American Greetings announces "Opening Acts"

 One of the most time-honored birthday traditions is tearing into an envelope and reading the heartfelt birthday wishes inside the card. Then the addition of sound and other technological enhancements added a new twist that excited shoppers and recipients alike. Now American Greetings Corporation (NYSE: AM) has introduced Opening Acts™, an innovative new line of greeting cards that offer a unique remix to sound cards that are sure to bring a round of appreciative applause.

This new line pairs an audio envelope with a playful 360 degree die-cut card, offering a fun remix on the expected sound card. Upon opening the bright and colorful envelopes play music or a sound, offering up big smiles and then the cute card takes over to deliver even more happy birthday wishes. Themes range from birthday sweet treats and favorite cocktails to cute animals, a hula girl, and even Mission: Impossible.

"Usually the envelope gets almost completely ignored, but with Opening Acts the envelope is part of the whole experience. It really extends the process," said Carol Miller executive director of new product concepts at American Greetings. "We love the reaction our audio envelopes receive and know consumers will love to surprise and delight their friends and family with Opening Acts."

As the industry leader in innovative new greeting card formats, American Greetings has introduced more fresh and exciting ways to celebrate birthdays and other big occasions than any other greeting card manufacturer over the past year. Incorporating fresh twists on paper technology with carefully written copy and festive artwork, the combined effect is the perfect selection of greeting cards that are sure to surprise and delight any recipient.

Consumers can find Opening Acts in addition to a selection of other great new innovations from American Greetings at participating drug chains, grocery stores and mass retailers nationwide, as well as in American Greetings and Carlton Cards retail stores. For more information on American Greetings, please visit www.corporate.americangreetings.com. You can also follow them on Twitter at www.twitter.com/amgreetings and on Facebook at www.facebook.com/AmericanGreetings.