Leader

from Greetings Today September 2021

John Ryan

30

Can 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 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.