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NEWS TOP STORY
An Emotional Acquisition Martin Nevin sells Emo to its former co-owner David Greaves has bought Emotional Rescue, the greeting card company he ran (and co-owned) for 22 years until 2013. The business was sold in its entirety to industry stalwart Martin Nevin four years ago. “Emotional Rescue is a great business and I have really enjoyed the last four years working with the team there and developing the company,” said Martin, who previous to owning ER, owned Is It Art. “The opportunity to sell the business to someone who knows it better than anyone, thereby offering security to the staff and customers, makes this a perfect deal. There is no better bloke for the job than David. I am just happy to have kept the business in good shape for him.” Ever since he left Emotional Rescue, David Greaves has been exploring business opportunities within the trade. It appears that the ideal opportunity was right under his nose. “It feels like putting on a favourite comfortable jacket that is just the perfect fit,” said David of becoming the owner of Emotional Rescue. “I can’t tell you how excited I am to be back involved in developing products for this market.” A week after the news that David Greaves had acquired Emo it was announced that Brett Smith, currently sales director of Danilo, is to join the company as joint managing director (with David) with a shareholding in the business. Commenting, David said that Brett’s “commercial knowledge, broad experience
Below: A prophetic photo at a Henries event. Brett Smith (left) with David Greaves (right), Martin Nevin (second left) and Ruth Young (Clintons).
and enthusiasm,” makes him a perfect fit for the company. Brett, who officially takes up his new role on March 11, has worked in the industry for 30 years. He spent many years in retail, over 20 of which were with Clintons, latterly as its marketing/commercial director, but held other buying and operational roles. Prior to joining Danilo in 2017 as sales director, Brett was commercial manager of Pioneer Europe and previous to this spent a period as a consultant within the card and gift sector. Sharing his excitement of his new opportunity, Brett said: “I have been fortunate to work with some of the best companies and people in our industry. I can’t wait to bring my mix of retail and supply experience to ER.” l Chris Houfe, who was joint managing director of Emotional Rescue for seven months leading up to the recent sale (previously with GBCC), has left the business, but is hoping to find a role within the industry.
Card Factory Opens Concessions In Oz Card Factory is expanding overseas by opening eight concessions within The Reject Shop, a discount retail chain in Australia, which comprises 350 stores in Australia. “Although this is very early stage, we are pleased to be working with The Reject Shop, a brand which shares our focus on quality and value, to test our proposition in the Australian market,” Karen Hubbard, ceo of Card Factory told PG. The concessions, which are all Card Factory branded, vary in size, in order to gauge consumer response. Currently only including greeting cards, the selection is based on Card Factory’s best selling designs as well as some that have been adapted to better suit Australian tastes. “All of the non-hand-finished cards are being produced in Yorkshire by our Printcraft business and shipped to Australia, while the handmade or hand-finished designs are being sent from our facilities in the Far East,” reveals Karen. Meanwhile, Card Factory’s trial with Aldi in the UK is ramping up, having been extended from 12 stores up to 121 stores. “We are very pleased with how it is going with Aldi,” said Karen. Through signage Aldi makes great play of the fact that all the cards are all designed and printed in Yorkshire, prominently featuring a Union Jack to signify their provenance. Above: The signage that proclaims Card Factory’s presence in The Reject Shop.
KPD helps love ‘Trump’ hate
It was a ‘no brainer’ for the ‘Brainbox Boys’ to add Modern Toss to its portfolio through a distribution/licensing agreement. The Brainbox Candy x Modern Toss collaboration was christened at the recent Spring Fair. While initially Modern Toss’ finished products will be distributed by Brainbox Candy, as time goes on the Modern Toss cards and gifts will be produced under licence by Brainbox. With a cult following for its edgy observations on life and distinctive styling, Modern Toss features the work of the Brighton-based company’s co-founders Jon Link and Mick Bunnage, who started the business in 2004. The distribution development came about when Jon and Mick contacted Brainbox’s co-founders, Ben Hickman and Mark Williams to see if they would be interested in becoming the exclusive distributor for the cards and gifts. “As massive fans of their work, it was a resounding yes from us,” said Brainbox’s Mark Williams.
Katie Phythian and her husband Mike, coowners of Katie Phythian Design, were deeply touched by the news reports about how nine year-old Tiger Blaylock was offering to sell his artwork in order to help provide for his family (and others) who were suffering financial hardship as a result of the extended shut down of the US Government - so they made contact. As a result Katie Phythian Design has produced a collection of four cards based on Tiger’s original artwork, which each have a compassionate and positive title, namely Love Trumps Hate, Always Use Mercy, Don't Kill and Don't Be Killed and Electric Whale, Elhaw. All profits from these cards are going to Tiger to help support his family, buy art materials and fund future studies. www.katiephythiandesign.com.
Above: Brainbox Candy chaps, Ben Hickman (left) and Mark Williams on their stand at the Spring Fair. Right: Modern Toss has moved in with Brainbox.
Above: One of nine year-old Tiger Blaylock’s artworks.
Above: On the Ceiling is one of Emo’s key brands.
Brainbox Candy gives a Modern Toss
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