

          4.  Offer Periods.
              ------------- 

          (a) The Plan shall be implemented through overlapping or consecutive
Offer Periods until such time as (i) the maximum number of shares of Common
Stock available for issuance under the Plan shall have been purchased or (ii)
the Plan shall have been sooner terminated in accordance with Section 19 hereof.
The maximum duration of a Offer Period shall be twenty-seven (27) months.
Initially, the Plan shall be implemented through an Offer Period of six (6)
months' duration commencing each January 1 and July 1 following the Effective
Date (except that the initial Offer Period shall commence on the Effective Date
and shall end on December 31, 1998).  The Plan Administrator shall have the
authority to change the length of any Offer Period and the length of Purchase
Periods within any such Offer Period subsequent to the initial Offer Period by
announcement at least thirty (30) days prior to the commencement of the Offer
Period and to determine whether subsequent Offer Periods shall be consecutive or
overlapping.  In addition, the Plan Administrator shall have the authority to
shorten any Offer Period to the extent provided elsewhere herein.

          (b) A Participant shall be granted a separate option for each Offer
Period in which the Participant participates.  The option shall be granted on
the Enrollment Date and shall be automatically exercised on the last day of the
Offer Period.  However, with respect to any Offer Period, the Plan Administrator
may specify shorter Purchase Periods within a Offer Period, in which case the
option granted on the Enrollment Date shall be automatically exercised in
successive installments on the last day of each Purchase Period ending within
the Offer Period.

          (c) If on the first day of any Purchase Period in a Offer Period in
which a Participant is participating, the Fair Market Value of the Common Stock
is less than the Fair Market Value of the Common Stock on the Enrollment Date of
the Offer Period (after taking into account any adjustment during the Offer
Period pursuant to Section 18(a)), the Offer Period that had earlier commenced
shall be terminated automatically and the Participant shall be enrolled
automatically in the new Offer Period which has its first Purchase Period
commencing on that date, provided the Participant is eligible to participate in
the Plan on that date and has not elected to terminate participation in the
Plan.

          (d) Except as specifically provided herein, the acquisition of Common
Stock through participation in the Plan for any Offer Period shall neither limit
nor require the acquisition of Common Stock by a Participant in any subsequent
Offer Period.

          5.  Participation.
              ------------- 

          (a) An eligible Employee may become a Participant in the Plan by
completing a subscription agreement authorizing payroll deductions in the form
of Exhibit A to this Plan and filing it with the designated payroll office of
the Company at least ten (10) business days prior to the Enrollment Date for the
Offer Period in which such participation will commence, unless a 

                                       5
<PAGE>
 
later time for filing the subscription agreement is set by the Plan
Administrator for all eligible Employees with respect to a given Offer Period.

          (b) Payroll deductions for a Participant shall commence with the first
partial or full payroll period beginning on the Enrollment Date and shall end on
the last complete payroll period during the Offer Period, unless sooner
terminated by the Participant as provided in Section 10.

          6.  Payroll Deductions.
              ------------------ 

          (a) In the subscription agreement by which a Participant elects to
participate, the Participant shall elect to have payroll deductions made during
the Offer Period in an amount not less than 1% nor more than 10%,  in whole
percentages only, of the Compensation which the Participant is to receive during
the Offer Period.

          (b) All payroll deductions made for a Participant shall be credited to
an account under the Plan.  A Participant may not make any additional payments
into the account.

          (c) A Participant may discontinue participation in the Plan as
provided in Section 10, or may change the rate of payroll deductions during the
Offer Period by completing and filing with the Company a new subscription
agreement authorizing a decrease in the payroll deduction rate.  A change in
rate shall be effective on the first day of the first Purchase Period commencing
at least 10 business days after the Company's receipt of the new subscription
agreement unless the Company elects to process a requested change in
participation more quickly. Any increase in the rate of payroll deductions shall
be deemed to the extent of the increase, an enrollment in the next available
Offer Period. The portion of payroll deductions that accumulate at the rate
previously in effect, however, shall be deemed accumulated in the ongoing Offer
Period, except to the extent otherwise provided in Section 4(c). A Participant
may not increase the rate of payroll deductions for an existing Offer Period. A
Participant's subscription agreement shall remain in effect for successive Offer
Periods unless terminated as provided in Section 10.

          7.  Grant of Option.  On the Enrollment Date, each Participant in such
              ---------------                                                   
Offer Period shall be granted an option to purchase on each Exercise Date of
such Offer Period (at the applicable Purchase Price) up to a number of shares of
the Common Stock determined by dividing such Participant's payroll deductions
accumulated prior to such Exercise Date and retained in the Participant's
account as of the Exercise Date by the applicable Purchase Price; provided (i)
that such purchase shall be subject to the limitations set forth in Sections
3(b) and 12 hereof, and (ii) the maximum number of shares of Common Stock a
Participant shall be permitted to purchase in any Purchase Period shall be 1,000
shares, subject to adjustment as provided in Section 18 hereof.  Exercise of the
option shall occur as provided in Section 8, unless the Participant has
withdrawn pursuant to Section 10, and the option, to the extent not exercised,
shall expire on the last day of the Offer Period.

          8.  Exercise of Option.  Unless a Participant withdraws from the Plan
              ------------------                                               
as provided in Section 10, below, the Participant's option for the purchase of
shares shall be 

                                       6
<PAGE>
 
exercised automatically on each Exercise Date, and the maximum number of full
shares subject to the option shall be purchased for such Participant at the
applicable Purchase Price with the accumulated payroll deductions in the
Participant's account. No fractional shares shall be purchased; any payroll
deductions accumulated in a Participant's account which are not sufficient to
purchase a full share shall be carried over to the next Purchase Period or Offer
Period, whichever applies, or returned to the Participant, if the Participant
withdraws from the Plan. Notwithstanding the foregoing, any amount remaining in
a Participant's account following the purchase of shares on an Exercise Date due
to the application of Section 423(b)(8) of the Code or Section 7, above, shall
be returned to the Participant and shall not be carried over to the next Offer
Period. During a Participant's lifetime, a Participant's option to purchase
shares hereunder is exercisable only by the Participant.

          9.  Delivery.  Upon receipt of a request from a Participant after each
              --------                                                          
Exercise Date on which a purchase of shares occurs, the Company shall arrange
the delivery to the Participant, as promptly as practicable, of a certificate
representing the shares purchased upon exercise of the Participant's option.

          10.  Withdrawal; Termination of Employment.
               ------------------------------------- 

          (a) A Participant may withdraw all but not less than all the payroll
deductions credited to the Participant's account and not yet used to exercise an
option under the Plan at any time by giving written notice to the Company in the
form of Exhibit B to this Plan.  All of the Participant's payroll deductions
credited to the Participant's account shall be paid to the Participant as
promptly as practicable after receipt of notice of withdrawal, the Participant's
option for the Offer Period shall be automatically terminated, and no further
payroll deductions for the purchase of shares shall be made during the Offer
Period.  If a Participant withdraws from a Offer Period, payroll deductions
shall not resume at the beginning of the succeeding Offer Period unless the
Participant delivers to the Company a new subscription agreement.

          (b) Upon a Participant's ceasing to be an Employee for any reason or
upon termination of a Participant's employment relationship (as described in
Section 2(j)), the payroll deductions credited to such Participant's account
during the Offer Period but not yet used to exercise an option shall be returned
to such Participant or, in the case of the Participant's death, to the person or
persons entitled thereto under Section 14, and such Participant's option shall
be automatically terminated.

          11.  Interest.  No interest shall accrue on the payroll deductions
               --------                                                     
credited to a Participant's account under the Plan.

          12.  Stock.
               ----- 

          (a) The maximum number of shares of Common Stock which shall be made
available for sale under the Plan shall be 250,000 shares, subject to adjustment
upon changes in capitalization of the Company as provided in Section 18.  If on
a given Exercise Date the number of shares with respect to which options are to
be exercised exceeds the number of shares then available under the Plan, the
Plan Administrator shall make a pro rata allocation of the shares 

                                       7
<PAGE>
 
remaining available for purchase in as uniform a manner as shall be practicable
and as it shall determine to be equitable.

          (b) A Participant shall have no interest or voting right in shares
covered by the Participant's option until such shares are actually purchased on
the Participant's behalf in accordance with the applicable provisions of the
Plan.  Except as provided in Section 18, no adjustment shall be made for
dividends, distributions or other rights for which the record date is prior to
the date of such purchase.

          (c) Shares to be delivered to a Participant under the Plan shall be
registered in the name of the Participant or in the name of the Participant and
the Participant's spouse.

          13.  Administration.  The Plan shall be administered by the Board or a
               --------------                                                   
committee of members of the Board appointed by the Board.  The Board or its
committee shall have full and exclusive discretionary authority to construe,
interpret and apply the terms of the Plan, to determine eligibility and to
adjudicate all disputed claims filed under the Plan.  Every finding, decision
and determination made by the Board or its committee shall, to the full extent
permitted by law, be final and binding upon all persons.

          14.  Designation of Beneficiary.
               -------------------------- 

          (a) A Participant may file with the Company a written designation of a
beneficiary who is to receive any shares and cash, if any, from the
Participant's account under the Plan in the event of such Participant's death.
If a Participant is married and the designated beneficiary is not the spouse,
spousal consent shall be required for such designation to be effective.

          (b) The designation of beneficiary may be changed by the Participant
(and the Participant's spouse, if any) at any time by filing a new designation
of beneficiary with the Company.  In the event of the death of a Participant and
in the absence of a beneficiary validly designated under the Plan who is living
at the time of such Participant's death, the Company shall deliver such shares
or cash to the executor or administrator of the estate of the Participant, or if
no such executor or administrator has been appointed (to the knowledge of the
Plan Administrator), the Plan Administrator, in its discretion, may deliver such
shares or cash to the spouse or to any one or more dependents or relatives of
the Participant, or if no spouse, dependent or relative is known to the Plan
Administrator, then to such other person as the Plan Administrator may
designate.

          15.  Transferability.  Neither payroll deductions credited to a
               ---------------                                           
Participant's account nor any rights with regard to the exercise of an option or
to receive shares under the Plan may be assigned, transferred, pledged or
otherwise disposed of in any way (other than by shall, the laws of descent and
distribution or as provided in Section 14 hereof) by the Participant.  Any such
attempt at assignment, transfer, pledge or other disposition shall be without
effect, except that the Plan Administrator may treat such act as an election to
withdraw funds from a Offer Period in accordance with Section 10.

                                       8
<PAGE>
 
          16.  Use of Funds.  All payroll deductions received or held by the
               ------------                                                 
Company under the Plan may be used by the Company for any corporate purpose, and
the Company shall not be obligated to segregate such payroll deductions.

          17.  Reports.  The Company shall maintain an individual account for
               -------                                                       
each Participant in the Plan.  The Company shall provide, or cause to be
provided, to each Participant at least annually a statements setting forth the
amounts of payroll deductions, the Purchase Price, the number of shares
purchased and the remaining cash balance, if any.

          18.  Adjustments upon Changes in Capitalization; Corporate
               -----------------------------------------------------
Transactions.
- ------------ 

          (a) Adjustments upon Changes in Capitalization.  Subject to any
              ------------------------------------------                 
required action by the stockholders of the Company, the Reserves, as well as the
Purchase Price, shall be proportionately adjusted for any increase or decrease
in the number of issued shares of Common Stock resulting from a stock split,
reverse stock split, stock dividend, combination or reclassification of the
Common Stock, or any other similar event resulting in an increase or decrease in
the number of issued shares of Common Stock.  The adjustment shall be made by
the Plan Administrator, whose determination in that respect shall be final,
binding and conclusive.  Except as expressly provided herein, no issue by the
Company of shares of stock of any class, or securities convertible into shares
of stock of any class, shall affect, and no adjustment by reason thereof shall
be made with respect to, the number or price of shares of Common Stock subject
to an option.  The Plan Administrator may, if it so determines in the exercise
of its sole discretion, make provision for adjusting the Reserves, as well as
the Purchase Price, in the event the Company effects one or more
reorganizations, recapitalizations, rights offerings or other increases or
reductions of shares of its outstanding Common Stock.

          (b) Corporate Transactions.  In the event of a proposed Corporate
              ----------------------                                       
Transaction, each option under the Plan shall be assumed or an equivalent option
shall be substituted by such successor corporation or a parent or subsidiary of
such successor corporation, unless the Plan Administrator determines, in the
exercise of its sole discretion and in lieu of such assumption or substitution,
to shorten the Offer Period then in progress by setting a new Exercise Date (the
"New Exercise Date").  If the Plan Administrator shortens the Offer Period then
in progress in lieu of assumption or substitution in the event of a Corporate
Transaction, the Plan Administrator shall notify each Participant in writing, at
least ten days prior to the New Exercise Date, that the Exercise Date for the
Participant's option has been changed to the New Exercise Date and that the
Participant's option shall be exercised automatically on the New Exercise Date,
unless prior to such date the Participant has withdrawn from the Offer Period as
provided in Section 10.  For purposes of this Subsection, an option granted
under the Plan shall be deemed to be assumed if, following the Corporate
Transaction, the option confers the right to purchase with substantially
equivalent terms as the original option, for each share of Common Stock subject
to the option immediately prior to the Corporate Transaction, the consideration
(whether stock, cash or other securities or property) received in the Corporate
Transaction by holders of Common Stock for each share of Common Stock held on
the effective date of the Corporate Transaction (and if such holders were
offered a choice of consideration, the type of consideration chosen by the
holders of a majority of the outstanding shares of Common Stock); provided,
however, that if such consideration received in the Corporate Transaction was
not solely common stock of the 

                                       9
<PAGE>
 
successor corporation or its Parent, the Plan Administrator may, with the
consent of the successor corporation and the Participant, provide for the
consideration to be received upon exercise of the option to be solely common
stock of the successor corporation or its Parent equal in fair market value to
the per share consideration received by holders of Common Stock in the Corporate
Transaction.

          19.  Amendment or Termination.
               ------------------------ 

          (a) The Plan Administrator may at any time and for any reason
terminate or amend the Plan.  Except as provided in Section 18, no such
termination can affect options previously granted, provided that a Offer Period
may be terminated by the Plan Administrator on any Exercise Date if the Plan
Administrator determines that the termination of the Offer Period is in the best
interests of the Company and its stockholders.  Except as provided in Section
18, no amendment may make any change in any option theretofore granted which
adversely affects the rights of any Participant.  To the extent necessary to
comply with Section 423 of the Code (or any successor rule or provision or any
other applicable law or regulation), the Company shall obtain stockholder
approval in such a manner and to such a degree as required.

          (b) Without stockholder consent and without regard to whether any
Participant rights may be considered to have been "adversely affected," the Plan
Administrator shall be entitled to limit the frequency or number of reductions
in the amount withheld during Offer Periods, establish the exchange ratio
applicable to amounts withheld in a currency other than U.S. dollars, establish
additional terms, conditions, rules or procedures to accommodate the rules or
laws of applicable foreign jurisdictions, permit payroll withholding in excess
of the amount designated by a Participant in order to adjust for delays or
mistakes in the Company's processing of properly completed withholding
elections, establish reasonable waiting and adjustment periods or accounting and
crediting procedures to ensure that amounts applied toward the purchase of
Common Stock for each Participant properly correspond with amounts withheld from
the Participant's Compensation, and establish such other limitations or
procedures as the Plan Administrator determines in its sole discretion advisable
and which are consistent with the Plan.

          20.  Notices.  All notices or other communications by a Participant to
               -------                                                          
the Company under or in connection with the Plan shall be deemed to have been
duly given when received in the form specified by the Plan Administrator at the
location, or by the person, designated by the Plan Administrator for the receipt
thereof.

          21.  Conditions upon Issuance of Shares.  Shares shall not be issued
               ----------------------------------                             
with respect to an option unless the exercise of such option and the issuance
and delivery of such shares pursuant thereto shall comply with all applicable
provisions of law, domestic or foreign, including, without limitation, the
Securities Act of 1933, as amended, the Exchange Act, the rules and regulations
promulgated thereunder, and the requirements of any stock exchange upon which
the shares may then be listed, and shall be further subject to the approval of
counsel for the Company with respect to such compliance.  As a condition to the
exercise of an option, the Company may require the Participant to represent and
warrant at the time of any such exercise that the shares are being purchased
only for investment and without any present intention to sell 

                                       10
<PAGE>
 
or distribute such shares if, in the opinion of counsel for the Company, such a
representation is required by any of the aforementioned applicable provisions of
law. In addition, no options shall be exercised or shares issued hereunder
before the Plan shall have been approved by stockholders of the Company as
provided in Section 23.

          22.  Term of Plan.  The Plan shall become effective upon the earlier
               ------------                                                   
to occur of its adoption by the Board or its approval by the stockholders of the
Company.  It shall continue in effect for a term of ten years unless sooner
terminated under Section 19.

          23.  Stockholder Approval.  Continuance of the Plan shall be subject
               --------------------                                           
to approval by the stockholders of the Company within twelve months before or
after the date the Plan is adopted.  If such stockholder approval is obtained at
a duly held stockholders' meeting, the Plan must be approved by a majority of
the votes cast at such stockholders' meeting at which a quorum representing a
majority of all outstanding voting stock of the Company is, either in person or
by proxy, present and voting on the Plan.  If such stockholder approval is
obtained by written consent, it must be obtained by the written consent of the
holders of a majority of all outstanding voting stock of the Company.  However,
approval at a meeting or by written consent may be obtained by a lesser degree
of stockholder approval if the Plan Administrator determines, after consultation
with the Company's legal counsel if the Plan Administrator deems such
consultation advisable, that such a lesser degree of stockholder approval shall
comply with all applicable laws and shall not adversely affect the qualification
of the Plan under Section 423 of the Code.

          24.  No Employment Rights.  The Plan does not, directly or indirectly,
               --------------------                                             
create any right for the benefit of any employee or class of employees to
purchase any shares under the Plan, or create in any employee or class of
employees any right with respect to continuation of employment by the Company or
a Designated Parent or Subsidiary, and it shall not be deemed to interfere in
any way with such employer's right to terminate, or otherwise modify, an
employee's employment at any time.

          25.  Effect of Plan.  The provisions of the Plan shall, in accordance
               --------------                                                  
with its terms, be binding upon, and inure to the benefit of, all successors of
each Participant, including, without limitation, such Participant's estate and
the executors, administrators or trustees thereof, heirs and legatees, and any
receiver, trustee in bankruptcy or representative of creditors of such
Participant.

          26.  Applicable Law.  The laws of the State of New Jersey (excluding
               --------------                                                 
that body of law pertaining to its conflicts of law) shall govern all matters
relating to this Plan except to the extent it is superseded by the laws of the
United States.

                                       11

<PAGE>

                                                                   EXHIBIT 10(9)


DIRECTED SHARE PROGRAM

APRIL 21, 1998


To:    [Vice Presidents, Directors and Managers] [All Employees]

From:  Office of the President


As you know, Genesis Direct, Inc. has recently filed with the Securities and
Exchange Commission ("SEC") a registration related to a proposed offering of
approximately 10 million shares of its common stock. We are pleased to enclose a
copy of the preliminary prospectus included in the registration statement.

The Company has instructed the underwriter to reserve up to 5% of the total
amount of shares being sold in the offering for purchase by employees, their
friends and family and other non employee friends of the Company at the initial
offering price (the "Directed Share Program") and has asked Bear Stearns & Co.,
Inc. to administer this Directed Share Program.

If you are interested in participating in the Directed Share Program, please so
indicate on the attached Indication of Interest Form and return the form by fax
to Tom DeLuca at 201.583.3607 or hand deliver no later than this Friday, April
24, 1998. Your order will then be sent to Bear Stearns & Co., Inc. who will have
a broker contact you directly regarding account set up and other details.

Please be aware if you wish to participate, the minimum purchase is 100 shares.
As indicated on the cover page of the preliminary prospectus, it is currently
anticipated that the initial offering price of the shares will be between
($13.00) and ($15.00) per share; however the price range may be changed prior to
the offering. It is also currently anticipated that the offering will commence
on or about May 7, 1998, and the payment for the shares will be due within three
to four business days (settlement date) of the offering.

There is no obligation to participate in this Directed Share Program; however,
should you wish to do so, please carefully read the enclosed preliminary
prospectus relating to the offering.

Please note that the securities laws restrict the ability of insiders to buy and
sell stock in certain circumstances and Genesis Direct, Inc. intends to
implement a policy regarding trading of stocks by insiders. Accordingly, there
will be limitations on your ability to sell your stock.

If you have any questions regarding the Directed Share Program, please contact
Tom DeLuca at 201.867.2800 ext. 3701.

A REGISTRATION STATEMENT RELATING TO THESE SECURITIES HAS BEEN FILED WITH THE
SEC BUT HAS NOT YET BECOME EFFECTIVE. THESE SECURITIES MAY NOT BE SOLD NOR MAY
OFFERS TO BUY BE ACCEPTED PRIOR TO THE TIME THE REGISTRATION STATEMENT BECOMES
EFFECTIVE. THIS LETTER SHALL NOT CONSTITUTE AN OFFER TO SELL OR THE SOLICITATION
OF AN OFFER TO BUY NOR SHALL THERE BE ANY SALE OF THESE SECURITIES IN ANY STATE
IN WHICH SUCH OFFER, SOLICITATION OR SALE WOULD BE UNLAWFUL PRIOR TO
REGISTRATION OR QUALIFICATION UNDER THE SECURITIES LAWS OF ANY SUCH STATE.

Very Truly Yours,



Warren, David and Hunter
<PAGE>
 
DIRECTED SHARE PROGRAM

INDICATION OF INTEREST FORM
- ---------------------------

PLEASE RETURN THIS FORM DULY COMPLETED BY FAX TO TOM DELUCA AT 201.583.3607 NO
LATER THAN FRIDAY, APRIL 24, 1998.

BEAR STEARNS & CO., INC.


DEAR SIR:

I AM INTERESTED IN PURCHASING _______________________SHARES OF COMMON STOCK (THE
"SHARES") (MINIMUM 100) OF GENESIS DIRECT, INC. (THE "COMPANY") AND WOULD LIKE
SUCH NUMBER TO BE RESERVED FOR ME.

I ACKNOWLEDGE THAT:

1.  I have received and read a copy of the preliminary prospectus  for the
    Company's offering dated April 17, 1998.

2.  I understand that, I am not assured of obtaining any or all of the number of
    Shares requested by me, and I will be notified of the number of Shares
    available for purchase by me; if any.

3.  No offer to buy any of the Shares can be accepted and no part of the
    purchase price can be received by the Company or Bear Stearns & Co., Inc.
    until the registration statement covering the proposed offering (the
    "Registration Statement") has been declared effective by the United States
    Securities and Exchange Commission and any such offer may be withdrawn or
    revoked, without obligation or commitment of any kind, at any time prior to
    notice of your acceptance given after the effective date of the Registration
    Statement.

4.  This indication of interest involves no obligation or commitment of any
    kind, and by completing this form, I am not binding myself to purchase any
    Shares. I understand that the purpose of this form is to provide some
    indication of how many Shares may be requested by employees of the Company
    and that I will be notified of the number of Shares which are available for
    purchase by me. I am also aware that full payment, in United States dollars,
    for the purchase price of the Shares allotted to me will be required within
    three to four business days after the commencement of the offering.

5.  I understand that after the Registration Statement covering the proposed
    offering becomes effective, copies of the prospectus in final form (the
    "Final Prospectus") will be available, which Final Prospectus will contain
    the price and other information which cannot be determined at this time.

6.  I understand that an arrangement has been made with Bear Stearns & Co., Inc.
    to act as administering agent for the Directed Share Program, and that when
    the Registration Statement covering the proposed offering becomes effective,
    I will be contacted by a Bear Stearns & Co., Inc. representative to arrange
    for the purchase of the number of Shares requested by me or such lesser
    number of Shares as may be allocated to me.



Date:  ___________________________________________________________________

Signature:  ______________________________________________________________

Print Name:  _____________________________________________________________

Home Address:  ___________________________________________________________

               ___________________________________________________________

Home Telephone No.  ______________________________________________________

Business Telephone No.____________________________________________________

<PAGE>
 
                                                                   EXHIBIT 23.2
 
                        CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT AUDITORS
   
  We consent to the reference to our firm under the caption "Experts" and to
the use of our reports: dated February 16, 1998, with respect to the financial
statements and schedule of Genesis Direct, Inc.; dated June 6, 1997, with
respect to the financial statements of Manny's Baseball Land, Inc.; and dated
January 30, 1998 with respect to the financial statements of Select Service &
Supply Co., Inc. in Amendment No. 2 to the Registration Statement (Form S-1,
No. 333-47455) and related Prospectus of Genesis Direct, Inc. for the
registration of 10,125,000 shares of its common stock.     
 
                                            Ernst & Young LLP
Hackensack, New Jersey
 
The foregoing consent is in the form that will be signed upon the completion
of the common stock split described in Note 16 to the consolidated financial
statements.
 
                                            /s/ Ernst & Young LLP
 
Hackensack, New Jersey
   
April 30, 1998     

<PAGE>
 
                                                                   EXHIBIT 23.3
 
              CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT CERTIFIED PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS
 
The Board of Directors
Genesis Direct, Inc.:
 
  We consent to the use of our report included herein and to the reference to
our firm under the heading "Experts" in the prospectus. Our report refers to a
change in the method of accounting for income taxes in fiscal 1994.
 
                                          /s/ KPMG Peat Marwick LLP
 
Dallas, Texas
   
April 30, 1998     

<PAGE>
 
                                                                    EXHIBIT 23.4
 
            CONSENT OF THE INDEPENDENT CERTIFIED PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS
 
The Board of Directors of
Genesis Direct, Inc.:
 
  As independent certified public accountants, we hereby consent to the use of
our report and to all references to our Firm included in this registration
statement.
 
                                          /s/ Boscia, Goldenberg & Company
 
Wayne, New Jersey
   
April 30, 1998     

<PAGE>
 
                                                                    EXHIBIT 23.5
 
                   CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS
 
  As independent public accountants, we hereby consent to the use of our
reports and to all references to our Firm included in this registration
statement.
 
                                          /s/ Arthur Andersen LLP
 
Boston, Massachusetts
   
April 30, 1998     

<PAGE>
 
                                                                   EXHIBIT 23.6
 
                        CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT AUDITORS
 
  We consent to the reference to our firm under the caption "Experts" and to
the use of our reports: dated February 21, 1997, with respect to Duclos Direct
Marketing, Inc.; and dated February 26, 1997 with respect to The Thursley
Group, Inc. in the Registration Statement (Form S-1) and related Prospectus of
Genesis Direct, Inc.
 
 
                                                    /s/ Mendlowitz Weitsen, LLP
 
 
East Brunswick, New Jersey
   
April 30, 1998     


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