Card Connection, a leading greeting card publisher and franchisor, announced recently that its Kent franchisees have seen their trading up 27%. According to the information provided, franchisee, Jason Hook and his partner Vanessa Culliford, who joined Card Connection two years ago, have been focusing on growing their business over the last six months and have started to work with an additional 53 retail sites. This increases their portfolio of Card Connection retail customers to well over 200 stores and, as a result, they have seen a significant uplift in sales figures.
Ex Kent policeman, Jason puts the team's success down to: "Hard work and a focus on expanding the business through new retail customers. Our target is to get at least one new retailer to stock our Card Connection greeting cards each week and by calling on outlets, from farm shops to florists - in addition to larger retail stores, we are easily achieving this."
Card Connection franchisees place greeting card ranges in retail outlets on a ‘consignment' basis. This means the stock and display equipment is installed on free loan to the retailer. This is one step beyond ‘sale or return' as Card Connection customers never have to buy the stock in the first place, only paying for what they sell. The award winning merchandising service provided to retailers by local franchisees has, the company says, established its excellent reputation especially within the convenience sector. (kbp)