Features

Here we present additional editorial coverage not seen in the Fall 2024 print issue of Stationery Trends.

The GCA Desk: New Postal Bill Brings Long-Needed Accountability

The USPS SERVES US Act promises to protect the mail — and every last American.

By Sierra Bretz, Executive Director, GCA; Rafe Morrissey, Vice President of Public Affairs, GCA

Did you know that more than half of all cards sold are delivered by the United States Postal Service (USPS) — and that the recent frequent price increases have already driven out huge amounts of mail volume?

At the end of May, the Postal Regulatory Commission (PRC) gave reluctant approval for increasing the price of the Forever Stamp by a nickel, along with raising other rates across the board. This was the fifth hike in the stamp price in only two years.

Along with the rest of the mailing community, the GCA questioned the wisdom of these large increases coming at an unprecedented twice-a-year pace. These large increases have been a centerpiece of the USPS Delivering for America Plan put forward by Postmaster General Louis DeJoy.

Ironically, in their decision, even the PRC agreed stating that the hike was “not prudent … and not consistent with the best interests of stakeholders,” but claimed that they lacked the legal basis to deny it.

This statement encapsulates a long-standing problem with the PRC’s powers and its decision to self-limit its scrutiny of USPS rates and service performance. The language in its decision and recent efforts to force the USPS to submit its service plan for scrutiny indicate an awareness that it has given too much leeway — but the current dismal situation calls for more action.

A CALL FOR ACTION

Through its long engagement in regulatory proceedings on behalf of citizen mailers — that is, each and every American — the Greeting Card Association (GCA) recognizes that the regulatory process requires legislative modernization. By clarifying the mandate of the Commission to protect mailers, we can:

• Protect consumers from the USPS monopoly
• Hold the USPS accountable for efficiency, rate affordability and service quality.

GCA’s regulatory counsel and public affairs team have developed a set of legislative principles refined through engagement with other mailing industry stakeholders. In doing so, we were able to produce draft legislation to fill the gaps in the law and practice at the PRC.

WHERE WE ARE NOW

In early 2024, Rep. Jake LaTurner (R-KS) embraced the legislation drafted by GCA counsel and incorporated it into the “USPS Services Enhancement and Regulatory Viability Expansion and Sustainability for the U.S. Act” (USPS SERVES US Act), H.R. 9839. This bill would require:

• USPS efficiency improvements
• Limiting stamp increases to only one per year
• Requiring the USPS to meet service performance standards
• Creating a new autonomous Office of Customer Advocate with whom GCA members and other customers can engage to seek relief from bad rate and service decisions.

GET INVOLVED

Passing any legislation is an uphill battle. Moving this crucial legislation forward will require active support from GCA members and the entire community of mail stakeholders. Information on how greeting card publishers can contact their members of Congress to support this legislation will be coming out soon. In the meantime, we hope everyone will take the opportunity to ask their elected representatives to support the USPS SERVES US Act.

Winter 2025 Trade Show News

Atlanta Market ready to host buyers in January 2025

The winter 2025 edition of Atlanta Market is slated to welcome retailers and designers worldwide with southern hospitality, ANDMORE unveiled. AmericasMart Atlanta will feature 700-plus sales agencies and branded showrooms offering innovative gift resources Jan. 14-20 for the winter buying event. A new temporary layout on eight floors across Buildings 1, 2 and 3 makes its January debut, offering methodical sourcing through seven cohesive categories. A street-greeter program will also guide buyers to and from AmericasMart, according to trade show executives.

“The nation’s largest collection of gift merchandise brings beloved favorites and revamped categories to Winter market in January 2025, offering buyers yet another dynamic shopping experience at the top of the buying year,” said Jon Pertchik, CEO of ANDMORE.

Dallas Total Home & Gift Market to debut reimagined Temps

Dallas Market Center has announced the evolution of the Temps at Total Home & Gift Market, Jan. 8-11. The reimagined show aims to create new, inspiring destinations for buyers and more space for growth categories.

“A key reason for the inDallas Market Center Logocrease in buyers choosing Dallas is our presentation of new products, together with our convenience, customer service, and safety,” said Dallas Market Center president and CEO Cindy Morris. “Retailers want trending and unique items, and that begins with the Temps. That’s why remerchandising portions of the show and updating the presentation of exhibitors will help create even more traffic to the temps and opportunities for exhibitors to reach buyers attending our markets.”

Winter 2025 Las Vegas Market to offer refreshed amenities, resources

Events and amenities, including the Market Kickoff Party, Expo seminars, daily floor bars and complimentary refreshments aim to round out the market experience to supplement sourcing at the upcoming Winter 2025 Las Vegas Market, Jan. 26-30. Seven floors in Building C offer gift products across every category, according to ANDMORE. Las Vegas Market also strives to deck more halls with dynamic exhibitors in the seasonal space, with Building C’s Floor 9 showcasing the new and next of fall and holiday décor.

“The West Coast’s best cross-category gift resource opens 2025 buying opportunities with something for everyone,” said Jon Pertchik, ANDMORE CEO. “From seasonal resources across Building C to tabletop and handmade within the Expo, buyers are invited to indulge this winter.”

PLUS!

For an extended version of editor-in-chief Sarah Schwartz’s “What’s in the Cards,” click here.