Difference between Hallmark and American Greetings
If you are like most people, you have probably sent a greeting card from Hallmark or American Greetings before. Known to many generations for their distinctive and classic greeting cards, you can hardly go wrong by sending a card from either one. In this comparison article, we take a look at what each greeting card company has to offer.
Profile
Hallmark Cards is a privately owned greeting card company based in Kansas City. It was founded by Joyce C. Hall in 1910, and is currently the largest greeting card manufacturer in the U.S. The company was awarded the National Medal of Arts in 1985.
American Greetings Corporation, Inc. is the company behind the most widely traded greeting cards in the world. American Greetings is based in Brooklyn, and in addition to paper greeting cards, the company also sells electronic greeting cards, various party related merchandise such as wrapping paper and decorations, and ring tones and cellphone images. The company is also the owner of Carlton Cards, Tender Thoughts and Gibson greeting cards.
History
Hallmark started out as a response to the postcard craze of the early 1900s. Joyce Hall quickly realized that greeting cards would be more popular than postcards, and he set up shop in Kansas City. Joyce later partnered with brother Rollie and invented modern wrapping paper, a chance invention that occurred when they ran out of the colored tissue paper that they previously used. It was in 1922 that the company expanded its range from holiday cards to everyday greeting cards and more. The name "Hallmark" was first officially used in 1928.
American Greetings was founded by a Polish immigrant named Jacob Sapirstein in 1906. To this day, the company has been run by members of the family. The company also sponsored the Entertainment Tonight’s "ET Birthdays" from 1993 until the early 2000s, when Hallmark took over as sponsors.
Website Comparison
Hallmark has a very appealing site, with colors that are pleasant on the eyes. The layout is quite simple and straightforward, and there is always a good selection of free e-cards to be had with a click of the mouse. In addition, the Hallmark selection is quite varied and extensive.
American Greetings for its part offers a more vibrantly themed website, with the options to send greeting cards by e-mail a snap. You can even make your own greeting cards and print them out for free. The site has a fairly slim although excellent selection of greeting cards, and the ability to add a photo to the card is a welcome feature.
Similarities and Differences
Hallmark
- A privately owned greeting card company based in Kansas City
- Currently the largest greeting card manufacturer in the U.S.
- Selection is both varied and extensive
American Greetings
- The most widely traded greeting cards in the world
- Also sells electronic greeting cards, wrapping paper, decorations, ring tones and cellphone images
