Hall-Remarks

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Harvest your Hallmark collectibles for an autumn of collectible fun. Ornaments Online invites you to peruse our pages for a fabulous fall season. Explore our feature articles on "Spooktacular Collectibles," get organized when you pack those Christmas Keepsakes safely away, with "Organzing Your Collectibles," and celebrate with another local club, "In the Spotlight."

Since our last issue of Ornaments Online, Hallmark Keepsake ornaments and Kiddie Car Classics were featured on QVC, a home shopping cable network, September 30, with Lynn Wylie, Keepsake Ornament Collector's Club manager. Ms. Wylie showcased the 1998 line with a sampling of this year's Keepsakes made available for purchase, via a mere phone call. Collectors are somewhat divided on this issue. On one hand, some feel such a "spectacle" cheapened the Hallmark name, while others feel it served to increase national exposure and interest, thus stimulating the marketplace. It remains to be seen how this episode truly "concludes."

"Hallmark's 25 Years of Collecting Memories," was at the least, an informative advertisement for a collectible so many of us value. As a special guest host, Lynn Wylie gave background information and insights to a world of collectible ornaments. The average Hallmark collector seems avid by "average" standards, and thus, is likely to have already been knowledgeable on most of Ms. Wylie's comments. Viewers were treated to short film clips of artists at work on their respective creations and were shown some original sculptures. Decorating ideas and other uses for ornaments were shown several times during the broadcast.

Many callers were members of the national club, while some were first time customers of Hallmark ornaments. The Keepsakes sold on the show are considered by many to be cross-collectibles. Princess Leia and the miniature Ewoks were sold as a set and would, of course, appeal to Star Wars collectors. The Tin Locomotive and the Festive Locomotive served as a draw for train enthusiasts.

Retailers are admittedly concerned about Hallmark's apparent disregard for Gold Crown stores' loss of exclusivity. The pricey silver plated Angelic Flight, listed in the Dream Book as a Gold Crown exclusive with limited edition of 25,000, was also sold on the air. It has been reported that only those which remained after retailers had completed their orders were offered to QVC consumers. It bewilders other retailers that they are forbidden interstate commerce via the Internet. Yet, corporate Hallmark sold nationwide on a television shopping network, which also allows purchases through their own web site. Hallmark's recent "anniversary in-store event" was preempted, perhaps, by the QVC presentation. Some retail sponsors of local chapters of the KOCC went to great lengths to promote the silver anniversary of Keepsakes, predetermined for the dates of October 3rd and 4th, several days following the broadcast. QVC customers did wait 7-9 days for their orders to arrive, making in store purchases more favorable. Additionally, Gold Crown card holders were given 150 bonus points for any ornament purchased during the anniversary weekend.

Credit is extended to both Ms Wylie and the QVC host, Steve Bryant, for promoting the in-store event. Ms. Wylie continuously issued a warm invitation to viewers to attend Hallmark's Anniversary Party at their local Gold Crown retailers. To date, there are no plans for Hallmark to do a repeat presentation. It is believed that this was a one time appearance, to commemorate Keepsakes' silver anniversary.

Not to be upstaged by cable TV, local club members and their sponsors held fun-filled activities for informed collectors and novices alike. Costume contests, decorating contests, and other gatherings highlighted the celebration weekend for local members. Some local club members entertained retail visitors by portraying certain popular ornament personalities, such as Maxine or Santa.

We continue to celebrate 25 years of collecting memories, throughout 1998. Many anticipate the end of October for Halloween and the chance, even as adults, to play "dress up." However, as any true Hallmark aficionado knows, once the great pumpkin retires for the saints of November 1, Christmas is a mere 55 days away. Christmas, now that's a celebration! Joy to the World!

We continue to celebrate 25 years of collecting memories, through out 1998. Many anticipate the end of October for Halloween and the chance, even as adults, to play "dress up". However, as any true Hallmark aficionado knows, once the great pumpkin retires for the saints of November 1, Christmas is a mere 55 days away. Christmas, now that's a celebration! Joy to the World!