I remember when Crayola was acquired by Hallmark Cards back in 1984. It was a big deal at the time because Hallmark was a well-known and respected company, and the acquisition meant that Crayola would now be a part of their family.
Before the acquisition, Crayola was actually known as Binney & Smith, named after its founders, Edwin Binney and C. Harold Smith. They were the ones who invented the first dustless white chalk and the first box of eight crayons. It’s amazing to think that such a small start could eventually become the iconic brand that we know today.
When Hallmark Cards took over, they saw the potential in Crayola and recognized its value as a beloved brand among children and families. They wanted to incorporate Crayola into their personal development strategies, and that’s exactly what they did.
In 2007, a significant change occurred when the decision was made to change the company’s name from Binney & Smith to Crayola. This change was meant to reflect the fact that Crayola had become the number one brand in the company’s portfolio. It was a bold move, but it made sense given Crayola’s popularity and recognition.
Since then, Crayola has continued to thrive under the ownership of Hallmark Cards. They have expanded their product line to include not just crayons, but also markers, colored pencils, and various other art supplies. They have also ventured into the digital realm with products such as the Crayola ColorStudio HD, which allows children to interact with coloring pages using an iPad.
As someone who grew up using Crayola products, I have always appreciated the quality and creativity that they bring to the table. It’s reassuring to know that Crayola is owned by a company like Hallmark Cards, which shares their commitment to fostering personal development and creativity in children.
Crayola is currently owned by Hallmark Cards, who acquired the company in 1984. The acquisition has allowed Crayola to flourish and expand its product offerings, while still maintaining its status as a beloved and iconic brand.