Leading greeting card publisher and franchisor, Card Connection, has announced the launch of a new range of bags and gift wrap which will be on sale in time for Christmas. The new designs are currently being distributed through Card Connection’s network of franchisees to retailers across the UK.

“Our in-house design department has come up with some striking new creative ready for the festive season and beyond,” confirms Michael Johnson, managing director, Card Connection. “The designs include bottle bags featuring Argyle and monochrome stripes, medium and large gift bags which display spots, stars or layered tartan, plus several Christmas specific bags and two new sets of giftwrap featuring red and white stars and fun meerkats.

“We have seen a significant increase in the sales of bags and wrap over the past year and these attractive products respond to that need,” explains Johnson. “We have targeted the timing of the launch as it will complement our Christmas greeting card range and offer the chance for cross-selling. Our franchisees are currently now merchandising the stock within our retail customers’ shops to ensure sales are maximised.”

Card Connection, which last year celebrated its 21st year in operation as a franchisor, is one of the UK’s largest card publishers and is the market leader in the franchised distribution of greeting cards. The business’ unique model of consignment sales has resulted in a strong brand and established reputation which has been proven over many years. Through its franchisees Card Connection supplies about 12,000 retailers throughout the UK.

Card Connection is part of UK Greetings, which is a subsidiary of American Greetings Inc., one of the largest greeting card publishers in the world and has limited vacancies for franchisees that are keen to run an expanding business. Since the franchise network in the UK is complete, the available opportunities now consist of acquiring an already-established territory from an existing franchisee. These vary in price according to their level of development, but start at £7k + Stock + Card Connection fee with earnings potential in excess of £50k per annum.