1. Answer the questions.

1. When did the company start?

2. What did Hall send to dealers?

3. How much money did he earn within two months?

4. Wеre their Christmas cards and Valentines a success?

5. What did the brothers invent in 1917?

6. How did the company market the brand?

7. When did Joyce Clyde Hall retire?

2. Choose the correct variant and complete the sentences.

1. Joyce Clyde Hall was ______ years old when he came to Kansas City.

a) 21 b) 18 c) 30

2. He had nothing with him but ___________ .

a) a small bag with clothes.

b) letters of refference.

c) two shoeboxes of postcards.

3. Joyce Clyde Hall was in business when he ___________.

a) opened a checking account.

b) set up a printing workshop.

c) opened a shop to sell postcards.

4. The first success of their new product line came when the Hall Brothers invented their own _____________ .

a) business cards.

b) envelopes.

c) gift wrap.

5. In 1951 Hallmark’s marketing department sponsored _____________ .

a) a chat show.

b) a television opera.

c) a news programme.

6. Joyce Clyde Hall retired in _________ .

a) 1957 b) 1966 c) 2002

7. Hallmark owns _____________ .

a) a television channel.

b) a Hollywood film production studio.

c) a radio station.

3. Translate the text. Text 13

• Read the information about the history of Gucci and do the tasks that follow.

GUCCI

In 1921, Guccio Gucci opened a small luggage and saddlery company in Florence, selling exclusive leather goods created and produced by the best Florentine craftsmen.

Within a few years time, the Florence shop attracted a sophisticated international clientele. This overwhelming success prompted the opening of a new shop in 1938 on Via Condotti in Rome.

In 1947, the first of Gucci's icon products, the bamboo handle handbag, was introduced.

During the 1950's the trademark striped webbing, which was derived from the saddle girth, became a great success. The moccasin with metal bit was introduced and became another icon product.

Guccio Gucci died in 1953 while the company was enjoying a period of great renown. Gucci opened a store in New York in 1953 and soon stores were opened in London, Paris and Palm Beach, bringing Gucci's success to key markets around the world. Grace Kelly, Peter Sellers and Audrey Hepburn helped make Gucci synonymous with Hollywood chic. In 1966, Gucci created the icon Flora silk scarf for Grace Kelly. Jackie Kennedy carried the Gucci shoulder bag which is known today as the "Jackie O".

At the end of 1960's the company adopted the legendary GG logo.

The Far East was targeted for international expansion, and stores were opened in Hong Kong and Tokyo.

In the early 1980's, company leadership was passed on to Maurizio Gucci. In 1984, Domenico De Sole became President of Gucci America.

In the late 1980's Investcorp (a Bahrain based investment company) acquired 50% of the shares of Gucci from Aldo Gucci and his sons.

In 1990, Tom Ford joined Gucci as Chief Women's Ready-to-Wear Designer.

In 1993Maurizio Gucci sold his entire shareholding to Investcorp.

In 1994, Domenico De Sole became CEO of Gucci Group NV and Tom Ford was appointed Creative Director for Gucci. In March of 1995, Tom Ford's first collection, featuring satin shirts, mohair jackets was a success.

In October 1995, 48.2 of Gucci share capital was sold by Investcorp and Gucci was listed on the New-York and Amsterdam stock exchanges. The initial public offering was highly successful. In March 1996, Investcorp sold the remaining 51 of shares, transforming Gucci into a fully public company.

In 1997, Gucci took control of its watch business by acquiring Severin Montres, one of the largest and most profitable watch companies in the world.

In 1999 Gucci entered into a strategic alliance with Pinault – Printemps -Redoute and transforms itself from a single brand company to a multi-brand group.

Gucci continued to expand its global presence by opening a number of new stores worldwide.

In September 2000, Gucci reopened its newly renovated Fifth Avenue Store - the largest Gucci Flagship store in the world.

After Tom Ford left his post in April 2004, Gucci appointed three new Creative Directors from within the company. Alessandra Facchinetti is now responsible for the Women's Ready to Wear Collections, John Ray for the Men's Ready to Wear Collections and Frida Giannini for the Accessories Collections. The new Creative Directors report to Giacomo Santucci, Gucci's President and Chief Executive Officer.