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, nearly 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.