Lincolnshire-based British greeting card publisher Jo Couch has signed a distribution partnership with leading US greeting card distributor Notes & Queries, marking the brand’s entry into the American market
Founded by illustrator Jo Couch, the brand is known for its heartfelt greeting cards featuring animals and dreamy illustrated scenes that celebrate warmth, kindness and human connection. Her artwork combines gentle colour palettes with emotional storytelling, creating uplifting designs that help people express care, empathy and sincerity.
The partnership represents an important milestone for the business as it expands internationally, bringing Jo Couch’s distinctive illustrations to a wider retail audience across the US through an established and respected distributor.
The opportunity first emerged earlier this year at Spring Fair in Birmingham. In 2023, Jo Couch won the Small Business Sunday (SBS) award founded by entrepreneur and Dragon’s Den star Theo Paphitis. As part of Theo’s ongoing partnership with Spring Fair and the SBS initiative, Jo was awarded a trade show stand at the event. It was there, in February, that Jo met Alan and Vanessa from Notes & Queries, leading to the new distribution agreement.
Jo said: “Partnering with Notes & Queries is an incredibly meaningful step for my business. I’ve always believed in creating artwork that is heartfelt, which brings warmth and happiness and resonates with people. To now share that with customers across the United States is truly exciting. I’m delighted to be working with Vanessa and Alan and excited about what the future holds.”
Notes & Queries stated: “Notes & Queries is excited to announce a new distribution relationship with Jo Couch. What excited us the most was Jo’s colour sense and her whimsical designs.”
With initial launches planned for spring, the collaboration will introduce Jo Couch’s distinctive greeting cards to independent retailers across the US, beginning with a curated Christmas collection before expanding into everyday ranges.
