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| Exchange Disseminated Time | Archies Ltd has informed BSE that the Company has joined hands with the "Hallmark" a $ 4 billion World leader in Social expression Company.
Press Release :
Insights:
- The event marks a milestone in a relationship which will see Hallmark Cards, a $4 billion world-leader in Social Expressions collaborating with Archies - the pioneers of the concept of social expression in India
- The companies have entered into a license agreement, to open up exclusive Hallmark stores in the country which will retail exclusive Hallmark products, including cards, stationery and gifts.
- This development will help grow the category in the country, add product variety to the market and establish the Hallmark brand in India
- Archies will operate a parallel retail program of Archies Gallery stores and Hallmark stores in the country with Hallmark stores focusing on Tier I cities and Archies focusing on expanding presence in tier II and III cities
- Archies to use its new state of the art manufacturing facility in Manesar to cater to the increasing demand in production.
- Archies proven strength in retailing and publishing in India combined with Hallmark's technological knowhow and understanding of sentiments will not only help both brands co-exist and maximise their potential but also fuel the growth of the market in India
- Archies will get exclusive merchandise rights of world famous characters like Snoopy & Gar field and will be retailed through Hallmark stores
- Stores to be opened in New Delhi/NCR and Mumbai, in the first phase; the company plans to open up 20 within 12 months and is expected to expand to 100 in three to five year period
"Archies Ltd, the leading producer of greeting cards and related gift products in India has today announced that they have entered into a license agreement with Hallmark Cards, Inc the $4 billion global market leader in Social Expressions to bring exclusive Hallmark retail outlets across the country. The company plans to create a similar chain of Hallmark stores (as in the United States) all across India. These stores will retail exclusive Hallmark products, including cards, stationery and gifts, including the powerful and synergetic brands like Crayola art products, the William Arthur range of luxury stationery, and merchandise of world famous characters like Snoopy & Garfield among others.
The current plan is for Archies to open Hallmark stores, along with the ongoing expansion of the Archies retail footprint.
Said Mr. Anil Moolchandani, Chairman of Archies Ltd, "This event marks a milestone in a relationship that goes back decades to when we launched Archies. I had always been inspired by the Hallmark retail stores and their product offerings and today, a dream has come true. To represent Hallmark in India is an honor and I'm delighted to be associated with the company and its owners", he further added.
Hallmark's Global Director of Licensing, Scott Chaloud, said "I've known Anil for at least 10 years and he knew my predecessors. We've always recognized a natural connection between the two companies but have, until now, been unable to make it a reality. However, we are now committed to a path that will help grow the category, add product variety to the market and establish the Hallmark brand in India. Archies is both financially and strategically capable of delivering on the brand promise".
The partnership seems a win-win scenario for the global leaders and their Indian counterparts. Archies proven strength in retailing and publishing in India combined with Hallmark's technological knowhow and understanding of sentiments will help both brands co-exist and maximize their potential in India.
To help make this happen, are the behind the scenes dedicated design and manufacturing teams. Archies has an integrated manufacturing cum warehouse located on a 3.5 acre campus in Manesar." |
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