CHICAGO, Nov. 2 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Grainger (NYSE: GWW), North America's leading distributor of facilities maintenance supplies, today announced the launch of its new online "search and select" tool. This tool makes it easier for customers to search and find any of the more than 400,000 maintenance, repair and operating products through its website, grainger.com. The new online search tool provides quicker, easier and more accurate service, helping customers save time and money. (To learn more, go to www.grainger.com/newsearch.)

"Customers tell us they need a partner to help them increase productivity and profitability, especially in this tough economy," said Sam Kim, Vice President, eCommerce. "Our new 'search and select' tool makes it easy for customers to find the products they need and consolidate their purchases on grainger.com, which allows them to be more productive and improve their bottom line."

Grainger's new online "search and select" tool is powered by Endeca Technologies, a search applications company, and includes a number of features to help customers quickly and easily search for, compare and purchase the right products to meet their needs, including:

    --  Guided search navigation uses product specifications such as keywords,
        item numbers, national stocking numbers, cross-reference numbers, and
        many more.
    --  Multiple sorting options allow customers to sort their search results by
        price, brand, category, and delivery.
    --  Helpful product icons assist customers in identifying products with
        specific properties such as "green."

    --  Product category landing pages have relevant and useful information on
        product use, selection and reference information.

Grainger helps more than 1.8 million customers from the manufacturing, commercial, government, transportation and contractor markets each year by providing access to a broad array of facilities maintenance products. The company's broad product offering and world-class supply chain help businesses and institutions consolidate their purchases and drive efficiency in their purchasing process.

Media interested in learning more about the enhancements made to grainger.com should contact Michael McGrew, Director, Service Channel Communications, at (847) 535-4196 or michael.mcgrew@grainger.com.

About Grainger

W.W. Grainger, Inc. (NYSE: GWW), with 2008 sales of $6.9 billion is the leading broad line supplier of facilities maintenance products serving businesses and institutions in United States, Canada, Japan, Mexico, India, China and Panama. Through a highly integrated network including more than 600 branches, 18 distribution centers and multiple Web sites, Grainger's employees help customers get the job done.

SOURCE Grainger