What's new or popular today in greeting card design?
"Cards with sound and recordable cards continue to play a big role in today's Christian card designs. This year, DaySpring is introducing ‘Big Time Sound' cards to our ‘Everyday' and ‘Seasonal' lines. These are oversized cards that make a bold, fun statement for any occasion.

"Our ‘Colors of Compassion' cards are popular because a percentage of the proceeds are donated to Compassion International and consumers like to support causes with their purchases. 

"DaySpring's own ‘Really Woolly' brand card designs have seen a rise in popularity with the introduction of the second DVD, The Tree of Life, this past Easter season.

"DaySpring's introduction of the cards based on the movie Fireproof represents our commitment to provide Christian sentiments based on popular themes. Pricing those cards at two for $3 shows the need to offer value in a difficult economic environment.

"While our designs range from traditional to contemporary, we know that encouragement is a key attribute today. We all need hope and encouragement with our present state of economic and family issues."

Is there anything retailers should be aware of that's unusual in card displays?
"We continue to look for ways to help consumers have a great experience when they approach the card fixture. we do this through highlighter trays, full-facing cards and merchandising interrupters in the card area.

"Card displays are very system-driven with very specific ‘space and place' requirements and should be tailored for the individual store. The display integrity is critical to ensure the customer is able to find just the right card. In the average 4-foot greeting-card section, she has over 110 choices. Department maintenance is vital for ease of shopping and maximum productivity."

What tolerance is there in the market with regard to pricing?
"Our recent consumer research indicates that consumers are not just price-sensitive with regard to value, but it is the intersection of various factors-emotion, experience, brand and price-that really defines ‘value' for her. Price will continue to play a role in consumers' decisions, but we are certainly hearing (and listening) that that is not the only thing that drives her decisions. We feel that copy and artwork are still the ultimate decision choices when purchasing a card. Price point ranges from 99 cents to $4, and the marketplace still seems to have a need for all levels, depending on the relationship and occasion. That is why we are reaching out more than ever to the Christian consumer, pursuing compelling innovations and added value to our cards. Cards under $2 and cello packs have been excellent sellers in the spring seasons of 2009."

What is DaySpring's most popular card at this time?
"In our ‘Everyday' line today, our most popular card is a baby baptism card. A birthday card with text by Max Lucado is our most popular stand-alone card. This past Easter, three of our top-selling cards featured a wide range of sentiments and styles. Our top-selling Easter card featured strong traditional Easter imagery (lily) with spiritually connecting copy that said, ‘A time to reflect on the many reasons we have to rejoice in our risen Saviour.' Another top-selling SKU featured our famous ‘Really Woolly' sheep jumping for joy. The text read, ‘Friday, Saturday, Sunday,' and inside it read: ‘What a difference three days made ... for us! Celebrating His resurrection with you.' "

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