Greetings Today July August 2026

(t) 0116 230 4197 (w) www.mint-publishing.co.uk (e) sales@mint-publishing.co.uk

Lucy

Suppliers

Retailers

Advertising

Editor Naomi MacKay

leader

Isuppose we shouldn’t be too surprised that the heatwave decided to arrive just as we were putting together this ‘summer’ issue! It made for some early starts for the Greetings Today team, as we tried to get ahead of the hottest temperatures of the day and avoid melting over our keyboards.

Happily, as I write this just before we go to press, the weather has settled into something far more recognisably English summer-like – a little cloud, a welcome breeze, and temperatures that make venturing outside feel far more manageable.

The Harrogate Home & Gift Buyers’ Festival is renowned for delivering sunny weather, and when we asked exhibitors to share their memories of favourite shows gone by, it seems sunshine has played its part in many of them. Sue Morrish from The Eco-friendly Card Co., which returns to the show for the first time in 10 years, has particularly fond recollections of those bright summer days. As she tells us in our show preview starting on page 16:

“When my boys were small, we’d rent a holiday cottage in the local area and Scott would go o and explore the countryside with the children while I worked the show. And it was always sunny!”

At the moment, forecasts suggest Harrogate might be a little cooler this year, sitting at around 19C – or 66F for those of us who still like our temperatures in old money! It sounds pretty perfect, and certainly far more comfortable for anyone transporting boxes of cards, wrap, stationery, gifts, and all the other goodies that make up the show’s stands.

Whatever the weather decides to do, you’ll find a treasure trove of exciting new products within our show preview pages, giving you the chance to plan your visit and discover what’s waiting for you in the halls before you set o .

While exhibitors have been enjoying reminiscing about shows gone by, our Cover Star is bringing back a brand that will be nostalgic for many of us. The late 1990s saw the phenomenal rise of Bubblegum, which grew from a greeting card brand into a full-blown cultural phenomenon. Most Millennials will remember owning a Groovy Chick or Cool Dude duvet cover, pencil case, T-shirt or mug at some point! Now, UK Greetings is bringing those much-loved characters back, alongside some new friends, to bring the brand to those with fond memories, as well as to a whole new generation. Find out more about the new greeting card and gift dressing range on page 12.

It’s one of the lovely – and sometimes slightly confusing – quirks of our industry that while we’re enjoying sunshine and thinking about holidays, our retailers and publishers are already preparing for Christmas. Our Diary of a Card Shop columnist and Retas award winner, the lovely Lucy Eason from George’s in the Kent seaside town of Whitstable, shares how she has been planning her Christmas orders while wearing flip flops and sitting in front of a fan. She

Send your views and submissions for the magazine to naomi@lemapublishing.co.uk

has more stories to share on page 41, which she managed to put down on paper before heading o for a well-earned dip in the sea! As someone who lives about as far away from the seaside as you possibly can in the UK, I’m not jealous at all…

And if you need some inspiration for topping up your own festive orders, head to page 46.

And talking of coastal visits, while many of us are looking forward to well-earned breaks after Harrogate, agent Richard Pass managed an earlier getaway to Disneyland Paris with his grandchildren. But this wasn’t just any family trip – he also took along a couple of plush friends from his clients, before finishing the adventure with a visit to PG Live. For what it’s worth, Richard says he wouldn’t recommend combining a theme park trip with excited children with a trade show schedule! You can read more about his adventures on page 37.

Enjoy the issue – and, whatever the weather, we hope it brings inspiration for the months ahead.

As ever, the Greetings Today team will be out and about at Harrogate, so please do say hello.

And if you’d like to contribute to the magazine I’d love to hear from you. Drop me a line at naomi@lemapublishing.co.uk

The Art File attains B Corp

The Art File team say they are thrilled beyond measure to announce that they are now a Certified B Corporation.

Over the past two years, they have been working hard behind the scenes to pass the B Lab assessment and join a community of 2,700 other UK B Corp companies.

Becoming B Corp is a huge milestone for The Art File. B Corp is not just a certification; it’s a movement and a promise from businesses to always try to do their best. The Art File team are incredibly grateful to count themselves among the B Corp community now, and they are excited to see what the future brings.

Ged Mace, managing director, said: “As we grow as a company, we’re always looking at ways of how we can improve everything we do. B Corp seemed the ideal opportunity for The Art File to review how we nurture our team, how we look after our customers, the closeness of our relationships with our supply chain, the nature of what we produce and its impact on our community and our sustainability. It’s been an extraordinary journey, and we have all learned so much.”

Cardfactory Foundation and Centrepoint support 11,600 young people in first year

The cardfactory Foundation and leading youth homelessness charity Centrepoint have announced the first-year impact of their threeyear, £1.5m Bright Future Initiative partnership, revealing that 11,648 young people have already been supported across the UK.

Launched in May 2025 through the cardfactory Foundation’s Life Moments Fund, the Bright Future Initiative aims to embed trauma-informed, psychologically informed support across Centrepoint’s services nationwide.

In its first year alone, the partnership has delivered specialist psychological support for 107 young people, with every young person reporting an improved quality of life, while also providing PIE (Psychologically Informed Environment) training to 223 Centrepoint staff members and 62 partner charities across the UK.

The initiative has additionally improved 37 accommodation services and 460 young people’s homes, helping to create safer and more welcoming spaces, while ensuring all 939 Centrepoint residents across 60 services received a gift during the Christmas period.

The partnership has also significantly expanded access to specialist mental health support for vulnerable young people at a time when NHS waiting lists remain a major barrier to care.

Pushpinder Gill (pictured above), head of cardfactory Foundation, said: “The impact we’ve seen in the first year of this partnership has been extraordinary. Behind every number is a young person at a moment of crisis who has been given support, stability and hope at a critical point in their life.’’

The partnership will continue over the next two years, with plans to expand specialist support, extend PIE training across the homelessness sector and continue improving environments and opportunities for young people facing homelessness.

Home Bargains founder buys into Carte Blanche

Carte Blanche Group has confirmed a change in ownership.

The move, on June 5, follows the long-term strategic intention of the existing majority shareholders, Steve Haines and Duncan Spence, to exit the business, marking a planned and positive step in the company’s evolution.

Incoming shareholder Tom Morris has acquired Steve and Duncan’s interests in the company as an investment only and will not assume any operational role or be involved in the day-to-day running of the business. Although Tom is the founder and owner of Home Bargains, the company has stated that his acquisition in Carte Blanche Group is a private investment and that Carte Blanche will remain a separate trading entity.

The company’s leadership team – chief executive officer Alister Marchant (pictured above right), and financial director Rob Edgerton – will retain their shareholdings and remain in their positions and continue to oversee all strategic, commercial, and operational activity. In a press release, the company stated: ‘’Their ongoing involvement ensures stability, continuity, and a consistent approach to serving customers and partners.’’

Alister Marchant commented: “This ownership transition reflects the desires of the exiting shareholders, Steve and Duncan. We thank them and wish them all the best for the future. It was very important that we found the right investor, and with Tom we have a shared vision that we will work to make reality, which secures the business, our people and our brands strongly for the future.”

Alister added: “We have engaged with many customers and suppliers from across all channels in the business and are pleased to confirm their strong support for both the change in ownership and our continued direction. Our team remains fully committed to delivering the same high standards our customers expect from us, and trading relationships remain unchanged.”

Jo Couch named finalist in Enterprise Vision Awards

llustrator and greeting card publisher Jo Couch has been named as a finalist in the UK’s Enterprise Vision Awards

Jo, who is based in North Lincolnshire, is a finalist in the Theo Paphitis #SBS Small Business category in the 2026 Enterprise Vision Awards, the UK’s largest celebration of women in business.

She said: “I am so honoured to be a finalist and to stand alongside such wonderful and inspiring women entrepreneurs. Being a finalist in the SBS category is especially meaningful as SBS have been there at the start of my business journey, winning the Small Business Sunday award back in 2023 and more recently the Spring Fair Tradeshow Stand back in February this year, which has transformed my business beyond words.

“My work is all about bringing my imagination to life and using storytelling through greeting cards to help people connect and celebrate moments in life. The fact I get to do this as a career while also being recognised for my work, is something I’m incredibly grateful for.”

The Enterprise Vision Awards recognise outstanding women entrepreneurs across the UK. Finalists are selected through a rigorous application and judging process, with the award ceremony taking place in October.

IN THE NEWS Report shows community is key to retail growth

Spring & Autumn Fair, in partnership with Faire, has revealed new insight showing that community-building is emerging as one of the most powerful and underused growth drivers for independent retailers.

The findings, taken from the recently launched Voices of Retail 2026 report, show that 46% of consumers actively choose retailers that create a sense of community, while 89% of retailers who collaborate with other businesses report positive commercial impact, including increased footfall, stronger brand awareness and new customer acquisition. Despite the proven benefits, just 23% of retailers are actively collaborating today.

The report, produced by Spring & Autumn Fair and Faire, surveyed 650 independent retailers and more than 2,000 UK consumers to better understand what is driving growth on Britain’s high streets. According to the findings, shoppers are increasingly seeking experiences, connection and personality from retail, rather than simply convenience or low prices. More than a third (36%) of consumers say they would visit their local high street more often if there were more events and experiences, while over half want community-led experiences such as markets and food tastings.

Charlotte Broadbent, UK general manager at Faire, said; “What’s really interesting in the data is that community-building doesn’t need to mean large budgets or complicated campaigns. The retailers seeing success are often doing very simple things consistently well. It might be remembering customers by name, hosting a small monthly event, collaborating with another local business, or creating experiences that bring people together. Those moments create emotional connection, and emotional connection drives loyalty, advocacy and repeat visits.”

As part of the insight, Spring & Autumn Fair and Faire have outlined five practical ways retailers can begin building stronger communities around their businesses:

• Recognise and engage regular customers

• Create small but repeatable in-store experiences

• Collaborate with neighbouring businesses

• Build rituals and experiences customers want to belong to

• Get involved in wider local initiatives and community activity.

The Voices of Retail 2026 report is available to download now at: www.springfair.com/voices-retail-report

Peppa Pig adventures continue as

Tache expands licensed collection

Award-winning greeting card publisher Tache’s licensed Peppa Pig greeting card collection has launched into both Peppa Pig Battersea Power Station and Peppa Pig Newcastle, bringing even more smiles to little fans and their families

For the family-run publisher, the partnership feels like a natural fit. Known for its playful, colourful and hand-finished cards, the Tache team believes the joyful spirit of Peppa Pig perfectly complements its designled approach to juvenile cards.

Autumn Fair launches Counter Talks Stage

Autumn Fair has unveiled the first details of its 2026 content programme, including the launch of its new Counter Talks Stage, a dedicated platform designed to tackle the issues, trends and commercial realities shaping modern independent retail.

Taking place at the NEC Birmingham from September 6-9, Autumn Fair’s new content o ering has been built in response to the findings of the recently launched Voices of Retail 2026 report. The report highlighted some of the biggest challenges currently facing retailers, including rising retail crime, changing consumer behaviour, the growing importance of experienceled retail, the pressure on margins, and the increasing need for stronger storytelling, community-building and digital engagement.

Designed to reflect these conversations, the Counter Talks Stage will bring together leading voices from across retail, social media, visual merchandising, technology, business strategy and licensing for a series of free-to-attend talks and workshops focused on practical, actionable insight that retailers can take straight back to their businesses.

Speakers announced so far include:

John Abbate, economic growth lead for high streets, Westminster City Council and online visual merchandising tutor, SDEA: With more than two decades of experience shaping retail environments for brands including Ralph Lauren, Levi’s and Alfred Dunhill, John will explore how visual merchandising and store design can strengthen emotional connection, customer engagement and in-store experience at a time when physical retail must work harder than ever to stand out.

Alison Battisby, founder, Avocado Social: A leading social media strategist with more than 15 years’ experience helping brands including John Lewis, Tesco, Etsy and Estée Lauder grow through digital channels. Alison’s sessions will focus on how independent retailers can turn social media into a genuine driver of footfall and sales at a time when organic reach is increasingly di cult and every marketing investment needs to work harder.

Featuring colourful handmade designs, premium finishes and milestone birthday cards, the collection has continued to perform strongly across independent retailers, toy shops, gift shops and destination venues.

Founder Pennie Bryant said: “We design every card with the aim of making people smile, so knowing that our cards will be given to little Peppa Pig fans as they celebrate birthdays and special milestones is incredibly exciting. To know that our designs will become part of such happy memories is a real proud moment for us as a business.”

Andrew Goodacre, CEO of the British Independent Retailers Association (BIRA), and Superintendent Lisa Maslen, National Business Crime Centre, City of London Police: Andrew and Lisa will address the growing impact of retail crime. Andrew is a leading advocate for independent retailers and a regular commentator on retail policy and crime, while Lisa draws on more than 20 years of policing experience and her national role tackling organised retail crime. Together, they will provide practical guidance on tackling shoplifting and abuse against retail sta , sharing strategies retailers can adopt to better protect their stores, teams and profitability.

Steve Manners, UK managing director, Licensing International: With extensive experience helping retailers and brands unlock growth and reach new audiences, Steve will demystify one of retail’s most e ective ways to tap into consumer demand. Drawing on real-world examples and current market trends, he will explain how licensing works, why it remains such a valuable tool for retailers, and how businesses of all sizes can get involved.

Elyse McAvoy, industry & trends expert at Faire: Elyse will reveal the latest consumer insights, buying behaviours and product trends set to shape the season ahead in The Independent Signal: Growth Strategies & Trends Shaping the Season Ahead. This session maps what independent retailers are doing to grow: what they’re stocking, what consumers say they want, and where the biggest opportunities lie.

The programme will also feature sessions exploring the latest retail and consumer trends, AI, live shopping, retail data and brand storytelling, with contributions from industry leaders and Google-led workshops focused on helping retailers make better use of some of the most important digital tools now freely available to businesses of all sizes.

For more information and to register, visit www.autumnfair.com

Just add your town

Turns out almost everything is funnier when it’s local.

The Cocktail Club. The Bridge Club. Bond Villains and Birthday Queens. Add your town and suddenly you’ve got a range of cards your customers won’t find anywhere else.

That’s the idea behind Timmy Loves.

Playful, personality-packed greeting cards built around one simple idea: your shop, your town. Every design is created especially for you, giving your customers something they’ll only find on your shelves.

The designs celebrate all those wonderfully familiar characters and moments, then put your town right in the middle of them. Suddenly the fun feels closer to home. Customers pick them up, point at them, laugh, then immediately think, “That’s so you’’.

Because the best greeting cards don’t just make people laugh. They make them think of someone.

Words matter. But local words? They just hit differently.

Local characters. Local cards. Local love.

Owner Tim Clark says: ‘’Everything is printed to order in the UK, which means I create new designs all the time, giving you more choice and helping keep your greeting card display full of local fun and regularly refreshed with new designs. It also means there’s so much less waste. Better for you, better for the planet too.

‘’All of my greeting cards, art prints and gift wrap are printed on premium FSC-certified materials and my cards are supplied with an eco-kraft envelope in bio-cello bags, naked if needed.’’

Ready to make it yours?

Order through Faire, add your town and Tim will do the rest. If you’re new to Faire, you’ll also receive 50% off your first order, courtesy of Faire.

Tim adds: ‘’I genuinely love designing Add Your Town products for shops like yours – celebrating the local legends and characters that make every town its only little fabulous world.

‘’If I can help with anything at all, just say the word.’’

Timmy Loves Your Town!

Timmy Loves

07947 257597

hello@timothylove.me

https://timmyloves.faire.com

Royal Mail update

The GCA attended a meeting at Royal Mail recently to discuss working together to grow the number of greeting cards posted.

Prior to the meeting, the GCA reached out to the industry via a survey, which included a number of marketing initiatives devised by the GCA and Royal Mail. Retailers and publishers across the country fed back their thoughts and ranked the ideas.

The results of the survey were taken to the Royal Mail by Ashton Duckitt (UKG), Pip Heywood (thortful), Wendy Jones-Blackett, Seth Woodmansterne and cardfactory’s Sam Hornsby.

GCA CEO Amanda Fergusson said: ‘’A big thank you to all GCA members who took the time to respond to our survey. Your input enabled us to present clear, direct feedback from greeting card retailers and publishers on what would genuinely help increase sales of posted cards, and that insight made a real difference in the discussion. The meeting was productive and collaborative, and we are meeting again in July to discuss in more detail potential activity for Christmas 2026.”

The GCA will also continue to be in contact with Ofcom and Royal Mail on the importance of a reliable and affordable postal service to our industry.

www.gca.cards/gca-meets-royal-mail-a-positive-step-forward

Get your conference ticket

The conference takes place in Milton Keynes on Thursday September 24.

Tickets are now selling fast, and there is a limit on numbers, so do book your place asap.

There will be plenty of retail insight on the industry during the day.

Cydney Ball from John Lewis will be speaking, and GCA vice president Mark Callaby (right) will lead a retail panel to discuss insights on emerging trends, what retailers are looking for from publishers and suppliers, and practical advice on how to get your products stocked in retail spaces. Mark said: “This session is a fantastic opportunity to hear directly from buyers across both indie and multiple retail and gain real-world guidance to help strengthen your retail strategy.’

Retailers on the panel will be Jo Barber from No 14, Ampthill, Tanya Rounding and Ross Lasseter (Tesco) and Louise Cambridge (Stamp).

More information and booking details at: www.gca.cards/gca-annual-conference-and-agm

spotlight

Time for tea

Following the success of Grace Jackson Design’s Time for Tea collection at Spring Fair 2026, the new Tea Cup Collection expands on the theme of Britain’s enduring love affair with tea through a series of 10 intricately diecut greeting cards shaped as teacups and saucers.

Inspired by the Spode Blue Italian tableware that featured prominently in Grace Jackson’s childhood home, the collection blends heritage influences with a contemporary colour palette of blues, teals and soft pinks. Each design features delicate bamboo and botanical motifs, enhanced with luxurious gold foil stars and trailing vines that bring a sense of occasion and elegance to the range.

Sentiments including ‘You’re My Cup of Tea’, ‘Birthday Wishes’ and ‘Party Time’ make the collection suitable for a variety of celebrations, while the shaped format transforms the card into something more giftable and memorable. Rooted in nostalgia yet designed for today’s consumer, the Tea Cup Collection taps into ongoing interest in British heritage, afternoon tea culture and beautifully considered paper goods, offering retailers a distinctive addition to the contemporary card fixture.

Grace Jackson Design 07902 875014

hello@gracejacksondesign.co.uk gjdesignwholesale.co.uk

On the cards…

Jazz up your game night with new playing cards from Rosie Made A Thing. Available in three bestselling designs, each pack is crammed full of favourite Rosie characters, bringing plenty of personality to the table. So even if your hand is rubbish, you’re still having fun.

The perfect, easy pick-me-up gift, Christmas stocking filler or justbecause treat, they’re ideal for anyone who loves a laugh with their shuffle. Small enough to pop into a travel bag, handbag or drawer for emergency entertainment, they’re great for holidays, weekends away, family gatherings or rainy afternoons.

Each pack contains 54 cards including the joker, all made with high-quality card for a satisfyingly smooth shuffle and proper game-night feel. Designed to sit happily next to the brand’s cards, stationery and gifts – basically part of the gang already.

Rosie Made A Thing

0116 4062000 | office@rosiemadeathing.co.uk www.trade.rosiemadeathing.co.uk

Chocolate that gets laughs

Cocoa & Paper’s handmade Belgian chocolate bars deliver big laughs, sweet moments and unforgettable gifts.

Cocoa & Paper creates handcrafted Belgian chocolate bars designed to bring smiles before the first bite. Each mini bar is decorated with edible artwork and playful puns, making every chocolate a memorable keepsake as well as a delicious treat.

Made with premium Belgian milk chocolate and decorated by hand, every bar is finished with colourful sprinkles and beautifully packaged, ready for gifting. Perfect for friends, family, teachers, colleagues, and anyone who appreciates great chocolate and a good laugh.

From celebrating milestones to brightening someone’s day, Cocoa & Paper’s chocolate bars turn simple moments into memorable ones – because thoughtful gifts should always be a little bit fun.

Cocoa & Paper hello@cocoaandpaper.co.uk www.cocoaandpaper.co.uk

Sweet celebrations

SANTORO is adding even more magic to its award-winning 3D Pop Ups collection with vibrant new designs created to turn life’s special moments into unforgettable celebrations (and keepsakes)!

Leading the recent launch is the charming Home Sweet Home Swing Card, a joyful tribute to new beginnings. Popping with colourful details and welcoming touches, it’s the perfect way to celebrate housewarmings, first homes, moving days, and exciting new chapters. For younger celebrants, the playful Birthday Train Pirouette brings birthday wishes to life with a colourful 360-degree spinning design packed with festive fun, creating an interactive keepsake that’s sure to delight children on their special day.

Also joining the collection is the Book Owl Swing Card, a thoughtful design celebrating educational milestones and achievements, from graduations and exam successes to back-to-school moments.

Together, these celebration-focused additions showcase the creativity and craftsmanship that have made SANTORO’s 3D greetings a standout success. Full of colour, personality, and SANTORO’s signature paper engineering, the collection offers retailers fresh designs that help customers mark life’s happiest moments in a truly memorable way.

SANTORO

020 878 11104

sales@santoro-london.com

https://santorotrade.com

Cottage core and eternity

Joe Davies is serving up a fresh helping of home and garden charm with the new Pantry Planters collection, a gorgeous range of jar-shaped planters with a nostalgic twist. Available in small, medium and large sizes, the collection features playful designs inspired by much-loved pantry favourites, including Marmalade, Strawberry Jam, Blackberry Jam and Tomato Sauce. With their cottage-core feel, cheerful novelty appeal and gently retro styling, these characterful planters are perfect for adding a little personality to windowsills, shelves, kitchen corners and garden rooms. Sitting comfortably in both modern and traditional homes, they offer garden centres and independent gift shops an eye-catching range that feels familiar, fun and wonderfully giftable.

The new Equilibrium Eternal Collection, meanwhile, celebrates the beauty and meaning behind one of jewellery’s most iconic shapes – the circle. Symbolising unity, eternity and endless connection, the unbroken circle design gives this elegant collection a deeper narrative, while maintaining a clean, contemporary aesthetic. Featuring beautifully coordinated necklaces, bracelets and earrings, each piece is plated in genuine silver or gold for a timeless finish that appeals across all ages. With strong gifting appeal and easy-to-wear styling, the Eternal Collection is perfectly placed for independent retailers looking to put meaningful jewellery in the spotlight. Reflecting the growing trend for simple, classic jewellery over overly complex styles, the collection offers effortless versatility, transitioning seamlessly from relaxed daytime dressing to sophisticated evening glamour. Stylish yet understated, these circle-inspired designs prove that jewellery can make a statement not only through its look, but through the sentiment it carries.

Joe Davies

0161 975 6300

sales@joedavies.co.uk | www.joedavies.co.uk

Extroverted style

Drawing on their backgrounds in advertising photography, the Ornament Art team have gone all out for their latest collection of premium cards, The Exhibitionists. Stunningly styled with vintage antiques and lavish feasts, the designs are hand-finished with archivequality photo art images mounted onto debossed neon cards, reminiscent of vintage book plates. In keeping with the extroverted aesthetic, each design is partnered with a neon pink envelope and comes with a decorative sealing sticker to elevate the card sending experience.

Ornament Art 07971704650

joanne@ornament

www.ornament.art

Bubblegum

Beloved by a generation and synonymous with late-90s and early-2000s nostalgia, Bubblegum

by UK Greetings is back

UK Greetings (UKG) is relaunching the muchloved property that introduced the world to fan favourites Groovy Chick and Cool Dude. From its debut in 1996, Bubblegum grew from a successful greeting card range into a cultural phenomenon, spawning extensive licensing programmes, appearing on the sitcom Friends and even being a McDonald’s Happy Meal toy. It reached

a brand value of approximately £350 million and secured a lasting place in the hearts of consumers, with Bubblegum becoming one of the UK’s most successful character brands. Now, as it celebrates its 30th anniversary, UK Greetings is bringing the much-loved brand back to market, reconnecting with long-time fans and introducing its iconic characters to a new generation.

Sandi Parisi, UKG product director, comments on the strategic decision to relaunch Bubblegum: “We’ve talked about bringing Bubblegum back for several years, but we felt now was the right moment. Millennials in particular have a strong connection to the brands and products they grew up with, and we’re seeing nostalgia play an increasingly important role in purchasing decisions. At the same time, the rise of the ‘kidult’ consumer – adults who embrace the toys, games and experiences they loved as children – reflects a growing appetite for nostalgia, community and moments of escapism. Combined with the resurgence of 90s and early 2000s culture across fashion and popular culture, it felt like the perfect time to bring Bubblegum back, introducing it to a new generation while reconnecting with those who remember it fondly.”

Ben Whittington, UKG creative director – humour, character & licensing, adds: “As we approached the relaunch, we didn’t want to simply revisit the original artwork, and position Bubblegum solely as a nostalgia brand. The character archetypes are timeless, and we knew there was an opportunity to appeal to both existing fans and entirely new audiences. That’s why we’ve developed new

characters, fresh creative assets and updated style guides for 2026, ensuring that Bubblegum feels as relevant and engaging today as it did 30 years ago.”

That was then, this is now

While nostalgia has played a key role in Bubblegum’s return, the relaunch has been firmly focused on the future. Working collaboratively across product management, consumer insights and creative teams, UK Greetings set out to understand who the Bubblegum consumer is in 2026. Research highlighted strong appeal among the brand’s original Millennial fans, while also uncovering growing interest from Gen Z consumers embracing retro-inspired products, as well as the children of those who grew up with Bubblegum the first time around. Armed with these insights, the team developed a comprehensive suite of new style guides and product applications, which were unveiled to the licensing industry at Brand Licensing Europe (BLE) last October, laying the foundations for a new era of Bubblegum.

Ben Whittington comments: “When I joined UK Greetings in the late 90s, Bubblegum was really blowing up – pun intended! I spent many of my early years at UK Greetings designing Bubblegum cards alongside my creative director and Bubblegum creator, Phil Renshaw. Fast forward more than 20 years and I’m now sitting in the creative director’s chair, Phil has come out of Bubblegum retirement, and we’re backed by an incredibly talented new generation of character designers who have brought fresh energy and

Phil Renshaw and Rachel Wood who worked on Bubblegum back in the day

is back!

ideas to the brand. The new collection oozes nostalgia while at the same time pushing the brand forward, appealing to old and new fans alike.”

June marked the next major milestone in Bubblegum’s return as UK Greetings unveiled its new greeting card and gift dressings collections at PG Live. From sponsored tote bags and branding in the show’s lunchroom to the unveiling of products launching the same month, UKG ensured Bubblegum’s comeback was impossible to miss, making a bold statement at the industry event. Visitors were also treated to an exclusive first look at upcoming Christmas and Spring Seasons ranges, alongside teasers of future product development.

The response from retailers and industry attendees was overwhelmingly positive, with many delighted by the return of a beloved brand, while others were drawn to its fresh new direction.

The comeback cards

The new Bubblegum greeting card collections, available to order now, see the return of classic favourites such as Groovy Chick and Cool Dude, alongside new characters for 2026, including Total Baddie and Top Hun. The designs bring each character to life through bold typography, bright neons and holographic foils.

Bubblegum is also available across all captions, celebrating the special girls in our lives with bright foils and a touch of leopard print. The guys are covered too, with a cool collection for fab fellas. Milestone age designs can be seen from miles away thanks to sparkly holographic finishes. Big occasions deserve big words, with designs bringing all the fun through colourful foil gradients and playful characters.

Bringing the big gift energy, Bubblegum’s gift dressings collection has a fab range of gift bags in large and medium sizes, and awesome roll wrap. Groovy Chick and the crew will add their own unique fun style to gifts for all occasions with this cool collection, launching July.

A brand beyond cards

The launch of the greeting card and gift dressings collections coincides with the first wave of licensed products, including clothing and phone cases through a partnership with Skinnydip, as well as personalised cards and mugs with Moonpig. Bubblegum has also signed with licensing partner Fashion UK, paving the way for an expanded range of products across retail.

Over the past 10 months, the marketing team has been building excitement around Bubblegum’s return, reconnecting with those who loved the brand first time around while introducing it to a new generation of fans.

Gabriella Peace, marketing communications manager, says: “Through nostalgia-led social content, trend-driven campaigns, community engagement, influencer partnerships and PR activity, we’ve been re-establishing Bubblegum as a culturally relevant brand with real fan appeal. Every touchpoint has been designed to drive awareness, build brand a nity and create genuine demand ahead of launch. The goal is simple: to build a loyal fandom, grow an engaged Bubblegum community and make sure the brand returns bigger, bolder and more relevant than ever.”

Get ready for the most exciting brand revival of 2026!

Get in touch

with UKG’s sales team on 01924 436384 www.ukgreetings.co.uk

www.myukgaccount.co.uk

@Bubblegumclub_o cial

Then and now: Phil Renshow and Ben Whittington

The feel-good show of the summer

If there’s one trade show I genuinely look forward to every year, it’s Harrogate Home & Gi . I’ve b een attending for well over a decade, and for me, it has a completely di erent feel to any other industry event. It’s less “trade show” and more summer festival – relaxed, friendly, full of energy, and the perfect place to discover new products, reconnect with familiar faces, and have those conversations that simply don’t happen over email.

If you’re visiting this year, make sure you spend some time in DP1 and DP4, where you’ ll nd the majority of the greeting card publishers exhibiting. Whether you’re looking to discover exciting new talent or catch up with established publishers, these tents are well worth exploring.

One of the things I love most about Harrogate is its reach. B eing in Yorkshire, it attracts a fantastic mix of retailers from across the North of England and Scotland, while many retailers still make the journey from further a eld because it’s simply such a worthwhile show.

Sadly, I won’t be there in person this year as I’ ll be away, but I’m delighted that the newest memb er of the Greetings Lab team, Rut h, will be attending on my behalf. If you see her walking the halls, please do stop and say hello

I’m shining a spotlight on some of the fantastic greeting card publishers exhibiting at this year’s show. Whether you’re planning your visit or simply looking for inspiration, I hope you’ll discover a few brilliant brands to add to your must-see list.

Happy Harrogate!

We are delighted to announce the o cial launch of the new Dashing Dogs Paw-ty Edition, Let’s Raise the Woof!, at Harrogate Home & Gift, 19–22 July.

This charming new mini range features nine hand-drawn designs in our distinctive animated brush-and-ink style, capturing the joyful energy and playful personalities of dogs celebrating in style. Flowing ribbons, colourful party bunting and heart-shaped balloons bring a sense of fun, movement and celebration to every card.

design

Ruth from Greetings L ab will be on hand at Harrogate Home & Gi to connect buyers with the must-have brands.

We made the cards we couldn’t find. Bright, bold, and with something real to say. For young people looking for their own language. For men wanting to show up for their mates. For ravers doing grown-up things, and bringing colour to the sad times.

Since our Harrogate debut last year, we’ve grown to 100+ stockists (including our dream national), been named Henries finalists, and made serious noise in the industr y. We’re just getting started.

And the disco balls? They’re made of broken pieces, yet they’re still the most magical thing in the room. People are a bit like that too.

Happy Street are showcasing an exciting selection of designs at this year ’s Home & Gift , including their bold Banana Park range. They design exceptional greeting cards that stand out from the crow d, printed on premium, luxury board.

What began as a long-held dream between experienced industry designer s Natalie and Sally has evolved into a powerhouse partnership, driven by a mutual passion to create eye-catching graphics .

A must-have for stockists looking to brighten their customer s’ day. Discover five new ranges launching at Harrogate, perfect for birthdays and ever yday smil es .

happystreetcards.co.uk

www.lovelossdiscoballs.co.uk

As well as some new additions to Marc’s popular humour selection, at this year’s Home & Gift he is relaunching his most talked about collection, Showtime. Now featuring beautiful foiled, special finishes.

Showtime aims to celebrate the joy of going to the theatre, sparked by the Instagram trend of photographing your theatre programme from your seat, with the stage in the background.

A celebration for theatre lovers to share the spotlight themselves. With eight, A6 sized cards currently in the range for birthdays and every day smiles.

marcolooks.faire.com

Bringing an explosion of bright colour and cheeky humour to this year’s Home & Gift, Lovely Paper Stu is a must-see for retail buyers. They deliver pure personality on paper and instantly recognisable design.

Founder Jo Denning masterfully transforms ever yday animals and objects into laugh-out-loud puns, bringing a fresh, energetic, and unapologetically fun approach to greeting cards.

Introducing exciting new Christmas designs from the ‘Cool as Duck’ collection, perfect for retailers looking to add a fun edge to their festive o ering. www.lovelypaperstu .com

The Harrogate

For many

exhibitors, Harrogate Home & Gift Buyers’ Festival

is more than just another date in the trade calendar. It is a place to reconnect, launch new ideas and celebrate the relationships that sit at the heart of the greeting and gift industries

From greeting cards and stationery to giftware and home collections, this year’s exhibitors are bringing fresh creativity, meaningful stories and plenty of newness to the show floor.

For The Eco-friendly Card Co, the return to Harrogate marks an important moment after more than a decade away. Director Sue Morrish is looking forward to reconnecting with customers in person, highlighting the value of face-to-face relationships in an industry built around thoughtful products.

“It’s been a long time since we’ve been at Harrogate – over 10 years – so I’m really looking forward to reconnecting with our customers in that part of the world. We love a good chat on the phone with our stockists but there’s nothing quite like meeting customers face to face. Cards are all about relationships and so are we!”

The company will also be showcasing new products that are designed to be experienced in person, including art Christmas card packs with simple wrap-over covers. Sustainability remains central to the brand’s work, with a new range supporting The

Wildlife Trusts launching at the show, featuring blank cards, a calendar and charity Christmas card packs.

Sue also remembers previous visits to Harrogate fondly, recalling family trips to the area while she exhibited at the show: “I remember it was a beautiful part of the country to visit – when my boys were small we’d rent a holiday cottage in the local area and Scott would go o and explore the countryside with the children while I worked the show. And I remember it was always sunny!”

For Fox Under The Moon, Harrogate represents the perfect environment for a brand focused on emotion, storytelling and connection. Creative director Stacey McNeill says: “Home & Gift has always felt like a very natural fit for Fox Under The Moon. Harrogate has such a warm, thoughtful atmosphere, and the buyers we meet there really understand the importance of products with heart, meaning and emotional connection.”

The brand will launch its new Thoughtful Occasions greeting card collection, expanding into more traditional card moments

Show o ers

The Eco Friendly Card Co will be launching a new range of products in support of The Wildlife Trusts at the show including 24 blank cards, a calendar and charity Christmas card packs. There are usually o ers for customers who order at the show, including free spinner packages. There will also be copies of the publisher’s beautiful art cards brochure to give away.

To celebrate the launch of the new card collection, Fox Under The Moon is running a fun competition at the show. Buyers will be invited to guess which six cards from the new range will be bestsellers between launch and Christmas, with the closest guess winning a £200 voucher to spend on the Fox Under The Moon range for their store.

Meg Hawkins is o ering a 10% discount for orders at the show.

Grace Jackson Design is o ering two free packs of cards with qualifying opening orders.

Amanda Mountain

Stacey McNeill

Jo and David Short

Sue Morrish

Meg Hawkins

connection

including birthdays, new baby, engagement, new home, sympathy, friendship and love. The collection aims to bring Fox Under The Moon’s signature warmth into everyday occasions, focusing on the feelings behind life’s milestones rather than simply the event itself.

Visitors will also see the brand’s wider portfolio, including licensed giftware collections with Joe Davies, which recently received recognition at the 2026 Gift of the Year Awards. The move marks a dream come true for Stacey: ‘’My favourite memory is from our very first Home & Gift in 2023. I remember wandering past the Joe Davies stand thinking, ‘I’d love Fox Under The Moon to be part of something like that one day’. To now have a wonderful licensing partnership with Joe Davies feels incredibly special, and a real full-circle moment for the brand.’’

Looking ahead, Stacey believes the second half of 2026 will continue to be shaped by demand for products that feel personal and authentic.

‘‘There’s nothing quite like meeting customers face to face. Cards are all about relationships and so are we!”

Sue Morrish, The Eco-friendly Card Co

“I think customers are continuing to look for cards and gifts that feel personal, thoughtful and emotionally sincere. There will always be a place for humour and trend-led design, but we are seeing a real appetite for products that help people say something meaningful, especially in a fast-paced world where genuine connection matters more than ever.”

Meanwhile, artist and designer Meg Hawkins is preparing to bring a host of new collections to Harrogate, including The Blooms and The Zest. The new ranges showcase her watercolour style, with delicate florals and vibrant citrus-inspired designs o ering retailers fresh options for gift and home displays.

Alongside these launches, visitors will receive previews of upcoming collections including Pooches, inspired by much-loved dogs, and In the Air, featuring hot air balloon designs that capture a sense of adventure and escapism.

Meg’s connection with Harrogate runs deep, with the show holding a special place as she started her journey as a designer. ‘’I was a complete newbie – absolutely no idea what I was doing. A very well-dressed lady walked onto the stand, pointed at various products and said, ‘I’ll have that, that, that and that. I’ll send my buyer over in a minute’.

‘’I stood there completely bewildered. Not only did I have no idea how to take an order, but I remember thinking, ‘People have buyers?’.

‘‘A few minutes later, the buyer arrived and asked, ‘What’s your carriage paid?’

‘‘I just looked at him blankly. ‘My what?’ We got the order in the end, despite me not having a clue what ‘carriage paid’ meant! Looking back, it still makes me smile and reminds me just how much we’ve learnt along the way.”

For independent brand Ornament Art, this year marks only its second appearance at Harrogate, but the team has already found the show’s atmosphere a major attraction.

Owners Jo and David Short highlight the friendly nature of the event and the opportunity to meet buyers from across the UK. Their most memorable moment came away from the stands, when a chance dinner conversation turned into a valuable connection.

“We were having dinner in a busy little Italian place and realised the couple at the next table were retail buyers attending the show. We had a lovely chat about their business, their lives and our story that evening, and they even came to check us out the next day despite not really selling our product category.”

For Lola Design, Harrogate is a celebration of community as much as commerce. Director Amanda Mountain describes returning to the show as feeling like a homecoming, with the event o ering a rare combination of business opportunity and genuine connection.

This year, Lola Design will unveil Tiny Flu s, a new greeting card collection featuring 20 handcrafted needle-felted characters created by Amanda herself. The playful range includes cheerful clouds, suns, dumplings, mushrooms and miniature worlds.

Across all of these exhibitors, one theme stands out: Harrogate Home & Gift continues to be a place where relationships matter. Whether launching a new collection, meeting buyers or sharing the stories behind their products, these brands see the show as a chance to build connections that last beyond the event itself.

What: Harrogate Home & Gift Buyers’ Festival

When: July 19-22

Where: Harrogate Convention Centre, North Yorkshire HG1 5LA Web: homeandgift.co.uk

Lola Design

The Eco-friendly Card Co

Meg Hawkins

Thoughtful Occasions by popular demand…

Created in response to growing customer demand, the range of 16 new cards marks an exciting evolution for Fox Under The Moon. The brand has become known for gentle storytelling, emotional honesty and comforting messages of hope, encouragement and support. This collection brings that same warmth and sincerity into more traditional card occasions, o ering retailers a thoughtful alternative to conventional milestone cards.

The range includes designs for birthdays, new baby, engagement, new home, sympathy, friendship and love, each written with Fox Under The Moon’s distinctive voice. Rather than focusing only on the occasion itself, every card reflects the feelings behind it: the joy of a new beginning, the tenderness of love and friendship, the quiet comfort needed during loss, and the reassurance that someone is seen and valued.

The whimsical nature-inspired illustrations on the cards are taken from Stacey’s upcoming book, Finding Light in the Darkness, which will be published in September. The collection brings together emotional storytelling and classic card-sending moments, expanding Fox Under The Moon’s well-loved series of cards o ering hope, encouragement and comfort to also include life’s milestone occasions.

For retailers, the range o ers a natural way to bring the Fox Under The Moon sentiment into everyday occasions, while retaining the emotional depth that has helped the brand build such a loyal following. These are cards designed not simply to mark a date, but to create a genuine connection between sender and recipient. Many designs have the potential to become keepsakes, long after the occasion has passed.

Competition time

To celebrate the launch, Fox Under The Moon will be running a special competition at Home & Gift. Buyers are invited to visit stand B-A01 and guess which six cards from the Thoughtful Occasions range will become the bestsellers between launch and Christmas. The closest guess will win a £200 voucher to spend on the Fox

Under The Moon range for their store, making it a fun way for retailers to explore the new collection in person.

Author and Fox Under The Moon founder Stacey McNeill says: “This year, the stand will act as something of a Fox Under The Moon brand hub. Alongside our own cards, books and gifts, visitors will be able to see the wonderful licensed giftware and jewellery collections created with Joe Davies Giftware, as well as the gorgeous greeting card series we have with The Art File.”

Stacey continues: “Showcasing these collaborations is especially exciting following Joe Davies’ recent win in the Best Branded and Licensed Gift category at the 2026 Gift of the Year Awards for our Fox Under The Moon range, which we were thrilled to bits to be a part of.”

The Joe Davies licensed collection has allowed Fox Under The Moon’s comforting messages and whimsical artwork to reach customers in new formats, from thoughtful gifts to jewellery pieces that carry the brand’s spirit of kindness, hope and connection.

“Home & Gift has always felt like a natural fit for Fox Under The Moon.” Stacey says. “Harrogate’s warm, thoughtful atmosphere creates the perfect setting for conversations with independent retailers who understand the value of products with heart and meaning. It is a place to reconnect with stockists, meet new buyers and introduce fresh collections at just the right point in the buying season.”

As customers continue to seek out cards and gifts that feel personal, sincere and emotionally resonant, Fox Under The Moon’s latest launch o ers retailers a timely new addition. Thoughtful Occasions brings the brand’s gentle magic into the traditional card market, encouraging people to pause, reach out and say something that truly matters.

Fox Under The Moon 07979 600 587

Latest collections

There are more than 165 new designs to choose from across both collections, including 14 new card ranges and 32 range extensions. Discover cards, wrap, stationery and gifts perfect for every occasion and celebration.

One notable new everyday card collection is Herdy. The Art File team has been delighted to partner with the fabulous Herdy brand on this new series of cards.

Featuring Herdy and Sheppy on their adventures in nature, every design in this collection is full of colour and fun. Every card in this collection is printed on recycled board, finished with Spot UV, emboss, and comes with a lovely green envelope.

The Art File will also showcase three new card collections: Songbird by Kate Heiss, Sunpatch Cats by Susie Esse, and Little Wonders at Harrogate Home & Gift. Explore all four of these beautiful card collections and see them all together for the first time at the show.

Alongside new card ranges, The Art File will launch new occasions and relations cards, with

new stationery and gift extensions. Discover new vegan leather A5 notebooks, a new sticker roll pack and new magnetic list pad designs.

The Art File is also o ering a variety of new gift wrap options – including new gift bags, wrap and lovely ribbon to finish presents with a flourish.

The Spring Seasons 2027 collection features new cards for every major occasion, with 13 new card collections and a new gift wrap collection for Valentine’s Day. Explore these new ranges and 13 extensions to bestselling collections.

Harrogate Home & Gift will be the first time you can see all of The Art File’s Autumn/Winter 2026 and Spring Seasons 2027 for the first time in person.

Equilibrium

Village Potter y High Street

Crochet Posie Bloom

Stand A-B23

Colour and creativity

Global Journey’s new themed cake candle collection delivers maximum retail impact on a customised slimline display

Retailers looking to inject colour, creativity and strong impulse appeal into their partyware and giftware categories need look no further than Global Journey’s exciting new range of themed cake candles.

Developed with today’s retail environment firmly in mind, this comprehensive collection spans 88 individual designs covering the celebrations and customer demographics that matter most. From age candles and personalised name designs to weddings, first-born celebrations, unicorns, pirates, princesses and gaming themes, the range gives shoppers an extensive choice while giving retailers a refreshingly simple, space-e cient way to merchandise it.

Personalised celebrations continue to drive purchasing decisions, and this versatile collection lets retailers cater for dozens of occasions with a single product display. The assortment has been carefully curated around the strongest current trends in party and gifting, ensuring broad appeal across age groups and celebration types alike.

Built for small spaces, big sales

The standout feature of the range is its slimline display unit. All 88 designs are housed within a single, compact fixture that maximises product visibility while keeping floor space to a minimum – a genuine advantage for gift shops, card retailers, party specialists, garden centres, toy shops, convenience stores and independent retailers, where every square foot of selling space counts.

That visual density translates into strong point-of-sale performance. Positioned alongside greeting cards, gift wrap, party accessories or celebration cakes, the display is designed to catch the eye, prompt the impulse buy and lift average spend, all while meeting customer demand for an a ordable extra that makes a celebration feel special.

Priced to sell

With a recommended retail price of £3.99, the collection sits at an accessible price point that invites spontaneous purchasing while still o ering retailers healthy margin potential. As shoppers continue looking for ways to personalise celebrations without overspending, themed cake candles o er exactly that: a small, a ordable luxury with outsized emotional and visual payo . Quality has been central to the development process throughout. Each candle is made from non-toxic wax and finished in vibrant, eye-catching colours designed to stand out on any cake or celebration table. Combined with detailed designs, contemporary themes and quality packaging, the range has the premium look and feel that today’s gift buyer expects, without the premium price tag.

Year-round relevance

With such broad theme coverage, the range helps retailers avoid missed sales across an unusually wide spread of occasions, delivering relevance all year round rather than around a single seasonal peak. And as more celebrations are shared across social media, products that add personality and visual flair to a cake continue to perform strongly – these candles are designed to do exactly that, turning an everyday bake into a personalised centrepiece that customers are proud to show o .

Trend-led designs, broad market appeal, compact merchandising and genuine impulse-purchase potential, all at an accessible price point: this collection is built to become a bestseller in the partyware, gifting and celebration sectors. For retailers seeking a fresh, profitable and space-e cient new category opportunity, Global Journey’s colourful new range of 88 themed cake candles is set to deliver.

A colour explosion

Museums & Galleries’ new fine art greeting card collection by artist Faye Bridgwater is a wondrous journey into bold colour, lush expressive brushwork, and nature at its most vibrant

Bursting with joyful energy, the cards in Faye Bridgwater’s Museums & Galleries range proclaim a new, unique vision and signature, with a strong appeal to lovers of contemporary art.

Faye Bridgwater is an artist renowned for her contemporary paintings that celebrate nature with an uncompromising vividness. Her dynamic, expressive compositions capture the essence of the landscapes and florals that inspire her work. Her paintings, infused with movement, light, and colour, o er viewers an evocative connection to the natural world.

Faye says: “Oh, what a joy it’s been working with Museums & Galleries on this collection. It feels like a completely natural fit, and I couldn’t think of a better home for my paintings to be given a new life as cards for everyone to enjoy. It’s been such a pleasure to select each piece together from my archive, choosing works that hold all the energy, colour and character of the originals. Every card begins as an original painting in my studio, emerging through sweeping brushstrokes and layered, bold colour, inspired by wild florals and uplifting landscapes. I’m so thrilled with this collection, each one with its own personality, designed to be sent, kept, and displayed with love, bringing a small but lasting piece of fine art into everyday life.”

Faye Bridgwater is an award-winning artist based in Brighton. Over the years, she’s built a thriving creative practice and exhibited her work in inspiring spaces including the Saatchi Gallery, Mall Galleries, Glyndebourne and Middle Temple. Her paintings celebrate wild florals and uplifting landscapes, and she’s excited to now share that artwork in a new and accessible way, through the medium of cards. Faye continues: “I truly believe in the power of a card. It is a small but meaningful moment. A handwritten message. A beautiful object to keep. A tiny piece of fine art someone can hold, display and smile at long after the occasion has passed. These cards are

designed to be joyful to send and even more joyful to receive . . . if you can part with them. This debut collection is perfect for shops, bookshops, museums and boutiques looking for something a little bit special. Each card is printed in the UK on FSC certified board, plastic free, and made with care.”

A chance meeting and subsequent discussions at an industry event last year between artist Faye and M&G’s creative director Ben Dorney, licensing manager Eddie Clarke, and head of design Stuart Harris, developed into plans for M&G to license Faye’s work for the exclusive range of greeting cards, now to be shown in full at the Harrogate Gift Show.

The collection focuses on three aspects of Faye’s art – wild botanicals capture the energy and abundance of untamed nature – think pops of colour in the wild, tangled stems and joyful bursts of blooms; flowers in pots capturing the joy of nature brought indoors – perfect for birthdays, thank-yous or just-because moments; and adventurous landscapes - expressive landscape cards inviting you to step into wide skies, rolling hills and coloursoaked views, inspired by the shifting seasons and the beauty of the British countryside.

Each piece is alive with colour, movement, and playful mark-making, capturing a wild and optimistic energy. Whether sent, shared or displayed, these contemporary British art cards bring a sensuously colourful, uplifting flourish to any moment.

There are 16 designs in the launch card range, printed on textured board and accompanied by crisp white branded envelopes. SRP is £3.10.

Museums & Galleries 01373 462165 sales@mgml.co.uk

Two decades of humour!

M!NT marks 20 years of quirky and fun designs

Debbie and Alan Williams are celebrating a superbly M!NT two decades of greeting card and stationery publishing this summer. Twenty years ago, Debbie and Alan took over a struggling and littleknown card company and have turned it into the veteran and major independent business it is today.

An early and significant success came with the nowclassic Knit & Purl range of quirky animals and objects hand-knitted by Debbie herself, originally helped by her mum and friends. M!NT creative lead Anita Dragicevic staged and photographed humorous scenarios featuring the knitted characters, creating an industry groundbreaking collection of mainstream humour cards, a range that is still commercially relevant to this day.

“Many imitators followed but the original has been, and remains, a sales phenomenon,” explains administration and relationship manager Sophie BylinaWilliams. “With its home-spun ultra crafty look and funny, accessible puns, it’s a creative team e ort coming up with new ideas and fun puns, which inevitably leads to a shopping list of knitting for Debbie. Octopus, vinyl record, sheep, beer glass, avocado, cheese and many more have all received the knitted treatment.”

Little did Debbie realise when she started a temp accounts job with a small greeting card company at the start of the century that she would end up buying and relaunching the company with her (then farmer) husband Alan and growing it into the 43 000sq ft premises it now occupies – one of the UK’s leading independently owned greeting card, stationery and gift publishing groups. M!NT’s early successes rapidly led to the acquisition of Museums & Galleries Ltd, then Real and Exciting Designs, and then the launch last year of The Fold, M&G’s new boutique side label.

Meanwhile, M!NT has not rested on its laurels. Group creative director Ben Dorney reinvigorated the brand, creating the new M!NT identity, and took humour into the present with the To Be Frank! collection of cards, gift bags and stationery combining dead-pan humour with a design-led look and unique blend of brilliantlyfinished neon colours.

“Once again, a team e ort created the magic – printer and production team pushing technical boundaries; studio design and copywriting in collaboration with an industry wordsmith – and the result is a unique look and tone-ofvoice, the last word in colourful humour,” Sophie says.

The constantly refreshed Knit & Purl remains a core M!NT o er, and together with the contemporary success of To Be Frank! bolsters the company’s standing as a leading humour publisher, with a reinvigorated collection of licensed ranges including Katie Abey and Magdalena Creative alongside popular in-house ranges such as Doodle Showcase and Just Saying.

Good-humoured and level-headed, the ever-modest Debbie reflects on 20 successful years in the industry: “We just feel so proud of our team, how they have adapted to the evolution of the business as well as to our retail customers, both multiples and independents. We would not be where we are today without them.”

Life is better w ith dogs

HARROGATE HOME & GIFT

Fresh ideas for great gifts

Visitors to the Joe Davies stand at Harrogate Home & Gift will find a carefully curated selection of new gift lines, jewellery, fashion accessories and proven best-selling gifts, all chosen with independent gift shops and garden centres in mind

With the busy sourcing season on the horizon, Harrogate Home & Gift is the perfect opportunity for retailers to discover fresh ideas for the months ahead.

The Equilibrium Simply Timeless Collection from Joe Davies embraces the growing trend for versatile, e ortless jewellery that can be styled across every occasion. Combining elegant pendant necklaces, classic studs, timeless hoops and sophisticated bracelets, the Equilibrium Simply Timeless collection creates a refined capsule jewellery wardrobe, with pieces that work beautifully alone or layered together. Plated in genuine silver and gold, the range delivers a polished, understated look while still allowing for bolder glamour styling. Blending contemporary elegance with enduring appeal, the collection is presented in luxurious new book-style gift boxes with magnetic fastening lids, perfectly complementing the brand’s fresh, clean and sophisticated aesthetic.

Equilibrium from Joe Davies is also strengthening its men’s gifting o er this season with a stylish new collection of Equilibrium men’s accessories, perfectly timed for the growing appetite for practical pieces with a polished finish. Reflecting the return of classic, considered menswear styling, the range includes beanie hats, super-soft scarves, gloves and suedee ect wallets, all presented in matching Equilibrium branded luxury gift boxes. Neutral colourways give the hats and scarves easy everyday appeal, while the wallets o er a smart finish with RFID-blocking technology for added practicality. Useful, giftable and well presented, the collection is ideal for refreshing Christmas gifting displays.

Bringing a soft glow to home and gift displays, the New Pastel Glow LED Collection from Joe Davies is a pretty new range with real shelf appeal. Made from glass with a pearlised pastel finish, the collection is available in delicate pastel green and pastel pink, each decorated with meadow flowers and butterfly detailing. The pieces look beautiful even when switched o , while the LED light in the base allows the design to shine through when illuminated, creating a wonderfully glittery light e ect. Ideal as table centrepieces, mantelpiece decorations or pretty additions to cosy corners, the collection o ers retailers an attractive line that works across gifting and for

self-purchases. With soft colours, floral styling and gentle sparkle, these LED designs are perfect for customers looking for something thoughtful, uplifting and that little bit special.

Following the outstanding success of the Foodie Fun Collection, Joe Davies is adding another helping of fun food to home and gift displays with the new Fishy Fun Collection. Bright, colourful and full of personality, the range features hand-painted ceramic accessories inspired by the humble sardine, including a sardine ceramic money box, a sardines-in-a-tin ceramic salt and pepper set and a fun sardine tin ceramic butter dish. Practical as well as wonderfully unusual, these novelty pieces bring a playful touch to everyday homeware, making them ideal for customers looking for gifts that are useful, cheerful and guaranteed to raise a smile. Perfect for independent gift shops and garden centres, the collection o ers strong display appeal and a fresh follow-on for retailers who enjoyed the success of Foodie Fun.

Also making its debut at the show is the New Crochet Bloom Posies collection, a delightful range of hand-crocheted blooms presented in floristry-style wrapping to look like a beautiful bunch of flowers. Full of colour and personality, the posies feature smiling sunflowers, roses and other blooms in pretty shades of pink, purple, yellow and orange. They have all the joy of a fresh bouquet, with the added bonus that they will last far longer than a week! Carefully finished and full of charm, each bunch feels like a ready-made gift for birthdays, thank-you presents, get-well gestures, teacher gifts and those little “this made me think of you” moments. The range o ers a fresh alternative to traditional floral gifting, combining craft appeal, keepsake value and cheerful sentiment in one easyto-gift package.

Whether refreshing displays or searching for new giftable lines, buyers will find plenty of inspiration on the Joe Davies stand at Harrogate Home & Gift.

Joe Davies 0161 975 6300

sales@joedavies.co.uk

www.joedavies.co.uk

Meet the artists

Stand DP4-A18

Wetherby-based artist Nikky Corker has had her quirky artwork as part of The Eco-friendly Card Co portfolio for the past 20 years; she depicts her larger-than-life characters in all kinds of everyday situations, often with a gently amusing twist. Whether it’s wild swimming, walking the coast path or cat-yoga, her characters are often shown outside enjoying the natural world. Nikky says: “My inspiration comes from life itself and the little things that make us happy. Memories of carefree childhood holidays and the quirky humour that can be found in almost any situation. My motto is crack a smile and pass it on!”

Nikky’s cards are blank inside and available either bagged in a compostable bag or with a card-clasp label. Like all cards published by The Eco-friendly Card Co they are printed on 100% recycled FSC board and supplied with 100% recycled envelopes.

Lindsay Perrett is a linocut printmaker based in North Yorkshire with a lifelong love of colour and the beauty of our natural world. Her prints explore the wildlife, plant life and landscapes of the countryside around her, inspired by long bike rides along country lanes and walks in the North York Moors and Dales. Her collection is printed on a smooth, uncoated 100% recycled board to reflect the feel of the original artwork and comes with 100% recycled Kraft envelopes.

Inspired by the British coast and countryside, Julia Crossland creates illustrative mixed media paintings from her riverside studio in Yorkshire. She enjoys going out with her sketchbook for walks, observing the birds and wildlife, the colours and textures of the landscape and the change of seasons and uses all these influences to create collections of work that convey a sense of story. In addition to blank cards, Julia has also created a number of Christmas card designs for The Eco-friendly Card Co including winter landscape and nativity scenes.

The Wildlife Trusts

The Eco-friendly Card Co is launching a new collection in support of The Wildlife Trusts at Harrogate. Featuring 24 new designs of blank greeting cards, the range showcases the very best of British Wildlife throughout the seasons, from delicate butterflies to magnificent humpback whales. Every card includes fascinating information on the reverse about the species depicted on the front. A 2027 calendar, charity Christmas cards and notecard wallet packs are also available.

HOME & GIFT

Making a return to Harrogate

Stand DP1-A61

Laura Darrington Design will be returning to the Home & Gift Buyers’ Festival in Harrogate this summer, and the team couldn’t be more excited.

It’s been several years since the publisher last exhibited at Home & Gift, making this a long-overdue return. With many of its valued customers based in the North, the company is looking forward to reconnecting face to face and sharing everything the team have been working on since its last visit.

This year’s show is an especially exciting one as being showcased is the new Gift Bag Collection alongside the beautifully nostalgic Keepsakes Collection, inspired by the charm of cottagecore and a fresh take on modern nostalgia.

Laura Darrington Design will also be unveiling the new Spring 2027 collection and taking those all-important last-minute Christmas orders, making Home & Gift the perfect opportunity to discover everything that’s new.

The team can’t wait to welcome both familiar and new faces to Stand DP1-A61, where there’ll be plenty of exciting newness across greetings cards & gift bags.

Paper engineering

Stand DP1-C57

Visitors to Alljoy Design at Harrogate Home & Gift can look forward to an exciting showcase of new launches, bestselling collections and award-winning, paperengineered designs.

Leading the new releases are new designs in the award-winning Message in a Bottle collection. Combining intricate paper engineering with beautifully illustrated scenes, these 3D pop-up cards continue to delight retailers and customers alike, o ering a memorable keepsake that stands out on display.

Also being showcased is the charming new Little Moments Pop-Up Cards collection. Designed to celebrate everyday occasions, the range features colourful illustrations and interactive pop-up elements that create a delightful surprise when opened. With eyecatching designs and strong gifting appeal, the collection o ers retailers a fresh addition to their card displays.

Visitors can also explore Alljoy Design’s wider portfolio of innovative greeting cards and paper-crafted gifts, including

the elegant Blossom Original Paper Cut Art collection. All ranges are created to bring a sense of wonder, creativity and joy to everyday celebrations.

Visit Alljoy Design at Stand DP1-C57 to discover the latest launches and awardwinning collections.

Time for change

Grace Jackson Design returns to Harrogate Home & Gift for a fourth year, bringing a growing collection of design-led greeting cards and paper goods that combine contemporary colour, thoughtful storytelling and premium British production.

This year’s stand, DP1-A19, will showcase several recent launches, including the new Tea Cup Collection. Developed following the success of the Time for Tea range, the collection features 10 intricately die-cut greeting cards inspired by Britain’s enduring tea culture and the Spode Blue Italian tableware that featured prominently in Grace Jackson’s childhood home. Rich blues, teals and pinks are paired with bamboo-inspired patterns, botanical details and gold foil accents, creating cards that blend nostalgia with contemporary design.

Visitors will also discover Spheres of Change, a recently launched collection that reimagines sympathy, support and encouragement cards through fluid marbled textures, calming colour palettes and elegant satin gold foil. Designed to offer a more contemporary approach to emotionally driven occasions, the range reflects changing consumer expectations within the greeting card category.

Alongside these collections, Grace Jackson Design will be presenting the Grace

Jackson Design X Emily Smith range, Imperial Flowers, Tasting Notes,

Good and Hello Sweetie, together with new memo and list pads inspired by the bestselling Swirl range.

Designed in Cambridgeshire and printed in the UK on FSC-certified board, all cards feature premium foil finishes and are produced using responsibly sourced materials and compostable foils.

Harrogate Home & Gift arrives at an exciting time for the business as Grace Jackson Design continues to expand its collection of greeting cards and paper goods. The ranges have proven particularly popular with retailers whose customers appreciate heritage-inspired design, botanical influences and thoughtfully crafted Britishmade products. Grace looks forward to welcoming both existing and prospective stockists to the stand, where visitors can explore the latest launches and take advantage of a show offer of two free packs of cards with qualifying opening orders.

Signature fragrance

FYG Home will arrive at Harrogate Home & Gift this July with a confident new chapter for the brand, led by the debut of its Signature Collection.

Founded by Demi Pendakis, FYG Home was created from a belief that fragrance should be personal, emotional and beautifully designed. The brand’s name, Find Your Glow, reflects its purpose: to help customers create moments of calm, comfort, energy and connection through scent. Every FYG fragrance is designed to evoke mood, memory and atmosphere, while offering retailers stylish, accessible and giftable products for modern living.

Taking centre stage at Harrogate will be the new Signature Collection, a fivefragrance range created for contemporary interiors. Rouge Lychee, Velvet Ember, Citrus Verve, Arctic Lotus and Chestnut Cashmere span candles, diffusers, tin candles and wax melt bars. Clean glass vessels and bold stripe packaging give the range strong shelf presence, while the Your Signature Mark concept adds a distinctive personalisation element. Each candle and diffuser includes three mood-

led matt-black labels that customers can choose to apply to the glass, allowing them to make the product feel more personal.

Alongside Signature, FYG will showcase key products from its Back to Basics collection, a curated range of timeless home fragrance and bath & body scents designed to uplift, calm, restore or indulge the senses. Visitors will also discover Candle Pearls, FYG’s reusable Forever Candle concept, offering a flexible and sustainable alternative to traditional candles.

For seasonal buyers, FYG will preview its Christmas Edit, a nostalgic festive range inspired by magical seasonal moments, with a portion of profits supporting When You Wish Upon a Star Children’s Charity.

Together, the collections present a complete FYG story across fragrance, wellbeing, gifting, sustainability and personal expression.

Attirely

‘Everyone’s favourite

Greetings Today catches up with Jo McBeath, owner of Chirpy, in Chapel Allerton Leeds, following the store making it to the Retas finalists list

Congrats on your Retas nomination. What do you think sets you apart?

Thank you! We’re delighted to be nominated as it’s a real boost in confidence that what you’re doing is appreciated. We like to think that we’re everyone’s favourite place for cards in our local area, stocking a fabulous selection of modern contemporary cards by independent makers and smaller brands. We’re always on the lookout for di erent new card suppliers, however we also aim to always stock our bestsellers. We also like to keep it simple for our customers with all of our cards being sold at £3.25 (easy for the customers and simplifies our admin!) and we o er a discounted bundle of five cards, which our customers love as they save a little bit of money. Tell us a little about the shop.

Chirpy is in the heart of the community on the main road that runs through Chapel Allerton, a suburb of Leeds with a real village feel. Our customers are a real mix of families, especially those who moved here when they had their children and have stayed as their children have grown up and left home – a bit like me – young professionals and people who have lived in Chapel Allerton for a long time. We’re up some small steps so sometimes we get missed and I’m always surprised when someone local says they’ve just found us (as we’ve been here 10 years this year) but once they find us they always come back. We feel we’ve built a loyal customer base – really getting to know our customers – and pride ourselves on remembering what our customers like, what they’ve previously bought, and what’s going on in their lives.

With loyalty in mind we run a really simple and successful loyalty programme where customers are rewarded with points as they shop, which ultimately gives them money o as well as other loyalty bonuses we regularly o er. Cards are our bread and butter and last year we sold 9,500 so our target this year is 10,000!

Which categories or occasions are currently performing best in your shop?

Blank cards are definitely becoming more popular as people are looking to send a card ‘just because’. We’ve just started stocking some very modern cards by Gail Myerscough, which have proved an instant hit.

Milestone cards continue to be bestsellers; we sell a lot of age 40 and 50 cards due to our shop demographic – the Discoball designs by local artist Sarah Thornton fly o the shelves. Surprisingly perhaps we don’t sell relations cards (except mum & dad) as it’s not something I would ever send, and with limited room for all the cards we sell I prefer to keep the card choices a little more generic. Gin & Frolics cards by Rosie Made a Thing are always really popular, I love listening to people chuckle while they choose one (and usually end up buying several!). New baby cards are great sellers too, with popular genderneutral designs by Dicky Bird and Mi ins, often bought with our best-selling Blade & Rose leggings. The Botanical Alphabet cards by Diedoda are always popular too for new babies as they can be framed afterwards.

Are there any major trends shaping your business, from design styles to customer demand?

We don‘t tend to follow trends when it comes to cards, just buying cards that we really love and would send ourselves. However, we do also try to buy cards that complement the colourful modern vibes of the gifts we

‘’We love to promote our cards on social media. Ever week we choose and post about a ‘Card of the Week’’’

sell, so we’ve seen an increase in cards and wrap with food or fruit on them such as the Sardines, Tomatoes and Lemon designs by Earlybird Designs, which we’re also seeing a lot in stationery and gifts.

What role does social media play in promoting your shop and connecting with customers?

We love to promote our cards on social media. Every week we choose and post about a ‘Card of the Week’ either based around the time of year, or to spotlight a new design we are loving, With our new card suppliers we also do a ‘Focus on …’ interview with them, which features on our website news page and a snippet of the interview is posted on our social media to try to promote

place for cards’

and highlight the great independent card brands we sell. It really helps us get to know our suppliers too; the people behind the brands.

How important is the online side of your sales?

We don’t offer all of our individual cards online, however customers can choose to buy a card for a specific occasion and trust us to choose it for them. We also sell our card bundles online, where customers can specify the type of cards they want. We’re confident they’ll like the ones we choose as all of our cards are gorgeous.

How do you encourage customers to shop locally and support independent retail?

We shout about it in store and online. Our loyalty programme really encourages people to return to Chirpy and shop regularly with us by rewarding them with offers, birthday treats and anniversary discounts. We are part of a really great community of local shops, which help to promote each other through a local Instagram page that I manage. We make sure we offer great customer service, free gift wrapping and a lovely shopping experience to try to get people to keep coming back to us.

Tell us more about the card subscription. We launched our card bundle subscription service in lockdown as a way of people being able to have the right cards to send when they couldn’t shop in store with us. Subscribers get five cards delivered to them each month, which they can tailor to their requirements as I drop them a little reminder email just before I send them out. They always get the pick of the new cards that we stock, and we also use it as a way of testing our potential new card suppliers by sending samples out as freebies for our subscribers. We’d love to have more subscribers but for the time being we just make sure they continue to receive gorgeous cards from us.

‘’We launched our card bundle subscription service in lockdown as a way of people being able to have the right cards to send when they couldn’t shop in store with us’’

What’s the strangest or most unexpectedly emotional reason someone has bought a greeting card in your shop?

Not so much an unexpected reason, however we sometimes get asked for cards which are very specific as to what is on them – and often we find what we think ticks all the boxes but it doesn’t work for the customers. I’ve learned over the years that sometimes our cards just aren’t quite what the customer is looking for at that time and I’ve learned not to take it personally.

Which occasion do you think people secretly struggle most to buy cards for?

Men’s cards are always an issue, however I think often people overthink it and have an idea of what they think a card for a man should be when actually a lot of our modern, bold graphic cards are perfect. We’ve got designs by Running with Scissors and Filthy Soup, which we often recommend, with a simple Happy Birthday design, which I think hits the mark.

Sympathy /Thinking of You cards are always difficult so we make sure we offer a good mix of more simple ones and bolder ones such as those from LoveLossDiscoBalls, which work well for the younger demographic.

Gifts for card shops

Added extras

The gift sector within card shops and independent retailers continues

customers increasingly looking for products

a greeting card purchase

From plush and keepsakes to keyrings, stationery and small impulse gifts, retailers are seeing demand for affordable products that help shoppers create a more personal gifting moment.

According to Gary Hughes, head of UK sales at Rainbow Designs, the connection between cards and gifts has become increasingly important: “We have certainly seen card and gift retailers evolve their offer in recent years, with consumers increasingly consistently seeking out meaningful gifts that complement the sentiment of a greeting card. The sector has proven to be a resilient one. Shoppers want to create a more personal gifting moment, whether that is for a new baby, a birthday, a thank you or simply to brighten someone’s day.”

Character-led products remain a particularly strong performer, with consumers often drawn to brands and characters that hold an emotional connection or remind them of their own childhood: “Character-led plush continue to perform strongly, particularly those with a nostalgic connection from the purchaser’s own childhood, such as Peter Rabbit, Winnie the Pooh and Guess How Much I love You, and beautifully presented baby gifts continue to remain a popular choice for milestone occasions,’’ says Gary.

Rainbow Designs believes another major shift in the market is the growing demand for products that offer positivity, comfort and a sense of connection. Gary says collectable characters and plush gifts that represent kindness, friendship and wellbeing are resonating particularly well with shoppers, creating opportunities for retailers to offer gift options throughout the year rather than only around key occasions.

“There is also strong demand for giftable products that suit everyday occasions, not just traditional celebrations,’’ says Gary.

to evolve, with

that add an extra layer of thoughtfulness to

Rainbow Designs has responded to these changes by developing collections that combine character appeal, emotional storytelling and accessible price points.

One example is its new Pembe the Pink Cat collection, designed to appeal to customers looking for a small but meaningful gift to accompany a greeting card.

For independent retailers, choosing the right mix of products remains key, with customers looking for variety, affordability and items that appeal across different age groups. At Creativity in Sheringham, Norfolk, director Charlotte Stubbs says a broad selection of brands is performing well, including, ‘’Rex London, Sass & Belle, Shoeless Joe, Jellycat, Heaven Scent Diffusers (we have our own bespoke labels made), Emma Ball My Doris POM Mimi & Lula, The English Soap Company, Socktopus, Hootyballoo and many, many more!”

Shoppers want to create a more personal gifting moment

Gary Hughes, head of UK sales, Rainbow Designs

Charlotte says the business is also looking at new opportunities, including developing its own t-shirt range and finding manufacturing partners.

At Earlybird Cards & Gifts in Stoke Newington, owner Hannah Sharman highlights the importance of affordable gifts that appeal to both children and adults.

“In general, gifts that are affordable for children, but also appeal to adults are the sweet spot for us. Keyrings

and bag charms are really big right now, we mainly sell Kenji, which is a Japanese-style kids gift/ stationery brand, and the new Ohh Deer Silly Beans – they’ve all worked really well so far.”

Hannah has also seen success with lowerpriced products such as stickers, which can appeal to a wide audience: ‘’We have some new brands from Stone Marketing that have sold well for both children and adults.”

At Cards & Gifts in Dronfield, Derbyshire, director Carl Dunne says buying flexibility and the ability to offer affordable add-on purchases have helped products perform well.

“I stock as much from Widdop & Co. as you can buy in singles. I find this helps me out so I’m not sitting on stock in piles. Also the new range from Carte Blanche – All Creatures – is selling so fast and I think it helps that they even thought of a hessian sack to pop them in, so we only charge the cost to finish off the wrapping.

‘’And with UK Greetings relaunching Bubblegum, I hope they bring out the t-shirts to sell – this could be perfect, especially for males as they are the hardest to buy for.’’

As retailers continue to expand their gift offering, the opportunity is clear: products that combine emotional appeal, collectability and accessible price points can help to transform a greeting card purchase into a more memorable gifting experience.

Rainbow Designs’ Gary Hughes concludes: “By combining beloved characters, emotional storytelling and giftable price points, we aim to provide card and gift retailers with ranges that encourage impulse purchases, support yearround gifting and help create those extra-special moments that consumers are looking for.’’

Bewilderbeest Cath Tate Cards

Rainbow Designs

Put a (key) ring on it!

Looking for a fresh impulse-purchase line that delivers outstanding value, eye-catching presentation, and broad customer appeal?

Meet Woody Pals – Global Journeys’ exciting new collection of beautifully crafted wooden keyrings, designed to become a top-selling addition to your gift offering.

Featuring an incredible 144 handmade wooden keyring designs, Woody Pals offers something for every customer and every occasion. From much-loved animal characters and playful emojis to heartfelt sentiment designs including No.1 Mum, No.1 Dad, Best Friend and many more, this diverse range makes it easy for shoppers to find the perfect little gift, keepsake, or personal treat.

Crafted from real wood, each keyring has a warm, natural finish and premium feel that instantly sets it apart from mass-produced plastic alternatives. Customers appreciate the quality the moment they pick one up, making Woody Pals an easy purchase and a product that consistently exceeds expectations at its attractive £3.99 retail price point.

Presentation is key to driving impulse sales, and Woody Pals has been designed with retailers in mind. Every keyring is displayed

on a vibrant, colourful backing card that catches the eye and encourages browsing. The entire collection is supplied on a stylish slimline display stand, providing maximum visual impact while occupying minimal space. It’s the perfect solution for positioning near tills, entrances, alongside greeting cards or in other high-traffic areas.

Woody Pals is ideally suited to a wide variety of retail environments, including greeting card and gift shops, garden centres, post offices, department stores, convenience stores, visitor attractions and independent retailers. The extensive design selection ensures broad demographic appeal, helping to generate repeat purchases as customers return to discover new favourites.

Combining quality craftsmanship, excellent value, and proven impulse-buy appeal, Woody Pals is a compact retail solution with impressive sales potential. With 144 designs, attractive merchandising, and a price point customers love, Woody Pals is ready to become one of the hardest-working displays in your store.

Small in size. Big on personality. Built for sales. That’s Woody Pals from Global Journey.

FEATURE GIFTS FOR CARD SHOPS Angel delight

Equilibrium from Joe Davies has unveiled its new Guardian Angel Sentiment Pins collection, a thoughtful little range with plenty of heart. Designed in the UK, the collection features six individual silverplated guardian angel pin badges, each with its own unique design and sparkle detail. Created to symbolise protection, guidance and support, these meaningful keepsakes make touching gifts for friends, family and loved ones, whether for a special occasion or simply as a gentle reminder that someone is thinking of them.

Each pin is presented on a thoughtfully designed sentiment backing card featuring a meaningful message, adding an extra layer of emotion and making every piece feel personal and gift ready. Supplied on a compact acrylic counter display unit, the collection makes an eye-catching display while taking up minimal till point space.

Joe Davies continues to be a trusted favourite with card shops and independent gift retailers, o ering award-winning customer service and a wide choice of gifts, jewellery and fashion accessories. With its flexible ‘little and often’ buying model, low £100 minimum order and free nationwide delivery, topping up bestselling lines remains simple, friendly and reassuringly reliable.

Full of character

For greetings retailers looking to create eye-catching displays and o er customers the perfect finishing touch to their card purchases, Rainbow Designs’ extensive collection of licensed character gifts o ers an abundance of choice. From timeless favourites including Paddington, Peter Rabbit, Disney Winnie the Pooh and Mr. Men Little Miss, to fresh new characters ranges such as Pembe the Pink Cat and Care Bears Baby, Rainbow’s beautiful plush gifts are perfect for celebrating birthdays, new arrivals, and everyday moments of kindness.

Now available is the adorable Pembe the Pink Cat collectable plush range. Designed to celebrate joy, kindness and self-expression, the collection features six 15cm soft toys and six plush keychains, each paired with a positive a rmation such as ‘Be You’, ‘I Miss U’ and ‘Hug!’, as well as ‘Thank You’ and ‘I Luv U’. Two super-soft 23cm cuddly Pembe plush toys complete the range. With strong appeal for tweens and young adults, this thoughtful and highly giftable range is designed to bring a little happiness to everyday life.

The ever-popular Mr. Men Little Miss collection continues to add personality and humour to greeting card displays. Featuring favourite characters including Mr. Happy, Mr. Bump, Mr. Strong, Mr. Tickle, Little Miss Sunshine, Little Miss Hug, Little Miss Chatterbox and Little Miss Princess, the playful range is perfect for birthdays, celebrations and everyday gifting occasions.

For baby gifting, Rainbow’s licensed infant collections o er beautiful choices for new arrivals, baby showers and first milestones. The new Care Bears Baby collection introduces a new generation to the beloved messages of love, kindness and friendship, with baby-soft versions of Cheer Bear, Funshine Bear and Bedtime Bear available as ring rattles, comforters and My First Care Bear soft toys.

A new addition to Rainbow’s popular Winnie the Pooh infant collections, Hundred Acre Wood and Always and Forever, is the adorable Winnie the Pooh 100 range celebrating 100 years of the beloved bear. The delightful infant gift set includes a super-soft Winnie the Pooh cuddly toy, illustrated comforter and engaging ring rattle – a perfect keepsake gift for little ones.

Play your cards right

The Art File team has been thrilled to o er a number of gifts for card shops, which go handin-hand with their cards, gift bags and gift wrap ranges. These items are the perfect gifts to pair with cards and include tote bags, pin badges, playing cards and plush.

One collection perfect for greeting card shops is The Art File playing cards. Every pack of playing cards contains 54 cards, including two Jokers. The cards have a linen finish, with every pack coming in a sturdy cardboard storage box.

Another notable new gift collection is Bear Plush, a super soft and huggable plush toy that has sustainability in mind. Every ‘Bear’ is produced from 100% post-consumer recycled PET plastic bottles, both the outer fabric and inner stu ng. Each ‘Bear’ also comes with an embroidered colourful logo tag, stitched into the side, giving it a touch of charm.

For shops looking for something smaller, The Art File pin badges are the perfect countertop gift to display. With more than 24 di erent designs, every badge has been thoughtfully crafted by the talented in-house design team to match The Art File’s bestselling and beloved card collections. These pin badges are made from either zinc metal or MDF board, have a cardboard backing and come ready to attach to a favourite jacket, tote bag, or scarf.

Diary of an agent

Richard Pass goes above and beyond by taking not only his grandchildren but his clients’ plush toys on a trip around France, before landing at PG Live

For the last two weeks of May we took a long overdue holiday to France, and decided to bring along The Art File’s Bear and a couple of his Ohh Deer friends, Puffin and Sardines.

We posted various adventures through Brittany and Disneyland Paris, and ended up back at PG Live. This created some strange looks, a few hilarious incidents and a lot of activity on Insta, where we posted the trip. Bear was loved by everyone, and despite the 32C-plus heat at Disney, we managed to let him visit the characters. Puffin and Sardine, being predator and prey, presented a slightly different challenge… you will have to check out my Insta posts to see if Sardine came through unscathed!

PG Live, as ever, was a great show with lots of positive feedback. The Art File, Ohh Deer, Redback Cards and Alljoy Design all had a busy time, and it was great to catch up with all the fabulous greeting card folks. Next year, though, I’m not going to a trade show straight off the back of Disneyland with two overexcited granddaughters!

Generally, the first half of the year has been interesting, which is sales speak for tough! Retailers are all coping with factors outside of their control; the same applies to publishers and agents, and we are all in this together! The positive from the greeting card industry is that we are a resilient bunch who are adept at making it work. Plus, greeting cards are a stand-out product to sell as they bring moments of happiness to giver and receiver.

The Greeting Card Association (GCA) asked if I would host a webinar on the benefits of sales agents and how to work with them. I find these events very useful, not just because it makes me stop and think about my job, but also because it really does highlight the benefits that sales agents bring to the industry. We are part of the team, along with publishers and retailers. While our ‘job’ is to sell products, the best way to do this is through co-operation with the publishers and retailers. For the publishers we help with product suggestions, market information and local knowledge, plus being the face-to-face point of reference. Good sales agents know their territory, what the retailers are looking for and the best retailers in each town. For the retailers, we bring the friendly face into the store. We are there to help with product information, advise on bestsellers, show new products and designs etc, and generally assist in helping their business stay ahead of the game.

And speaking of face-to-face interaction, the show season is about to head to Harrogate, and the Home & Gift Buyers' Festival. My favourite show of the year – partly due to its location, partly due to the fantastic happy faces and the enthusiasm that everyone brings to the show. It’s a place to introduce new designs, catch up with old friends and generally feel positive about greeting cards and gifts.

‘’Generally, the first half of the year has been interesting, which is sales speak for tough!’’

The Art File, as always, has its fantastic Christmas range on show, along with the new designs for the second half of the year. Plus an opportunity to see first-hand Bear’s extended family… you may also have seen Bear’s latest trips on Insta? Louise Mulgrew is now a key part of the Art File family of designs and is being phenomenally successful; if you don’t already stock her cards come and see them at Harrogate.

Ohh Deer will be highlighting lots of newness including Silly Beans, with Puffin and Sardine being joined by a host of new characters. There will be lots of new cards, including the Cath Kidston-inspired mini card range, new 3D cards for their award winning range and bags of wrap, cards, and display options at the show. Definitely one not to miss.

Alljoy Design has more of its award-winning 3D pop-up cards on show – both everyday and Christmas – and if you haven’t already bought Christmas you have until the end of July to guarantee stock. In addition there is a new range, Little Moments, plus lots of laser-cut and 3D cards to choose.

A quick heads-up for friends of mine, Heyy Cards Dan and Yvette work incredibly hard and their designs are fabulous – come and take a look. For the record I’m not their agent, but they are such nice people I wanted to give them a mention.

In different news, a long-standing friend who runs a great card and gift shop is looking to retire. The shop is in a very good location in West Yorkshire, and sells lots of cards, gifts, jewellery etc. If you are looking to expand give me a call and I'll give you the details.

To close, I just wanted to say thank you to all of the wonderful people in the greeting card world – you really make every day special.

Richard Pass

Sales Agent - STL Agency

Representing North of England for: Alljoy Design, The Art File [NW only], Ohh Deer, Flametree Publishing, Redback Cards [NE only], Two Little Monkeys. Mobile: 07790 844342

Email: Richard@STLAgency.co.uk

Insta: RichardPass1

Take the wrap

If you’re expanding your gift selection, make sure you have the best choice of gift wrapping. Many of your favourite publishers produce matching cards and wrap for a perfectly co-ordinated o ering

Danilo

The Art File

The Art File has published a comprehensive collection of gift bags, wrap, tissue paper and ribbon for Autumn/ Winter 2026 and Spring Seasons 2027. Explore 21 new designs to choose from across gift bags, roll wrap and flat wrap, along with a new Valentine’s Day gift wrap collection for Spring Seasons 2027.

Every year, The Art File team looks to innovate their gift wrap designs to create unique and showstopping gift looks. This year, retailers can expect to see a special collection of gift bags with a matching inside bag colour. This additional colour adds a flourish of design to the bags and helps gifts to look extra special in the bag.

The Art File is also launching all-new gift bag collections with woven paper handles, making them fully recyclable, along with more matching designs than ever across bags and wrap.

Visit The Art File at Harrogate Home & Gift to be the first to see The Art File Autumn/Winter 2026 and Spring Seasons 2027 collections in person.

01158507490

sales@theartfile.com www.theartfiletrade.com

From birthdays and celebrations to those just-because gifting moments, Danilo’s licensed gift packaging range helps retailers add the perfect finishing touch.

Available across gift bags, roll wrap and two-sheet wrap packs, this plastic-free packaging collection features a host of fan-favourite brands including Bluey, Fortnite, Minecraft, Hello Kitty, Barbie, Stranger Things, Squishmallows and more. With bold designs and recognisable characters, the range makes it easy for shoppers to create coordinated gifting solutions while helping retailers increase basket spend.

One of the standout additions to the collection is K-Pop Demon Hunters, the global hit that’s taking the entertainment and licensing world by storm. Following strong demand for the brand, Danilo has expanded the range across gift bags and wrap, giving retailers an exciting opportunity to tap into the growing K-pop phenomenon and attract a whole new generation of fans.

01992 702 900 | sales@danilo.com | www.danilo.com

Laura Darrington Design

marks an exciting new chapter for Laura

with the launch of its first own-label collection of gift bags and tissue paper.

Available to pre-order now for August delivery, the collection features nine gift bag designs and three coordinating tissue paper packs, including seven everyday designs and two Christmas gift bags. The range has been thoughtfully developed across three practical sizes – Small-ish, Medium and Large. The Small-ish bags are still generously sized, making them perfect for gifts such as mugs, candles and other thoughtful presents.

Over the past 22 years, Laura Darrington Design has worked on a number of successful gift bag collaborations with leading publishers and suppliers, including Penny Kennedy and Glick. However, one question has remained constant throughout that time: “When are you going to launch your own gift bags?” This summer, that question is finally being answered.

Created in response to long-standing customer demand, the debut collection has been designed to sit seamlessly alongside the brand’s greeting card ranges. By introducing gift bags and tissue paper, Laura Darrington Design is taking the first step towards offering a more complete gifting solution while remaining true to its core strength – beautifully designed cards.

The collection brings together some of the brand’s most recognisable design styles, creating a cohesive range that allows retailers to merchandise cards, bags and tissue paper together. The aim is simple: to help customers create beautifully coordinated gifts while providing retailers with additional sales opportunities.

As with all Laura Darrington Design products, quality has been central to the development process. Every detail, from artwork selection through to the finishing touches, has been carefully considered to ensure the collection reflects the premium design-led approach for which the brand has become known.

“We’ve been asked for gift bags and gift wrap for many years, so it feels incredibly rewarding to finally bring our own collection to market. We see it as a natural extension of the brand and a complementary product offering alongside our greeting cards. We hope our customers love the collection as much as we do and that it opens up exciting new opportunities for the future,’’ says Laura.

0116 2849660 | info@lauradarrington.com

Bewilderbeest

Bewilderbeest has just launched a range of six highly detailed illustrated gift wrap designs.

The Gift Horse range combines humorous concepts with traditionally styled illustration, creating a wrap that feels playful while still clinging on to some degree of adult sophistication. Much of the collection also carries a subtle masculine tone, helping broaden its appeal across a wider gifting audience.

A fresh and visually appealing range.

07586 481 578

info@bewilderbeest.co.uk

www.bewilderbeest.co.uk

UK Greetings

UK Greetings (UKG) is back to once again add the finishing touches to those special occasions with its stunning gifting options. Bringing luxury to those gifts is the Camden Signature range. Incorporating gold foil, embossed elements, and iridescent detailing, it offers customers a premium choice.

Meanwhile, with a variety of designs to suit different styles and occasions, UKG’s bouquet bags are the perfect way to showcase those plants and flowers in all their glory.

For those wanting to bring a bit of the outdoors in, RHS expands its already successful Curated Wild range of gifting into partyware, serving as a perfect addition to celebrations or garden parties.

And finally, Bubblegum is back and bringing the 90s vibes with it. Groovy Chick, Cool Dude and a host of fun new characters feature in these colourful new gift bags and wraps designed to turn heads and get noticed!

01924 436384

salesandservice@ukgreetings.co.uk

www.ukgreetings.co.uk

This summer

Darrington Design,

FOCUS ON... GIFT WRAP & BAGS

Museums & Galleries

Museums & Galleries (M&G) has a very beautiful and comprehensive collection of sheet and roll gift wraps, gift bags, and gift tissue with a focus largely on heritage and contemporary design. William Morris and the Victorian Arts & Crafts designers are currently very much in vogue, and M&G’s long-standing licence with the V&A museum means the company has unrivalled access to an utterly fantastic design archive. Morris, Voysey, De Morgan, and Walter Crane predominate, but M&G also dips into the 18th-century with gems from Anna Maria Garthwaite and William Kilburn, the beautiful lace-like Garthwaite design Roccoco tying in with the V&A’s recent Marie Antoinette Style blockbuster exhibition.

M&G’s roster of contemporary designers includes names such as Matthew Williamson and Mary Katrantzou, Emily Burningham and Sarah Campbell, and younger designers including Catherine Rowe and Helen Ahpornsiri. Classic children’s character licences such as Paddington Bear, Brambly Hedge, and Guess How Much I Love You, are evergreen favourites.

New for 2026 is a collection of eight sheet wraps from M&G’s The Fold label. The Fold aims to bring joy, colour and a carnival of contemporary creativity to the world of greeting cards, gift wraps and stationery. The venture supports young independent artists and illustrators, with real art made by real people, backed by M&G’s trusted name. The new wraps draw on bestselling designs from the card range, including Daria Solak’s Dinosaurs and London Buses.

M&G has also launched a decorative London Map gift wrap with prominent illustrator Josie Shenoy. M&G coordinates the wrap with a greeting card and gift product range featuring two attractive designs, which make an attractive and classy personal souvenir of a trip to London or a gift.

M&G’s sister company M!NT has recently joined the ranks of gift packaging publishers with its range of custom-ink neon gift bags showcasing its To Be Frank! humour brand. The intense, glowing neon really makes these bags stand out, and the witty one-liners are specially written to suit typical gift-giving situations. The three sizes of bag are unique to M!NT and di erent from M&G’s, and include a horizontal and bottle bag format.

01373 462165 | sales@mgml.co.uk | www.museumsgalleries.co.uk

Kali Stileman Publishing

The girls at Kali Stileman Publishing are giddy for gift wrap! Their luxury heavy-weight flat wrapping papers are printed in an array of muted and bright colours and patterns, and with more than 100 designs to choose from, there is bound to be a design to suit every age and style.

They are thrilled to have teamed up with Woodmansterne for their latest gift bags and wrap; bold and blocky diamonds in muted on-trend hues. The inspiration largely came from the Dorset coast, where Kali Stileman Publishing is based. The cool blue tones of the water peppered with the bright colours of the buoys, boats and beach huts provided the perfect starting point for these fun designs.

07344 707167 | info@kalistileman.co.uk | www.kalistileman.co.uk

Diary of a card shop

Lucy Eason captains George’s in the Kent seaside town of Whitstable, now in its 56th year of trading – 20 of them under Lucy and her husband Nick’s stewardship. Here, she shares the view from the helm as spring turns to summer

Mid-spring, and there’s a distinct feeling of renewal at George’s. A fresh lick of paint on the shop front, a rebooted Instagram page – head to @GeorgesWhitstable to catch up on all 55 years of our story and come along for the ride.

Cutest crew addition

The biggest news this year is Milo: manager Chloe’s new puppy, now an o cial George’s mascot he works in the o ce alongside Lisa, and quite frankly is the most popular member of sta . New life brings such optimism and joy, and his arrival has given the whole team an extra spring in their step.

Show time

The London Stationery Show was a delight. My most exciting find? Hijinks from Design Works, due July 1 – a vibrant collection of stationery, gifting, cards, and homewares. The colours are joyful, the product mix is clever, and it’s going to complement our store beautifully through summer and with a view to continue into autumn/winter.

And PG Live? The best trade show there ever was – the anticipation, the energy, and the joy that keeps giving when the newness arrives back at the shop. Rosie Made A Thing showcased some extended Stroke Me designs that our customers are absolutely loving; due to her continued success I awarded her a very well-deserved Silver Ticket! Earlybird Designs’ new range Rude Studio has also been a brilliant addition; Heidi and Dom are as joyous as their cards.

Retas finalist… for the second year!

In May we found out the most fabulous news: we are finalists at the prestigious Retas Awards for the second year in a row. I’m so genuinely proud. Since our refit just over a year ago we’ve truly hit our stride, with occasions showing the biggest growth at 79% up on last year. A massive key to this success has been Shopify, our EPOS and stock

control system. Sarah and the team have worked so hard on building and maintaining a clean, e cient, and e ective system– saving us enormous time and enabling valuable, data-driven decisions. The cards get the glory, but the data does the heavy lifting.

Dad’s the word

Father’s Day was up 15% on last year – turns out kids are buying more for their old man. Special mention for the brilliant sell-through for Tracks with Flu and Googlies ranges, and the gloriously rude ranges from Redback Cards and Brainbox Candy went down a treat. Rosie Made a Thing smashed it, as always

‘’Since

our refit just over a year ago we’ve truly hit our stride, with occasions showing the biggest growth at 79% up on last year’’

Shop to shoreline

With gorgeous weather we decided to do something special: a photo shoot on Whitstable Beach, just two and a half minutes from the shop, capturing all our bespoke Whitstable products. This includes a menu created by the brilliant Lisa Bamford at Stoats & Weasels, available as a poster and greeting cards, the perfect souvenir for a trip to Whitstable. These

quirky pieces sit beautifully alongside our coastal cards and postcards, loved equally by visitors and locals. We had a bit of a giggle and reminded ourselves of why we love this town so much.

We’ve also just received the long-awaited ribbons from The Art File, design-led colours and textures, gorgeous stripes, well-priced and beautifully packaged. We’re hopeful the cross-grain and velvet ribbon will uplift our display as well as our wrapping sales.

Ho ho ho heatwave Planning Christmas while sitting with a fan in my face and wearing flip flops always amuses me, but this is the job. Cards, stockings and gifts are all ordered, but I’ve kept a little room to stu in some extra treats, which I was inspired by Stormy Knight Pressed & Posted o the back of the everyday range success and total newness . Roll on August when they start arriving!

Endless enthusiasm

After 55 years on the High Street, 30 of which I’ve worked here and 20 owning it, I love it more than ever.

The passion for what we do radiates from me, through the team, and throughout the shop. If I’ve inspired you to visit our wonderful town, please come and say hello, but until then, with Christmas in the bag – or sack – and Father’s Day out of the way, my fan goes o , my flip flops go on, and I’ll be heading to the beach. See you there for a dip!

Kali Stileman Danilo Keel Toys

Love all

From expanding relationship captions to a move towards sweeter, more inclusive and humorous designs, retailers and publishers are seeing customers rethink what Valentine’s Day means – and who they choose to celebrate

For publishers, the season remains an important fixture in the calendar. Jemima Stileman, head of operations at Kali Stileman Publishing, says Valentine’s plays a key role in helping retailers build momentum after the busy Christmas trading period and quieter January weeks.

“For shops, it is their first season after a busy Christmas trading period, and they are keen to increase footfall after a generally quieter January. This means that when we hit the ground running in January, we’re all about the spring seasons!”

Demand for Valentine’s cards has also broadened, with customers increasingly looking beyond traditional romantic messages. Jemima highlights a growing appetite for cards that celebrate friendships, family and wider relationships.

“Celebrating Valentine’s has grown in popularity, with people not just sending cards to their significant others, but to all their nearest and dearest,” she says. “There has also been a shift in style; customers are veering from traditional Valentine’s designs and are opting for more modern sentiments.”

Carl Dunne, director at Cards & Gifts in Dronfield, West Yorkshire, confirms this: “We have definitely seen a change in captions – this year was big with to Daughter and also to Nan. We also sold so many of the House of Sarunds personalised Galaxy bars bars – a great little add-on.’’

This changing approach is reflected in product development, with Kali Stileman responding to demand for more playful and versatile designs. Bestsellers include mini cards featuring captions such as ‘you rock’ and ‘you make everything groovy!’, with the smaller format and accessible price point encouraging customers to pick up several cards for di erent people in their lives.

Charlotte Stubbs, director at Creativity in Sheringham, says Valentine’s is no longer quite the powerhouse it once was, particularly with supermarkets competing heavily on price across cards, flowers and gifts.

However, she notes that independent retailers still have an opportunity when they o er something distinctive – and ‘’something funny/di erent, that the younger generation might consider,” she adds.

At Earlybird Cards & Gifts in Stoke Newington, owner Hannah Sharman has noticed a clear move away from overly specific romantic captions and towards designs that feel more universal.

“Cards that are sweet but not soppy, and funny but not mean, work best for us,” she says. The shop’s strongest performer this year was a simple blank design featuring two cherubs kissing – a sign that customers are responding to heartfelt, understated messages.

Across the category, the message is clear: Valentine’s continues to matter, but the definition of love is changing, celebrating not just partners, but friends, family or simply someone special.

Blooming love-ly!

Love is in full bloom with Alljoy Design’s Blossom Original Paper Cut Art collection for Valentine’s Day 2027. Combining intricate laser-cut details, vibrant florals and luxurious gold foil accents, this beautifully crafted range o ers retailers a fresh and distinctive take on romantic greeting cards.

Designed to be displayed, treasured and kept long after Valentine’s Day has passed, each card celebrates love through elegant paper artistry and heartfelt design.

Alljoy Design

info@alljoydesign.com | www.alljoydesign.com

Heart and humour

Danilo is bringing plenty of heart, humour and character to Valentine’s Day 2027 with a licensed collection featuring some of its most-loved brands. Leading the range are top-performing favourites including Bluey, Only Fools and Horses, and Despicable Me, o ering retailers a winning mix of sweet sentiments, playful humour and instantly recognisable characters. Whether customers are celebrating a partner, best friend or family member, there’s a card to suit every kind of Valentine’s message.

With licensed brands continuing to drive shopper engagement, Danilo’s Valentine’s collection delivers standout designs that fans love to pick up and recipients love to receive. Combining strong shelf appeal with proven consumer favourites, the range is already shaping up to be a must-stock for the season of love.

Danilo 01992 702 900 sales@danilo.com | www.danilo.com

Little loves

Kali Stileman’s vast collection of tiddly widdly cards includes lots of gorgeous designs for Valentine’s Day. Ranging from simple heart motifs to wonderfully wordy ‘you rock’ and ‘you make everything groovy’, there’s a style and sentiment to suit every taste.

The romance doesn’t end with greeting cards. The latest wrapping paper features an explosion of pink and red love hearts against a chalk white background and goes beautifully with the mini cards.

Kali Stileman Publishing 07344 707167 info@kalistileman.co.uk www.kalistileman.co.uk

Little Wonders

The Art File celebrates Valentine’s Day 2027 with three new card collections and a lovely new gift wrap collection to make the day even more special.

Browse Little Wonders, a stunning landscape card collection; Happy Things, a mini card range that’s bold and bright; and a curated selection of new Louise Mulgrew Valentine’s Day cards. The Art File has also added extensions to six of its bestselling Valentine’s Day collections, including the Penny Bazaar and Storybook ranges.

The Valentine’s Day gift wrap collection includes five stunning gift bag looks, paired with matching wrap and an adorable heart sticker roll pack.

The Art File 01158507490

sales@theartfile.com www.theartfiletrade.com

Everlasting love…

Keel Toys has created the perfect Valentines flower that, like true love, will never wilt and its beauty will never fade. The new Keeleco Botanical Garden Roses are the perfect gift to show your sweetheart that your love will last forever. Also available as bag charms.

The range also includes the most charming bears holding hearts and roses. All Valentines 2027 products are Keeleco, meaning they are made from 100% recycled polyester.

Keel Toys

01233 506363

sales@keeltoys.com www.keeltoys.com

Made for two

One Valentine’s range the UK Greetings team is hoping consumers will fall head over heels for is The Two Of Us. With adorable scenes including weekend walks, sofa snuggles or trips to Paris, they aim to be both relatable and romantic.

Complemented by sweet rhyming verses to show the recipient how much they’re cared for, these cute cards are finished with a variety of luxury details such as metallic foil elements and wraparound cords.

UK Greetings

01924 436384

salesandservice@ukgreetings.co.uk www.ukgreetings.co.uk

Breezy balloons

Tipsy Vanilla is injecting a splash of colour into Valentine’s Day with a Love You card featuring heart-shaped balloons. In signature breezy style, Love You is part of an occasions range with a fluttery, floaty theme. Bold lettering pops on a textured vanilla background across 14 designs including Happy New Home, Good Luck, Thank You, Mr & Mrs and Congrats. All 120x170mm cards are printed onto textured board and paired with a kraft envelope.

Tipsy Vanilla hello@tipsyvanilla.co.uk tipsyvanilla.faire.com

Love is in the air

Tache is encouraging retailers to start planning early for Valentine’s Day 2027 with its charming new collection, Love is in the Air.

Inspired by one of Tache’s all-time bestselling designs, the Balloon Dachshund, which first launched in 2013 and has sold more than 100,000 copies, this playful new range celebrates everything customers adore about the original.

Featuring adorable cats and dogs floating through the air beneath heart-shaped balloons, these dreamy, hand-finished designs are bursting with personality and cuteness overload. Designed without captions, the collection o ers retailers incredible versatility.

Tache

01202 691435

hello@tache.co.uk | www.tache.co.uk

Not-so soppy

Bewilderbeest has added six new designs to its Quite Fond Valentine’s Day range. There’s no soppy sentiments here because not everyone likes a gushy card. These cards are for those who prefer to show their love with a bit of humour.

Bewilderbeest 07586 481 578 info@bewilderbeest.co.uk www.bewilderbeest.co.uk

RETAIL INTERVIEW SHOP INDIE

Championing

A finalist in the 2026 Retas awards, for John O’Nions and Lisa Swift, owners of Shop Indie, in Chesterfield, the story behind the products they stock is key

For John O’Nions and Lisa Swift, the story behind Shop Indie has always been about more than selling cards and gifts. Their Chesterfield store was created with a clear purpose: to champion independent designers and makers, bring something di erent to the high street, and give customers the chance to buy products with a story behind them.

Located on Steeplegate in Chesterfield town centre, just o the main high street, Shop Indie sits within a thriving community of independent retailers. The store benefits from a mix of local shoppers and visitors drawn to the town’s heritage, as well as those exploring the nearby Peak District.

“A lot of locals shop with us, but being on the edge

Congrats on being named as a finalist in the Best Independent Retailer Of Greeting Cards – North East category at the Retas. What do you think sets you apart?

Thank you! Ever since we opened our doors in October 2019, we’ve been committed to supporting independent makers from across the UK. In that time, we have stocked more than 300 di erent independent businesses, providing our customers with new and exciting products, many of which they won’t find elsewhere. There is always something new to see – so much so that we doubled the size of our shop at the end of 2024 by opening upstairs as we needed the space! Our customers are always so generous with their comments – we’ve lost track of the number that have told us what a great selection of cards we have! So to be recognised by our makers too, being nominated for this award and then being made finalists, it means the world to us.

of the beautiful Peak District, we do also get a lot of tourists while they visit The Crooked Spire and our historic market, particularly over summer,” they explain.

The pair run the business alongside a small team who share their passion for supporting independent creators: ‘‘They all share our vision for bringing independent makers to the high street.”

That vision has become increasingly important in a challenging retail environment: “We know that running a business at the moment is tough for some. It is hard not to see the posts on social media from other independent businesses closing due to increased overheads and stresses of running a small business.”

However, Shop Indie has been fortunate to benefit from strong local support since opening, allowing John and Julie to continue their mission of bringing fresh, distinctive products to Chesterfield.

“Our makers have always been at the heart of our business – without them, we wouldn’t be able to do what we do,” they say.

That ethos is reflected in the way they select products and communicate with customers. Rather than simply stocking products, Shop Indie aims to share the stories behind them – who created them, what inspired them and why they are special.

“We’ve always been proud to advertise the fact that we support independent UK makers and bring them to the high street, and this is reflected both in our online presence, and in our bricks-and-mortar shop. We love to tell the stories of our makers to our customers, and we think that’s something that sets us apart.”

Over time, they have also enjoyed watching the businesses they support develop and grow.

“It has also been lovely to see some of our makers grow and develop over the years. Some of them have stocked with us since the very beginning, some started with a small range of greeting cards and are

now showing at trade shows across the UK. We like to think that we helped them along the way to become the successful businesses that they are now.”

Like many greetings retailers, birthday cards remain the strongest category, with customers particularly drawn to cards that feel personal and relevant.

“Unsurprisingly, birthday cards are by far and away the bestsellers for us – we do particularly well specifically with age and relation cards.”

“Our makers have always been at the heart of our business – without them, we wouldn’t be able to do what we do’’

The store focuses on finding designs that connect with the recipient, whether through humour, sentiment or milestone moments.

“Customers want something that’s personal, so whether that’s a humorous card the recipient will relate to, an age card celebrating a particular milestone, or a card for ‘Mum’, this is a real focus for us when searching for new designers.”

Among the brands performing well are established names alongside newer independent favourites.

“Rosie Made a Thing has always sold well for us, but other firm favourites over the past couple of years include Citrus Bunn, Not at all jack as well as our own, which are sold under Altered Chic.”

The past few years have seen noticeable changes

independents

in the way customers shop, with a growing appreciation for thoughtful purchases and products that offer something beyond the mass market.

Shop Indie’s customer base has continued to grow, with new shoppers regularly discovering the store: “We are always amazed by the number of people that still stumble upon our shop every week.”

John and Lisa believe there has been a shift towards more conscious spending, with customers increasingly looking for products that feel unique and meaningful.

“Whether that’s because of economic changes that have forced customers to be more selective in their purchasing, or whether there’s more appreciation for the quality and uniqueness of the cards and gifts we stock, we’re not sure.”

For Shop Indie, social media has become an essential way of maintaining relationships with customers and highlighting new products.

“Social media is a great tool for small businesses like our own and something we do try to make use of as much as possible.”

The platform allows Shop Indie to showcase new arrivals, introduce makers and encourage customers to visit the store: “Many of our regular customers follow us so it is ideal to let people know what new things we have in the shop.”

They have also noticed that changes in how content is shared online have helped them reach beyond their existing customer base.

“The way algorithms are changing recently also means that our posts are being shared more widely to other people in the local area, or people with similar interests; bringing potential new customers.”

For Shop Indie, encouraging customers to shop locally is about offering something they cannot easily replicate online.

“It’s all about creating an experience that they wouldn’t get in a larger chain or shopping online.”

That experience comes from constantly refreshing the product mix and creating a destination where customers can discover new designers.

“That involves having an ever-changing selection

of cards and gifts from independent designers and makers, ensuring that we have products they won’t find elsewhere locally.”

They are also part of Chesterfield’s wider independent retail community: “We have a great community of independent businesses that are happy to point customers in one another’s direction if there’s something that we can’t help them with.”

‘’We would love to see more choice in sweary, rude and cheeky cards. Our customers absolutely love them!’’

The couple believe independent retailers will continue to play a vital role in keeping town centres vibrant: “We’ve also been involved in running campaigns in the town centre to promote independent shopping. This is something that we believe is incredibly important and independent businesses are going to play an important role in keeping our high streets alive.”

While Shop Indie is proud of the choice it offers, there are still areas where John and Lisa would like to see more variety.

They highlight relation cards as one area where customers often want more choice. “For example, birthday cards for a niece, nephew, daughter-in-law along with wedding acceptance cards, which are also becoming more popular for us.”

Another area where they see strong customer demand is humour: ‘‘We would love to see more choice in is sweary, rude and cheeky cards. Our customers absolutely love them!”

Recent retail research has highlighted the importance of brand storytelling, in-store experience and community connection – all

areas that are central to Shop Indie’s approach.

For John and Lisa, sharing the background behind products helps customers understand the value of buying from independent makers.

“We love to pop a little note next to products to let our customers know where they come from or how they’re made – we love products with stories, whether that’s the inspiration behind them, the use of certain materials or a drive for sustainability.”

Ultimately, Shop Indie’s success is built around creating connections: between makers and customers, between products and stories, and between an independent shop and its community.

“Customers are increasingly conscious about the products they buy, so telling them the stories behind them really helps to reinforce the fact that they are supporting real people running fantastic independent businesses.”

Festive sparkle

Retailers looking to add some festive sparkle to their Christmas displays will find plenty of inspiration in Alljoy Design’s latest seasonal collections.

With a wide selection of bestselling Christmas favourites and exciting new launches for 2026, the collection offers a range of distinctive paper-engineered cards and gifts designed to stand out in-store and delight customers throughout the festive season.

This includes the award-winning Message in a Bottle collection, featuring beautifully illustrated Christmas scenes inside its bottle-shaped format, alongside festive additions to the popular pop-up card ranges. From traditional winter villages and snow-covered streets to Santa, festive keepsakes and seasonal favourites, the collection offers something for every Christmas shopper.

Alljoy Design info@alljoydesign.com | www.alljoydesign.com

All I want for

Don’t be fooled. The sun may be shining, but it’s only a couple of months until the golden quarter. Make sure you’re stocked up for the festive season with these seasonal treats…

The magic of the season

Discover the magic of the Christmas season with The Art File Christmas Cards, advent calendars, and calendars. The Art File is offering an exclusive mix of traditional and contemporary designs, with more than 145 new card designs launched as part of its 2026 Christmas Collections.

Notable selections from the card collections include Pavilion, a bold Christmas collection with traditional themes; Happy Things, a fun and contemporary collection; and Merry Little Christmas, a contemporary collection of four landscape cards featuring golden typography and festive botanicals. Bestselling ranges such as Storybook Christmas, Bear, and Rock On also have new designs added to their collections.

The Art File will publish 18 calendars for 2027 and 19 advent calendars and cards, perfect for celebrating Christmas and keeping track of important dates for 2027. With more than 190 new designs to choose from, this collection has been designed to turn the heads of even the most discerning of retailers, and of course, look fantastic under the tree this Christmas.

The Art File

01158507490

sales@theartfile.com

www.theartfiletrade.com

If you are looking for environmentally friendly Christmas cards then this year’s Christmas card packs from The Eco-friendly Card Co may be exactly what you are looking for. Printed on 100% recycled FSC board and supplied with 100% recycled envelopes, these Christmas cards are printed in the UK using eco-friendly waterless printing techniques powered by green energy. Like all products from the Eco-friendly Card Co all the paper used in the products is also carbon-balanced with The World Land Trust.

Charity packs in support of The Wildlife Trusts have a 60p donation with 10 cards in a pack; two each of five different designs. New for 2026 are small art-card Christmas packs, which contain five each of two designs – rrp £4.75. All mixed packs come in an attractive card wrap-over cover, minimising the need for excessive packaging. Single design Christmas packs are also available; eight cards of one design in a compostable bag, with charity donations of 40-55p.

The Eco-friendly Card Co 01626369269 www.ecofriendly.cards

What a Nutcracker!

Joe Davies brings a little storybook magic to festive displays with its delightful Nutcracker Knits Crochet Bears. A classic Christmas tale meets a traditional bear in this charming hand-crocheted collection, available in small, medium and large sizes, plus a hanging option that is just the thing for adding character to Christmas trees. Dressed in smart green, blue and red outfits, each bear has plenty of seasonal personality and cosy festive charm. Merchandised loose, they are easy for retailers to display, mix and match, and top up throughout the busy festive season. With their handmade feel, traditional Christmas styling and broad gifting appeal, they make a lovely pick-up line for customers looking for something cosy, cheerful and a little bit different.

Joe Davies

0161 975 6300 | sales@joedavies.co.uk

www.joedavies.co.uk

Christmas…

Dreaming of a pink Xmas

The weather may be hotting up but the girls at Kali Stileman Publishing have Christmas on their mind! Their Christmas 2026 collection includes six mini cards, along with a larger square design and flat wrap. In contrast to the traditional festive colours, this range is printed in a sumptuous array of pinks, from a deep magenta to a soft pale pink. As well as the classic Christmas characters such as Father Christmas and the Three Wise Men, their latest designs also include fun festive faces such as a smiley Brussel sprout and Christmas cracker – they are utterly adorable!

Perfect as standalone Christmas cards, but even better with the matching wrapping paper, these festive cards are Kali’s favourite Christmas collection to date.

Kali Stileman Publishing 07344 707167

info@kalistileman.co.uk | www.kalistileman.co.uk

Making it personal

Christmas is full of familiar traditions. Decorating the tree. Wrapping presents at the last minute. Promising you’ll be organised next year. And finding the perfect card for someone who’ll instantly get the joke.

That’s where Timmy Loves comes in: Simply add your town and ordinary Christmas cards become something your customers won’t find anywhere else. From festive baubles and colourful Christmas trees to disco-dancing Santas, every design is created especially for your shop, because Christmas is even better with your town on the front.

Everything is printed to order in the UK on premium FSC-certified materials, giving you more choice, less waste and a Christmas range that’s made just for you. Better for you, better for the planet.

Ready to make it yours?

Simply add your town, shop the range on Faire and, if you’re new to the platform, enjoy 50% off your first order, courtesy of Faire.

Merry Christmas... from your town.

Timmy Loves

07947 257597 | hello@timothylove.me

https://timmyloves.faire.com

Trade talk

Suppliers talk to Greetings Today about their PG Live experience, what they are most excited for in the second half of the year, upcoming trends, and the relationship between suppliers and retailers. If you would like to share your opinions in the next issue, email naomi@lemapublishing.co.uk

Anna Nelson Co-founder

Rosanna Rossi

We’re halfway through the year, how is business, is it meeting expectations, or surprising in any way?

We’re pleased with how the year has been so far. Retail remains a challenging environment, but we’re incredibly grateful for the continued support of our retailers, agents and distributors. One thing we’ve noticed is that retailers are increasingly looking for products that offer something different to stand out on the shelf; for us, this has been the tactile emboss of our cards. That’s something we’ve always been passionate about, so it’s encouraging to see it resonate. We’re looking forward to building on that momentum during the second half of the year.

If you went to PG Live, how was the general vibe? Were buyers still keen to order or were they being careful? What was popular?

The overall mood at PG Live felt positive, but buyers were certainly more cautious with their purchasing decisions than in previous years. However, there was still enthusiasm for fresh designs, particularly products with a strong point of difference. Collections that offered something different and a clear design story resonated well, giving retailers confidence that customers would engage with them in store.

‘’The overall mood at PG Live felt positive, but buyers were certainly more cautious with their purchasing decisions than in previous years’’

Which categories, occasions or design trends are currently performing strongest at retail – and are there any surprising growth areas emerging for 2026?

For us, cute continues to be popular, as well as titles that are slightly more quirky, lighthearted, and those with a meaningful connection.

Looking ahead to the second half of 2026 and beyond, what opportunities are you most excited about for the greetings industry?

As our lives become increasingly digital, people still value the simple act of sending and receiving a card.

It was rewarding to see the reaction to our new Plush Print collection at PG Live. The range brought smiles to people’s faces and encouraged them to pick up, touch and engage with the product. Creating something tangible that instantly sparks joy is exactly the response we hoped to achieve.

Looking ahead, we see a real opportunity for publishers to continue creating meaningful, design-led products that offer consumers joy and connection in an increasingly fast-paced world.

‘’The atmosphere at PG Live, was lively and positive, with what seemed to be a strong footfall through the event’’

Rani Moochhala Founder Paper Mirchi

If you went to PG Live, how was the general vibe? Were buyers still keen to order or were they being careful? What was popular?

The atmosphere at PG Live, was lively and positive with what seemed to be a strong footfall through the event and great optimism from both exhibitors and buyers. There was a noticeable continued interest in meeting in person and seeing product, with buyers still actively placing orders.

Which categories, occasions or design trends are currently performing strongest at retail – and are there any surprising growth areas emerging for 2026?

Paper Mirchi has had a great response to our new gifting and home collections reflecting the growth of creating a lifestyle for customers to provide them with the full experience from cards and wrap to the gift, etc and the ongoing confidence in the market.

Jemima Stileman

Director of operations

Kali Stileman Publishing

If you went to PG Live, how was the general vibe? Were buyers still keen to order or were they being careful? What was popular?

We had a brilliant time at PG Live – it’s always so joyful and inspiring to be around other publishers, and we feel very lucky to be part of this industry. Although there is some economic uncertainty, the general vibe with visitors seemed to be upbeat, with customers keen to place orders. The launch of our tiddly arty cards seemed to be particularly popular, with designs on virtually every order.

Which categories, occasions or design trends are currently performing strongest at retail – and are there any surprising growth areas emerging for 2026?

The categories that consistently perform the strongest seem to be mini cards, children’s numbers and wrapping paper. Retailers have told us that they like mini cards as their lower price point means customers are more likely to purchase multiple at a time, while children’s numbers have always been a customer favourite. Wrapping paper styles that prove to be the most popular are patterns; they look gorgeous displayed in shops, and their versatility makes them a strong choice!

‘’It’s always so joyful and inspiring to be around other publishers, and we feel very lucky to be part of this industry’’

What makes a successful relationship between publishers, suppliers and retailers today, and what do you think retailers value most from their partners?

I think a successful relationship is based on reliability and kindness. It’s so important that each link of the retail chain can depend on their suppliers or customers to deliver a good product in the decided time frame. Kindness also really matters: a lot of us are small businesses and are just doing our best! The friendships we have formed with our customers and suppliers have been invaluable to growing our company and keeping us loving what we do.

Ian Samuels Sales director

Global Journey

We’re halfway through the year, how is business, is it meeting expectations, or surprising in any way?

As we reach the halfway point of the year, I would say that overall, trading has remained relatively robust, despite the more challenging conditions we have experienced since Easter.

The first quarter of the year was exceptionally strong for us and provided a very encouraging start to 2026. Our latest product launches were met with an excellent response from customers, and both the Harrogate Christmas & Gift Fair and Spring Fair delivered some of the best feedback and order levels we have seen in recent years. Customers were clearly looking for fresh, original products to excite consumers, and this positive sentiment carried through into the early part of the year. Up until Easter, customers were placing orders with confidence and showed little hesitation in investing in new product ranges.

Since Easter, however, we have noticed a slight softening in demand. A combination of poor weather, ongoing economic uncertainty and wider current affairs appears to have created a more cautious retail environment. While customers remain interested in new products, purchasing decisions are taking longer and there is a greater degree of consideration before committing to orders. Despite this, we continue to see good levels of engagement and remain optimistic about the opportunities ahead this year.

‘’One trend that has become increasingly apparent is the growing appetite from both retailers and consumers for gift and greeting products at accessible price points, particularly below the £5 mark’’

Which categories, occasions or design trends are currently performing strongest at retail – and are there any surprising growth areas emerging for 2026?

One trend that has become increasingly apparent is the growing appetite from both retailers and consumers for gift and greeting products at accessible price points, particularly below the £5 mark. In response, we have placed a much greater emphasis on developing impulse-driven gift, greeting and stationery lines retailing between £3.99 and £4.99. These products offer strong value while still delivering the quality, creativity and originality that customers expect from us. We believe this category remains particularly relevant in the current market, where consumers are looking for affordable ways to celebrate occasions and give thoughtful gifts.

Several of our newer product ranges have performed exceptionally well. In particular, our Woody Pal Keyrings and newly launched themed Cake Candles have resonated strongly with greeting card retailers, generating excellent sales and repeat demand. The success of these ranges has further strengthened our position within the greeting card sector and has prompted us to re-engage with CardGains regarding membership opportunities.

What makes a successful relationship between publishers, suppliers and retailers today, and what do you think retailers value most from their partners?

Ultimately, our success continues to be driven by the relationships we build with our customers. Listening to their feedback, understanding their needs and responding with innovative, commercially viable products remains at the heart of everything we do. As customer expectations continue to rise, delivering outstanding service is more important than ever. It is this commitment to both product development and customer care that motivates us to improve year after year and remain at the forefront of our industry.

SHOP TALK

Greetings Today catches up with retailers to talk about PG Live, Harrogate Home & Gift, what’s selling well and their hopes for the rest of 2026

Charlotte pictured centre

Charlotte Stubbs Director Creativity

Sheringham, Norfolk

Did you go to PG Live? How was it – did you discover any hidden gems? Did you find everything you wanted?

It was a fast and furious visit for us. It takes us three hours to get to London by train, so we ended up having about five hours at the show. If I’m honest, there wasn’t a single company there that I hadn’t already earmarked on Faire. I did place a couple of orders, using my sunshine and silver ticket from being a Retas nominee. I also ordered from a couple of my favourite companies; Stormy Knight and Objectables. We also rediscovered M!NT and ordered their new fridge magnets and coasters. Funny designs and a great price point.

Will you be attending Harrogate Home & Gift –- what will you be looking for?

Yes, we love going to Harrogate. We will be looking for new brands and products to bring into our store.

‘’Customers don’t seem to be that bothered by the price increases on most items, it is almost like they expect it now’’

We are halfway through the year – how is business so far, and how are you feeling about the rest of the year?

Business so far has been good; we have had some amazing weather over the half term, which really helps us, being on the coast. Customers don’t seem to be that bothered by the price increases on most items, it is almost like they expect it now. The summer holidays are our busiest time of year, being in a tourist destination. So keeping fingers crossed for good weather and people spending their summer in this country, rather than going abroad.

What’s been selling particularly well for you? Any surprises?

We still sell so many greeting cards and customers always compliment us on our ranges of funny cards, from Brainbox Candy, Redback Cards, Rosie Made A Thing, Objectables, Ohh Deer and East End Prints. This sector has seen price increases from nearly all of the brands we order from, but that doesn’t seem to have a ected sales.

We are selling lots of funny stickers; the younger generation seem to love them. We have a few di erent independent suppliers, so are happy to be supporting other small businesses.

Any other issues you wish to highlight?

The price of silver is a ecting how much I am filling my jewellery cabinets at the moment. We used to sell silver necklaces and studs all day long, but with cheaper anti-tarnish jewellery now available, at much lower prices, I feel customers now consider these instead.

Kirsty Brookes

Owner/manager

The Guisborough Bookshop

Guisborough North Yorkshire

Did you go to PG Live?

We couldn’t make it to PG Live, it was just too far for us to go as we had not long been to a Jellycat expo in London, but we have registered and booked for Harrogate Home & Gift. It is only an hour from us so we can travel straight from closing on Saturday at 5pm and be there for dinner. It is the perfect excuse for a night away too. We will be looking for something that little bit di erent, (as I’m sure most of us are) as well as gift stationery and gents’ gifts.

‘’Our card sales are up 15% and we seem to be selling lots of socks (now we have a sock wall lol)’’

We are halfway through the year – how is business so far, and how are you feeling about the rest of the year?

It’s been a busy one so far but with lots of redevelopment works going on in the town and an increase in rates, tax AND shoplifting, we are keeping everything crossed that our community keep supporting us. Our card sales are up 15% and we seem to be selling lots of socks (now we have a sock wall lol) as well as Wrendale Designs baby and stationery items. We introduced the brand Herdy to our store a few months ago and the car fresheners seem to selling particularly well.

What’s next?

We have lots planned for our store over the coming months and we are really looking forward to our Christmas o ering this year in our new refurbed card department.

Carl Dunne Director

Cards & Gifts

Dronfield, West Yorkshire

Did you go to PG Live? How was it – did you discover any hidden gems? Did you find everything you wanted?

PG Live is a must on my calendar. What I love more is the fact that you can talk face to face with your current suppliers and have a good catch-up when most of the time you only ever talk on the phone.

As well as placing orders with current suppliers I did find a couple of new ones, which was great. As I’m a broker stockage with UK Greetings stocking Paper Salad, I’ve now gone direct with Paper Salad with their new vibrant stand with open birthday cards that also holds 12 captions of chocolate on the same spinner. The open caption bars of chocolate come in stunning bright wrappings, which I know will go down a storm.

I also placed an order – it’s taken me some two years to do so – with Pigment Productions cards and their humour range. Again on a stunning-looking spinner, so can’t wait to see our customers’ reactions.

And the last one to place as I’m stuck on the actual designs is the lovely lady who owns Sweary Card Lady. These are just so funny, but looking through the catalogue I need to narrow my range down again – the customers will be laughing so much in store. I can’t wait.

‘’Our wrapping paper from Glick was just flying off the shelf when I was at PG Live’’

We are halfway through the year – how is business so far, and how are you feeling about the rest of the year?

Yes, where has the year gone already? So we are doing about the same as last year at this point. When you look out there I’m very grateful as all I see at the moment is too many hard-working independent shops closing, so I’m glad and happy that I’m holding steady. The only concern is that since all the rises in costs in April the money is not going as far as it did in March.

What’s been selling particularly well for you? Any surprises?

Selling well? Well, where do I start? The chocolates from House of Sarunds are just flying off the shelf alongside our new Best Kept Secrets candles that we ordered from Spring Fair. These are so nice for the ladies. Then our wrapping paper from Glick was just flying off the shelf when I was at PG Live. I was very lucky to see the MD Becky Dobson and she said when she saw a picture of my display she said she had never seen such a big display of roll wrap. This is all thanks to Glick and UKG.

Hannah Sharman Owner

Earlybird Cards & Gifts

Stoke Newington, London

Did you go to PG Live? How was it – did you discover any hidden gems? Did you find everything you wanted?

I went to both days of PG Live and had a great time! I had planned to visit and order from so many great brands I already stock that I didn’t have as much time as usual finding new suppliers. I went with a long list of specific occasions and ages I needed and I managed to get them all. One of the new suppliers I ordered from, Grace Jackson Design, was particularly helpful, as they have virtually any occasion you could need!

‘’Mini cards are really popular at the moment, lots of customers will buy several at once!’’

We are halfway through the year – how is business so far, and how are you feeling about the rest of the year?

Business has been pretty good this year. Month by month sales have been both up and down on last year, but it’s all evened out to be up so far. I’m really hopeful for seasonal sales for the rest of the year as both Valentine’s and Mother’s Day went well for us, but am a bit more apprehensive about the quieter times.

What’s been selling particularly well for you? Any surprises?

Mini cards are really popular at the moment, lots of customers will buy several at once! We also sell a lot of high-value Me&McQ pop-up cards, so it seems like the two opposite sides of the price range are having a boost right now.

Retail Alchemy in

When Hazel Gordon jokingly describes herself as “builder, setter-upper,

makehappener & keep goinger!”, it is a title she has earned. Since opening Alchemist Gallery in Dingwall in the Scottish Highlands in late 2019, she and her husband have transformed a former chemist’s shop into a distinctive independent retail destination

Located at 48 High Street in the Highland market town of Dingwall, Alchemist Gallery occupies a building steeped in history. The premises operated as a chemist’s shop from the mid-1800s and required extensive renovation before reopening to the public.

“My husband Alan and I did as much physical building work as we could (so all the grotty jobs!), with professional support from skilled trades when needed,” Hazel explains.

The project revealed a wealth of original features that are now proudly on display. Even the shopfront tells a story. Working from an old postcard image, Hazel and her husband recreated a more traditional frontage after the original had been lost, incorporating stone from the house where she grew up, which had since been demolished.

The gallery’s name cleverly reflects both its past and present: “Alchemist Gallery, is both a nod to the building’s long history as a pharmacy and highlights the creativity that fuels the alchemy we create today, aiming to bring the original and di erent to our amazing customers.” That combination has earned the store a place as a finalist in this year’s Retas awards.

For Hazel, the revival of the building is closely tied to the revival of the high street itself. She believes customers are increasingly drawn to places with authenticity, history and a sense of purpose.

“High streets typically have some of an area’s finest buildings, with huge stories and soul, perfectly suited to a great shopping experience. I think people really appreciate seeing them rescued from decline

and coming to life again, and in turn they give you their support.”

That support began long before the gallery o cially opened. Throughout the renovation process, passers-by would stop to ask questions and chat about the building work.

“We built connections in our community long before we opened, just by speaking to people about our building work as they walked past,’’ she recalls. Those relationships proved invaluable when the pandemic arrived just months after opening.

“I have no doubt this is what helped us survive post-pandemic; we were only open three months before the first lockdown, which on its own would not have long been enough to generate the local support we had.”

The experience also reinforced Hazel’s belief in the value of independent retail communities.

“The greengrocer opposite even o ered us space for a card spinner throughout lockdown, a kindness I’ll never forget. Our butcher neighbour appeared with hot meaty nibbles the night we first opened.”

Today, Alchemist Gallery actively looks for ways to contribute to the wider high street. Sometimes that means small but meaningful gestures, such as sweeping the pavement outside, hanging flower baskets for neighbouring businesses or helping promote other local retailers. Other initiatives are larger in scale.

As well as o ering click-and-collect for website customers, the gallery serves as a free collection point for community-owned GlenWyvis Distillery, helping generate additional footfall for the

town centre. Hazel is also working on a locally illustrated 2027 calendar that will raise funds towards creating an all-abilities path into Dingwall Community Woodland.

The gallery’s product mix is every bit as carefully considered as its surroundings. Originally, greeting cards formed only a small part of the o er.

“High streets typically have some of an area’s finest buildings, with huge stories and soul, perfectly suited to a great shopping experience’’

“When we came to Dingwall, there was a longestablished traditional greeting card shop a few doors up, called June’s. I bought cards there years before I became a shopkeeper; it was an Aladdin’s cave for all occasions.”

Out of respect for a fellow independent retailer, Hazel initially focused solely on artist-designed cards rather than occasion cards.

That changed when June died and the shop closed. Customers began coming into Alchemist Gallery looking for occasion cards, prompting Hazel to expand the category.

Hazel Gordon in the shop

Artist cards from a range exclusive to Alchemist by Janis Mennie with local view of Dingwall

Credit:

D Gordon

Credit: D Gordon

the Highlands

“People came looking for occasion cards, and we rose to the challenge, building card sales to be a significant part of the business.”

Today, greeting cards are an important and growing part of the gallery’s o er, supported by an exceptionally hands-on approach to buying.

“I find it a hugely enjoyable part of what we o er and do love sourcing cards and wrapping paper from across the country.”

Over the years, many of the designers and publishers she buys from have become familiar faces.

“Many of the talented creators who run the small businesses we buy from are now friendly ‘well-kent faces’ [a Scottish phrase meaning familiar faces] at trade shows. It really feels like we have ‘grown up’ alongside the likes of delightful Citrus Bunn, funny Bewilderbeest and versatile Earlybird Designs.”

Perhaps what most distinguishes Alchemist Gallery’s card department is that every design is chosen individually.

“People sometimes comment that although it feels like the cards have all been individually selected, we can’t possibly do that, but I do; each and every design is specifically chosen because I think it’s good enough to add to our o er, and please our customers.

“I buy by eye, not brand or collection, look for quality because how cards and paper goods feel matters, and I’m happy to work with as many suppliers as it takes to get the mix right throughout the year.”

That level of curation has helped establish a reputation for cards that customers genuinely enjoy browsing.

“Often customers say ‘you have great cards’, so they must choose to shop with us for that reason.”

For Hazel, suggestions that greeting cards are becoming less relevant simply do not ring true.

“It’s not true that people ‘don’t send cards’ these days; they absolutely do. They take time to choose them, think carefully about what they write in them, and get appreciation from recipients.”

The challenge is making sure customers can find exactly the right card, particularly when requests can be highly specific.

“Recently I was asked in the space of five minutes by di erent customers for cards for a 60th birthday, with a dinosaur and with a badger!”

Fortunately, these unusual requests are something she enjoys.

“I love a challenge like that and am always on the lookout for good-quality cards that depict the more unusual things that people might ask for, from a glider to a goat, a pu n to a paddle boarder (you can tell we service a rural area), and yes, there was a choice of three badger cards!”

Artist-designed cards remain a defining part of the business and reflect the gallery’s origins. What began with cards created by exhibiting artists has evolved into a collection featuring artists, printmakers and illustrators from across the UK.

“Being based in the Scottish Highlands means we are surrounded by natural inspiration and talented established and emerging artists, so can o er an ever-changing selection of beautiful and unique artist cards,’’ says Hazel.

Among the most popular contributors is local artist Janis Mennie, whose views of Dingwall and Ben Wyvis are a perennial bestseller: “She handmakes these cards exclusively for us; each one is in fact a mini print mounted on a card.”

For many customers, artist cards o er an accessible way to enjoy original artwork.

“From the outset I wanted the gallery to be for ordinary people who want to enjoy good art in their own homes, and if that starts with a stunning card, that they may pop into a frame, then that’s brilliant. Seeing the joy when people find ‘just the right’ card is just a miniature version of them finding the right artwork for their home.”

In fact, some customers become so attached to the cards they buy that they never send them at all.

“We know a lot of the artist cards we sell are not sent, because the customers don’t want to part with them – that’s got to be the sign of a great card!” laughs Hazel.

Serving customers face-to-face also gives her valuable insight into emerging trends and unmet demand.

“Serving in the shop is brilliant way to get a real feel not just for what is selling, but what people are looking at, commenting on or asking for.”

She has noticed that teenagers remain a di cult audience to cater for, while sourcing cards for men continues to present challenges despite strong sales in that category.

“We do have a lot of men who come in for cards so it’s interesting to see what they go for – mountain scenery, bikes and either humour / building / geography fact from the likes of Archivist.” Recent customer requests have highlighted other opportunities too.

“Many of the talented creators who run the small businesses we buy from are now friendly ‘well-kent faces’ at trade shows’’

“I was asked the other day for ‘neighbour’, not something I’ve seen, but that does feel like a gap where cards are being used to value real human connection.”

Ultimately, Hazel believes greeting cards remain important because they represent something increasingly valuable: thoughtfulness, e ort and genuine connection.

“It means a lot that folk come to us for cards for those they care about. We are at heart just real people in the real world, at our best having face-toface conversations with customers, neighbours and suppliers, finding the special to give and to have.”

For a retailer built on creativity, community and careful curation, that philosophy feels like the perfect expression of Alchemist Gallery’s particular brand of retail alchemy.

Artists cards of our environment by (front to back) Driftwood Designs, Portrait of Clouds, Chris McColl, Katherine Sutherland, Janis Mennie, Jane Harlington

The original shopfront

The nished article

Credit: D Gordon

SHOW REVIEW

‘’PG Live always feels like catching up with friends, and this year was no exception. We had a fantastic couple of days on Stand 160, welcoming existing stockists and meeting lots of lovely new retailers. One unexpected highlight was seeing visitors repeatedly stop to photograph our new Tea Cups range – it’s safe to say those cards caused quite a stir! The show left us feeling excited about the months ahead and grateful for the support of such a brilliant industry.’’

Grace

Jackson, Grace Jackson Design

‘’As always PG Live was a lovely show with a great laid-back atmosphere. I had a great time as usual and it was good to take James Mitchell, sales coordinator, (pictured above right) to his first show with Kingfisher so he could meet customers old and new. I would say the show was better than expected so it’s good to see there’s still confidence in the greeting card industry.’’

Paul Urban, MD, Kingfi sher Cards

‘’PG Live once again proved why it’s one of the highlights of the greeting card calendar. It was fantastic to showcase our latest ranges, reconnect with customers and meet new faces. From Angry Birds causing a stir on the show floor to visitors trying to spot Where’s Wally?, there was plenty of fun alongside some great business conversations. Thanks to everyone who visited the Danilo stand – see you in 2027!’’

Claire Bates, senior marketing & sustainability manager, Danilo

Around the

Greetings Today caught up with some of the exhibitors at PG Live in June…

‘’The show was fantastic. It’s always a key date in our working year, but this year it’s been more important than ever before. We launched three new collections at the show, including our collaboration with French Frog artist, Heknitt. We couldn’t have expected a better reception for these cards and we’re so excited to see them land into retailers in the coming weeks.’’

Georgi Doig, director of happiness, lil wabbit

‘’The show was great for us – PG is always a fun show, meeting fellow exhibitors as well as catching up with our amazing retailers and meeting some new ones as well. The fans pictured here, we gave away for free, and we’ll be doing that again at Harrogate Home & Gift. They were an instant hit and I have had to train a few people on how to open them like a drag queen!’’

Mark Callaby, co-founder and sales & comanaging director, Ohh Deer

‘’PG Live was a huge success for us. It’s very gratifying for our design team to feel vindicated for their choices in new product development. Our industry is more competitive than at any time I can remember so it’s key that we make courageous and wellconsidered decisions.’’

Martin Powderly, creative director, Pigment Productions

Laura Darrington

Celebrating M!nt’s 20th birthday are Sophie BylinaWilliams, relationship manager (left), and Samantha Poulton, marketing & relationship co-ordinator.

(L-r) Harry Ferrin, sales manager, Mark Callaby, Edd Hamp, head of commercial operations

‘’PG Live was, as every year, a fun get-together for the industry and a great way to meet all my existing key accounts and fellow publishers in the industry. The Business Design Centre for two days every year is a great showcase of our diverse and talented industry.’’ Dean Morris, founder, Dean Morris Cards

stands

(l-r) Sequoia Horton, membership engagement

for the GA; Coral Hawkins, creative director at Meg Hawkins; Gemma Sault, MD, Giftware Association, and Meg Hawkins

“As an exhibitor, it’s easy to get caught up in setting up, chatting to customers and generally spinning a hundred plates at once. But when I properly took a moment to look around, I was reminded just how brilliantly inspirational this industry is. So many talented designers, artists and business owners all under one roof. And where else can you find such a huge variety of card designs? Thoughtful, funny, artistic, photographic –there’s genuinely something for everyone.’’

Meg Hawkins, CEO, Meg Hawkins Ltd

“The show was a big milestone for Ornament Art, from our debut in the Springboard section just a year ago, we moved to a stand where we were really able to add some theatre, propping the space with a neon bright tea party that reflected our brand personality and our deliciously kitsch new Hot Cakes range. We were thrilled to have not one, but two lovely retailers spend their prize tickets with us.’’

Jo Short, co-owner, Ornament Art

‘’I always enjoy PG Live. It’s a wonderful opportunity to catch up with everyone and enjoy the conversations that remind you what a creative, supportive and passionate industry we’re part of.’’

Ling, director, Alljoy Design

‘’The show had a wonderful, positive vibe right from the opening moments. For Susan O’Hanlon it was the start of a business re-launch and what could be better than an exciting response to our new Christmas and Everyday ranges, a new London agent, new foreign distributors, being able to talk face to face with Spotlight Media about our new website – and fabulous orders from incredible independents.’’

Susan O’Hanlon

Susan O’Hanlon Greeting Cards

‘’The reaction to the Plush Print collection was great. Everyone wanted to pick up the cards and feel the tactile textures. Some commented that they wanted to ‘dive into the cupcake and have a bite’, the effect was so dimensional, which is exactly the reaction we wanted to achieve! We’re now working on extending the range with further plushness and titles.’’

Anna Nelson, co-owner & creative director, Rosanna Rossi

(l-r) Account

‘’We had a great time at PG as always! Great to catch up with customers and fellow publishers.’’

Amy Woodrow Arai, account manager, Cath Tate Cards

Ged Mace and James Mace The Art File

managers Amy Woodrow Arai and Bridy Parsons

manager

meet our brand new gift wraps

The Fold’s carnival of contemporary creativity continues with the launch of eight all-new Gift Wraps. These vibrant repeat prints sit alongside new notebooks and even more cards launched earlier this year. Discover for yourself why so many are flocking to The Fold!