In terms of global greeting cards consumption, more cards are received per capita each year - some 92% of population bought birthday cards in the last 12 months.

With the growing penetration levels of the Internet - is the proportion of consumers sending e-greeting cards likely to increase?

Are publishers becoming more innovative in their approach to greeting cards?

This report examines the retail sector covering the sale of stationery and greetings cards. Despite relatively favourable economic conditions, the markets for these products have been showing only modest growth. The growing use of PCs and mobile communications is thought to be beginning to have some impact on the use of written communications.

The market is fiercely competitive, especially at the lower end, with the grocery multiples helping to ensure that pricing is an issue. The card specialists have been doing reasonably well, while WH Smith has regained ground since its acquisition of the John Menzies retail outlets, but the CTNs and some stationers have been feeling the pressure.

Related Mintel reports of relevance include:

- Greetings Cards, Market Intelligence, June 2001

- Personal Stationery, Market Intelligence, May 2000

- Personal and Electronic Organisers, Market Intelligence, March 2000

- Book Retailing, Retail Intelligence, February 2000.

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