Card Sharp
Progressive Grocer|December 2019
Paper greetings aren’t disappearing, manufacturers insist, but innovation in the category is essential to compete with digital and social alternatives
Barbara Sax
Card Sharp

Paperless substitutes and higher postage stamp rates have taken a toll on the greeting card category. But even as more consumers migrate to e-cards, card manufacturers say that occasions remain when only a traditional paper greeting card will do, and cards and wrap continue to see strong sales at retail.

According to Jeanne Sheehy, executive director of the Washington, D.C.-based Greeting Card Association, it’s a myth that people are sending fewer cards. “While more people may be acknowledging birthdays with the availability of social media, they are not sending fewer cards as a result,” she asserts. “In fact, with the emergence of digital and social greetings, the term ‘card-worthy’ has emerged for people to whom one sends a paper card. The term captures the emotional connection of sending and receiving a greeting card.”

New and improved

Cleveland-based American Greetings sees consumers turning to digital greetings as a complement to paper greeting cards, not a replacement, according to a company representative, who adds that American Greetings paper cards consistently outperform the general merchandise category in the grocery channel. “We are seeing growth in both cards and gift packaging as a result of our focus on innovation,” stresses the rep. “These new products offer a great value at a slightly higher price and have put the excitement back in greeting card departments.”

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