Encore Studios Shuttered
GDA Staff -- Gifts and Dec, 9/22/2011 2:45:06 PM
Clifton, NJ - Encore Studios, known for its custom invitations and announcements, quietly closed its doors earlier this week without notice, after more than 30 years of serving customers. The news of the well respected company's shuttering has been met with shock and dismay by both retailers and other invitation vendors as the news spreads virally through the stationery industry.
"We have been a friendly competitor with Encore Studios for over 20 years. This is truly a sad moment for all those that have spent a good portion of their lives there as well for all of us in the industry," said Bonnie Zwerman, president of JEBS Custom Designs, North Bellmore, NY. "Contrary to what many might believe, this is not good for any of us...competitor, dealer or customer. Encore will be missed and there will be a big gap in this industry."
Retailer and Encore dealer, Lynne Sandler of Lettering by Lynne, Alexandria, VA, remarked, "What a blow to the invitation industry! I've worked with Encore Studios for many years and was always so pleased with the quality of their workmanship. Their customer service was superb - every one of the reps was pleasant and so helpful; and the wonderful proofing team, too. With their help, I created unique, custom invitations for my clients. No job was too small or too difficult. This leaves such a big hole in the industry."
A formal announcement will be made by the company at some point in the future, according to industry consultant Brian Lawrence, however it may take some time. In the meantime, retailers who are Encore dealers are advised to remove the company's albums and display samples from their viewing area.
It looks like there is an auction scheduled for their equipment in Clifton, NJ next month. www.ajwauctions.com
Abe Willner - 2011-10-27 22:46:05 EDTEverything has become virtual. Waiting for the return of Barter, The Pony Express and the Art of Letter Writing.
Lisabeth Rosenberg - 2011-10-21 22:38:07 EDTFor a major company to just close its doors with no indication there was a problem,is very sad and they will be missed. They were an extremely professional company that really had a grasp on design. However, to leave all your customers in the dark like they did, was just awful and not expected from Encore.
Leslie Hoddeson - 2011-09-24 17:05:31 EDTWith no one available for comment at Encore, we do not know how to answer your question. According to Brian Lawrence, Encore was "were shipping all orders they could through the end of the business day Tuesday." (9/20) In his blog, Brian suggests: "If you have an Encore order in house or one that you were planning to place, some custom brands may be able to replicate certain items or come close, so you may try that route before informing your customer that they have to make an entirely different selection." I wish we all could be more helpful and provide more guidance in this matter. Hopefully, more information will be forthcoming before too long.
Caroline Kennedy - 2011-09-23 13:41:18 EDTSad news but what about the orders that we had in production? What happens to them and who can we call to find out the status? Help.
Kathy Hayes - 2011-09-22 16:49:25 EDTNo related articles for this topic.
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