Epiphone primarily used just "Epi" on the headstock during the later part of the 20th century, particularly on their more budget-friendly "Epi-Series" guitars which were introduced in the late 1970s and early 1980s, signifying a lower-priced line of instruments with a simpler "Epi" logo on the headstock
 
Service Merchandise was a retail chain that sold electronics, toys, jewelry, and sporting goods, while Media Play was a retail chain that closed in 2006. Some former Service Merchandise locations in the Pittsburgh area became Media Play stores. 
Service Merchandise Started in 1934 as a five-and-dime store in Pulaski, Tennessee
Known for its catalog-based ordering process
Ceased operations in 2002 after filing for bankruptcy
Was unable to compete with big box stores

Media Play Closed in 2006 after filing for bankruptcy
Was unable to compete with online retailers and big box stores such as Amazon.com, Best Buy, and Wal-Mart
The Musicland Group, which owned Media Play, also owned Sam Goody and Suncoast Motion Picture Company
Some former Media Play locations became f.y.e. superstores
In the Pittsburgh area, many of the Service Merchandise locations became Media Play stores, including those in Ross Park and Monroeville

USED Stamped on Headstock
Epiphone "Epi" Les Paul
Epi Les Paul
Epiphone "Epi" Les Paul
ca. 2000-2001
Dealer exclusive for Service Merchandise and Media Play stores
Body:Alder body with carved top
Neck:Set maple neck
Rosewood fingerboard with dot inlays
Clipped-ear headstock with white "Epi" silkscreen
2-ply truss rod cover with "Epiphone" inscription
22 frets
24.75 scale
1.65 nut width
Binding:
Single-ply body & neck
Electronics:
2 covered humbucker pickups
2 Vol & 2 Tone controls
3-way selector switch
Hardware:
Chrome hardware
Die-cast tuners
Elevated pickguard
Bell knobs
Tune-o-matic bridge with stopbar tailpiece
 
Email reply from Gibson about the Epi Les Paul
Customer Service <Customer.Relations@gibson.com>
From: "Customer Service" <Customer.Relations@gibson.com>
To: xxxxxxxx xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Subject: RE: Talk 2 Us : Country USA, SN#311476054
Hi,
This is indeed a genuine Epiphone Les Paul. This model was made as a dealer exclusive piece for Service Merchandise and Media Play stores in the late 90’s/early 2000’s. Unfortunately, we do not have very detailed specs of this model in our archives, but the specs we do have are listed below. Thanks, and I hope this helps!!
Alder Body and neck
Rosewood fingerboard
Chrome hardware
24.75” scale
2 Humbuckers
Tune o matic bridge
 
end of email