Danilo is to be distributed by greeting card publisher Words ‘n’ Wishes for the independent sector.
This follows Tuesday’s news (June 19) that Is It Art (which has been representing Danilo in the independent channel for the past 18 years) is to be fully integrated into the Carte Blanche business. With mutual consent, the two publishers have amicably agreed that it is the right time to sever links.
Commenting on the new partnership Danilo’s managing director, Daniel Prince, said “We have enjoyed an excellent relationship with Is It Art over the last 18 years but felt the time had come for a different approach to the independent market. We would like to thank Alister [Marchant, ceo of CBG] and the wider team at Is It Art/Carte Blanche for their work over the years and wish them the very best of luck for the future.”
Brett Smith, sales director of Danilo explained that having watched with interest, the work Words ‘n’ Wishes has been doing in this sector over the past 12 months, “particularly in a difficult trading climate”, an approach was made.
“We feel Danilo’s strong portfolio of brands, along with Words ‘n’ Wishes’ outstanding reputation and customer service, will lead to a fantastic partnership ensuring our independent customers receive the products and service they deserve,” said Brett.
Last October, Words ‘n’ Wishes took over the sales and distribution of card publisher Quitting Hollywood, expanding its salesforce to accommodate the broader portfolio. This is the next step in Words ‘n’ Wishes’ growth plan.
Rod Brown, joint managing director of Words ‘n’ Wishes, revealed that “When Danilo approached us to discuss the possibility of distributing their products through the independent market, we were immediately excited and flattered,” recognising that adding Danilo’s strong line up of licensed products could “only further enhance the strength and quality” of its offering to the independent sector.
While Words ‘n’ Wishes was not targeting licensed products on its wish list, however, Rod says the Danilo range offers “a fantastic opportunity and comfortable fit with no conflict” of the publisher’s existing portfolio
The Words ‘n’ Wishes salesforce of 24 agents will be carrying all the key elements of the Danilo portfolio, including a calendar offering commencing for 2020.
As to whether Words ‘n’ Wishes will be representing more publishers in this way, Rod said “we believe that we have an infrastructure and philosophy that could expand further to include another publisher or product providing it was the right fit.”
Danilo will be contacting all customers over the next few weeks with further details of the transition to Words ‘n’ Wishes, however up until July 31 it is business as usual and orders should continue to be placed with the Is It Art sales force.
