New Web site offers dozens of easy tips for consumers looking for ideas
about connecting, celebrating and communicating
KANSAS CITY, Mo., July 19 /PRNewswire/ - We've all counted on them as
trusted experts over the years, probably without even knowing it. People
who worked behind the scenes to help us express the perfect sentiment that
strengthened a friendship ... simplified the way we preserve precious
memories ... or designed treasured keepsakes our kids excitedly place on
the tree each holiday season. Now, these same people -- the creative,
inspiring minds behind the Hallmark Gold Crown cards and products you know
and trust -- are instantly accessible to consumers everywhere who are
looking for help with matters of the heart and home.
With today's launch of http://www.hallmark.com/experts , a new section
of its Web site, Hallmark is giving consumers a peek "behind the curtain,"
providing online access to some members of their very own creative staff.
The Web site, features Hallmark writers and artists offering tips and ideas
in five subject areas: entertaining, everyday traditions, keeping in touch,
weddings and home decor.
"We know consumers already look to Hallmark for ideas in each of these
areas," said Paul Barker, senior vice president creative product
development. "It's what they expect from us. In fact, when we commissioned
a holiday contest last year, the most common response we heard from our
23,000 entrants was: 'Help me, Hallmark!' And that's exactly what we're
doing with the launch of this new online resource."
Consumers will find dozens of free tips on the site, direct from the
inventive people behind the Hallmark brand like:
-- Lee Franklin, a veteran writer who specializes in real words for the
real world. Lee -- with the innate ability to express exactly how
we're feeling -- provides simple, meaningful ways to say, "I care" and
"good job" to family and friends.
-- Merrily Jackson, an entertaining expert who has used her passion to
host "talk of the town" parties for more than 20 years, and write a
column for Spaces magazine, offers dos and don'ts for planning great
gatherings.
-- Tim Bodendistel, whose obsession with pop culture helps Hallmark
create new, exclusive products based on movies, music and television
that people can use to keep in touch in surprising new ways.
Lee, Merrily and Tim are just a few of the Hallmark creatives who will
regularly offer tips on the new site. Other experts Hallmark is introducing
include Tina Wilson and Andy Newcom (providing unique home decorating
ideas), Joan Orth (as a keep in touch expert), Bet David (as an everyday
traditions expert) and Melissa Powlas (who will offer wedding tips ranging
from distinctive gift-giving to creating new traditions).
The launch of http://www.Hallmark.com/experts coincides with the
introduction of Hallmark Gold Crown's new everyday departments that
organize products and gift ideas by consumer needs: Everyday Traditions,
Home Decor, Memory Keeping, Baby, and Wedding.
"Consumers have always turned to Hallmark Gold Crown stores for
relevant products and meaningful gift solutions," adds Barker, "and with
the launch of our new departments and online expert resource, we've just
made it easier to find them. Now, when our consumers care enough to send,
say, or do the very best, they have our own creative experts available to
help."
About Hallmark Cards, Inc.
Kansas City-based Hallmark is known throughout the world for its
greeting cards, related personal expression products, and television's most
honored and enduring dramatic series, the Hallmark Hall of Fame. The
company's Binney & Smith subsidiary, maker of Crayola(R) crayons and
markers, is the leading producer of art materials for children and
students. Through licensing leadership and joint ventures, Hallmark
continues to expand its product formats and distribution avenues. The
company publishes products in more than 30 languages and distributes them
in more than 100 countries through a multi- national strategy. In 2005,
Hallmark reported consolidated net revenues of $4.2 billion.
|
