Wholesaler now offers greeting cards to retail customers
Hallmark and Smiths News have got together to provide a new greeting card offer for the newspaper and magazine wholesaler’s retail customers.
The announcement came yesterday, 10 February, with an announcement on social media, which can be seen in the reel below, and Michael Williams, Smiths News’ head of proposition development, said: “Greeting cards are an integral part of UK life and, taking away some of the complexity that surrounds stocking them, and giving our customers access to the best of the best products that usually only the multiple grocers and convenience groups can access, absolutely supports our goal.
“It is estimated that 8.2million consumers a year buy greeting cards within a convenience location, and we are keen to help our independent retailers take advantage of this growing market.”
The company said the initiative is designed to make Smiths News retailers lives a little easier by offering a simpler way to manage greeting cards, allowing them to “create a more appealing and diverse product selection for their customers”.
The social media announcement trumpeted: “Want to start stocking greeting cards from the global greeting card brand Hallmark? Smiths News has the opportunity to get you on your way! Benefits of this fantastic partnership include top-quality cards to celebrate every occasion delivered straight to your door, space-saving display arrangements and a high-profit margin. What’s not to love?”
Customers will have the opportunity to supply a selection of Hallmark’s range of cards and gift-wrapping options to suit the space available in their store, and the launch has deferred payment to further support the retailers.
Originally part of the WHSmith group, Smiths News demerged in 2006 to create a new logistics and distribution company which now has a 55% share of the newspaper and magazine wholesale market, distributing to 22,400 customers.
The company said: “Hallmark’s 100% recyclable and plastic-free card selections appealed to us greatly, especially with our current keen focus on providing our retailers with a high-quality recycling solution, SN Recycle.”
As well as delivering the card stock Smiths will also be providing ongoing sales and marketing support, including having merchandisers to arrange the presentation of the cards in stores, and ongoing sales support over the phone at times suitable to retailers.
Hallmark’s head of commercial Fiona Pitt said: “We are incredibly excited to partner with Smiths News as a new distributor in the convenience market. Their experience and strong infrastructure make them the ideal collaborator for Hallmark.
“Our products perfectly complement their diverse customer base, and this partnership will significantly streamline their customer journey, making it more enjoyable and accessible for everyone. Customers will benefit from easier access to our high-quality products, enhancing their in-store shopping experience.”
