Ahni & Zoe to close

BREAKING NEWS: the Ahni & Zoe party plan business will be "wound down" in the US & Canada. Consultants should watch their email for information regarding a business opportunity offered by the Flowerdale group (the company that purchased certain of the assets of both the Antioch Liquidating Trust (formerly Creative Memories) and Ahni & Zoe. This agreement includes both the CM and Ahni & Zoe brands and the patents and trademarks therein, as well as our Japanese business and manufacturing equipment. This agreement will ensure the continued production of the high quality album and paper products both companies have been known for. Ahni & Zoe Consultant Contracts will be terminated effective September 3, 2014

Here is a copy of what was sent to A&Z consultants:

Dear USA and Canadian Consultants,

As you may have heard, the company has reached an agreement with Flowerdale Group Limited, Hong Kong, to purchase certain of the assets of both the Antioch Liquidating Trust (formerly Creative Memories) and Ahni & Zoe. This agreement includes both the Creative Memories and Ahni & Zoe brands and the patents and trademarks therein, as well as our Japanese business and manufacturing equipment. This agreement will ensure the continued production of the high quality album and paper products both companies have been known for.

While it has been determined that the Ahni & Zoe party plan direct sales business will be wound down in the U.S. and Canada, there will be an alternative business opportunity for you offered by the Flowerdale group. Flowerdale's Chairman, Caleb Hayhoe, will send you an email today and invite you to a call (see below) to lay out his vision and announce the new company - formed from our existing team, right here in St. Cloud, MN - which will continue the legacy of quality products.

I will lead a small Home Office team to ensure our closure efforts are handled with grace, high quality, accuracy and fairness. You deserve our best efforts, and you will receive them. You can find the timeline and details about ordering remaining products and wrapping up your A&Z businesses on the home page of A&Z Connection. Please be assured we are not “slamming the doors.” You will have the ability to order Ahni & Zoe products for your summer and fall events, and complete any parties on the books in the next few weeks.

I have come to know many of you over my time with this company, and I respect all of you. Ahni & Zoe is a wonderful concept, brought to life by the creative genius of Loren Castronovo and her dedicated Home Office team AND the generous hard work and love shared by thousands of Consultants. Your customers embraced the concept of fast, beautiful pre-designed ways to enjoy their memories, and I’m happy that the Flowerdale Group intends to keep this concept and these products going, so you will be welcome to continue the good work you’ve started.

Amid the tears we will shed, I know new doors will open for us all as we follow the journey we are meant to be on. Thank you for sharing your journey with us.

Blessings always,

Chris Veit
CEO, Ahni & Zoe by Creative Memories

Important things to note:

This is the official notification of termination of Ahni & Zoe Consultant Contracts effective September 3, 2014.
You can find FAQs and important dates in the Announcements on the home page of A&Z Connection. We would appreciate it if you could read them before calling Consultant Services (who will be available to serve you through the duration of the wind-down).
You’re invited to join Caleb Hayhoe on a call today. He’ll be sharing more and taking questions using today’s Weekly Focus time (noon CT). Register now. If you’re already registered for the Monday Weekly Focus calls, there’s no need to re-register.

Link to the "A&ZGoodbye" message: http://antiochcompany.cachefly.net/NewCo/A&ZGoodbye.m4a

UPDATE:  See below for FAQs from Ahni & Zoe

Encouraging words from the new owner of CM/AZ names & rights. 

“It is my plan to invest in continuing to build and improve the simple Ahni & Zoe line AND restore some of the beloved items from the Creative Memories line (bookcloth albums, pages, paper, etc.) for those who enjoy that approach to preserving memories.”

According to a call held today the new facility should be up & running, producing products by October. Sounds like he is trying to bring both the AZ & CM product line together. 

Link to message from Caleb Hayhoe, Chairperson of Flowerdale Group Ltd.