29-31_Viewpoints.qxp_Grid 22/05/2024 16:02 Page 1
VIEWPOINTS
Whoops of joy
After a rigorous industrywide canvas of nominations and much cajoling of retailers to put themselves forward, there were whoops of joy heard the length and breadth of the UK as the finalists for The Retas 2024 greeting card awards were announced. PG shares a smattering of the joyful initial reactions from a bunch 140 happy nominees who are now gearing up for the big reveal of the winners at London’s Grosvenor House Hotel on 4 July where the event will take on a World Of Beatrix Potter theme.
Sean Austin, owner, Austin & Co, Malvern Finalist in Best Independent Greeting Card Retailer – The Midlands
Below: Three of Jo’s Ponks reading their fave Beatrix Potter stories in readiness for The Retas.
Heidi Early, co-owner, Earlybird, Stoke Newington Finalist in Best Independent Greeting Card Retailer – London (inside the M25)
Showing off the two Retas trophies they’ve previously won with colleague Hannah Sharman, Heidi said: “Wowsers! We’re always really nervous scanning PG Buzz for the names of owner of Cardies, finalists so to spot us Above: Hannah and Stevenage Heidi are happy. straightaway was immense! Finalist in Best Retail To have reached the finals again is just bloody Initiative brilliant. As small business owners it’s always a case of Below: Spot the difference as Sean Austin “Well, what a wonderful surprise changes the chalkboard. head down and getting on with the job so to get to hear that we have been recognition that some people think we’re the best nominated for The Retas awards! independent card shop in London just really makes us We are all springing about, like stand up and feel proud. Benjamin Bunny, with excitement! Thank you so much to our customers and everyone We can’t wait to see who voted for us, and team EB who keep our doors everyone on July 4. open every day for the last 20 years – give or take a Congratulations and good luck few pandemic closures! We can’t wait to party with to all our fellow nominees.” everyone in July. Massive congrats to all the brilliant card shops around the country who help owner, Helen’s Wishes, Dursley to keep delivering smiles and who have also been nominated, we are Finalist in Best Greeting Card Retailer privileged to be among you.” In a wee Facebook reel showing himself changing the year on the board outside the store, Sean posted: “Apologies for the scruffy appearance, but I was down the tip! We’re up for the Best Independent Greeting Card Retailer in the Midlands – this is the fourth time in a row. Makes for an easy message change on the chalkboard!”
Jo Sorrell,
Helen Williams,
Newcomer & Best Independent Greeting Card Retailer Initiative
Having just celebrated her first year running Helen’s Wishes, a chuffed Helen said: “Wow, just wow!” she exclaimed. “Super proud of myself and, of course my fabulous team. Keeping everything crossed for the winners’ reveal in July. Huge thanks as always to my fabulous customers for all your support.” Right: Helen Williams is dead chuffed at her double nomination.
Kate Cowie, director, Utility, Liverpool and Manchester Finalist in Best Non-Specialist Independent Retailer – North “We are honoured and delighted to be a finalist at The Retas especially as in November Utility will celebrate its 25th birthday and we can't think of a better way to celebrate. We really are super excited.” Above: Utility’s team show their joy at the flagship Liverpool One store. PROGRESSIVE GREETINGS WORLDWIDE 29