Global Greeting Cards Market by Type (eCard and Traditional Card), Distribution Channel (Online and Offline), and Region (North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, and LAMEA): Opportunity Analysis and Industry Forecast, 2023-2032

Greeting Cards Overview

Greeting card, basically, is an illustrated message that conveys love, goodwill, gratitude, sympathy, or other emotions in a serious or hilarious way. Greeting cards can be categorised into two broad categories: seasonal and everyday. They are typically sent via mail to mark a particular day or event. Christmas, Valentine's Day, Mother's Day, Father's Day, Easter, graduation, Halloween, and St. Patrick's Day are just a few occasions when one might send a card. Everyday cards include those honouring birthdays, anniversaries, or conveying condolence, congratulations, friendship as well as get-well and gift cards. Modern greeting cards are typically composed of stiff paper or cardboard, although they can also be found in materials including cloth, leather, celluloid, vellum, metal, wood, clay, and cork.

Global Greeting Cards Market Analysis

The global greeting cards market size was $19.5 billion in 2022 and is predicted to grow at a CAGR of 4.7%, by generating a revenue of $30.7 billion by 2032.

COVID-19 Impact on Global Greeting Cards Market

People have looked for ways to stay in touch and keep their relationships throughout the pandemic despite physical barriers. When face-to-face interactions are few, greeting cards have grown in popularity as a means of keeping in touch with loved ones and sending genuine sentiments. The demand for greeting cards has surged as people seek out more personal connections.

After COVID-19, it's anticipated that the value of interpersonal contact and connection that was emphasised during the epidemic would persist. Greeting cards will continue to be a common way to convey feelings, mark important occasions, and uphold connections. Physical greeting cards' emotional impact and unique personal touch are likely to be valued even more as people begin to embrace a feeling of normalcy.

Occasions and Celebrations to Drive the Market Growth

Birthdays, holidays, anniversaries, weddings, graduations, and other important occasions and celebrations are all strongly related to the need for greeting cards. The urge for people to communicate their feelings and convey good wishes during these events fuels the market for greeting cards. Greeting cards give people a concrete and intimate way to communicate with their loved ones. Greeting cards can be made unique and personalised with loving inscriptions, pictures, and even handcrafted features to increase their emotional worth. The demand for greeting cards is driven by the need for deep and intimate communication.

Availability of Digital Greeting Options to Restrain Market Growth

Physical greeting cards now have a strong competitor in the form of social media, digital communication platforms, and electronic cards. Due of its affordability, immediacy, and ease, some people may choose digital alternatives. The expansion of the physical greeting card business may be constrained by the accessibility of free or inexpensive digital greeting options. Furthermore, greeting card manufacturing and disposal can have an impact on the environment, especially in terms of trash production and paper usage. There might be a shift away from physical greeting cards towards digital alternatives or environmentally friendly options as sustainability becomes more important to many consumers. By using sustainable practises, utilising recycled materials, and supporting eco-friendly projects, greeting card firms can address these issues.

E-commerce Expansion to Drive Excellent Opportunities

The market for greeting cards has a substantial possibility due to the expansion of e-commerce. Consumers can explore, customise, and buy greeting cards on online platforms in a simple and accessible way. To reach a larger consumer base and increase their market share, greeting card companies might invest in strong online platforms, enhance user experiences, and apply digital marketing techniques. Customised and personalised greeting cards are increasingly in demand. Companies that sell greeting cards can profit from this trend by providing a variety of personalization choices, such as customised text, images, and even handcrafted features. Consumers looking for distinctive and personal greeting cards will be drawn to businesses investing in digital tools and technology that make customization and personalisation simple.

Global Greeting Cards Market Share, by Type, 2022

The traditional Card sub-segment accounted for the highest share in 2022. Traditional cards provide a practical and intimate approach to express feelings and sentiments. Digital substitutes might not be able to match the emotional impact of choosing, writing, and mailing a physical card. People can communicate their emotions more deeply and heartfeltly through the use of traditional cards, which improves interpersonal interactions. Traditional cards are frequently preserved as keepsakes, acting as palpable reminders of important events, sincere sentiments, and treasured memories. Many people appreciate having a real card on hand since it can be exhibited, treasured, or used again in the future. Traditional greeting cards are still in demand because of their sentimental importance.

Global Greeting Cards Market Share, by Distribution Channel, 2022

The offline sector accounted for the highest market size in 2022. Speciality card shops are retail businesses with a single goal of selling greeting cards. These stores cater to customers looking for distinctive, premium and specialty cards and provide a large assortment of cards for different occasions. Speciality card stores give clients a designated area to browse and select from a variety of products, giving a tailored shopping experience. Greeting cards are frequently available at gift shops and boutiques' product selections. These businesses cater to people looking for both gifts and cards, offering a one-stop shop for special occasions. In some shops, the interplay between greeting cards and other gifts can trigger impulse buys and boost card sales.

Global Greeting Cards Market Share, by Region, 2022

The North America greeting cards market accounted for the highest market share in 2022. One of the major card markets in the world is North America, specifically the United States. The market has remained sizable and has grown consistently over time. In North America, greeting cards are frequently exchanged on special days and occasions. Birthdays, anniversaries, weddings, graduations, and new baby celebrations are among the important events. Additionally, a sizeable amount of greeting card sales in the area are driven by key holidays like Christmas, Valentine's Day, Mother's Day, and Father's Day.

Competitive Scenario in the Global Greeting Cards Market

Product development and geographic expansion are major strategies followed by the key players in the highly competitive global greeting cards market. Dolly Parton and American Greeting have a licencing arrangement that will go into effect in July 2020 for the sale of greeting cards through Walmart's retail and online stores. The assortment is a part of American Greeting's multi-year collaboration with Dolly Parton, and it consists of both digital and tangible goods that include the iconic musician and songwriter, as well as greetings like the "SmashUp" personalised video greeting.

Some of the leading greeting cards market players are American Greeting Corporation, Archies Limited, Budget Greeting Cards Ltd., Avanti Press Inc., Card Factory plc, Carlton Cards Ltd., IG Design Group Plc, Crane & Co., Galison Publishing LLC, and Hallmark Cards, Inc.