Greetings Today 2019

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July 2019 Issue 9 Volume 20

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The impartial voice of the greetings card industry

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contents the team

Editor Tracey Bearton tracey@lemapublishing.co.uk

Advertisement Manager Simon Davis simon@lemapublishing.co.uk 01442 289940 (direct)

Managing Director Mark Naish mark@lemapublishing.co.uk

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38

REGULARS

41

Chairman Malcolm Naish malcolm@lemapublishing.co.uk

05 Leader

38 On The Shop Front

06 News

40 Four Corners

14 Spotlight

42 It’s All About Sales

Heading up to Harrogate – at least that’s one date the Government can’t mess up.

Rounding up the month’s happenings, with more online at www.greetingstoday.co.uk.

A selection of this month’s latest releases including Abacus, Bettie Confetti, Cheeky Chops, Enveco, Jonny Javelin, Ling, Middle Mouse, Real & Exciting Designs, Rosanna Rossi, Rush Design, Simon Elvin, and UK Greetings.

20 Retail Advice

Industry awards can lead to winning ways, as Henri Davis explains.

24 John Ryan

Go where you’re needed as the retail landscape changes.

Production Director Paul Naish paul@lemapublishing.co.uk

Sound advice from relative newbies Rachel & Paul Roberts, of growing small chain Mooch.

Circulation Manager Robert Thomas robert@lemapublishing.co.uk

East, south, north, west, this quartet of retailers know their business the best.

Ian Bradley advocates checking out the competition when you’re playing away.

Keep in touch - follow us: @greetingstoday

44 Talk Of The Town

Best Wishes Sidcup, Card Gallery Kirkby Lonsdale, and Greetings Millom share their retail experiences.

https://www.facebook.com/ greetingstodaymag

66 On The Line

greetingstoday

Chris Fox’s online insights for retailers.

68 Ward’s Words

With Giftware Association CEO Sarah Ward.

69 Step Back In Time

Chairman Malcolm Naish delves into the archives.

FEATURES 12 News Special

30 Stationery Products

22 Cover Story

41 Focus On...Nigel Quiney

The May bank holiday date change has caused difficulties for the industry.

From CupCycled cards to new licences, Hallmark have plenty of innovation and creativity.

26 Enesco Company Profile

Flexibility is the key to success for the long-serving gift suppliers.

ONLINE

There’s so much going on with stationery, it’s a great extra sell for greetings retailers.

Eco-glitter is putting the Pizazz into the publishers’ award-winning ranges.

46 Home & Gift Preview

It’s the biggest show of the summer in the gorgeous town of Harrogate – don’t miss out!

Go to our website – www.greetingstoday.co.uk – for all the up-to-date news and new product information plus our Facebook and Instagram pages carry more photos from shows and events.

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MEDIA

Lema Media Ltd

1 Church Gates, Wilderness, Berkhamsted, Herts HP4 2UB

Telephone: 01442 289930 www.greetingstoday.co.uk

At the heart of retail Greetings Today has a circulation of 6,076 Subscription per annum: UK £60 (free for people in the greetings industry), Europe £80, ROTW £100

www.greetingstoday.co.uk 3

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27/06/2019 12:52:59

leader Editor Tracey Bearton

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ERIOUSLY? What do the Government think they’re playing at with the changing of the date for the early May bank holiday next year?

● Giant Adventure Cards from Hallmark T: 0800 902 0900 (ROI: 01 248 0104) http://hub.hallmark.co.uk/

Of course the cause is just – but it’s not like they didn’t know it was happening!

With all the planning for the D-Day commemorations this year, you’d have thought some civil servant somewhere would have had the gumption to pipe up earlier about the VE Day anniversary.

And, while we’re all for marking the event, the late announcement of moving the bank holiday from the usual Monday to Friday, May 8, exactly 75 years after Victory In Europe Day, particularly affects our industry but none of the powers that be appear to have realised – or even care now they have been made aware.

They’ve managed to turn what should be a date with destiny into a date with disaster, with many

99 or slurp of something deliciously long and cool.

With all the lovely places to stay and eat around the town, Home & Gift really does have a unique atmosphere in the trade show world – made all the better by having some fab reading matter in the shape of the Daily News paper provided by yours truly, Lema Publishing.

Turn to page 46 for our Home & Gift Buyers’ Festival Preview, where there’s an interview with show director Louise Morris, greetings and stationery exhibitor list, and plenty info about the event.

With all the current consciousness about the environment, making sure the greetings industry is up to speed is very important and Nigel Quiney are among the publishers getting to grips with the issues posed by plastic-based glitter and cellowraps.

They’ve now turned to eco-glitter to bring their award-winning and popular Pizazz collection bang up to date – see page 41 for more.

And now we turn to this month’s Front Feature

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

Want to appear in ?

calendar and diary publishers and suppliers incurring extra costs through having to find ways to make already-printed products still saleable and change artwork for that yet to be printed – find out more in our News Special on page 12.

Yes, they have been a bit tied up with Brexit and all that, but, with the veritable army of minions at their disposal, this could have been sorted out two year ago.

Now, with the heatwave currently sweeping across Europe, the weather is perking up just in time for the annual jamboree that is the Home & Gift Buyers’ Festival in the glorious surroundings of Harrogate.

It can get a wee bit stuffy in the Design Point marquees when the sun’s beating down but that’s a good excuse to pop out on to the lawns for a swift

which I admit, is a little indulgent (even for me) as we have Hallmark’s Giant Adventure Cards – which my wee grandson Haydn loves.

Oh my goodness! How many times have you bought a kid a gift and all they want to play with is the cardboard box, turning it in to a castle, rocket ship, and whatever their fervent imagination can come up with.

Hallmark have taken that idea and run with it, producing a range of giant birthday cards, roughly the size of an album, which contain a story, activities and also fold out into a colourful 3D play surround.

The initial range caters for both boys and girls who want to make friends with dinosaurs, live in a castle, explore space or drive a train – definitely a card and gift in one package.

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AUGUST FEATURES: Autumn Fair Preview (Sep 1-4) Top Drawer Autumn Preview (Sep 8-10) Spring Seasons & Occasions AUGUST COPY DATE – JULY 29

SEPTEMBER FEATURES: Brand Licensing Europe Preview (Oct 1-3) Insights-X Preview (Oct 9-12) Licensed Cards & Associated Products Animal Cards SEPTEMBER COPY DATE – AUGUST 28

OCTOBER FEATURES: Feminine-Themed & Mother's Day Verse, Sentiment & Symapthy Cards OCTOBER COPY DATE – SEPTEMBER 25

www.greetingstoday.co.uk 5

newsinbrief

inthenews

Jason set to fly

JASON Keen will be flying high soon as the owner of Avacardo Cards is the lucky winner of a hot air balloon flight for two. The prize is courtesy of Abacus Cards who ran the offer for all their Cardgains customers to celebrate the buying group’s 30th birthday, and it was a package of everyday cards that put Jason in with a chance. Retailers who placed a £200 minimum order with Abacus through Cardgains had their details entered in the draw and Avacardo were the lucky ones picked out for the fabulous prize. Jason, pictured with Abacus area manager Alan Hey at his shop in Ainsdale, Merseyside, said: “I’ll probably take my wife Hilary although my daughter Sophie, who’s 12, wants to go too. It does look fantastic on a calm day!”

Yuge treat for broadcaster

VETERAN broadcaster Andrew Neil had a yuge birthday treat with a greeting from Donald Trump – and it’s all thanks to Really Wild Cards. On his BBC This Week show, the ex-Sunday Times editor showed off his sound card from Really Wild Cards’ Politically Incorrect collection, and played the message where voiceover artist Darren Altman sounds just like the permatanned POTUS, including his mispronunciation of the word “huge”.

Ling prize bubbles over

ONE lucky Cardgains member will be bubbling over with joy as Ling Design help the buying group celebrate their 30th birthday. Any retailer placing an order for £300 worth of Ling’s everyday designs by July 20 will be entered into the publishers’ prize draw to win a case of Champagne.

All Cardgains members are eligible, and the order placed must be invoiced before the closing date, after which the winner will be chosen at random from all entries – for full terms and conditions contact Ling on 01892 838574 or email enquiries@lingdesign.co.uk.

Celebration’s celebration

RETAILERS Ryan and Chris Jenkins were off to the Disney Store just in time for the cinema release of Toy Story 4. The owners of The Celebration Store in Waterlooville, Hampshire, are the lucky winners of UK Greetings’ £250 voucher from their Toy Story 4 prize draw.

Every order of the bespoke shipper for the licensed Disney cards and giftwrap saw the customers entered into the draw, and the UKG From The Heart store run by Ryan and his dad Chris was the one picked out.

Sarah takes Simplicity to 300

CHANGING the way publishers print is the aim at The Imaging Centre, and they now have 300 signed up as IC Simplicity Print On Demand users with the cards being sent direct to retailers. Sarah Capper, founder and artist at Doodleicious Art, was the 300th to join the digital specialists’ scheme where the publisher can sign on to their website from anywhere to pick what designs they want printed and where they need to be sent.

New chapter for James

WATERSTONES boss James Daunt is taking on the additional role of chief executive of Barnes & Noble after a £538million ($683m) deal brought the US’s largest book retailers under the same umbrella. Hedge fund Elliott Advisors own the 293-store British book, gift and greetings chain with a £402m revenue in 2018, and have just signed to buy Barnes & Noble, much larger with 627 shops across all 50 states and £2.9billion sales last year. Elliott said the firms would benefit from sharing best practice under James, who also privately owns Daunt Books’ independent small chain, and intend installing him in New York as CEO of both groups with the two brands retained and operated separately.

6 www.greetingstoday.co.uk

30 walk 30 for 30th THIRTY hardy souls completed this year’s Cardgains Charity Challenge marking the buying group’s 30th anniversary and raising £10,000 for charity in the process of the 30-mile trek.

“The walkers included 13 challenge virgins,” Cardgains’ joint MD Chris Dyson said, “plus a few who have taken part, and conquered, all the challenges over the past 21 years we’ve been organising them.”

With walk times between 9½ and 11 hours along the North Yorkshire Moors route around Harrogate and Leeds – and a number of trekkers added to their blisters and aching limbs with a few extra miles after going the wrong way, but it was all washed away at the celebration dinner.

Having already passed their £10,000 target for Sue Ryder, the charity who provide palliative, neurological and bereavement support, further donations for the Almscliffe Anniversary Amble will still be gratefully accepted at www. justgiving.com/fundraising/2019cardgainscharitychallenge.

Chris added: “It was fantastic to see so many new younger faces joining in as some of the Cardgains team have been taking part in every event for the past 21 years and these major challengers don’t get any easier, Following a genuine tough 30-mile challenge, we still kept hearing the famous six little words ‘what are we doing next year’!”

Multiple-challenger Richard Marsden, of Eco-Chic, added: “Yes, it’s a tough day, as I heard Chris Dyson’s once bark at someone ‘it’s called the bloody Cardgains Challenge for a reason’, but it is bloody good fun.”

Abacus’ national sales manager Nat Hitchcock was to be found laying down on the job at the end, while Cherry Orchard MD Jackie Collins said: “It was a tough but stunningly beautiful 30 miles made easier by great people, the type you'd want to be around in any circumstances.”

Scousers are just champion!

Gemma cease trading

THEY’RE just champion at Cath Tate Cards as their latest Modern Icons range has been helping Liverpool celebrate their latest European football triumph.

Mad-keen Reds fan and Larks Vintage and Number 13 owner Paul Southall was made up when his poster of the Ich Bin Ein Scouser card was noticed by Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp as the team paraded the Champions League trophy around the city.

Paul, who had the poster in his Liverpool shop’s window in the run up to the first all-English final against Spurs, said: “We got to the parade early and held up the poster, on our video you can clearly see Jurgen notice it, he pointed at it twice and was just cracking up, it was brilliant. He’s a proud German and a proud adopted Scouser.” Chuffed with the 2-0 win Phil was even prouder as he came up with the Ich Bin Ein Scouser slogan for artist Jo Burrows’ Wotmalike keyrings which have now been turned into cards by Cath Tate.

GEMMA International have ceased trading with agents finding out when MD Amanda Parkin wrote informing them of the licensed greetings company’s impending closure.

The directors of the Andover-based company, who have been in business for 34 years, are seeking a Creditors Voluntary Liquidation with all creditors, who include suppliers, retailers, and licensors, involved in the process.

Bids for remaining stock at Gemma’s warehouse were due in by June 25, while creditors had to respond by June 11, when Pricewaterhousecoopers were appointed as liquidators and the winding up procedures formalised.

Joint liquidators Rachael Wilkinson and Zelf Hussain, of PwC, had received a bid from a retailer for 90 per cent of the leftover stock but contacted all licensors’ preferred suppliers to achieve the best price.

Gemma were set up in 1984 by Lindesay and Margaret Rudd-Clarke, parents to Amanda and licensing director Tim Rudd-Clarke, after they moved on from the toy shops they founded in 1977 and diversified into cards and wrap.

Celeb boost for Just A Card SPOT the poster! Fifteen celebrities got this year’s Just A Card Day off to a flying start with a Tube campaign promoting the message to support independent creative businesses.

And as retailers and artists flooded social media with posts about themselves throughout June 17, the posters were up across six stations on the London Underground, carrying the campaign to the general public. Thanks to a link-up with peer-to-peer business lenders The Funding Circle, the Just A Card campaign has grown into It’s Never Just A Book with the 15 celebs pictured reading on enormous billboards to make people think how they can make a difference to the artists, makers, indie shops and small companies.

Actor David Oakes has joined in with a vengeance – as well as appearing on one of the adverts he was posting on Twitter throughout the day boosting his local bookshop The Bookseller Crow in London’s Crystal Palace.

Game Of Thrones star Natalie Dormer, Michael Palin, Richard E Grant, Twiggy, Dominic Cooper, Nathalie Emmanuel, Charlotte Gainsbourg, Felicity Jones, Hanif Kureishi, Alex Lanipekun, Hayley Milles, James Norton, Bruce Robinson and Greta Scacchi are the other big names determined to help out.

Founder Sarah Hamilton said: “Thanks to an all-star cast and our incredible partners The Funding Circle, the Just A Card message will now be heard by the wider public – over a million of them. Let’s work together to remind people it’s never just a card, just a book, just a gift – it’s the difference between flourishing towns and boarded-up shops!”=

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peoplenews

GA members celebrate industry

Hallmark’s new CEO

CELEBRATING all that’s great about the gift and home industry was the aim of the 2019 Giftware Association annual members’ day.

And the event at the Nottinghamshire Golf & Country Club on Tuesday, June 18, featured networking, changes in the industry across social media, key High Street statistics and the importance of workplace wellbeing, as well as hearing from ethical business Vent For Change.

The day started with a welcome from GA chairman and Blue Eyed Sun MD Jeremy Corner and CEO Sarah Ward, followed by the formal business of voting Louise Welsby, of Buy From creative agency, and Julie Driscoll, of Spring and Autumn Fair organisers ITE Group, as new national committee members.

This was followed by retail commentator Michael Weedon, from Exp2, speaking on the current state of the High Street and projecting an image of hope, rather than the more common news stories of doom and gloom.

After a networking lunch where attendees could meet the GA’s service providers and other members, the day continued with David Glenwright from JC Social Media on new trends for social platforms and how to promote your business to the right audience.

Next was a panel on wellbeing and wellness in the workplace, expertly chaired by the GA’s deputy chairman Henri Davis and featuring Hollie Whittles, from Fraggleworks, business psychologist Jess Baker, and Helen Leathers, a transformational women’s coach.

Headline speaker Evan Lewis, from Vent For Change, concluded the day with his story of being an environmentally-conscious and green business, using recycled plastic to make pencils while donating 10 per cent of profits to global education projects. He also revealed his top tips on how members could make their own businesses greener, a policy which is gaining traction in the giftware world.

licensingnews

T: 0121 236 2657 www.ga-uk.org

Danilo happy on the shelf DANILO are joining with Santa’s magical Scout Elves heading for Christmas 2019 already as they have signed up for a range of The Elf On The Shelf licensed cards, giftwrap and gift bags.

As part of the surge in UK licences in the run-up to this year’s festivities, Danilo are currently developing a Christmas greetings collection, that includes personalised and sound cards and targets the whole family.

The Elf On The Shelf brand is based on the story of Santa’s magical Scout Elves and agents Rocket Licensing have negotiated the deals with new product to reach retail in Q4 in time for the festive season.

Other deals include The Elf On The Shelf dress-up costumes from Smiffy’s, and RMS International are set to launch a range of Christmas crackers.

T: 01992 702900 www.danilo.com

Licensing campaign hits road A NEW licensing campaign has been launched to build on the huge awareness of the North Coast 500 web and tourism phenomenon.

Brand extension and strategy agency Licensing Link Europe have been appointed to manage the global campaign for the 516-mile coastal touring route through the Scottish North Highlands.

With an initial focus on stationery, calendars and diaries, along with outdoor apparel and publishing, brand owners North Coast 500 Ltd plan to deliver licensing and partnerships programmes using the trademarks North Coast 500 and NC500 to generate sustainable revenue for the area and Scotland.

Since 2015, when the stunning coastal route was documented and marketed as a road trip under the name the North Coast 500 (NC500), it has become a global phenomenon, building an audience reach in 2018 alone in excess of 3.3billion people. The privately-funded company’s primary aim is to grow the brand, its reach and positive impact on tourism in the area, and deliver outstanding economic impacts for the local communities.

T: 07540 122077 www.licensinglink.net

8 www.greetingstoday.co.uk

THIRTY-year company veteran Mike Perry has been appointed president and chief executive officer of Hallmark Cards, it was revealed on June 27. The move sees Don and Dave Hall, grandsons of company founder Joyce C Hall, become executive chairman and executive vice-chairman respectively.

Mike was previously president of Hallmark Greetings where he led all aspects of the greetings and personal expression business across the company’s global markets including product development, marketing, sales, finance, human resources and operations.

He will continue to build on the company’s progress and momentum to transform the business, drive distinguished financial performance and preserve Hallmark’s private ownership.

Don said: “We are confident in Mike’s history of proven leadership to drive the important work ahead by maintaining an elevated focus on our consumer, accelerating our digital commercialisation efforts, and delivering best-in-class execution.”

Abacus add new faces

ABACUS have added four new faces on their books with two territory sales managers and a pair of sales agents joining the team. Paul Crandon has experience of both sides of the retail coin as he previously ran his own shop before working at Carte Blanche, and is now TSM for the South West for Abacus and sister company Clare Maddicott. The South Central area is the responsibility of TSM Mark Williams, who worked for UK Greetings for eight years, and now covers Hampshire up to Oxfordshire.

Previously a sales rep with Carte Blanche before becoming a self-employed sales agent, Tiffany Evans has taken over in South and Mid Wales, while Diane Griffiths, and her husband Neil, are looking after Northern Ireland as agents.

First female chairman at John Lewis

IN AN unconventional move, John Lewis have appointed Sharon White as their first female chairman on a £990,000 salary – even though she has no retail experience. Sharon, who will take over when Sir Charlie Mayfield steps down early next year, is currently chief executive of communications services regulators Ofcom, and was previously Second Permanent Secretary at The Treasury, responsible for overseeing public finances and also held board-level posts at the Ministry Of Justice and Department For International Development.

“I readily recognise that Sharon is not the conventional retail choice,” Sir Charlie said of his replacement, “but these are not conventional retail times, nor is the Partnership a conventional company.”

WHS CEO to step down

STEPHEN Clarke is to step down as CEO at WHSmith, with High Street MD Carl Cowling taking over the reins at the start of November. The announcement was made in their third quarter trading update, where the books and stationery retailers said yearto-date sales had jumped after rolling out new outlets at airports.

Expected to leave at the end of October, Stephen (pictured top) has been with the company for 15 years, the past six leading the retailers founded in 1792, while Carl (pictured bottom) joined in 2014 to run their travel arm before moving to the High Street side.

Sales in the 11 weeks ending May 18 grew 15 per cent year-onyear. On a like-for-like basis, travel arm sales rose one per cent y-o-y, while total sales rose 26 per cent and l-f-l sales rose three per cent. The retailers’ High Street division was the weakest link again, with both total sales and l-f-l sales each down one per cent.

Goodbye Martin – hello Ian!

THERE’S a new face at the helm of Wire Fittings with Ian Philips taking over as owner and MD from long-serving Martin Cree. And Ian has already committed to the long-term future and expansion of the display stand manufacturers based in Swanage, Dorset, with new sales people on the road covering the Midlands and North, and more staff in the factory, taking the workforce to 25. Marketing director Lesley Gardner said: “Martin (pictured) put the business up for sale and Ian came through that way.

He took over control around May 17 as the new owner and MD. Martin has now sailed into the sunset for a well-deserved retirement. “A local company has also bought the building and now share it with us and, having invested in additional staff in our design and prototype department, we are excited at the diverse range of new projects we’re working on for 2020.”

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L ING D ESIGN Spring Seasons 2020

OVER 250 FRESH DESIGNS LAUNCHING THIS JUNE

T O S E E O U R FU LL RAN G E P LEAS E CON T ACT : +4 4 (0)18 92 8 3 8 57 4 E N QU I RI ES @LI N G D ES I G N . CO. U K W W W . LI N G D ES I G N . CO. U K

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exhibitionnews BCTF opens to public

OPENING to the public for one day is a major new development for the British Craft Trade Fair.

Show organiser Margeret Bunn has announced the changes for the 2020 edition of the long-running show, adding an extra day so on Saturday, April 4, the general public will be allowed in to discover new and innovative products from British designer-makers. The other three days, Sunday, Monday and Tuesday, April 5-7, at the Yorkshire Event Centre in Harrogate are for trade-only buyers.

Margaret said: In its 45-year history BCTF has been open solely to trade buyers, but next year we will open the doors for one day to the public, allowing consumers to buy directly from the designer makers exhibiting here.

“This is a real celebration of all things British and handmade. Demand from the public for locally made, sustainable products is at an all-time high and we want to do everything possible to help our exhibitors bring their crafts to market. BCTF is where people come to discover new and innovative products of the highest quality and they deserve to be seen by as wide an audience as possible.”

www.bctf.co.uk

Register for

REGISTRATION is now open for everyone who wants to visit the 21st Brand Licensing Europe, which takes place over October 1-3 at ExCeL London.

This is a momentous year for BLE as the show changes venue to ExCel London, celebrates its anniversary and introduces a host of new features to wow visitors.

Register to attend at www.brandlicensing.eu/register And the show hosts the finals of License This!, the competition aimed at bringing new brands to the attention of the industry, such as May The Thoughts Be With You, I Like Birds, Deckled Edge, Pabuku and Two Little Boys – see www.brandlicensing.eu/license-competition.

Double up with NSS

THE National Stationery Show is debuting as part of the NY Now Summer Market for the first time, turning the long-running event into a twice-yearly occasion.

Having moved from its traditional May slot to co-locate with NY Now’s February dates at the Javits Center in New York earlier this year, organisers Emerald Expositions are expanding the link.

With the Summer Market running from August 11-14, the NSS – which has been part of the industry for more than 70 years – will open a day earlier along with the NY Now Handmade collection, and a full programme of events is planned including networking sessions both on and off the show floor.

Registration is now open for visitors with one badge valid across all the co-located shows.

www.nationalstationeryshow.com

Hong Kong raises sourcing bar HONG KONG trade fairs are set to raise the sourcing bar this October with the Mega Show Series returning for more than 4,000 companies to present their new products.

The seven days of trading at the events organised

by Idea Trade and Comasia see over 50,000 attendees travelling to the former British colony for the clutch of eight co-located shows – and they have a Buyer Sponsorship Programme where cash payments of up to £280 (HK$2,800) can be made towards expenses for visiting.

Over October 20-23, five co-located fairs are within the Mega Show series –The Asian Gifts & Premiums Show www.asiangnp.com, The Asian Housewares & Kitchen Show www.asianhnk. com, The Asian Toys & Baby Products Show www. asiantnb.com and The Asian Festive, Christmas & Seasonal Show www.asianchristmas.com, with The Asian Sporting Goods Show www.asiansporting.com making its debut.

And over October 27-29 The Asian Gifts & Travel

Goods Show www.asiangnt.com, The Asian Stationery Show www.asianstationeryshow.com and The Asian Sanitary & Bathroom Accessories Show www. asiansnb.com round up the 2019 series, with all events at the Hong Kong Convention & Exhibition Centre.

For 2019, more than 100 new exhibitors are expected for the Asian Stationery Show, which includes gift stationery, paper products and backto-school items, while the larger Asian Gifts & Premiums Show has giftwrap, packaging and arts and crafts among the 1,900 exhibitors plus a Design Studio hall, and the Asian Gifts & Travel Goods show features decorative gifts, souvenirs, fashion accessories and wellness products alongside more giftwrap.

Visitor registration for trade buyers is available online at www.mega-show.com along with the sponsorship programme application form and full details plus links to the individual fair websites.

Easy does it at ADDITIONAL services are being introduced for new exhibitors at Paperworld as the trade fair for stationery, office supplies and writing materials sets out to make it very easy to take part. Going beyond just having a presence at the annual German show in Frankfurt, the offers include a complete stand package so companies can just turn up with products and arrange them, and deals which include access to lounges, meeting rooms and catering areas.

Group show director consumer goods fairs Julia Uherek and Paperworld director Michael Reichhold are the experts on organisers Messe Frankfurt’s team responsible for exhibitor support and the design of the exhibition areas and have developed a wide range of different concepts.

There’s a Newcomer Package for new exhibitors at Paperworld and Creativeworld 2020, including an equipped 9m² stand and a media package. Also new is the Paperworld Office Village in Hall 3.0 where companies can rent a fixed-price, easy to customise, fully-equipped 30m² or 60m² stand in a purpose-built area.

With its two main themes of The Visionary Office and The Stationery Trends, Paperworld 2020 runs from January 25-28 at the Messe Frankfurt showgrounds, co-located with sister fairs Christmasworld and Creativeworld.

paperworld.messefrankfurt.com

New hall makes distances shorter A NEWLY-built hall is set to make Insights-X a more attractive show to walk round as Hall 3C directly connects to Halls 1 and 2 so making the distances shorter.

Boasting a 3,000m² glass facade, the modern hall will accommodate the InsightsArena and Atelier as well as the PartnerLounge and Food Court, as the three halls feature all six product groups which reflect the full spectrum and diversity of the stationery sector.

A highlight for visitors to the fifth edition of Spielwarenmesse’s growing international trade fair in Nuremberg, which runs over October 9-12, will be the new

special #Inspiration area devoted to the presentation of trend-setting and inspiring products from the stationery field.

Conveniently located in the passageway between Halls 1 and 3C, it will give retailers and buyers a compact overview of the innovations on show and tangible added value that can be implemented in-store.

Through to August 23, Insights-X exhibitors can register for the new InspirationPackage, allowing them to exhibit products in this prominent second location, with an inclusive listing in the visitors’ InspirationGuide.

www.insights-x.com

NEWSSPECIAL

Save the date!

“I fully understand and support the reason for the change of date, however, this does nothing to dissolve my anger and disappointment at the lack of foresight (and apology) the government has shown with their lateness in making this decision. They have quite clearly known about the date coming up, so, why was it not announced sooner?

Hopefully, our customers will all understand that they are still buying a lovely calendar and that the date change is clearly beyond our control.”

Emma Ball, owner, Emma Ball Ltd “It is unfortunate this change in bank holiday dates means information in our 2020 diaries is now incorrect. All our diaries have now been produced, and many now on sale, with the information that was available at time of printing. We do include a disclaimer on our diaries which does say that information was correct at time of going to press to cover instances like this. We do not have any plans to reprint any pages, not only due to the financial and logistical costs of doing this, but also the environmental costs of printing hundreds of thousands of pages. We are confident that our loyal Collins customers will understand this decision.”

Richard Sloan, marketing manager, Collins-Debden “At Danilo, we’re delighted the Government have chosen to move the date of the bank holiday to accommodate the VE Day celebrations, but dismayed the decision was taken so late without considering the impact on our industry. As a consequence, I’ve personally written to the Business Secretary, Greg Clark, requesting an explanation and for the Government to consider recompensing businesses for the costs they incur. All our diaries have already been printed and bound, and are due for delivery to retailers from July. We will be speaking with our customers and also other calendar publishers over the next week or so to establish how we deal with the issue. We’re slightly more fortunate with regards to our calendars as we still have over 80 per cent to be printed, so dates can easily be changed but with a cost for artwork.”

Daniel Prince, MD, Danilo Promotions “Ours are printed and bound and on the water. Not sure what we can do about it now. To change the date now would be so expensive we may as well not supply and throw it all away.

Labelling is out as it would need two labels and look terrible. We have a disclaimer on our products but, personally, I don’t think that’s enough so we’re considering putting a printed covering note inside our products. We’re not a big player so, while it’s still expensive, it’s not nearly as bad for us as it is others. It’s a crazy stupid situation – I wonder if a class action can be taken? I think that, while everyone has a lot of empathy for changing the bank holiday to tie in with VE Day, the Government could have given this more thought and made a decision ages ago.”

David Hicks, owner, Really Good & Soul UK “Since 90 per cent of all calendars and diaries are already printed and somewhere between here and the Far East, there’s little to nothing that we can do with regards to reacting to this very late announcement. All titles still in the design process have been changed to reflect the altered date as will any reprints between now and December. A number of our larger customers are taking their product directly in to their distribution centres from our factories.

These orders are being delivered shortly – this means we have no chance to rework the calendars even if we felt it was necessary, which we do not believe it is.”

Jack Straw, MD, BrownTrout Publishers

12 www.greetingstoday.co.uk

The calendar industry have been thrown into disarray by the late Government decision to move next year’s early May bank holiday. Now they are working out how to minimise losses and save the date for the calendar-buying public.

C

HANGING the date of the early May bank holiday for next year’s VE Day 75th anniversary celebrations has come too late for most of the UK’s calendar publishers and they’re busy working out ways to deal with the issue.

The Government only made the announcement on June 7, far too late for the industry with production for 2020 calendars and diaries well under way – and many stores already have stock on their shelves.

Daniel Prince, MD of licensed product specialists Danilo, has written to the Government asking for an explanation and recompense for the costs and losses incurred.

At Carousel Calendars, who distributed 6.7million calendars for 2019, they had all 215 regional titles for the new year in stock by the end of April and MD Steve Plackett told Greetings Today: “Our regionals are already in WH Smiths and Waterstones stores as well as many independents so getting the news last weekend was just too late for us.

“The few titles that haven’t started printing yet have already been corrected and any reprints – well over one million units – will also be correct.

“We and the majority, if not all, of the other major calendar publishers in the UK have printed a large proportion of titles already.”

Carousel have arranged with a number of their retailers to put a notification about the date change – from Monday, May 4, 2020, to Friday, May 8 – on products they already hold.

The only other time the early May bank holiday has been moved was in 1995 l Steve Plackett for the 50th anniversary of the Victory In Europe Day, marking the end of fighting against Nazi Germany across Europe on May 8, 1945, near the end of World War Two. Despite this precedent which was revealed in December 1993, giving the dated products industry plenty of advance warning, this time the Government’s announcement came very late, with Business Secretary Greg Clark saying: “It will ensure as many people as possible have the opportunity to remember and honour our heroes of the Second World War and reflect on the sacrifices of a generation.”

The holiday will form part of a three-day weekend of commemorative events including more than 20,000 pubs encouraging people to toast the heroes of the war, while churches will take part in a Ringing Out For Peace peal of bells. l Andrew Bennett As well as Carousel, other major suppliers to the greetings industry who could be affected by the change include Danilo, BrownTrout, Flame Tree, teNeues, Pomegranate, CollinsDebden, and Museums & Galleries.

Allan + Bertram announced it will cost them £200,000 to reprint all the May pages to then have hand-inserted into the 400,000 calendars already printed.

Mainly corporate and bespoke product manufacturers, MD Andrew Bennett told the BBC: “It’s probably been the single most stressful week that I have ever faced in business. We’re totally in agreement with changing the date – just not changing it with 11 months’ notice, when you’ve had 74 years to prepare for this event.”

The British Printing Industry Federation, who represent about 1,300 printing businesses, said while they welcome the commemoration of VE day, they believe the Government should have consulted with groups that would be affected by the change.

“A number of members will lose money due to calendars and diaries for 2020 being printed already,” said MD Dale Wallis, “it’s my understanding that there is no opportunity for compensation. This could cause serious cash flow issues, and therefore other issues for those businesses affected.”

‘

We’re totally in agreement with changing the date – just not with 11 months’ notice, when you’ve had 74 years to prepare

’

l Carousel

www.facebook.com/greetingstodaymag @greetingstoday l BrownTrout

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spotlight BETTIE CONFETTI

THE new Neon Brights range from Bettie Confetti is seriously neon, seriously glittery and utterly fantastic. Perfect for those occasions when you have to just tell someone that they’re a legend, that they’re bloody brilliant, or even when you just need to say fuck it. A6 cards are available in 18 designs and come with a colour-matched neon envelope.

T: 07531 058664 www.bettieconfetti.com

CHEEKY CHOPS

AT CHEEKY Chops they’re so excited – to the extent that a little bit of wee might actually come out! Their new range of 24 birthday cards has all their bestsellers in one cheeky bundle.

Bolder, brighter and in cheeky 5x7in size cards as requested by their fabulous customers. And Cheeky Chops are offering them all at a special launch trade price of just 75p per card.

All are available on their trade-only website.

Tel: 01480 412956 www.cheekychopstrade.co.uk

UK GREETINGS

UK GREETINGS are delighted to bring the magic of Disney back to their Collage brand after securing the licence for 3D product, previously having it from 2013 to 2016. Licensing manager Sarah Johnson said: “Disney, Marvel and Star Wars are some of the world’s most respected brands whose products and characters are easily recognised around the globe, making it a fantastic addition to our acclaimed portfolio and great news for our customers who have access to our extensive Disney product offering.” Katie Prosho, UKG customer and product manager for Collage, added: “This is set to be a huge year for Disney with some mega movies hitting our screens. We’re excited to have the opportunity to once again support Disney with the launch of our new 3D product and think it’s sure to be a hit with retailers and customers.” Disney Core is one of the new ranges developed by Collage, which launched in June.

The collection leverages designs and formats from bestselling Disney card ranges and carries them across into 3D product. There are designs available in bags, roll wrap and packaged wrap for Avengers, Toy Story 4, Spiderman, Star Wars, Disney Princess, Winnie The Pooh and, from October, Frozen 2! The six designs of large square gift bags (RRP £3.20) are great for an array of sending occasions and, with complementary cards it’s the perfect go-to send for Disney fans.

T: 01924 436384 www.ukgreetings.co.uk

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t

A selection of the latest greetings, gift and industry services releases

ENVECO

CUSTOMERS are loving Envecoâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s bright vivid Neolights range and, with the three new colours, thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s an envelope to match any bright design. Launched recently along with some new Deep Tints, the fresh colours are going down a storm. Amethyst is a passionate deep purple like the stone itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s named after. The eye-catching Cherry Fizz takes people back to being young and reminds them of cherryade. And last but not least thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s the beautifully bright orange Flare. These are all held in stock sizes and can also be made in bespoke sizes to fit the individuality of your cards.

cards & stationery

T: 01908 378866 www.enveco.co.uk

THE JONNY JAVELIN CARD CO

YOUâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;RE sure to have a Twingle in your eye when you see the latest release from Jonny Javelin. Hot on the heels of Mayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s release of Grandson and Granddaughter age cards, JJ are releasing an open birthday selection too. MD Jonny Spears said: â&#x20AC;&#x153;Twingles has always been a great juvenile seller for us and in this industry, ranges that sell well need to be continued â&#x20AC;&#x201C; however, that also means refreshing the look! So thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s what weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve done with Twingles this year. New artwork printed front and back, with bolder numbers and captions and with flitter, silver foil and die-cut finishing, these little beauties are just perfect for the 10 and under market.â&#x20AC;? Priced to retail at a competitive ÂŁ1.49, the cards may be little on age but theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re certainly big on VFM!

T: 01423 563740 www.jonnyjavelin.co.uk

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www.greetingstoday.co.uk 15

spotlight

LING DESIGN & TALKING PICTURES

SPRING 2020 from Ling Design is quite possibly the publishers’ best yet.

Across all seasons great care has been taken to ensure each design offers something special and unique, with a balance of cards aimed at different age groups and prices suitable for different pockets. Ling have favourite ranges such as The Wildlife and Beau, with the addition of beautiful contemporary designs from The Curious Inksmith. A Galentine’s Day design has been added under Saffron to tap into the topical trend.

And on Valentine’s Day, nothing says “I love you” better than a Talking Pictures card. For 2020 they’ve produced some outstanding designs, including new looks in More Than Words and Papercut, plus innovative finishes such as a fold-out honeycomb heart and wooden tag. Ling also have a fabulous collection of Mother’s Day cards featuring unique illustration from their talented team of artists, as well as licensed new designs from popular Georgia Breeze. And they’ve introduced more adorable cute designs, as well as stylish looks from The Curious Inksmith.

In 2020 Talking Pictures are all about celebrating mum in style with impactful new ranges Damson, Hibiscus and Carnival, as well the popular Manuka everyday collection. Easter has been maximised with cute illustrated lambs and chicks, balanced with a spread of bestselling photographic and religious designs. Look out for the die-cut illustrated packs which offer additional cuteness, alongside the bestselling traditional and religious packs. And Talking Pictures have those extraspecial Easter sends with spectacular finishes on the religious and cute themes. For Father’s Day there’s completely new humour in the Ling collection, plus bestselling styles in the King Street and The Wildlife ranges as well as more traditional sends. And the Talking Pictures designers have focused on creating on-shelf appeal, with bold typography and striking finishes, to make sure customers are spoilt for choice.

ROSANNA ROSSI

RAINBOW Press is a fun and summery range of junior birthday cards with bright pops of colour from Rosanna Rossi. The collection now has 27 designs covering both girl and boy birthday titles featuring jolly characters and celebratory illustrations. All the 110x158mm cards are enhanced with emboss detail and presented with matching pink or orange envelopes.

T: 01892 838574 www.lingdesign.co.uk

T: 07900 698522 www.rosanna-rossi.co.uk

CLARE MADDICOTT

ELEVEN new designs have been released by Clare Maddicott to boost their existing Velvet Ink occasions offering, with al 160x160mm apart from the 9x6in Husband Anniversary card. All are printed on art board and have dual finishes, featuring bold captions and have been left blank for the senders’ own messages. Aimed at a wide target audience, these new designs feature simple, vibrant and colourful images created in a loose, inky watercolour style by Clare Maddicott’s very own Ellise Wilkinson, with the square cards accompanied by bespoke spotted envelopes.

T: 01638 445396 www.maddicott.com

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spotlight MIDDLE MOUSE

THE newly-launched Characterful range from Middle Mouse celebrates beloved characters from TV and cinema throughout the years. There’s something for all tastes and occasions, including the ever-popular Hello Darling from Blackadder and Jurassic Park’s Clever Girl. Find your favourite from among 26 designs, with more added each week. Printed on recycled stock with a kraft envelope and super-eco cello bag, or plastic free if you prefer. And you can celebrate the Trailblazers of art, science, literature and politics with this inspirational and eye-catching range from Middle Mouse. These popular cards feature illustrations of world-leading personalities, from Frida Kahlo to William Shakespeare, with an uplifting and empowering quote. Blank inside, they are perfect for any occasion, and are printed on beautiful sustainable stock.

Choose from 15 colourful designs, with more coming soon.

T: 07855 959176 www.middlemouse.co.uk

SIMON ELVIN

THE new Summer Collection from Simon Elvin includes 75 new designs covering birthdays, relations, special occasions and ages from one to 90. The collection includes both code 50 and code 75 sized cards, including attachments, featuring tip-ons and ribbons. Simon said: “Our latest release includes a carefully balanced collection of exciting new deigns, all offered at our normal great value-formoney prices.” Simon Elvin product is available exclusively through their authorised network of wholesale distributors.

T: 01628 526711 www.simonelvin.com

CATH TATE CARDS

CATH Tate Cards have collaborated with the brilliant Jo Burrows of Wotmalike, known for her witty regional card designs.

The new Modern Icons range features modern celebrities with a smart caption, each famous face hand-drawn in Jo’s unmissable illustrative style. The collection features everyone from The Beatles and Elton John to David Bowie, Grace Jones and Frida Kahlo. The 19 Modern Icons in the range feature famous faces from the music industry, art, fashion, politics, film and television and even football – from The Beatles, Elton John, and David Bowie, through Grace Jones and Frida Kahlo to Donald Trump and Jurgen Klopp. And each celebrity caption adds a touch of Cath Tate Cards humour.

REAL & EXCITING DESIGNS

THE extended Panache Fleur range has gone down a storm for Real & Exciting Designs with artist Sarah Curedale’s exotic neon pink PG Live stand certainly making an impact and drawing customers into the jungle with her themed cards. There are eight new birthday/blank additions, four captioned along with milestone age cards in the collection. All the cards are printed on a luxury veltique board and finished with neon pink ink, embossing and matte gold foil. To finish they’re also supplied with a neon pink envelope to really make your send a bright and vibrant one which is bound to put a smile on the recipient’s face. All ranges are available on Real & Exciting’s newly-launched website.

T: 01223 207080 www.realandexcitingdesigns.co.uk

T: : 020 8671 2166 www.trade.cathtatecards.com

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t

A selection of the latest greetings, gift and industry services releases

RUSH DESIGN

RUSH Design were very excited to launch their new Blossom range at PG Live in June. It went down so well with the buyers that Rush had their best PG Live to date with an abundance of positive comments on this fresh new look. The vibrant colours are brought to life with gold and stardust sparkle, and there are already plans for more captions and a large 210x210mm size for female age-relation designs. Blossom launched with 12 female Relations, 15 open birthday and seven wedding and anniversary designs, plus female ages 13 through to 100. The range is printed on quality GF Smith textured board, finished with glitter and diamantes, and matched with an eco-Kraft envelope. Please get in touch with Rush Design if you would like a sample, brochure or agent to contact you.

T: 01788 521745 www.rushdesign.co.uk

LAURA SHERRATT DESIGNS

FULLY recyclable brown envelopes are a feature of Pots Of Love, the latest range from Laura Sherratt Designs. With captions covering all occasions, including eight birthday designs, all the 120x120mm cards in the collection also have a wooden plant pot embellishment â&#x20AC;&#x201C; and larger versions are available on request. The 30 designs in Pots Of Love feature Lauraâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s signature small-scale illustrations, with images including on-trend hanging plants, succulents, cactus designs, cocktails and the ever-popular gin!

T: 01538 384566 www.laurasherrattdesigns.co.uk

SAVIBO DESIGN

SABIVO Design are delighted to announce additions of 25 fresh wedding and baby captions to their Indigo collection. The range has a contemporary look of line drawings and delicate watercolour illustrations with on-trend hand-lettering. The competitively-priced 145x145mm cards are handfinished with glitter, and come wrapped in cello bags with grey envelopes.

T: 01858 433716 www.sabivo.co.uk

spotlight UK GREETINGS

LET’S face it, who wouldn’t love a card and gift bag featuring your favourite Disney and Marvel characters? Luckily they’ve got you covered at UK Greetings with their exciting new Disney Faces range. Brought to life in a UKG ideation get-together, the inspiration has come from fashion, using minimal motifs or elements of characters within the work. Ben Whittington, UKG creative director humour, character and licensing, said: “We thought about how we could push this idea further and that’s where the novelty finishes such as flock and the big googly eye on the Mike Wazowski came in.” The final character selection includes current fan favourites’ Spider-Man and Minnie Mouse, as well as older characters that are coming back on the scene thanks to new movies – the Genie from Aladdin being a case in point.

There are eight designs, at price codes 60 to 90 (RRP £2.29£2.99) making Disney Faces the perfect opportunity to showcase a trend-led range across both cards and bags to create a cohesive collection that looks impactful on rack.

T: 01924 436384 www.ukgreetings.co.uk

ABACUS CARDS

THERE are six new designs in Abacus’ Rapture range, along with a selection of 46 fresh occasions cards across their collection. Rapture offers an excellent selection of photographic images, with a variety of subjects suitable for borh male and femal sends, including fun pics of a pug, giraffe, sloth, flamingos and a bear all with quirky front captions, The 160x160mm cards contained birthday designs and blank ones, and are accompanied by white cartridge envelopes. The occasions selection includes new designs from the existing collections Life & Soul, Punny Doodle, Posies & Petals, Frank By Name and Illustrated, plus two brand-new ranges, Belgravia and Porcelain Rose. With a variety of card sizes, standard 5x7in, oversized 5x7in and 9 x6in all major occasion titles are included, and most have dual finishes. This launch provides a refreshing update and an excellent cross-section of imagery using illustrated, photographic and humour elements.

T: 01638 445396 www.abacuscards.co.uk

KALI STILEMAN PUBLISHING

LOTS OF new Storky stuff is on its way from Kali Stileman Publishing, with two fab wraps and matching cards. Kali said: “The giftwraps come in turquoisy blue and a warm peachy pink – inspired by our lovely Alice’s new baby Orlaith. And then there’s a matching card for each on our favourite linen weave board.”The wrap is is £17.50 a pack, with a £1.70 RRP per sheet and the cards are £1 each trade, £2.40 RRP.

T: 01305 848899 trade.kalistileman.co.uk

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COVERSTORY

On the cup!

At Hallmark, they see innovation in cards as much more than simply adopting the latest technology. To them, it’s about allowing your imagination to run free, and bringing the magic of play to life through creativity. It’s about creating a wow moment with a card that takes centre stage and will be kept forever. And Hallmark are also determined to care for the world around us so their innovation in this area is also on the up with changes in how their products are made, culminating in their latest CupCycled collection using the fabulous new board James Cropper Paper are creating from recycled coffee cups. Read on to find out more about Hallmark’s latest Paper Wow, Paper Wonder, CupCycled, Signature and Licensed ranges along with their Giant Adventure Card collection.

PAPER WOW

CUPCYCLED

This new collection from Hallmark turns coffee cups into beautiful cards, as they care about being kind to this wonderful, unique world. That’s why they’ve made cards from a combination of recycled disposable coffee cups and responsibly-sourced paper pulp, all created, designed and printed in the UK. This thoughtful range is made up of 44 cards in five boutique collections, allowing people to find the perfect card to express how much they care in a way that’s considered in style, and for caring for the environment. These beautiful cards can be treasured for years to come or recycled along with the envelope.

22 www. www. greetingstoday. greetingstoday.co.uk .co.uk

A fun-packed 3D sculpture card collection of 18 designs that springs to life to let the imagination run wild. Once opened these Paper Wow cards form fun, familiar character scenes and become wands or wearable crowns, hats or towers, castles or spaceships – there’s even the iconic Cinderella carriage and Slinky The Dog from Toy Story. The cards are flat packed so they can be sold on shelves as standard designs, however, this doesn’t stop the wow factor being seen by shoppers, as Hallmark have developed an on-shelf display solution that clips onto any card shelf unit to allow stores to display examples of the designs in all their 3D honeycomb glory.

PAPER WONDER

The Paper Wonder collection originates from kirigami, a variation of origami, and was developed with Hallmark Japan’s creative team to share their expertise.

The true magic in these cards lies in the fact that whatever angle you look at them from, there’s a part of the design that offers a totally unique view.

These beautiful works of paper craft art come with a mini card which is incorporated into the design, allowing people the space to write a personal message that then becomes part of these exquisite cards. There are eight designs in the everyday collection, alongside seasonal launches.

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COVERSTORY

New from Hallmark Licensing TOY STORY 4

Out this month, this movie is set to be the late summer box office smash. With much-loved characters from the Toy Story collection, these designs offer something for fans of any age.

Captions, birthdays or simply just because, this collection has versatile sending solutions for fans of Woody, Buzz Lightyear and their pals, and the

GIANT ADVENTURE CARDS

These massive cards fold out into 3D play structures and include puzzles and activities for kids aged three to five years, making them not only giant in size but also giant in the fun stakes! The collection features a car, train, castle and Jurassic dinosaur world that each pop up to become 3D scenes youngsters can literally climb right into and become part of a whole new imaginative world. The Giant Adventure Cards come with their own FSDU to really make some noise, not that you can miss them!

These cards are huge on impact, fun and have longevity for playing with again and again.

SIGNATURE

Hallmark Signature cards offer a stylish collection of unique, high-quality designs to make an immediate and lasting impression.

Crafted from premium quality materials and flawlessly finished with beautiful embellishments, this collection is the perfect way to mark any occasion with flair. Carefullycurated imagery offers timeless chic designs and images sourced from current trends, through to bold and fun cards that shout out with pizazz. Many include unique keepsakes, offering a sending solution that’s also a gift. The diversity of styles, finishes, keepsakes and colours creates a real impact on shelf to help customers easily find the perfect, unique card. The whole collection is supported by bespoke Signature POS.

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perfect partner to any Toy Story gift.

all

ALADDIN This collection is already flying off the shelves as the demand for Aladdin cards and gifts has hit new heights following the release of the latest live-action version this summer.

DISNEY BABY

With Lion King and Dumbo cinematic releases, Hallmark have given these classic tales a beautiful bespoke look just perfect for babies and little cubs, or gorgeous designs to send to older fans with a new take on the design style.

LEGO

Everybody knows a Lego fan, from kids to adult collectors, and Hallmark have created their Lego collection with this in mind. With bold character designs perfect for kids (or big kids), through to to funny scenes created and photographed at Hallmark’s UK HQ for the grown-up fans, this diverse range offers a bold and fun card solution for a number of occasions.

FRIENDS

We’ll be there for you with this awesome range of Friends cards featuring the gang and their much-loved catchphrases. All designs are created exclusively at Hallmark to delight fans new and old.

With the release of Friends streaming on Netflix, there’s been a huge resurgence of demand for merchandise featuring the six pals, and these cards are perfect for any occasion, or simply just because you know a friend who’d love the design.

www.greetingstoday.co.uk 23

JOHN RYAN

RETAIL ENVIRONMENT

The Next step

Shops are appearing in places where they might not have once been expected and John ● Morewhere stores – Edinburgh’s trio of Paperchase outlets, Ryan suggests card retailers should take note of this trend to go you’re needed. and the Next stores in Straiton and Oxford Street

I

T’S A measure of how tough things are and have been that Paperchase, the icon of the greetings card sector, launched a CVA in March.

This involved store rent reductions in selected locations and sales-based rents being implemented on just under half of the retailers’ estate.

A slick and good-looking retail proposition came to this pretty pass as the outcome of a perhaps overly-ambitious store opening programme along with the no-more-than-usual red of tooth and claw private equity ownership.

Oh yes, and fewer shoppers might have something to do with it as well!

But pause for a moment and consider this – towards the end of May, a Paperchase shopin-shop opened in a new branch of a Next superstore on the southern fringes of Edinburgh.

Surely this is not the time to be opening new stores when faced with something of a crisis and when there are already two Paperchase outposts in central Edinburgh, in Waverley Station and George Street?

Well, up to a point. In truth, the card, stationery and gift retailers have a number of stores in branches of Next with that concern’s quasi-department store on London’s Oxford Street, opened last year, being an instance of

the trend writ large. And it makes quite a bit of sense.

There’s always the question of who shops at a particular chain and whether the customers of another retailers are their natural constituents.

In London, the Paperchase-in-a-Next outlet is right at the front of the shop on the first floor while only a short distance away there’s the Tottenham Court Road flagship, and heading just south is the Soho branch.

Yet clearly, the Paperchasein-Next store does OK as the clothing giants will not suffer commercial fools gladly.

And, from Paperchase’s point of view, they probably benefit from shoppers who might not wander through their doors in the normal course of things.

On this analysis, this Next step shows that what both the Straiton and Oxford Street stores are about is taking an offer to where the people are.

It’s a trait that seems to be gaining traction in many parts of retail currently, with outfits such as Dior Menswear appearing in shiny metal portable cabins over in the US while, in this country, fashion retailers Oasis have taken space in grocery chain Sainsbury’s.

‘

There’s a lot to be said for being where people need you to be.

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

24 www.greetingstoday.co.uk

Again, the reason is straightforward, you can’t be in all places all of the time and there will be some shopping centres, High Streets and tourist destinations where it might be desirable to have a presence, but the bank won’t be that willing.

This, of course, is where the online merchants currently have a distinct advantage when they choose to go physical and open a store, temporary or otherwise.

There will be many bricks and mortar retailers who wish they too could start again in different locations and, equally, there will be a few who’ve opened stores that now have an embarrassing surplus of selling space.

For both, teaming up is certainly a solution and despite what might appear a surprising decision from the management at Paperchase, they’re probably doing the right thing.

All of which is a long way round of saying that, for a commodity like greetings cards, posited on selling a lot of small items, there’s much to be said for being where people need you to be.

It’s a phenomenon not lost upon coffee vendors as anybody visiting a Tube station in London or a rail station elsewhere will have clocked the cappuccino cart, opening over peak hours, trading and then disappearing until the next day.

Card retailers in the current climate could do worse than emulating these coffee merchants or Paperchase in terms of appearing where they might once not have been expected.

Go on, get yourself out and get about.

’

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Flexible friends From gifts and collectables featuring some of the UK’s best-loved brands to new and innovative non-licensed homewares, Enesco have something to suit all gift-giving occasions, and they’re known for great customer service and flexibility.

W

ITH changes in the market and the way companies in the gifts and greetings sector do business, flexibility is at the core of all Enesco’s relationships with their trade customers.

They work hard to make sure their relationship is good for all parties involved, so trade customers can work one-to-one with a sales person, via the company’s website, or by calling their award-winning customer service team.

With an impressive showroom in Carlisle in the beautiful county of Cumbria, trade customers are also welcome to visit the friendly team on-site by appointment at a date and time that works best for them.

Enesco are renowned worldwide for innovative gifts, stylish home décor, imaginative garden wares and desirable collectables.

With something for every gift-giving occasion from births and christenings, to weddings and new homes, Enesco offer a wide range of products at a variety of price points, making their collections not only hugely desirable, but massively accessible too.

Enesco are the perfect partners for retailers in ● Heartwood Creek the gifts and greetings sector – with instantly recognisable and sought-after brands within their portfolio, they offer trade customers bespoke point of sale material for many collections, from floor-standing display units for Peppa Pig and Beatrix Potter, to alphabet displays for Enchanting Disney, to strut cards and tent cards and much more.

The partnership allows customers to beautifully present products and ● Beatrix Potter collections on a small footprint for minimum investment with maximum impact.

Committed to developing a longterm and mutually beneficial relationship with their trade customers, Enesco offer extremely good terms at a competitive 2.4 per cent mark-up while also allowing flexible ordering, across all collections and a low carriage-paid level.

From humble beginnings, Enesco have recently celebrated their 25th anniversary, and remain a market leader in the gift-giving and collectables sector, thanks to their innovative approach and ability to move with the times. The marketing division of Enesco work with some of the best in the business to ensure there’s always high demand for their products, to help keep customers coming through retailers’ doors time and again to make purchases.

With a bigger focus than ever before on content marketing, social media and working with influencers online, coupled with more traditional routes to market like product placement and reviews in consumer press and publications, demand for Enesco’s collections have never been higher – and it’s an opportunity you can’t afford to miss.

Not your average wholesalers, Enesco are a distributor of an outstanding selection of high-quality products encompassing well-

‘

known licences for all-time favourite brands such as Beatrix Potter, Disney, Heartwood Creek by Jim Shore and Lolita.

New for 2019, Enesco are also proud to present a host of new licensed collections including Peppa Pig, Harry Potter, DC Comics, Dr Seuss, as well as their growing collection of non-licensed giftware, including the massively popular Ginology brand, featuring on-trend gift-boxed gin glasses.

This year will also see the launch of the Department 56 collection into the UK and Europe, which encompasses Possible Dreams, Snowbabies, Snowpinions, Snowthrows and Village, including licensed light-up models of famous buildings from the Harry Potter Films, Batman and The Grinch.

Distributed by Enesco, Gund are famous for ● The Wor creating the world’s most ld Of Miss Mindy Pre huggable soft bears and sents Disne y animals, with a heritage that reaches back to 1898. Gund’s collections include classic teddy bears, soft and activity toys for young children and licensed ranges from Beatrix Potter, Boo the world’s cutest dog.

This year, Enesco will also distribute Spinmaster brands including Moonlite and Fuggler.

In addition, Enesco are exclusive distributors for Demdaco Portfolio Collection, which features their Willow Tree and Sharon Nowlan collections. Sentiments conveying heartfelt emotions of love are the impetus behind gifts for the moments when it’s hard to put into words feelings of friendship or affection. In the Willow Tree Collection, artist Susan Lordi’s sense of compassion infuses each figurine.

Available across many formats from baby to tourist collectables, the Beatrix Potter brand goes from strength to strength for Enesco, with the company being one of very few across the UK still running a Collectors’ Club, Friends Of Peter Rabbit, who grow in popularity year-on-year, thanks to their behind-the-scenes exclusives, the Hill Top Tales magazine, and access to club-only collectable figurines.

In addition to this, Enesco enjoy a highly engaged community of fans across their dedicated social media platforms, and recently launched a closed Facebook group exclusive to ● Ginology Friends Of Peter Rabbit members, allowing them to chat and form friendships with like-minded Beatrix Potter enthusiasts.

The Lolita glassware brand, known and loved for its artistic, festive and fun designs, joined the Enesco family in 2015. This exciting collaboration sees fresh designs for the handmade, hand-painted glassware collection famed for its mouth-watering cocktail recipes on the

Committed to developing a long-term and mutually beneficial relationship

26 www.greetingstoday.co.uk

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ENESCOCOMPANYPROFILE

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bottom of each wine glass.

The ever-growing collection encompasses wine, coupe and prosecco glasses.

The Disney Britto collection captures the fun and whimsy of â&#x2014;? Disney Traditions best-loved Disney characters in the iconic, bold and colourful designs of Brazilian artist Romero Britto, creating a new array of dynamic and trendforward contemporary product.

Enchanting Disney brings together a host of classic characters including Stitch, Dumbo, Simba, and a range of Disney favourites, including the Disney Princesses and not forgetting the villains.

Characters and scenes are beautifully immortalised with this wonderful series of imaginatively modelled ďŹ gurines capturing the magical charm of each Disney character, providing the perfect collection addition for all Disney lovers.

Disney Traditions is a magical collection by award-winning artist Jim Shore, in a style that is unique and instantly recognisable. In addition to his Disney Traditions collection, Enesco enjoys working with Jim across his other collections, including Heartwood Creek, as well as DC Comics and Dr Seuss â&#x20AC;&#x201C; both of which are new for 2019. All of Jimâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s ranges feature his signature style of American folk art-inspired patterns and bold colours, allowing for cohesion across all of his pieces, making the artistâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s work highly desirable with collectors of his work and the brand franchises alike.

New and complementary to Enescoâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Disney selection is The World Of Miss Mindy Presents Disney, oďŹ&#x20AC;ering a fresh take on some of Disneyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s best-loved characters in her signature cartoon folk art style.

In 2018, in collaboration with Miss Mindy, Enesco launched a new and exclusive range of vinyl ďŹ gurines, which have proved to be hugely popular.

As a result, a second iteration of the collection was launched at MCM Comic Con in London with the LA-based artist attending an exclusive signing for fans of her work.

Now, Enesco are working with The World Of Miss Mindy Presents Disney to create a collection of Disney â&#x2014;? Lolita Princess and Disney Villains vinyl ďŹ gurines for 2019 and beyond, with much hype and anticipation building around the launch.

To view the whole Enesco collection please visit their website, or to discuss opportunities for trade customers further, please call customer services where the team will be happy to help.

T: 01228 404022 www.enesco.co.uk

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RETAIL ADVICE WITH HENRI DAVIS

And the winner is...

Everyone loves recognition for their hard work and great products so entering awards is a brilliant way to bring these to the attention of the buyers and consumers, as Henri Davis explains.

I

’VE worked in the retail industry for 35 years and am still amazed by the number of businesses who don’t perceive the value of being involved in their industry’s awards.

I would suggest that wherever you are in the supply chain – retailers, manufacturers and suppliers – entering awards is a great way of raising the profile of both your products and your brand.

Awards organisers work really hard to get a good panel of buyers and other industry experts as judges, and having your products evaluated as part of that curated group of similar products is a fantastic opportunity for it to shine!

The additional credibility a product gains from being a finalist or winner definitely increases its appeal and reassures many potential new stockists.

Viewing products in a judging setting can be helpful because you know you’re only looking at new products, often from suppliers you wouldn’t visit at a show, and you can see things properly as they’re not hidden away on a stand.

I judge many different awards across cards, gifts and stationery and it’s very common for the judges, who are usually buyers, journalists or bloggers, to note down products they see, then visit the relevant stands or contact suppliers afterwards to follow up.

And there are often additional benefits to entering awards – eg, The Stationery Show gives entrants the chance to showcase their products to all visitors at the front of the hall (left).

And in 2017 the organisers started the LaunchPad competition aimed at new businesses who haven’t exhibited at the Stationery

Show before and aren’t yet stocked in any national retail accounts. The eight winners get the opportunity to have a free stand at the show which for many would otherwise be unaffordable at this early stage in their business lives.

Dutch greetings card company Bloom entered as part of their UK launch strategy and, having won a stand this year, they’re now taking orders every week from UK companies – what a great way to enter a new market! (top left picture).

Cardshit were other winners who gained three strong leads from national retailers at the 2019 show. One has ordered already so definitely a case of right product, right place, right time, and all because they entered the competition (right).

Entrants for the Giftware Association’s Gift Of The Year awards can showcase their products on the GOTY website for 12 months from the date entries open this becomes a virtual showroom open to any retailer to view.

The Handcrafted Card Company won the GOTY card category in 2019 (right). They enter awards regularly as part of their range launch strategy and this year’s success earned them orders for their winning collection straightaway from existing and new customers as well as finding new distributors.

At the Henries awards the categories are judged blind, with the panel not knowing who the publishers are, however they can request information on specific cards they liked after the event.

Cinnamon Aitch were 2018 Henries winners (top right picture) and say they feel entering awards is a

Henri Davis is an independent retail advisor to businesses in the cards, gifts, stationery and heritage industries, with 35 years of retail experience. She has worked for Habitat, Next, WHSmith and the National Trust and now advises small and medium-sized businesses, including retailers, visitor attractions, manufacturers and suppliers. She is the first retailer deputy chairman of the Giftware Association and the recipient of this year’s Greats Honorary Achievement Award. For more information visit www.henridavis.co.uk.

28 www.greetingstoday.co.uk

fantastic way of marketing their new ranges. While there’s no correlation between winning and orders their win has been mentioned by buyers and gives them and their team a really positive brand endorsement which has to be good.

Whichever awards you’re shortlisted for or win, you will be included in winners’ brochures, on websites, featured in listings in industry publications and more, so instantly your business and products become much more visible within your sector and the wider industry too – this type of PR is invaluable.

It’s important to keep in regular contact with your customers and being finalists or winners is the perfect excuse to get in touch and share the news, if they’re not already stocking the winning product they will really appreciate you thinking of them.

And it’s a great way to re-engage with contacts you made at past shows as hearing about your winning product might tempt them to place a first order!

Entering awards can work really well for retailers too – we know retail spending is down so it’s really important to create a point of difference for your store to help you to stand out from the crowd.

Taking part in industry or local business awardsand hopefully winning industry or local business awards can be a really good way of raising your profile and it is a great morale booster for your team too.

Aga Gabrysiak, joint owner of 2019 Greats winners Highworth Emporium in Wiltshire, said: “We all work really hard to make sure we have the right stock, a nice selection of cards, attractive display and social media presence – sometimes it’s really tough, so being noticed and awarded just gives an immense dose of extra energy. It gives me wings and it’s absolutely wonderful!” They have taken the opportunity to celebrate with customers and their team (right) and Aga is sure the local media coverage will help them gain new customers.

Business is getting more and more difficult for all of us so why wouldn’t you do something to help you stand out from your competitors – entering awards is relatively quick and inexpensive and the benefits of being a finalist or winning can be significant. It feels like a no brainer to me.

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Introducing 16 fabulous designs from our BRAND NEW Pizazz Embellished range A stunning collection of cards including beautiful florals, butterflies, birds and balloons. All embellished with flitter, foil and blind embossing

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STATIONERY

SHOP TALK

● Mint Publishing

“We sell quite a lot of stationery, mostly from Jacksons CRS. We have A4 refill pads, all the school stuff, pens, rulers etc, all the useful stuff, folders, box files, etc.”

● Avery UK

Jean Kelly, Greetings, Millom, Cumbria “Stationery products seem to be going from strength to strength currently and I always find it surprising that, despite the ability to organise many aspects of your life with nothing more than the ever-present smartphone, so many people still enjoy carrying a diary, journal or notebook with them.”

● Mint Publishing

Denise Laird, Spirito, Glasgow

● BrownTrout

● Museums & Galleries

“Our customers love the spiralbound hardback notebooks from Alex Clark, with dogs, hares and pheasants being the most successful in our rural area. And Wrendale Designs’ writing paper sets have worked well for us too as, with our older generation of customers, letter writing is definitely not a thing of the past.”

Alison Allen, Conway Cards, Garstang, Lancs

Pen more sales Offering an extended product range is a great way for greetings retailers to draw new customers and stationery is an easy collection to personalise to your store and clientele.

A

FABULOUS point about stationery and the industry is that it covers such a broad range of product.

From the gorgeously colourful licensed gift stationery that Museums & Galleries offer through Collins-Debden’s diaries and planners right across to general use highlighters and A4 refill pads from companies like Maped Helix, there is so much that falls under this umbrella.

And it means that greetings retailers have the opportunity for an additional product line they can tailor to their customers.

To start with, a selection of pens is a great pick-up line on the counter because the one thing everyone has to do when they buy a greetings card is write their message and they may well be happy not to have to dig out the chewed blotchy ballpoint that’s hidden in the fluff at the bottom of their handbag.

As independent retail advisor and Greetings Today columnist Henri Davis said: “While there’s nothing wrong with blue and black ballpoints, written communications are so personal it’s a great time for the sender to make their mark and show how they’re really feeling by using different colours.

“Selling single pens loose at your till point makes a great pick-up line for someone who’s forgotten their pen, and offering a selection of colours will make your display look fun too, it also means that at Christmas you can stock the metallic ones for writing labels for presents too!”

M&G’s gift pen range includes designs from Matthew Williamson, The Tate, and the V&A with their new Zandra Rhodes licence set to join the collection soon – and there are also matching notebooks and different pads which could sit alongside ready to grab a customer’s attention.

With fun stationery products from companies such as Pyramid, who offer plenty of movie and TV licences; Mint’s extension of their Be A… greetings card range into notebooks, bookmarks and magnetic notepads featuring the delightful Unicorn, Mermaid, Llama, Sloth and Flamingo characters; teNeues have colourful and useful notebooks, and there’s a whole plethora of choice from BrownTrout’s Pantone and Graphique De France labels, there really is something for all tastes.

And with back-to-school a major selling point – and chance to get youngsters used to shopping in your store – these branded items can be mixed with a

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selection of general use products, bringing in rulers, pencils, A4 refill pads, folders, pencil cases, and even the classic Helix Oxford Maths Set from Maped, who also have matching fountain and ballpoint pens and a mix-and-match fill-your-pencil-case offer.

As an extension to this, finding ways to help parents will make them happy too and companies like Avery UK are great with their labelling products. Laura Brickley, Avery UK retail product manager, said: “Many parents and students will be looking to buy stationery during the back-to-school season. However, at the back of their minds there’s always a worry about these items getting lost during the new school year.

“Spending just a few minutes labelling items such as notebooks, folders, pens, lunchboxes, bags and other stationery can give parents reassurance that items which are mislaid could be returned.

“By adding the Avery family range to your stationery offering you can increase your sales with an impulse purchase from parents looking for a quick, easy and cheap naming solution.”

Despite the growth of digital communication, a good oldfashioned notebook and pen – or even a fancy sparkly modern version – is something to be treasured.

Calendars and diaries are still extremely popular, and the advent of bullet journaling has extended the reach to those millennials and Gen Z folk who can’t remember life before smartphones and tablets but crave the reality of writing and drawing by hand.

The last word should go to Henri, who has spent more than 35 years in the stationery industry: “We’ve been worrying about whether writing is dying for a long time – when Gutenberg invented the printing press more than 500 years ago there was concern the beautiful calligraphy skills of monks and scholars would be lost. likewise, with the advent of the typewriter in the 1880s and computers a century later we’ve been afraid general writing skills would fade.

“In fact, what each has shown is that the new innovation becomes dominant as the way of communicating the written word but doesn’t replace the need for handwriting.”

And that’s a great excuse for independent retailers to meet the customers’ needs with their own stationery offer.

Selling single pens loose at your till point makes a great pick-up line

30 www.greetingstoday.co.uk

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New from Museums & Galleries – an exclusive collaboration with Dame Zandra Rhodes, one of the world’s most recognisable, distinguished and exciting fashion designers. This new signature range celebrates her fiftieth year in fashion and a lifetime of bold prints, vivid colour and irrepressible style.

Please visit our website, contact your local agent or ask our sales team for more information.

E: sales@mgml.co.uk

museumsgalleries.co.uk

Tel: 01373 462165

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STATIONERYPRODUCTS

MUSEUMS & GALLERIES

THE launch of Museums & Galleries’ high-fashion Zandra Rhodes brand stationery and gifts contains three gift packaging suites showcasing the designer’s most iconic textile designs – Lipstick Squiggle, Feather Sunray, and Chevron Shawl. Each suite consists of sheet wrap, double sided for Feather Sunray and Chevron Shawl, foiled for Lipstick Squiggle; three sizes of gift bags, and matching gift tissue hanging packs. Accompanying the gift packaging are six notebooks, four A5 luxury soft cover journals (SRP £9.99) and two deluxe notebooks (SRP £5.99). Six bookmarks,12 blank cards and two notelet wallets complete the stationery range, with further gift options being provided by three extremely stylish bamboo travelling mugs (SRP £10.99). Launched to acclaim at Spring Fair, M&G have already added extensions to what is becoming a very popular range of bamboo travelling mugs. The mugs and screw tops are bamboo composite, and ship with thermal grips inside. Joining the original line-up of 12, M&G have added three with Zandra Rhodes designs and three with paintings from the Tate – Piet Mondrian’s Yellow, Blue And Red, CRW Nevinson’s The Arrival, and JMW Turner’s A Vase Of Lilies, Dahlias, And Other. Colour reproduction is absolutely clear and bright, befitting such prestigious art and design brands (SRP £10.99). In a major development, Museums & Galleries are delighted to announce the launch of a capsule collection of threemetre everyday roll wraps (SRP £3.99). The initial six roll wraps join M&G’s large collection of stunning fine art and design sheet wraps, and have been selected on the basis of proven sales strength. Designs include classic Paddington Bear; Hokusai’s Great Wave and Mrs Delany’s Flowers from the British Museum; LS Lowry’s Going To Work from The Lowry, Salford; Natural History Museum Dinosaurs; and Dee Hardwicke’s gentle, pastoral Hares And Berries. And in their Natural History Museum notebook collection M&G are on the jungle animals trend with three new luxury soft cover A5 journals. Featuring favourite animals in stylish and contemporary cover compositions, Zebra, Giraffe, and Tiger join Elephant published in January to form a collection of four. The journals feature velvet-touch soft covers, foiled paper blocks, 160 lined pages, colour endpapers, and lay-flat bindings (SRP £9.99).

T: 01373 462165 www.museumsgalleries.co.uk

AVERY UK

THIS summer Avery UK are launching an exciting new range of labels perfect for keeping busy families organised by helping identify all school items from uniforms, PE kits and shoes to stationery, lunchboxes, and bags. Many of the Avery team have children so recognised they often lose items, or things get mixed up and replacements can be expensive. These Avery labels can be handwritten on, so each item is labelled in a matter of seconds – and the labels can be kept in the car for last-minute naming on the school run.

The back-to-school period can be a costly and stressful time for parents but eye-catching displays, clear signage and POS advice can really help give inspiration. Avery recommend including their selfadhesive labels alongside stationery products and other back-to-school items, so parents have just one place to shop. And these new labels are keenly priced, making them an attractive choice throughout the year.

T: 0800 805020 www.avery.co.uk

32 www.greetingstoday.co.uk

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STATIONERYPRODUCTS

BROWNTROUT PUBLISHING

BROWNTROUT have teamed up with The Gifted Stationery Company and launched a brand new range of regional and local view calendars for 2020 featuring cities, counties and regions from across the UK and Ireland. Very much a showcase of the whole area, the regions run from the Scottish Highlands to Dublin, across to Essex, down to Cornwall and everywhere in between. They are a perfectly practical size at 240x305mm and come with mailing envelope included, allowing them to be posted as a Royal Mail Large Letter. Stunning photographed landscapes, landmarks and monuments can be found throughout the calendars, championing beloved home towns and highlighting the fabulous backdrops of this corner of the globe. With the world heading into a digital detox more and more, with paper goods, writing materials and journaling taking centre stage, BrownTrout’s Pantone Compact Journals make a most welcome addition to anyone’s collection. In five colours – Ruby Red, Washed Blue, Aruba Green, Infinite Black and Living Coral – each has 192 lined pages. Designed to accompany the gorgeous Pantone Fashion Planners, the Pantone Compact Journal is the perfect accessory for busy professionals, creatives and anyone who enjoys the power of colour. The lined pages provide space for journaling and creative writing, allowing expression at any time in the form of notetaking or doodles. With the smooth writing paper and sturdy format, a blank canvas awaits those who understand the satisfaction of touching pen to paper. A soft-touch laminate, matching bookmark, elastic closure and expandable pocket with stickers complement the sleek design, and together highlight the quality and nature of the product. Colour can invoke moods and meaning to reflect people’s day-to-day lives. The four Personal Palette sheets with 70 stickers each can be used creatively in the journal, or to coordinate wardrobe, interiors, and exteriors – wherever one feels the inspiration to add a little colour and vibrancy.

T: 0117 317 1880 www.browntroutuk.com

LEONARD SMITH PUBLISHING

THEY have two wonderful stationery ranges at Leonard Smith which both make a brilliant addition for retailers. The classic Leonard Smith Notecard Wallets are beautifully produced with ach laminated wallet containing two designs of notecard, five of each design, with accompanying envelopes. The range has expanded to around 50 different designs and has huge success here at home and also internationally. The newer stationery concept is the Leonard Smith Photonote range which consists of five square card designs in a useful hanging pack. These cards are printed on a luxurious Italian textured board which is wonderful to write your sentiments on.

T: 01376 562727 www.leonardsmith.co.uk

34 www.greetingstoday.co.uk greetingstoday.co.uk greetingstoday.co.uk

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STATIONERYPRODUCTS PYRAMID INTERNATIONAL

STATIONERY continues to be one of Pyramid Internationalâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s most popular product categories, experiencing continued growth thanks to their fantastic licences and trend-led designs. Looking at the opportunities in summer 2019, Pyramid are placed to help your business succeed. The eagerly anticipated Stranger Things Season 3 is released this summer and fans can look forward to an excellent stationery collection from Pyramid including a 3D lenticular wiro, premium notebook and quirky VHS-style notebooks that come complete with sleeve and stickers, bringing together novelty and nostalgia to form a winning combination that fans are sure to enjoy. Harry Potter continues to dominate all areas of retail, with fans of the Boy Who Lived insatiable in their search for licensed products. With a track record of success in Harry Potter stationery, Pyramidâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s latest collections have been designed with fans and trends in mind. Their house collection of premium notebooks comes complete with colour-edged pages and metallic foiling, while their Dobby and Hedwig notebooks are textured with fabric and faux fur respectively adding that something special fans are looking for. Their Maraudersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Map Sequin Flip notebook brings a touch of magic to their range, with a phrase and colour-changing cover, ďŹ tting in perfectly with the current sequin trend. If that wasnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t enough, the range includes pencil cases, stationery sets, pens, wiro notebooks and pencil tubes, providing resources for opportunities across all price points. All these ranges are available now and will help provide your retail business with excellent opportunities.

Contact Pyramid today to discover how they can help support your business growth and discover many more products and licences on their website.

T: 0116 284 3640 www.pyramidinternational.com

â&#x20AC;&#x201C; the green brand of teNeues creative joyfu joyful eco-friendly â&#x20AC;˘ â&#x20AC;˘

Made with paper from responsible forestry (FSC) Printed with oil free mineral inks

Discover our new designs for 2019.

Co-ordinating ranges of hardcover journals, booklets, calendars and diaries.

For full programme details contact Claire Trigger at ctrigger@teneues-calendars.com, tel +44 (0)203 542 8997 www.facebook.com/greetingstodaymag @greetingstoday [ B*UHHWLQJVB7RGD\B6WDWLRQHU\B LQGG

www.greetingstoday.co.uk 35

STATIONERYPRODUCTS MINT PUBLISHING

FOLLOWING on from the Launch of the Be A… greetings cards at the start of the year Mint Publishing are delighted to have released a new Stationery Collection that’s all UK produced and features the famous personalities of Llama, Unicorn and their fun friends from the books by Sarah Ford and Anita Mangan. Slimline Notebooks are a brand-new premium edition featuring five fun designs, showcasing the infamous Unicorn, Mermaid, Llama, Sloth and Flamingo. These are a great petite size that fits perfectly into your bag or pocket.

Each booklet contains 56 lined pages and is fastened with a paper bellyband. Everyone needs a fun bookmark to help mark their page. Mint have 12 bright new designs to choose from, and each one has a coordinating ribbon at a great SRP of just £1.59. Perfect for both adults and kids alike. For all those who love a list, these Magnetic Notepads are just the thing. Featuring the front cover of the famous Be A… books, each SRP £3.99 design contains 50 printed tear-off pages and has a magnetic strip on the reverse. And Mint asked their staff which of these lovely Be A… characters they were most like – Sophie in marketing said she was the sparkling, positive Unicorn, fabulous warehouse supervisor Jess is a stand-out-from-the-crowd Flamingo and MD Alan thinks of himself as the cool and calm Llama, hmmmm! The question now is, which character are you?

T: 01373 462165 www.mint-publishing.co.uk

TENEUES

NEW additions to teNeues’ GreenLine and Midi Flexi journals for 2019 have been announced and all are now in stock. The GreenLine range is an eco-friendly collection where all products are FCS certified as they are made with paper from responsible forestry and printed with oil-free mineral inks. Seven new design ranges join classic bestsellers – feel tropical vibes with Floral, the calming tones of Namaste and the zesty zip of Lemons! The journals and booklets contain dotted page grids, so are perfect for scrap booking. And New designs have been added to teNeues’ Midi Flexi craft journal range. Metallic finishes, on-trend colours and simplistic earth tones make these journals and booklets a must. Both ranges have matching calendars and diaries, so a full tabletop selection is a great display idea.

T: 020 3542 8997 www.teneues-calendars.com

36 www.greetingstoday.co.uk greetingstoday.co.uk greetingstoday.co.uk

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STATIONERYPRODUCTS

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MAPED HELIX

ALL SET to make the back-to-school season go smoothly, Maped Helix are gearing up for their busiest time of the year with their trusted range, stand-out prices and promotional support for a broad range of retailer customers across the UK. As a back-to-school staple brand, Maped Helix products allow parents to send their kids off to learn with confidence, with stationery that will inspire and aid their learning.

Maped Helix have custom-made, easy-to-assemble, themed free-standing display units for pencil cases and a range of stationery for customers to mix and match to fill their pencil cases, from a range of 10 items at just £1 each. Marketing manager Lianne Fletcher said: “Back-to-school is the busiest time of year for us and we’re experts in making the display and sales process go as smoothly as possible for our trade partners. We want to make product selection as easy as possible for our customers and think our innovative stationery pick ’n’ mix displays do just that.

We’re really pleased to continue our relationship with both large retailers and smaller outlets, and our ability to offer marketing support and bespoke display units for instore use continues to enhance our offering to them.”

T: 01384 286 860 www.mapedhelix.co.uk

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www.greetingstoday.co.uk 37

ON THE SHOP F RONT VIEWPOINT FROM

AN INDEPENDENT

Fast and furious

Rachel and Paul Roberts may be relatively new on the gifts and greetings retail scene but in just two years they’ve picked up a brace of Muddy Stilettos Best Gift Shop Northamptonshire awards, were Best Newcomers in the 2019 Greats Awards, and are also Best Non-Specialist finalists in this year’s Retas as well as planning their fourth shop so, while the retail landscape is on a fast and furious ride, they’re definitely doing something right!

P

AUL and I have worked in retail for pretty much all our lives, both in shops and head office teams, and in more recent years in consultancy.

We love retail – it’s what we know but it’s fair to say the whole retail landscape is changing at a faster pace than we’ve ever seen and, even with 50-plus years of experience between us, there are a lot of unknowns.

Big players are disappearing off the High Street, online challengers are making commodity-buying simpler and simpler, and customer expectations of value and convenience are higher than ever.

When we first told friends and family just over two years ago that we were thinking of opening a gift shop I think they thought we were having some sort of mid-life crisis!

But we went ahead and opened Mooch on Northampton’s St Giles Street in May 2017, followed by a second in August on the edge of the town in August last year – and in May we opened our third in Olney, Bucks, with the fourth planned for this month in nearby Towcester.

So, while we’re merrily expanding, what does all that uncertainty mean for independents like us?

Well, in our opinion, the future of High Street retailing lies with small businesses, where personal

service and building closer relationships is a differentiator.

As Amazon widen their grasp on commodities, consumers are spending less of their precious free time in the supermarkets or DIY stores, and when they do visit the High streets, they’re looking for an experience – a carefully edited range of products, beautiful, useful, unique, satisfying.

Store environments are more important than ever, if customers are choosing to go shopping for leisure, it needs to feel, um, leisurely.

One of the ways we try to create that leisurely experience is using music to foster a slow, relaxing environment, but the thing that makes the difference at Mooch is the team.

Our team have been carefully chosen for their friendly, chatty personalities. Even at the busiest times they make sure to get to know the customers, and they’re always happy to chat. They also know the products inside and out and love to find the perfect product for customers – and sometimes that means we recommend another local business!

‘

What does all that uncertainty mean for independents like us?

Each month an independent retailer takes up their pen (or taps away at their keyboard) as a guest columnist for Greetings Today. This month we hear from Paul & Rachel Roberts, who run three Mooch stores (www.lovemooch.co.uk) in Northampton and Olney, Bucks.

38 www.greetingstoday.co.uk

And we don’t do selling – that’s a rule. We’ll offer advice and suggestions and, if you just want to come in for a mooch and a chat, that’s cool. We love to chat, did we mention that already?

Talking of chatter, we hear a lot about how online is killing the High Street – but we disagree.

While we work hard to make sure our customers in the shops enjoy a great experience, we also recognise that convenience is also a critical part of our offer so, in a world where everything is available at the touch of a button, we use our online capabilities to complement our bricks and mortar offering.

We don’t put our whole range online – it would be a logistical nightmare and we haven’t quite cracked a fully-integrated online/offline epos solution – but we do offer our faster moving products on there.

And we make sure we provide the same level of service to our online customers with beautiful wrapping and efficient delivery. Now and again we even pop an extra little treat in the package to say thank you for shopping online with us.

So, while we’re on the up here at Mooch, what’s next for the High Street? I wish we had that crystal ball so we could tell all the other wonderful independents.

For us the key will be to listen carefully to what our customers are asking for in all aspects of the business, and to adapt quickly when we see we need to make changes.

’

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Four corners North, south, east, west, wherever you go, retailers know their business the best. Four shop owners from the corners of the UK give their opinions on this month’s Greetings Today features.

N

NORTH – Denise Laird, Spirito, Glasgow

Stationery Products seem to be going from strength to strength currently and I always find it surprising that, despite the ability to organise many aspects of your life with nothing more than the ever-present smartphone, so many people still enjoy carrying a diary, journal or notebook with them.

Portico Designs, Alice Scott and Caroline Gardner all have great ranges in these products. I also like Go Stationery notebooks and diaries which cover a wide range from craft look to shimmer.

PG Live was a great event which we really enjoyed this year. There was a good mix of established publishers and new players and the atmosphere was so friendly and laid-back compared to the larger more general trade fairs.

It was a perfect opportunity to concentrate solely on greetings cards and associated products rather than try to squeeze a mad flurry of card-buying activity into a few hours as usually happens at a larger event.

A couple of card ranges that really caught my eye were Paper Salad’s Jumbo Jamboree cards in dazzling neon colours with deep embossing and Real & Exciting Designs’ Panache Fleur with a tropical-inspired theme that’s pictured in our window.

We also met some great new suppliers including Poet And Painter and Jessica Hogarth – and the complimentary lunch and after-show drinks party was the icing on the cake.

WEST – Alison Allen, Conway Cards, Garstang, Lancs

W

Our most popular stationery ranges come from Alex Clark Art and Wrendale Designs.

The spiralbound hardback notebooks from Alex Clark, with dogs, hares and pheasants are the most successful in our rural area, and the newest designs match two of the most popular of cards from the Sparkle range – Crazy Dog Lady and Moon And Back Wrendale Designs’ writing paper sets have worked well for us too as, with our older generation of customers, letter writing is definitely not a thing of the past. And the packs of notelets with hummingbirds, owls, birds and bees continue to sell, a nice little pick-up line.

And the desk jotter pads are just beautifully illustrated with ducks which have always been popular across the range and the giraffe too, which was always one of the first card designs to sell out - she’s adorable!

The magnetic shopping lists still sell well, the hedgehog is a firm favourite but the flamingo trend is still going strong, and the new triple packs of Post-it type notes are just gorgeous.

Otter House’s Bohemia range has been a recent new addition for us. The A5 softback notebooks are great – not too big and heavy for a handbag and the protective plastic jacket makes them a bit more durable.

There are notecards and jotter lists too, which are another great pick-up line. They’re on a POS stand at the counter and get lots of attention and last-minute sales.

40 www. www.greetingstoday.co.uk www.greetingstoday greetingstoday.co.uk greetingstoday.co.uk

SOUTH – Chris Dell, White Mint, Berkhamsted, Herts

We did make it to PG Live this year and met up with some current suppliers and some new ones.

Stand-out suppliers we found are Papagrazi, they have a colourful, fun range of cards depicting animals with neon touches bringing the style bang up to date, they were lovely to deal with so recommend anyone to give them a look.

Oher designs we found were companies such as Veronica Dearly with an illustrated pun range which gave us a giggle, and Ruby Tuesday who have another neon range printed on high-quality board giving them a luxe feel.

Selling well for us at the moment are our ranges of rude cards from the likes of Buddy Fernandez and The Sweary Card Company – it’s always great to hear our customers laughing in the shop.

S

EAST – Kathy Starr, Gifted, Thaxted, Essex

I do think we’ll be heading up to Home & Gift in Harrogate this year. We usually don’t make it as it’s such a long way for us, but we haven’t ordered all our Christmas stock yet for decorations and cards and so need to find products and place orders.

I haven’t been there as a buyer for many years, but exhibited with our card company Dilly & Pink a couple of years ago and had a great time – I think if the weather’s nice at Harrogate it definitely makes it seem less like work!

I did quite a bit of card buying at PG Live and have alrdady received the first of those orders.

Jamboree from Paper Salad has brightened up our children’s spinner and Carrie Ann-Coupe, who we’ve stocked for a few years, is always popular. I love her distinctive style, which suits our eclectic selection of cards.

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E

FOCUSON...NIGELQUINEYPUBLICATIONS

Go go glitterati Glitter is part and parcel of many greetings designs so finding a way to carry on using it while meeting modern environmental expectations has been very important for Nigel Quiney Publications.

W

‘

HEN you have a range called Pizazz, it simply has to sparkle – and Nigel Quiney Publications have made sure this multi-awardwinning collection continues to live up to its name.

Bringing Pizazz right up to date, they now use eco-glitter to keep the impact while ensuring there’s still a wonderful wow factor.

The glitter is made from eucalyptus tree cellulose which will biodegrade in soil, fresh water, waste water or marine environments where micro-organisms are present – and it’s also compostable.

Nigel Quiney have been working with printers The Sherwood Group and glitter suppliers Powder Arts to bring this project to fruition – and they already have 10 colours available.

Sherwood’s Anna Fawcett explained the eco-glitter conforms to to ISO14851, approved for fresh water biodegradability, ISO15985 approved for soil and waste water biodegradation, ASTM D6601-09 approved for marine biodegradation and is also certified for home composting.

As well as extending the eco-glitter to their iconic Pizazz collection, Nigel Quiney have just launched 12 juvenile age cards, featuring brightly-finished fun characters, with a colouring-in picture activity on page two, and have been printed on Veltique Ice. These bright colours of the designs are enhanced with eco-glitter, which is highlighted with a new logo on page four and they have full colour insides and are great value at C50.

Nigel Quiney MD Alison Butterworth said: “We’re thrilled to be one of the first companies using this eco-glitter, it’s a great product and means the greetings industry can move away from being associated with the scare stories about how plastic-based glitter filters down into the environment.

“We’re working closely with our printers The Sherwood Group to reduce our carbon footprint and plastic usage, and strive to move forward in the future to reduce our environmental impact further.

“We’re pledging to be more environmentally friendly. We love our planet and believe it’s time to start taking better care of it so we’re increasing our green initiatives for 2019.”

FSC certified board is standard on NQP everyday products – the FSC tick tree logo is used to indicate that products are certified under the FSC system and are from responsibly managed sources.

When you see the FSC logo on the back of a card, you can buy forest products confident that you’re helping to ensure our forests are alive for generations to come.

Nigel Quiney also strive to be as eco-friendly as possible using vegetable-based inks and printing much of their products here in the UK to reduce their transportation carbon footprint.

Alison added: “We have already reduced our plastic usage by having individual cellowrapping as an option to all customers. Nearly our entire portfolio is produced without any form of cello bag. Those ranges that have been individually wrapped in the past are going to become naked in the future – and we started this with our latest launch of designs from the What A Picture range.

“We’re also shortly going to receive an order of single paper bands to be used instead of transportation bags. This will save approximately 5,000 plastic bags per month.

“We produce beautiful products that people love sending and receiving so we want to make sure we can continue doing this, and doing it well, without it costing the Earth.”

We’re thrilled to be one of the first companies using this eco-glitter

’

T: 01799 520200 www.nigelquiney.com

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www.greetingstoday.co.uk 41

IT’S ALL ABOUT SALES

Playing ● Pay a visit – No 6 The Slack and The Northern Line

I

F YOU’RE anything like me then you probably can’t resist popping into card and gift retailers when you’re away from home.

Whether it’s a nearby town, a weekend in Norfolk, a trip to the coast or thousands of miles away in another country, there’s the shopping aspect which is part of most trips away but then there is the sheer curiosity of seeing what other retailers are up to.

Our industry continually evolves to meet the needs of changing tastes and economics so I always like to see how retailers in different parts of the UK, and other countries, have tackled a business which has pretty much got the same aim – source great product, display it effectively and make a profit.

As diverse as the industry is, so are the ways individual retailers approach it.

I’m constantly interested to see what products a certain style of shop is buying, how they present their shopfront and what ingenious new methods of display they might be using.

When I’m away, I often see an interesting shop interior design, style or colour which then gives me inspiration for a new look at home or in the garden.

My favourite part of the British Isles is, without doubt, Cumbria and the Lake District National Park. We go there at least four times a year and will usually be found up a mountain, in one of the many fabulous cafes or quenching our post-walk thirst in a friendly pub.

You’re never far away from sheep in Cumbria and it’s usually the native Herdwick variety. Earlier this year we decided to do a bit more town exploring to balance the hiking and discovered you’re also never far from some really interesting shops that we were previously unaware of.

I got talking to a few of them and, in particular, discussed what it’s like to run a card or gift shop in an area where visitors account for the majority of footfall.

Nestled in picturesque Ambleside is No 6 The Slack (www.no6theslack.uk) where owner Jill was inspired to open her shop after realising numerous talented card makers were not being sold in any of her local stores.

Nearly four years on Jill told me: “I tend to deal with independent designers and smaller card producers like Megan Claire, Louise Mulgrew and Redback rather than the bigger greetings card suppliers.

Ian Bradley (Midland Card Agencies, T: 07905 597498) is an experienced independent greetings industry sales agent in the Midlands, and shares experiences of life of the road bi-monthly with guest agents taking up their pen in between.

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‘

As diverse as the industry is, so are the ways individual retailers approach it

’

away

“Our decisions being made on our customers’ needs and our own intuition.

We’re constantly looking for new design-led cards that complement the collections we have available in-store.

“With locals accounting for 20 to 25 per cent of sales, I see it as a growing market as more and more people get to know about us. We’re a local shop that gets used by tourists. Getting locals into the shop can be difficult because it may seem like just another tourist shop! But word of mouth is a wonderful thing and I’ve seen local trade increase and it continues to do so.

“I think my range of cards is a unique selling point and my customers come back time after time to buy their cards. Many of my customers might come to The Lakes annually, but plenty come two or three times a year or more”.

While she enjoys meeting all the lovely people, the downside to running a shop in such a lovely touristy area is that she’s stuck inside when the weather’s good and she’d rather be out walking The Fells!

Further south in beautiful Windermere I discovered The Northern Line (www.thenorthernline.co.uk) and was immediately impressed with their painted staircase – being a fan of both Led Zeppelin and mountains, you can probably see why in the pic at the top of the page.

This shop all about really good design, with an extra passion for cycling prints, Lake District posters and unique gifts. Owners Sarah and husband Don started with their first shop in Ulverston, which is just outside the national park.

“Having always loved Cumbria we finally decided to move our graphic design business here five years ago,” Sarah said, “initially the Ulverston shop was a side-line but we soon became hooked on retailing which then became our focus, resulting in the second shop opening nearly three years ago.”

Sarah explained the two locations are very different with Ulverston being around 85 per cent local trade while Windermere is the reverse: “We enjoy talking to both locals and tourists – it’s a part of the job that we really like as we get to meet such a diverse range of customers.

“There are no negatives that we can think of. We’re very lucky to enjoy great customers and Windermere is a lively and vibrant village. We get to travel along the lake road to work, so what’s not to like looking across Windermere to the Fells? Having the shop in such a high-profile tourist destination has also helped our online business grow too, as many people view the products in store and then order online when they return home.”

There are so many fabulous independent gift, card, art and interiors shops out there that you’re never that far from a really interesting new discovery.

Next time you’re playing away from your home town make sure you check out the locals.

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P OT P L A N T GREETINGS CARDS 10 STUNNING DESIGNS WITH EXPERT GROWING ADVICE INSIDE F O R S A L E S A N D S A M P L E S C O N TAC T B EC AT S A L E S @ M I D D L E M O U S E . C O . U K

W W W. M I D D L E M O U S E . C O . U K www.greetingstoday.co.uk 43

TALKOFTHETOWN

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

Jean Kelly, Greetings, Millom, Cumbria

‘

What’s the story behind your store?

It’s my son’s shop, Michael Kelly, he’s had it about 20 years, and I’ve been working here for the past 10 years. It’s quite small. We sell cards and gifts, books, jewellery, pocket money toys, balloons and stationery – we’re not just a card shop!

How do trade mags like Greetings Today help you?

It’s nice to see all the different companies advertising, and see what other shops say about the cards.

Are you going to the Home & Gift Buyers’ Festival in Harrogate?

We haven’t been to shows for quite a few years now, we see the reps who come to the shop.

David Smethurst, Best Wishes, Sidcup, Kent

‘

What’s the story behind your store?

Someone just asked me that in the shop so I pointed to my shirt to show it says established 1983! We do balloons, cards and a few gifts, but we’re mainly balloons and cards and all the party accessories. There’s myself and my wife Pauline, we’re the owners, and we have five part-time staff and the Saturday staff. On a Saturday there’s us, Lorraine and three Saturday staff, and we get in at about 6.30am to blow up balloons and finish about six in the evening, then come back early on Sundays for another session. We’ve been doing the balloons for about 27 years, about the time we bought the shop over in Uckfield, East Sussex, and then we sold that in 2010 and now just have this one shop. It’s very busy this time of year with prize-givings, proms, we just did a football do, it’s all good stuff. We’re Cardgains members, my number is C607 so we must be one of the early ones and have been members ever since. We’ve been here a long time and we must be doing something right because we’re still going and still enjoying it. It’s hard work but we do enjoy it so will keep going.

How do trade mags like Greetings Today help you?

We were on holiday a couple of weeks ago and one of Pauline’s mags she took to read was Greetings Today! It’s good with the news and the articles and finding out what other people are doing. All joking aside it’s not easy so it’s nice to see how people in the industry are coping with the greetings industry in 2019. And all the products and advertising is very good to see what’s out there.

Are you going to the Home & Gift Buyers’ Festival in Harrogate?

No we’re not – we should do as our daughter lives in Leeds so it would be a good excuse but we don’t even go to Birmingham anymore as it clashes with Valentine’s Day and we’re so busy – we did 1,500 red heart balloons this year! We sell to the local restaurants so it’s a big thing. We like PG Live as it’s just a short train ride, and at a good time of year for us, although we missed it this year as we were on holiday reading Greetings Today!

With spring seasons now behind us, what’s the current big occasion that’s selling, and

44 www.greetingstoday.co.uk

which publishers are doing well there.

Proms, and the next thing is Thank You Teacher – that’s a really good line, we have cards from UK Greetings, a little bit of wholesale, IC&G, Piccadilly, Tracks, a nice selection. And we have university graduation and new school too. We put them all together because if one sibling is leaving school, there’s usually another one starting a new school and there’s no point waiting till September for those, we put them out at same time and people can buy ahead. Redback Cards are also good in general, and we really do sell quite a lot of their stuff.

What’s your biggest trend at the moment – llamas, sloths and unicorns are all generally popular, how about for you?

Llamas – Pauline just said it’s llamas for everything, they’re the new unicorns. And she’s right, we’ve had quite a few llama cards and they’ve all gone already. Although unicorns are still going.

Do you have any 2020 diaries and calendars in yet – if so, how are you dealing with telling customers about the change of date for the early May bank holiday to mark the 75th anniversary of VE Day? We don’t have any in yet. We usually get the academic diaries in during August for the new term as we’ve a big drama school nearby and the teachers like them. Calendars and diaries aren’t as big as they used to be, we’re all electronic these days. We do still sell quite a few but nothing like as big as in the past. I’ve read about the bank holiday change and they’re a bit naughty, they haven’t thought about the repercussions and knock-on effects on industries, they should have made the decision a couple of years ago. We don’t get our calendars in until October so we’re lucky because they should be correct.

Of all the publishers you stock, which card would you like to receive for your birthday?

It was my birthday a couple of weeks ago and I was 60! I like Tracks, they’re nice blokey cards.

Lorraine said she’d send me a Paperlink funny card. Pauline said she likes Nigel Quiney for herself – and we have the Nigel Quiney rep Sarah in at the moment doing an order and she said she likes Five Dollar Shake!

’

With spring seasons now gone, what’s the current big occasion, and which publishers are doing well there.

Weddings are starting, there’s quite a few about at the moment, and we’ve getting asked for prom cards already and passing exams and graduation. It’s a bit awkward because it’s not really time for exams yet but people are buying the cards ready, and they’re buying graduation too although those happen at all different times.

And visitors are coming through already as we’re on the coast.

We have quite a lot of cards of the Lake District and local scenes which they like. We get Mark Denton cards, who’s a lovely person, and the last time he came with my order we said about taking pictures locally and were discussing the scenery with him. He promised us he was going to do it – I haven’t seen the finished product but hopefully it will happen.

What’s your biggest trend at the moment – llamas, sloths and unicorns are all generally popular, how about for you?

The llamas and unicorns are doing well for us, and we’re selling quite a lot of Cardigan Cards which are quite versey. Some people love a verse and some people hate them, but they’re selling very well here.

Do you have any 2020 diaries and calendars in yet – if so, how are you dealing with telling customers about the change of date for the early May bank holiday to mark the 75th anniversary of VE Day? I’ve got some Mark Denton ones, and whoever took over from J Salmon, it’s Carousel I think, we have their Lake District ones – but I’d forgotten about the date change, I must make a note and let everyone here know to tell customers when they sell the calendars.

We sell quite a lot to be sent abroad where people have moved away, so our bank holidays won’t matter so much for them.

Of all the publishers you stock, which card would you like to receive for your birthday?

I do like Cardigan, but I do also like Noel Tatt – and Berni Parker because they’re quite subtly humorous and beautifully drawn.

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Whatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s the story behind your store?

The store has been going 30 years, and me and my wife Anne been here 18 months so weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re relative newbies, but itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s going incredibly well. I used to be an account executive for CocaCola so this is a total change of direction and weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re loving it. The shop was in Cardgains buying group anyway and weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve stayed because itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s easier for the big publishers like Woodmansterne and Ling. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a very good idea.

How do trade mags like Greetings Today help you?

We do get the magazine and it just helps to tell us whatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s happening in the industry because not all areas are the same as Kirkby Lonsdale, we do have a good mass of tourists as well as locals. And we can see how similar towns are doing.

Are you going to the Home & Gift Buyersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Festival in Harrogate â&#x20AC;&#x201C; if so, what do you like about the show and what will you be looking for?

We are going, we went last year for the ďŹ rst time and we like it as itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s more compact than the NEC and is friendly. Youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re not retracing your steps all the time trying to ďŹ nd something that youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve seen. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s user friendly, easy parking and itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s quite close to us, only 40 minutesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; drive. We went to the Christmas one too and there was plenty of parking. Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re looking for gifts for Christmas mainly, any new product because there are so many gift shops in Kirkby Lonsdale we need to ďŹ nd something diďŹ&#x20AC;erent.

With spring seasons now behind us, whatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s the current big occasion thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s selling, and which publishers are doing well there.

Currently itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s graduation and Thank You Teacher, and we do them across the board, from Five Dollar Shake to Abacus.

Whatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s your biggest trend at the moment â&#x20AC;&#x201C; llamas, sloths and unicorns are all generally popular, how about for you?

Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s humour really and quite edgy too with Norbert & Val from Emotional Rescue and Dean Morris. His stuďŹ&#x20AC;â&#x20AC;&#x2122;s really good and he comes to Ambleside quite often so pops in to see how weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re doing, heâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a really nice guy.

Do you have any 2020 diaries and calendars in yet and how are you dealing with telling customers about the change of date for the early May bank holiday to mark the 75th anniversary of VE Day? We do have some but weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve ordered from Otter House for the big spinners and they wonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t be in until September so they should have time to sort it out. The ones we have at the moment are local calendars from local photographers and they donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t have any mention of the bank holidays so weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re quite lucky.

Of all the publishers you stock, which card would you like to receive for your birthday?

Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Dean Morris for me Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m afraid!

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www.greetingstoday.co.uk 45

HOME&GIFTBUYERS’FESTIVALPREVIEW

Write the perfect story

The Greetings & Stationery edit at Harrogate has something for everyone this year, with illustrations, quotes, prints and the whole rainbow of colours in all shades nestling among the array of gifts and homeware to tempt all buyers.

H

OME & Gift are helping retailers write the perfect story with their Greetings & Stationery edit for this year’s show in Harrogate next month.

The festival will also see the official launch of the 2020 Gift Of The Year competition by the Giftware Association, the largest awards in the industry which span 20 categories including for giftware, greetings cards, wrap, gift stationery, homeware, and personal fashion.

With beautiful illustrations, witty quotes, bold And in their new ShopTalk seminar prints and gorgeous colours, the greetings and programme, Home & Gift offer their most stationery offer across the Home & inspiring speaker line-up to date Gift Buyers’ Festival in Harrogate has with entrepreneur, Secret Millionaire designs and styles to suit everyone. and ex-TV Dragon Piers Linney With exhibitors including Artebene, headlining the opening day, while The Art File, Berni Parker Designs, renowned designer Sophie Conran Blue Eyed Sun, Dandelion Stationery, brings insight and colour forecasts The Handcrafted Card Co, Joe on the Tuesday.

Davies, Leonard Smith, Natural And the Monday will see jewellery Partners, Pigment Productions, and designer, socialite, and reality star Redback Cards, there’s plenty to Rosie Fortescue give exclusive discover at the summer show that’s insight into running a global lifestyle celebrating its 59th year. brand, as well as the chance to hear And, alongside the 90-plus author and interior designer Pearl publishers attending, there are seven Lowe in an insightful Q&A with Estila other sectors at the show organised magazine’s Karolina Barnes.

by Clarion Events that runs from Also on the opening Sunday, Sunday to Wednesday, Matthew Galvin, of July 14-19, with more The Galvin Brothers, than 800 brands on Indie Retail Academy’s the exhibitor list for this Clare Yuille and Louise industry institution.

Daniel from And So To Harrogate Convention Centre The sectors are Craft Shop will be putting the Sunday, July 16 – 9am-6pm (new), Design-Led Gift, art into artisan during Monday, July 17 – 9am-6pm Design Now (new), Gift, an unmissable panel Tuesday, July 18 – 9am-6pm Greetings & Stationery, discussion on share the Wednesday, July 19 – 9am-4pm Home & Interiors, secrets to making your www.homeandgift.co.uk Jewellery & Fashion, and creative passion into a Taste (new), with the new successful business.

ShopTalk attraction based in Hall Q, presenting ShopTalk seminars are free to all attending a diverse line-up of industry-leading speakers Home & Gift, and to see the full schedule, across the worlds of retail, design, social media register for the show and discover more about and much more. the festival, go to www.homeandgift.co.uk.

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More than 800 brands on the exhibitor list for this industry institution

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HOME & GIFT BUYERS’ FESTIVAL

46 www.greetingstoday.co.uk

SHOP TALK

“This is a show I really look forward to each year. Harrogate, of course, is a wonderful town and we’ve been lucky in recent years that the weather has been beautiful. I love walking down to the show from my hotel, wondering what delights I’ll find. I find the show compact and easy to navigate and it’s great to get out in the fresh air during the day.

Many of my suppliers attend so I can catch up with them to make additions to my Christmas ordering and I walk the whole show looking for exciting new things. We found Penny Lindop and her amazing little woollen sheep and animals at Harrogate and now we range her mini cards, cards and mounted prints including limited editions – these are quite adorable and make wonderful presents.”

Anne Barber, In Heaven At Home, Market Harborough, Leics “We are, as always, looking forward to attending Home & Gift again this year. It’s the one trade fair that feels more like a combined holiday and business trip with plentiful opportunities to enjoy the best of the summer in lovely Harrogate. The bars and restaurants in the town have really upped their game in recent years and there’s always a buzz when hundreds of exhibitors and show visitors descend there after close each day – fingers crossed that the weather will be kind. I’m hoping to ensure I have orders in place with existing suppliers for new lines and general stock for the key Christmas season and any gaps in sectors or product lines are plugged. It will also be ideal if we can pick up some new suppliers at the event to keep ranges fresh in the shop.”

Denise Laird, Spirito, Glasgow “We love the Home & Gift Buyers’ festival, it’s the most social of all the trade fairs that are run. Sadly, we don’t tend to go very often due to the distance and the fact the majority of suppliers there also show in the more southerly events. Its value for us was in the ability to chat with suppliers and learn from other shop owners in an informal social environment so for anyone that hasn’t been I would definitely recommend it.”

Chris Dell, White Mint, Berkhamsted, Herts “Home & Gift fast approaches so it’s time to plan a trip to look for new gifts – baby and nursery lines in particular this year, and it’s always great to see the unveiling of new designs from our card publishers too.

Hopefully the sun will be shining and the prosecco will be flowing, all adding to the unique atmosphere that is Harrogate!”

Alison Allen, Conway Cards, Garstang, Lancs

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HOME&GIFTBUYERS’FESTIVALPREVIEW

Making magic Louise Morris is in her second year running the Home & Gifts Buyers’ Festival for organisers Clarion Events. Here she tells Greetings Today all about the highlights for the 59th edition of the popular trade show with its own special magic.

This is your second year in charge at Home & Gift Buyers’ Festival, what changes have you made since 2018?

Home & Gift has always been a show that celebrates the industry, a place to discover new bestsellers and meet with your favourite suppliers in the most unique and enjoyable setting. It’s a magic formula that can’t be replicated, however, we understand the needs of our visitors and exhibitors are constantly changing. For 2019 we’re taking everything that makes Home & Gift great and making it even better to ensure it remains a destination for exploring new opportunities, meaningful connections and genuine business.

We’re introducing even more of the industry’s biggest brands this year including Fifty Five South, Parlane, Premier Decorations, Forma House, Caspari, Village Candle, Designed In Colour, Also Home, Tyrrell Katz, Le Toy Van, Churchill China, S’ip By Swell and Kikkerland to name just a few. These brands are just some of the 160 suppliers that are new to the show for 2019, offering buyers our best choice of brands and products to date. Plus a new and improved show layout will make it even easier to find your next bestsellers ahead of the allimportant Christmas season.

We’re also implementing a new VIP hosting programme plus an exciting new initiative called Match which will provide visitors and exhibitors with personalised services to connect with relevant buyers or suppliers, offering more opportunities to connect and do business than ever before.

Celebrity names and industry thought leaders including Piers Linney, Sophie Conran, Rosie Fortescue, Pearl Lowe and the Galvin Brothers will take to the stage in ShopTalk to deliver inspirational talks and masterclasses designed to help retail businesses flourish.

The iconic Majestic Hotel, whose grounds are home to the show’s Design Points, has also been undergoing a dramatic renovation over the past year. We’re thrilled to be unveiling their beautifully refurbished facilities at this year’s Home & Gift.

What trends have you seen coming through in the past year, particularly in greetings and stationery but also in the wider gift industry?

More and more we’re finding that trends transcend product categories, with the same motif just as likely to be seen on tableware as it is on a greetings card. Texture is the thing to look out for this season, with a lot of mixed materials and faux fur finishes incorporated into tactile-

48 www.greetingstoday.co.uk

giving customers additional reasons to visit and the opportunity for impulse buys.

Is there the Thinking Of You Week tie-up with the Greeting Card Association again – where will it be?

The GCA’s Thinking Of You Week is such a great initiative and we’re always proud to have it be part of the show. Visitors with access to the Buyers’ Lounge will discover an inspiring wall of greetings cards, and all visitors will be able to learn more about the GCA and their great work from signage around DP5, the Greetings & Stationery marquee.

driven design. Contrast won’t just be a trend in materials, but in aesthetic too; think monochrome designs with neon finishes, bold typography on soft paper and subtle pastels together with strong jewel tones.

A movement more than a trend, sustainability continues to be on everyone’s mind. With consumers seeking products that are as good for the planet as they are good looking, many of our exhibitors have incorporated eco-friendly materials and ensured ethical production into their products.

How do you think having a mixed greetings and gift show helps retailers?

We’re all time-poor in this day and age, so it’s no surprise consumers are forever on the hunt for ways to streamline and simplify their lives. In response, we’re seeing more and more stores diversifying and expanding their range to ensure customers have a variety of choice all in one space. This is reflected in buying patterns at Home & Gift, with visitors purchasing from suppliers across multiple show sectors. Greetings and gift have undeniable synergy and, if a greetings retailer was to also offer a wellselected range of complementary and unique gifts, they would certainly develop a competitive edge by

What’s the best way to shop a show such as H&G? There’s a lot to discover at Home & Gift, so preparing ahead of time is always recommended to ensure visitors get the most out of their time with us. The brand-new online platform makes it easier than ever before for visitors to explore our 700+ suppliers on the Home & Gift website, as well as enabling them to mark key exhibitors as favourites, download shopping lists and plan pre-arranged meetings with suppliers through the site’s Visitor Login portal.

This year we’ve definitely upped the inspiration factor in our ShopTalk line up, so I’d implore all visitors to make some time to sit in on a session or two – after all, the show is as much about enhancing the retail industry through shared learning as it is about great buying opportunities.

Whether you’re an independent store or a seasoned department store buyer, everyone can learn something from our programme, which includes everything from case study presentations and panel discussions, to hands-on clinics and masterclasses.

Some great names including Sophie Conran, entrepreneur and former TV Dragon Piers Linney, and John Lewis’ Emma Greendale have already been announced, and we’ll reveal in more great names as we get even closer to the show.

With the main product releases happening early in the year, how does having a summer trade help the industry, both retailers and suppliers?

There’s no denying the current challenges of the retail industry mean that buying patterns are changing – not to mention that, in a social media-driven world, consumer trends and tastes shift faster than ever before.

By providing a great trade opportunity in summer, the pressure of making financially cumbersome purchasing decisions in January is removed, giving retailers the opportunity to analyse the year’s first six months of trade and make strategic purchasing decisions ahead of the vital Christmas period. For suppliers, there’s the great benefit of being able to have summer product launches to ensure year-round buzz and hot-off-thepress products in store, as well as present bestsellers

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HOME&GIFTBUYERS’FESTIVALPREVIEW

l Speaking out – ShopTalk big names Rosie Fortescue, Matthew Galvin, Pearl Lowe, Piers Linney and Sophie Conran with firm facts and figures from the first half of the year.

As the internet makes it easier for retailers to contact different suppliers and vice versa, where do you see trade fairs such as H&G going over the next few years?

At its core, retail is an industry powered by people. I envisage that, much like we’re doing with the introduction of our online platform, technology will continue to be a powerful facilitator of meetings, but in no way a replacement for them. After all, 85 per cent of professionals indicate that face-to-face meetings are still the key to building strong business relationships. Suppliers come with great knowledge about their products, their customers and how to deliver great in-store sales. You don’t get this from an online platform. Buyers who visit Home & Gift do so in the mind-set of their customer and, just as a customer might be drawn to something unexpected at a store, so too may the buyer during their time at the show. Having access to hundreds of suppliers in one location, where you can pick up and feel the products is an experience that can’t and, in my opinion, won’t be replaced by the internet alone.

Known as the social show, what events do you have planned for visitors and exhibitors to enjoy this year?

The Sunday Sundowners are back, so we encourage all exhibitors and visitors to join us for drinks from 6pm on the first day of the show. Those with access to the Buyers’ Lounge will also enjoy complimentary refreshments throughout the show. In the newlyrefurbished Majestic Hotel, visitors can enjoy a cocktail or two in the Frederick’s Piano bar followed by a delicious dinner in the gorgeous Carter’s Champagne Bar & Grill restaurant, making it the perfect place to meet and relax during a busy few days of buying at the show.

Why is Home & Gift such a special and loved show?

As much as Home & Gift is a crucial buying opportunity for visitors, it’s also a celebration of our beloved industry, which is why we take such joy in providing relaxed environments for meaningful connections to be made and real business to be done. Striking the perfect balance of business and socialising, the show truly does have a unique spirit of its own.

It’s the 59th outing of the event, are you already

planning for the big 60 celebrations next year – and is there anything you can tell us about now?

We are most definitely already planning, but I wouldn’t want to ruin any of the surprises!

Do you get the chance to shop for yourself at the show – if so, what have you bought, and what draws your eye?

My purse is very thankful that, as a trade show, I don’t have the opportunity to shop the stands, but the knowledge of exciting brands and upcoming trends as a result of working on Home & Gift has certainly upped my gift-giving game.

It’s such a thrill to visit stores that I’ve seen attend the show and see products from our exhibitors on their shelves.

What’s your favourite thing about the show?

I love Home & Gift for the same reasons our exhibitors and visitors do – it’s an event environment like no other and nothing quite compares to seeing the marquees and halls abuzz with activity as orders are being placed, stockists are being discovered and new relationships are being forged.

GREETINGS & STATIONERY EXHIBITORS

2ToTango – DP1-C18 Alex Clark Art – DP1-D90 Alljoy Design – DP5-GS43 Amy Whelan Art – DP5-GS64 Anna Wright – DP1-B77 Artebene – DP1-C118 Art Nouvocative – DP5-GS3A The Art File – DP1-C15 The Arty Penguin – DP4-47 Barley Bay – DP5-GS3C Belly Button Design – DP2-47 Berni Parker Designs – DP5-GS27 Blue Eyed Sun – DP1-D110 Bomb Cosmetics – Hall A-A15 Brainbox Candy – DP5-GS5B

By Erin – DP5-GS19 Cardmore – DP5-GS58 Cardology – DP5-GS35 Caroline Gardner – DP1-A37 Caspari – DP1-C55 Character Shop – DP4-33 Charfleet Book Bindery – DP1-C24 Colcards – DP5-GS48B Coulson Macleod – DP2-67 Dandelion Stationery – DP5-GS3 Deckled Edge – DP5-GS4 Depesche UK – Hall A-A5 Dialectable – DP1-D78 Dimbleby Ceramics – DP3-33 Dora Designs – DP2-18

Do Something David – DP5-GS22 East Of India – DP1-D111 EastWest – DP1-A70 Eco-Wrap – DP4-32 English Heritage Trust – DP3-4 Fatlip – Hall B-B12 Fay’s Studio – DP5-GS54 Felltarn – DP4-44 Fenella – Hall C-C26 Forever Cards – DP5-GS18 The Gifted Stationery Co – DP1-C84 Gill Davies Art – DP5-GS66 Global Journey – Hall A-A23 Globe Enterprises – DP1-D59 Goodeehoo – DP4-8a Grace Eleanor – DP5-GS60 Half Moon Bay – DP1-C33 The Handcrafted Card Co – DP5-GS32 Heartful Cards – tbc Heather Alstead – DP5-GS29 Heritage Cards & Souvenirs – DP1-B4 Heaven Scent – Hall Q-E87 History & Heraldry – Hall A-A27 Hotchpotch – DP5-GS49 Janice Daughters – DP5-GS36 Janie Wilson – DP1-D36 JellynBean – DP5-GS34 Jenni Douglas Designs – DP1-C06 Joe Davies – Hall Q-E18 John Austin Postcards – DP5-GS67

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Joy Masters – DP5-GS2 Juppi UK – DP4-71 Kate Guest – DP5-GS10 Kinshipped – DP5-GS56 Ladna Embroidery Studio – DP4-24b Lanther Black – DP5-GS6 Leonard Smith – DP1-C75 Lime Stationery & Art – DP1-B45 Little Fingy – DP5-GS68 Little Weaver Arts – DP2-64 Love Your Nation – DP1-D106 LS20 Letterpress Studio – DP5-GS9 Lucy Ledger – tbc Lucy Loves This – DP2-60 Molly Mae – DP1-D80 Moongazer Cards – DP5-GS12 The Music Gifts Co – DP3-13 Natural Partners – DP5-GS25 Objectables – DP5-GS33 Papagrazi – DP5-GS25A Paper Sole – DP5-GS61 Penny Lindop Designs – DP4-28 Pigment – DP2-31 Premier Decorations – Hall A-A6 Poet And Painter – DP56-GS14 Pretty Pens – Hall Q-C25 Printer Johnson – DP5-GS76C Pulp – DP1-A58 Räder – DP1-B16 Really Good – DP1-C28

Redback Cards – DP5-GS16 Roger La Borde – DP1-B5 Sam Wilson Studio – DP2-8 Santoro London – DP1-C5 Sarome – Hall B-B19 Sass & Belle – DP1-C91 Seddon And Davison – DP4-31 Seedlings Cards & Gifts – DP5-GS72 Simply Special – DP5-GS57 Snappy Crocodile Designs – DP4-51 Solesmith – DP4-12 Soul – DP1-C25 The Stamford Notebook Co – DP4-41 Stephanie Davies – DP5-GS59 Sue Fenlon Art – DP5-GS77 Susan O’Hanlon – DP1-C46 Swiss Kiss – DP5-GS1C Tatty Co – DP5-GS73B Temporary Measure – DP1-D112 Thorns & Roseway – DP4-66b Tilnar – DP4-61 Tomcat Cards – DP5-GS25b Two Little Monkeys – DP5-GS24 Vintage Playing Cards – DP2-61 We Love Seasons – DP2-35 White Cotton Cards – DP1-D75 Wild & Wolf – DP2-3 Wrendale Designs – DP1-B6 Yellow Publications – DP5-GS48A

www.greetingstoday.co.uk 49

HOME&GIFTBUYERS’FESTIVALPREVIEW THE ART FILE – stand DP1-C15

THIS will be the 20th time The Art File have exhibited at the Home & Gift Buyers’ Festival, so they’ve pulled out all the stops to deliver more than 50 brand-new greetings card and gift bag designs being launched exclusively at the show, continue reading to find out more! They begin with Ben Rothery’s bestselling Natural History Museum card collection. Since its initial launch the range has been incredibly well received by customers, with clear demand for new designs being introduced into the mix.

Ben is one of the most talented fine pencil artists in the country, spending between 40 and 70 hours on each original drawing, completely capturing the mannerisms and personalities of animals from around the world. For Home & Gift they’re launching 12 brand-new greetings cards, and a gift bag collection featuring the bestselling Puffin design. And Frank, everyone’s favourite sausage dog, is back! The Art File’s very own family pet has been transformed into a celebrity over the past two years, being featured on cards, stationery, and gift packaging, using beautifully fresh, pastel base colours, ideal for the summer-autumn season in store. Due to popular demand, they have the absolute pleasure of launching a further 12 everyday greetings cards to complement the bestselling cute collection. The Art File are also introducing a further six designs to the double Henries Awards Best Male Range collection Geronimo. Perhaps it’s the hot foils, thermographic finishing, or the neon inks that make them stand head and shoulders above – on the other hand, maybe it’s just these are great male cards that don’t have footballs on! They also have six brand new designs in the Shimmy collection – ideal for the female market and it looks fab next to Geronimo – which uses holographic and translucent hot foils mixed with cold foils in a combination of techniques no other publisher has used on a card before. And finally in everyday, there are 21 fresh designs in the ever-popular small card collection Bright New Things! Everyone loves the size and simplicity of these timeless beauties and the foiled designs add another dimension to the brilliant, universal, competitively priced collection. The Art File’s award-winning Christmas collection will be on display at the show, giving customers the ideal opportunity to reserve the perfect festive stock with more than 150 brand-new designs across cards, wrap and boxed product. Single cards have grown in popularity and sit happily alongside the Luxury Boxed cards, while charity card sales grew again last year. For 2019 The Art File will be supporting three charities, CLIC Sargent, RSPCA and Dementia UK, and they have also launched a free-standing display unit to house our selection of charity packs for the first time. Their roll wrap and bags are now established as a refreshing alternative to the mainstream offer and this year they are introducing their first luxury flat wrap. Great value for money, their award-winning festive Trio boxes have been a huge success with four each of three designs finished with hot foils and/or die cutting, and red or gold envelopes. There are new designs for 2019.

Following the growing tendency to send a higher-quality Christmas card to those who are special in your life, The Art File’s Luxury Boxed collection of eight cards at £10 RRP is now an integral part of their festive offering, with plenty more new designs being launched in Harrogate.

Last but not least, they believe their 2019 Christmas gift wrapping themes are their strongest yet, with rich, heritage colours and tasteful finishing delivering a unique and contemporary collection to help your presents stand out under the tree. Four new looks, combined with their bestselling 2018 designs, sees five gift bag sizes, flat and roll wrap, tissue and tags in each theme.

T: 0115 850 7490 www.theartfile.com

50 www.greetingstoday.co.uk

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HOME&GIFTPREVIEW

BERNI PARKER DESIGNS – stand DP5-GS27

HAVING been busy at her drawing, Berni has added 12 new designs to her successful Ladies birthday collection printed on a soft textured board with copper foiling and a copper coloured pearlescent envelope. Also to be released are 12 new cards of Ladies Embracing and Loving Summer along with designs for lovers of yoga, tai chi and pilates. Not forgetting the males, there are eight new everyday designs for Men Loving their sport with some cycletherapy and relaxation over a drink with their mates. And a brand new range of ethereal art cards for special friends called Lovely You is being be released with beautiful faces and flowers and loving sentiments printed on a textured board with gold foiling and an antique silk envelope.

T: 01299 406098 www.berniparkerdesigns.com

ARTEBENE – stand DP1-C118

AUTUMN boasts its beauty this year and Artebene are greeting it with the very suitable range Very Berry. Dazzlingly beautiful shades of berry meet shining gold and silver. The play with symmetry, contrasts and floral elements give the collection a vivid and expressive appeal. The owl sneaks its way into Artebene’s autumn world in a vivid and rebellious manner. As a symbol for wisdom, it is a positive statement and adorns packaging and stationery products as well as textile accessories. A whole range of new gifts provides freshness and inspiration for attractive and colourful themed tables. The new music box is a real highlight and makes a perfect little present with its appealing round shape and space for small birthday surprises – and it comes with a matching birthday tune. Their soft velvet clip pouches are also new and serve as a pretty gift in especially fine and feminine berry shades. The stationery sector sees more warm shades of berry. The perpetual table calendars with gold spirals are decorative and make weekly planning fun, and the A5 all-year calendar scores with full flexibility. Calendar weeks are easily added to the weekly overview, making individual planning possible regardless of the year. Discover even more new products and great inspirations for product presentations in our new Artebene B2B online shop.

T: 020 8588 9510 www.artebene.com

52 www.greetingstoday.co.uk

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HOME&GIFTBUYERSâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;FESTIVALPREVIEW

JANICE DAUGHTERS/ART BY JANICE stand DP5-GS36

DESIGNER Janice Daughters has a total of 90 new designs to be launched at Home & Gift, with plenty of variety to suit all ages and gender. Her Cameo Creatures Collection has expanded to include milestone birthdays and Scruffo Bear Designs has added images for childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s age cards and there are three new collections. Inky Icons is for male recipients, the pen and ink illustrations have blocks of colour, and are embellished with metallic foil to stand out from the crowd. The Crazy Cakes collection has simple designs for anniversaries and special days of celebration with subtle colours that are enhanced with metallic foil. And there are 20 patterned designs with metallic foil in the Milestone range for that special birthday.

Janice also has fresh relations designs in the Bouquet collection and some have extra shimmer with metallic foil wording.

T.07860 633490 www.artbyjanice.co.uk

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www.greetingstoday.co.uk 53

HOME&GIFTBUYERS’FESTIVALPREVIEW

BLUE EYED SUN – stand DP1-D110

BLUE Eyed Sun are launching a gorgeous new range of hand-finished greetings cards under the Doodle Girl brand, originally brought to life in a series of books published

by Simon & Schuster. This delightful, cute 150x150mm collection is based on original artworks by artist Marnie Maurri, creator of Doodle Girl, and is hand finished with biodegradable glitter and jewels. A magical brand celebrating the power of imagination through doodling, Doodle Girl was conceived by Marnie alongside authors Lindsay Taylor and Suzanne Smith as a brand combining lyrical wording with clever collage, resulting in a colourful, adventure-filled world. Marnie said: “I’m so excited by how Blue Eyed Sun have translated my designs into such a beautiful range. The fact that it’s manufactured sustainably is the icing on the cake!” The cards are the first products to be launched in a range of sustainable products licensed by Doodle Girl, which is represented by Nutmeg Licensing. Blue Eyed Sun are previous Henries Award winners in the Best Cute Category and MD Jeremy Corner said: “We absolutely love these Doodle Girl designs. They each have a story to tell and are fun and very cute.” There are 24 everyday designs on FSC-certified paper in addition to seasonal captions, all with colour coordinated envelopes. Order in sixes, trade price £1.35, RRP £3.25.

T: 01273 823003 www.blueeyedsun.co.uk

NATURAL PARTNERS – DP5-GS25

NATURAL Partners will be displaying two new ranges at Harrogate, as well as a good selection of bestsellers from their extensive collection of art cards. Kate Lycett from Hebden Bridge in West Yorkshire and Jenny Ulyatt from Durham City both produce wonderful landscape paintings, but in very different styles. Also new to Home & Gift will be ranges by Lily Batteson, Ray Ogden and Vivian Riches, launched earlier this year and proving very popular with customers. These, plus some well-established customer favourites such as Louise Scott, Clare Lindley, Nikki Monaghan, Jo Scott, Lesley Anne Ivory and Andy Broderick, along with a generous discount offer for orders placed at the show, make the Natural Partners stand well worth a visit.

T: 07714 768956 www.naturalpartnersart.co.uk

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HOME&GIFTBUYERS’FESTIVALPREVIEW

REDBACK CARDS – stand DP5-GS16

THIS summer there are some fantastic launches from Redback Cards.

12 exciting new designs have been added to their groundbreaking reversible sequin range, Shine. Superheroes, sloths and smileys are just some of the dazzling new designs being featured at this year’s Home & Gift festival. Redback has plenty more additions up their sleeve with new humour being added to the ever popular ranges, Cloud Nine, Holy Flaps and Good Things and some beautiful new designs in their stylish enamel pin range, Pinata. With so many shiny new things to see they do hope you pop by and see them on Stand GS-16!

T: 01752 830482 www.redbackcards.com

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www.greetingstoday.co.uk 55

HOME&GIFTBUYERS’FESTIVALPREVIEW THE HANDCRAFTED CARD CO stand DP5-GS32

PARTY Animals is the fun and colourful new everyday range that The Handcrafted Card Co are launching at Harrogate, consisting of 22 designs. Printed on high-quality 350gsm board, this range is die-cut and hand-finished with bright tassels and raised tip-ons. These 150x150mm designs each come with a fuschia pink envelope.

T: 01782 639733 www.thehandcraftedcardcompany.co.uk

DANDELION STATIONERY – stand DP5-GS3

LAUNCHING at Home & Gift is the brand new Sherbet Collection from Dandelion Stationery. There are 24 cards in the collection, each featuring stunning holographic foil finish, supplied with custom-printed striped envelopes. The 114x162 mm cards are supplied in threes with a £2.75 RRP. Be the first to view the whole range on the Dandelion stand at Harrogate.

T: 01332 695359 www.dandelionstationery.co.uk

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HOME&GIFTBUYERS’FESTIVALPREVIEW

JOE DAVIES – stand Hall Q-E18

CENTENARY year celebrations will be continuing in style for Joe Davies at their favourite show of the year, the Home & Gift Buyers’ Festival. After 100 years in the business, the company know a thing or two about taking care of the independent retailer and they have just picked up their 17th consecutive award for customer service at the recent Greats event in London. All at Joe Davies are looking forward to personally thanking their customers in Harrogate with a cool glass of prosecco. However, even the best customer service in the business is worth nothing without great product to sell so Joe Davies will introduce more than 2,500 brand-new gift, home décor, jewellery and fashion accessory products at Home & Gift, the largest selection at the show. In their successful Equilibrium brand of jewellery and fashion accessories, the new Country Collection, dog and cat ranges, lovely new coloured jewellery and popular new sentiment additions should not be missed. Equilibrium fashion accessories really come into their own in the months up to and including Christmas.

Gorgeous boxed scarves, gloves, purses and wallets are a highlight as is the new Equilibrium For Men collection.

Snoozies!, the cosy little foot coverings from the States, have been Joe Davies’s best-selling product for the last six years and this year will be the biggest yet with 14 new ranges to choose from. These include Pairable Snoozies! with attractive and amusing matching designs, lovely new classic Snoozies! designs, Snoozies! for men, a great new Christmas collection and the luxurious Sherpa socks that sold so well last year. Another hot-seller exclusive to Joe Davies are the bright, design-led, Sock Society socks, at just £4.99 RRP with a free, low footprint display stand. Repeat sales are amazing and there are dozens of new designs at Harrogate. There are practical and attractive glass coaster sets along with new glass clocks, coffee tables and wall art, and Joe Davies frame ranges are particularly strong. Other new introductions include hundreds of occasion and sentiment products, Bree Merryn and Bug Art licenced gifts, best-selling Sunny By Sue Gin Glasses, the latest from the Leonardo Collection, faux flowers at great prices, clocks, vases, figurines and lanterns, and a huge and varied Christmas collection – the list goes on and on. All in all, more than 8,000 products will be on show on Joe Davies’s comfortable, spacious stand.

Everything is attractively merchandised and clearly priced for easy selection. The minimum order is an industrybeating £100 carriage paid, delivery is free nationwide and all products are available in small quantities to suit the independent retailer. All this is backed up by awardwinning customer service and all visitors to the Harrogate stand can enjoy refreshments and a cold glass of prosecco while making their selections. What are you waiting for!

T: 0161 975 6300 www.joedavies.co.uk

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HOME&GIFTBUYERS’FESTIVALPREVIEW

LEONARD SMITH PUBLISHING – stand DP1-C75

LEONARD Smith is delighted to be back at Harrogate exhibiting in DP1 with wonderful card designs using his unique photography. Leonard travels widely in the UK capturing beautiful places and scenery. These images then find their way on to great cards of all sizes and descriptions. The new Classic 5x7 blank designs feature the lovely Yorkshire town of Helmsley and also Beer

beach in Devon plus many more stunning images. There will also be exciting new wedding and new baby cards released at Harrogate together with some great show offers on the stand.

APPLES TO PEARS – stand DP1 – B25

WITHIN their multi-award-winning Gift In A Tin range, Apples To Pears will be displaying four new ideas. The first is an addition to their popular metal construction kit range Fighter Plane, which they have very high hopes for tas others such as Tractor, Camper Van and Scooter have been so successful. The second is Be A Superhero, a fun dress-up set for little girls and boys to become a real superhero with cape, mask, cuffs, identity card and stickers. One for the baking (and eating) lovers is Biscuit Baking Fun, which has five stainless steel sea creature cutters, a recipe card, food bags, starfish stickers and pen. And their Butterfly Nectar Feeder is also back with a beautifully-redesigned tin. At Harrogate they will be unveiling their Gifts For Grown-Ups - the initial collection will be launched in September and consists of seven products themed around alcohol, gardening, sport, DIY and pets.

T: 01453 826759 www.applestopears.com

T: 01376 562727 www.leonardsmith.co.uk

HOUSE OF MARBLES – stand DP1-D91

IF YOU want to stock some of the best-loved toys and games of all time then head to House Of Marbles at Harrogate. They have a wealth of experience in the gift industry and offer everything from traditional wooden toys to vintage-inspired games. Look out for their pocket-money novelties and family games being launched at the show, including a Compendium Of Games jam-packed with more than 50 traditional family favourites such as Tiddlywinks and Snakes & Ladders, in a vibrant gift box.

There are plenty of festive additions too, like Christmas Snow Globes and a new version of the traditional Snap Card Game.Stockists receive unique counter displays and carriage-paid orders start from as little as £150.

T: 01626 835358 www.houseofmarbles.com/tradeuk

CARRIE ELSPETH – stand DP1-D60

SINCE 1999 it’s been of paramount importance to Carrie Elspeth that her jewellery continues to be handmade in the UK and she provides an exceptional level of customer service to complement the high quality, colourful designs.

She has received numerous awards, including Welsh Woman Of The Year, a World Small Business Award and is a three-time finalist for Best Service To The Independent Retailer at the Greats. She has also achieved numerous Gift Of The Year wins, most recently for her Gemstone bracelets and Glitter Leather accessories. The autumn sees the launch of one of Carrie’s most colourful and vibrant collections yet. Crammed with luscious semi-precious gems and gorgeous Czech glass this range has something for every customer.

T: 01446 771271 www.carrieelspeth.com

60 www.greetingstoday.co.uk

ST EVAL – stand DP1-A93

Nestled on an eco-farm in North Cornwall, St Eval have used traditional methods to craft high quality candles by hand for more than 25 years. Their unique pots, wax blends and fragrances are all inspired by nature and the beautiful Cornish countryside. They will be showcasing high-quality candles, soaps and lotions and home fragrances at Home & Gift. Garden Of Eden features delightful fragrances of geranium, tabac and fig, with beautifullyembossed pots, and is now available in tins and tealights, complete with the same botanical design. The new Christmas Collection is being launched at Harrogate, with the return of their popular festive scent Winter Thyme, plus Inspiritus, Figgy Pudding, Embers, Sandalwood and Orange & Cinnamon.

They’ll also be debuting their elegant and stylish Christmas pots.

T: 01841 540 840 www.st-eval.com

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PGLIVEREVIEW

Reach for the stars The stars were out in force at PG Live 2019 with Zandra Rhodes and Prue Leith making appearances alongside star buyers from across the retail spectrum within the UK and further afield, and the annual game of spot your card and wrap on the show girls’ dresses was enjoyed again.

Foodie friends

Zandra’s in the pink

Fashion icon Zandra Rhodes may be tiny but she was the centre of attention on the Museums & Galleries stand to promote their new licensing partnership, the first time her colourful designs have appeared on paper products in her 50-year career. Zandra said: “I just love the way they have managed to capture all my essential designs, they’ve got the colour but there’s something for everyone, there’s bright and not bright, and I think – and hope – that they’re going to be a joy to use.” She is pictured with M&G’s owners Debbie and Alan Williams, licensing manager Eddie Clarke and creative director Ben Dorney.

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Prue Leith popped on to the Ling Design to launch their new collaboration featuring vibrant watercolours by her artist friend Davin Hawson bringing favourite foodie ingredients to life. For each design, cook, writer and TV presenter Prue has created a unique corresponding recipe which will feature on the back of the card, giving a delicious added reason for shoppers to seek out the designs. Prue, pictured with WHSmith buyers Claire Castle and Christine Bee, said: “David and I have been friends for years so it’s been a huge pleasure to work together. I’m so excited to learn what the card industry thinks of our collaboration.” Clare Twigger, Ling’s head of design, is also pictured with Prue and added: “We’re truly thrilled to publish this new range and will certainly be trying out all of the recipes very soon!”

Tropical vibes in Glasgow

RECYCLING is the name of the game these days and Spirito have taken it to new heights with this fabulous shop window display that they’ve repurposed from Real & Exciting Designs’ PG Live stand.

Artist Sarah Curedale made the original display for the show and said: “Spirito’s owner Denise Laird asked me what would happen to it after the show, when I said it would probably just go into storage she asked if she could have it.” Alan and Debbie Williams, who own Real & Exciting along with Mint and Museums & Galleries, were more than happy to let the piece go, although the logistics of how to get it safely to Scotland from their Corby base were interesting!

The leaves and parrots are now proudly at home in Spirito’s latest window display, along with RED product, and celebrate the store’s place as one of the Retas finalists in the greetings retailers awards Best Non-Specialist North category – they find out the winners on July 10. Denise said: “A huge thank you to Real & Exciting Designs – one of our favourite new card companies from PG Live – who gave us their gold leaves and parrots to put in our window. It was so lovely of them and so cleverly done. We’re delighted to be able to show it in our window and lots of customers and passersby have been admiring and enjoying the tropical display.”

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PGLIVEREVIEW

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Rosanna Rossi e earrin Button an he Art File and have d iv L PG y T in January were entered in the draw, with Teresa’s at Bell llar Shake, at the show I like about “Th is is my first time at o t t Expressions Of Haddington store in East Lothian the lucky Five D did do a lo that’s wha PG Live and we’re looking , I name drawn out at PG Live. Second Nature sales manager Aitch. ming home for eve ryth ing, children’s co Tim West then called Teresa, who is now looking through since cards and men’s cards holiday websites for the family as, she said: “My kids are especially. I like Rosann a very excited and have plans for unlimited ice cream on an Rossi’s men’s ranges. We all-inclusive somewhere fabulous!” sell a lot of cards and, because we’ve been ope n five years now people are recognising designs and publishers so we need something fresh. We’ve just found Sarah Burma n Design, and our local sale s agent Maria is so good Katy & A bec aus e she comes in and my Ute Baure Preston, Arrowsm says ‘I know you don’t iths, Broad cker & Ulla Paul Winder, John Rop stairs, Ken normally stock these…

Klopf “We’ve o er & Ideas, ’, t, with Pab rdered fr Deal & Hythe, Kent, she did that with Rosann om uku’s a couple with the GCA’s a of years ag Pabuku before h Rossi and we’re trying Amanda Fergusson aving fou o. We wen and Mr P nd eb t for Dan them.” delion St them at this show Made A T bles, and Hanovi “There’s a great mu ationery – th h sical card from again too Hotdogs, ing. Then new to u eir old photos ar My Design Co, and Pozzi e great – and a love s are Pap they do the ertson, JP b o R and Rosie agrazi, D h ly girl, So show bef id it Cra cker card too, both Dav y, w an ore and re phie Brab of which I lgin, Mora t bins. We’ gerFox and Dolly al find new like. I’ve@greetingstoday & Bijou, E www.facebook.com/greetingstodaymag known Amanda sin ve all bee things – an ly like it, it’s well es-Blacket ce she n n to the worth us Jo d you get y d sta rted working in my Wen going as w a lovely lu shop in 1979!” e always nch too!”

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PGLIVEREVIEW

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Jenny Cummins, McMillan Cards & Paper, Australia, with Sara Burford & Sarah Fitzpatrick, Cinnamon Aitch, and on Belly Button Design’s stand work “I always come to London for PG Live, we love this show. I lovely with Cinnamon Aitch and Belly Button are one of our very I’m suppliers. I’m looking at their new Wild Thing range which I really excited about. I love the size, and love the way it’s finished. yet love the designs. I haven’t even taken them on board properly special.” but I just know when you see something special, and this is

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Liz Stevenson & Jo Parker, You, Stamford, Lincs, with Belly Button’s Rachel Hare “It’s one of our favourite shows because we always find lots of new people, which we did upstairs in Springboard. We try to get quite a lot of our Christmas there too. We already deal with Belly Button so it was nice to see their new ranges. And at Stop The Clock they had a really nice new range and a new men’s one. On the newbies we found Catherine Lewis, who is new to us, and we did an everyday range order and Christmas as well with her.”

pig ne Porter, Moon berts, & Sarah-Ja loe Allum, Sian Ro che and Ch an , Bl am rte Timothy Melgund reh Ca Bo e le Da blishers lik , Paperchase, with this show quite a few pu William Allardice, Archivis and we come to em “We work with th of t st mo ch mu ty s.” et rn pr , tte pa “We’ve known ing sh Paperlink bli pu w ea ch other for 30 nds and ne years and we still stock Ar to look for tre chivist. I don’t bu y any longer, the team are here for that, always looking around to see wh but I’m at’ it’s great chatting s new and with old friends here.”

Dean Morris, Dean Morris Cards, with Etc, Camden Passage, London, and at the first night drinks party with Cinnamon Aitch, Handcrafted Card Co, Bloodshot Cards, Jolly Awesome, Ohh Deer and Greetings Today “I attended my very trade show here at the BDC in the summer of 1999 and I’m still here for another. It was a lovely first day and is always a pleasure to catch up with fellow card peeps. I’m not always the most positive or social person but this show always reminds I love the industry I’m in.”

London, with Gallery, Kensington, Tim Reynolds, Medici oe esh odl Jane Brown, Do there’s so r since it started and “I’ve been every yea all the brands for se wca sho at gre much variety, it’s a ished ones the wonderful establ across the board, all ones upstairs. new the to s rise erp like Fitzwilliam Ent for the the vouchers we get I always like to spend ead it spr to s, bie new the on Retas nominations from this had two for £75, one around a little. We Doodleshoe for nt we I r. yea year and one from last es Honey. rlie went for Hux Lov and my colleague Cha re charming, we y the , out od sto ds larly liked I thought Jane’s car ssage across – I particu ber simple but got the me h the num wit ea, r-t Fou ea, her Tea cards, Thir-t does some aming away, and she and a cup of tea ste and dog section cat a e hav We . cat and dog cards too that’s good.” nently in the shop so pretty much perma

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d, ighton Buzzar r, Metalyka, Le with , es yn Ke Nicholas Skyla on Stratford, Milt Beds & Stony Sun er, Blue Eyed rn Co y m re Je n’t place any ful show. I do good look er nd wo a s lly jo “It wa a d ha I s but my orders at show like to say who caught n’t oughly around – I do ry good show and I thor ve eye! It was a elf.” enjoyed mys

Paul & Rachel Ro berts, of Mooch, Northampton, spending their £5 0 Retas voucher with Jo Wilson, of Dandelion Statio nery

www.greetingstoday.co.uk 25

ON THE LINE

INTERNET INFORMATION

Busy bunnies J

UNE and July are a surprisingly busy time for us here at Wishes.

Of course, there’s Father’s Day, and Thank You Teacher has turned into a mini season but we’ve also a number of community projects ready to launch too.

With print and digital deadlines approaching, we’re working our fingers to the bone and there will be many a late night as we try to get everything sorted on time.

Our community projects have become an integral part of our shop’s values as, by encouraging people to shop locally, hopefully all of Cudworth High Street will benefit.

Small businesses like Wishes are at the heart of our communities and we truly believe in putting a little back into the area where our shop is based.

While we may not actually live in Cudworth, we do our best to not only promote our own shop but the village as a whole, therefore, when it comes to social media we not only run our Wishes accounts but have online profiles for Cudworth too.

Our community projects are run through our Cudworth Businesses & Community Together group, made up of local businesses and residents. We meet once a month to discuss initiatives and events with the goal of making the village a better place to live, work and prosper. We also have a Facebook group to discuss action points and any urgent issues.

As chairman of the group it sometimes feels like another job, with all the stress and hours that involves but there’s a great satisfaction when things go to plan – last year we helped raise enough money to buy new Christmas lights for the High Street. Current community projects include the third Cudworth Bunny Trail, a series of Cudworth Walking Maps, a Cudworth Calendar, a Remembrance Light project and the return of the Cudworth Christmas Fair.

We’re busy bunnies indeed and all these initiatives make great stories and help populate our social media feeds with feel-good posts.

Is it all trouble-free? Well no, sadly not every local business shares our community group’s enthusiasm for putting something back into the village. Be it apathy, disillusion or disappointment, I’ve found it better to focus on the positive businesses rather than endlessly rying to convert the few who may have given up. Plus, maybe they think I’m an annoying berk too!

Digital marketing plays a big role in our community projects. We have social media accounts on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook, where our Cudworth Village News page is a mix of business updates, events, local resources/information and our own projects.

Our online platforms are a direct way to talk with residents and recruit new members to our cult, sorry, group. With good daily interactions we often reach around 1,000 people each day and feel we have a small but positive impact.

We’re careful what we post online – we don’t share photos of people without their permission and avoid name-and-shame type posts which are increasingly common on social media. It’s easy to overstep the line online.

A recent post, now pinned to the top of our Facebook page, highlights that we’re volunteers and not the police or council. It’s tricky sometimes receiving messages about crimes or council services and not having the power to take direct action.

The contacts are a testament to the strength of our own online visibility but also emphasise that more and more people use social media to find out local information or to voice a concern, so local authorities should be ensuring useful and important information is readily available online.

Digital accessibility and a simple user experience

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All these initiatives make great stories and help populate our social media

Chris Fox is the digital content manger for greetings card and gift shop Wishes of Cudworth owned and run by partner Julia Keeling as well as the giftshophub.co.uk online resource for independent shops, small businesses and artists. Having learned how to take advantage of the opportunities offered by the internet and social media, he aims to pass on the online tips he’s discovered so far to help independent retailers boost their bricks and mortar businesses in the digital age.

66 www.greetingstoday.co.uk

should be the aim for local government and public services as well as our shops as digital communities are now just as connected and important as real-life ones.

Having read all the above you may be questioning why a small independent shop like ours devotes so much time to such projects when we could focus on promoting ourselves alone.

Many shops struggle to find the time for their own social media so I’m not going to suggest you start your own community association but simple actions help, like sharing another local business’ post or even just giving them a cheeky Facebook like or comment.

If there’s a local event share their poster online, if your library or community centre are running activities give them a mention and with any local issues you support then don’t be afraid to talk about it online.

For the second year running Wishes are up for a prestigious Retas award as finalists in the Best Greetings Card Retailer Initiative category for our Christmas programme, projects like the Christmas Lights and Fair.

This honour has led us to appearing in our local paper the Barnsley Chronicle, and we’ve appeared in local magazines too – all of which make great social media stories.

It’s like a mobius marketing loop with real-world projects feeding in to our online promotions, which help raise the profile of Cudworth, encouraging more people to get involved and help with new projects, which will then be promoted online...and on...and on... phew!

The Shop Local message is being shouted louder than ever and that surely means our stores should try to be part of our communities too.

To avoid going full-on League Of Gentlemen and proclaiming we’re a local shop for local people (we’ll have no trouble here) it’s vital to remember our customers are the most important people of all and that, together, we can make our towns, villages and High Streets just that little bit better.

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WARD’S WORDS

SARAH WARD

GIFTWARE ASSOCIATION

Give me a P please!

Being in business is no longer about simply producing goods and selling them for a profit, companies need to consider environmental effects and look after their staff too, especially in the gifts and greetings industry, as Sarah Ward discusses.

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T OUR recent Giftware Association members’ day, we wanted to look a bit more about how companies are made up and what they can focus on to be better as a business.

The day is, of course, about celebrating our industry and all the amazing gifts, greetings cards, products and ranges produced by some incredibly talented people but it’s good to try to help with some of the other aspects of running a company.

As anyone who has done this knows, when a business grows it can become harder to manage so you need to learn to put different processes in place.

One thing that’s very prominent in all industries at the moment, and something we’re constantly talking about, is the need to be more green and ethical in our businesses. To help with this, the triple bottom line is a good basis to start from and this focuses on the three Ps – People, Planet, Profit.

The triple bottom line is an accounting framework with three parts, social, environmental or ecological, and financial. Some organisations have adopted the TBL framework to evaluate their performance in a broader perspective to create greater business value.

With these three Ps in mind, the idea is to seek to gauge your firm’s level of commitment to corporate social responsibility and the impact you and your products are having on the environment over time.

Companies should be looking at all three elements to ensure that every part of their business is being taken into consideration to ensure they add up to be socially and environmentally responsible.

The three different measures to be considered are: ● People, the social equity bottom line – look at ensuring you have fair and beneficial business practices towards your workers as well as the community and region you’re based in. ● Planet, the environmental bottom line – work towards sustainable environmental practices so you benefit the natural order as much as possible or at the least do no harm and minimise environmental impact. ● Profit, the economic bottom line – this deals with the economic value created by your company after deducting the cost of all inputs, including capital tied up. Within a sustainability framework the profit aspect is the real economic benefit your company have on their economic environment.

‘

The triple bottom line is a good basis to start from

By focusing on these three interrelated elements, triple-bottom-line reporting can be an important tool to support a firm’s sustainability goals.

But it doesn’t come without its difficulties as, while profit is easier to manage being quantitative, how do we know when people are happy in

Sarah Ward is Chief Executive of the Giftware Association which is at the heart of the gift industry supporting members by offering invaluable advice and assistance. Coming originally from a retail background she then worked at Penny Kennedy gaining extensive knowledge in the card, wrap and stationery sector, and now utilises these skills across a broader environment.

T: 0121 236 2657 www.ga-uk.org

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the workplace, and can you put a price on the environmental impacts your company is making?

At our members’ day we covered the people side in our panel debate discussing the importance of looking after your staff and the need to have schemes in place for this, and for the planet, Evan Lewis from ethical business Vent For Change gave important tips on how to green your company.

Following this model in today’s modern world is highly recommended as businesses become ever more conscious of how their practices affect people’s lives, and especially in the greetings and giftware sectors where packaging and the environment are very prominent so companies are increasingly adopting or building on their already-existing social programmes.

Consumers want transparency now so businesses have to be honest and ethical in where they source everything right down to the materials used in manufacturing and how workers are treated to how environmentally friendly the packaging is.

Lego are a big company example, having partnered with the non-governmental organisation the World Wildlife Fund, and they have also made a commitment to reduce their carbon footprint and are working towards being 100 per cent renewable energy powered by 2030.

And, as of writing this, Lego are even aiming to replace their plastic bricks with a plant-based product in the near future.

There are plenty of companies in our industry who are producing fantastic environmental products while also looking at their internal processes, and we look forward to seeing many more in the future adopting the triple bottom line framework.

’

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STEP BACK IN TIME

Celebrating over 25 years of publishing Greetings and Greetings Today, here we step back in time each issue to five, 10, 15, and 20 years ago in the greetings card industry – Malcolm Naish

July 2014

● Carte Blanche show a sales increase of 24 per cent which sees them achieve a placing of 173rd in the Sunday Times HSBC International Track 200 of Britain’s privately owned companies with the fastest growing international sales.

● International Greetings welcome the Queen and Prince Philip to their new HQ (pictured left). It is a proud day for CEO Paul Fineman. His company hit a turnover of £224 million with profit before tax of £7.6 million. Overseas sales now account for 49% trading with 80 countries and 103,000 stores around the globe.Interestingly, foreign exchange fluctuations saw a turnover of £235m at the beginning of the year reduce down to £224m. Christmas Crackers are a big part of company sales, produced in the company’s own factory in China. 75 million crackers to be precise.

● Cardgains joint MD Chris Dyson and their team organise their annual charity day that saw over 80 people involved that included our editor Tracy Bearton (pictured right). It also celebrated their 25th anniversary with more than £25,000 raised for Peach – the charity for children with autism.

July 2009

● Clintons always seem to make the news. This month it is to wonder at their placing of the Birthdays group into administration and the buy-back of 196 of the best performing stores for peanuts, and also at much improved rents. In hindsight it would have been difficult to find another buyer, because if Clintons couldn’t make it work, who else could? We feel sorry for the smaller card suppliers who obviously don’t get paid and may not already supply Clintons. The buy-back cost was £3.5million. ● Paper House and Medici form a new card company, the Great British Card company.

● Danilo sign up Bruce Forsyth for a range of cards recording his classic sayings. Good game, good game! (pictured left)

July 2004

● Hallmark sign an exclusive deal with OK! magazine that will allow customers to personalise cards online with various options.

● The various ladies of the Greeting Card Association decide to bare calendar and begin the launch of this at the Home & Gift Fair in Harrogate. Does anyone still have a copy of their 2005 calendar?

all for a charity

● American retailers Border Group buy Paperchase, valuing the company at £18.6m. Borders Group are leading global retailers of books, music and movies with annual revenues of £2.91billion ($3.7bn). In 2004 Paperchase had 61 stores.

● We run a feature on Cute Cards that includes an interview with Clinton’s Debbie Lewin (pictured right). Miss Debbie, as she was known to many, cited the importance of 3D products and in particular the success of Forever Friends and Carlton’s teen brand Bubblegum. With plush and gift ranges from these brands, the growth of collectables considerably enhances both the sales and longevity of these brands. Other cute brands mentioned by some of the independent retailers contacted were Me To You from Carte Blanche, Bubble & Squeak from Nigel Quiney, Little Ditties from Paper Rose and the Tippy range from Hallmark.

July 1999

● There was no publication this month as we had just severed our links with the Greeting Card Association and, from September 1999, were starting afresh with Greetings Today, a truly free and independent title, able to tell it how it is. This is still true almost 20 years later with Greetings Today.

– Malcolm Naish

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Product & services directory greetings card publishers & party product suppliers

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Artistsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; directory To appear in Greetings Today please contact:

Simon Davis 01442 289930 simon@lemapublishing.co.uk envelopes

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