- 15 November, 2002 -

Cardsmart today announced it will open five to seven Cardsmart card and gift shops in Arizona during the first quarter of 2003, bringing everyday half-prices to shoppers seeking the best in greeting cards and select gifts. Cardsmart plans to begin its focus on the Grand Canyon State with stores in Mesa, Sun City, Chandler, Surprise, Ahwatukee, and Paradise Valley. Petter Etholm, President of Cardsmart Retail Corporation, said, "The Cardsmart stores will offer consumer-friendly shopping for those who want high quality products and service at low prices. Shoppers with young families, starting careers, enjoying retirement or stretching an allowance, along with all Arizonans, will enjoy our state-of-the-art stores in thriving Mesa, rapidly expanding Candler, beautiful Paradise Valley, the foothills of Ahwatukee, lovely Sun City and fast growing Surprise." Frank Feely, Vice President of Cardsmart, said, "We are experiencing strong interest in our franchise concept and expect to open many Cardsmart stores across America in year ahead." Etholm added, "Based on recent Cardsmart store surveys, 99% of shoppers are 'very well satisfied,' 95% call Cardsmart 'one of the best' card shops and 91% say Cardsmart offers them 'very good to excellent' value. We are proud that 98% of Cardsmart shoppers plan to return to the stores and consider our standing with consumers to be our strongest asset." Headquartered in Pawtucket, Rhode Island, Cardsmart is a national chain of franchised and company-owned stores that offer consumers everyday half-price sales off stated card and select gift prices in beautiful stores, typically in strip center settings. Cardsmart stores serve consumers across America, and based on the company's strong growth over the past several years, the Cardsmart franchise family is expected to grow at a record pace. Featuring a full-line of beautifully designed greeting cards by Paramount Cards Inc., Cardsmart has a value-oriented strategy that has developed an expanding base of loyal and appreciative consumers. For More Information: Contact: Frank Feely, Vice President, Franchise Development Cardsmart Retail Corporation 400 Pine Street Pawtucket, RI 02860 Phone 800-343-2239 ext. 2250 or Brian Dobson Dobson Communications 203-894-9240 BrianDobson@DobsonPR.com

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