Greetings Today

Independently audited, ABC circulation of 6,089

The impartial voice of the greetings card industry Jauuary 2014 Issue 4 Volume 16

Supporting the

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A brand new range from Abacus Cards Introducing 14, 5x7 format cards

celebrating the life and history of this great British institution.

20p from every card sold will go to The Royal Hospital Chelsea,

which cares for over 300 Chelsea Pensioners; retired soldiers who have been willing to PDNH WKH XOWLPDWH VDFULÀFH IRU WKHLU FRXQWU\

The cards are cello wrapped with a front label featuring one of these famous red coated Chelsea Pensioners, and have been left blank inside for a sender’s own message. A retail card rack header, to highlight the charity range, is also available.

To find out more about this unique charity range please call our sales office on 01638 569050 or speak to your local sales representative. The entire range can also be viewed at www.abacuscards.co.uk

contents the team

Editor Tracey Bearton tracey@lemapublishing.co.uk Advertisement Enquiries Mark Naish mark@lemapublishing.co.uk 01442 289930

Group Editor Mirella Cestaro mirella@lemapublishing.co.uk

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26

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Group Advertisement Manager Ryan Horwood ryan@lemapublishing.co.uk Publisher Mark Naish mark@lemapublishing.co.uk Production Director Paul Naish paul@lemapublishing.co.uk Managing Director Malcolm Naish malcolm@lemapublishing.co.uk

REGULARS 07

Leader

08

News

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Exhibition, People, Supplier, Licensing and General, it’s all here - and there’s more on www.greetingstoday.co.uk

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Meet The Newbies Windles-sponsored focus on industry newcomers

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It’s All About Sales Agents Alina Clark and new columnist Neil Anthony speak from the stores.

26

John Ryan How many operators can the discount greetings card sector bear?

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Circulation Manager Robert Thomas robert@lemapublishing.co.uk

Keep in touch - follow us:

Retail Advice @greetingstoday

Independent retail advisor Henri Davis looks ahead to the challenges of 2015.

41

Frankly Speaking

https://www.facebook.com/ greetingstodaymag

A list of 20 new year’s resolutions that Sarah Porter may - or may not - keep.

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Spotlight & Gifts Spotlight A selection of this month’s latest releases.

Talk Of The Town The voice of the people who matter, greetings retailers tell it like it is.

PUBLISHING

Lema Publishing Ltd 1 Church Gates, Wilderness, Berkhamsted, Herts HP4 2UB

FEATURES 16

Top Drawer Preview

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The first trade show of the new year takes up residence in the dramatic, light-filled space at London’s Olympia

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Cover Story

39

You’ve got male as UK Greetings reveal their masculine offer.

ONLINE

Christmas Cards & Wrap One festive season is just over and it’s already time to start looking for the top product for the next one.

Telephone: 01442 289930 www.greetingstoday.co.uk

At the heart of retail

Show Previews

Greetings Today is independently audited with an ABC circulation of 6,089 (July 1, 2013 to June 30, 2014)

Giving & Living in Exeter, the Wales Spring Fair in Llandudno and Scotland’s Trade Fair Spring are all part of the new season.

Subscription per annum: UK £60 (free for people in the greetings industry), Europe £80, ROTW £100

Go to our website - www.greetingstoday.co.uk - for our online features, this month we expand on Christmas Cards & Wrap and you can look back at our archive of previous features and issues.

A member of the Audit Bureau of Circulation

www.greetingstoday.co.uk 5

THE LARGEST COLLECTION OF GREETING CARDS IN THE WORLD

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01635 297070 @PGLiveLondon

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“As ever, far and away the best show for sourcing new publishers!”

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www.progressivegreetingslive.com

leader Editor Tracey Bearton

O, WE’RE all sitting around thinking that roast turkey, turkey sarnies, turkey curry and any other version of the blasted bird is the last thing we ever want to see on our plates again and what do you see when you open this January issue of Greetings Today?

That’s right, we’ve hardly got the last festive season over and done with, but we’re presenting you with the Christmas 2015 editorial feature!

In the crazy mixed-up world of retailing everyone has to go through each occasion at least twice – once when you’re actually enjoying it on a personal level, and anything up to a year beforehand when you have to deal with it for business.

And there will be plenty of Christmas around as the new trade fair season begins with a bang, starting with Top Drawer Spring – preview on page 16 – and Giving & Living that kick off on January 11, and swiftly followed by Scotland’s Trade Fair Spring and the Wales Spring Fair on January 18 – previews on page 39.

With Paperworld cropping up in Frankfurt on January 31, it won’t be long before we’re tackling the five-day behemoth that is Spring Fair on February 1.

You publishers and retailers are far more aware of this process that me as a mere trade magazine editor because you have to get all your latest designs and products ready so they can be mulled over, considered, decided on,

S

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ordered and delivered to store for customers to buy.

Phew! And you all manage it so well – if I had a hat, I’d take it off to you, maybe I should get one to wear at the shows!

The other thing everyone is thinking about at the start of January is looking both backwards and forwards at the same time – considering what’s happened in the past year and what’s to come in the next 12 months.

All in all it seems to have been a pretty good year as the economy shows definite signs of recovery, helped in the past few weeks by the significant fall in fuel prices and the Autumn Statement where Chancellor George Osbourne extended small business rate relief – and promised a review of the business rates system.

Both publishers and greetings retailers have been reporting that they’re pretty happy with the way things are going, and the independents will be particularly pleased if that rates review helps them.

Of course the upcoming General Election on May 7 might hold things up a little on that front but the review must be completed by the 2016 Budget whoever is in Downing Street in five months’ time.

At least all the political parties are now very aware of the problems with the current system, and the British Independent Retailers’ Association are heavily involved in fighting for reform too, so fingers crossed that it will binally get sorted out.

IIf I had a hat I’d take if off to you – maybe I should get one to wear at the showss

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Send your views and submissions for the magazine to: tracey@lemapublishing.co.uk Tel: 01442 289930

Want to appear in ?

FEBRUARY FEATURES: Paperworld Preview Spring Fair Preview Wedding & Anniversary Cards

MARCH FEATURES: Calendars, Posters & Prints Male & Father’s Day Cards MARCH COPY DATE FEBRUARY 6

WINDOW ON THE WORLD TECHNICALLY Christmas may be over because this is the January issue of Greetings Today but we’re still in a festiveenough mood to appreciate the delights of this simple and effective window display at Lollypop in Holcombe, Bury.

The washing line display of Christmas pants gifts is also neat.

Columnist and north-west agent Neil Anthony – read his thoughts on page 14 – liked Jayne Leggat’s display so much he had his photo taken in store as well as getting her to send in the pictures.

If you’re proud of your shop displays and window features and would like to share them, email tracey@lemapublishing.co.uk and you could be the star of next month’s Window On The World.

T: 01204 883073 www.facebook.com/ shoplollypop

www.greetingstoday.co.uk 7

in the news news in brief P-p-p-pick up a penguin SOFT toy penguins have had an incredible boost thanks to the John Lewis Christmas advert – the store quickly sold out of their Monty product, and Intelex’s Cozy Plush heatable version followed but more stock is due in shortly of the soft penguin that retails at £11.95 RRP.

Regret over ‘offensive’ card CLINTONS have expressed their “deep regret” for any offence caused by the humorous Council Estate Christmas Card that was withdrawn from sale on December 5 following complaints. But on Clintons’ Facebook page and in other social media and online there are as many people saying they found the card funny as those complaining about the list of 10 reasons why Santa must live on a council estate, including that he only works once a year and can get hold of all the latest designer gear but never pays a penny for it.

Top of the shops HARD on the heels of their Business Awards success, independent Kendal retailers Armstrong Ward celebrated their 10th anniversary and again showed their community spirit. Owners Jackie and Andrew Ward held their traditional Christmas charity event in November which raised more than £200 for Helme Chase Marternity Unit, part of Westmorland General Hospital.

Road trip HALLMARK are going on the road in January visiting 15 locations across the UK and Ireland to reveal their 2015 collections in a brand new way. The roadshows will be held at art galleries, museums, and interesting places in Aberdeen, Edinburgh, Leeds, Newcastle, Weybridge, Leicester, London, Manchester, Bristol, Norwich, Liverpool, Belfast, Cork and Dublin. For more details on the road shows call 0800 902 0900, 01 248 0104 in Ireland, or visit http://hub.hallmark.co.uk

Recognising retailers NOMINATIONS are now open for the BIRA Awards 2015 which aim to reward individuals and retailers.

There are four categories, Independent Retailer Of The Year, Retail Employee Of The Year, Charitable Champion and BIRA Direct Supplier Awards. For a full BIRA Awards pack, contact Jo Cooper on 0121 446 6688 or joanne.cooper@bira.co.uk

Diary date DESIGN, innovation and fantastic photography were on show at the judging for the National Calendar Awards – but you have to put the date of January 21 in your diary to find out the winners.

That’s when the prizes will be presented at Stationer’s Hall in London with the speaker being journalist, Loose Women presenter, Ramblers’ Association president and Science Museum trustee Janet Street-Porter.

The 21 categories and three special awards were decided in a lively session at the Kingston Lodge Hotel in Kingston Upon Thames on December 11 by industry experts including TV personality Paul Atterbury, Calendar Club’s Rob Dand and Christie Stapleton, David McGuinness from Kodak, Vanessa Kramer lately of Corbis, Premier Paper’s Dave Jones and Jeremy Tankard from the Wynkyn de Worde Society – plus Greetings Today editor Tracey Bearton.

THE extension of small business rate relief and 50 per cent increase in the smaller property discount in the Autumn Statement have been welcomed by the British Independent Retailers Association.

But CEO Alan Hawkins was more cautious in his reaction to the news from Chancellor George Osbourne that the business rates system is to be reviewed and reformed as questions still remain over how radical any outcome might be.

BIRA have fought for the reform since 2011 and Alan said: “The relief, discount and review are all evidence that the government knows there is a real problem to be solved. We will contribute strongly to the process of solving it.”

T: 01295 712277 or 0121 446 6688 www.bira.co.uk

Jon completes development goal HAVING helped UK Greetings establish their retail development processes and routines, Jon Morgan has now gone freelance under the name Cadplan Solutions.

As head of independent retail development at UKG, he’s completed their strategy of developing the From the Heart concept so left on December 15 after 12 years. Tony Roberts, UKG’s Director of Independent Sales, said: “It is recognised that retail development is still important to UK Greetings, Jon and UK Greetings are keen to maintain strong links; accordingly, Jon will continue to work closely with UK Greetings in a self-employed consultancy role.”

T: 07939 494391 www.cadplan.moonfruit.com

Nice one Cyril!

Tips from the top ● Winner – Stephen with Cardgains general sales manager Jim Girwan

Off to the Palace

8 www.greetingstoday.co.uk

He added that BIRA believe it is of vital importance to small businesses across the country that they engage with the project – which is to be completed by the 2016 Budget which means it must get under way immediately.

BIRA were disappointed that their argument for a freeze on rates was ignored and they will still increase by two per cent in April, as per the continued cap.

BIRA, which represents and supports independent retailers, had put forward an outline of a reform package in their June submission to a consultation on the administration of the tax.

people news

A DIFFICULT spelling and not making pants has led Scottish designer and publisher Lisa Donati to change her company name from Psychopants. “We are now Lisa Donati,” she said, “not .com or .co.uk simply www. lisadonati.co - why? Well, it transpired Psychopants was pretty tricky to spell and we don’t make pants!”

BUCKINGHAM Palace was the destination for Color Blind Cards founder Jessica Huie in early December when she received the MBE from Prince Charles for her contribution to entrepreneurship and her positive influence on the community.

T: 020 8390 3507 www.ncawards.co.uk

Thanks Chancellor – we think!

Dropping the pants

THE resounding success of the Giftware Association’s first major Meet The Buyer event, which saw members meet the people who matter at the John Lewis Partnership, means more are being planned. Isabel Martinson, GA chief executive, said: “The John Lewis team found the day to be a very efficient way of working and we are in negotiations to stage two more events in 2015.”

“It was a really interesting experience,” Tracey said, “I’ve never been asked to be a judge before so it was an honour – and there were some great calendars and ideas there, especially some of the student entries which might not be the most practical but certainly gave food for thought.

“It was also very educational as the industry experts were looking at different aspects to me so I learned a lot about calendar production.”

● Winner – Allen with Helen Gillam, Cardgains field sales south west

THREE of the four recipients of this year’s annual Cardgains Cyril awards are previous winners so have continued to provide a great service to the buying groups’ members.

Joint MD Chris Dyson said: “They’re doing a great job – the recipients are obviously proud to receive these awards as they are personally voted for by their customers.”

Stephen Dickson, from Nigel Quiney, won the Scotland and North East title, with Pat Teasdale from UK Greetings winning in the North and North East, Nigel Quiney’s Sarah Smith won in the South East, and UKG’s Allen Roberts was the South West winner and they recently received their trophies from the Cardgains sales team.

T: 0845 166 2054 www.cardgains.co.uk

● Winner – Pat with Caroline Pearson, Cardgains field sales north

● Winner – Sarah with Georgina De Terry, Cardgains field sales south east

SEE MORE NEWS ON www.greetingstoday.co.uk

Right direction CONTINUING the theme of strong service to independent retailers, Cardgains’ 2015 marketing imagery leads with the slogan: “Driving independent retailers in the right direction.”

The marketing theme will be used to brand and assist all the buying group’s activities throughout the year, commencing with the Cardgains Village at Spring Fair.

The logo incorporates their mascot Cyril Service as well as the Cardgains webshop and some new and exciting social media activities coming into force in 2015.

Plans include the Cardgains Trade Show being held at Silverstone, the home of British Formula One, and social media networking aimed at linking the membership and suppliers, encouraging growth in all areas and bringing consumers into the stores.

Joint MD Chris Dyson said: “The Cardgains ethos of all working together will, of course, continue as a

news in brief

Sharon shines on the BBC

key part of the company’s success is the relationship between Cardgains, the suppliers and the retailers.

“The new year will hopefully see Cardgains continue to develop in other sectors outside pure card shops. The change in retail demands has brought more gift suppliers into the portfolio and benefited the card retailers who nowadays can’t survive on cards alone. This, in turn, has created opportunities for nontraditional card outlets, such as garden centres and gift shops, to enjoy the benefits of the buying group.”

T: 0845 166 2054 www.cardgains.co.uk

Spot the red coats CHELSEA Pensioners can be spotted in their famous red coats at Spring Fair thanks to a new charity partnership with Abacus cards Inspired by their sister company Mr Fothergill’s Seeds, Abacus have just introduced a charity range of 14 cards in support of the Pensioners’ home at Royal Hospital Chelsea. Bev Cunningham, Abacus creative director, said: “We approached the RHC as Mr Fothergill’s Seeds had embarked on a partnership with them in the spring, launched to coincide with the WW1 commemorations, and has to date raised over £30,000.”

The designs include two shots from the Tower Of London poppy installation, and for each card sold Abacus will donate 20p to the RHC charity, and a header for card racks is available. Bev added the cards will be on display at Spring Fair – where there may even be a sighting of the famous veterans in their red coats.

T: 01638 569050 www.abacuscards.co.uk

exhibition news

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Showcasing Xmas INDEPENDENT retailers can see what UK Greetings have to offer for their Christmas 2015 collection by taking part in their one and two-day showcases around the country. Retailers are invited to discuss their needs and place orders with UK Greetings representatives at the events throughout January and February. To book a place email christmas.showrooms@ukgreetings.co.uk

Channeling Welsh passion A NEW brand dedicated to Welsh cards will soon be appearing in retailers nationwide thanks to ethnic greetings publisher Rajeev Arora and his company Davora, Pili Pala, Welsh for butterfly, will be launched at Spring Fair, and each design will carry messages and verses in the Welsh language.

Cracking exposure

Awards bring more power to the fair SPRING Fair organisers i2i Events Group are debuting the Buyers Power List Awards at the 2015 event and nominations are still being accepted for the shortlist.

They also say that a 10 per cent growth in exhibitor numbers bodes well for British retail in 2015, and expect 70,000 buyers to attend.

Reporting a 10 per cent year-on-year growth at the UK’s biggest retail exhibition, i2i Events said it is a positive indicator for the trading year ahead, which also looks set to benefit from strong High Street sales over the Christmas period.

Around 400 exhibitors will be new to the show in 2015, providing a launch platform for more than 300,000 new products across 14 different market sectors including Greetings & Gift in Hall 4. The Buyers Power List Awards are designed to recognise influential buying teams and individuals across all of the sectors represented at Spring Fair, which runs from February 1-5, via three different categories, Power 30, Best Independent Retail Buyer Or Team, and Best Multiple Retailer Or Department Store Team.

The winners will be announced at the awards ceremony at the show at Birmingham’s NEC on Monday, February 2, and the Buyers Power List shortlist and voting forms are now live on the Spring Fair website.

Retailers and suppliers are invited to vote for whoever they feel is most worthy of this accolade – if

THE card-sending capital of the world was how GCA chief executive Sharon Little described the UK on BBC Breakfast as they ran a feature on the Royal Mail’s busiest time of the year – then she popped up on the Today programme on BBC Radio 4 three days later.

Sharon was at the Exeter sorting office for the threeminute live broadcast at 7.50am on December 17 where she followed Royal Mail’s Joe Massey, explaining the online phenomenon is not affecting card-sending as much as reported: “It’s absolutely not the case. We’re the greetings card capital of the world in the UK. We buy and send more cards per person than any other nation.

And we’re going to be sending, buying and giving, around about a billion Christmas cards here in the UK.”

they feel anyone missing from this list, they will be given the opportunity to let i2i Events Group know and to put them in the running.

The Buyers Power List shortlist will be compiled and reviewed in the run up to Spring Fair by an advisory panel of key industry influencers that include The Giftware Association, BIRA, BIRA Direct and BHETA. Commenting on being shortlisted Temptation Gifts MD Mike Adams said: “We are honoured and flattered to have been nominated. Temptation Gifts was established in 1983, so we have over 30 years’ buying experience in the gift industry.

“We now buy for our seven town centre stores and our two multi-award winning websites, and the range of products we carry is both wide-ranging and increasingly diverse. “Our four-strong buying team spend four full days at Spring Fair each year – we consider the show to be the premier buying experience in the gift calendar.”

Fellow nominee Jane Hudson, of Qwerkity, added: “What a nice surprise to be shortlisted for the Spring Fair Buyers Power List.

“I’ve been to every Spring and Autumn Fair for over 25 years, and for the last few years have done six days on the trot – so it’s great to think that there might be some recognition!”

For more information on the Buyers Power List awards categories and to cast your vote, visit www.springfair.com/buyerspowerlist

CRACKER Cards enjoyed national TV exposure when the publisher of designs that pull and bang like a traditional cracker were featured on ITV’s This Morning as presenters Philip Schofield and Amanda Holden included their festive card in their Best Christmas Cracker feature on the December 10 show.

Enjoyable writer’s cramp WRITER’S cramp was the complaint of the day as the greetings industry knuckled down to the second annual Festive Friday on November 28 to kick-start the Christmas card sending season, and lots of companies sent in their pictures which were posted on the Greetings Today Facebook page https://www. facebook.com/greetingstodaymag?ref=hl

Business boost INDEPENDENT retailers had a boost with the second Small Business Saturday UK campaign that took place on December 6 to encourage people to shop local and support their community. The grassroots, non-political campaign is supported by the Government and featured 100 small businesses on their website, one a day leading up to the event ncluding greetings retailers Boroughbridge Post Office in York, Winifred And Mabel in Wadebridge, Cornwall, and Cheltenham’s Inside Out.

‘Fabulous’ rude card rant THE obligatory rant about rude cards and pop at Dean Morris and Scribbler in particular has surfaced again in the Daily Mail. But Dean’s not too worried about the story that appeared in the December 17 issue which has six million readers and online, telling Greetings Today: “I think it’s fabulous – I’m like those politicians from the 80s, if they weren’t on Spitting Image they were secretly disappointed so if the Mail don’t have a go at me at least once a year I get worried.”

www.greetingstoday.co.uk 9

licensing news Picture this!

DANILO have won the licence to produce calendars and diaries illustrated with some of the most famous paintings from the National Gallery collection.

The National Gallery Company Ltd, which operates to generate income to support the UK’s national collection of paintings, has announced the award of the global licence to Danilo. The range will be widely available in gift, greetings and stationery shops, major stores, supermarkets and online from late 2015.

Danilo Licensing Director Trevor Jones said: “There will be a very big international market for diaries and calendars featuring some of the most famous — and best-loved — paintings in the world.”

This is the latest licence announcement following the launch of a comprehensive, international licensing programme which independent licensing agency JELC have been appointed to develop.

T: 01225 819030 www.jelc.co.uk

Motor to great deal TICKETS to the British Grand Prix are up for grabs after Star Editions signed an exclusive licensing deal with Silverstone to produce greetings cards and gifts.

To celebrate the launch of the new collection, customers have the chance to win a pair of weekend tickets to the Formula One event from July 3-5, 2015.

Anyone who places an order at Star Editions Spring Fair stand, including at least one item from the Silverstone Collection, will go in the draw for the prize – full terms and conditions available from the company.

Chilly leader is totally hot THE annual barometer of who’s hot and who’s not has a decidedly chilly look about it this year – in a very good way – as Frozen has gone straight in at the top of Danilo’s calendar chart.

The hit Disney animated feature made 1 Frozen (new entry) its debut for 2015 with 2 One Direction (no 1 last year) the official licensed 3 Minecraft (2) calendar makers Danilo, 4 5 Seconds Of Summer (NE) knocking One Direction 5 Liverpool (5) off the top spot they 6 Man U (4) have occupied for the 7 Despicable Me (NE) past three years.

8 The Vamps (NE) Jennie Halsall, Danilo 9 Cliff (6) PR director, said: “Our 10 Michelle Keegan (NE) annual calendar chart is always a barometer of who is new, who’s in, who’s up and who is down – and the new chart for 2015 titles is no exception.

“Straight to number one is Frozen, making its calendar debut, outselling and pushing 1D into second place – although it’s been a close-run thing.”

Frozen is the UK’s number one licence with cards, calendars and giftwrap following retail toy sales.

2015 Danilo calendar Top 20

Wendy and Widdop

T: 0161 688 1240 www.widdop.co.uk

www.gemma-international.co.uk www.danilo.com www.ukgreetings.co.uk

Chalking up success

www.stareditions.com

THE simple striking style of Wendy Jones Blackett’s greetings cards have caught the eye of Widdop Bingham’s Stephen Illingworth and the pair have signed a licensing agreement.

Business Development Manager Stephen added.

“Wendy has been on our radar for some time now – her designs, which combine classic luxury with multiple finishes, stand out within the market place. This licence allows us to add a completely new dimension to our giftware range.”

Wendy’s range of licensed gifts is being previewed at Widdop’s New Product Preview during January at their Manchester showrooms, then at Spring Fair.

According to weekly sales data from global information provider NPD Group, Frozen has been holding the top spot since early September with toy sales already exceeding £31million in the UK. As Disney’s licence 11 Kelly Brook (16) partner for cards, UKG’s 12 Chelsea (14) director of independent 13 Arsenal (8) sales Tony Roberts 14 Marvel (NE) said: “The phenomenal 15 Cheryl (11) success of the franchise 16 Dr Who (3) has led to fantastic sales 17 Mrs Brown’s Boys (10) for our retailers, and 18 Benedict Cumberbatch (NE) the reaction from our 19 Robbie Williams (12) customers has been 20 Great British Bake Off (NE) overwhelmingly positive.”

On the giftwrap front, Gemma’s Caroline Weaver said: “We’ve seen great success on this property. The Entertainer toy shop have seen the most success as they recognised early on the franchise was going to be huge. Independents in particular are seeing strong sales.

Seeing stars BREAKING new ground in licensing is the aim behind a collaboration between Bulldog Licensing and Iconic Images, new players in the contemporary art market.

They want to marry stunning photography to the image rights of some of the seminal names in the frontline of fame as Iconic Images own or represent legendary portfolios from renowned photographers over the past six decades.

Bulldog have negotiated image rights with names such as David Bowie, Faye Dunaway, Frank Sinatra, Raquel Welch, 007 Sir Roger Moore, Led Zeppelin’s Jimmy Page and Marianne Faithful, opening up a unique and never-seen-before catalogue for use across apparel, homewares, gifts and greetings.

T: 020 8325 5455 www.bulldog-licensing.com

PORTICO are the first UK company to sign up for MGL Licensing’s Lily & Val programme and will be showcasing an extensive range of greetings cards, stationery, gifts and calendars at Spring Fair.

Chalkboard artist Valerie McKeehan is behind the Lily & Val brand and Portico’s Simon Harrison said: “When we saw Valerie’s work we just fell in love with it. We work closely with her as she generates new artwork for Portico Designs, and have become increasingly impressed with her skills.

“Chalk Board art is very on-trend at the moment, and the brand’s unique selling point is that Valerie creates all of her work on a chalk board, rather than manipulating fonts on a computer screen.”

T: 020 8392 8010 www.mgllicensing.com T: 01225 329494 www.porticodesigns.com

Moonpig take Pets

Going forward with vintage

MOONPIG have taken up a licence for Studio Pets By Myrna as the merchandising programme for the cute pet images gathers pace.

Lisle International have been appointed as the UK licensing agent, for the “brain-puppy” of fashion photographer Myrna Huijing who has created a portfolio of artistic photography featuring many popular pets.

MoonPig have taken Studio Pets or use on their bespoke DTR cards and gifts, while greeting cards and stationery partners are about to be announced.

VINTAGE images may the basis of the greetings designs from relative newcomers There’s A Star Behind You! but there’s nothing backward about their ambitions.

Founder Rhona Osbaldeston has picked up licensing deals across the world and is represented in the UK by YCUK distribution.

“We update the vintage images with a variety of mediums,” Rhona said, “including original photographs, pastel, paint, pencil and then they’re given our original slogans. We recently signed a contract with Vigo Cards in the US to licence our designs for use on cards, wrapping paper, fridge magnets, coasters and mugs for distribution in the USA, Canada, Australia and New Zealand.”

Vigo Cards also stock fellow Brits Dean Morris’ cards, fridge magnets and badges, and Becky Baur cards.

www.lislelicensing.com

10 www.greetingstoday.co.uk

www.greetingscards4you.com www.vigocards.com

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supplier news

Sustaining supply On the move FAMILY-run firm Ultrachem have invested in a new main distribution and office centre in Enfield to improve service to their coatings and press-room consumables customers.

Previously set across two London sites, the new location will support their manufacturing bases in Bristol and Leeds and distribution hubs in Nottingham and Dublin.

Ultrachem director Janet Brinton said: “By bringing the sales office and main distribution sites together we are able to reduce the chain of communication, reduce costs and improve operating efficiencies. All of these factors will result in a much slicker operation which will see customers benefiting from faster deliveries, quicker response times and improved decision making.”

Ultrachem has grown strategically since the 80s with acquisitions extending their offering into blanket conversion, commercial inks, plates, sundries and packaging and flexo industries products.

www.ultrachem.co.uk

THE end of the Professional Publishers’ Association annual Sustainability Summit saw Antalis UK take home one of the top awards.

The distributors of 13,000 products including paper and envelopes were crowned Sustainable Business of the Year award within the suppliers’ category at the Sustainability Awards.

The ceremony marked the end of the summit dedicated to those looking to raise environmental standards, and help delegates understand the issues and actions that need to be taken to improve the sustainability of their supply chain.

Accepting the award Matthew Botfield, Antalis Environmental Manager, said: “Winning this drives the message that Antalis is committed to raising environmental issues and tackling the requirements of our customers by improving their own green credentials.”

0870 607 9014 www.antalis.co.uk

Blend of east and west THREE years of blending the best of the east and west has been celebrated by The Sherwood Group at their Semplice factory in China.

The plant, in Xiegang, Guangdong, has enjoyed continual growth since opening in 2011, meeting the ambitious target of 20 per cent annual increase in sales, and now employs 150 staff supported by The Sherwood Press Hong Kong team.

A dinner was held in November, the third anniversary of the opening of the modern factory that manufactures cards, gift bags and gift packaging.

Group CEO Jeremy Bacon, pictured with SPHK director Derek Lam (left) and Boston Yeung (right), said

the factory was opened with the vision of blending the best of east and west to provide a global manufacturing solution to their UK customers.

He added: “All production prototyping is completed by our team in the UK with the facilities to produce product samples on Chinese material, saving a considerable amount of time compared to a typical Far East workflow.”

The Group has recently completed Phase Three investment in Semplice which included the development of the packaging side of the Far East business.

T: 0115 928 7766 www.sherwood-press.co.uk

thankyou To all our customers, who make our every day no ordinary day.

Your wonderful, imaginative creations are inspiring - they bring the very best out of us. Lets make more magic in 2015! www.theimagingcentre.co.uk

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meet the newbies Drawing smiles on your face TWO sisters from Birmingham have got together to form Curious Pencil Cards to collaborate their passions with the same purpose, for others to share and remember.

Do you remember how it felt when your grandma put that £5 note in your back pocket? Or tasting that cool iced water on the hottest day of the year? That’s exactly their point – they love to draw smiles on faces.

Sheleen, a lover of creative art, is the company’s Senior Story Doodler. She’s a qualified design and technology teacher, with a degree in furniture design. She makes the cards look beautiful.

Simone has been happily married to words for many years now and is the company’s Senior Story Writer. She is a published poet,

with a degree in English with creative writing.

Simone helps bring the cards alive by choosing the right words in the best order.

Curious Pencil Cards allow the pencil to roam the page and be curious, creating memorable and touching messages for all occasions.

They like to keep it fresh, fusing organic words with hand-drawn sketches, on textured FSC paper from responsible sources. The result is simple, quality yet quirky cards for the keeping.

As the girls said: “Each card is a crunchy red apple on a coconut tree, handpicked for you.”

T: 07813 452204 or 07971 334401 www.curiouspencilcards.co.uk

Designs by accident BLUE Duck Designs came about completely by accident after founder Marianne EylesSmith sadly lost her mum to cancer.

“Mum always wanted me to pursue my roots in art,” she said, “so I thought it was time to get drawing.

“However, all ideas for super designs were falling a little bit flat. That is until a crazy white duck ran across my garden – and it struck me that my inspiration was right in front of me!

“Daphnee and Penelope are named after my aunts and are my black and white runner ducks who live in my garden.

They’re sisters and I’ve had them since they were ducklings.

“They are the perfect models who are so eager to pose – and so it began. I stuck my toe in the water to see what other people thought, and they were an immediate success.”

Marianne currently has three ranges which are totally inspired by the girls themselves and the frequent visitors to their garden.

The Daphnee And Penelope range currently has 32 designs, the 12-card Nursery Rhyme collection grew out of the quirky characters met on early morning dog walks in the beautiful Yorkshire Dales, and there’s also the Seasonal range.

Marianne added: “I'm glad I listened to my mum, it seems she was right – she’d have loved that!”

WHAT’S NEW AT WINDLES??

Print Week Social Stationery Printer of the Year 2014 – Winning such a prestigious and nationally-recognised award has been felt by the entire team at Windles Group. The past year has seen some technically and creative stunning product being manufactured where expertise was drawn from every department in the company. Teamwork and care are the magic ingredients to delivering products that wow and impress – roll on the 2015 challenges.

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T: 07912 627827 www.blueduckdesigns.co.uk

Pet-related humour TIGERMILL Publishing produce humorous, conceptual photographic cards and products using all their own images.

Owned and managed by Peter and Alexandra Booth, they have been working in the graphics and photography industry for the past 20 years.

More recently they’ve shot thousands of stock photography images and have licensed out many more, some of which have found their way on to greeting cards, “hence our decision to produce our own!” said Peter, of the creation of TigerMill.

He added: “We're going to initially concentrate on pet-related cards, humour being the main hook. We produce all our own photography and do not licence anything in – all our images are unique to us and that, apart from the concept, is what differentiates us.

“Many publishers appear to licence in stock photography and produce derivative works thereof. We have an in-depth knowledge of the stock photography market and know that the images we produce don't exist.

“We’re used to getting across sometimes difficult concepts in a simple pictorial way so we go from the idea to prop/set build, test shoot, etc, we will try to capture as much as we can through the lens with any retouching work done in a realistic way.

“We're consciously moving away from the obvious Photoshopped images that are prevalent on greetings cards – not that there's anything wrong with that, it's just not our style.

We believe we will bring something new to the market and currently have some great ideas and concepts in production.”

T: 01606 881949 www.tigermill.co.uk

W The Apprentice – Windles Group print for television show. It was great to Al Sugar for series 10, episode six, The Board Game be involved with Sir Alan which wa was shown on November 12. Lord Sugar had tasked the w would-be entrepreneurs to design brand-new board g games then sell them to shops across London. After b being sworn to secrecy for months, these games were p printed one Sunday night back in May. The pressure w on with crude files arriving a 9.30pm. But with was s some toing and froing, plates were ready at 2am and t printed sheets headed out of the factory first thing the o the Monday morning. It was all very exciting! on

meet the newbies AMAZEBALLS NEW year, new you, new resolutions – this is something we’re pretty good at personally, more exercise, healthier diets, eat better, less alcohol, cut out a bad habit.

And, as our awareness of environmental matters has increased significantly, as a society we make wiser choices, think about waste, recycle our domestic rubbish, segregate our refuse and really think about what goes to landfill. We live more sustainable lives.

But how can we encourage one another to carry these personal philosophies over to our business practices?

With the continuing demand to supply greetings cards to retail in a clean, crisp, shiny wrapper, the 30-plus tonnes of film used per annum for cellowrapping at Windles Group means this has been quite a topic of discussion.

So, we’re actively encouraging people to have the courage to switch to Enviro-Film which is a biodegradable product.

As the saying goes, every little helps and a switch to biodegradable film for wrapping is a simple way to set your business on the road to sustainability.

Technological advances over the past two years mean there’s no compromise – gone are the days of crinkly, cloudy, expensive biodegradable film, now there’s a consistently high-quality product available that doesn’t swell on a humid day, it’s totes amazeballs!

Windles Group work in partnership with a world-leading supplier where the film stock is held for cutting to size as required which minimizes waste.

NEW MEMBERS THE latest publishers to join the Greeting Card Association include: I LIKE BIRDS The Holm, Forres, Scotland, IV36 2RU info@ilikebirds.net ilikebirds.net shop.ilikebirds.net 01309 671836 MIXED WITH LOVE 62 Main Road, Maesycwmmer, Hengoed, Caerphilly, Wales, CF82 7PP Lee James info@mixedwithlove.co.uk mixedwithlove.co.uk 07565 181105 NICHE DESIGNS LTD 24 Beachampstead Road, Great Staughton, St Neots, PE19 5DX, Evie Collis evie@nichedesignsltd.com www.nichedesignsltd.com 01480 861142 07881 517249 COULSON MACLEOD 49 Carlton Street, Kettering, NN16 8ED, Hannah Macleod hello@coulsonmacleod.com www.coulsonmacleod.com 01536 482771 ROSE HILL DESIGNS London Rose Hill rose@rosehilldesigns.co.uk www.rosehilldesigns.co.uk 07742 347603 TIFFSART 5 Gorse Walk, West Drayton, UB7 8AJ, Tiff Nelhams contact@tiffsart.co.uk www.tiffsart.co.uk 07961 774752 BONNIE BLACKBIRD Penny Taggart hello@bonnieblackbird.com www.bonnieblackbird.com 07799 280584 ANGIE BEAL DESIGNS 40B Radford Road, London, SE13 6RZ info@angiebealdesigns.com www.angiebealdesigns.com www.angiebealdesigns.bigcartel.com 07739 337293

Advances in film technology mean that traditional OPP films can now be manufactured to degrade and biodegrade over a period of time rather than remaining inert in landfill or as litter, they are engineered to break down.

The film itself has that baddie association as it’s manufactured from oil, but it’s actually made from the byproducts so is an efficient use of the leavings from the refining process.

Currently only 10 per cent of Windles Group customers have the courage of their convictions to use this fantastic product so we’re committed to showing that the small extra cost involved is insignificant when considering social and environmental responsibility to the environment.

Everything that’s good for us does cost a bit more – exhaustive education has convinced society to pay extra for decent sun protection, we happily pay for our five-a-day fruit and veg – we swallow these costs at home so why not in the workplace too?

Windles Group are a brand committed to a more sustainable environment so we are working in partnership with customers and suppliers to provide responsible services that are both needed and wanted.

On the plus side, switching to biodegradable cellobags will distinguish your product and increase brand recognition while building loyalty with the increasing number of environmentally-aware consumers.

It’s a simple solution that’s a giant leap in the right direction. Please call Windles Group for samples, you’ll be amazed!

Something for the birds ds IN A fantastic marriage of tradition and technology, brand-new publishers Card2Keep are launching an exciting new collection of cards with music.

Inspired By Birds is the first range which features 27 images of British species and each card comes with a QR code which, when scanned, takes the recipient to an online e-album of classical music favourites inspired wholly or in part by our feathered friends, and a Ballet Favourites range is planned.

Rachel said: “I suppose I’m that dreadful word, a Mumpreneur, an entrepreneurial parent looking for a way to manage my schedule, be flexible, care for my primary school-aged son, my husband and my elderly father who lives with us.

“Until six weeks or so ago I was working school hours in one of the UK’s foremost digital printers The e Imaging Centre in Pembury, Kent, as a Mac operator preparing greetings card files for print.

“It had become increasingly clear that my work and home life were very out of balance.

“When I learned of a range of cards being produced by I Like Music utilising the technology of a QR code to access an e-album streaming pop music my

mind instantly started ticking and visualise the same over a nd d I could vi technology being used for a range of cards with classical music.

“I Like Music had no immediate plans to produce cards with classical music so they agreed I could explore the idea further and work in conjunction with them.

“It seemed like the golden opportunity I’d been waiting for to get my life back into balance so I’ve embraced it to the full.

“I’ve left my job to focus on my cards and, for the first time in a long time, I’m excited about the future and feel back in control of my life.

“My cards are tapping into the current trend of music streaming which is more associated with a pop audience – I like to think those of us who prefer classical as just as up-to-date and ready to embrace technology!”

T: 07841 377845 www.card2keep.co.uk

www.greetingstoday.co.uk 13

IT’S ALL ABOUT SALES

Q

UITE often when I’m on an appointment I hear retailers being asked for cards with words inside – when advised that most are blank often the customer will huff and walk out of the shop.

Granted this does usually seem to be the older generation and I have heard whispers that Northern folk prefer words because they feel they’re getting their money’s worth that way, so there’s definitely still a market for cards with some kind of sentiment inside.

I’ve also noticed some push back from retailers with Christmas cards that were blank inside and, when I asked why this was a problem, they told me that customers often pick up a card and look to see what words are inside – when they realise there aren’t any, they’ll often put it back.

This must be a nightmare for publishers as I can see it’s difficult enough to design a card that’s aesthetically pleasing on the front without also having to come up with the right sentiment to suit the majority of customers.

Equally for retailers they’d have to double the number of choices they offer to include those with and without words for each title.

Personally, I’ve never really understood this as I’ve always been under the impression that a blank card is better so you can write the sentiment that most suits the person and your relationship with them.

But retailers I speak to said having the words printed inside means the sender doesn’t have to think about what to write inside so can usually just sign it with ‘lots of love from’.

I guess this is probably most useful for sympathy cards when it’s difficult to find the right sentiment at such a difficult time, and also at Christmas when you’re writing a lot of cards, if they already say ‘Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year’ you can then just sign it – which I’m sure saves a lot of time and repetitive strain injury :-)

You say it best when you say...

Unfortunately the majority of my card companies’ designs are blank inside so some of the retailers I visit have said my publishers have lost sales as a result – the customers loved the design but put it back when they realised the inside was blank.

Maybe more publishers can offer retailers the choice of the same design with words or blank?

One of my retailers came up with the rather

clever solution of advising their customer to find the card they liked, then she had a folder with various verses and sentiments for different occasions.

The shopper can then choose the one they like best which she prints out and includes as an insert in the card by simply putting a bit of glue down the seam of the folded paper.

So her customers don’t have to compromise on the design just because it was the only one with the right sentiment inside. I thought this was a really good idea and a great example of a retailer thinking outside the box – and keeping the British habit of sending proper greetings cards alive by making new technology work for them.

When times get tough and there’s so much more competition both from the High Street and the internet, I think it’s really important to try to offer that extra bit of customer service to separate yourself from the rest of the shops nearby.

Bring on the bunny!

L

AST month was a hectic time for retailers with the hustle and bustle of Christmas trade but, for us agents and reps, December is our annual holiday.

● Action stations – Alina with Maxine Hargreaves at Cannon Hall Garden Centre, Barnsley

Yey! A well-earned rest where there are no phone calls or emails and I can just go off and sun myself on the beach in Scarborough – ok so maybe that’s a bit optimistic!

Now we’re gearing up for January so it’s action stations again with the onslaught of the new year and everyone wanting their shelves filled again.

I can’t wait to see the back of gold and red Christmas decorations and am now looking forward to pretty Mother’s Day colours and Easter bunnies bouncing into the stores.

It’s also a great time to reflect on the year that’s been and what will be in store for the year ahead.

Top Drawer really helps to get me going after the Christmas break and puts me back in the mood and in touch with our industry again.

We must all get our skates on too, not with any ice around hopefully, but with Easter being earlier this year and having a knock-

on effect for Mother’s Day, stock will have to be in much sooner and displays out quicker than last year.

I’ve often been asked by retailers round this time every year, why does the date of Easter move?

Fascinated, I had to look it up and found that our events are based on different calendars, some just have the same date every year but, with Easter being based on the lunar calendar, it depends where the moon is in its current phase – this column is educational too!

There are pros and cons to Easter’s changing dates. If it’s early, like this coming year, it helps the trade to move away from Christmas sooner and puts us in the mood for the next buying occasion.

Retailers then have a busy start to the first quarter of the year but the downside is there can be a big lull in trade between Easter and Father’s Day and the build-up for each of these events can be too short. So let’s see what the Moon will do for us this year.

Happy New Year everyone and I’m looking forward to seeing you all at the upcoming spring shows. Bring on the bunny!

Neil Anthony (Reil (Reil Agencies, T: 07766 736254) and Alina Clark (T: 07906 792420) are experienced independent greetings industry sales agents in the North West and North East of England respectively. Each month they share their experiences of life on the road.

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Individually hand folded cards produced in the UK. Each card is created from one sheet of board, there is no glue, springs or plastic fasteners, just beautifully created forms.

Paper at the cutting edge

www.theartfile.com

Come and see all our collections at Top Drawer London Olympia 11-13 January 2015

Stand U47

T. 0115 850 7490 F. 0115 941 3411 E. sales@theartfile.com The Art File

@The Art File

TOPDRAWERPREVIEW

JEREMY CORNER, BLUE EYED SUN

What are you looking forward to most about Top Drawer Spring 2015 and the new year in general?

Top Drawer Spring is such a beautifully-edited show and there are loads of exciting companies and products to choose from. It’s a privilege to be a part of it. We also have new ranges launching at the show, which we’re excited about showing to our customers for the first time. We’re looking forward to the new year in general. 2014 was a record-breaking year for Blue Eyed Sun and we’re excited to see where we can go from there.

You’ve exhibited at Top Drawer Spring a few times now, what keeps you coming back?

Blue Eyed Sun have been exhibiting at Top Drawer Spring every year since the show started. In fact, this year it’s returned to its roots at Olympia, which is a beautiful exhibition space. The show is well timed for shops looking to restock after Christmas and refresh with new products.

It’s also very well attended by design-led buyers and leading retailers. Top Drawer Spring has to be one of our most important trade shows.

How do you see the future of trade shows for the industry?

It’s no secret the costs of trade shows have crept up and up over the years, despite the recession and subsequent difficulties retail has had. For Blue Eyed Sun, face-to-face selling and actively engaging with our customers on a regular basis is an essential part of our success.

Shows still allow us to do this in a relatively cost-effective and efficient way. Trade shows still form an important part of our marketing approach which includes agents, brochures, a website, trade press, social media, telesales and email marketing. Until costs-to-reward ratios become prohibitive we will continue doing five shows a year.

T: 01273 823003 www.blueeyedsun.co.uk

KALI STILEMAN, THE SQUARE CARD CO

What are you looking forward to most about Top Drawer Spring 2015 and the new year in general?

I’m hitting January with a bang, lots of new designs, lots of advertising and a new face leading the way in the shape of lovely Lucy who will be taking over the running of the company freeing me up to do more designing and less filing! Lucy has lots of new ideas, will be starting in January and will be at Top Drawer with me to meet and greet all our lovely customers.

You've exhibited at Top Drawer Spring a few times now, what keeps you coming back?

Great sales, feedback and licensing opportunities and it’s one of the best ways to catch up with customers and put faces to names.

How do you see the future of trade shows for the industry?

I think they are a vital part of it all, it a way of meeting customers and other publishers, networking and developing.

T: 01305 848899 www.thesquarecardcompany.com

NEIL MATTHEWS, ARTEBENE

What are you looking forward to most about Top Drawer Spring 2015 and the new year in general?

As this is a new show for us we’re looking forward to seeing both new and existing customers with our lovely new Spring collection. Also a successful year with some innovative ideas from our design studio, and a successful Christmas selling period for the retailers, which usually means a positive start to the year – oh and the cricket World Cup! You're a new exhibitor at Top Drawer Spring, what made you decide to show there?

We’ve been looking at exhibiting at another trade show for sometime now and Top Drawer Spring – with a new venue and new layout – gives us the opportunity to increase our exposure to the UK market. Also the timing is good with our new Spring collection and, having visited the show a number of times we feel the buyer and exhibitor profile suits the brand well.

How do you see the future of trade shows for the industry?

Personally having attended trade shows for a number of years I see more changes in the future, with more smaller regional shows or previews for the UK market buyers, and the larger shows becoming more international. Trade shows are always going to be a good entry point for new companies and for introducing new ranges to buyers so I'm sure they will always be with us, but maybe not so many.

T: 020 8588 9510 www.artebene.com

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Drama The soaring glass spaces of London’s Olympia are the new permanment home for the three-inone collection of shows that is Top Drawer Spring, Home and Craft which kick off the new trade fair season for 2015.

D

RAMATIC light-filled spaces will be the perfect backdrop to a dynamic new look and feel for Top Drawer Spring and its sister events Home and Craft when they take up residence in London’s Olympia.

Retail Masterclasses

of shows is set to be the UK’s most relevant design-led trade fair, and one that’s meticulously curated and beautifully designed, with a unique character and appeal.

The light-filled dramatic spaces at Olympia, which is already home to the autumn edition of Top Drawer and Home, are the perfect backdrop to a dynamic new look and feel for these events, which run from Sunday to Tuesday, January 11-13.

“We have always had a long and positive association with Olympia”, said Neil Gaisford, Director of the Retail Portfolio at show organisers Clarion Events, “and we are delighted to relocate Top Drawer, Home and Craft to this enhanced venue in 2015, “The move follows the extensive £30million redevelopment of Olympia, which has provided the venue with new-found flexibility to host our growing events.”

The move to the venue in Kensington, London, allows room for expansion and enhancement of Top Drawer, Home and Craft over two halls, two floors and a stunning gallery area while remaining integral to the principles of creativity, quality and selectivity which retailers have come to know and trust.

Neil added: “Over the last three years we have been positioning the show as the UK’s foremost design-led gift event.

“With the recent addition of new events Home and Craft, we have designed and brought to the market a new super event, presenting buyers with more than 1,000 leading UK and international brands across multiple sectors.

“The change of venue and the new vision for the shows takes us forward

to the next chapter of development, strengthening the shows identity as the UK’s most inspiring and relevant buying event.”

Among more than 140 greetings and giftwrap exhibitors at the show are The Art File, The Bees Knees, Alternative Image Company, Cath Tate Cards, Velvet Olive, Dean Morris Cards, Cinnamon Aitch and Blue Eyed Sun. Top Drawer now has a number of sectors including the launch of the New Talents platform which incorporates the Fashion First area, the Retail Masterclasses with Sebastian Conran among the speakers, Eco Trail with designer and TV presenter Oliver Heath and Spotted.

Run by Charlotte Abrahams, she said: “Spotted is now in its eighth edition and, as ever, I am delighted to be bring another crop of original, talent and market-ready exhibitors to Top Drawer.”

This year’s Spotted exhibitors include Colourcutie with bright greetings card designs and boutique publishers Milestone Press with their stationery and Master Plan Family Diary.

And The three-in-one collection

SUNDAY JANUARY 11 11.30 Tony Scott, Escalate Your Profit 12.10 Alex O’Byrne, Surf Your Way To Success 1.30 i-Zettle 2.10 Sheena Day MONDAY JANUARY 12 11.10 Will Hobhouse, The Rise Of The Designer-Maker 12.30 i-Zettle 1.40 Trend Bible, Trend Watch 2.20 Sebastian Conran 3.00 Dr Lynda Shaw, Gain Trust, Make Money TUESDAY JANUARY 13 11.40 Ross Bailey, Make Ideas Happen 2.00 i-Zettle

a & light

TOPDRAWERPREVIEW

ROSIE TATE, CATH TATE CARDS

What are you looking forward to most about Top Drawer Spring 2015 and the new year in general?

We’re looking forward to seeing what people think of the new cards!

You've exhibited at Top Drawer Spring a few times now, what keeps you coming back?

Top Drawer is a good show for us for two reasons, it’s a good designled show and our product fits in well with the other products on offer. The second reason is that it’s very handily in London which is where we’re based, so we don’t have to stay in a horrible hotel and can go home to our own beds at night!

How do you see the future of trade shows for the industry?

Trade shows are becoming increasingly less important in the industry with the rise of customers using websites etc to browse for new product.

It’s nice from a social perspective and nice to meet customers face to face but who knows if people will still go to trade shows in 10 years’ time T: 020 8671 2166 www.trade.cathtatecards.com

SARAH MARCH, DIE-MONDE ART

John Lewis buyer Dan Cooper said: “For John Lewis, Top Drawer is a really good show due to the convenient London location, which allows the whole team to attend, and have better conversations with potential suppliers.

“The quality of product on offer at Top Drawer is among the best, as the show edits out a lot of the types of product that we wouldn’t want to see.

The pitch is just right.”

Geraldine James, Head Buyer at Selfridges, added: “Top Drawer is a nicely-edited cross-section of products.

It’s a great visual inspiration and, being in London, an ideal and convenient trade show. As the first of the year its timing is perfect for sourcing new products early, specifically seasonal designs for key gift buying periods.

“I would say the best thing about Top Drawer is not only the London location but also the layout. Individual sectors make the show so easy to navigate so you can instantly find thetype of products you are searching for. It’s as if Top Drawer has done the work for us.”

Clarion have also announced a partnership with iZettle to help small businesses get bigger with the increasing use of mobile payment services and apps.

This is the most significant partnership for Clarion, who run more than 10 retail trade exhibitions including Harrogate Home & Gift and Pulse.

Clarion said it reflects the continuing growth and profile of their retail portfolio and will start at Top Drawer Spring, where iZettle will be both exhibiting at the show and part in the Retail

Masterclass programme. Through the partnership across the triple show a host of exclusive Clarion visitor offers will be available to help small businesses and entrepreneurs never miss out on sales again.

With a philosophy of making running a business easier, iZettle work every day with retailers to build game-changing payment services and apps that are simple to set up and use, fast, secure and affordable – from card readers for smartphones and tablets, to cash registers and tools for increasing sales.

Clarion’s statement said the collaboration is the result of a strong alignment between the two partners who both work with thousands of entrepreneurial, creative businesses every year to provide products, information, inspiration and services which will help them grow.

The announcement follows iZettle’s Big Things Start Small campaign, inspiring small businesses to think like their global competitors, which included organising for six small merchants to trade out of a store in the heart of London for 12 hours.

“It’s great to be working alongside one of the most well-respected gift and accessories events in the UK,” said Jens Munch, iZettle’s VP Strategic Partnerships.

“There is a huge demand for simple and secure payments solutions among retailers of all shapes and sizes. We’re super pleased that, together with Top Drawer, Home and Craft, we can help these businesses take payments on-the-go and really accelerate their business.” www.topdrawer.co.uk www.home-london.net www.craft-london.com

What are you looking forward to most about Top Drawer Spring 2015 and the new year in general?

This Is my first Top Drawer – and any trade show for that matter!

I'm extremely excited to be a part of it and launch my business into the greetings industry with such a big show. I'm terribly nervous too, of course, but I don't often do things by halves, sometimes you just have to throw yourself in and see if you sink or swim!

You're a new exhibitor at Top Drawer, what made you decide to show there?

I heard about it through a friend of a friend who was giving me advice on making and selling my cards. I became aware of the amount of attention it gets from the greetings industry in the UK and internationally and felt, if I was going to go for it, this was the show to do!

How do you see the future of trade shows for the industry?

I guess I'll have to answer this one post show – I hope the future’s bright for trade shows, I think its a fantastic way to get your product out to the masses and I like the diversity of companies and buyers it attracts.

I hope this will be my first of many!

T: 07811 661146 www.diemonde.bigcartel.com

SARA BURFORD, CINNAMON AITCH

What are you looking forward to most about Top Drawer Spring 2015 and the new year in general?

Well, the launch of all our lovely new products, of course – once everything is designed we’re then eager to hear the feedback and gauge how everything is being received. It’s really a great opportunity to catch up with our customers, meet new ones and of course listen to what they have to say. The new year is always a fresh slate, where we look forward to creating exciting new designs. We’re constantly exploring new technology and try to keep our designs innovative and contemporary.

This coming year is extra special as we are celebrate the 20th anniversary of Cinnamon Aitch, so it’s really important we continue to push the design boundaries and keep our new looks fresh and unique.

You've exhibited at Top Drawer Spring a few times now, what keeps you coming back?

Top Drawer has always been a really good show for us, it’s design-led, focused and targeted in the right ways for us. It’s always proven a great place to talk to our buyers and meet International buyers and is a really positive start to the new buying season.

How do you see the future of trade shows for the industry?

Changes and developments in technology and social media have really had a dramatic impact on the way people receive information and this in turn has impacted the expectations of people visiting trade shows. Trade shows will need to be increasingly directional, unique and better curated in an attempt to meet these expectations. Organisers will look for ways to provide a more targeted, personalised and customised experience. As always, a good experience equals repeat customers.

T: 0121 773 6833 www.cinnamonaitch.co.uk

www.greetingstoday.co.uk 17

TOPDRAWERPREVIEW

GREETINGS & STATIONERY EXHIBITORS’ LIST 1973 Ltd – Stand V53 A Farmer’s Daughter – Z54 Abigail Mill – V55 Abigail Warner – Y66 Alec’s Cards – ZA38 Allihopa – ZA40 Alljoy Design – Z42 Alternative Image Co – ZB41 Always Sparkle – Y59 NEW Amelia Lane Paper – U39 NEW Anna Wright – V63 AP Ilustrations – T58 NEW Archivist – W33 Art Angels Publishing – T50 Artbox – ZB55 Artebene – U44 NEW The Art File – U47 Artpress Publishing – Y39 The Art Rooms – Z38 The Bees Knees – ZA37 Belly Button Designs – X53 BerinMade Designs – SPP1 Blank Inside – ZB33 Blue Eyed Sun – T46 Bookishly – O38 NEW C&W heArt Graphics – Z56 Card Crazy – ZB51 Caroline Gardner – L49 Caspari – K49 Cath Tate Cards – X33 Cath Ward – ZB39 Chase And Wonder – W38 Chloe Gardner – O45 Cinnamon Aitch – X46 Claire Louise – U69 Colcards – Z45 Colourcutie – SP6 NEW Corrina Rothwell – Y55 NEW Cracker Cards – Z37 Dandelion Stationery – W58 Dean Morris Cards – W50 Dear To Me – Z59 NEW Designed Mrs Lovesy – ZA33 NEW Dicky Bird – Z63a NEW Die-Monde – Q63 NEW Dipingo Design – Y64 The DM Collection – X55 Doodlelove – U67 Dry Red Press – Z39 Earlybird Designs – Z55 NEW Ella & George – Y57 NEW

Eloise Hall – Z33 Emily Burningham – ZA31 English Accent – X42 English Graphics – V67 Esmie – Z64 Evie & Me – ZA50 eZen – U55 Fawn & Thistle – X59 NEW Five Dollar Shake – V45 Flytrap – ZB54 Forever Handmade – X60 Fox & Lark – ZB48 NEW Frankie Whistle – Z50 Gabrielle Izen – ZA47 Gellie Design – ZA55 Gestalten UK – V37 GMC Publications – P49 Hole In My Pocket – X50 Hunky Dory Designs – U49 Hype Associates – T56 I Ended Up Here – Y47 Imogen Owen – W68 James Ellis – Y41 Janie Wilson – V49 Jessica Hogarth – V61 Jo Clark Design – Z41 NEW Jolly Awesome – U68 NEW Julia Manning – Y56 NEW Juniper Tree Card Co – X41 Katie Leamon – V68 Kimono Rabbit – W56 Lagom Design – U41 Laura Darrington Design – Y50 Lesser Spotted Images – ZB37 Linen Prints – X61 Lip International – Y53 Liz and Pip – X40 Lonetree Cards – Y45 Lou Mills – ZA45 Love From Lemonade – ZB49 Lucilla Lavender – ZA42 Lucky Lychee – W60 Lucy Ledger Designs – W64 Mac & Ninny Paper Co – X39 Marby & Elm Store – Z41a Mathilde Cabanas – Y54 Megan Claire – X63 Meticulous Ink – Y58 Mrs Lovesy – ZA33 Nancy & Betty Studio – Y40 Nella Cards – ZB47

Noi Publishing – W54 Ohh Deer – X37 NEW Ola – X66a Paper Bird Publishing – Y61 Pearl and Black – ZA46 Penny Lindop – Z57 Petra Boase – Z48 Pleased To Meet – W40 Polite Company – ZA53 Pootle – Z47 The Porch Fairies – X66 NEW Prey – O30 Publishers Group UK – W46 Raspberry Blossom – Y38 Redback Cards – ZA41 Reliefprint Press – X57 Rex International – K41 Rock Bakehouse – Q55 NEW Rocket 68 – Z63 Rosehip Cards – X45 Rosie And Radish – V59 NEW Rosie Wonders – ZB45 Ruth Jackson – Y46 Saffron Cards – U65 NEW Sally Scaffardi Design – Z46 Sally Swannell – ZA49 Sloane Stationery – Z40 Soul UK – P53 NEW Square Card Company – T42 Stone Marketing – U33 Stop The Clock Design – Z49 Studio Seed – ZA39 Sunray Studios – ZB35 Susan Entwistle – ZA54 Susan O’Hanlon – T40 Thames And Hudson – U50 Think Of Me – Y42 Timbergram – X49 Tony Fernandes – ZA48 The Typecast Gallery – ZA57 Undercover – W42 Urban Graphic – U37 Velvet Olive – Y49 Vintage Playing Cards – O49 Wordme – U58a NEW YCUK – Z53 YTR Design – V57 Zoe Attwell – P43 NEW Zolumio – X54 NEW

Playing with neon CAROLINE Gardner have some fabulous new card designs to be launched at Top Drawer Spring – the striking Ooh La La range includes neon colours, blind embossing and metallics!

This fresh new look sees designer Caroline play on the neon trend by mixing them with pastel colours and copper foiling to give an impactful elegant feel.

These lovely bright floral additions to the collection sit alongside two other brand new-ranges and plenty more, new, signature Caroline Gardner releases,

Stand L49 – T: 020 8288 9696 www.carolinegardner.com

18 www.greetingstoday.co.uk

Hungry Caterpillar meets Bono!

LESSER Spotted Images are proud to present the weird and wonderful world of Jim Murray, where the scenario for each image comes from his hundreds of thousands of Facebook fans.

From “'The Very Hungry Caterpillar undergoing a gastric bypass” to “Bono dressed as Santa shoving U2 albums down chimneys” via “Richard Whiteley wrestling a crocodile”, Jim then paints the image using the hi-tech MS Paint software in glorious full colour.

Fresh off the back of his book Electric Dreams Lesser Spotted are launching a range of 24 cards showcasing Jim's unique talent of making the hilariously surreal and absurd come to life.

They also launching a range

by Belgian designer Wouter Van Herck and 24 additions to the Henries-nominated Krasiva range. US illustrator Ashley Amery has added 12 designs to her colourful and quirky everyday range.

Finally, founder Dominic Greyer has been busy again so expect 12 road sign cards to be added to the Lesser Spotted Britain range – including the spectacular Golden Butts Road – along with six new mugs and coasters.

Stand ZB37 – T: 07932 086581 www.lesserspotted.com

TOPDRAWERPREVIEW

So new it’s not named!

THE man himself has launched a new occasions range for the spring shows – it’s so new it doesn’t even have a name as this went to press – in his usual colourful Dean Morris Cards style.

Perfect for loads of occasions such as new home and family birthdays to name a few the cards are bright and use an eclectic mix of font styles.

These new designs complement Dean’s other spring seasons designs which are already available and he’s been busy working on lots of wonderful new designs in the existing everyday card and gift ranges.

Stand W50 – T: 01902 560247 www.deanmorriscards.co.uk

Excited at the gorgeous bunnies THE ladies at Love From Lemonade are really excited about Top Drawer, as they’ll be launching some brand new card ranges and brand new products too.

Their fun new Party range includes six birthday cards, with matching gift wrap and the gorgeous new-look Biscuit Bunnies range features not only on cards, but also on wrap and some other exciting products too.

Stand ZB49 – T: 07833 089098 www.lovefromlemonade.co.uk

Listen to the Wise Words NEW range Wise Words is being launched by Cath Tate Cards at Top Drawer 2015, featuring funny and thoughtful quotes and a little bit of Cath’s wit.

Bright and clever, each card uses a touch of florescent neon in the design to make them

20 www.greetingstoday.co.uk

jump off the shelf!

The captions are coupled with intricate little silhouettes from artist Laura Barrett, which illustrate each card.

Stand X33 – T: 020 8671 2166 www.trade.cathtatecards.com

TOPDRAWERPREVIEW

Something for the ladies – and gents DORSET-based The Typecast Gallery have a new collection of cards within their Ladies & Gentlemen range which has jovial vintage characters celebrating big birthdays in full party mode.

This is a range of six 122x167mm designs in vibrant colourways. All cards are printed on fine-textured GF Smith Accent Antique Silk paper and come cello-wrapped with brown fleck envelopes.

No knocking these knees

Stand ZA57 – T: 01202 849566 www.thetypecastgallery.co.uk

MOTHER and daughter team Nicola and Gemma Calcao are bringing The Bees Knees back to Top Drawer to showcase their exciting new range Animal Magic.

Inspired originally by Gemma’s design talent developed working for 10 years in the fashion industry following her graduation from Central St Martins, Animal Magic is a collection of new open birthday designs.

With its distinctive styling, colour palette and 50s text, the 150x150mm range has a nostalgic vintage look and the magic is the mix of fabulous animals with thoughtprovoking words and funny phrases.

Gemma said: “During the making of this collection we discovered that penguins make the best friends and that bears often dream of joining the circus. We’d love to meet you at Top Drawer because all cards are The Bees Knees – obviously!”

Stand ZA82 – T: 1844 216589 www.thebeesknees.eu.com

Top Drawer, London

11.01.-13.01.2015

Spring Fair, Birmingham 01.02.-05.02.2015

www.artebene.com

www.greetingstoday.co.uk 21

TOPDRAWERPREVIEW

Get cracking with those smiles ALWAYS Sparkle will be launching a brandnew range at Top Drawer called Paper Smiles featuring 24 everyday bright and colourful contemporary designs.

The 148x148mm range covers birthdays, new baby, wedding, new home and open titles, along with 20 Christmas relations and open designs, and the cards come individually cello-wrapped with white envelopes.

Stand Y59 – T: 07940 726842 www.alwayssparkle.co.uk

Bring me sunshine CINNAMON Aitch are bringing the sunshine along to Top Drawer with the launch of more than 25 delightful new additions to the joyous Hello Sunshine range.

There are new and quirky animals frolicking, stomping and roaring their waythrough this landscape of eternal sunshine and showers – pretty magical unicorns, cheeky little monkeys, a mischievous croc and many more cute creatures are ready to celebrate.

New greetings include boys and girls ages one to five, occasions and some blanks, all collaged in colourful and playful patterns with on-trend kraft paper accents throughout.

Flying high on the success of the cards, Cinnamon Aitch are delighted to be offering four gorgeous new gift bags featuring favourites from the range with contrasting grosgrain ribbon handles.

Handy for special sunshiny thoughts, scribbling down big ideas and making lists, there are six lovely new little notebooks that are the perfect size to pop in a pocket or handbag.

Each contains 40 blank pages wrapped with a coordinating belly band, these gorgeous little books are brimming with brightness and cheer.

Everything is sold in sixes, Hello Sunshine cards are C6 and priced at £1.25 each, RRP £2.99, small gift bags are 83p each, RRP £2, medium £1.04 RRP £2.50, and large £1.25 RRP £3, while notebooks at 83p each RRP £1.99.

Stand X46 – T: 0121 773 6833 www.cinnamonatich.co.uk

Historic new commission DIPINGO Design have won a major new commission from The Historic Dockyard at Chatham in Kent expanding their portfolio of bespoke clients.

The company will be producing a series of stationery and other products, featuring new photographic images of this prestigious site with the Chatham Collection to be sold in the new retail space, which is being redeveloped at the dockyard.

David Johnson, retail manager at The Historic Dockyard Chatham said: “We’re looking forward to introducing these stunning new lines to our visitors in 2015 and are confident these will be the perfect souvenir with which to remember a visit here.”

Initially the Chatham Collection will include greetings cards, notebooks, calendars and tea towels but other products are in the pipeline. It will be showcased for the first time at Top Drawer and there’s a chance to win a day out at Chatham and a Dipingo Design gift to remember your visit if you drop your business card at the stand.

Stand Y64 – T: 07764 150003 or 07809 626822 www.dipingodesign.co.uk

22 www.greetingstoday.co.uk

takes you into 2015 with a BRIGHT and CLEVER new range

Saffron Cards and Gifts

FIRST CLASS SALES AGENTS WANTED Locations:

East Anglia inc Essex - South West North East - Scotland

Generous Commission - Paid Monthly + Bonuses Saffron is a leading independent publisher designing & selling a wide range of top quality cards, including many beautiful & unique hand-made & hand-finished ranges.

Our market is mainly high end gift, card & stationery retailers, department stores & garden centres. We have a regular release programme throughout the year, including seasons & support you by exhibiting at several major trade fairs every year.

We are looking for four very special, experienced & well connected agents to carry our gorgeous ranges exclusively within their respective areas, starting in January 2015.

Please send us details of your agency career to date as well as details of main agencies carried already. Successful applicants will be contacted for interview.

Closing Date: 15th January 2015

Contact: Viv Barlow Email: jobs@saffroncards.co.uk www.saffroncards.co.uk

See us at

Top Drawer, Olympia 11–13 January 2015 STAND X33 www.trade.cathtatecards.com Tel: 0208 671 2166

TOPDRAWERPREVIEW

All stitched up for show THE best-selling Vintage range of stitched cards sees 24 new designs added by publishers Blue Eyed Sun for Top Drawer Spring.

Based on original, free-hand, machinestitched embroideries by artist Jo Corner, this range continues to be a huge hit with retailers around the world.

Printed in Blue Eyed Sun’s distinctive, bright and colourful style, the cards are all hand finished with jewels and the new designs include 12 new open birthdays plus weddings and other key occasions.

Retailing at £2.99, the trade price is £1.25 each, there are now 130 everyday designs in the 160x160mm range which are sold in sixes and come cello-wrapped with a coloured envelope.

Stand T46 – T: 01273 823003 www.blueeyedsun.co.uk

Set to shine JESSICA Hogarth is excited to be exhibiting at Top Drawer for the second time and will be showcasing plenty of new cards.

Her distinctive style shines across her entire range which includes new Christmas designs for 2015 as well as additions to the popular Zealous occasions range of cards.

Stand V61 – T: 07786 906648 www.jessicahogarth.com

Keep on rocking AFTER the great success of The Art File’s Rock On range in 2014, 12 new designs have been commissioned for release at Top Drawer Spring.

Sitting within the ever-popular kraft-look, the collection is a fresh, fun, and quirky mix of birthday cards for everyone, with a little bit of humour on the side and finished with high spot gloss varnish and embossing to give it that rustic feel.

Alongside Rock On, The Art File will be launching some fantastic new stationery looks that are sure to catch your eye, and their award-winning gift wrap will also be on show.

After a record-breaking 2014, they are pulling out all the stops in 2015, so keep your eyes peeled for some seriously cool new ranges coming your way soon, keep on rocking with The Art File!

Stand U47 – T: 0115 850 7490 www.theartfile.com

24 www.greetingstoday.co.uk

Ready to pop NEW badge cards and an increased line in age cards are Earlybird’s new launches for their first time exhibiting at Top Drawer Spring.

Full of colour and boldness with bright type in the pop style that’s gone so well as general birthday cards, the age ones are great eye-catching designs for an ever-expanding market.

Designer Dominic Early said: “My agents are regularly asking for age cards that span the teenage market.

We’ve had a lot of success with our Popcorn range because of its colourful typographic nature, so I felt doing them in this style was perfect for bigger kids!”

There are 10 new ages, from nine to 18 years, and they come cellowrapped with a coloured envelope.

Stand Z55 – T: 020 7923 3504 www.earlybirddesigns.co.uk

TALKOFTHETOWN

Talk of

Kevin Bellwood & Marcia Dale, Roobarb, Waterloo Terrace, Bridgnorth, Shropshire What are you looking forward to on the business front for the new year 2015?

It’s our fist year of trading this year so it’s all uncharted territory for us. We don’t stock a huge amount of greetings cards but we have six publishers and we’re looking for something that’s really different to all the other stores, we don’t want to be the same as everyone else.

We pride ourselves that we’re not the same as everyone else on the High Street. I’m hoping to find some more artists in the new year.

We do greetings cards and gifts – we have the BBC range of Doctor Who, quite a lot of that, ladies’ handbags, a selection of ladies’ clothes, jewellery, and we try where possible to source everything from the UK. We do Blossom & Co dog leads and dog collars from Leicestershire, Little Timbers Clocks are a British couple who hand make them.

Our clothes are designed in the UK and a lot of our bags are made in this country. It’s all really good quality because we’re going for the top line.

Angela Hewitt is probably our best seller on cards, she’s based on the Isle of Wight, we also do Juniper Tree, Louise And Lygo, Daniel Mackie who is a fabulous artist, Tillovision too, although we’re quite limited on space so don’t take all their ranges, plus Claire Louise, Imogen Owen, and other one is the Sugar Cube collection from Second Nature.

Are you involved in social media – Twitter, Facebook, Pintrest, Instagram – on the business front, how do you find it and which work best for you?

Social media is, for me, an absolute must in this job. I don’t think that you can not do social media these days, whether it’s Twitter, Facebook, Pintrest, Instagram, you can’t run a business without having at least one of them.

It’s an integral part of the business and you have to keep it moving, people who don’t get involved are missing a trick. As far as our customer base is concerned, it’s got to be Facebook because they’re the sort of people who go on Facebook and then come to see what we have in store.

Generally it’s businesses who use Twitter rather than customers. I do have a Pinterest site but know that none of our customers are on it, it’s all other businesses.

The trade show season is about to start, will you be attending any of the January ones and what will you be looking for?

I’m going to try to get to the Wales one, the reason I go there is because you get one or two suppliers that you just can’t find anywhere else.

Obviously we’ll go to Birmingham and we go down to Top Drawer. It’s worth going to these other shows because you find things that you wouldn’t necessarily find at Birmingham.

We went up to the British Craft Trade Fair in April and got a couple of suppliers there, because they’re different.

It’s always difficult if you’re running a shop to get away but it’s about your business and going to see the designs because you see card manufacturers and artists you’ve never seen before, and trends change so you’ve got to get out there to see them.

Christine Homes, Flaunt It, Cumberland Place, Puzzle Square, Welshpool, Powys What are you looking forward to on the business front for the new year 2015?

Survival! It’s our third anniversary in the shop in January and also my 50th birthday on exactly the same day! We’ve got a lot of new things in the pipeline, we’re going to make our own personalised cards as well because we have a lot of Welsh customers who can’t get what they want with the Welsh names on, so we’re going to expand our own printing side of things. And we’ll be going bigger and better on Valentine’s, Mother’s Day and Easter.

Are you involved in social media – Twitter, Facebook, Pintrest, Instagram – on the business front, how do you find it and which work best for you?

We’re heavily involved in Facebook, we’ve got 961 followers, so every day we put something up, a little snippet that’s shared – it’s not about ‘this is £3.99’. Today was very foggy as we came in so we put pictures up of that, it’s very interactive with our customers and we try to make it more social. My new year’s resolution is to do more on Twitter and Pinterest, I have accounts set up but haven’t done much so far.

The trade show season is about to start, will you be attending any of the January ones and what will you be looking for?

We shall go to Spring Fair – I didn’t know about the Wales Spring Fair until you just mentioned it but now I shall hopefully be making my first visit there. We’ll be looking for more Welsh gifts and cards – and I may combine the trip with an extension of my 50th birthday, you can’t go to Llandudno and not stay over!

26 www.greetingstoday.co.uk

the town

TALKOFTHETOWN

The voice of the people who matter, greetings retailers tell it like it is.

Susie Bambridge, Hebe, The High Street, Upper Mill, Lancs What are you looking forward to on the business front for the new year 2015?

I do tend to focus on what’s happening now rather than looking too far ahead, so at the moment I’m concentrating on getting through Christmas. It’s a small shop and that phrase ‘a local shop for local people’ comes to mind, it’s very tiny so it’s trying to have new things in for people all the time. And I’ll be moving things through as quickly as possible to keep things fresh in the shop straight after Christmas.

Are you involved in social media – Twitter, Facebook, Pintrest, Instagram – on the business front, how do you find it and which work best for you?

We do Facebook, I did have an online shop for a while but because we are a local shop for local people I found that they want to come in here so we weren’t doing much business through it. It’s a lovely village, all stone-built and people who work around here come in when they need gifts and cards. I do have Facebook and like to put new things on there so people can see it. I have a static website now just to let people know where we are. I do have a certain feel about the shop so stick to things that I like personally, and try to keep it to a theme – I don’t like anything to stand out too much and that doesn’t work in such a small shop anyway.

The trade show season is about to start, will you be attending any of the January ones and what will you be looking for?

I’ll probably go down to the NEC, I’ve had this shop for a long time so have got to know some really good suppliers and stick with the ones who have things they are constantly refreshing. I also like trawling through magazines like You that comes with the Mail On Sunday, and different ones to keep up with what’s out there, all the trends and ideas. Cards are very big business for us, and I also do very well with candles, and jewellery, we also do scarves, small children’s gifts – I try to fit in as much as possible. I always do Caroline Gardner and Cinnamon Aitch are very good, and Belly Button. I like to dip my toes in with the small but quirky ones, Urban Graphic, Juniper Tree, and have just taken on a new company, Madame Treacle which are very different, and Rosanna Rossi.

Paul Jarman, Creased Cards, Meeting House Lane, Brighton What are you looking forward to on the business front for the new year 2015?

Hopefully expansion, I’m hoping that before the end of the year we will see some expansion and have got more shops – but I’d better not say where I’m looking! It was our first birthday on December 4 and we had some fun with that, linking it with Small Business Saturday. I’m really focusing on some email marketing and the website plans for next year are quite large too, we’re trying to ramp it up.

Are you involved in social media – Twitter, Facebook, Pintrest, Instagram – on the business front, how do you find it and which work best for you?

We’re all over Facebook and quite active on Twitter too. I used to manage it all myself but have just got an agency to manage it for me. I under-estimated how much work it involves and was ending up only doing my card of the week and even that would be two or three days late. I just don’t have the time to write all the content myself but we’re doing some really good stuff. Twitter and Facebook are the best for us although Googleplus is quite good for my conversion rate but I think that’s because it attracts a lot of technical people with lots of money to spend.

The trade show season is about to start, will you be attending any of the January ones and what will you be looking for?

I’m trying to get to Top Drawer, it will be the Monday that I go. I may go to Spring Fair too if I can get away. If you’re a small shop like mine, you’re always trying to be clever with your staff costs and it’s a long way to go whereas Top Drawer for me is really easy. I did some really good existing supplier bonding at Spring Fair last year, and found a couple of good things there too, but trying to do it in a day is impossible.

I tend to do my existing suppliers, it’s more of a social thing for me as I don’t see many of the agents or suppliers, I just do my ordering online.

www.greetingstoday.co.uk 27

JOHN RYAN RETAIL ENVIRONMENT

S

O, DO we know any more than we did this time last year? Has another year passed in which we’ve managed to make ends meet and turn a few pennies?

Well maybe, but what lessons have actually been learned?

We now know that Paperchase is up for sale, and Clintons looks, well, pretty much like Clinton Cards did as the chain has not been given a makeover across its estate quickly enough.

We also know that if you want to make money, selling cheap cards is not a bad way to effect this.

Here’s the modus operandi. Find a cheap site and kit it out with slatwall, vinyl floor and a lot of perimeter graphics saying how inexpensive everything is.

Oh yes, and don’t forget to say the same thing in the window as well – the siren call of low price is one that many find hard to resist.

Lastly, make sure the stock really is cheap. Card Market, the fledgling budget chain from WH Smith have followed this line of thinking and a visit to the outpost in a Swindon shopping centre shows just what is possible.

Greetings cards for 19p. Yes 19p.

Just 19p.

There’s no escape from the signal message that this store promotes and the garish logo above the door, as garish as that sported by rival operation Card Factory a few doors down the mall, completes the picture.

That you can buy cards cheaply in Card Market is beyond doubt and perhaps all it says is how expensive many other greetings card sellers are.

In truth, Card Market’s range is not all that really and it does smack of buying a card because you have to, rather than because you want to.

All of which means that, if you end up in their relatively-new store in Swindon it’s probably because you happen to be passing, remember you need a card for a birthday or anniversary that you’re obliged to acknowledge – and you haven’t reached Card Factory slightly further down.

With 761 in their store portfolio now, there are

Cheap and cheaper The discount greetings card sector seems to be flourishing, says John Ryan, but how many operators can the market bear?

Card Factory stores everywhere and such has been their success that they’ve been floated on the Stock Market.

By this reckoning, Card Market looks like a latecomer to the discount card seller’s ball – tinsel and tacky slogan t-shirts are a must for this one.

John Ryan is Stores Editor at Retail Week where he’s worked for more than a decade covering store design, visual merchandising and what makes things sell in-store. In a previous life he was a retail buyer.

T: 07710 429926 twitter: @newstores

28 www.greetingstoday.co.uk

Occasionally there really is second mover advantage in opening shops by following the path led by a retailer that has blazed a trail ahead of you. Mistakes can be learned from and the original concept improved upon.

The trouble is that, when the merchandise involved is cut-price, there’s little room for movement and the only added value for shoppers is yet cheaper merchandise.

It’s certainly a fact that we now live in discount Britain and more and more of us are prepared to sacrifice our finer sensibilities in exchange for something that doesn’t hit the wallet too hard.

For retailers, however, if it’s a matter of the incredible shrinking profit margin accompanied by the equally-astonishing disappearing shopfit, then it doesn’t look as if it’ll be a promising furrow to plough.

Maybe Card Market will work, but it is pretty much a copycat version of Card Factory and that retailer already does it very well – might it not be a better idea to create places where people want to go?

At the other end of the market, Paperchase are in demand because their stores are always eyebrow raisers, there’s something different in every branch and their visual merchandising tends to bring a twinkle to the eye and a smile to the lips - the ombre-paint effect and furniture on the ceiling are just two that spring to mind.

Retailing is about giving people reasons to enter a shop and there’s a sense that reasons are in short supply as far as Card Market is concerned.

Might be a good idea for owners WH Smith to take a long, hard look at this one.

Products: Present Time, Burgon & Ball, J-Me, Suck UK, Present Time, Burgon & Ball

INSPIRING BUYING IN 2015 THE NEWEST PRODUCTS, INNOVATIONS AND TRENDS FROM OVER 3,000 EXHIBITORS. REGISTER FOR YOUR COMPLIMENTARY TICKET AT WWW.SPRINGFAIR.COM/GREETINGSTODAY

COVERSTORY

The male market...

A growth in the modern male category, and a demand for greeting cards which cater for the man about town, inspired by fashion, popular culture and celebrity idols – men, young and old, are now much more self aware, taking pride in their appearance and how they express themselves.

A

S PART of a deep dive into the male greetings card caption, UK Greetings’ consumer insights team found that men today are much more sensitive, with over 50 per cent claiming that being a good partner and father was the ultimate mark of manliness.

Men becoming more open and comfortable with emotion has led to a greater demand for masculine greeting cards that cater not only for the stereotypical male who loves sports, beer and blue humour, but also the compassionate, caring guy, who likes a sentimental verse, the fashion-conscious man who expects style and panache, and even the big kid who likes fun and nostalgia.

To satisfy the needs of this eclectic audience, UK Greetings have added a range of new looks and themes to their portfolio, each offering something unique and different.

An ongoing trend in fashion and interiors is typography – bold text in a variety of styles and colours that stand out and make a real statement.

In line with this UK Greetings’ Carlton offering includes designs where the main focus is the brightly coloured fonts, dominating the page in various styles and sizes.

Katy Winship, Product Manager, explained: “The beauty of this trend is the universal appeal. A card featuring typography is an easy send, whether sentimental or simplistic, typography is still cool and proves to be a popular choice for our customers.”

As well as taking influence from market trends, UK Greetings have also been inspired by fashionable trendsetters – the stylish men in our lives who like things a little off-beat.

This emerging new consumer is young, hip and trendy, with very specific tastes and needs. To reach them UK Greetings have developed a collection of edgy, bright, unique, modern and fun designs.

Leigha Wilkinson, Product Manager, said:

30 www.greetingstoday.co.uk

“The designs feature clever words and trendy imagery perfect for Gen Y – think statement moustaches, slightly strange characters and, of course, that customer favourite of animals wearing clothes!”

Animal cards, especially in the humour category, are a popular send.

Playing on recognisable human traits, the animals in the UK Greetings humour ranges become relatable in an amusing way.

No matter the occasion or sending situation, an animal greetings card is always warmly welcomed, and a neutral choice for recipients of all ages, genders and with varied hobbies and interests.

Rachel Broadhead,

Greetings have developed a collection of designs sure to make you laugh out loud.

With striking retro images and witty words presented in a high-impact headline style, these new additions do a great job at poking fun at the men in everyone’s lives.

Rachel added: “We’ve made sure the classic beer drinking gags are offered for older consumers as well as offering cards which younger consumers can send.”

As well as classic humour designs, UK Greetings’ male portfolio wouldn’t be complete without a good helping of traditional styling and sentimental verse.

Fresh new styling from Gibson unites classic male

Senior Product Manager at UK Greetings, added: “We’ve seen from sales that consumers just love male cards featuring fun, humorous animals – and we certainly have plenty for them to choose from within this new male refresh.”

From dogs on scooters to expressive chimps with gleaming white veneers, the amusing animal designs in Hanson White’s humour portfolio are a must have for in any male offer.

With their more classical humour, the oldies but goodies from Hanson White have been given a stylish makeover.

Punchy new art and eye-catching colours really make the designs stand out, and they still retain the timeless punch-line gags.

In line with the vintage trend, which continues to prevail in the male market, UK

designs and touching words, while ensuring the format remains up to date.

For the man who has a passion for sport or an appreciation for the finer things in life, Gibson offers sophisticated artwork and understated sentiment that captures the serenity of the outdoors and the hobbies most associated with the men in our lives.

For the truly sentimental male, the What Is A…?’ designs offer heartfelt edit, with a traditional voice.

This winning format features truly emotive words, for those who may not always have the right ones to express themselves.

For example, “to have a son is to be given one of life’s greatest gifts” and a brother is someone “you’re grateful to call a friend”.

COVERSTORY

UKG have it covered DISNEY FOR all the male Disney fans out there, UK Greetings have you covered!

They’re simply brimming with exciting new Disney ranges that are perfect for masculine sends, too.

Their vintage Marvel look is a must-have for the comic book fans, who love nothing more than to play the hero.

Bold designs and type have these superheroes practically leaping off the card.

Fan of the classics? Check out UK Greetings’ Mickey Mouse ranges!

From vintage and retro, to bold and vibrant, Mickey has it all.

We know them, we love them, and they’re here and more vibrant than ever – the UK Greetings’ Muppets range has arrived!

For all the cheeky chappies out there and the ones who love a laugh, these stand out designs feature energetic photography, word play, and light-hearted edit.

MUST-HAVE MALE FROM UK GREETINGS COLLABORATION by Carlton is a project between many different artists, both internal and external to UK Greetings.

Using different designers adds real interest and pace to Collaboration, and the distinct branding joins the collection together nicely.

In order to keep the designs consistent, the same on-trend colour palette is used throughout, creating a cohesive feel to the range.

UK Greetings analyse the changes in relationships, sentiment and language to ensure the editorial in Collaboration resonates with the modern consumer.

Collaboration taps into current trends and range with real Gen Y appeal.

Every card offers something different, but each is contemporary with really relatable feel.

T: 01924 465200 www.ukgreetings.co.uk

It’s time to play the music, it’s time to light the lights, it’s time to meet the Muppets on The Muppet Show tonight! The Muppets have entertained people for generations and these eccentric characters take centre stage on this collection of wacky designs.

Full of action and adventure, these vintage designs from Marvel Comics are teamed with bold typography and striking colour palettes bringing the characters to life as they practically burst off your displays.

The world’s most famous cartoon mouse brings his versatile appeal to a selection of designs, which feature a variety of classics Mickey looks. Perfect for all ages and sending situations.

www.greetingstoday.co.uk 31

RETAIL ADVICE WITH HENRI DAVIS

Looking for a W challenge ITH only a few selling days left before Christmas, as I write, we’re all working every hour we can to ensure we get those last festive card sales in the till.

Then in a flash it will be over, all that budgeting, planning and card selection will be history and we’ll be thinking about how much we have to spend on new lines for spring as we visit the first fairs of 2015.

But the card market in the coming year is going to be very different in ways we could not have foreseen 12 months ago, given the opening of Card Market and Simply Clintons, Paperchase being put up for sale and the rapid growth of brokerage into the mid-market.

All these will influence the market in 2015 and will need to be considered by retailers when selecting their new ranges.

The card market has been getting more competitive but, until recently, it was mostly about having unique and innovative products at the right price – in 2015 it will be a bit more complicated than that.

Retail price is going to be ever more important as Card Market and Simply Clintons appear on more High Streets to swell the volume of value cards already offered by Card Factory, Tiger and others so more customers will start to ask why they should be paying above £1 for a card.

In previous years brokerage had been the preserve of the major supermarkets with UK Greetings and Hallmark vying to be the supplier of choice.

In 2014 it reached another level with the big two dealing with a wider group of retailers though still mainly supermarkets, while Woodmansterne, Great British Card Company’s Waterwells and Abacus’ Blueprint offer brokerage to more retailers such as John

The increase of brokerage and new value players have left the 2015 market a different place, says Henri Davis, who also looks at emerging trends.

Lewis, Ryman and many garden centres.

In 2015 Clintons will join up too, buying their product through UKG and, as brokerage develops further, there will be fewer multiple retailers for publishers and designers to sell to directly.

Brokerage can certainly work well for a retailer but, as a publisher, it gets harder to sell cards into the larger ones if they’re not prepared to work under such a scheme.

Some artists and publishers bolster their income by licensing their designs on to other product types such as stationery and housewares or take the risk and produce these other ranges themselves.

In terms of design, humour is still by far the biggest-selling genre for most card retailers, both the soft kind makes you smile and chuckle or the much more in-your-face type that may shock.

Often quirky subjects or images work well too and animals can be a good subject as Wrendale Designs have shown with Hannah Dale’s range Country Set and Alex Underdown with her various ranges.

Words, type and typefaces continue to be hugely important sometimes used with images to build on the mood which is often funny, like Icon’s Life Is Sweet range which is going from strength to strength and is on many retailers’

Henri Davis is an independent retail advisor to businesses in the cards, gifts, stationery and heritage industries, combining 30 years of retail experience with her knowledge of trends and consumer motivation to analyse markets and identify new opportunities. Having worked at Habitat, Next, WH Smith and the National Trust, she now works with many small and medium-sized businesses, including multi-site retailers, national and international manufacturers and suppliers. www.henridavis.co.uk

32 www.greetingstoday.co.uk

top-sellers list. But new styles develop and emerge all the time as shown by Lagom’s eye-catching Alicia Bock range.

In terms of design innovation, five years ago laser cutting was the thing, then there was letterpress which is still developing as more colours and detail are added to this very stylised and traditional method of printing.

In 2014 3D paper sculpture came to the fore when The Art File launched their Form range – will there be a new technique in evidence this year, certainly not that I’ve seen so far!

Personalisation has been a massive trend online for Moonpig and Funky Pigeon to name but two.

It has come into its own in the gift market with small suppliers making products for that ultimate thoughtful gift while small publishers like Rose Hill are now offering personalised products based on their iconic card styles.

The new year is already looking like it will be a time of surprises but, one thing’s certain – the thought, detail and execution of a card design are going to be even more important than before if it is going to be selected by a retailer and then picked off the shelf by a customer.

There are so many ranges to choose from that, if it’s not just right then the customer will buy something else.

Innovation and relevance will be critical for designers, publishers and retailers alike. Your card range must stand out from your competitors and be relevant to the purchaser for any hope of success.

Who’s up for the challenge?

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CHRISTMASCARDS&WRAP

Santa’s dieted Glitter is a big seller these days along with snowmen and Father Christmas outfits, but Santa himself is definitely slimmer – those are just some of the findings of Clintons’ festive tracker looking at cards over the past two decades.

A

SLIMLINE Santa, declining robins and less snow are the findings of Clintons Christmas tracker – but they’ve e established that open fires and d stockings on the mantelpiece are holding g steady.

The analysis of hundreds of festive cards from the past two decades has highlighted the changing ng ways in which Christmas has been depicted and the national retailer, now ow owned

by American Greetings and managed d by the Schurman Retail Group, reckons it holds up a mirror to the way the world is also changing. hanging.

Clintons’ marketing and e-commerce erce director Tim Fairs said: “It’s fascinating to see how, despite the fact we live in such changing ging times, at Christmas none of the old traditions are forgotten.

“While we’re surrounded by new technology, this seems to be the one time of the year when everyone picks up a pen and enjoys the sense of nostalgia of sending a Christmas card.” rd.”

The robin redbreast now appears on fewer cards than ever before, having been replaced by the snowman who is increasing in popularity despite the threat of global warming.

Over the last decade, Christmas card designs featuring robins have declined by 23.4 per cent, this is in stark contrast to their realworld equivalents who have seen their population grow by 49 per cent since the 1970s. Snowmen have increased in frequency on Christmas cards by 17.1 per cent in the past 10 years.

Snow appears to be a popular theme, with snowflake designs also increasing by 14.3 per cent over the same period – and estimated average snow depth on cards has declined year on year and is now no longer ‘deep and crisp and even’ averaging just six inches in most snowy scenes.

Christmas trees have become increasingly common, appearing on 7.3 per cent more cards than previously.

Despite being inextricably linked with the festive season, pictures of Father Christmas are down by 5.6 per cent but his fashion influence remains stronger than ever, with 12.7 per cent more characters – including dogs, cats, teddy bears and bunnies this year – wearing his trademark red hat than this time 10 years ago.

Conscious of weight gain, Father Christmas appears to have lost more than two stone (14kg) and his famous rosy cheeks have changed from Pantone colour code 217 to 177, while his outfit has deepened in tone in recent years, moving from Pantone 1795 to 1807.

‘

changes, Despite spite these ch hanges designs remain Christmas card des ever. While many as traditional as eve seem concerned the true meaning of Christmas has been forgotten, it seems that at this time of year, people still stick with tradition with Victorian street scenes remaining as popular as ever and holly bushes, bells and stars all here to stay.

The Clintons tracker shows the festive market is also becoming increasingly blingy as people

At Christmas A none of the old traditions are forgotten

34 www.greetingstoday.co.uk

’

● Fascinating – Tim

put the sparkle into the season.

While senders tend to budget responsibly by buying boxes of lower-priced cards to send to their ever-growing Christmas lists, when it comes to individual cards for your partner or close family members, they’re increasingly picking designs that have been glitzed up with glitter, ribbons and other adornments – glitter now appears on 34.7 per cent more cards than it did a decade ago.

Tim added: “For many people, Christmas remains the most important time of the year. A reminder of how important your friends, families and loved ones really are. Giving a glitzy card can really put a sparkle in someone’s eye.”

Christine Holmes runs Flaunt It in Welshpool, and agrees with Clintons that traditional is a big seller, she said: “We have a lot of Budget Greeting Cards, Kingsley and Isabel’s Garden, and the Simon Elvin budget ranges that do well

with those who want cheap and cheerful. We are very traditional here, and they do like cutesy but I can’t sell anything like art deco designs.

“Noel Tatt is most definitely a bestseller for us for Christmas, and we bought a shop out of Ling Designs which have gone quite well, “We do have a comedy section and have quite a large selection of Original Poster Company that have seemed quite popular in their Christmas range and are a lovely-sized card for the price.”

At Creased Cards in Brighton, owner Paul Jarman has had a good Christmas: “This year Cockadoodle has gone really well, she’s quite a new one, and Megan Claire’s personalised stuff which I had done for Brighton and Hove, and Paperlink’s Froot Loop is flying off the shelves, those two are quite big companies but Cockadoodle are very small.

“For a fourth there’s Kiss Me Kwik who are also from Brighton and I know Simon quite well. Their humour stuff has done really well for Christmas, some of the classics are flying out.

“On the buying front, some of the bigger companies will want to sit down in March and April but, because I tend to deal with more of the smaller publishers – I have about 30 publishers in quite a small shop – a lot of them won’t have their designs out much before September.

“I’m behind on my Valentine’s buying so haven’t really thought about Christmas 2015 yet, I do buy throughout the year though.”

Susie Bambridge of Hebe in Upper Mill, Lancs, said: “I do think the sales of Christmas cards have gone down a little bit, people aren’t buying as many as five or six years ago so I’ve taken that on board.

“We’ve done Cinnamon Aitch for Christmas for a few years now and they do very well. We have some lovely ones from Laura Darrington, and the Handcrafted Card Company, and some nice ones from Juniper Tree. We have some Museums & Galleries packs this year, actually I have quite a lot of M&G! It’s all new for Kevin Bellwood and Marcia Dale who run Roobarb in Bridgnorth, Shropshire, as Kevin explained: “We’re fairly new to this trade and weren’t even open in January this year so didn’t think about Christmas cards very early on.

“We will be looking for Christmas cards for 2015 at the spring shows and will be keeping an eye on different people and those we see who are doing great things.

“Angela Hewitt is without a doubt our best seller, we’ve stocked a range of her Christmas cards and they done very well. Second is Claire Louise and then Daniel Mackie.

“Our customers come to use for something a little bit different, they know what we stock they can’t get on the High Street.”

CHRISTMASCARDS&WRAP

Big and comprehensive DAMILO’S range of over 120 SKUs of licensed Christmas cards for 2015 is one of the biggest and most comprehensive yet with something for everyone.

Top selling characters and brands for all ages are represented in a selection of formats and family/relation captions.

Humour is a strong element with Only Fools And Horses, the Minions, Family Guy, Keith Lemon, Mrs Brown’s Boys, the upcoming movie Ted 2, Tommy Cooper, Batman 66 TV, Big Bang Theory and Top Gear.

Juvenile brands include Doctor Who, Paddington Bear, Penguins Of Madagascar, Fireman Sam, Postman Pat, Dragons, Home, Monster High, My Little Pony, Shaun The Sheep, WWE, Star Wars, Minions amd Transformers.

And for the music fans Danilo have One Direction, Olly Murs, The Beatles, Cliff Richard, and Michael Buble while football followers can choose from Manchester United, Arsenal, Chelsea and Liverpool Football Clubs.

Prices vary with formats but the key products are 7x5, 9x6, 9x5, square cards plus money wallets. The cards have added value features such as sound chips, die-cutting and glitter.

T: 01992 702900 www.danilo.com

More from CMaw Holy Mackerel will be celebrating Christmas 2015 with Amanda Seymour’s quirky birds.

The Devon-based publishers teamed up with her last year to launch their CMaw At Holy Mackerel everyday range, and it’s proved such a hit they’re now showcasing a Christmas CMaw range at the Giving & Living show in January.

There are seven cute and contemporary designs, with more on the way, so look forward to a festively feathery Christmas this year!

T: 01297 33899 www.holy-mackerel.co.uk

Pass the brandy BRANDY Butter is the deliciously magical festive range from Cinnamon Aitch – it’s Christmas Eve and under a starry night sky gorgeously patterned creatures frolic in the snow.

Cute reindeers and robins are wrapped up warm in their bobble hats and scarves, little mice hang their stockings and dream of Christmas pudding!

An enchanting wintry land full of wonder and festive cheer for Christmas time. All cards are hand finished with beautiful little buttons and sparkly ruby-coloured gems.

T: 0121 773 6833 www.cinnamonaitch.co.uk

36 www.greetingstoday.co.uk

CHRISTMASCARDS&WRAP

A vibrant statement THERE’S a real statement in UK Greetings’ 2015 Christmas collection which delivers vibrant festive colours and strong, meaningful sentiment, sure to delight customers!

Alex Rorrison, Seasonal Product Manager said: “The brand-new and best-selling designs in our Christmas 2015 collection are a must see.

“We’ve focused on producing ranges which cater for all sending situations and tastes, while still delivering the true essence of the season.”

New characters, bold traditional styling groups and playful typography are teamed with warm sentiment to really bring a burst of freshness to your Christmas display.

Laura Hirst, Editorial Director explained: “The collection is such an exciting move on and we can’t wait to share with our customers.”

Gibson The new fresh conventional looks in the Gibson core line aim to bring the classic elements and formats of traditional Gibson to a younger audience.

The collection of photographic designs in the line are presented on a luxurious pearl board with a pearl insert. The muted palette allows the sentiment to be the main focus. Younger generations appreciate nostalgia and these designs are sure to resonate with sentimental memories of the season and happy times spent together.

An on-trend chalkboard effect has been used to give a modern twist to this typically traditional format – with evocative illustrative imagery and a sincere voice which

still retains Gibson’s depth of sentiment.

Also new from Gibson: Frosted Garden features traditional Christmas florals but with bold colour splashes and lots of rack appeal.

Aimed at the traditional card sender, the range is perfect for consumers who want to connect with love ones during the festive season Vintage Elegance follows the key and on-going trend in fashion and interiors which is the influence for this range. Developed from creative immersion Vintage Elegance has a muted, sophisticated palette, with strong foliage design, finished with antique gold glitter and foil.

T: 01924 465200 www.ukgreetings.co.uk

Three formats for charity

Stylish formats reinvented BUILDING on their very strong collections of recent years, Museums & Galleries have reinvented their Christmas Box selections with two new stylish formats.

The nine Luxury Slipcase packs each contain 10 cards and envelopes with two designs, and the eight Theme Packs of elegantlyfolded boxes contain 20 cards and envelopes with four designs – around half of each selection support a basket of five charities.

Christmas Mini Cube boxes, Book Boxes, and bumper Assortment Boxes continue as before, all components of the largest and most exciting spread of Christmas boxed product MGL have yet published.

The Christmas cellopacks are tightly focused on MGL’s festive brands – the British Library range has increased and, together with character-driven Illustrated Christmas, stylish and contemporary Christmas Fayre and luxuriously-finished Night Before Christmas present strong looks appealing to design-conscious consumers.

Christmas Classics forms the core of MGL’s cellopack range, and offers a generous bounty of traditional and modern, festive and religious imagery.

The range is split between classic cards and charity supporting the five already mentioned while the charity Combat Stress benefit from their own range of cards.

FOR 2015 Abacus are offering three formats of charity cello packs – 14 packs of 140x140mm cards,12 packs of mini 101x147mm cards and eight packs of 160x160mm cards.

The packs all contain eight cards of one design and support both the Marie Curie and British Heart Foundation charities, offering a variety of styles from traditional to contemporary, the cards feature both illustrated and photographic imagery.

Abacus are also offering a selection of single captioned cards in a cross-section of designs, sizes and finishes to suit most tastes and pockets.

There are 56 relation-captioned cards, 19 further specific captions ranging from To A Special Couple to Baby’s First Christmas and eight luxury open cards.

The collection also includes nine money wallets, sized to accommodate all sizes of bank notes and gift vouchers, including credit card-style gift vouchers.

The Abacus Christmas Collection can be purchased by design or via one of many Christmas packages available to suit all types of retail outlets from small gift shops to large garden centres.

T: 01638 569050 www.abacuscards.co.uk

T: 01373 462165 www.museumsgalleries.co.uk

www.greetingstoday.co.uk 37

CHRISTMASCARDS&WRAP

Bigger and bolder THE top-selling Velvet range has been expanded even more for 2015 to 115 titles at Jonny Javelin, with the same format but brand-new imagery all through.

Jonny said: “We have a great and popular formula so we're sticking to it for the moment!

“We've also reworked our Fudge For Friends range this year calling it Fudge And Friends For Christmas. Again, we've expanded to 70 titles because this year has gone so well.

“The characters are bigger, the colours are just a bit bolder but it's the same recognisable cute doggy and his favourite pals and we've got plenty of red flitter going which we think gives the cards that Christmas appeal.

“Our third and final range is called Baubles And Bows. It's a fresh, pretty range that uses the usual Christmas icons but drawn in a fine detailed fashion.

“We've fluted the foil caption which will be a main feature of this beautiful collection. We have big hopes that this range will receive an excellent reaction when released.

“Overall we've got a collection of 231 brandnew cards, but we're also re-running some of last years titles to boot. We've also added eight money wallets for the first time and hopefully these will be a welcome addition.”

Portfolios have great artworks

THE sneak preview to Glick’s 2015 Christmas range is being launched on January 2 in plenty of time for Spring Fair with various sized gift bags as well as roll wrap, tags and ribbons.

The new launch includes ranges from Wendy Jones Blackett, Paper Salad and Pizazz plus traditional foils with all the glitz and sparkle you’ve come to know and love from Glick.

AT PORTFOLIO Select they represent a wide variety of artists, so can offer styles for every product and occasion.

They have plenty of great artwork in their artists' portfolios, and along with their own expertise can create the best design for your needs.

Portfolio Select’s contemporary range features Enrico McGarrigle, whose digital art is popular with corporate clients, with subjects including striking snowflake patterns, bold colourful baubles, and modern religious scenes.

Jill Riley's festive artwork is eye catching and elegant, for sophisticated products perfect for embellishment and Sam Rudd offers bright, everyday and Christmas graphic design, including florals, juvenile and religious art, great in particular for bags and wrap.

For traditional Christmas imagery, Toben Robbins has a selection of beautiful painterly outdoor scenes, of snowy fields, farm animals, snowmen and realistic Santas.

Michael Donnelly has plenty of jolly Santas delivering presents, and Steve Bridger's beautiful painted countrysides are evocative of crisp, sunny Winter days.

Their popular religious artists include Alison McGarrigle and Sue Waddicor, both of whom have easily recognisable and soughtafter styles.

Alison's intricately-patterned paintings include stained glass Bethlehem scenes, while Sue's decoupage designs are luxurious and sophisticated, and perfect for foil.

And for folk, craft, and wrap art, Julie Oldham's characters are cute and fun while Karen Tye Bentley's everyday ranges are pretty and perfect for all occasions.

The full selection of portfolios is available to browse online with simple registration and Portfolio Select aim to answer any queries from customers as quickly as possible.

They pride themselves on friendly customer service, and many of their artists are available for commissions, so can assist with new or ongoing projects.

T: 01274 655980 www.glick.co.uk

T: 01442 833458 www.portfolioselect.co.uk

T: 01423 563740 www.jonnyjavelin.co.uk

Contemporary balls SPARKLING and contemporary, yet with a nod to tradition, these new Christmas Crystal Ball Cards are from English Graphics.

Each card is designed, printed and hand decorated with sparkling crystals

by Heather and her team in their studio in the historic New Forest on the south coast of England. The cost price £1.35, RRP £3.25.

T: 01590 672778 www.englishgraphics.co.uk

Magic touch is best yet LING Design’s 2015 Christmas range is full of brand-new designs, all created to capture the essence of the festive season perfectly, from cute cartoon penguins to exquisitelypainted winter landscapes there is something for everyone.

Sprinkled with foil and flitter and the magic touch of the very talented Ling artists and designers, they believe the collection is their best yet.

T: 01892 838574 www.lingdesign.co.uk

Sneak preview

38 www.greetingstoday.co.uk

SEE MORE ONLINE AT www.greetingstoday.co.uk

Always Sparkle, Clare Maddicott, Cockadoodle Design Love From Lemonade, Hallmark, Pictoria Press

SHOWPREVIEWS

It’s showtime The first trade fairs of the new year are about to open their doors, here Greetings Today takes a look at Giving & Living, Scotland’s Trade Fair Spring and the Wales Spring Fair.

T

HE 200 regular exhibitors at Giving & Living are this year joined by at least 56 newbies including Devon-based Holy Mackerel who take their greetings and gifts products to the Exeter show for the first time in ages.

Opening the trade show season for 2015, Giving & Living runs from Sunday to Wednesday, January 1114, at Westpoint Exhibition Centre, and is the largest such event in the south-west with a mix of greetings and stationery publishers including Berni Parker Designs, Avanti Press and Pyramid International.

There are five show features – Designed And Made In Britain, Enhance, Naturally Trail, Newcomers

and Coast And Tourism – designed to make it easy for buyers with specific needs to find exactly what they want.

Lauren Huxtable-White, of Avon Beach Limited in Dorset, said: “Giving & Living is the first trade show of the year that I attend and I usually do 90 per cent of my business at the show.

“It’s the first chance to see new products laid out in a way that’s easy to deal with the exhibitors without being pressured by too many people crowded in too small a space.”

T: 01934 733456 www.givingliving.co.uk

● BERNI Parker has a new website where all their existing greetings designs, stationery, gifts and prints can now be seen along with the facility to send orders online.

New for 2015 are 12 new Ladies Who Love Life everyday, a Men Who Love Life Sporting collection of 12 designs, a new collection of nine Little Whispers Baby cards and six new Whispers On Wings Fairy occasions.

There are also gorgeous new collections of gift bags, gift wrap and A6 Notebooks for both Ladies Who Love Life and Whispers On Wings and a 2016 slim calendar for Ladies Who Love Life.

Giving & Living stand B414 – T: 01299 406098 www.berniparkerdesigns.com

N

Loopeez – B649 Louise Scott Art – B454 Lyonesse Designs – B617 Mint – B414 Netherton’s – B414 Olivia Goddard Designs – B547 Padblocks – B622 Paper Island – B519 Perkins & Morley – B348 Peter Pauper Press – A138 The Pictorium – B117 Proctor & Clark – B248 Pyramid International – A234 Ryland Studios – B663 Sandscript Cards – B546 Santoro – A119 Sawley Fine Arts – A410 Silverthorne Designs – B655 Splimple – B414 Thoughts In Focus – B108 Wilde Agencies – B537

● THE Holy Mackerel team are really excited to be at a show so close to their base in lovely Devon, so they’re celebrating with the launch of some gorgeous new coastal tea towels.

Designed by Erica Sturla, and beautifully printed in the UK on great quality 100 per cent cotton, these fantastic tea towels will make a real splash of colour in any display – and any kitchen!

The range has a real seaside theme, and even more excitingly, it’s possible to order the tea towels with alternative text to suit your own location!

Giving & Living stand B555 – T: 01297 33899 www.holy-mackerel.co.uk

S ow in its 35th year the Wales Spring Fair is the principality’s premier home and gift trade show and has gained a reputation for providing fresh ideas and innovative products to buyers from across Wales and the rest of the UK. The Wales Spring Fair 2015 runs from Sunday to Wednesday, January 18-21, at Venue Cymru, Llandudno, featuring more than 50 exhibitors from a wide range of sectors including greetings, arts, crafts, personalised gifts, traditional and contemporary gifts, food, drinks and confectionery.

The greetings exhibitors include Gayle Rogers Art, J Salmon, Pretty Beautiful, Richard Lang and S Gregory.

Entry is free for trade buyers. Preregistered visitors are eligible for fast0track entry and receive exclusive promotional special offers.

T: 01492 879771 www.walesspringfair.com

Algan Arts – B470 ArtPress – B537 Atmosphere Publishing– B613 Avanti Press – B537 Berni Parker Designs – B414 Chris Bedser Agencies – B414 Church Mouse Press – B355 Colcards Of Malvern – B618 The Coaster Company – B307 Country Colour – B673 Deepmere – B118 Diana Tregaskes – B450 Every Think In Ink – B558 Folk It – B123 Furzedown Gallery – B610 Glebe Cottage – B405 Hockin & Roberts – B617 Holy Mackerel – B555 Jonathon Glick Designs – B535 J Salmon – B210 Lip International – B537

COTLAND was thrust into the world spotlight in 2014 and it’s to be hoped this attention should pass down to retail with customers wanting to buy the best Scottish products on offer.

To kick start the buying process Scotland’s Trade Fair runs from Sunday to Tuesday, January 18-20, at the SECC in Glasgow.

Organisers Springboard Events said that with over 4,000 visitors and 450 exhibitors, product awards, seminars and more, this is a one-stop show for anyone keen to source interesting and original greetings cards, gifts, jewellery, fashion accessories and homeware predominantly from Scotland and the north.

Central to the show is the Launch Gallery for young, innovative companies under two years old. This year’s lineup includes some greetings newcomers such as Och Aye Art, Flying Twigs and Lesley Williamson Photography. ● PINK Pig have launched a range of new counter Christmas cards with a definite Scottish twist!

Kilties cards are all printed on beautiful crisp white FSC certified card and cello-packed individually with a white envelope to retail at £2.50.

There's a cool Highland fling Santa, some tartan robins, and two very stylish stags, all designed to be just a bit different and bring on a little festive smile!

Scotland’s Trade Fair stand C12 – T: 07583 088596 www.pinkpigcards.co.uk

New to the fair also are well-known Woodmansterne Publications, bringing their huge range of cards, and returning favourites include Pigment Productions, Perkins & Morley, Willow & Co, Alex Clark Art, Pink Pig and Lisa Donati who used to be Psychopants.

The Best Product Awards will be judged on the opening morning and decided by a team of leading Scottish buyers and commentators.

Fiona Fabien, of Papyrus Glasgow, said: “We’re always on the lookout for niche companies that perhaps don’t show at the bigger trade shows down south, or are harder to notice at the larger shows.

“We find that customers are increasingly asking us for Made In Scotland or Made In The UK and this show provides us with many interesting goods.”

T: 01877 385772 www.scotlandstradefairs.co.uk Algan Arts – G17 All That Glitters – D25 Angela Hewitt Designs – J20 Alex Clark Art – H16 Blue Doors – J12 Carrie-Ann Coupe – J30 Claire Baird – LG6 Couthie – D21 Cuckoo Tree Studio – E24 Embroidered Originals – E6 Flying Twigs – LG19 Gill B Illustrations – E18 Hannah Longmuir – C25 Hole In My Pocket – G31 Island Blue – E7 Lesley Williamson Photography – LG10 Lighthouse Designs – D43 Louise Scott Art – D31 Lisa Donati – A2

Louise Scott Art – D31 Och Aye Art – LG23 Periodic Society – J55 Perkins & Morley – J16 Pigment Productions – K12 Pink Pig – C12 Pootle Cards – C36 Santoro London – H19 & H24 Sarah Catherine Designs – D16 Stirling Gallery – G20 Tartan 2CV – C32 Tomcat Cards & Calendars – E14 Truly Trossachs – C9 Twit Twoo Cards – LG13 Vanessa Bee Designs – H31 Waggy Dogz – J28 Willow & Company – B12 Woodmansterne Publications – F25

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Artistsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; directory If you are an artist/cartoonist/illustrator/verse writer or image library and would like to be part of this feature contact 01442 289930 for more details.

40 www.greetingstoday.co.uk

FRANKLY SPEAKING WITH SARAH PORTER

It’s that time again when lists of new year’s resolutions are drawn up.

PRODUCT PRODUCT & & SERVICES SERVICES DIRECTORY DIRECTORY -GREETINGS GREETINGS CARD CARD PUBLISHERS PUBLISHERS & & PARTY PARTY PRODUCT PRODUCT SUPPLIERS SUPPLIERS To advertise To advertise call Ian MacFarlaine call 01442 289930 on 01442 289940

Resolve not to wine (or whine)

1

I will engage more frequently and consistently with the company Twitter account. Tweets will be professional in tone and content. Cat videos and outlandish Victorian slang will not feature.

2

Unsolicited sales emails will be unsubscribed immediately, rather than simply deleted every time they arrive. This will cut down on both inbox clutter and junk mail-related ranting.

3 4

I will block Facebook on my work computer.

Accommodation for trade shows will be booked at least two months in advance. I will doublecheck the correct dates for every single show before I place my nonrefundable booking.

5

If I receive an unreasonable and offensive email from a stranger, I will not write out an expletive-filled diatribe in reply, save it as a draft and then delete it. Although this may relieve my feelings in the short term, it will lead to intense paranoia.

6 7 8

I will conduct myself with decorum at all trade show social events.

Yes, even at Harrogate.

My consumption of any free drinks available will be limited to two. These will not be consumed simultaneously.

9 10

No, not even at Harrogate.

Requests for a neighbour to watch my stand for five minutes while I nip to the loo will be given in a soft and inconspicuous voice. References to bodily functions will be kept to a minimum.

11 12

I will block Facebook on my work phone.

When staying in hotels I will virtuously reject sausages, bacon, mushrooms, beans and all varieties of egg. Instead I will have a small bowl of muesli, half a grapefruit and a 20-minute morning jog.

13

Phone conversations with favourite customers will not be absent-mindedly signed off with ‘Ok, love you, bye’!

14

Knowing that the red light on the answerphone flashes whether we have new messages or not is not a valid excuse to ignore it for weeks on end. Picking up a message, realising how old it is, quietly deleting it without telling anyone and then pretending it never existed is also not acceptable behaviour.

15 16

I will not use my cleavage as a sales tactic.

I will bring a healthy, balanced lunch to work every day and eat it away from my desk while reading an improving book.

17

Caffeine consumption will be adjusted to a level that can temporarily relieve drowsiness, rather than reanimate the dead.

18 19

If I make a mistake, I will gracefully accept the blame and apologise profusely.

T: 0844 357 6091

If a customer makes a mistake, I will gracefully accept the blame and apologise profusely.

20

I will never, ever, ever, ever trust industrial-strength Velcro ever again.

My World’s erudite PR, marketing and NPD manager Sarah Porter has been elected to the GCA council. She’s known as Frankie outside work and blogs about the trials and tribulations of being a relative newcomer to the world of greetings card publishing at www.myworld.co.uk/blogs/news as well as compiling the regular My World newsletter.

T: 0191 305 5165

www.greetingstoday.co.uk 41

PRODUCT & SERVICES DIRECTORY GREETINGS CARD PUBLISHERS & PARTY PRODUCT SUPPLIERS To advertise To call advertise Ian MacFarlaine call 01442 on 289930 01442 289940

spotlight

A selection of this month’s latest releases

● THIS January sees a bumper launch of children’s cards from Clare Maddicott, among which is brand new range Hullabaloo with 12 designs for boys and girls aged one to six.

The 160x160mm cards are beautifully illustrated by artist Reuben McHugh and printed full colour inside as well as out, die-cut and finished with flitter.

For the older ones, 14 new 160x160mm cards have been added to the Hashtag range covering boys and girls aged seven to 13.

The artwork features bold, contemporary illustrated numbers offset by a deep white border.

Printed on art board the cards are finished with spot UV and accompanied by metallic silver envelopes.

Spring Fair Stand 4H27.

01638 569050 www.maddicott.com ● CARD Connection have announced the launch of a new mini-range of birthday designs featuring the cute phenomenon Boofle from UK Greetings.

MD Michael Johnson said: “Boofle was created by David Blake and is brand managed by his wife Sarah, both who were once part of the Hanson White creative team at UK Greetings.

“Boofle has gone from strength to strength, and we are delighted that this popular knitted pooch is our new friend!

“Our network of franchisees will now begin to supply our retail customers across the UK with new Boofle designs.”

T: 01252 892300 www.card-connection.co.uk ● FRENCH and English captions are available in Little Seashell Cards 2015 Valentine collection with Queen Of My Heart, King Of My Heart, and typewriters designs all embellished with crystal rhinestones. The 5.5x4.25in cards wholesale at $2.35 (£1.31) RRP $4.70 (£2.64).

T: +1 416 236 9130 www.littleseashellcards.com

42 www.greetingstoday.co.uk

A selection of this month’s latest releases

spotlight

PRODUCT & SERVICES DIRECTORY GREETINGS CARD PUBLISHERS & PARTY PRODUCT SUPPLIERS To advertise To call advertise Ian MacFarlaine call 01442 on 289930 01442 289940

● ABACUS’ children’s range 100% Kids continues to grow with the introduction of 10 new designs by illustrator Anna Jones whose soft illustrations provide perfect images for this introduction of boys’ and girls’ age one to five 5x7 birthday cards. The designs are printed on smooth board and beautifully finished with spot UV varnish, embossed details and die-cut rounded corners. These additions together with over 400 other new designs will be on display at Spring Fair, Stand 4H29.

T: 01638 569050 www.abacuscards.co.uk Designs that will get your customers coming back for more!

Life quotes to make them laugh out loud

All our designs are tried and tested in an award winning store Ramblingmansion.co.uk contact@ramblingmansion.co.uk

● SOMETHING new and fresh is on offer from Peartree Heybridge who have added lots of new cards to their portfolio including two brand new 18-design ranges.

Clemency features elegant ladies of a previous era photographed against exotic backdrops and expressing humorous and pithy sentiments appropriate to their 21st century sisters.

Men involved with three of the things which most command their attention – cars, sport and booze – feature in their new collection by popular Yorkshire artist Tim Bulmer.

And they have a special offer to help retailers get the New Year off to a profitable start – order £200 worth of their cards quoting promo code HNY for immediate delivery before February 6, 2015 and they’ll supply 24 of them free of charge!

T: 01423 876311 www.peartreeheybridge.co.uk

www.greetingstoday.co.uk 43

PRODUCT & SERVICES DIRECTORY GREETINGS CARD PUBLISHERS & PARTY PRODUCT SUPPLIERS To advertise call 01442 289930

spotlight

A selection of this month’s latest releases

● THE Love cards from 4sided.co.uk can be sent all year round, not just for Valentine's Day, as can their a Heart card range too. They come in various colour combinations and all cards fit 125x175mm envelopes, packed in a cello bag with a sticker showing the card when assembled.

T: 07803 501983 Www.4sided.co.uk

gifts spotlight A selection of the latest gift releases and deals

display services

● NEWLY introduced to the UK, notebook brand Paper-Oh pushes the limits of what people expect from a notebook to create a product that’s both functional and aesthetically pleasing. With prices from £5.99 retail, Paper-Oh is a sister brand to iconic journal range Paperblanks.

www.paper-oh.com

● ALUSI multi-wick candles have been officially launched in the UK in an expansion facilitated by global brand Hartley & Marks, best known for Paperblanks.

www.alusi.com

● SIX popular players have been released in Mask-arade’s launch of their official Arsenal FC Face Masks, joining the other company’s successful licensed football face masks.

Wilshere, Sanchez, Giroud, Walcott, Ramsey and Ozil from the current FA Cup holders promise to be among the top selling licences for Mask-arade this Christmas – they’re what all the best dressed fans at Emirates Stadium will be wearing this season!

T: 01926 814292 www.mask-arade.com

Saunders Displays Point of sales display stands for every retail environment.

Tel: 0208 594 7221

44 www.greetingstoday.co.uk

www.saundersdisplays.co.uk

A selection of this month’s latest releases

spotlight

PRODUCT & SERVICES DIRECTORY To advertise call 01442 289930 OVER 30 YEARS SERVICE TO THE GREETING CARD TRADE

● CA CARO CAROLINE ROLI LINE NE G Gardner ard dner h have ave some ma marvellous arve ar ellou lllouss ne new w ca card rd dd designs esiigns es igns tto o be be launched at Spring Fair this February. The new illustrative Mr & Mrs Brown range of large-sized birthday cards has taken everyday items from wine bottles to watering cans and transformed them into quirky yet loveable characters. The range itself has taken inspiration from the 1950s with the use of the energetic drawing styles typical of that decade.

T: 020 8288 9696 www.carolinegardner.com

● PIONEER Europe have announced a new line of Qualatex party products including 24 candles with popular polka dot designs available in a variety of colours, 25 badges for every important milestone, 32 banners with a holographic effect, and 15 confetti designs to complete any party.

The badges and banners designed by awardwinning artist and greetings publisher Rachel Ellen feature a unique style that appeals to all ages.

Each badge has a unique stand on the back so they can sit upright and be used as a card and banners come in a versatile packaging that can be displayed on slat wall to show the full design or folded in half to save space.

These new products combine with coordinating Qualatex balloons to create the perfect decor for any birthday celebration. The full range of party products can also be conveniently displayed on a four-foot section of slat wall with a complete planogram available.

BAGS from

Wrapid Producers of high clarity, high quality bags for over 30 years direct to the greeting card and stationery trade sales@wrapid.co.uk www.wrapid.co.uk 01274 220 220

bags

T: 01279 501090 or 0800 281215 www.qualatex.com

www.greetingstoday.co.uk 45

paper and board suppliers

Export Management

cards, bags, wrap and party products

46 www.greetingstoday.co.uk

envelopes

gift manufacturers

print services

print services

INDEPENDENTLY AUDITED & LARGEST CIRCULATION To find out how can help you just call

01442 289930

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