KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Users of the free Hallmark Go Cards mobile application for the Apple iOS platform now can create and order a paper greeting card and pick it up at a Walgreens drug store the same day.
Hallmark said Tuesday that users of the Hallmark Go Cards app have already been able to devise a personalized paper greeting card, complete with photos and a signature, and have it sent straight to someone’s mailbox. The capability of in-store pickup at a local Walgreens store via the iOS version of the app now enables them to have the card in hand that day for in-person delivery or to send through the mail.
Cards available through the app are 5×7 inches folded and are printed on card stock. Choices include cards for birthday, thank you, "love and flirts," "just for laughs," well wishes and holiday cards, among other occasions.
"Imagine snapping a photo with your phone, adding the photo to a card in the Hallmark Go Cards app, placing the order and picking the card up at a Walgreens store on your way to a birthday party," explained Paul Barker, vice president and general manager of Hallmark digital. "This blending of the digital and retail world reinforces Hallmark’s commitment to innovate in this increasingly busy and mobile world of ours and makes it seamless for customers to create a card when they need it, wherever they are."
Once they’ve created their card and are ready to check out, Go Cards iOS app users see the option to have the card printed and mailed to the recipient by Hallmark or printed at a Walgreens store. The GPS in a mobile device automatically shows Walgreens stores in the area that have in-store printing capability. App users can also enter a ZIP code to find a Walgreens store in another area.
Currently, about 4,000 of all 8,000-plus Walgreens stores have the necessary printing capability, according to Hallmark.
Cards created for in-store pickup cost $1.99 each (envelope included but not postage), and those created through the app and addressed and mailed through Hallmark cost $3.49, including postage, addressing and handling.
Along with the new Go Cards iOS app in-store printing capabilities, the Walgreens website and in-store kiosks are adding 50 new personalized card designs from Hallmark for Christmas, and another 200 choices for wedding, baby and birthday, Hallmark said.
