41-43_PG LIve 2024 Revelations.qxp_Grid 26/07/2024 12:21 Page 1
Retailer Revelations
Pick of the Pops
With the wealth of product newness at the recent PG Live show, retailers were spoilt for choice as to which launches to rave about. Following on from last month’s Viewpoints, the good news keeps flowing as PG shares more buyers’ top picks that are now pepping up their product selection in their stores.
Mark Rees, managing director of Henry & Co, nine stores in the Midlands Top Picks: “I placed several orders while at the show and look forward to getting the product into store. Paper Salad caught my eye again with their bright and colourful designs which are ideal for creating interest in store.” Right: Mark Rees (left) with Cardies’ Jo Sorrell and Sean Austin at The Retas/Greats drinks reception. Above: Brightness from Paper Salad.
Above: A Zoe Spry design.
Roya Peeroozee, assistant buyer of greeting cards for Tesco Top Picks: “We thought the Paper Rose x Willsow fully recyclable card range was fabulous innovation and had great print quality on the seeded substrate. It was also wonderful to see some newness from several designers, such as Zoe Spry.”
Chris and Tracey Bryant, co-owners of Expressions, Cats Whiskers and Polkadot, Swindon, Bishops Cleeve and Keynsham Top Picks: “We fortunately had both Silver and Sunshine Tickets to spend as well as our Cardgains’ member voucher. Eagerly we walked the aisles deciding where to place orders. We were desperate to refresh our humour offer in Expressions, so we placed an order with one of our favourite humour publishers, Pigment. Although only using them sparingly in the past Brainbox Candy caught our eye, so ordered a selection across its ranges. Bold and Bright, a new supplier for us completed our humour purchases. Visiting one of our major suppliers UKG, we were eager to see the new Camden Signature collection, we were not disappointed. The range just shouted quality with keen price points. Wendy Jones-Blackett’s new age range will also be added to our next order. We were very impressed with what we saw in the Upper Village, too many wonderful new publishers to name individually, but we feel the quality on offer bodes well for the future of our fantastic industry.” Above: Expressions’ Chris Bryant (right) with Nigel Quiney’s creative maestro, Carl Pledger. Top: Chris and Tracey were impressed with UKG’s Camden Signature collection.
Kim Lewis, greeting card buyer of Longacres garden centres Top Picks: “I placed orders for new ranges Longacres’ Kim Lewis with Ling, GBCC and Top: (left) was happy to spend her Sunshine Ticket with Abacus. Took on Donna Collins of Ling Design. three new companies Above: Dyson’s Dinosaurus which is very exciting, range. Dyson Design being one as I am excited to try its scented cards and range of dinosaur cards. As always, I was looking for different products which I am pleased to have found.”
John Barratt and Andrew Reid, owner and senior card buyer of Card Centre, Felixstowe Top Picks: “We placed quite a few orders! We were particularly taken with new designs from Paper Bird, just beautiful artwork; Alljoy’s new Message in a Bottle cards; The Porch Fairies’ lovely Advents; Louise Mulgrew’s thoughtful and interesting artwork and both Dandelion Stationery and White Cotton Cards who are both so helpful in fulfilling our individual needs. The Laura Wallace Collection rather took my eye and Andrew liked the humour from Jolly Awesome. And Paperlink deserves a mention for the super ranges it had on show.” Above: A new Christmas design from Paper Bird. Right: Card Centre’s John Barrett (left) and Andrew Reid having a laugh with Dandelion Stationery’s Jo Wilson.
PROGRESSIVE GREETINGS WORLDWIDE 41