TREND WATCH

Greetings: Two greeting card manufacturers aim to close the gap with industry leader Hallmark Cards by introducing products based on convenience, the environment and cross-marketing. American Greetings has introduced Everyday Supertrays, which provide every detail for an occasion including cards, gift-wrapping products and accessories. Gibson Greetings is targeting impulse buyers with cards that will be sold with cosmetics and wine. Gibson will also introduce its Cleo Earth Friendly line this Christmas. Chain Drug Review, Adweek’s Marketing Week

Phased Expansion: W. H. Brady Co., a Wisconsin-based maker of adhesives and coatings, will open a plant in Malaysia or Singapore this fall to manufacture products for printed circuit boards. The move is part of a carefully phased approach to selling in the Pacific Rim. Brady set up sales offices in Hong Kong and Singapore four years ago. The company says sales now can support the lease of a 5,000-square-foot plant furnished with $2 million worth of equipment. Eventually, Brady would like to build its own plant and diversify the product offering. Milwaukee Journal

Low Tidings: As much as retailers would like to pin their woes on the Persian Gulf War and believe that the end of the conflict will result in a rebound, industry watchers note other factors have had much more influence on retail’s health. In fact, the onset of fighting in the Mideast did not bring about a drop in sales, but quickened what the recession already had done to push sales down. As the CEO of Pier 1 pointed out: “When the tide goes out, all boats settle.” Discount Store News