WSJ: What's In The Cards For American Greetings As Habits Change?

Interesting article from Wall Street Journal: http://online.wsj.com/article/BT-CO-20111218-704822.html

Here's an excerpt:

American Greetings is navigating a multiyear decline in industrywide greeting-card sales as more well-wishers express sentiments in email, Facebook and other means of social interaction.

 "You always get the question, will the greeting-card industry hold up with all the electronic stuff coming out?" said Kevin Cassidy, senior credit officer at Moody's Investors Service. "This is a very mature business. You can try to take some share. You come up with some new avenues, some price increases."

American Greetings has made strategic moves in recent years to help it compete with larger rival Hallmark Cards Inc., which is privately held. In 2009, American Greetings exited the retail business and bought Papyrus and Recycled Paper Greetings, honing its focus on its core business making cards. It acquired Watermark Publishing Ltd. earlier this year, boosting its presence in the U.K.

American Greetings also has a small operation selling e-cards and other digital offerings, but its business selling traditional products in North America accounts for the vast bulk of its revenue. 

Read the rest of the article here.


Art Licensing Seminar Jan 28

I just got this info about a licensing seminar. It looks exciting! For more info see: http://www.karenembry.com/The-New-Dynamics-of-Art-Licensing.html

DYNAMICS OF ART LICENSING
Presented by Karen Embry, Phyllis Dobbs and Brenda Pinnick

Karen, Phyllis and Brenda are presenting an art licensing business seminar designed to deliver honest, first- hand knowledge, tips, advice and insight. In this seminar they will share with you how the playing field has drastically changed over the last several years, what you need to do to succeed and the challenges you need to understand before investing your time, energy and money.

As an optional add-on, they are also offering a private, one on one consultation for portfolio viewing. You will get to peek inside their own portfolio "books" to see what their clients see and which art got them the deals! They will look at your art, discuss what categories it might fit and give you honest advice about color, styling, themes, etc. This is a one-time only opportunity at the low, low price they are offering.

The seminar will take place on Saturday, January 28, 2012 at 6:30 pm to 8:30 pm, then 8:30 pm to 9:30 pm for private consults. (this is after CHA meet and greet so there is no overlap or conflicts) Where – The Annabella Hotel, Azalea Room, Anaheim, CA It runs concurrent to the CHA Show dates and in close proximity to the convention, but does not conflict with any CHA events. This is an excellent opportunity for those attending CHA to have the option to attend the seminar since they would already be at the convention, but wouldn't have to incur any additional travel expenses. There is also an early bird discount for those that purchase their NEW Dynamics of Art Licensing seminar ticket by January 14, 2012. Portfolio consultation & art review times are scheduled according to the date of ticket purchase.