Leading greeting card publisher and franchisor, Card Connection, has today announced that franchisee Martin Cameron has seen his franchise grow by 9% in in the past year. Former hotelier Martin joined the company almost ten years ago, and now delivers Card Connection’s extensive range of quality greetings cards and accessories to retailers in Kent.

“When I started in 2005, I supplied and merchandised 150 stores,” confirms Martin. “These days I now look after 175 retail accounts. However, in each store I have worked to become more established. I may have started out providing a simple card spinner but now have tried to expand this to a metre display plus gift bags, wrap and party products in each account.

“My retail customers really appreciate the investment I have made in display equipment for them and this is important for me as it secures the position of my greetings cards displays in-store,” continues Martin. “Of course, it is also essential that the display looks great so Card Connection’s regular releases of new, quality designs ensure we stand out head and shoulders above any competition in the market. Card Connection’s new point of sale display, which I have just rolled-out, is particularly bright and colourful, it is sure to attract attention and help continue to maximise sales in 2015.”

Penny Gelman, business development manager, Card Connection explains: “Martin’s excellent sales figures for the past 12 months are a reflection of his continuous hard work and focus to grow his franchise. Martin is particularly disciplined when it comes to call cycles and ensures all his accounts are looked after, from small independents to national accounts. Martin has also started supplying some new stores including a Budgens in Tunbridge Wells which he has developed to become one of his top outlets. We are proud of what Martin has achieved over the past year and will continue to support him in his franchise.”

Card Connection franchisees supply greeting cards and accessories in retail outlets on a ‘consignment’ basis, also supplying the display equipment free on loan as appropriate, minimising the retailers’ costs and maximising their profits. This is one step beyond ‘sale or return’ as retail customers don’t have to buy the stock initially; they only pay for what they sell. Card Connection’s award winning merchandising service provided to retailers has proved popular all over the UK and Ireland.

Card Connection is one of the UK’s larger card publishers and is the market leader in the franchised distribution of greeting cards. The business’ unique model of consignment sales has resulted in a strong brand and established reputation which has been proven over many years. Through its franchisees Card Connection supplies about 12,000 retailers throughout the UK.

Card Connection is part of UK Greetings, which is a subsidiary of American Greetings Inc., one of the largest greeting card publishers in the world and has limited vacancies for franchisees that are keen to run an expanding business. Since the franchise network in the UK is 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 £7k + Stock + Card Connection fee with earnings potential in excess of £50k per annum.