Many of you have heard already that Stampin’ Up! is going through a color renovation!  This is VERY exciting to us all, but I am sure you may have questions…hopefully this will answer those questions for you!

Q: Why have some of the carryover colors changed families?

A: While our new collections have similar names to our previous families, you’ll notice the intensity of colors in our collections is different from that of the similar family. The Brights, for instance, aren’t as bright as Bold Brights were. With the change in intensity, we found that some colors fit better in a different collection. We also organized our colors to be more complementary within each collection.

Q: Why are so many colors being discontinued, and why are there fewer colors than before?

A: We retired colors based on sales history and focus group feedback. Members of our focus groups indicated that they had some colors they didn’t use; for instance, they purchased a whole family of ink pads and then rarely used some of the colors in that family. In addition, sales on many colors were very low, and the cost to support those colors was not worth the return. We were careful to choose the most popular and up-to-date colors.

Another reason we reduced the number of colors is that we wanted our collections to be less overwhelming to new demonstrators and customers—we wanted it to be easier for new stampers to get started. And with fewer colors in each collection, demonstrators and customers can save money and use that money to purchase more of what they love—stamps, accessories, and other items.

Also keep in mind that in addition to our 40 core colors, we’ll have 5 new In Colors each year, and In Colors will have a lifespan of two years instead of one. That means after the first year, there will be 10 additional colors to mix and match and play with, for a total of 50 colors (5 In Colors the first year for a total of 45 colors).

Q: Are other card stocks outside the four color collections retiring?

A: We will continue to offer the following: Brushed Gold, Brushed Silver, Confetti Cream, Confetti White, Glossy White, Naturals Ivory, Naturals White, Shimmery White, and White vellum card stock, as well as White vellum paper.

Q: What are the new core colors, and what are the In Colors that are returning as core colors?

A: The five new colors are called Daffodil Delight, Early Espresso, Marina Mist, Cajun Craze, and Cherry Cobbler. The ten returning In Colors as core colors are Melon Mambo, Pacific Point, Tangerine Tango, River Rock, Soft Suede, Riding Hood Red, Rich Razzleberry, Wild Wasabi, Pink Pirouette, and Baja Breeze. Also, we’ve renamed Kraft to Crumb Cake, and it is a core color in the Neutrals collection. You’ll want to check out the color chart PDFs, as well as Stampin’ Success, to see these colors displayed in their new collections!

Q: Will I have to purchase all new Stampin’ Write markers, Watercolor Wonder Crayons, Stampin’ Pastels, and a new Color Caddy?

A: No. We are offering color kits, including Card Stock and Classic Pad, Stampin’ Write Markers, Watercolor Wonder Crayons, and Stampin’ Pastels New Color Kits, to help you make the transition.

There will not be a new Color Caddy; the existing Color Caddy holds all of the 40 core color Stampin’ Pads and up to 8 additional Stampin’ Pads.

(After this year, you can still fit all of the In Colors with the extender kit.)

Q: Will ink and accessories be available in all 40 core colors?

A: Ink will be available in all 40 core colors. However, based on sales history, Craft Stampin’ Pads will only be available in Basic Black, Very Vanilla, and Whisper White. Craft Stampin’ Spots (available in collections) and Craft Stampin’ Ink refills (available individually) will still be available in all of the core colors to use for embossing, coloring chipboard, and scrapbooking.

Basic accessories will be available in a selection of core colors from each collection, including all of the colors in the Getting Started collection. All ribbon types will be available in the colors from the Getting Started collection. Ribbon in other colors may show up in mini catalogs. Also, a blank Craft pad will be available in an upcoming mini catalog, so those who regularly use Craft pads can create their own by purchasing the blank pads and Craft ink refills.

Q: Will Stampin’ Up! offer any discounts on the new color products to make the transition easier?

A: We will not be offering any discounts on the new color products, however, there is added value built in to some of the color kits. When you purchase one of the Classic pad and card stock kits, the card stock actually comes free!

Q: When will the new color kits be available, and will they be available to customers, too?

A: The new color kits will be available for your customers starting July 1. These kits will be available through the catalog year, and will be shown on a downloadable flyer.

Q: Will the stamp pad cases be redesigned? If so, when?

A: Yes, but the new packaging will be phased in over time, so there is no exact date when each ink pad will be changed. The new packaging will not have the dot indicating the color family.