The market value of single greeting cards in the United Kingdom was worth roughly 1.4 billion British pounds in 2020, down from over 1.5 billion recorded a year earlier. From this value, 161.8 million British pounds corresponded to the market value for single Christmas cards.

The Online Greetings Card Retailers industry has benefitted from solid expansion in the broader online market, as consumers increasingly prefer the convenience of online platforms. Demand for personalised cards has further supported growth as they are predominantly requested and made online. This has given online greeting card retailers an edge over traditional brick-and-mortar retailers, as they can offer consumers cards for all occasions and allow consumers to design cards to their liking. Revenue is expected to swell at a compound annual rate of 11.4% over the five years through 2024-25 to reach £355.5 million. Competition from physical stores plummeted in 2020-21, as restrictions introduced during COVID-19 limited traditional retailers operations, allowing industry profit to skyrocket. This was followed by small drops in the following years as competition from physical stores bounced back and the drop in disposable income levels due to the cost-of-living crisis. However, online retailing remains higher than pre-pandemic levels and as inflationary pressures ease down in 2024-25, revenue is forecast to hike by 4.9%. The growing penetration of internet services and internet-enabled devices like smartphones and tablets in the past years also boosts online expenditure, widens potential markets for the industry and allows retailers to target different demographics. Currently, the main buyers of cards are Baby Boomers and Millennials, with women across demographics accounting for a large percentage of revenue. Revenue is estimated to climb at a compound annual rate of 3.4% over the five years through 2029-20 to reach £419.7 million, supported by the growing expenditure of Millennials on high-end cards to commemorate significant milestones and the steady volume-driven sales to Baby Boomers. Supermarkets and other multi-merchandise retailers are expected to remain powerful sources of competition. However, investment in delivery services and improvements to digital infrastructure, like 5G networks, are expected to support further growth in online shopping as consumers continue to seek convenience, benefitting demand for online greeting card retailers.

This statistic shows the market value of single greeting cards in the United Kingdom from 2011 to 2016*, split into three categories: spring, Christmas and everyday cards. In total the UK greeting card market was worth around 1.75 billion British pounds in 2016, with everyday cards making up the majority of sales.

Market Size statistics on the Online Greetings Card Retailers industry in United Kingdom

This statistic shows the estimated value of Christmas greeting cards sold as single cards in the United Kingdom (UK) from 2011 to 2020. The market for single Christmas cards was valued at 161.8 million British pounds in 2020.

Global Greeting Cards market size 2025 is $20102 Million whereas according out published study it will reach to $25071.7 Million by 2033. Greeting Cards market will be growing at a CAGR of 2.8% during 2025 to 2033.

Operators in this industry sell greetings cards from bricks-and-mortar stores. Products are sourced from a variety of local and international suppliers and sold chiefly to consumers and businesses. Online-only greetings cards retailers are excluded from this industry (See IBISWorld report UK0.017).

This statistic shows the value of the greeting card retail market in the United Kingdom (UK) in 2017, by the three main product categories: single cards, Christmas boxed cards and non-card items. The retail market for single greeting cards amounted to 1.3 billion British pounds in 2017.

The global Greeting Cards Market was valued at USD 19.72 Billion in 2023 and is expected to reach USD 24.39 Billion by 2029 with a CAGR of 3.6% during the forecast period.

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Stationery And Cards Market Size 2025-2029

The stationery and cards market size is forecast to increase by USD 64.9 billion, at a CAGR of 5.7% between 2024 and 2029.

The market is experiencing significant growth, driven by the accelerating trend towards online sales. Consumers increasingly prefer the convenience of purchasing stationery and cards through e-commerce platforms, leading to a surge in demand. Furthermore, the rising number of start-ups and new investments in this sector underscores the market's potential. Technological advances associated with digitized communication, such as e-greetings and digital stationery, also contribute to market expansion. However, companies face challenges in this dynamic landscape, including intense competition and the need to adapt to evolving consumer preferences and expectations.
Additionally, the shift towards digital communication poses a threat to traditional stationery and card sales channels. To capitalize on opportunities and navigate challenges effectively, companies must stay abreast of market trends, invest in digital transformation, and offer innovative, value-added products and services.

What will be the Size of the Stationery And Cards Market during the forecast period?

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The market continues to evolve, with dynamic market trends shaping its growth across various sectors. Laser cutting technology, for instance, is revolutionizing the production of stationery sets and gift bags, offering precision and customization. Watercolor paints and gel pens are gaining popularity among artists and crafters, fueling demand for art supplies. Meanwhile, digital printing is transforming the greeting card industry, enabling mass production of personalized cards. Craft supplies, including scrapbooking materials, embossing tools, and rubber stamps, are seeing increased usage in DIY projects. Desk organizers, binder clips, and post-it notes remain essential office supplies, while pencil cases cater to students and professionals.

Screen printing and offset printing techniques are used extensively for producing custom-printed cards, while oil paints and acrylic paints are preferred by artists for creating intricate designs. Washi tape and hole punches add a personal touch to stationery items, making them unique. Fountain pens and letter writing sets are experiencing a resurgence, appealing to those who value traditional writing methods. Index cards and file folders are indispensable for note-taking and document organization. The market for stationery and cards is a vibrant and ever-changing landscape, with new applications and trends emerging continually. From laser cutting and watercolor paints to digital printing and offset printing, each entity plays a crucial role in shaping the market's future.

How is this Stationery And Cards Industry segmented?

The stationery and cards industry research report provides comprehensive data (region-wise segment analysis), with forecasts and estimates in 'USD billion' for the period 2025-2029, as well as historical data from 2019-2023 for the following segments.

Distribution Channel

  Offline
  Online


Product

  Stationery
  Cards


Material

  Paper-based
  Plastic-based
  Metal-based
  Others


Geography

  North America

    US
    Canada


  Europe

    France
    Germany
    Italy
    The Netherlands
    UK


  APAC

    China
    India
    Japan


  Rest of World (ROW)

By Distribution Channel Insights

The offline segment is estimated to witness significant growth during the forecast period.

The stationery market encompasses a range of products, including greeting cards, desk supplies, and paper items. A significant portion of these sales is generated through offline distribution channels, such as specialty stores, hypermarkets, department stores, stationery stores, convenience stores, supermarkets, and warehouse clubs. The personalization trend is driving demand in this market, with consumers seeking customized greeting cards and stationery as gifts. Supermarkets and hypermarkets cater to this trend by offering discounted prices and an enjoyable shopping experience, creating an ambient atmosphere that encourages purchases. The increasing number of independent retailers globally is expected to boost sales through offline channels during the forecast period.

Desk supplies, such as paper clips, correction tape, and stationery sets, remain essential office necessities. Craft supplies, including scrapbooking supplies, acrylic paints, paint brushes, and card making kits, cater to the hobbyist market. Paper products, like drawing paper, index cards, and letterpress printing, continue to be popular for both personal and professional use. Digital printing, laser cutting, and foil s

This statistic illustrates Card Factory's value share of the greeting card market in the United Kingdom from 2005 to 2017. Card Factory is a British retail chain selling greeting cards and giftware. In 2017, the chain accounted for 19.3 percent of the UK card market in terms of value.

Employment statistics on the Online Greetings Card Retailers industry in United Kingdom

This statistic shows the total growth in sales generated by Card Factory in the United Kingdom (UK) from financial year end 2012 to financial year end 2024. Card Factory is a British retail chain selling greeting cards and giftware. In the fiscal year ended January 31, 2024, the chain's sales increased by 10.3 percent.

This industry covers the printing of catalogues, photos, engravings, postcards, greeting cards, forms and posters. It also includes producing art reproductions and advertising material, along with various other types of printed matter.

The Card Factory group is responsible for the 'Card Factory' and 'Getting Personal' retail brands, specializing in selling greeting cards and giftware. In the financial year ended January 31st, 2021, over 50 percent of the group's revenue was generated through sales of single greeting cards. Boxed cards accounted for the smallest share of the company revenue, with a little over two percent.

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Gift Card Market Size 2025-2029

The gift card market size is forecast to increase by USD 1331.3 billion, at a CAGR of 15.4% between 2024 and 2029.

The market is experiencing significant growth, driven primarily by the expanding e-commerce sector. With more consumers turning to online shopping, the convenience and flexibility of digital gift cards have become increasingly popular. Open-loop gift cards, which can be used across multiple merchants, are gaining traction due to their versatility and wide acceptance. However, the market also faces challenges. The additional loss of money in using gift cards, due to fees and expiration dates, can deter some consumers. Retailers must navigate these obstacles by offering transparent fee structures and extended expiration dates to maintain competitiveness. Companies seeking to capitalize on market opportunities should focus on enhancing the digital gift card experience, ensuring seamless integration with e-commerce platforms and providing value-added services to attract and retain customers.

What will be the Size of the Gift Card Market during the forecast period?

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Request Free SampleThe market continues to evolve, with dynamic market dynamics shaping its various applications across numerous sectors. Gift card redemption processes are streamlined through advanced technologies such as barcode scanning and QR code scanning, enabling seamless transactions for both physical and digital gift cards. Simultaneously, gift card design is increasingly focused on enhancing brand identity and customer engagement, with data analytics playing a crucial role in understanding customer segmentation and preferences. Loyalty gift cards, a significant segment of the market, are leveraged to foster long-term customer relationships. Cardholder agreements are continually updated to address emerging concerns, such as gift card liability and PCI DSS compliance. The integration of EMV technology and contactless payment systems further bolsters gift card security. In the realm of gift card processing and distribution, reloadable and closed-loop gift cards are gaining popularity. Open-loop gift cards, which can be used like debit or credit cards, offer greater flexibility. Meanwhile, targeted promotions and incentive gift cards are employed to boost sales, with mobile gift cards providing added convenience. As the market unfolds, entities must remain vigilant against fraud and ensure compliance with regulations, such as PCI DSS. Gift card accounting and activation systems are continually refined to optimize operational efficiency. The gift card platform market is witnessing rapid growth, offering a range of services from API integration to e-gift card solutions. In summary, the market is characterized by continuous evolution, with entities adapting to emerging trends and technologies to meet the evolving needs of consumers and businesses.

How is this Gift Card Industry segmented?

The gift card industry research report provides comprehensive data (region-wise segment analysis), with forecasts and estimates in 'USD billion' for the period 2025-2029, as well as historical data from 2019-2023 for the following segments. TypeE-gifts cardsPhysical gift cardsDistribution ChannelOfflineOnlineCard TypeClosed-loop CardOpen-loop CardClosed-loop CardOpen-loop CardEnd-UserIndividualsCorporatesApplicationRetailDiningEntertainmentGeographyNorth AmericaUSCanadaEuropeFranceGermanyItalySpainUKMiddle East and AfricaUAEAPACChinaIndiaJapanSouth KoreaSouth AmericaBrazilRest of World (ROW)

By Type Insights

The e-gifts cards segment is estimated to witness significant growth during the forecast period.Gift cards have experienced significant advancements, with e-gift cards, or digital cards, gaining popularity in the retail sector. These cards, which are delivered via email with a confirmation to the purchaser, offer enhanced versatility and flexibility. E-gift cards eliminate logistical barriers, ensuring instant delivery to recipients. Open-loop and closed-loop gift cards, both physical and digital, continue to dominate the market. Open-loop cards, compatible with multiple merchants, are processed using EMV technology and offer reloadable features. Closed-loop cards, on the other hand, are branded to specific retailers and can be used for loyalty programs, customer segmentation, and targeted promotions. Gift card sales have been driven by various factors, including customer preferences, ease of use, and the convenience of online purchasing and redemption. Processing and distribution have become more streamlined through the use of PCI DSS compliance, contactless payment, and QR code scanning. Design, liability, and data analytics play crucial roles in the marketing and sales, with cardholder agreements out

Card Factory is a British retail chain selling greeting cards and giftware. In the financial year ended January 31, 2025, the overall company's like-for-like sales grew by *** percent on the previous year's performance.

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Gifts Retailing Market Size 2025-2029

The gifts retailing market size is forecast to increase by USD 16.75 billion, at a CAGR of 3.5% between 2024 and 2029.

The market is experiencing significant growth, driven by the rising demand for seasonal decorations and the expanding personalized gifting culture. Consumers increasingly seek specialized merchandise to express their unique tastes and preferences like e-gifts and greeting cards creating opportunities for retailers to differentiate themselves. However, this market growth is not without challenges. Intense competition among retailers puts pressure on pricing, necessitating strategic pricing strategies to remain competitive. Retailers must navigate these dynamics to capitalize on market opportunities and effectively address pricing pressures.
To succeed, they must offer unique, high-quality merchandise while maintaining competitive pricing. By focusing on these trends and challenges, retailers can position themselves for success in the dynamic and evolving the market.

What will be the Size of the Gifts Retailing Market during the forecast period?

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In the dynamic and ever-evolving retail landscape, the gifts sector continues to adapt and innovate, integrating various elements to cater to diverse consumer needs and preferences. From sustainable practices and experiential gifts to trend forecasting and holiday gift guides, the industry remains agile in its response to market demands. Birthday gifts, inventory management, and point-of-sale systems are seamlessly integrated, enabling real-time tracking of stock levels and customer preferences. Personalized gifts, corporate gifts, and wedding gifts are customized to meet specific occasions and clientele, while customer segmentation and gift tags facilitate efficient organization and targeted marketing. Seasonal promotions, returns management, and inventory control are crucial components, ensuring a smooth shopping experience for customers.

Luxury gifts, store layout, and gift registries cater to the high-end market, while consumer behavior, product assortment, and retail analytics inform strategic decision-making. Brand loyalty, subscription boxes, and promotional gifts foster customer engagement, and e-commerce platforms, email marketing, and social media marketing expand reach and accessibility. Eco-friendly gifts, shoplifting prevention, and loss prevention measures address sustainability and security concerns.

How is this Gifts Retailing Industry segmented?

The gifts retailing industry research report provides comprehensive data (region-wise segment analysis), with forecasts and estimates in 'USD billion' for the period 2025-2029, as well as historical data from 2019-2023 for the following segments.

Distribution Channel

  Offline
  Online


Product

  Souvenirs and novelty items
  Seasonal decorations
  Greeting cards
  Giftware
  Others


Target Audience

  Individuals
  Corporates
  Non-Profit Organizations
  Event Planners
  Gift Basket Companies


Type

  Traditional Gifts
  Personalized Gifts
  Experiential Gifts
  Digital Gifts
  Luxury Gifts


Occasions

  Birthdays
  Weddings
  Holidays
  Corporate Events


Geography

  North America

    US
    Canada


  Europe

    France
    Germany
    Italy
    UK


  Middle East and Africa

    UAE


  APAC

    China
    India
    Japan
    South Korea


  South America

    Brazil


  Rest of World (ROW)

By Distribution Channel Insights

The offline segment is estimated to witness significant growth during the forecast period.

In the dynamic retail landscape, sustainable practices are increasingly shaping consumer preferences for gift purchases. Holiday gift guides highlight experiential gifts, eco-friendly options, and personalized items. Trend forecasting identifies these trends, helping retailers adapt their product assortments. Order fulfillment and inventory management are crucial for timely delivery and stock availability during the holiday season. E-gift cards offer convenience, while anniversary gifts and corporate gifts foster brand loyalty. Security systems, shoplifting prevention, and loss prevention measures ensure a safe shopping environment. Retail display fixtures and gift wrapping enhance the in-store experience. Birthday gifts, wedding gifts, and other gift-giving occasions continue to drive sales.

Customer segmentation and gift registries help retailers cater to diverse consumer needs. Inventory control, point-of-sale systems, and data analytics enable efficient retail operations. Luxury gifts and seasonal promotions cater to affluent consumers. Returns management and pricing strategies minimize shrinkage and maximize profit margins. Handmade gifts, collectible g

The Newsagents and Stationery Stores industry is navigating a challenging landscape, with revenue expected to contract at a compound annual rate of 1.9% over the five years through 2025-26 to £2.1 billion. The soaring popularity of digital news, especially among younger generations, is the main culprit for the continued freefall of newspaper sales. The work-from-home trend has seen demand for stationery tumble, although a resurgence in in-person office attendance has helped stabilise volatile revenue in the past couple of years. Difficulties have been compounded by a rocky economic period, with cost-of-living pressures driving up operational costs and cutting into consumers’ budgets, limiting sales. At the same time, a reliance on minimum wage workers means that increases in the National Living Wage have hit the industry hard, further straining profitability. The traditional stationery market is facing significant challenges as digital alternatives like laptops and tablets take over. This shift is accelerated by eco-conscious consumers seeking options that minimise paper use, reducing demand for products such as notebooks and pens. However, a countertrend is emerging, with digital fatigue and its effects on mental health encouraging consumers to cut their reliance on screens and turn back to paper. Newsagents and stationery stores find themselves in a fierce price war with supermarket chains and major online retailers. These larger businesses leverage their purchasing power and economies of scale to lower costs, ultimately pushing prices down. This is causing profit to shrink and squeezing smaller stores out of the market. Revenue is projected to decline by 3.8% in 2025-26. In the coming years, retailers are expected to focus on protecting profitability by streamlining costs through innovations such as self-service tills. However, the shift online will continue to impact sales for newsagents and stationery stores, even as concerns over digital fatigue grow. Moreover, younger consumers will increasingly transition to social media for news, further affecting the sales of traditional print media. However, mounting consumer interest in sustainable and artisanal stationery could usher in new opportunities for niche markets in the future, offering a glimmer of hope. Climbing environmental consciousness presents retailers with the chance to innovate and diversify their product offerings to attract a wider customer base. Still, reflecting the ongoing struggles, revenue is forecast to dip at a compound annual rate of 3.3% over the five years through 2030-31 to £1.8 billion.

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Non-photo Personalized Gifts Market Size 2024-2028

The non-photo personalized gifts market size is estimated to grow by USD 12.02 billion, at a CAGR of 10.44% between 2023 and 2028. The market experiencing steady expansion, driven by various factors. Firstly, the burgeoning gifting culture and escalating preference for seasonal decorations significantly contribute to market growth. In emerging countries, the organized retail sector's expansion plays a pivotal role in market development. Furthermore, the increasing popularity of private-label brands, offering unique and customized products, fuels market demand. These trends collectively shape the dynamic landscape of the non-photo personalized gifts industry.

What will be the Size of the Market During the Forecast Period?

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Market Dynamics

The market is thriving with a diverse array of offerings, ranging from customized presents to bespoke accessories and home décor pieces. These gifts cater to various occasions, including milestone events, holidays, and anniversaries, allowing individuals to express their sentiments uniquely. With a focus on hand-crafted and organic materials, the market reflects growing consumer preferences for environmentally friendly options. Businesses specializing in personalized gift creation are witnessing industry expansion, fueled by the demand for lifestyle goods tailored to individual tastes. Moreover, the rise of experiential gifting and the influence of social media influencers have contributed to the popularity of specialized merchandise, including 3D-printed personalized gifts, offering consumers a wide range of options for expressing their affection to loved ones and friends.

Key Market Driver

The growing organized retail in emerging countries is driving growth in the market. With the expansion of supermarkets, hypermarkets, and specialty stores, there is a marked increase in organized retailing around the world. Non-photo personalized gifts such as kitchenware, tableware, stationery, and greeting cards are primarily sold by established organized retailers.

However, organized retailers provide consumers with convenience and value for money. A lot of gifts are available in organized retail stores, making it possible for the visitor to choose from a variety of options. A large number of consumers across the globe prefer shopping through supermarkets and hypermarkets, further increasing the importance of organized retailers among companies. Growing organized retailing in emerging countries will, thus, drive the market for non-photo personalized gifts during the forecast period.

Significant Market Trends

Innovations in the personalization of gifts are a key trend in the market. To increase the acceptance and sales of non-photo personalized gifts, suppliers operating in target markets are offering a higher level of personalization. Vendors are increasingly focusing on enhancing the customer experience during the personalization of product orders by integrating innovative technologies.

Moreover, artificial intelligence is also becoming more and more important for some retailers on the market which are trying to help customers discover their perfect gift. Some of the vendors operating in the market in focus are adopting an in-store gift personalization strategy. Such innovations in the non-photo personalization of gifts will increase their sales and thereby accelerate the growth momentum of the market during the forecast period.

Major Market Challenge

The growing competition from homemade and DIY gifts is a major challenge in the market challenge. Individuals can make DIY non-photo personalized gifts and give them to the targeted end-users. They are also capable of adapting the gifts according to their creativity and ideas to achieve a higher level of attractiveness and efficiency for receivers. People can get ideas to personalize their gifts from various online platforms, such as YouTube tutorials and social media, and create them on their own.

Also, sometimes, individuals may not be able to find the desired gift for the receiver either in offline or online stores. Hence, they're able to choose from the DIY versions and create their gifts that would be more charming and useful for the recipient. Hence, the growing inclination for DIY, homemade non-photo personalized gifts will have a negative impact on sales and thereby hinder the potential growth of the market during the forecast period.

Customer Landscape

The market research report includes the adoption lifecycle of the market, covering from the innovator’s stage to the laggard’s stage. It focuses on adoption rates in different regions based on penetration. Furthermore, the report also includes key purchase criteria and drivers of price sensitivity to help companies evaluate and develop their growth strategies.

Global Market Customer La