Pawtucket, Ri - 14 July, 2005 -

Cards and gifts are at the heart of family unity, relationships, thoughtfulness and caring, but the cost of exchanging such pleasantries was growing prohibitive until Cardsmart set a new direction for the industry with beautiful upscale shops that cater to customers with value and cost in mind. Cardsmart card and gift shops post half-price sales every day of the year. "We are in a cost conscious society," says Petter Etholm, President of the national chain, "and shoppers are increasingly careful to maximize their dollars. Cardsmart has listened to consumers and offers the finest quality and creativity in cards and select gifts, at half the cost of competitive stores." Cardsmart offers a tremendous range of greeting cards at half the price posted on the back of the card, and offers select gifts at the same discount. Located in shopping centers across the nation, Cardsmart is a fast growing chain of franchised stores that cater to consumers' gift and card needs. Created to compete with the pricey card and gift chains that have become all too nonchalant about pricing, Cardsmart brings consumers everyday value in a beautiful store setting. Etholm added, "Cardsmart shoppers are pleased with the Cardsmart experience and we are working hard to maintain and improve upon our reputation in the communities we serve. Based on recent Cardsmart store surveys, 99% of shoppers are 'very well satisfied,' 95% call Cardsmart 'one of the best' card shops and 91% say Cardsmart offers them 'very good to excellent' value. We are proud that 98% of Cardsmart shoppers plan to return to the stores and consider our standing with consumers to be our strongest asset." Training its managers to become "card and gift consultants" who listen to consumers, provide personalized attention and service from the time a customer enters the store, create a warm and welcoming store environment and foster a positive experience for Cardsmart shoppers. Cardsmart goes the extra mile, knowing it's the small things that sometimes make a difference to consumers. For example, Cardsmart shops distributed free American flag posters following the events of 9/11, and when postage rates increased, some Cardsmart stores sold 37-cent stamps at 34 cents for each card purchased at the store, knowing that pennies are important in family budgets. Featuring a full-line of beautifully designed greeting cards by Paramount Cards Inc., Cardsmart has a value-oriented strategy that has developed an expanding base of loyal and appreciative consumers. Headquartered in Pawtucket, RI, Cardsmart is a national chain of franchised and company-owned stores that offer consumers everyday half-price sales off stated card and select gift prices in beautiful stores, typically in strip center settings. Cardsmart stores serve consumers across America, and based on the company's strong growth over the past several years, the Cardsmart franchise family is expected to grow at a record pace.

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