Greeting card publisher and franchisor Card Connection has launched its new Carrie Bags product. The new shopping bags fold-up into their own specifically designed pouch and fit easily into a handbag, therefore reducing the need to use plastic bags at retail checkouts. Additionally, the Carrie Bags are bright, stylish and eye-catching and do not display any company branding.

Andrew Cutler, Franchise Director for Card Connection, says: 'The Carrie Bags will be distributed by our network of franchisees to retail outlets throughout the UK. As part of our Gift Connections range, our franchisees have been particularly enthusiastic about the prospect of selling the Carrie Bags as it gives them the chance to earn income in addition to our greeting card ranges while selling through the same retail outlets.'

The Gift Connection range include Heartwamers - sentimental verses on credit card keepsakes, Card Connection's unique designs of flashing badges, mini collectable bears that can be attached to belts, bags and mobiles, in addition to magnets and keyrings incorporating the unique animal designs of Rachel Hale. National accounts stocking Gift Connection items include: Palmer Harvey, NISA, Best-one and Costcutter members, Bargain Booze, Women's Royal Voluntary Service (WRVS) and Total Forecourts.

Card Connection franchisees place greeting card ranges in retail outlets on a 'consignment' basis. Card Connection has limited vacancies for franchisees who are keen to run an expanding business. Successful candidates would ideally have some management experience as, once established, they would be expected to employ a small team, operate a warehouse and have several liveried vans on the road.

Due to the fact that the franchise networks in the UK and Ireland are 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 £20,000 (plus stock) with earnings potential in excess of £50,000 per annum.

Published: 20 February 2009

Back to news