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VIEWPOINTS
Casting Votes In the final run-up to the General Election, PG asked a ‘constituency’ of retailers what one thing would they like the elected Prime Minister to do to help the greeting card industry. Plus, with PG Live taking place the immediate two days before the Election, before casting their votes as to who they would like to see running the country, retailers share their show ‘manifesto’ about what they are hoping to find among the 280 exhibitors ‘on the hustings’.
Claire Fitzgerald buyer - cards, giftwrap and calendars for Waterstones:
Sonya Haandrikman-Sibbald co-owner of Celebrations, Carlisle: Prime M’s Scream: “I would like to see more grants for retail businesses. There are many successful greeting card retailers out there that have the potential to develop and expand, but there is no government support for this. There's lots of funding for other sectors but as soon as you mention “retail” on any grant submission the answer is “NO”! I see a lot of grant funding being given to new start-up companies in our geographical area, many of which have a very slim chance of surviving, yet they have access to finance just because they happen to be starting up in a sector where funding is available. I implore the Prime Minister to issue government grants for successful retailers who can demonstrate real development and growth opportunities. Surely that would be a win/win for every one. It's tough for independent businesses on the high street so a little business boost from the PM would encourage retailers to reinvest in their businesses and hopeful see them flourish.”
Prime M’s Scream: “In an ideal world I would like the PM to freeze stamp prices. Sending cards is the most personable way to send a message to family or friends and it would be good not to deter anyone from sending them due to continual stamp price rises.” PG Live Manifesto: “We are looking to refresh some areas within our everyday cards range this summer so it comes at the perfect time to look for exciting and original new product. PG Live really is the best event for finding a diverse range of card publishers all under one roof. It brings everyone in the card world together and is a great opportunity to showcase progression within the industry- it’s in the name after all!” Above: The rising cost of stamps, Claire Fitgerald believes is dampening card sending’s potential. The new PM should look to reduce the cost. Below: Waterstones is set to refresh its card displays after a visit to PG Live.
Above: Sonya and her business partner/mother Tanya (second and third right) with Paperlink’s Bill Greeno and Louise Tighe at PG Live. Left: Sonya urges the PM to consider making development grants more available to independent high street retailers, like Celebrations.
PROGRESSIVE GREETINGS WORLDWIDE
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