Halloween Tricks and Treats From American Greetings

Innovative New Card Designs For Kids of All Ages

• Press Release
• Source: American Greetings Corporation
• On 10:30 am EDT, Wednesday October 7, 2009

CLEVELAND, Oct. 7 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- This Halloween, American Greetings (NYSE: AM - News) is filling the card aisle with frightfully delightful innovations to surprise kids of all ages. Both the popular sound envelopes and Talking Heads(TM) collections are back with all new sounds and all new characters sure to cause a chill, as well as a fun new line of cards offering unique visual tricks, making the greeting card aisle a creepy good time this year.

Few things put people in touch with their inner child like Halloween, as it's the one day a year that it's not only permissible, but encouraged to dress up as someone (or something) else. In fact, the National Retail Federation has pointed out that during times of economic uncertainty, more people celebrate the holiday for a fun escape from everyday stresses.

Outside of the decorations and costumes, one typical way that shoppers embrace the spirit of the holiday is by sending cards that reflect all of the fun and surprise that this time of year has to offer. And this year the card aisle will certainly not disappoint.

"It's no surprise that people love Halloween--there's fun, fright, and a little magic in the air," said Mary McClain, creative director, new product development at American Greetings. "We've infused that same excitement and spirit into the card aisle so that there's something special to share with anyone, and we think these new innovations do a great job of that."

American Greetings patent-pending sound envelopes are now available in fun Halloween themed designs. When opened, the sounds of bubbling cauldrons and cackling witches, ghostly groans and moans, and creaky doors and screams are played, offering up some unexpected spooky fun. Almost any card can be inserted inside to provide the ultimate customized Halloween greeting.

Halloween also marks the return of the popular summer card line, Talking Heads(TM), with an all-new cast of characters including a vampire, witch, skeleton and zombie. When the character's chin is pulled, it says a fun holiday sentiment that's sure to bring a smile to anyone's face.

Another exciting addition this year is a line of greeting cards with visual tricks that create illusions you truly have to see to believe. As the cards are flipped open, the haunting image magically comes to life as skeletons dance and black cats cross your path.

Also, sweet vintage-inspired looks and charming extras have been added to greeting cards that can double as holiday decor such as pop-ups, banners, shadow boxes and word garland. In addition, several new innovations have been added to the Halloween assortment to offer a little fright and a whole lot of delight.

Consumers can find the latest Halloween innovations at participating drug chains, grocery stores and super centers nationwide. For more information, including store locations in your area, please visit us at www.corporate.americangreetings.com. You can also follow us on Twitter at www.twitter.com/amgreetings.

About American Greetings Corporation

For more than 100 years, American Greetings Corporation (NYSE: AM - News) has been a manufacturer and retailer of innovative social expression products that assist consumers in enhancing their relationships. The Company's major greeting card brands are American Greetings, Carlton Cards, Gibson, Recycled Paper Greetings and Papyrus, and other paper product offerings include DesignWare party goods, American Greetings and Plus Mark gift-wrap and boxed cards. American Greetings also has the largest collection of electronic greetings on the Web, including cards available at AmericanGreetings.com through AG Interactive, Inc. (the Company's online division). AG Interactive also offers digital photo sharing and personal publishing at PhotoWorks.com and Webshots.com and a one-stop source for online graphics and animations at Kiwee.com. In addition to its product lines, American Greetings also creates and licenses popular character brands through the American Greetings Properties group. Headquartered in Cleveland, Ohio, American Greetings generates annual revenue of approximately $1.7 billion, and its products can be found in retail outlets domestically and worldwide. For more information on the Company, visit http://corporate.americangreetings.com.

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