Leading greeting card publisher and franchisor, Card Connection has today announced new franchisee, Daryl Perkins, is to take over the Nottingham franchise territory.

Daryl Perkins pictured with Kelly Courtenay, Senior Creative Manager at Card Connection

Daryl who has a background in the retail and convenience sector will now supply products from Card Connection’s extensive range of more than 1,500 quality greeting cards and accessories to 150 retailers in the region.

“We are delighted that Daryl has joined our franchise network,” confirms Michael Johnson, managing director, Card Connection. “Daryl was first introduced to Card Connection through his role as manager at the Londis store where he worked. Our previous franchisee supplied the store and so he became aware of the Card Connection brand and how our award winning business model works. Daryl’s experience in retail will be especially valuable to help him develop his franchise over the long term.”

Card Connection franchisees place greeting cards in retail outlets on a ‘consignment’ basis. This is one step beyond ‘sale or return’ as Card Connection’s retail customers don’t have to buy the stock initially; they only pay for what they sell. Display equipment is also free on loan to the retailer, minimising retailers’ costs and maximising their profits. Card Connection’s merchandising service provided by local franchisees has proved popular with retailers all over the UK and Ireland.

“I’ve just completed my head office training which was very thorough and professional,” confirms Daryl Perkins. “It was interesting to learn from people who have been in this business for many years and I am excited to implement the ideas we discussed. Because I’ve worked in retail, I am aware of what is important to shop managers and so am looking forward to helping them improve their sales while I sell more greeting cards and accessories at the same time.”

Card Connection is part of UK Greetings, which is a subsidiary of the largest publicly owned greeting card publisher in the world and has limited vacancies for franchisees that are keen to run an expanding business. Suitable candidates would ideally have some management experience as, once established, and depending on the size of the territory, they could be expected to employ a small team, operate a small warehouse and have several liveried vans on the road.

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.

Territories currently available include: Southend-on-Sea, Manchester, Cardiff, Southport/Wigan, Macclesfield/Buxton, Dundee/Kirkcaldy.