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September 2021
contents REGULARS 5 Leader
New season products are here.
22 Ward’s Words
10 On The Shop Front Nish Kanabar shares his strategies on being part of his community.
Publisher Mark Horsnell markh@lemapublishing.co.uk
The Gift of the Year is back and we hear from some previous winners.
Catch up on all the industry’s latest news. See what new releases are ready for customers.
Editor Rachel King rachel@lemapublishing.co.uk
the response to the return of trade fairs.
6 News 8 Spotlight
the team
01442 289940
32 John Ryan Columnist John Ryan looks at rude cards and how retailers manage them.
10
33 Shop Talk
Circulation Manager Robert Thomas robert@lemapublishing.co.uk
Henri Davis reveals
FEATURES
Keep in touch follow us:
12 Cover Story Danilo looks at some of the online trends making their way onto greeting cards and calendars.
16 Top Drawer Preview
Production Director Paul Naish paul@lemapublishing.co.uk Chairman Malcolm Naish malcolm@lemapublishing.co.uk
Get to know retailers from across the country and hear what is happening in their stores.
14 Retail Advice
Managing Director Mark Naish mark@lemapublishing.co.uk
@greetingstoday www.facebook.com/ greetingstodaymag
12
The A/W 2021 return of Top Drawer.
greetingstoday
20 Profile Pink Pig We discover more about Pink Pig.
24 Autumn Fair Preview See what is being launched at this year’s Autumn Fair.
24
30 Feminine Feature
greetings-today
We look at what’s popular in feminine ranges.
36 L ondon Stationery Show Preview We speak to Alex Butler about the long-awaited return of the London Stationery Show.
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leader Editor Rachel King
C
an you believe it, we’re heading into September – where has the year gone? Another school year is starting, which for this Aussie-girl, is still taking some getting used to. Saying farewell to teachers and my kids’ classmates back in July was novel enough, but typically when the school year ended for me, it was the end of the calendar year as well, as we finished just before Christmas. I’m sure I’ll get used to this in time however. Like many a parent of schoolaged children, I know I’m not the only one sorting out uniforms, school shoes and the mountain of stationery. My kids seem to lose pencils like nothing else, and it’s as if the pencils multiply and somehow become random pieces of ‘artwork’. If anyone has any great ideas on what to do with these creations, please do let me know. But with September comes more trade fairs and we see the welcome return of Autumn Fair and Top Drawer, along with the London Stationery show a few weeks later in October. We have previews on all of these events and a sneak peek at some of the new launches from greeting card publishers, gift suppliers and stationery brands. Check out the Top Drawer preview on page 16, Autumn Fair on page 24 and an interview with Alex Butler about London Stationery Show on page 36. Safety is a priority for all of the organisers, so please do check out their websites to see what safety measures are in place. Of course, with the change in season plenty of other brands are launching new products too. Check out Spotlight on page 8 to see some of what’s new. We also have a Feminine ranges feature on page 30. Feminine cards cover every female friend and relation possible and there is a conscious effort among designers and publishers to be more
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inclusive and diverse in their offerings in this category. But flowers continue to be the perennial favourite design feature, in every colour and variety imaginable. Our regular columnists are back this issue too. In Ward’s Words (p22) we take a look at Gift of the Year and hear from previous winners on the impact the competition had on their business. Henri Davis speaks to exhibitors and retailers about how some of last month’s trade shows went on page 14. Plus, John Ryan ponders rude cards on page 32, and where retailers should position them within their offering – if they are what their customers want. We chat to Mabel Forsyth, the illustrator and designer behind the Pink Pig brand as she reveals the story behind her greeting card business on page 20. She reveals what ranges are proving popular with retailers and what is coming out soon. Museums & Galleries share some of the environmental initiatives the company is adopting on page 15 and how they are trying to continuously improve their sustainability and lessen their carbon footprint. Get an insight into some independent retailers in Shop Talk on page 33 as well as a column for On The Shop Front from Nish Kanabar on page 10. With two retail stores – Ace Cards and Castlegate Stationers – he discusses the different things they do to work for their West Yorkshire community and meet their needs. All of this and so much more, we hope you enjoy flicking through our pages. And if you happen to see myself or Mark at one of the upcoming trade shows, please say hello.
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Send your views and submissions for the magazine to: rachel@lemapublishing.co.uk Tel: 01442 289930
In the News VENT wins Business Elite Award
Jo Astles joins the Bright Agency Jo Astles has joined the Bright Agency an Associate Agent for Greetings & Gift. Jo joins Bright after 16 years as a Designer & Creative Manager at The Original Poster Company. In her previous role she worked with a wide variety of artists across many different styles, producing bestselling cards for the UK & international market. Jo’s passion for Greetings & Gift allows her to curate artists’ portfolios and collections effectively to suit market trends. Her exceptional industry knowledge and down to earth nature makes her a highly reliable and friendly agent. On her appointment, Jo said, “Having worked in the greeting card industry for the last 16 years I am really excited to join the team at Bright as Greetings & Gift Agent. After a tumultuous year it is evident that times are getting back to normal with clients developing new ranges. Our artists are working hard on producing lots of new designs to keep our offering fresh with upto-date trends and current themes.”
Card Factory Appoints New Business Development Director Card Factory have announced that Syed Kazmi will be joining the leadership team as Executive Director of Business Development from August 23, 2021, bringing with him a wealth of experience. Syed joins Card Factory from variety store chain HEMA where he was International Business Director. Prior to this, Syed served on the Executive Team at Hamleys of London as International Director where he led global development, operating stores and wholesale channels in 25 markets. Working in the Business Development Team, Syed will help Card Factory deliver on one of the key parts of the business’s five-year strategy by focusing on building out its partnership offer, making Card Factory’s offer available in more places, however customers shop.
6 www.greetingstoday.media
VENT for Change has been awarded Best Sustainable Stationery Company 2021 in The Business Elite Awards 2021. The award recognises those enterprises who consistently provide the best services and products for their clients, allowing them to stand out within their field. Rewarding those companies that are succeeding in their endeavours, innovating, growing and improving. “We are delighted to be recognised for the hard work the team have put in over the last 12 months, to be singled out for what we stand for behind the scenes is truly wonderful,” said Evan Lewis Founder of VENT. VENT combine beautiful design with impeccable eco-credentials as well as supporting children’s education projects with every items sold.
Hyve Group Announce Retail Trust Partnership Hyve Group has announced the Retail Trust as its Charity Partner for Spring and Autumn Fair for two years and Wellbeing Partner across all its Retail Shows in the UK, to provide dedicated support, awareness and fundraising for the retail sector. The partnership will incorporate offsite volunteer days, team challenges, and onsite activity kicking off at Autumn Fair. The partnership also sees the exciting launch of the Female Founders scheme that will offer free stands to 10 inspirational female founders. Creating hope, health, and happiness for everyone in retail from 1832, the Retail Trust has been caring for, and protecting, the lives of people working in retail. Hyve Group plc’s UK Retail division has already supported the Retail Trust’s online wellbeing event ‘For the four’ in May, and in June employees volunteered to help get the Retail Trust’s new online eBay fundraising shop up and running: sorting donated clothes, taking pictures, writing descriptions, and getting images
online. All the money the online sales make will go towards running the Retail Trust’s supported-living estates. During the partnership, Hyve Group will take part in fundraising activities to raise awareness and funds for the Retail Trust. A dedicated Wellbeing section will launch on each of the event websites.This will feature articles alongside videos that support the wellbeing of retailers and wholesalers alike. The Retail Trust will also be supporting the Spring Fair Female Founders initiative. Launching at Autumn Fair 2021, Female Founders initiative is an exciting program created to champion and celebrate female entrepreneurs. The initiative will support the growth of female founded retail businesses by offering six businesses a free stand at Spring Fair 2021, followed by 12 months of business mentoring with leading female entrepreneurs. The scheme will be announced and launched at Autumn Fair in September.
Ryman appoints New CEO Ryman, the heritage stationery and office supplies brand, has announced that it has hired Peter Birks as its new CEO. Peter brings with him 15 years of experience as a proven executive leader, with a track record in delivering growth and maximising operational efficiencies within multichannel organisations. He has held leadership roles in retailers Office Depot, Staples and recently as CEO for Tuffnells. Peter joins Ryman to further grow the brand in key markets and channels, deliver industry leading customer service levels, create a compelling place to work for colleagues and use technology to drive the business further. Theo Paphitis, Chairman and Owner of Ryman, said, “Peter brings a huge amount of energy, leadership skills and industry intel to Ryman and has a proven track record and digital focus. We are excited to welcome him on board and know he’ll make a big difference in further growing the brand and inspiring the team, from day one.” Peter Birks added, “I am thrilled to be joining the Ryman business which I have respected for many years. During these unprecedented times for retail, I look forward to working with the team to deliver the next exciting chapter for this fantastic brand.” The role, based in Crewe and London, will focus on the digital side of the business, in synergy with the store portfolio, will nurture Ryman service partners and bring a further innovative edge to Ryman. Peter will lead all day-to-day operations for Ryman, reporting into Kypros Kyprianou, Group CEO, Theo Paphitis Retail Group.
STAY FRESH! WITH
SOAPBOX
Kerrison Exhibitions to launch Great British Craft Fair The owner of British Craft Trade Fair, Kerrison Exhibitions, has announced the launch of the Great British Craft Fair, a new series of b2c events that will open their doors for the first time ahead of Christmas 2021. The Great British Craft Fair will showcase the very best of traditional and contemporary British crafts, designed to entice shoppers on the hunt for authentic handmade gifts and homeware that are guaranteed to be 100% made in Britain. The first three events are scheduled as follows: • EventCity, Manchester, November 20-21 • Wetherby Racecourse, Yorkshire, November 27-28 • East of England Arena, Peterborough, December 4-5 The three venues have been selected to ensure the new events can serve proven affluent markets in the Northwest, East of England and Yorkshire, with each one being very easily accessible by car with lots of free parking. Product categories will include ceramics, jewellery, textiles, fashion accessories, toys, woodwork, glasswork, metalwork, paper and print, fine art, furniture and home accessories, home fragrance, specialty food and other artisanal products. Up to 100 applications from designer-makers will be accepted at each venue, ensuring a curated showcase of a strong range of exhibitors, whilst the exhibition halls themselves have plenty of space to allow for a safe and comfortable shopping environment for visitors. For more information about the show visit: www.gbcraftfair.co.uk/
See the full range online! sales@mint-publishing.co.uk
Tel: 0116 230 4197 Fax: 01536 401 031
www.mint-publishing.co.uk www.greetingstoday.media 7
Cute as a bunny Cherry Orchard are launching a brand new cute range, Daisy and Clover. This collection of two-fold cards feature Daisy and Clover, two cute playful little rabbits, with 14 designs covering a range of anniversary captions. The cards are finished with silver foil and an emboss to give a stunning finish and make the cute characters jump off the page to tell their story. They are beautifully presented with a pearlescent silver envelope. These cards retail at code 90 with a RRP of £2.99.
cherryorchardpublishing.co.uk
spotlight
A selection of the latest greetings, gift and industry services releases
Furry friends Introducing Storigraphic’s new fur-ever friends collection, Paws and Claws. The range features beautiful illustrations of diversely lovable dogs and cats, across wrapping papers with tags, greeting cards and wooden hanging charms. Available in single breed designs, with mixed options too, Storigraphic introduce you to Winnie Labrador, Kitty Moggy, Vivienne Greyhound, Matilda Dachshund, Ernest Siamese, Dotty Dalmatian, Bernard Persian, Molly Bombay and Peter Spaniel. More designs and matching products will be coming soon. All products are sustainably produced, made in the UK and plastic-free. You can browse the entire collection at https://storigraphic.com/collections/paws-and-claws-series
storigraphic.com 8 www.greetingstoday.co.uk
Celebrating Diwali Davora, the specialist card publisher, are looking forward to a return to businessas-usual for Diwali this year. The Hindu and Sikh festival of light is celebrated by over 1.5million people across the UK. The global pandemic hit the ethnic seasons hard last year with many of the biggest occasions coinciding with UK and worldwide lockdowns. However, things are looking up for 2021, and Davora is well prepared with some elegant new additions to their Diwali range. With foil and emboss finishes and featuring important symbols in Hindu traditions, the new designs are a perfect balance between contemporary design and cultural significance. Diwali is on November 4, 2021. The full range can be viewed on the Davora website or email sales@davora.co.uk for more information.
www.davora.co.uk
From cards to the kitchen Dandelion stationery are expanding their product portfolio with a brand new range of tea towels that are the perfect addition to any kitchen! Choose from eight designs, two of which are Christmas themed and just in time for the upcoming holiday season. Made from luxury 100% cotton and designed for everyday use, the tea towels feature a loop for easy hanging. Free from plastic packaging, they come supplied with a branded belly band. Dimensions are 46cm x 71cm. Available to order in multiples of three. Dandelion also have a new range of coasters that are the perfect accompaniment to coffee tables, desks and dining tables, they’re guaranteed to raise a smile during coffee breaks and dinner parties! Amazing gift ideas, especially for a new home, birthdays, stocking fillers for Christmas or personal gifts. The dimensions for each coaster is 100mm x 100mm. The coasters are available to order in multiples of six. Of course, greeting cards are still at the forefront of Dandelion Stationery’s offerings and Gallery is the brand new range for spring
seasons 2022. The range contains 25 cards created using a mix of hand drawing and digital illustration. Within the range you will find cards perfect for the main spring events including Mother’s Day, Father’s Day as well as Easter. Inspired by retro prints & vintage wallpaper, these cards come supplied with a bespoke star patterned envelope. Card dimensions are 114mm x 162mm and are printed onto FSC sertified luxury board. New Spring Seasons designs have also been added to the collection created in collaboration with The Art of Brilliance. There are seven new cards in the range for S/S22 which have been designed to deliver a hit of happiness, suitable for Valentine’s Day, Mother’s Day, Father’s Day & Easter. These bright and colourful designs feature hand lettered typography and have a metallic gold foil finish. They come supplied with an envelope made from recycled paper. Dimensions are 114mm x 162mm. Available to order in threes.
Dandelionstationery.co.uk
Rainbow Delights Customised for you Bespoke notebooks made in the UK remain highly popular. They offer a great opportunity to turn your most popular designs into great looking notebooks and a gift worth giving or receiving. Enveco offers low minimum order quantities with a fully customisable service for notebooks enabling you to test out the waters. Their production capacity enables them to produce quantities starting very low to as large as you can achieve. Enveco’s current production range features Perfect Bound notebooks, Saddle Stitched notebooks, Wiro notebooks (both hardcover and softcover), Weekly Planners, To-do List, Shopping pads, Notepads, Clipboards, Envelope Notecard sets, Casebound Notebooks and much more. Simply decide on the size, style of notebook, cover material, paper weight and colour, number of pages and order quantity. You can also add on custom printed pages, elastic closers, rounded corners, foiling or embossing, bellybands, shrinkwrapping or packing into cello bags, magnetic strips and much more. The products can be customised to your wants and needs. Contact the Enveco team on info@enveco.co.uk or call them on 01908 378 866.
enveco.co.uk
Bright Rainbow colours for Mother’s Day with a new range of cards from Art By Janice featuring cheery Sunflowers and Chrysanthe-MUMs! Simple designs that say how much all our mothers mean to us. These 150mm x 150mm square cards are blank inside ready to write your own special message. There are six designs in this range, four have the wording ‘Love you Mum’ and two designs say, ‘Love you Mummy’. The cards are available to order from the website.
www.artbyjanice.co.uk
www.greetingstoday.co.uk 9
On the
Shop Front
Part of the community Customer service, product knowledge, adaptability and an eco-friendly ethos are what sets independent retailers Ace Cards and Castlegate Stationers apart and makes them an important part of their West Yorkshire community, as Nish Kanabar explains. Ace Cards of Wetherby established in 1974, and Castlegate Stationers established in 1979 are both situated in the beautiful market town of Wetherby, West Yorkshire and run by husband and wife Nish and Liz Kanabar, with their team of 11 local staff. We have a company ethos of stocking locally produced products, and over the last 12 years have transferred a lot of our regular lines to own label, where we have control of quality. There is also great emphasis on eco lines, as we continue to work towards cutting our carbon footprint. We consciously strive to introduce new environmental initiatives into our stores. Along with the eco products we have introduced, in 2019 we replaced our delivery vehicle with a fully electric one and all our incoming cardboard delivery boxes are recycled. Both stores are fitted with LED lighting and supplied with electricity from a green power company. We also have a recycling facility for used printer inks cartridges. The last 18 months have been a challenge for all businesses. We were determined to continue to be able to serve our customer’s needs, so during lockdown we set up an ordering system
10 www.greetingstoday.media
“Specialist businesses like both our stores have a bright future, as we have the expertise to help customers make the right choices for the products they need”
via WhatsApp video, Facebook messenger, Online and the telephone. We then undertook socially distanced door-to-door deliveries. This helped our loyal customers and many new customers get what they needed from both our stores. For people working from home, home schooling and for those folks that were vulnerable and self-isolating, this was an invaluable service. Looking to the future, we continue to evolve, and we are keen to talk to unique suppliers who want a presence on the High Street. They can get genuine feedback from the ranges they launch onto the market, with instant listing in our stores, and from their point of view saving large sums on focus groups. Specialist businesses like both our stores have a bright future, as we have the expertise to help customers make the right choices for the products they need. We never knowingly sell products to customers that they do not need. Customer Service is key in our businesses. This along with providing a great range of good quality products will continue to ensure our success. In a community like ours a lot of our customers have been shopping with us for years and have helped to shape us to become the businesses we are today. We have come through the pandemic strong and healthy with both our loyal and new customers and look forward to continuing to serve our community.
Kali Stileman Publishing specializes in design led luxury greetings cards, wrapping papers and tags for children and the young at heart. The growing collection of flat wrapping papers are printed on heavy weight high-quality paper in gorgeous muted colours and they are just celebrating their 100th wrap design, a gorgeous girly paper featuring everything from peapods and poodles to radishes and rainbows. No matter the age or taste, there’s a wrapping paper to suit every style and occasion. Kali’s favourite wraps have a mini card to match! Printed on linen textured board for a luxurious finish, their trademark ‘tiddly widdlies’ are super alone, but also make fab upmarket gift cards.
www.kalistileman.co.uk
www.greetingstoday.co.uk 20
Cover Story
DANILO
Entertaining the
latest online trends Online entertainment is a booming market. As the popularity of streaming and online gaming continues to rise, Danilo are adding some of the biggest titles to their licensing portfolio with a range of products. Over the past year and a half, we’ve found that the global pandemic has had a huge impact on how we consume technology. In response to the ongoing lockdowns, we have had to find ways to keep entertained at home while also continuing to connect with our loved ones. As a result, online gaming and viewership of streaming platforms have seen a significant rise since March 2020, where key live events and movies have also been released on these home-on-demand channels. Apps like Netflix Party even
allows groups of people to watch movies together virtually while in self-isolation, meaning that both entertainment and connection can be combined. As a prominent publisher of the hottest licenses for calendars, cards, wrap and diaries, Danilo has seen the huge impact this has had on the nation’s entertainment habits and choices. With this in mind, Danilo are including these popular titles into their official calendar and diary portfolio…
Movies •
•
•
•
ue to UK households dramatically increasing their use D of home-technology, there has been a huge spike seen in home-on-demand services. Disney, in particular, has already experienced massive success of their TV streaming service Disney+ in the UK, since its launch last March. This year, there were a large variety of exciting titles released via this channel as well as through reopened cinemas, including Cruella and Jungle Cruise, both of which Danilo will be publishing official calendars for. Many are also keen to see the return of those loveable yellow minions who will return next year with the new movie Minions 2: The Rise of Gru, where there will be a new official calendar as well as greetings card and gift wrap range. Additional much-anticipated films coming next year will include Jurassic World: Dominion, The Batman, Transformers: Rise of the Beasts and Super Mario Bros: The Movie, all of which will have an official calendar and greetings card update.
01992 702 900 | sales@danilo.com www.danilo.com 12 www.greetingstoday.media
An •
•
W su co a ul ye th off tiv th st Ne siv gr m be Da nu po ba To ad Hu an
Gaming • W ith an estimated 2.6 billion gamers worldwide, gaming is a trend that has continued to grow massively, particularly during lockdown. • As more people move into the video game space and existing fans spend more time gaming, Danilo has increased the number of gaming titles in its brand portfolio to engage fans both old and new. • These additions include recent brands such as Warhammer, Fortnite, Minecraft, Super Mario Brothers, Animal Crossing as well as retro titles such as The Legend of Zelda, Pokémon and Dungeons and Dragons.
Anime •
•
hat was once a niche W subculture, ACG (anime, comics and games) has seen a significant surge in popularity in the UK in recent years. According to WGSN, the magical world of ACG offers an appealing alternative reality to consumers in the west; and with online streaming services such as Netflix offering an extensive array of anime programmes, it has made ACG more accessible than ever before. Danilo has introduced a number of anime titles to its portfolio, including Dragonball, Naruto Shippenden and Tokyo Ghoul as well as new additions such as Hunter X Hunter, My Hero Academia and Attack on Titan.
Sport •
•
•
020 saw Amazon Prime streaming the Premier 2 League with another 20 games per season shown this year. Danilo continue to publish the official calendars and diaries for the league’s top clubs including Liverpool, Manchester United, Tottenham, Chelsea and Arsenal. This range also includes special Musical Gift Box Calendar and Diary sets and Musical Advent Calendars. 2021 played host to the UEFA European Championships, where England made it all the way to the final. For the third year in a row, there will be an official Men’s FA calendar and a Women’s Lioness calendar. Next year also sees the 2022 FIFA World Cup, taking place in Qatar from November to December. The British and Irish Lions will tour South Africa from June to August this year to play an incredible eight match tour. Official calendars will be published for the Lions as well as the England, Scotland and Wales rugby union teams this year.
Poet and Painter
Henri Davis
RETAIL ADVICE
Sarah Laker owner of Stationery Supplies Marple and Wilmslow
How Was It
For You?
Amica Accessories
In the wake of the recent trade shows, Henri Davis gets some insight from exhibitors and retailers on how things went – and the hopes for the coming season.
“Jess and Vicky from Amica Accessories were exhibiting at Home and Gift and they were pleased by the number of new accounts they opened as well as the size of orders being placed”
14 www.greetingstoday.media
In last month’s piece I talked about my experience at my first trade fair since Spring Fair 20 and now in the space of a month we have been able to attend Home and Gift and PG Live so I am interested to know how it was for the exhibitors and visitors and whether it lived up to expectations. From an exhibitor’s perspective the level of business at both shows was very good. Jess and Vicky from Amica Accessories were exhibiting at Home and Gift and they were pleased by the number of new accounts they opened as well as the size of orders being placed. It was definitely quieter, but the retailers visiting were serious buyers and because some of the bigger businesses were not exhibiting they found they had more retailers finding them for the first time as they had more time to look around. Lucy at card publishers Poet and Painter were exhibiting at PG Live. She was nervous about the effects of coronavirus on footfall but actually they had a great show. There were less exhibitors and visitors but the visitors were definitely there to
buy. “It was brilliant to see all of our lovely industry friends again, and it definitely felt there was a bit of ‘Dunkirk’ spirit in all pulling together to make it happen amidst the uncertainty.” They were launching two new Christmas collections, including the new Pop Up! bauble range, and both sold very well. I think buyers were very happy to see something fresh and original for this year - after all, most of us are in this because we love cards so something new is a good tonic for the tired soul! Order values were consistent with 2019. Although it’s clearly been incredibly tough on everyone, many retailers were reporting that their card sales were the most consistent part of their offering through the pandemic, which was encouraging. James Ellis of James Ellis cards was at PG Live too and while he felt it was quieter than other years it was what he had expected in the circumstances so given the orders they took and the conversations with existing and potential new customers he was satisfied with the outcome of the show and had really enjoyed
meeting up with so many industry colleagues. Sarah Laker owner of Stationery Supplies Marple and Wilmslow said, “It was a real pleasure to be back at a trade fair, there was an excited buzz and everyone was smiling, laughing and chatting. It felt like ‘normal’ after such a torrid 16 months and it was great to meet up with industry friends. Everyone had made such an effort with their stands, I had not been to PG Live before but I would thoroughly recommend it to anyone who sells cards.” So the overwhelming feeling seems to be that it was definitely worth being at the shows, from an exhibitor’s point of view, business may not be at the levels you have seen before but there are plenty of retailers who want fresh new product and being back face-to-face talking about product seems to have been a real moral boost for everyone. Let’s see what the next few shows bring with Autumn Fair, Top Drawer and the London Stationery Show just around the corner.
In-Focus M&G
Committed to sustainability
Museums & Galleries are taking steps across the business and supply chain to improve sustainability and lessen the company’s impact on the environment. From ecobands to green energy and more, every aspect of the business is reviewed to see where positive changes can be made. Over the last few years, M&G has developed its traditional base of paper-based cards and stationery products into gift items in other media, resulting in an ever more complex and global production and supply chain with a variety of environmental impacts. M&G is committed to a continuous process of review and change in order to improve sustainability in all its operations. This is an ongoing, progressive, businesswide effort to more sustainable product development and reducing M&G’s environmental impact. M&G was at the forefront of reducing plastic packaging for its cards, developing the ingenious, completely paper-based plastics-free ecoband which neatly ties card and envelope together whilst at the same time providing the best branding
solution. Ecobanded cards are now available across all the company’s card ranges. Introduced three years ago, ecobanded products have been tested in multiple high-traffic retail environments with huge success, and have significantly reduced the use of plastics in the business. The cards themselves, and all M&G board and paper-based products, are made from FSC certified paper. M&G is a SEDEX registered company (SEDEX is committed to more sustainable and ethical global supply chains). The M&G HQ in Corby receives its energy from a green supplier. M&G recycles existing packaging and uses old products as packing material for deliveries (they do
“M&G is committed to a continuous process of review and change in order to improve sustainability in all its operations”
not buy in packing material). The company has also switched to bio-tape to replace plastic tape for all packaging. Recycling takes place across the business in the offices, warehouse and design studio. Museums & Galleries Ltd’s historic mission is to find the best and most attractive designs from Museums, galleries, designers and artists around the world, and present them on commercial products with contemporary appeal. M&G believes this mission is completely consistent with progressively developing sustainable and ecologically healthy manufacturing and business practices.
T: 01373 462165 Email: sales@mgml.co.uk www.museumsgalleries.co.uk
www.greetingstoday.media 15
Preview
Top Drawer
A chance to reconnect It’s been a while, but Top Drawer is back at Olympia this month, ready to help the greetings industry get back in touch As we head into the last quarter of a very unusual year, Top Drawer A/W 2021 offers a chance to reconnect the industry and also brings retailers a welcome buying opportunity for the new season, and of course the all-important Christmas period. Clarion retail show director Russell Rule says: “We’re counting down the moments until the much-anticipated return of a live Top Drawer and are so thrilled to be providing our retail community with this important opportunity to buy, sell, learn, be inspired and connect. ‘’Passion for design is at the core of our DNA and shared by everyone who is part of the Top Drawer community - from retailers, exhibitors and designers to our curators, speakers and organising team. Nothing beats walking the aisles of the show and seeing the creativity and talent that abounds in this industry; we know how important touch, feel and in-person connection is for our network and we look forward to creating an inspiring setting for our network to do great business together.’’ The event will bring visitors new designs from more than 400 brands across greeting cards and stationery, interiors, gift, fashion, children’s, craft, and food & drink. Top Drawer A/W also promises one of its most stellar content line-ups to date; offering visitors access to the expertise and insight from some of the industry’s leading names including Liberty’s Bryony Sheridan, Holly & Co’s Holly Tucker, and Net-A-Porter’s Evie Collins. You will also be able to explore trends presented by Clarion Retail’s new digital marketplace, REVEAL.
It’s back!
First time exhibitors include: David Fussenegger, Deluxe Home Art, Ela Life, HAM, House of Disaster, Orla Kiely (Allied Imports Ltd), Oyoy Living Design, RJB Stone and Wondercandle. You can also expect to see greeting card brands including: James Ellis, 2ToTango, Apple & Clover, Middle Mouse, Alljoy Design, Artpress Publishing, Cath Tate cards, Five Dollar Shake, Earlybird Designs, Lorna Syson Pressed & Folded, Lottie Murphy, Rosie Made A Thing, The DM Collection and many more.
‘’Passion for design is at the core of our DNA and shared by everyone who Covid safety is part of the Finally, as restrictions are lifted, the pandemic, safety and confidence has Top Drawer still been uppermost in the organisers’ community mind. It surveyed its community of retail buyers and interior designers to from retailers, gauge enthusiasm for the show - with 82% saying they planned to attend. exhibitors and The team that brings together Top designers to Drawer is the same team that was responsible for sister show, Home & Gift, our curators, which ran in July – the first retail exhibition to take place following the pandemic. speakers and “The event was run safely and organising successfully, exceeding everyone’s expectations – and we can’t wait to bring the same opportunities back to team’’ London,’’ says Clarion’s Russell Rule. Zoë Bonser, portfolio director, adds: “We are delighted to be returning to Olympia London in September and will continue to work in partnership with the Association of Events Organisers (the AEO), who is liaising directly with the government, to ensure the safest and most successful event for our community.” Visitors must show proof of their Covid status in one of two ways,
Top Drawer A/W returns to Olympia London from 12-14 September 2021 16 www.greetingstoday.media
On trend With design and newness at its heart, the show is always the place to spot the latest trends. For this year, organisers have identified four main design trends: An Opulent Addition: Expect to see glinting accents and a touch of metallic. ● Cottage Cool: As we have all spent more time at home, we want to surround ourselves with cosy, calm comforts, so expect traditional design to be all around. ● Modern Mirage: Bring warmth with a new take on previous Palm Springs or Oasis trends, this time focusing on textures, tones and natural patterns of the desert. ● The Power of Prints: Pattern is back with a vengeance! ●
which can be either: Two vaccines (first and second dose), with the second dose at least 14 days before the show, or a negative lateral flow test taken within 48 hours prior to attending the event – this can be displayed via NHS App, SMS text, or email. For details see www.topdrawer. co.uk/safety-information. If you haven’t bagged your ticket yet, registration is open at www.topdrawer.co.uk.
James Ellis James Ellis will be showing their entire Christmas 2021 range at Top Drawer, including six brand new designs by artist Kate Mainard. These hand-finished Paper Shakies cards have coloured borders and are filled with festive paper confetti. All of the cards are plastic free and 100% recyclable.
trade.jamesellis.com
Middle Mouse Modern Botanicals is a new range from Middle Mouse launching at Top Drawer 2021 - inspired by vintage botanical drawings and brought up-to-date with a bold illustration style and modern colour palette. This range features a number of familiar fruits and flowers, from brambles to apricots, with a recipe on the back too! Printed on luxury FSC approved stock. Middle Mouse are also growing their range of cute riverbank characters with this new range inspired by Kenneth Grahame’s The Wind in the Willows. The Riverbank and Beyond collection features hedgehogs and rabbits, and the two Christmas designs are already going down a storm. Watch this space for more designs coming soon. Printed on luxury FSC approved stock.
www.middlemouse.co.uk
Lottie Murphy Stand T21
Lottie Murphy’s Christmas range Merry & Bright includes 12 designs, featuring festive scenes with subjects ranging from penguin skiers, to hares and pheasants. Their blank nature makes them perfect for sending to a variety of people. The cards are available singularly or in packs of six. Distinguished by their unique hand-illustrated style, each card is proudly printed in England on FSC certified board and measures 125mm x 125mm, and comes with a brown kraft envelope.
www.lottie-murphy.com
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Preview
Top Drawer
Earlybird Designs Stand U20
Earlybird Designs are launching the new range Honey featuring the work of artist Linsey Kelly. The range has 16 rich, botanical-inspired card designs printed on 100% recycled board with a craft fleck envelope. Linsey’s works is well-known in the fabric industry and has been reworked into card designs especially for Earlybird. The team are also extending their Elena Essex designs with six new illustrations featuring bears, llamas, tropical birds and some wonderful neon dinosaurs. The range is printed on 100% recycled board and comes with a craft fleck envelope.
www.earlybirddesigns.co.uk
Alljoy Designs Gift of the Year 2021 winner products, Message in a bottle Christmas collection from Alljoy Designs, has over 50 designs to choose from. These dimensional cards are hand-made with a patent pending process. They offer simple, diverse messages for a variety occasions and are blank on the inside. The new designs play with six-layered, laser and die cut paper technique. Flat pack, pop up image and information sheet on the front packaging. Also available are these charming Christmas cards with wooden Christmas ornaments. All of the wooden Christmas ornaments are attached on shimmering paper with silver foil details. The ornament is reusable, making it the perfect keepsake. Blank inside for your own message. The card size is 135mm x 185mm.
www.alljoydesign.com
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EFIN
ING TRENDS
BREAKING B O U N
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A/W 12-14 September 2021 topdrawer.co.uk
Olympia, London
In-Focus Pink Pig
Making Customers Smile Mabel Forsyth is the illustrator/designer behind the Pink Pig brand - greeting cards and art prints printed in the UK on the highest quality materials with bright happy illustrations that make customers smile, and designed to fly off the stockist shelves! We ask her what makes the company tick! What’s the story behind Pink Pig? I created Pink Pig nearly 7 years ago – deciding that although I’d enjoyed working as an illustrator for other clients, it was time to do something for myself. I dipped my toe in the water first – selling hand-printed cards at craft fairs all over the country, with the help of my hubby, Gordon. My first proper trade fair was in 2014, and the greeting cards were a hit, so I immediately packed in craft markets and my ‘in-house’ job at the time, and set up the company. Gordon is now full time with Pink Pig and daughter Evie helps out on a freelance basis. How has the company managed the last year and a half? Any new ranges? We were lucky that we still got a small amount of orders in, and our non-trade online card sales really soared in those first few months. It was great to know that greeting cards are one of the things that really hold up well in difficult times. It wasn’t anywhere like our normal income, but we kind of bumbled through. I found more time to tidy up ranges and translating most of our collection into a Welsh range, plus developing new ranges, such as the new Botanink range. It’s a really stylish range with bold blooms contrasting with contemporary hand-lettered calligraphic script. The bold colour palette of deep corals, inky blues, and woodland greens really make these cards pop on the shelves. There are 40 cards in the range, including Birthday and Occasions.
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Have you adapted or added ranges in response to last year? We found that as more people were and still are staycationing, many retailers love the idea of having cards that are a bit more personalised and local to their area and our existing Babble dialect range has really taken off this year. Lots of dialect cards from around the UK, and we and we encourage customers to add their own town/local area/local turn of phrase to the cards to really make it unique for them We get loads of re-orders from two particular customers in the North West and North East via our fab agents. How many ranges do you offer? We have 17 ranges including Spring ranges and of course Christmas ranges. There are three specially designed Scottish ranges and now we have nine ranges in Welsh too. What are your best-selling ranges/cards? Cutie Crew is our top UK range. It features cheeky giraffes, adorable sloths, and the sweetest baby elephants, they are all completely irresistible! There are now 55 cards in the range including both
“Many retailers love the idea of having cards that are a bit more personalised and local to their area”
Birthdays and Occasion cards. Our birthday sloth is the top seller in the range. Hootenanny is by far our best-selling Scottish range - there are nearly 200 designs with open, birthday, occasion and relation. Also, our Add Your Town Christmas cards are sell outs every year with nearly all of our stockists right across the UK. Anything else to add? All of our cards are 150 x 150mm, sold in 6s most with a 100% recycled eko kraft envelope. They are printed in the UK on high-quality 350gms FSC board. The cards are available cello wrapped or naked without cello.
T: 07795574548 info@pinkpigcards.co.uk www.pinkpigcards.co.uk
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Ward’s Words SARAH WARD GIFTWARE ASSOCIATION
Blue Eyed Sun
Designed in Colour
Victoria Eggs
Gift Of The Year 2022 As the Gift of the Year competition returns for its 44th year, Sarah Ward provides some insight into the judging process and previous winners reveal the impact winning had on their business. It’s 10pm on a dark and cold Wednesday night in January, The “The GOTY Giftware Team have just finished preparing the venue in Birmingham competition has for the live judging day for Gift of the been running for Year, a process which has involved unboxing hundreds of products 44 years and has and displaying them in their correct categories and making sure they evolved over that are all accounted for and presented time to become the in their best possible light. With each product proudly on display it largest competition is ready for the judges, made up of retailers, buyers and key industry in the home and experts and trade press to judge early on the Thursday morning. We gift industry” can now rest easy knowing that the next day is set to welcome the judges and excitingly find out who the competition’s next winners will be. We know it’s a long day, and some of the judges have had early starts to travel the length and breadth of the country to come here but it’s now become one of the key events in a buyer’s calendar to see the best next-to-market products in the flesh having voted for them in the previous online rounds. The live judging day is one of The Giftware Associations favourite parts of running GOTY, speaking to buyers and hearing their views on the products present, and was sadly missed in 2021’s competition due to the The Crafty Kit Co pandemic, we are very much looking forward to welcoming the judges back in January and to hear their views and opinions on
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the products present. Although this is one of the judges’ favourite parts, as an organiser there is so much more to the competition through each of its various stages to eventually announcing the prestigious winners. The GOTY competition has now been running for 44 years and has become the largest competition in the home and gift industry with winners being announced at Spring Fair. Last year saw us pivot the competition to mainly online with both the judging stages being done digitally, and the winner’s ceremonies celebrated on individual zooms for the categories. Even through the changes to the competition over the years, it has still had the same success stories for our entrants who have celebrated victory, revelled in their accomplishment and have really raised their profiles. If you make, design or produce amazing gifts or products then enter it into this year’s Gift of the Year competition to find out how it can raise your brand, but don’t just take our word for it, hear what previous winners have had to say; “Winning Gift of the Year has been a huge help to my business. I received a lot of publicity at the time and it gave the products and myself as a designer a level of credibility and reliability that I did not have before. I had only been in business a year when my products were awarded and it really elevated the brand and opportunities available to me”. 2012 winner - Victoria Eggs “Entering the awards provides an opportunity for your product to get noticed. We are a small business, with limited time and
budgets. The GOTY has consistently been a way for us to showcase annually what we are doing with the added bonus of potentially being shortlisted or even winning, which 100% makes it worth entering every year! The competition is always hot, with entries from both small and large companies; judged by people in the industry with relevant and valuable expertise.” 2017 winner, Designed in Colour “Winning a Gift of the Year Award in 2020 was a fantastic achievement for The Crafty Kit Company, of which we are extremely proud. Our Baby Bunny Needle Felting Kit has become one of our best-selling products, and we are sure that seeing the prestigious Gift of the Year Award logo on our packaging and website has provided confidence to both our trade and retail customers.” 2020 winner, The Crafty Kit Company “Entering the awards is quick and easy on the website. We submit our new products every year to get them in front of key buyers who judge the awards. Being shortlisted is a fantastic boost for your products. Winning really puts your business on the industry map. We have seen significant uplift in leads, customers and sales as a result of winning.” 2021 winner, Blue Eyed Sun
To enter the Gift of the Year competition, visit www.giftoftheyear.co.uk
Preview
Autumn Fair
Autumn Fair is back
Autumn Fair returns to the NEC, Birmingham from September 5-8 and promises to be jam-packed full of inspiring new products and collections from suppliers big and small. We take a look at some of the plans for the event and reveal what some of the exhibitors are launching for the upcoming season. Like all returning events, the organisers of Autumn Fair are keen to ensure everyone’s safety while getting back to business and reigniting the retail industry. There will be Covid status checks for all attendees on arrival – including exhibitors, visitors, contractors, venue staff and organisers. There are also Safe & Secure Guidelines to deliver top health and safety measures to put the show community at ease. Following the government’s latest guidance, and working in consultation with the Association of Event Organisers (AEO), all attendees will need to demonstrate proof of COVID-19 status for entry to the event via one of the following ways: ● Proof of completion of a full course of vaccination two weeks prior to arrival. ● Proof of a negative Lateral Flow Test taken within 48hrs of arrival (retaken and reported every 72hrs). ● Proof of natural immunity shown by a positive PCR test result for COVID-19, lasting for 180 days from the date of the positive test and following the self-isolation period. Further details on how to prove your COVID-19 status and FAQs can be found
at www.autumnfair.com/contact-us/visit-faqs. Ian Solomon, Operations Director, Hyve Group plc, said, “The health and safety of our customers and community have been, and continues to be, a top priority as we return to delivering events and facilitating trade again. As such, it was imperative for Autumn Fair and Moda to verify attendees’ COVID-19 status on arrival. Putting these checks in place adds an additional layer of reassurance for all attendees once they are inside the event. Furthermore, our risk assessment is substantial, and the updated Safe & Secure guidelines are designed to deliver industry-leading health and safety standards and procedures that will help put the minds of our community at ease.” Already the definitive marketplace for the home and gift industry, the upcoming Autumn Fair is set to be the largest Home, Gift and Fashion event for the autumn season. The focus on sustainability continues for Autumn Fair 21 with the launch of The Sustainability Library and other initiatives. The Sustainability Library allows visitors to connect with sustainable
“Autumn Fair are keen to ensure everyone’s safety while getting back to business and reigniting the retail industry”
don’t miss
#SBS Pavilion. Autumn Fair have continued their partnership with Theo Paphitis’ #SBS Small Business Sunday which is dedicated to showcasing new and unique products from ambitious start-ups and small businesses. 24 www.greetingstoday.media
brands exhibiting at the show, making it simple to discover the brands and suppliers that are striving to do their part towards a more sustainable and ethical future. Greetings and stationery brands already signed up to the Sustainability Library include Penguin Ink, VENT for Change and The Art File. Each exhibitor that is part of The Sustainability Library will be marked with a Leaf icon, helping visitors to find sustainable brands and suppliers quickly and easily. This will also be translated onsite with the sustainable exhibitors having this icon displayed on their stands. Sarah Laker, owner of Stationery Supplies adds: “I’m really looking forward to getting back to trade shows and attending Autumn Fair to hunt for sustainable stationery, greetings cards and gifts from independent UK businesses.” Also launching at Autumn Fair are the new Curated Meetings. Designed to offer a highly curated, time-efficient and no hassle match-making service where buyers and suppliers only take meetings with partners they have selected and approved, Curated Meetings provides a unique opportunity for buyers and suppliers to meet and kickstart long-term relationships and creates a better, more productive way to buy. At present over 500 meetings are planned across two days. Using the Curated Meetings online platform, buyers can filter for products that truly suit their desired aesthetic, product type, price range and beyond. You can pre-register now at autumnfair. com, and be sure to download the official Autumn Fair app. The full updated Safe and Secure Guidelines can be viewed at www. autumnfair.com/safe-secure with a dedicated section for exhibitors at www.autumnfair. com/safe-secure/guidelines-for-exhibitors.
The Art File Hall 6 Stand B30-C31
After a highly successful return of face-to-face trade shows with Home & Gift and PG Live, The Art File are now gearing up for Autumn Fair 2021. “We’re very much looking forward to exhibiting at what will be the last trade show of the season for The Art File, and can’t wait to carry on the positivity and success from both Home & Gift in Harrogate and PG Live in London. We’ll be in Hall 6, Stand 6B30 - C31, continuing to showcase the 2021 everyday collections that were received extremely well at recent trade shows, as well as displaying our Christmas 2021 collection. Our launches for Autumn and Winter 2021 are full of love, joy, and optimism,” said James Mace. The Art File’s complete, comprehensive, award-winning Christmas 2021 collection will be on display and available to order for any last-minute Christmas orders retailers may have. This will be one of your very last chances to order Christmas stock from The Art File for this year, so be sure to reserve your stock at Autumn Fair! The Art File spent many months crafting beautiful Christmas card and wrap collections so that everyone could make the most of the most important trading period of the year. Charity cards, luxury boxes, pop up cards, gift wrap and bags, single cards, relations the list goes on, and there really is nothing wanting in their creations for 2021. You can also see the latest everyday collections, launched only weeks ago, as well as a grand selection of their existing best-selling greeting cards, stationery, and gift packaging. The newest greeting card launches are Soulmates, Wildflowers, Grand & Graceful, and Parade. Parade is a showstopper, comprising of three different card constructions - Zig Zags, 3D Box cards, and 3D fold outs - all of which are packed with additional finishes including hot foils, UV highlights and die cuts. What's more, the packaging is made from 120gsm paper so it's completely recyclable, and The Art File are proud to say that the entire collection is made in the UK. Soulmates is one of the brand-new collections for 2021 that performed extremely well at recent trade shows. The inspiration behind this collection follows the increasing trend for spiritual well-being and mindfulness James Mace. connecting mind, body, and soul. Finished with hot foils and embossed lines, these cards are simply striking, and certainly had an impact on everyone who visited The Art File stand at PG Live and Home & Gift! Sara Miller London, Natural History by Ben Rothery, I Like Birds by Stuart Cox, Snap To Grid, and the brand new Snowtap will be some of their popular licenses showcasing at Autumn Fair. The Art File are extremely excited to have teamed up with talented designers Susy Snow and Gracie Tapner, otherwise known as Snowtap. The result is a show-stopping collection of hilarious greeting cards, combining beautifully detailed and endearing artwork with funny quips to achieve the desired chuckle. This exclusive license was born from Susy and Gracie's love of the natural world, as well as a pun or two for good measure. This collection has been received extremely well so far, and the team can’t wait to see the reaction at Autumn Fair too! Ben Rothery is one of the most talented illustrators on the planet and Natural History, a timeless favourite, is our proof of that. Snap To Grid and I Like Birds have both been shortlisted for awards and are bright, cheerful, and popular collections. A multi award-winning brand, Sara Miller needs no introduction, always designing an enchanting collection of cards full of print, pattern, and colour. The Art File will be updating their socials throughout the trade show. To keep up to date via our social media platforms, search ‘The Art File’ on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn, and TikTok.
“We’re very much looking forward to exhibiting at what will be the last trade show of the season for The Art File”
www.theartfile.com www.greetingstoday. media 25
Preview
Autumn Fair
Emma Ball Stand 20B23
Celebrating twenty years of supplying giftware, stationery and greetings cards this September, is a huge celebration for the team at Emma Ball! Over the last two decades, the product range began from a set of 24 greetings cards alongside a few limited-edition prints; and has now massively grown - with a warehouse in sunny Nottingham full of cards and gifts to choose from! Emma Ball have a huge variety of stockists, including gift, greetings, crafts and cookshops, then historical sites, tourist and garden centres. It’s not just Emma’s work now either, with other artists on board such as Caroline Cleave, Shelly Perkins, Eric Heyman, Abigail Mill and Susie Lacome. Popular products include many UK-made items, such as greetings cards, stationery, gift wrap, tea towels, and trays. Emma Ball pride themselves on sourcing as locally as possible, believing in supporting local businesses, only sourcing abroad when there is no other option. The team also offer a bespoke service, enabling customers to have exclusive products for their business. With their superb network of UK suppliers, they can offer bespoke to customers both big and small, with minimums as low as 100 units. They can take existing artwork of Emma’s and add a design element, such as a place name, although if new artwork needs to be produced, the same rules apply – no setup fees, no artwork charges, and low minimum values. Most importantly, they offer the same cost prices as for stock items, making it a very attractive option for customers. Newly in stock for the Autumn Fair, is an extensive range of Washi-Tape – perfect for journaling, crafters, and wrapping gifts all year round. There are 30 designs available in sizes 15mm and 20mm, in 10 metres of length, presented in delightfully decorated packaging. As well as Christmas cards and baubles that are all ready to ship out! Emma Ball have eleven large ranges of greetings cards, from fun and quirky to lovely art cards. All of the cards are 6” x 6” square and retailing at £2.35. Please drop by the stand if you would like any more information, all products will be showcased. Alternatively, get in touch with Lucy – 0115 9858081 or sales@emmaball.co.uk for more information.
www.emmaball.co.uk
top sellers The Bone China mugs are still top sellers. Now available in over 50 designs, each mug is presented in a beautiful storage box retailing at £12.50. Brand new designs will showcase at the show, including Eric Heyman’s popular Buzzy Bees, and Emma’s Alpacas. These are all only available through Emma Ball!
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Alex Sharp Designs Stand 6B21
Alex Sharp Designs have extended their floral range of cards which will all be available at Autumn Fair 2021 and also at Top Drawer in January 2022. Already proving really popular with all of the shops they are in, the floral range have wraparound images, so that they look pretty front and back, therefore look lovely from all angles and capture shoppers’ eyes. The images of the flowers were shot by Alex largely in her garden or in areas to local to her as she used the time at home during lockdown to its full advantage. The cards are 15cm x 15cm square and come with recycled brown envelopes. All of her ranges are printed by FSC approved printers. The cards are blank inside for your own personal message.
www.alexsharpdesigns.co.uk www.greetingstoday.media 27
Preview
Autumn Fair
Heaven Scent Stand 6G02
Sarah Pettitt Designs in partnership with Heaven Scent will be showcasing her new designs on a beautiful range of Candles and Reed Diffusers, at Autumn Fair this September. “I am excited to continue to create designs for candles, reed diffusers and soaps and will be adding six new designs to my existing Illustrated candle range. I have carefully chosen six new fragranced Candles for Christmas and three of these fragrances will also be available in a Natural Plant Based Reed Diffuser with an illustrated box,” she explained.
www.heavenscent.co.uk
Eco-friendly Card Co Stand C610
The Eco-friendly Card Co has just launched its collection of charity Christmas cards in support of The Wildlife Trusts. Celebrating the very best of British wildlife, each card features interesting information on the back about the species depicted. Packs are available in two sizes (125mm x 125 mm square and 153mm x 153mm square) with either a 40p or 50p charity donation. There are eight cards in a pack printed on 100% recycled board packed with 100% recycled envelopes in a compostable bag.
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In addition to Christmas cards there are also notecard wallets, a 2022 calendar and an extensive collection of everyday greeting cards also available. The whole range is now available to order online at www. ecofriendly.cards and will be on show at the Autumn Fair alongside the publisher’s art and other photographic collections.
www.ecofriendly.cards
Fay’s Studio Stand 6C24
Fay’s Studio is launching new additions to her popular In The Wild range, including the pictured Chicken and Tulips. This design is printed onto an FSC heavyweight embossed board and comes hand-finished with flecks of bio-glitter, wrapped with recycled envelopes in a recyclable bag. All cards are blank inside. Also launching at Autumn Fair are the Blossom Birthday and Christmas ranges, these were developed during lockdown and were inspired by the rainbow colour trends and the back to nature way of life which inspires all of Fay’s designs.
www.faysstudio.com
Natural Partners Stand 6A24
Natural Partners have added 16 beautiful new designs to their already extensive and popular range of greeting cards by the celebrated cat artist, Lesley Anne Ivory. The new cards will be on display on the company’s stand (6A24) at Autumn Fair, along with lots more of their latest releases and best-selling ranges. Visitors will also be able to pick up a copy of their latest trade catalogue. Alternatively, the entire collection of over 1,400 designs by more than 50 artists and photographers is available on their website.
www.naturalpartnersart.co.uk
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Pocus F review
Aeminine F utumn Fair
The modern woman Women today juggle many tasks and there is a card to suit the different ladies in your life, no matter their relationship to you or their style. It’s been a tough couple of years for everyone and studies have shown that women have largely had to juggle even more than usual with family, work, homeschooling and other tasks during the pandemic. But through it all we still like to show appreciation to the women around us, whoever they may be – wife, mum, grandma, aunty, girlfriend, sister, daughter, in-laws, niece, granddaughter, friend, boss, neighbour or just someone special for any reason at all. But no matter who the card is for the sentiment often falls into a couple of categories – thank you or I love you! When it comes to feminine ranges there is plenty of diversity out there. How women are represented on cards is changing, with varying skin tones, hair colours, ages, shapes, hobbies, interests and professions being depicted across
“A trend that is a perennial favourite in feminine ranges are flowers”
ranges from a variety of publishers including The Art File, Belly Button Designs, Huetribe, Mrs Lovesy and many others. And there is a conscious effort across not only the greeting cards and gifting sector, but retail and society in general, to be more inclusive of anyone and everyone, as well as ensuring people are represented. Stereotypes still exist, but it is being used in a tongue-in-cheek manner, rather than anything that potentially could offend. But whether your bestie likes gin or prosecco, your mum loves butterflies or birds, or your daughter has a fondness for yellow instead of pink, a trend that is a perennial favourite in feminine ranges are flowers. Roses, daffodils, pansies, lilies, petunias, lavender, sunflowers and the ever-popular chrysanthemum, especially for Mother’s Day, are scattered
across greeting card designs from many a publisher. Because are there many women who don’t like to receive flowers? Garden scenes, bouquets, wreaths or a single bloom, flowers and floral arrangements cover the spectrum of traditional designs to more modern art. And like all things in nature, the beauty is in the colours, textures and details. The style may vary from photographs to painterly to pop art and everything in between, but they all share the same colour, vibrancy and life that attract attention from the shelf. Adding some flower power is a great way to have some cards to suit a variety of relations for any number of occasions, beyond Mother’s Day, birthdays and anniversaries. Check out some of these feminine-themed ranges, with florals, frocks and more to see if they will suit your customer’s needs.
Tache Vintage Dream is the first in a series from Tache’s sister-brand, Lashes, and it is all about traditionally feminine colours and themes. Vintage Dream is unashamedly nostalgic and features whimsical female-led and pastel designs throughout the range, each with 3D elements and a pretty, floral envelope. On the flip-side, Modern Missy has a cool, contemporary feel – with colours that pop, ultramodern illustrations and bold typographic designs. This new range is the second collection under Tache’s sister brand, Lashes. The winner of the 2019 Henries Award for Best Handmade Range, Modern Missy features glistening foiled detail, 3D elements and a fabulous, printed envelope with each design. Both ranges are 135mm x 135mm square and made with 350 gsm FSC certified board. Visit the Tache website tache.co.uk to view all ranges. Retailers can sign up for a Trade Account via tache.trade/account/register or contact the Sales team at sales@tache.co.uk, or call 01202 691435.
tache.co.uk
Rosanna Rossi
Rosanna Rossi have beautiful new Mother’s Day designs that have been released within the Confetti Sprinkles collection. The new designs feature a pretty palette of hand-painted flowers enhanced with emboss detail and presented with complementing soft lilac envelopes, perfect for the ladies in your life.
www.rosanna-rossi.co.uk 30 www.greetingstoday.media
Art By Janice
Feminine florals are the theme with these new designs with a flourish of flowers for birthday celebrations. Publisher, Art By Janice, has added six new designs to the Bouquet Collection with a hint of nostalgia featuring vintage china and porcelain. Pretty designs have also been added to the popular Panache Collection with subtle floral patterns too.
www.artbyjanice.co.uk
Cherry Orchard
Cherry Orchard’s feminine range Grace is getting great feedback, with its grey background and brightly coloured images of ladies in glamorous dresses or splashing in puddles in wellies! The cards are finished in gold flitter and foil and beautifully presented with a gold envelope. The collection has a range of designs and price codes to include open designs, relations, ages and double captions for daughter and granddaughter at 16, 18 and 21. The ages cover milestone ages up to 100 with images of gin, flowers, birds, flamingos and cake. The price codes range from code 60, 75 to 100, with the higher price codes having inserts and verse. These are special cards for special ladies.
cherryorchardpublishing.co.uk
Pink Pig Pretty stylish - the new Botanink range by Pink Pig bursts with pretty blooms, bold colour and contemporary hand calligraphy with stylish gunpowder grey envelopes. While adorable characters from the popular Cutie Crew range are among Pink Pig’s Mother’s Day range and they come with recycled eko kraft envelopes. The ranges are all high quality 350gsm FSC cards, made in UK and printed on FSC board available in sixes packed with cello or naked.
pinkpigcards.co.uk
John Ryan
RETAIL ENVIRONMENT
Where do you draw the line? The somewhat controversial rude card category has the ability to offend and amuse in varying measures depending on your taste and sense of humour among other things. It’s up to individual retailers how, where and if they offer these cards to their customers as John Ryan considers.
“Does displaying merchandise of this kind detract from your offer overall?”
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We’re all in favour of diversity and stringent efforts are made these days to ensure that we are as inclusive as possible in almost any arena you might care to mention. Yet when it comes to greetings cards, there remains a significant portion of the industry that may be diverse, after a fashion, yet many are still offended. The area is, for want of a better name, the smut category and ranges from the mildly suggestive to the quasi-pornographic. The point, perhaps, about all of it is that it tends to be bought either as a misjudged joke or because there’s not much else left in the shop. On this reckoning, you’d be forgiven for thinking that most cards of this kind would be ‘top shelf’ material. Yet strangely they are frequently afforded centre stage, put in a position where all but those walking around with their eyes closed will see them. Fine, if you like that sort of thing, then that is the sort of thing you’ll like, but is it necessary and
does displaying merchandise of this kind detract from your offer overall? The answers are no and yes. No, it is perfectly possible to sell greetings cards without recourse to gags about the size, shape and use of genitalia, for which reason why are they stocked? And yes, putting them anywhere in your shop will allow shoppers to make their own minds up about whether to make a repeat visit to a store or go somewhere else. The difficult bit in all of this is where to draw the line. There is a point at which greetings cards featuring the improbably pneumatic or outsize are clearly beyond the bounds, but what about the merely mildly suggestive? One answer might be to ask whether your mum would approve. But there are mums and mums. Another might be to ask whether kids would understand them. Yet given the predations of the internet they’ve probably left most of what you have on show long behind them.
It therefore becomes a matter of personal judgement. You know what’s ok and what’s not and it’s up to you to decide. It’s called good taste and while this may vary from individual to individual, it’s not quite as broad a church as you might imagine. And after all, if you’ve been to a card department in John Lewis, you’ll witness a retailer that knows its customers, ‘rudeness’ is signally absent. Of course, if your clientele like the mildly rude or obscene (or any other potentially offensive content), then you can choose to stock items out of the direct line of sight, or in a box or drawer away from children’s eyes, or anywhere else you deem appropriate – it is your choice after all. As you head, therefore, to the Autumn Fair and London Stationery shows, bear in mind that de gustibus non est disputandem (lit. there is no arguing about taste). Just be sure you know who you’re targeting.
Shop Talk Greetings retailers tell it how it is...
Name: Vivienne Hopson Shop: The White Ribbon Address: Cuffley, Hertfordshire How did you get into the greeting card industry or retail? I used to work for the previous owner and when she decided to sell I asked my sister Elaine and my niece Clair if they would like to join me and buy a family gift shop! What are the best & worst things about working in retail? The best thing about our gift shop is being a local shop - we have met lots of lovely customers and friends. We love being able to go to trade fairs together and fill our shop with our taste in gifts and cards. The worst thing is finding space in our little stockroom to store all of our deliveries! We don’t really have a bad thing, we all enjoy being in the shop! The only annoying thing is when a best-selling range or design is withdrawn by suppliers or publishers. How have things been post-lockdown? Are you having any ongoing issues? It was very quiet to begin with and it has taken time for some of our customers to be happy to shop again. Sales-wise things are picking up and people are enjoying looking around instead of buying online. What’s in your shop window? We try to have a range of items in our window for passers-by; at the moment we have a sale so have one window of sale items, and baby gifts and home gifts in the other side. What cards are selling well in your store at the moment? Wedding cards and baby congratulations are very much in at the moment! Our best-selling publishers are Five Dollar Shake, Belly Button, and the Piccadilly range by Cinnamon Aitch. We have just started selling a beautiful range of cards by a company called Moongazer Cards and they are proving to be very popular.
Name: Clare Wright Shop: Candles and Pearls Address: Fairford, Gloucestershire How did you get into the greeting card industry? As a teenager I worked in a card shop and always loved it. I did numerous other jobs and then after being made redundant in 2012 I decided that I would look into running my own business. My card and gift shop opened as a result of Covid because I had premises for my bridal business and needed to diversify when weddings were unable to go ahead. What is in your shop window at the moment? Currently toys for school holidays. What is your favourite item in store? That’s a tough one! I love all my independent stockists so probably between candles and toiletries – they are such a versatile gift. What card range or category do you always ensure you keep in stock because of its popularity? Whistlefish is currently my most requested brand. Sadly during Covid, sympathy cards outsold everything. Will you go to the trade fairs now they are opening up? Yes, I am planning to go to Autumn Gift Fair in September. Have you had any strange requests for something on a card and did you have the stock to meet the customer’s needs? I get some really bizarre requests and with my crafting stickers can adapt any blank card. For example, To my niece and her partner as they buy their first home or to my boss on his retirement or Congratulations you got a puppy! They do like things tailored to the exact person! If you could send anyone a card from the past or present, who would it be and why? My mum and dad, they have both passed and I would love to send them a card and tell them that I finally got the shop I always dreamed of. How do trade magazines like Greetings Today help you? As a newbie to the card buying sector, it is good to see trends and remind me when I am missing occasions or maybe an occasion I hadn’t thought about stocking.
www.greetingstoday.media 33
Shop Talk
Name: Sam and Jon Edwards Shop: Fancy That Address: Tring, Hertfordshire How did you get into the greeting card industry? On returning from our honeymoon, 26 years ago, we found we were expecting our first child and realised that our nomadic lifestyle of moving around the country at a moment’s notice at the whim of Jon’s civil engineering job, living in shared accommodation, had to change. It was time to realise a long-held dream of mine and open the gift shop that I had planned from the age of eight (on a visit to Spring Fair with my Mother). Looking back, the best decision we made was to buy our shop building - and live above it. It was clear that it had great potential but was in a poor condition, having stood empty for four years - there was much to do as there were rotting floorboards in the shop, the cellar needed tanking and the top two floors had never been lived in! We opened in April 1995, six weeks before our baby joined us! What are the best & worst things about working in retail? Best: Harrogate Home & Gift - not only giving us a lovely event to source new suppliers and order for the festive season but a fabulous excuse to spend a few days walking and enjoying the wonderful Dales each July! I love the buying and display while Jon particularly enjoys the sociable aspect of a good chat with the customers! Worst: Working seven days a week in the run-up to Christmas. How have things been post-lockdown? Are you having any ongoing issues? We have been pleased to see a gradual but steady return to normal takings, and sense that our town has an optimism about it, with all the empty units on the High Street either reopened or under offer. We are lucky that Tring is just the right size of town to retain an eclectic mix of independent shops. Obviously, we were nervous about catching Covid or having to self-isolate and lose income and so we were extremely careful personally, both in the shop and in our private lives! We have signage to let our customers know that we prefer them to wear masks in our small shop and most customers are wearing them. My blood boils when someone, not wearing one, sneezes!
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Preview
Tondon L op Drawer Stationery Show
A long time coming London Stationery Show is returning to the Business Design Centre after nearly two and a half years. We talk to Alex Butler about plans for the long-awaited event and what visitors can expect. London Stationery Show is making its long-awaited return soon, how are the plans coming along? It’s been two and a half years since our industry last came together, and the consensus is that it’s been far too long! Following what can only be described as the most challenging of times, buyers will once again experience the fresh thinking and timeless appeal of our ever resilient, design-led industry. The importance of stationery, from everyday essentials, through to carefully chosen gifts, has never been so evident, and the variety of products on display really reflects the widespread consumer appeal of our industry. Can visitors expect anything different at this year’s event? London Stationery Show will be packed with all the latest industry news and
Alex Butler
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“We’re coming back with a bang with the most diverse exhibitor line-ups we’ve ever seen”
trends designed to entertain, inspire, and educate. In addition to The Trends Hub, Boutique Collection and Retailer Matters live talks programme, there are several new features at the show. For an overview of the hottest products right now, head to the Buyers’ Choice Awards where a curated selection of the exhibition’s stand-out stationery finds will be on display. Retailers can also try before they buy in the Creative Matters workshops, and Catherine Erdly, founder of Resilient Retail Club, will be on hand with tailored 1-2-1 advice in The Resilient Retail Clinic. What covid-precautions are you expecting to take, given current government guidelines? We are continually monitoring government and industry guidelines relating to covid secure events. Further details on what
The LaunchPad competition is back again, can you tell us about the winners? Our judges reviewed entries from Australia, America, Russia and the UK, and after much discussion and product testing, whittled them down to six lucky LanchPad winners. O What A Feeling, Port West Stationers, My Happy Journal, Wrag Wrap, Pencil Me In and Love Writing Co are all looking to break into our industry by exhibiting at this year’s London Stationery Show. Whether you’re looking for greeting cards and gift wrap, or personalised pencils and notebooks, there’s something for everyone. measures will be in place at the show will be available via stationeryshow.co.uk. Rest assured we will be working to ensure everyone’s safety is the number one priority at all times. Typically, London Stationery Show was held in spring, has moving it to the autumn had any significant impact? Exhibitions are typically held in either the spring or autumn, so we knew that October would be a core buying time for retailers. We also held a number of focus groups to ensure that the new dateline would work for those in attendance, and the result has been incredibly positive. The increase in exhibitor and visitor numbers in comparison to the same number of weeks out in 2020 all point to London Stationery Show 2021 being a fantastic reunion for our muchloved industry. How are exhibitors feeling about the return of live events and trade shows? The overall feeling is that everyone is keen for normal life to resume. London Stationery Show has been such an important part of the buying calendar for 11 years, and it’s been really missed by exhibitors and visitors alike. We’re coming back with a bang with the most diverse exhibitor line-ups we’ve ever seen. 40% of brands are exhibiting for the first time, so there will be so many new products to discover at the show. Who are some of the brands scheduled to attend? London Stationery Show offers buyers a depth of product choice from well-known brands to independent start-ups, so I think it’s important to reference both.
Some of stationery’s best loved brands are returning, including Avery, CC Global, Cre8 Tapes, Cross, edding, Esterbrook, Exacompta, Frisk, Hahnemühle, Kaweco, Leuchtturm, Makers Cabinet, Manuscript Pen, Montegrappa, Parafernalia, Pentel, Pukka Pads, Royal Talens, Semikolon, Shaeffer, Silvine, Snopake, Stabilo, Staedtler, Ultratape, uni-ball and Zebra Pen, but there’s also an impressive line-up of new brands, including Accent Manufacturing, Artcadia, Bark & Rock, Carioca, Goldbuch, London Block By Block, Modena by Railex, Pixie Crew, Robert Fredrick, Storigraphic, Retro 51, Starpak and Yop & Tom among many others.
market. Four key concepts will be unveiled at the show, using exhibitor products to bring the trends to life and help buyers plan their ranges. These concepts will be examined in further detail in our live talks, Retail Matters, and Sally will be on hand to answer all questions in a live Q&A.
“We’re coming back with a bang with the most diverse exhibitor line-ups is scheduled to speak at the we’ve ever seen. Who show? Matters, our live talks programme, 40% of brands are Retail will help with all aspects of running a exhibiting for the successful business through talks with leading industry professionals and peers. first time, so there The list of speakers includes: marketing guru, Alex Ryan; online retailer and social will be so many media expert, Martha Keith from Martha new products to Brook London; small business expert, Catherine Erdly from Resilient Retail Club; discover at the trend forecaster, Sally Angharad Booth; and the Giftware Association. show”
What are visitor numbers looking like at the moment? We’re currently tracking 30% ahead of our last show in 2019, so we’re feeling very positive! Buyers have clearly missed those chance discoveries that only come from walking the aisles at an exhibition, and everyone seems eager to close their laptops and do business face-to-face once again. What trends are you predicting to come through? This year’s Trends Hub is curated by material and trend consultant, Sally Angharad. Sally researches the latest innovations and reliably predicts future global design trends and buying behaviours, as well as the impact they’ll have on the UK stationery
Anything else to add? Register for your free ticket to London Stationery Show via the website. It promises to be our best event yet!
Show Details
When: Tuesday October 5 – 9.30am to 5pm and Wednesday October 6 – 9.30am to 4pm Where: Business Design Centre, Islington, London, N1 0QH Register at: www.stationeryshowlondon.co.uk www.greetingstoday.media 37
Preview
Tondon L op Drawer Stationery Show
VENT for Change Booth No. M631
VENT for Change will be back at the London Stationery Show once again this year with plenty to shout about. “As the leading trade exhibition dedicated to stationery it’s lovely to be able to bring our new SUCSEED collection and showcase the items we’ve launched throughout the pandemic,” said Evan Lewis Founder of VENT for Change. VENT will be showcasing their new accessories to the Make a Mark recycled leather notebook range. Launched earlier in the year as shops were re-opening this includes their pens made from recycled plastic drinks bottles and hand-made recycled leather pen/pencil pouches. Created to sit alongside their brightly coloured notebooks and journals the pens and pouches have already seen strong sales throughout the summer and add another intriguing element to the VENT range. Also on show will be their brand new SUCSEED range of notebooks made using reclaimed coffee beans, lavender, cherry and kiwi husk, plus 100% recycled paper. Supplied as standard with a page marker made from reclaimed corn pulp. Aimed that those who want to make their notes, lists and scribbles in one book the SUCSEED range comes with lined, plain and numbered notes pages throughout. “We are loving the use of these new reclaimed and recycled materials to deliver a stunning tactile finish that reflects their origins,” said Lewis. Aimed at a slightly different market from VENT’s brightly coloured or more minimalist ranges the SUCSEED collection is another example of VENT’s sustainable style and ethical philosophy.
www.ventforchange.co.uk
Collins
38 www.greetingstoday.media
Jumble & Co is a brand new range of stationery products launching at the London Stationery Show from Collins! Everybody knows that life is anything but linear, with a blur of highs and lows, wins and losses, cheers and cries. And while some days can be remarkable, others can be pretty forgettable, and that is perfectly OK. Jumble celebrates all of those emotions with a colourful range of stationery products for everyday life, from diaries and notepads to be organised, to bottles to stay hydrated, to scented candles to help you relax. Life is a Jumble and Collins are so here for that!
trade.uk.collinsdebden.com
LONDON STATIONERY SHOW 5-6 October 2021 Business Design Centre
Register now Discover the largest selection of writing and paper products from around the world in one place. Register now at stationeryshow.co.uk