Hallmark History
Hallmark Cards, Inc. is the world's leading
creator and manufacturer of social expression products - greeting
cards and a host of other items that people use in expressing
feelings for and to one another. Some of them are designed as gifts
and remembrances, others as home and special occasion decorations.
Our dedication to quality has made the Hallmark name synonymous
with excellence.
The corporation traces its beginnings to Kansas City, USA on
January 10, 1910, when 18 year old Joyce C. Hall disembarked a
train from Nebraska, took up lodging in the YMCA and began selling
postcards to local shopkeepers. His success was such that within a
year, one of his brothers joined him in Kansas City. The Hall
brothers were sellers of postcards until a fire destroyed their
entire inventory in January, 1915. In re-establishing their
business, the brothers bought an engraving firm and started
manufacturing cards of their own design.
In 1925 the word "Hallmark" appears on products for the first
time. Now, 100 years later, Hallmark stands for quality and
innovation all around the globe.
Hallmark in Australia
In 1955, under the leadership of Mr T. A. McKay "The Specialty
Press" based in Little Collins Street, Melbourne, was appointed
Australian licensee to Hallmark Cards of Kansas City, USA. The
original staff of Hallmark, consisted of five people with a range
of eight Everyday Cards and sixteen Christmas designs.
In 1958, Hallmark introduced the first everyday promotion to be
marketed in Australia, 'Elegance in Gold'. By 1960, Hallmark was
being distributed through major retailers. The head office and
manufacturing plant transferred to one centralised location at 611
Blackburn Road, North Clayton.
In 1979 the company became a subsidiary of Hallmark Cards
Incorporated, Kansas City, USA and changed name to Hallmark Cards
Australia Limited. Then, in 1994, Hallmark Cards, Inc. purchased
remaining 20% of Hallmark Cards Australia Limited from employee
shareholders; and Hallmark Cards Australia Limited became a wholly
owned subsidiary of Hallmark Cards, Inc.
Hallmark in New Zealand
Originally known as Dawson Printing Company Ltd, the company was
founded in Auckland in the late 1920's by a Mr Frederick Dawson.
The company was initially located in Upper Queen Street, relocating
to premises in Vincent Street during 1933. During the 1950's, the
company relocated to new premises, this time in Newmarket. A
diversification also saw a new product range emerge - Greeting
Cards. Initially, the company printed a brand known as "Polly Anna"
but this was later to change when the company was appointed New
Zealand Licensee for the American brand - Hallmark.
In 1967 the business was sold to Specialty Press Pty Ltd - a
Melbourne based commercial printing company which, like Dawson
Printing Company, was a Hallmark Licensee. Then, in 1979, Specialty
Press was bought by Hallmark International, and so Dawson printing
became part of the Hallmark family. Later that year, the Dawson
printing Company purchased the Felicity Card Company from the
Whitcoulls Group, and having successfully completed the merger,
began trading during 1980 as Hallmark Cards New Zealand
Limited.
Hallmark Australasia Today
Some 50 years on, Hallmark Australasia have nearly 900 employees
working together in Australia and New Zealand to deliver superior
quality products dedicated to providing first class design and
innovation. The Australasian group produces approximately one
billion cards per year and offers the largest product range in the
Australasian market with almost 10,000 designs available every
year.
Our vision is to be the best at helping recognise and celebrate
all of life's moments.