December 08, 2008 // Franchising.com // Leading greeting card publisher and franchisor, Card Connection, has today officially launched Gemz – a range of semi-precious gemstones incorporated into various themed gifts including bracelets, pendants and mobile phone charms, to be available in retail outlets in-time for Christmas.
"These two ranges of gifts cover the whole of the female market, Gemz being aimed at girls and teenagers, Gifts with Meaning aimed at ladies," explains Natalie Galvin creative director of Card Connection. "Both products have been specifically developed for our Gift Connection range, so are exclusive to us."
"The two-sided retail displays are compact and have two gem collections per facing and sit easily on counter tops and shelves," continues Galvin. "We anticipate the accessible price point of the Gems will appeal to both planned and impulse purchasers – particularly for stocking fillers up to Christmas."
Card Connection's network of franchisees specialise in supplying greeting cards on a consignment basis to around 15,000 retail outlets countrywide. Customers include convenience stores, sub Post Offices and petrol station forecourts as well as numerous national accounts.
"Gift Connection and specifically the Gems, compliment our greeting card ranges perfectly," states Galvin. "Our franchisees have been particularly enthusiastic about supplying the gifts as they are essentially selling them through the same retail outlets as the cards, therefore giving the chance to earn additional income for a minimal investment in additional time and effort."
Card Connection has limited vacancies for franchisees 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 Gemz range is another innovation we have been able to pass onto our franchisees to help them expand their businesses," confirms Andrew Cutler, franchise director at Card Connection. "Our commitment to support our franchisees in this way – combined with the fact that the greeting card industry is essentially a recession proof sector - ensures Card Connection's franchises continue to remain some of the most popular in the industry today."
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