Since 2012, The Original Poster Company (OPC) dual territory franchisees Michael and Claire Welham, (Kingston/Twickenham and SW London), have been working closely with Sue and Nithy Nithyanandan, proud owners of award-winning Costcutter, Epsom, providing locals with access to OPC’s high quality greeting cards.
“We changed over to OPC cards after going onto the OPC stand at the Costcutter show in 2012. We opened this store in 2010 but were unhappy with our existing card supplier, who didn’t call often enough to keep the display tidy, he expected our staff to do it for him! As you know, cards can get messy and tired looking if they aren’t looked after on a regular basis.
Michael and Claire are a nice couple, they offer friendly service, regular calls, and the product sells really well. We sell a lot of Animal Magic cards, some customers buy several at a time, and others collect the designs.
The cards are a good price, most of them are under £2, the designs and overall range is fresh. Seasons are well covered; Claire and Michael supply a FSDU (Free Standing Display Unit) at seasonal times which we move to the front of the store to maximise sales.”
Sue and Nithy are avid supporters of social media, in particular Twitter which they use to share local news with their customers as well as advertise bargains and seasonal offerings.
The greeting cards industry is worth over £1.6 billion just in the UK according to the latest GCA Report. OPC franchisees install planned greeting card ranges in independent retail outlets such as card shops, newsagents or post offices and in national accounts such as Costcutter, Epsom and other national convenience groups.
“What really helps as well is that all the stock is on consignment,
so you only pay for what has sold, we also centrally bill through
Costcutter for ease and convenience.
We have a 1m acrylic card rack and 2 spinners, and sell over 400 cards a month, plus many gift-wrap packs and gift bags, far more that we used to, so of course I would recommend OPC cards!”
Established in 1991, OPC’s franchise network has had complete UK coverage for over 24 years and is a full member of the British Franchise Association. Some franchisees are now selling their existing territories as they retire or move on to new business opportunities, creating huge potential for new owners to step in!
For more information please look at The Original Poster Company profile
