January 06, 2009 // Franchising.com // Leading greeting card publisher and franchisor, Card Connection has today announced the launch of its new product: Carrie Bags. The innovative, new shopping bags fold-up into their own specifically designed pouch and fit easily into a handbag, therefore reducing the need to use plastic carriers at retail checkouts. However, unlike the supermarket equivalent the Carrie Bags are bright, stylish and eye-catching and don't display any company branding.
With a recommended retail price of £2.99 the Carrie Bags are made from durable polyester which extends the bag's lifetime as it won't shrink or crease when washed.
"The Carrie Bags will be distributed by our network of franchisees to retail outlets throughout the UK," confirms Andrew Cutler, franchise director for Card Connection. "As part of our Gift Connection range, our franchisees have been particularly enthusiastic about the prospect of selling the Carrie Bags as it gives them the chance to earn income in addition to our greeting card ranges while selling through the same retail outlets."
The Gift Connection range, includes Heartwarmers – sentimental verses on credit card keepsakes, Card Connection's own unique designs of flashing badges, mini collectable bears that can be attached to belts, bags and mobiles, in addition to magnets and keyrings incorporating the unique animal designs of Rachel Hale. National accounts stocking Gift Connection items include: Palmer Harvey, NISA, Best-one and Costcutter members, Bargain Booze, Women's Royal Voluntary Service (WRVS) and Total Forecourts.
Card Connection itself is one of the UK's largest card publishers and is the market leader in the franchised distribution of greeting cards. Using a proven system, franchisees place greeting card ranges in retail outlets on a 'consignment' basis. The award winning merchandising service provided to retailers by local franchisees is second to none and has established the company's excellent reputation especially within the convenience sector.
Card Connection has limited vacancies for franchisees who are keen to run an expanding business. Successful candidates would ideally have some management experience as, once established, they would be expected to employ a small team, operate a warehouse and have several liveried vans on the road.
Because the franchise networks in the UK and Ireland are complete, the available opportunities now consist of acquiring an already-established territory from an existing franchisee. These vary in price according to their level of development, but start at £20,000 (+ stock) with earnings potential in excess of £50,000 per annum.
"The Carrie Bags are a new and exciting addition to our quality product range," explains Cutler. "The bespoke design, exclusive to our franchisee network underlines our ongoing commitment to help our franchisees continue to build and grow their businesses over the long term."
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