41_43_45_47_Industry Issues.qxp_Grid 11/01/2024 11:11 Page 1
Industry Issue
Collective Strength “Despite the challenges and tribulations for many associated with trading in the cost-of-living crisis, our industry continues to remain robust,” said UKG’s Darren Cave, president of the GCA at the association’s recent Conference and AGM. As he stressed in his inaugural presidential speech, Darren emphasised: “Greeting cards continue to play an important role in helping people to make connections and maintain connections, to show you care, to improve the way that someone is feeling, to share joy and to celebrate.” Here, in the first of a two part series, Darren and some fellow members of the GCA Council share their views on the industry’s challenges, as well as the opportunities and wishes for the coming year.
Georgina Fihosy, owner and head of creative of AfroTouch Design Opportunity knocks: “I believe the industry has a real opportunity to re-establish its focus on cultural and inclusive designs. I'm looking forward to seeing how publishers and retailers work to create and provide cards that reflect diverse cultures and inclusivity and ensure a broader appeal to a diverse customer base in 2024. I am excited to be working with the Council on this and moving the needle even further over the coming year.” Key challenges: “I think the economic uncertainty has impacted consumer spending behaviour, reducing discretionary spending on items like greeting cards. I also think that the growing awareness of environmental issues and topics about sustainability are leading consumers to prefer more eco-friendly options, which in turn is putting more pressure on the industry to adopt more sustainable practices.” Wishlist for 2024: “I would love it if diversity and inclusion within the industry no longer needed to be discussed because they are embedded and part of our industry's DNA.” Above right: Georgina has joined the GCA Council to help the industry progress on the D&I front. Right: An AfroTouch Design card which reflect’s Georgina’s Nigerian heritage with a contemporary twist.
Inset: The GCA’s ceo Amanda Fergusson and membership/marketing manager Adriana Lovesy with members of the GCA Council at the recent Conference and AGM.
Sarah Jackson, founder and creative maestro of Stormy Knight Opportunity knocks: “Our industry is focused on something special; greeting cards, that each generate a positivity of feeling. Added to that it has to be a plus, that as a publisher, my biggest competitors are also my best Top: Sarah Jackson friends, with an extraordinary level with some of the Cardmitment posters of support and camaraderie that she created for the comes from this. The GCA is campaign. Above: Tim Loughton brilliant for facilitating and fostering MP for Shoreham and East Worthing with relationships in the industry, the GCA’s Amanda between publishers, suppliers and Fergusson making his pledge retailers and I personally see lots of Cardmitment to help protect the Royal Mail service. opportunities for growth in the future, despite difficult trading conditions. If you can be creative and unique as well as commercially appealing, then there is still a strong demand for all of our products.” Key challenges: “The Royal Mail stamp price increases. People still love giving and receiving cards we know this is true, but the stamp increases are creating barriers for people to send as many cards through the post as they may have done previously. While affecting birthdays and occasions to the same extent, when it comes to Christmas it does now feel harder to send 20/30 cards or more if stamp prices keep increasing. We need to further lobby our government to fight this and cap price increases.” Wishlist for 2024: “For people to keep supporting their high streets - and for a year where we all just get a little break from Covid/cost-of-living crisis/political turmoil, blah blah blah.” PROGRESSIVE GREETINGS WORLDWIDE 41