WORLD DEMAND FOR GREETING CARDS
TO BE WORTH 30.4 BILLION BY 2015
In today's commercialised world, there is a greeting card for each and every occasion. In fact, the greeting card industry, despite the growing popularity of social networking sites and other online communities, continues to be on the upsurge with recent research indicating that the global sales of greeting cards is set to exceed a whopping $30.4bn by 2015.*

While the US is currently the largest market for greeting cards in the world, EU countries form the second largest pool of consumers. It is the Asia-Pacific region that is growing in significance however, with this rapidly growing part of the world's appetite for greeting cards expected to grow at over 4% annually until 2015.

"Greeting cards are an essential part of all our lives," said Mr. Michael Dehn, Group Exhibitions Director of German trade fair and conference organiser, Epoc Messe Frankfurt, who is launching Paperworld Middle East in Dubai in March.

"Greeting cards play a vital part in conveying our feelings, emotions, condolences or good wishes on occasions that matter to our near and dear ones."

"The Middle East region is no different with a large inclination for cards of all kinds meaning the demand in this region is also on the upsurge. We are glad to have greeting card major Hallmark joining hands with us at Paperworld as Launch Partner and look forward to the products they will introduce to the region through the exhibition," Dehn added.

Hallmark, who is the market leader in the greeting cards field, will also display paper party supplies, gifts and wrapping paper, picture frames, albums, scrapbooks and ornaments for the home at Paperworld Middle East. In business for over 100 years, Hallmark products can be found in 100 countries. As the exclusive representative for Hallmark in the GCC, Gulf Greetings General Trading LLC has operated for over 25 years and currently retails from over 50 stores in the region.

Designed as a trade platform of choice for the office and paper products industry, Paperworld Middle East will feature a range of greeting cards, picture calendars and gift articles by the world's leading manufacturers and suppliers.

Paperworld Middle East will be held at the Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre from March 7th to 9th, 2011 and will be co-located with Playworld Middle East. Also featuring at the show will be office supplies, school articles, office paper and films, wrapping paper, household paper and stationery products.

MOMS SPEND WISELY
In a report released last month, 45 percent of mothers surveyed said they've "completely eliminated anything they don't feel is absolutely necessary from their lives," while another 29 percent "have been findings ways to downgrade and cut back on their spending in response to the current economic climate." To read more click the link below.

http://www.gourmetretailer.com/gourmetretailer/content_display/news/e3i8ecb95ad2867bbdb611
ad73e98368368
(Source: Gourmet Retailer)

RETAILERS RETHINK THEIR APPROACHES TO THE HOLIDAY SEASON
Retailers are heading into the holiday season with more creative plans for sales this year. Gap and
J.C. Penney are focusing on inventory management, and Sears and Best Buy are adding categories
to create a one-stop-shopping experience. Neiman Marcus and Saks are focusing on lower prices
and promotions To read more click the link below.

http://www.businessweek.com/magazine/content/09_43/b4152042033401.htm?link_position=link2
(Source: BusinessWeek)