Business News

American Greetings Brings Entertaining Talking Heads(TM) to the Card Aisle

Tuesday 23. June 2009 - Consumers looking to send a laugh and brighten someone's day routinely stop by the greeting card aisle for assistance.

Whether looking for a cute character to bring about a smile, or a sharp bit of sarcasm to elicit a good chuckle, shoppers have always found luck among the humorous offerings on display. This summer, American Greetings Corp (NYSE:AM) is looking to make this practice even easier, and more enjoyable, with its new Talking Heads(TM) collection.

The line of 27 cards features quirky, cute and famous faces that let out multiple funny sound bites, sure to surprise and delight. Shoppers just pull down on each character’s chin to hear them say, sing, rhyme, chat, pledge, toast, or even bark their thoughts on the special occasion.

Notable figures such as Mona Lisa, Abraham Lincoln and the Statue of Liberty join popular licenses including “My Name is Earl,” Larry the Cable Guy, “South Park” and “Family Guy” in the collection. In addition to these familiar faces, original characters created by American Greetings creative team also offer warm and witty sentiments. From always-popular dogs, cats and babies to more unconventional subjects, such as a punch-drunk boxer and a stand-up sock puppet, there really is something for everyone.

One of the most popular characters among the Talking Heads is a hamster, who, when his chin is pulled, excitedly belts out the following, “It’s your birthday, huh? You know what would be a really fun thing to do today? Run on an exercise wheel. One day mine just appeared. It wasn’t even my birthday. I just woke up and there it was. You can go fast. You can go slow. You can even run on the outside just to spice things up. Usually I just stay on the inside of the wheel but to each his own I say. Anyway, I hope you get an exercise wheel for your birthday. There is no better gift.” The inside greeting reads, “Hope you get just what you want for your birthday!”

“Consumers love to find new ways to share a laugh and with Talking Heads they have a quirky way to celebrate any sense of humor,” said Carol Miller, executive director of new product concepts at American Greetings. “The cards are a lot of fun, and we think shoppers will enjoy picking them out just as much as sending them.”

Consumers can find the Talking Heads at participating drug chains, grocery stores and super centers nationwide, as well as in American Greetings and Carlton Cards retail stores