World Greeting Cards Markets

World Greeting Cards Markets

This report analyzes the worldwide markets for Greeting Cards in Millions of Units. The major product segments analyzed are Seasonal Cards (Christmas/New Year, Valentine's Day, & Others), Everyday Cards (Birthday, Anniversary, & Others), and Other Cards. However, the US and Canadian markets for Greeting Cards have been analyzed by the following additional segments Seasonal Cards (Mother’s Day, Easter, Father’s Day), Everyday Cards (Get Well/Feel Better, Friendship/Encouragement, Sympathy), Other Cards. The report provides separate comprehensive analytics for the US, Canada, Japan, Europe, Asia-Pacific, Middle East & Africa, and Latin America. Annual forecasts are provided for each region and product segment for the period of 2000 through 2015. The report profiles 284 companies including many key and niche players worldwide such as American Greetings Corporation, Archies Greetings and Gifts Ltd., Avanti Press, Inc., Carlton Cards Ltd., Clinton Cards PLC, Current, Inc., Factory Card & Party Outlet Corp., Hallmark Cards, Inc., International Greetings PLC, ITC Packaging & Printing Business Division, John Sands, Marcel Schurman, Simon Elvin Ltd., UNICEF, and Vintage Cards and Creations Pvt., Ltd. Market data and analytics are derived from primary and secondary research. Company profiles are mostly extracted from URL research and reported select online sources.

TENTS

I. INTRODUCTION, METHODOLOGY & PRODUCT DEFINITIONS
Study Reliability and Reporting Limitations I-1
Disclaimers I-2
Data Interpretation & Reporting Level I-2
Quantitative Techniques & Analytics I-2
Product Definitions and Scope of Study I-3


II. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

1. Market Snapshots II-1

2. Outlook II-2
Futuristics: Evolving Trends in 2006-2007 & Beyond II-2
ATM - A Retailing Medium! - A Peek into What the Future Holds II-2
Worldwide Market Analysis II-3
Analysis by Region II-3
Analysis by Product Segment II-4
Analysis by Occasion II-4

3. Industry Overview II-5
“A Sketch of Present Industry Scenario” II-5
A Holistic Scan of the Greeting Cards Market II-5
Terrorist Threats & the Menace of War: How Has it Enlivened
the Practice of Sending Cards? II-6
Demographics/Lifestyles & Cards: Drawing a Parallel II-6
Companies Fight to Remain Relevant Amidst Shifting Demographics II-7
A Psychographic Profile of Customer Groups II-7
Factors Boosting Sales II-7
Growth Drivers (On a Scale of 1-10) II-7

4. Market Trends II-8
Traditional Greetings Cards vs. Electronic Greetings Cards II-8
Valentine Cards are a Passe, How About an ‘Anti-Valentine’? II-8
Hilarious Greeting Cards Put the Fun Back into Wishing II-8
Greeting Cards Business in Wedding Season II-8
Greeting Card Industry is Booming II-9
New Occasions Pep-up Usage Rates II-9
Men Twice as Likely to be Enthralled by E-greeting Cards Than
Women II-9
Vendors Innovate to Stay Ahead II-10
Convenience: The Hidden Talisman for Every Successful
Marketing Strategy II-10
Steep Fall in Calendars Business II-11
Emerging Technologies Muscle Growth II-11
Promotional Programs: A Euphemized Mechanism to Ensnare Customers II-11
Heavy Non-Seasonal Discounts II-11
High Voltage Promotional Campaigns II-12
Environmentalism Has Manufacturers Rummaging Through Eco-
friendly Options II-12
Recycled Paper Greeting Cards: The In Thing II-12
Christmas Cards Go Green II-12
Greeting Cards Get Hipper II-12
Saying Thank You: The Newfound Buzz Word II-13
Workplace Greetings Attain Commonplace Stature II-13
Increased Demand for Cards Among the Blind II-13
Sympathy Cards - Help Sail Through Difficult Times II-14
Innovative Strategies - Order of the Day II-14
Supermarkets - A New Haven II-14
Strategic Perspective II-15
Online Greetings Sites Hit the Peak of Valentine Traffic II-15
Licensing Agreements: Building Blocks for Improved Sales Turnover II-15

5. Electronic Greeting Cards II-16
Electronic Greeting Cards Complement the Virtual World II-16
Are E-greeting Cards Cannibalizing the Traditional Paper-based
Cards? II-16
E-greeting Cards Adopt Subscription based Business Model II-16
Avid E-greeting Card Users Can No Longer Hitch a Free Ride On
the Web II-16
E-greeting Cards Fire Swedish Imagination II-17
SMS and Online Greeting Cards: Boon or Bane II-17

6. Greeting Cards - Freeze Frame II-18
Expression Through Cards: An Undying Tradition Persevering
Through Time II-18
What Makes a Greeting Card a Valued & Thoughtful Gift? II-18
History of Greeting Cards: A Peek Into Its Intriguing OriginI I-18
Popular Christmas Cards: Trick Cards II-19
Types of Trick Cards II-19
Legendary Artists: Documenting Creativity Through the Ages II-19
John Calcott Horsley (1817-1903) II-19
Louis Prang (1824-1909): Father of the American Christmas Card II-19
Esther Allen Howland (1828-1904): An Emblematic Trendsetter
Ensconced in Time II-20
George C. Whitney (1842-1915): Renowned for Valentine Verses II-20
Kate Greenaway (1846-1901): Pioneering Card Designer of the
Victorian Era II-20
Ellen H. Clapsaddle (1865-1934): A Great Artist II-20
Joyce C. Hall (1891-1982): Creator of Famous Hallmark Company II-20
George Burkhardt: Propagator of Noble Causes II-20
Greeting Cards in the 21st Century II-21
Internet as a Medium to Celebrate & Socialize: A Boon to E-
Greetings Cards II-21
The Fiasco of the Much Touted Online Valentine Messages II-21

7. Occasions, Celebrations & Holidays: An Evolution Scan II-22
Valentine’s Day Cards - Evolution Through Decades: 1920s-2000s II-22
Facts about Valentine’s Day Cards II-23
Present Trends II-23
Father’s Day & Mother’s Day: A Tribute to Parenthood II-24
Father’s Day II-24
Trends II-24
Mother’s Day II-24
Trends II-24
Halloweens Day: A Spooky Homage to Immortality II-25
Christmas/New Year: There’s Money in Festivities II-25
Christmas II-25
New Year's Eve/Day II-25
Chinese New Year II-26
Easter, Three Kings Day & Thanksgiving Day: Milking Cash from
Religious Events II-26
Easter II-26
Three Kings Day II-26
Thanksgiving II-26
Passover II-26
Weddings: A Season for Cash Registers to Chime with the
Wedding Bells II-26
Anniversaries: Celebrating Milestones in Camaraderie II-27
Birthdays: The World’s Best-Loved Reason to Celebrate II-27

8. Distribution Channels II-28
Direct Retail Outlets II-28
Retail Greeting Card Sales Through Traditional Distribution
Outlets II-28
Table 1: US Greeting Cards Market (2005 & 2006): Percentage
Breakdown of Value Sales by Distribution Outlet - Card &
Gift Stores, Mass-Market Retailers, Chain Drug Stores, Food,
Discount Party Stores, Dollar Stores and Others (includes
corresponding Graph/Chart) II-28
Indirect Retail Outlet II-29
Online/Virtual Retailing II-29

9. Product Overview II-30
Greeting Cards - A Definition II-30
Business Greeting Cards II-30
New Styles II-30
Disposable Feature II-30
Additional Features II-30
Prospects II-31
C.A.R.D System: Endorsing the Tradition of Offering Business
Cards II-31
Advantages of the C.A.R.D. System II-31
Applications of the Card System II-31
Kids’ Greeting Cards II-31
UNICEF Greeting Cards II-32

10. Competitive Climate II-33
Hallmark & AG: A Competitive Profile of the Two Battle Scarred
Warhorses II-33
Who Wields the Leadership Scepter? II-34
What Makes Hallmark a Hallmark in the Cards Arena? II-34
American Greetings’ Recipe for Online Success II-35
Hallmark & AG: Insights Into Ploys & Strategies Adopted by the
Antagonists II-35
The Tussle in the E-Greeting Arena II-36

11. Product Innovations/Introductions II-37
Cellyspace Introduces Web-Based Mobile Greeting Card Creator II-37
American Greetings’ eCard Division Releases Paper Photo Cards II-37
IdeaEdge Introduces Online Greeting Cards And Gift Cards For
American Idol Fans II-37
Shutterfly Releases New Line of Holiday Cards II-37
Gallery Collection Introduces Line of Business Thanksgiving Cards II-37
Hallmark Unveils New Line of Holiday Business Card II-37
American Greetings Launches Mobile E-Card II-38
Running Rhino Launches New Series of Cards II-38
Hallmark Launches New Series of Cards II-38
Artist and Yolande Letshou Launches New Fashion Merchandise II-38
Spectrum Launches SpinCard Greeting Cards II-38
Digital Inbox Launches Online Video Greeting Cards II-38
Here You Go Launches Free e-Cards II-39
American Greetings Brings Back Holly Hobbie Character II-39
American Greetings Introduces ‘Patchwork of Love’ Online Program II-39
ITC Releases ‘Expressions Regalia’ Collection of Cards II-39
UNICEF Launches New Eid Al Fitr Cards II-39
Clinton Cards Releases Gay Greeting Cards II-40
Pointe Five Releases New Line of Greeting Cards for Inmates II-40
Nihon Hallmark Introduces New Designs II-40
Noel Leeming and Bond & Bond Launches New Plastic Gift Cards II-40
Kien Vang Exhibits Newly Released Greeting Cards II-40
Realeyes3D Launches ‘Chinese New Year’ Edition of w-Greetings™ II-40
Traffix Officially Launches EZ-Greets™ II-40
Art Strings Releases Music Greeting Cards II-41
Up With Paper Introduces New 3D Cards II-41
Prayas Introduces Greeting Cards for Diverse Occasions II-41
Cardthartic Introduces Passages Pet Condolences Cards II-41
Meditation Art Introduces Meditation Greeting Cards II-41
ITC Unveils New Christmas, New Year Greeting Cards II-41
Archies Introduces Paid E-card Services II-41
HelpAge India Unveils New Greeting Cards II-41

12. Recent Industry Activity II-42
PhotoWorks Forms Partnership With Grandparents.Com II-42
Coinstar Partners With Clinton Cards To Add Gift Card Program II-42
American Greetings Enters Into A Deal With Muhammad Ali II-42
American Greetings To Acquire PhotoWorks II-42
Riverdale Publishing Receives £ 1 Million Towards Business
Expansion Program II-42
PhotoChannel To Support Costco USA II-42
Nickelodeon Forms Licensing Agreement With Shutterfly II-43
American Greetings Enters Into Partnership With Comedy Central II-43
American Greetings To Market Prepaid Products of Other Retailers II-43
Gallery Collection to Use Agri-Based Inks II-43
Archies Opens New Brand Store II-43
American Greetings Properties Expands Relationship With Fox
Home Entertainment II-43
American Greetings Announces Closure of Mississippi Unit II-44
Archies To Launch 250 Stores By 2010 II-44
New Breed Logistics Receives Contract from Hallmark II-44
Shutterfly Enhances Manufacturing Operations II-44
Carlton Cards and Comedian Ellen DeGeneres Collaborate II-44
Cartoon Network Joins Hands with Hallmark II-44
Riverdale Acquires UK Card Publishing II-45
Alan Fort Acquires Greeting Card Group II-45
Flying Brands Purchases Greeting Direct to Boost Product
Portfolio II-45
Marian Health Greeting Cards Takes over Renaissance Greeting
Cards II-45
Designer Greetings Acquires Cardsmart Chain of Retail Stores II-45
4Kids Entertainment Enters into Licensing Agreement with
American Greetings II-46
Ebony Magazine Ties up with American Greetings II-46
Winn-Dixie Rewrites Contract with Hallmark Cards II-46
Warner Bros. Extends Partnership with Hallmark Cards II-46
Factory Card & Party Outlet Enters into a Joint Alliance with
Premier Greetings II-46
BrandMuscle in a Contract with Hallmark II-47
Touchpoint Upgrades Cardstore.com II-47
Dicksons Gifts Acquires Lawson Falle Publishing II-47
UNICEF Collaborates with Hallmark II-47
American Greetings Takes Over European Manufacturer of Gift-
Wrappers II-48
International Greetings Acquires Anker International II-48
ITC Enters Into Agreement With SOS Children’s Village Of India II-48
Advent Acquires Stake in Herlitz II-48
FCPO Entered into an Agreement with Paramount Cards II-48
International Greetings Shifts Production Facility II-48
BrandMuscle in a Contract with Hallmark II-48
Touchpoint Upgrades Cardstore.com II-49

13. Focus on Select Players II-50
American Greetings Corporation (USA) II-50
Archies Greetings and Gifts Ltd (India) II-50
Avanti Press, Inc. (USA) II-50
Carlton Cards Ltd. (UK) II-51
Clinton Cards PLC (UK) II-51
Current Inc. (USA) II-51
Factory Card & Party Outlet Corp. (US) II-52
Hallmark Cards, Inc. (USA) II-52
International Greetings Plc (UK) II-52
ITC Packaging & Printing Business Division (India) II-53
John Sands (Australia & New Zealand) II-53
Marcel Schurman (USA) II-53
Simon Elvin Ltd. (UK) II-54
UNICEF (US) II-54
Vintage Cards and Creations Pvt. Ltd. (India) II-54

14. Global Market Perspective II-55
Table 2: World Recent Past, Current & Future Market Analysis
for Greeting Cards by Geographic Region - US, Canada,Japan,
Europe, Asia-Pacific (Excluding Japan), Middle East & Africa
And Latin American Markets Independently Analyzed with Annual
Sales Figures in Million Units for Years 2000 through 2010
(includes corresponding Graph/Chart) II-55

Table 3: World Recent Past, Current & Future Market Analysis
for Greeting Cards by Geographic Region - US, Canada,Japan,
Europe, Asia-Pacific (excluding Japan), Middle East & Africa
and Latin American Markets Independently Analyzed with Annual
Sales Figures in US$ Million for Years 2000 through 2010
(includes corresponding Graph/Chart) II-56

Table 4: World Long-term Projections for Greeting Cards by
Geographic Region - US, Canada, Japan, Europe, Asia-Pacific
(Excluding Japan), Middle East & Africa and Latin American
Markets Independently Analyzed with Annual Sales Figures in
Million Units for Years 2011 through 2015 (includes
corresponding Graph/Chart) II-57

Table 5: World Long-term Projections for Greeting Cards by
Geographic Region - US, Canada, Japan, Europe, Asia-Pacific
(excluding Japan), Middle East & Africa and Latin American
Markets Independently Analyzed with Annual Sales Figures in
US$ Million for Years 2011 through 2015 (includes
corresponding Graph/Chart) II-58

Table 6: World 10-Year Perspective for Greeting Cards by
Geographic Region - Percentage Breakdown of Unit Sales for US,
Canada, Japan, Europe, Asia-Pacific (excluding Japan), Middle
East & Africa and Latin American Markets for Years 2003, 2007
& 2012 (includes corresponding Graph/Chart) II-59

Table 7: World 10-Year Perspective for Greeting Cards by
Geographic Region - Percentage Breakdown of Value Sales for
US, Canada, Japan, Europe, Asia-Pacific (excluding Japan),
Middle East & Africa and Latin American Markets for Years
2003, 2007 & 2012 (includes corresponding Graph/Chart) II-59

Table 8: World Recent Past, Current & Future Market Analysis
for Seasonal Greeting Cards by Geographic Region - US, Canada,
Japan, Europe, Asia-Pacific (excluding Japan), Middle East &
Africa and Latin American Markets Independently Analyzed with
Annual Sales Figures in Million Units for Years 2000 through
2010 (includes corresponding Graph/Chart) II-60

Table 9: World Recent Past, Current & Future Market Analysis
for Seasonal Greeting Cards by Geographic Region - US, Canada,
Japan, Europe, Asia-Pacific (excluding Japan), Middle East &
Africa and Latin American Markets Independently Analyzed with
Annual Sales Figures in US$ Million for Years 2000 through
2010 (includes corresponding Graph/Chart) II-61

Table 10: World Long-term Projections for Seasonal Greeting
Cards by Geographic Region - US, Canada, Japan, Europe,
Asia-Pacific (excluding Japan), Middle East & Africa and Latin
American Markets Independently Analyzed with Annual Sales
Figures in Million Units for Years 2011 through 2015 (includes
corresponding Graph/Chart) II-62

Table 11: World Long-term Projections for Seasonal Greeting
Cards by Geographic Region - US, Canada, Japan, Europe,
Asia-Pacific (excluding Japan), Middle East & Africa and Latin
American Markets Independently Analyzed with Annual Sales
Figures in US$ Million for Years 2011 through 2015 (includes
corresponding Graph/Chart) II-63

Table 12: World 10-Year Perspective for Seasonal Greeting
Cards by Geographic Region - Percentage Breakdown of Unit
Sales for US, Canada, Japan, Europe, Asia-Pacific (excluding
Japan), Middle East & Africa and Latin American Markets for
Years 2003, 2007 & 2012 (includes corresponding Graph/Chart) II-64

Table 13: World 10-Year Perspective for Seasonal Greeting
Cards by Geographic Region - Percentage Breakdown of Value
Sales for US, Canada, Japan, Europe,Asia- Pacific (excluding
Japan), Middle East & Africa and Latin American Markets for
Years 2003,2007 & 2012 (includes corresponding Graph/Chart) II-64

Table 14: World Recent Past, Current & Future Market Analysis
for Everyday Greeting Cards by Geographic Region - US, Canada,
Japan, Europe, Asia-Pacific (excluding Japan), Middle East &
Africa and Latin American Markets Independently Analyzed with
Annual Sales Figures in Million Units for Years 2000 through
2010 (includes corresponding Graph/Chart) II-65

Table 15: World Recent Past, Current & Future Market Analysis
for Everyday Greeting Cards by Geographic Region - US, Canada,
Japan, Europe, Asia-Pacific (excluding Japan), Middle East &
Africa and Latin American Markets Independently Analyzed with
Annual Sales Figures in US$ Million for Years 2000 through
2010 (includes corresponding Graph/Chart) II-66

Table 16: World Long-term Projections for Everyday Greeting
Cards by Geographic Region - US, Canada, Japan, Europe,
Asia-Pacific (excluding Japan), Middle East & Africa and Latin
American Markets Independently Analyzed with Annual Sales
Figures in Million Units for Years 2011 through 2015 (includes
corresponding Graph/Chart) II-67

Table 17: World Recent Past, Current & Future Market Analysis
for Everyday Greeting Cards by Geographic Region - US, Canada,
Japan, Europe, Asia-Pacific (excluding Japan), Middle East &
Africa and Latin American Markets Independently Analyzed with
Annual Sales Figures in US$ Million for Years 2011 through
2015 (includes corresponding Graph/Chart) II-68

Table 18: World 10-Year Perspective for Everyday Greeting
Cards by Geographic Region - Percentage Breakdown of Unit
Sales for US, Canada, Japan, Europe, Asia-Pacific (excluding
Japan), Middle East & Africa and Latin American Markets for
Years 2003, 2007 & 2012 (includes corresponding Graph/Chart) II-69

Table 19: World 10-Year Perspective for Everyday Greeting
Cards by Geographic Region - Percentage Breakdown of Value
Sales for US, Canada, Japan, Europe, Asia-Pacific (excluding
Japan), Middle East & Africa and Latin American Markets for
Years 2003, 2007 & 2012 (includes corresponding Graph/Chart) II-69

Table 20: World Recent Past, Current & Future Market Analysis
for Other Greeting Cards by Geographic Region - US, Canada,
Japan, Europe, Asia-Pacific (excluding Japan), Middle East &
Africa & Latin American Markets Independently Analyzed with
Annual Sales Figures in Million Units for Years 2000 through
2010 (includes corresponding Graph/Chart) II-70

Table 21: World Recent Past, Current & Future Market Analysis
for Other Greeting Cards by Geographic Region - US, Canada,
Japan, Europe, Asia-Pacific (excluding Japan), Middle East &
Africa & Latin American Markets Independently Analyzed with
Annual Sales Figures in US$ Million for Years 2000 through
2010 (includes corresponding Graph/Chart) II-71

Table 22: World Long-term Projections for Other Greeting Cards
by Geographic Region - US, Canada, Japan, Europe, Asia-Pacific
(excluding Japan), Middle East & Africa & Latin American
Markets Independently Analyzed with Annual Sales Figures in
Million Units for Years 2011 through 2015 (includes
corresponding Graph/Chart) II-72

Table 23: World Recent Past, Current & Future Market Analysis
for Other Greeting Cards by Geographic Region - US, Canada,
Japan, Europe, Asia-Pacific (excluding Japan), Middle East &
Africa & Latin American Markets Independently Analyzed with
Annual Sales Figures in US$ Million for Years 2011 through
2015 (includes corresponding Graph/Chart) II-73

Table 24: World 10-Year Perspective for Other Greeting Cards
by Geographic Region - Percentage Breakdown of Unit Sales for
US, Canada, Japan, Europe, Asia-Pacific (excluding Japan),
Middle East & Africa and Latin American Markets for Years
2003, 2007 & 2012 (includes corresponding Graph/Chart) II-74

Table 25: World 10-Year Perspective for Other Greeting Cards
by Geographic Region - Percentage Breakdown of Value Sales for
US, Canada, Japan, Europe, Asia-Pacific (excluding Japan),
Middle East & Africa and Latin American Markets for Years
2003, 2007 & 2012 (includes corresponding Graph/Chart) II-74

Table 26: World Recent Past, Current & Future Market Analysis
for Seasonal Greeting Cards by Occasion - Christmas/New Year,
Valentine’s Day and Other Markets Independently Analyzed with
Annual Sales Figures in Million Units for Years 2000 through
2010 (includes corresponding Graph/Chart) II-75

Table 27: World Recent Past, Current & Future Market Analysis
for Seasonal Greeting Cards by Occasion - Christmas/New Year,
Valentine’s Day and Other Markets Independently Analyzed with
Annual Sales Figures in US$ Million for Years 2000 through
2010 (includes corresponding Graph/Chart) II-75

Table 28: World Long-term Projections for Seasonal Greeting
Cards by Occasion - Christmas/New Year, Valentine’s Day and
Other Markets Independently Analyzed with Annual Sales Figures
in Million Units for Years 2011 through 2015 (includes
corresponding Graph/Chart) II-76

Table 29: World Long-term Projections for Seasonal Greeting
Cards by Occasion - Christmas/New Year, Valentine’s Day and
Other Markets Independently Analyzed with Annual Sales Figures
in US$ Million for Years 2011 through 2015 (includes
corresponding Graph/Chart) II-76

Table 30: World 10-Year Perspective for Seasonal Greeting
Cards by Occasion - Percentage Breakdown of Unit Sales for -
Christmas/New Year, Valentine’s Day and Other Markets for
Years 2003, 2007 & 2012 (includes corresponding Graph/Chart) II-77

Table 31: World 10-Year Perspective for Seasonal Greeting
Cards by Occasion - Percentage Breakdown of Value Sales for
Christmas/New Year, Valentine’s Day and Other Markets for
Years 2003, 2007 & 2012 (includes corresponding Graph/Chart) II-77

Table 32: World Recent Past, Current & Future Market Analysis
for Christmas/New Year Greeting Cards by Geographic Region -
US, Canada, Japan, Europe,Asia- Pacific (excluding Japan),
Middle East & Africa and Latin American Markets Independently
Analyzed with Annual Sales Figures in Million Units for Years
2000 through 2010 (includes corresponding Graph/Chart) II-78

Table 33: World Recent Past, Current & Future Market Analysis
for Christmas/New Year Greeting Cards by Geographic Region -
US, Canada, Japan, Europe, Asia-Pacific (excluding Japan),
Middle East & Africa and Latin American Markets Independently
Analyzed with Annual Sales Figures in US$ Million for Years
2000 through 2010 (includes corresponding Graph/Chart) II-79

Table 34: World Long-term Projections for Christmas/New Year
Greeting Cards by Geographic Region - US, Canada, Japan,
Europe, Asia-Pacific (excluding Japan), Middle East & Africa
and Latin American Markets Independently Analyzed with Annual
Sales Figures in Million Units for Years 2011 through 2015
(includes corresponding Graph/Chart) II-80

Table 35: World Long-term Projections for Christmas/New Year
Greeting Cards by Geographic Region - US, Canada, Japan,
Europe, Asia-Pacific (excluding Japan), Middle East & Africa
and Latin American Markets Independently Analyzed with Annual
Sales Figures in US$ Million for Years 2011 through 2015
(includes corresponding Graph/Chart) II-81

Table 36: World 10-Year Perspective for Christmas/New Year
Greeting Cards by Geographic Region - Percentage Breakdown of
Unit Sales for US, Canada, Japan, Europe, Asia-Pacific
(excluding Japan), Middle East & Africa and Latin American
Markets for Years 2003, 2007 & 2012 (includes corresponding
Graph/Chart) II-82

Table 37: World 10-Year Perspective for Christmas/New Year
Greeting Cards by Geographic Region - Percentage Breakdown of
Value Sales for US, Canada, Japan, Europe, Asia-Pacific
(excluding Japan), Middle East & Africa and Latin American
Markets for Years 2003, 2007 & 2012 (includes corresponding
Graph/Chart) II-82

Table 38: World Recent Past, Current & Future Market Analysis
for Valentine’s Day Greeting Cards by Geographic Region - US,
Canada, Japan, Europe, Asia-Pacific (excluding Japan), Middle
East & Africa and Latin American Markets Independently
Analyzed with Annual Sales Figures in Million Units for Years
2000 through 2010 (includes corresponding Graph/Chart) II-83

Table 39: World Recent Past, Current & Future Market Analysis
Valentine’s Day Greeting Cards by Geographic Region - US,
Canada, Japan, Europe, Asia-Pacific (excluding Japan), Middle
East & Africa and Latin American Markets Independently
Analyzed with Annual Sales Figures in US$ Million for Years
2000 through 2010 (includes corresponding Graph/Chart) II-84

Table 40: World Long-term Projections for Valentine’s Day
Greeting Cards by Geographic Region - US, Canada, Japan,
Europe, Asia-Pacific (excluding Japan), Middle East & Africa
and Latin American Markets Independently Analyzed with Annual
Sales Figures in Million Units for Years 2011 through 2015
(includes corresponding Graph/Chart) II-85

Table 41: World Long-term Projections Valentine’s Day Greeting
Cards by Geographic Region - US, Canada, Japan, Europe,
Asia-Pacific (excluding Japan), Middle East & Africa and Latin
American Markets Independently Analyzed with Annual Sales
Figures in US$ Million for Years 2011 through 2015 (includes
corresponding Graph/Chart) II-86

Table 42: World 10-Year Perspective for Valentine’s Day
Greeting Cards by Geographic Region - Percentage Breakdown of
Unit Sales for US, Canada, Japan, Europe, Asia-Pacific
(excluding Japan), Middle East & Africa and Latin American
Markets for Years 2003, 2007 & 2012 (includes corresponding
Graph/Chart) II-87

Table 43: World 10-Year Perspective for Valentine’s Day
Greeting Cards by Geographic Region - Percentage Breakdown of
Value Sales for US, Canada, Japan, Europe, Asia-Pacific
(excluding Japan), Middle East & Africa and Latin American
Markets for Years 2003, 2007 & 2012 (includes corresponding
Graph/Chart) II-87

Table 44: World Recent Past, Current & Future Market Analysis
for Other Seasonal Cards by Geographic Region - US, Canada,
Japan, Europe, Asia-Pacific (excluding Japan), Middle East &
Africa and Latin American Markets Independently Analyzed with
Annual Sales Figures in Million Units for Years 2000 through
2010 (includes corresponding Graph/Chart) II-88

Table 45: World Recent Past, Current & Future Market Analysis
for Other Seasonal Cards by Geographic Region - US, Canada,
Japan, Europe, Asia-Pacific (excluding Japan), Middle East &
Africa and Latin American Markets Independently Analyzed with
Annual Sales Figures in US$ Million for Years 2000 through
2010 (includes corresponding Graph/Chart) II-89

Table 46: World Long-term Projections for Other Seasonal Cards
by Geographic Region - US, Canada, Japan, Europe, Asia-Pacific
(excluding Japan), Middle East & Africa and Latin American
Markets Independently Analyzed with Annual Sales Figures in
Million Units for Years 2011 through 2015 (includes
corresponding Graph/Chart) II-90

Table 47: World Long-term Projections for Other Seasonal Cards
by Geographic Region - US, Canada, Japan, Europe, Asia-Pacific
(excluding Japan), Middle East & Africa and Latin American
Markets Independently Analyzed with Annual Sales Figures in
US$ Million for Years 2011 through 2015 (includes
corresponding Graph/Chart) II-91

Table 48: World 10-Year Perspective for Other Seasonal Cards
by Geographic Region - Percentage Breakdown of Unit Sales for
US, Canada, Japan, Europe, Asia-Pacific (excluding Japan),
Middle East & Africa and Latin American Markets for Years
2003, 2007 & 2012 (includes corresponding Graph/Chart) II-92

Table 49: World 10-Year Perspective for Other Seasonal Cards
by Geographic Region - Percentage Breakdown of Value Sales for
US, Canada, Japan, Europe, Asia-Pacific (excluding Japan),
Middle East & Africa and Latin American Markets for Years
2003, 2007 & 2012 (includes corresponding Graph/Chart) II-92

Table 50: World Recent Past, Current & Future Market Analysis
for Everyday Greeting Cards by Occasion - Birthday,
Anniversary, and Other Markets Independently Analyzed with
Annual Sales Figures in Million Units for Years 2000 through
2010 (includes corresponding Graph/Chart) II-93

Table 51: World Recent Past, Current & Future Market Analysis
for Everyday Greeting Cards by Occasion - Birthday,
Anniversary, and Other Markets Independently Analyzed with
Annual Sales Figures in US$ Million for Years 2000 through
2010 (includes corresponding Graph/Chart) II-93

Table 52: World Long-term Projections for Everyday Greeting
Cards by Occasion - Birthday, Anniversary, and Other Markets
Independently Analyzed with Annual Sales Figures in Million
Units for Years 2011 through 2015 (includes corresponding
Graph/Chart) II-94

Table 53: World Long-term Projections for Everyday Greeting
Cards by Occasion - Birthday, Anniversary, and Other Markets
Independently Analyzed with Annual Sales Figures in US$
Million for Years 2011 through 2015 (includes corresponding
Graph/Chart) II-94

Table 54: World 10-Year Perspective for Everyday Greeting
Cards by Occasion - Percentage Breakdown of Unit Sales for
Birthday, Anniversary, and Other Markets for Years 2003, 2007
& 2015 (includes corresponding Graph/Chart) II-95

Table 55: World 10-Year Perspective for Everyday Greeting
Cards by Occasion - Percentage Breakdown of Value Sales for
Birthday, Anniversary, and Other Markets for Years 2003, 2007
& 2012 (includes corresponding Graph/Chart) II-95

Table 56: World Recent Past, Current & Future Market Analysis
for Anniversary Greeting Cards by Geographic Region - US,
Canada, Japan, Europe, Asia-Pacific (excluding Japan), Middle
East & Africa and Latin American Markets Independently
Analyzed with Annual Sales Figures in Million Units for Years
2000 through 2010 (includes corresponding Graph/Chart) II-96

Table 57: World Recent Past, Current & Future Market Analysis
for Anniversary Greeting Cards by Geographic Region - US,
Canada, Japan, Europe, Asia-Pacific (excluding Japan), Middle
East & Africa and Latin American Markets Independently
Analyzed with Annual Sales Figures in US$ Million for Years
2000 through 2010 (includes corresponding Graph/Chart) II-97

Table 58: World Long-term Projections for Anniversary Greeting
Cards by Geographic Region - US, Canada, Japan, Europe,
Asia-Pacific (excluding Japan), Middle East & Africa and Latin
American Markets Independently Analyzed with Annual Sales
Figures in Million Units for Years 2011 through 2015 (includes
corresponding Graph/Chart) II-98

Table 59: World Long-term Projections for Anniversary Greeting
Cards by Geographic Region - US, Canada, Japan, Europe,
Asia-Pacific (excluding Japan), Middle East & Africa and Latin
American Markets Independently Analyzed with Annual Sales
Figures in US$ Million for Years 2011 through 2015 (includes
corresponding Graph/Chart) II-99

Table 60: World 10-Year Perspective for Anniversary Greeting
Cards by Geographic Region - Percentage Breakdown of Unit
Sales for US, Canada, Japan, Europe, Asia-Pacific (excluding
Japan), Middle East & Africa and Latin American Markets for
Years 2003, 2007 & 2012 (includes corresponding Graph/Chart) II-100

Table 61: World 10-Year Perspective for Anniversary Greeting
Cards by Geographic Region - Percentage Breakdown of Value
Sales for US, Canada, Japan, Europe, Asia-Pacific (excluding
Japan), Middle East & Africa and Latin American Markets for
Years 2003, 2007 & 2012 II-100

Table 62: World Recent Past, Current & Future Market Analysis
for Birthday Greeting Cards by Geographic Region - US, Canada,
Japan, Europe, Asia-Pacific (excluding Japan), Middle East &
Africa and Latin American Markets Independently Analyzed with
Annual Sales Figures in Million Units for Years 2000 through
2010 (includes corresponding Graph/Chart) II-101

Table 63: World Recent Past, Current & Future Market Analysis
for Birthday Greeting Cards by Geographic Region - US, Canada,
Japan, Europe, Asia-Pacific (excluding Japan), Middle East &
Africa and Latin American Markets Independently Analyzed with
Annual Sales Figures in US$ Million for Years 2000 through
2010 (includes corresponding Graph/Chart) II-102

Table 64: World Long-term Projections for Birthday Greeting
Cards by Geographic Region - US, Canada, Japan, Europe,
Asia-Pacific (excluding Japan), Middle East & Africa and Latin
American Markets Independently Analyzed with Annual Sales
Figures in Million Units for Years 2011 through 2015 (includes
corresponding Graph/Chart) II-103

Table 65: World Long-term Projections for Birthday Greeting
Cards by Geographic Region - US, Canada, Japan, Europe,
Asia-Pacific (excluding Japan), Middle East & Africa and Latin
American Markets Independently Analyzed with Annual Sales
Figures in US$ Million for Years 2011 through 2015 (includes
corresponding Graph/Chart) II-104

Table 66: World 10-Year Perspective for Birthday Greeting
Cards by Geographic Region - Percentage Breakdown of Unit
Sales for US, Canada, Japan, Europe, Asia-Pacific (excluding
Japan), Middle East & Africa and Latin American Markets for
Years 2003, 2007 & 2012 (includes corresponding Graph/Chart) II-105

Table 67: World 10-Year Perspective for Birthday Greeting
Cards by Geographic Region - Percentage Breakdown of Value
Sales for US, Canada, Japan, Europe, Asia-Pacific (excluding
Japan), Middle East & Africa and Latin American Markets for
Years 2003, 2007 & 2012 (includes corresponding Graph/Chart) II-105

Table 68: World Recent Past, Current & Future Market Analysis
for Other Everyday Cards by Geographic Region - US, Canada,
Japan, Europe, Asia-Pacific (excluding Japan), Middle East &
Africa and Latin American Markets Independently Analyzed with
Annual Sales sFigures in Million Units for Years 2000 through
2010 (includes corresponding Graph/Chart) II-106

Table 69: World Recent Past, Current & Future Market Analysis
for Other Everyday Cards by Geographic Region - US, Canada,
Japan, Europe, Asia-Pacific (excluding Japan), Middle East &
Africa and Latin American Markets Independently Analyzed with
Annual Sales Figures in US$ Million for Years 2000 through
2010 (includes corresponding Graph/Chart) II-107

Table 70: World Long-term Projections for Other Everyday Cards
by Geographic Region - US, Canada, Japan, Europe, Asia-Pacific
(excluding Japan), Middle East & Africa and Latin American
Markets Independently Analyzed with Annual Sales Figures in
Million Units for Years 2011 through 2015 (includes
corresponding Graph/Chart) II-108

Table 71: World Long-term Projections for Other Everyday Cards
by Geographic Region - US, Canada, Japan, Europe, Asia-Pacific
(excluding Japan), Middle East & Africa and Latin American
Markets Independently Analyzed with Annual Sales Figures in
US$ Million for Years 2011 through 2015 (includes
corresponding Graph/Chart) II-109

Table 72: World 10-Year Perspective for Other Everyday Cards
by Geographic Region - Percentage Breakdown of Unit Sales for
US, Canada, Japan, Europe, Asia-Pacific (excluding Japan),
Middle East & Africa and Latin American Markets for Years
2003, 2007 & 2012 (includes corresponding Graph/Chart) II-110

Table 73: World 10-Year Perspective for Other Everyday Cards
by Geographic Region - Percentage Breakdown of Value Sales for
US, Canada, Japan, Europe, Asia-Pacific (excluding Japan),
Middle East & Africa and Latin American Markets for Years
2003, 2007 & 2012 (includes corresponding Graph/Chart) II-110

Table 74: World Recent Past, Current & Future Market Analysis
for Other Greeting Cards by Geographic Region - US, Canada,
Japan, Europe, Asia-Pacific (excluding Japan), Middle East &
Africa and Latin American Markets Independently Analyzed with
Annual Sales Figures in Million Units for Years 2000 through
2010 (includes corresponding Graph/Chart) II-111

Table 75: World Recent Past, Current & Future Market Analysis
for Other Greeting Cards by Geographic Region - US, Canada,
Japan, Europe, Asia-Pacific (excluding Japan), Middle East &
Africa and Latin American Markets Independently Analyzed with
Annual Sales Figures in US$ Million for Years 2000 through
2010 (includes corresponding Graph/Chart) II-112

Table 76: World Long-term Projections for Other Greeting Cards
by Geographic Region - US, Canada, Japan, Europe, Asia-Pacific
(excluding Japan), Middle East & Africa and Latin American
Markets Independently Analyzed with Annual Sales Figures in
Million Units for Years 2011 through 2015 (includes
corresponding Graph/Chart) II-113

Table 77: World Long-term Projections for Other Greeting Cards
by Geographic Region - US, Canada, Japan, Europe, Asia-Pacific
(excluding Japan), Middle East & Africa and Latin American
Markets Independently Analyzed with Annual Sales Figures in
US$ Million for Years 2011 through 2015 (includes
corresponding Graph/Chart) II-114

Table 78: World 10-Year Perspective for Other Greeting Cards
by Geographic Region - Percentage Breakdown of Unit Sales for
US, Canada, Japan, Europe, Asia- Pacific (excluding Japan),
Middle East & Africa and Latin American Markets for Years
2003, 2007 & 2012 (includes corresponding Graph/Chart) II-115

Table 79: World 10-Year Perspective for Other Greeting Cards
by Geographic Region - Percentage Breakdown of Value Sales for
US, Canada, Japan, Europe, Asia-Pacific (excluding Japan),
Middle East & Africa and Latin American Markets for Years
2003, 2007 & 2012 (includes corresponding Graph/Chart) II-115


III. MARKET

1. The United States III-1
A.Market Analysis III-1
Market Overview III-1
Demographics III-1
A Current & Future Analysis III-1
By Product Segment III-1
By Occasion III-2
Distribution Channels III-2
Table 80: US Greeting Cards Market (2005 & 2006):
Percentage Breakdown of Sales by Distribution Outlet - Card
& Gift Stores, Mass-Market Retailers, Chain Drug Stores,
Food, Discount Party Stores, Dollar Stores and Others
(includes corresponding Graph/Chart) III-2
A Peek into Niche Markets III-3
Religious Cards III-3
Inspirational Cards III-3
Major Trends III-4
E-Greetings Pickup in this Holiday Season III-4
Greeting Card Suppliers Look for Diversification III-4
Sales of Cards for “Everyday Situations” Outstrip “
Occasion-Specific Cards” III-4
Greeting Card Companies Cash-In On America’s Ethnic &
Demographic Diversity III-4
Paper Cards: Continues to be the Most Popular Form of Greeting III-5
Cards Mirror Ethnic Diversity III-5
Cards for Younger Generation III-5
Emerging Cards III-5
American Consumer - Keeping Retailers on their Toes III-5
Shift in Consumer Focus III-6
Greeting Cards Find their Way to Customers III-6
Leading Companies Co-operate with Drug Stores III-6
Women Dominate the Market III-6
Table 81: Growth Rates of Women Card Purchasers: 2000-2007 III-6
Hispanics: America’s Fastest Growing Ethnic Group III-7
Greeting Cards - A Lucrative Segment of Stationary & Social
Expression Products III-7
Table 82: US Market for Social Expression (2005 & 2006):
Percentage Breakdown of Volume Sales through Chain Drug
Stores by Category - Greeting Cards; Gift-wrap, Ribbons,
Bows; and Party Supplies (includes corresponding
Graph/Chart) III-7
Card Introductions - Reflections of Innovations and Changes III-8
Distribution Concepts III-8
Greeting Cards Acquiring More Shelf Space in Supermarkets III-8
Strategies Applied to Capture a Larger CustomerGroup III-8
The Role of Card Costs III-8
A Peek into Recent Past III-9
Product Innovations/Introductions III-9
Recent Industry Activity III-13
Key Players III-18
American Greetings Corporation III-18
Avanti Press Inc. III-19
Current Inc. III-19
Factory Card & Party Outlet Corp. III-19
Hallmark Cards, Inc. III-20
Marcel Schurman III-20
UNICEF III-20
William Arthur III-21
B.Market Analytics III-21
Table 83: US Recent Past, Current & Future Market Analysis
for Greeting Cards by Occasion - Seasonal Cards
(Christmas/New Year, Valentine’s Day, Mother’s Day, Easter,
Father’s Day and Other Seasonal Cards), Everyday Cards
(Birthday, Anniversary, Get Well, Friendship, Sympathy and
Other Everyday Cards) and Other Card Markets Independently
Analyzed with Annual Sales Figures in Million Units for
Years 2000 through 2010 (includes corresponding Graph/Chart) III-21

Table 84: US Recent Past, Current & Future Market Analysis
for Greeting Cards by Occasion - Seasonal Cards
(Christmas/New Year, Valentine’s Day, Mother’s Day, Easter,
Father’s Day and Other Seasonal Cards),Everyday Cards
(Birthday, Anniversary, Get Well, Friendship, Sympathy and
Other Everyday Cards) and Other Card Markets Independently
Analyzed with Annual Sales Figures in US$ Million for Years
2000 through 2010 (includes corresponding Graph/Chart) III-22

Table 85: US Long-term Projections for Greeting Cards by
Occasion - Seasonal Cards (Christmas/New Year, Valentine’s
Day, Mother’s Day, Easter, Father’s Day and Other Seasonal
Cards), Everyday Cards (Birthday, Anniversary, Get Well,
Friendship, Sympathy and Other Everyday Cards) and Other
Card Markets Independently Analyzed with Annual Sales
Figures in Million Units for Years 2011 through 2015
(includes corresponding Graph/Chart) III-23

Table 86: US Long-term Projections for Greeting Cards by
Occasion - Seasonal Cards (Christmas/New Year, Valentine’s
Day, Mother’s Day, Easter, Father’s Day and Other Seasonal
Cards), Everyday Cards (Birthday, Anniversary, Get Well,
Friendship, Sympathy and Other Everyday Cards) and Other
Card Markets Independently Analyzed with Annual Sales
Figures in US$ Million for Years 2011 through 2015 (includes
corresponding Graph/Chart) III-24

Table 87: US 10-Year Perspective for Greeting Cards by
Occasion - Percentage Breakdown of Unit Sales for Seasonal
Cards (Christmas/New Year, Valentine’s Day, Mother’s Day,
Easter, Father’s Day and Other Seasonal Cards), Everyday
Cards (Birthday, Anniversary, Get Well, Friendship, Sympathy
and Other Everyday Cards) and Other Card Markets
Independently Analyzed for 2003, 2007 & 2012 (includes
corresponding Graph/Chart) III-25

Table 88: US 10-Year Perspective for Greeting Cards by
Occasion - Percentage Breakdown of Value Sales for Seasonal
Cards (Christmas/New Year, Valentine’s Day, Mother’s Day,
Easter, Father’s Day and Other Seasonal Cards), Everyday
Cards (Birthday, Anniversary, Get Well, Friendship, Sympathy
and Other Everyday Cards) and Other Card Markets
Independently Analyzed for 2003, 2007 & 2012 (includes
corresponding Graph/Chart) III-26

2. Canada III-27
A.Market Analysis III-27
A Current & Future Analysis III-27
By Product Segment III-27
By Occasion III-27
Nominal Influence of eCards III-27
Strategic Corporate Developments III-28
B.Market Analytics III-29
Table 89: Canadian Recent Past, Current & Future Market
Analysis for Greeting Cards by Occasion - Seasonal Cards
(Christmas/New Year, Valentine’s Day, Mother’s Day, Easter,
Father’s Day and Other Seasonal Cards), Everyday Cards
(Birthday, Anniversary, Get Well, Friendship, Sympathy and
Other Everyday Cards) and Other Card Markets Independently
Analyzed with Annual Sales Figures in Million Units for
Years 2000 through 2010 (includes corresponding Graph/Chart) III-29

Table 90: Canadian Recent Past, Current & Future Market
Analysis for Greeting Cards by Occasion - Seasonal Cards
(Christmas/New Year, Valentine’s Day, Mother’s Day, Easter,
Father’s Day and Other Seasonal Cards), Everyday Cards
(Birthday, Anniversary, Get Well, Friendship, Sympathy &
Other Everyday Cards) and Other Card Markets Independently
Analyzed with Annual Sales Figures in US$ Million for Years
2000 through 2010 (includes corresponding Graph/Chart) III-30

Table 91: Canadian Long-term Projections for Greeting Cards
by Occasion - Seasonal Cards (Christmas/New Year,
Valentine’s Day, Mother’s Day, Easter, Father’s Day and
Other Seasonal Cards), Everyday Cards (Birthday,
Anniversary, Get Well, Friendship, Sympathy and Other
Everyday Cards) and Other Card Markets Independently
Analyzed with Annual Sales Figures in Million Units for
Years 2011 through 2015 (includes corresponding Graph/Chart) III-31

Table 92: Canadian Long-term Projections for Greeting Cards
by Occasion - Seasonal Cards (Christmas/New Year,
Valentine’s Day, Mother’s Day, Easter, Father’s Day and
Other Seasonal Cards), Everyday Cards (Birthday,
Anniversary, Get Well, Friendship, Sympathy and Other
Everyday Cards) and Other Card Markets Independently
Analyzed with Annual Sales Figures in US$ Million for Years
2011 through 2015 (includes corresponding Graph/Chart) III-32

Table 93: Canadian 10-Year Perspective for Greeting Cards by
Occasion - Percentage Breakdown of Unit Sales for Seasonal
Cards (Christmas/New Year, Valentine’s Day, Mother’s Day,
Easter, Father’s Day and Other Seasonal Cards), Everyday
Cards (Birthday, Anniversary, Get Well, Friendship, Sympathy
and Other Everyday Cards)) and Other Card Markets
Independently Analyzed for 2003, 2007 & 2012 (includes
corresponding Graph/Chart) III-33

Table 94: Canadian 10-Year Perspective for Greeting Card by
Occasion - Percentage Breakdown of Value Sales for Seasonal
Cards (Christmas/New Year, Valentine’s Day, Mother’s Day,
Easter, Father’s Day and Other Seasonal Cards), Everyday
Cards (Birthday, Anniversary, Get Well, Friendship, Sympathy
and Other Everyday Cards) and Other Card Markets
Independently Analyzed for 2003, 2007 & 2012 (includes
corresponding Graph/Chart) III-34

3. Japan III-35
A.Market Analysis III-35
A Current & Future Analysis III-35
By Product Segment III-35
By Occasion III-35
Market Trends III-35
B.Market Analytics III-36
Table 95: Japanese Recent Past, Current & Future Market
Analysis for Greeting Cards by Occasion - Seasonal Cards
(Christmas/New Year, Valentine’s Day, and Other Seasonal
Cards), Everyday Cards (Birthday, Anniversary, and Other
Everyday Cards) and Other Card Markets Independently
Analyzed with Annual Sales Figures in Million Units for
Years 2000 through 2010 (includes corresponding Graph/Chart) III-36

Table 96: Japanese Recent Past, Current & Future Market
Analysis for Greeting Cards by Occasion - Seasonal Cards
(Christmas/New Year, Valentine’s Day, and Other Seasonal
Cards), Everyday Cards (Birthday, Anniversary, and Other
Everyday Cards) and Other Card Markets Independently
Analyzed with Annual Sales Figures in US$ Million for Years
2000 through 2010 (includes corresponding Graph/Chart) III-37

Table 97: Japanese Long-term Projections for Greeting Cards
by Occasion - Seasonal Cards (Christmas/New Year,
Valentine’s Day, and Other Seasonal Cards), Everyday Cards
(Birthday, Anniversary, and Other Everyday Cards) and Other
Card Markets Independently Analyzed with Annual Sales
Figures in Million Units for Years 2011 through 2015
(includes corresponding Graph/Chart)