Card Connection Franchise

Established in 1992, Card Connection franchise is one of the UK’s largest card publisher and is the market leader in the franchise distribution of greeting cards.

Card Connection only offer established businesses for sale (resales), so you will receive an income from day 1, as well as detailed sales history.

Card Connection is a FULL member of the British Franchise Association and is viewed as one of the UK’s best run franchise operations.  In 2008, Card Connection became part of UK Greetings Limited, the UK’s largest card publisher, as well as the British subsidiary of American Greetings Inc., the world’s largest greeting card company.

Card Connection franchisees provide bespoke card displays to approximately 12,000 outlets/retailers throughout the UK and Republic of Ireland. These are largely convenience outlets, such as Spar, Budgens, BP and Londis to name but a few. Franchisees also supply seasonal ranges, including Valentine’s Day, Mother’s Day, Father’s Day and Christmas, plus we supply Gift wrap, Gift Bags and Party lines.

Going forward all Card Connection cards will be FSC approved, and other environmental changes have been made, e.g., no longer using glitter, changing to paper straws etc.

Using a proven system, franchisees place greeting card ranges in retail outlets on a ‘consignment’ basis, which means the stock and display equipment is installed on free loan to the retailer.

This is one step beyond ‘sale or return’ as Card Connection customers never have to buy the stock in the first place, only paying for what they sell.  The award-winning merchandising service our franchisees provide is second to none; we are proud of Card Connection’s excellent reputation with the convenience sector.

Card Connection were fortunate that most of our customers stayed open (as essential shops) during the Covid-19 pandemic. This meant we continued to sell cards, and the convenience sector had exceptionally strong sales, as did our franchisees.

Due to the nature of convenience stores, Card Connection franchise owners can work flexible hours to suit themselves and enjoy a better work/life balance.  Franchisees tend to visit their customers within their exclusive territory on a monthly basis to replenish stock.

Card Connection offers a comprehensive training programme.  Training is spread over several weeks and covers every aspect of the business in both the classroom and most importantly in the field. 

On an on-going basis, every franchisee is supported by their Regional Sales Manager, who provides support and encouragement, as well as genuine business development within their territories.

Franchisees are encouraged to meet regularly, either through formal meetings/conferences or socially.

Card Connection has limited vacancies for franchisees that are keen to run an exciting business.  Successful candidates would ideally have a strong desire to run their own business and are able to take on an existing business and breathe fresh enthusiasm into it.

Because 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 (+ stock).