Hallmark Bumps the Trend with New Kid Product: Text Bands

KANSAS CITY, Mo., July 23, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Hallmark, a company known for helping consumers make meaningful connections, introduces Text Bands — a new product that encourages kids to connect face to face while using an interactive wristband.

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First-of-its-kind Text Bands allow kids to swap messages by bumping fists or shaking hands. Recently, thousands of kids and celebrities, including Cody Simpson and Demi Lovato, have bumped fists and traded messages at Hallmark Text Bands launch parties. Starting today, everyone can participate in the Text Bands action. Text Bands are available for $14.99 at Hallmark Gold Crown^® stores nationwide.

"In this world of behind-the-screen communication, we wanted to give kids a new fun way to connect face to face and express themselves," said Dan Woodall, Hallmark Product Manager. "In Hallmark focus groups and at Text Bands launch parties, kids have been enthusiastic about Text Bands. We are excited Text Bands now are in stores so everyone will have a chance to experience this new way to connect."

How Text Bands Work
Text Bands starter kits feature a purple or charcoal-colored Text Band, complete with a texting module and style band. Kids enter up to 10 characters into the screen and, when they see a friend wearing a Text Band, they connect by bumping fists or shaking hands. The bands will light up, and the message transfers from band to band. A bad-word filter built into the Text Band helps ensure kids send positive messages. Text Bands hold up to 24 messages at a time — the newest messages push out the oldest — giving kids the perfect excuse to connect with their friends again and again.

Text Bands Style
Hallmark also offers style bands, giving kids an opportunity to showcase their style. Style bands feature various designs, including Peace Graffiti, Camo Breeze and characters, such as Minnie Mouse, and retail for $4.99 each.

"With eight style bands to choose from, kids can change their Text Bands to match their outfits or moods for the day," said Dan Woodall, Hallmark Product Manager. "Additional style band designs, including one featuring teen pop sensation Cody Simpson, will be introduced throughout 2012."

The Power of Positivity
Before using Text Bands, kids are encouraged to recite the "Text Bands Oath" and promise to use their band for positive communication and friendship. Teen stars, including Demi Lovato and Cody Simpson, led fans in the Text Bands Oath this summer at Hallmark Text Bands launch parties. Other celebrities who attended Text Bands debut events included Ariel Winter ("Modern Family"), Kendall and Kylie Jenner ("Keeping Up the Kardashians") and Kelli Goss ("Big Time Rush").

What Others Are Saying About Text Bands

• "You can show people who you are through the use of your Text Band." — Kenton Duty, actor from "Shake It Up!"
• "I wish I had these [Text Bands] in middle school, because it's much easier to ask a girl out with this." — Cody Simpson, teen singing sensation
• "If I could bump fists with all my fans with a Text Band, I would say 'URLoved'." — Tiffany Thornton, star of "Sonny with a Chance" and "So Random!"
• "I love these things [Text Bands]. I'm going to be wearing this all the time now." — Cole Pendery, singer, IM5

Hallmark Text Bands are available in Hallmark Gold Crown^® stores. For more information, to watch Text Bands in action and view Text Bands celebrity videos and photos, visit www.textbands.com.

About Hallmark Cards, Inc.
Hallmark makes the world a more caring place by helping people express what's in their hearts and spend time together — a privilege few other companies in the world enjoy. Hallmark greeting cards and other products are found in more than 38,000 retail outlets in the United States, including the network of flagship Hallmark Gold Crown^® stores. The brand also reaches people online at Hallmark.com and on television through Hallmark Hall of Fame original movies and cable's top-rated Hallmark Channel. Worldwide, Hallmark offers products in more than 30 languages available in 100 countries. This privately held company is based in Kansas City, Mo., and is led by the third generation of the founding Hall family. Visit http://corporate.hallmark.com for more details.

http://newsroom.hallmark.com

Related Links
Visit the Text Bands website for product information, Text Bands games, videos, photos and more.
To view additional Hallmark products, visit Hallmark.com.
For more Hallmark news, visit Hallmark's newsroom.

 

SOURCE Hallmark Cards, Inc.