Hallmark Awards NZ Distributorship to Kiwi Business
Hallmark Awards New Zealand Distributorship to
Kiwi Business
23 June
2014
Iconic brand, Hallmark – the world’s largest greeting card company – has today confirmed its partnership with Kiwi distribution company, Image Gallery, in continuing the distribution of its branded product range in New Zealand.
Hallmark said that long-established, family owned and operated business, Image Gallery, would take over distribution of Hallmark products, which include licensed Disney, Warner Bros and All Blacks products, from August 1.
The move will extend distribution of Hallmark products while significantly increasing the size of the Image Gallery business.
Hallmark International CEO, Russell Parker, said Hallmark had been exploring options to develop a sustainable business model in New Zealand, while continuing to provide high level support to customers.
He said Image Gallery had been selected because of its successful, 30-year history as a home-grown business, the synergy of its product range and its cultural fit with Hallmark.
“We are pleased we can successfully transition the majority of our staff to Image Gallery as these people collectively have extensive knowledge, skills and experience that will contribute to the success of the partnership,” Mr Parker said.
“Regrettably, there will be redundancies and we will be supporting these staff members via our Employee Assistance Programme and outplacement services. It is with sadness that we will say goodbye to some long standing Hallmarkers.”
Hallmark will work closely with Image Gallery leading up to and post the handover of operations.
Please also refer to the release issued today by Image Gallery.