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Open Invitation
Consumers Saying “Yes” to Inviting Company
August 10, 2010
What if you threw a tailgate party and no one showed up? That’s not a likely scenario thanks to the Inviting Company. In business since 1996, InvitingCo offers a full assortment of invitations and party items, including a complete line of licensed goods.
“We started out doing stationery and invitations,” says Elizabeth Upchurch, vice president of sales. “Eventually, we moved into paper plates and napkins. Just recently, we expanded into gifts items like wine glasses and journals.”
About 18 months ago, InvitingCo also delved into the licensed sports marketplace. The company’s focus thus far has been on collegiate product. “We currently have deals with 50 schools,” says Upchurch. “They are pretty well spread out across the country, though the SEC has been a particularly good area for us.”
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InvitingCo’s fresh, fashionable take on party items has proven to have great appeal with consumers. The company likes to put its own unique spin on design, often incorporating school colors in unexpected ways. “We’ve received a great response from bookstores and fan shops,” says Upchurch.
She is hoping for an equally enthusiastic reaction from retailers and buyers next January at the Sports
Licensing and Tailgate Show, where InvitingCo will be making its debut as an exhibitor. “We’re eager to bring our signature look to an audience that can really appreciate it,” say Upchurch.
She knows the show presents a great opportunity for InvitingCo to extend its reach at retail. “The potential of collegiate market is huge,” says Upchurch. “Consumers have become more savvy. They like the marriage of trendy products with their school logos. We’re eager to get feedback from retailers and buyers in Las Vegas.”
