Just over a year since it acquired greeting card distribution/sales business Is It Art, Carte Blanche Greetings has announced that it is to fully integrate the two businesses, with the enlarged portfolio handled by one salesforce.
There are no job losses as a result of the change.
Emotional Rescue and Blue Mountain Arts’ products will continue to be carried by an expanded Carte Blanche 25+ people strong salesforce (made up of full time reps and agents).
All members of the sales team report into Martin Horner, CBG’s head of sales who is to finalise the revised territories in the next few weeks.
However, Danilo and Gemma (both of whom were represented by Is It Art for the independent sector) by mutual agreement with CBG, are making alternative arrangements for their respective companies’ representation for indies. These will be announced shortly and will come into effect from the end of July.
As Alister Marchant, ceo of Carte Blanche explained: “The new set up will ensure that we can provide the highest levels of service for independent customers offering them a strong portfolio of brands.”
He added that while part of the company’s strategy is still to move into planning (as announced by PG Buzz in February), the current focus is to ensure that the integration of the Is It Art side is finalised with minimal disruption to customers.
Grace Elphinstone, marketing manager of CBG added: “We are delighted that our new long-term agreements with Emotional Rescue and Blue Mountain Arts bolster our existing brands, including Me to You, Hotchpotch Publishing and Wishing Well Studios to create a truly comprehensive offering to the independent market well into the future.”
