Progressive Greetings August 2025

ON THE CARDS

What an amazing feeling that after all the anticipation, the wishing, the believing that after all the hard work and incredible teamwork that you will win comes true.

I am of course referring to The Retas greeting card awards and Brit publishers’ wins in The Louies… and if it was a few days time, it would also be about those reaching the finals in The Henries.

There has of course been another significant triumph for the nation! As I write this The Lionesses are travelling back to the UK for their much-deserved incredible welcome home with a victory parade. While it would have been better for everyone’s nerves if it hadn’t gone down to the triumphant dance move penalty shot from Chloe Kelly (I even rediscovered my tummy muscles with all the tension!) that is what made it all the more memorable and incredibly joyful.

However on greeting card turf, the exhilaration of winning really has come to the fore for retailers and publishers recently too. We feature the winners of The Retas

in all their glory in this edition (see pages 25-37), including their heartfelt emotional responses to their respective victories as well as saluting the five UK publishers (The Art File, Mifkins, Ohh Deer, Redback Cards and Santoro who really did hit the jackpot in the US GCA greeting card awards, The Louies (see page 9) which took place during the Noted show in Las Vegas.

And, I look forward to The Henries judging event taking place tomorrow, and there will no double be more uplifting celebrations when the finalist ranges are revealed with the ultimate trophy lifters having to wait until Oct 2 when the ‘winner takes it all’ at the Abba-themed event.

I can hear my Mum’s words ringing in my ear “It is not the winning that matters, but the taking part,” said to her ever optimistic, deluded daughter (me) with no apparent sporting skills (believe me, I have tried them all!). She was right. If no one took part, there would be no ultimate winners.

A special medal has to be awarded to the Danilo team for their extreme agility, sending over the front cover of the officially licensed 2026 Lionesses calendar within minutes of that winning ball going into the net. It has inspired me to get going on my ‘keepie uppie’ practice in time for the Women’s World Cup in Brazil in 2027. Hear me roar!

Right: Hats off to everyone who was at The Retas! The Max Publishing team (left-right: Tracey Bearton, Jakki Brown, Jim Bullough, Ian Hyder, Rob Willis, Nicola Webster and Warren Lomax) embracing the C&W theme of the event. Below: A bit of rain on the first day of Harrogate didn’t douse spirits! Good for Ohh Deer for dishing out rain macs. (Right-left) Jumping Bean’s Terry Newton and Nilou Noorbaksh with Lark’s Priya Aurora-Crowe, Ohh Deer’s Mark Callaby and PG’s Jakki Brown.

Below: Much fun and networking was done at the ‘sundowners party’ on the first evening of the Harrogate Home & Gift show. (Right-left) Red Card’s Sally Matson and Karen West with PG’s Jakki Brown and Stationery Supplies’ Sarah Laker.

Below right: Within minutes of the Lionnesses’ triumph, Danilo unveiled the front cover of the officially licensed 2026 calendar.

45 51 39 16 22

7-15 News

All the latest happenings and developments in the trade.

16-17 Cardsharp

How Green Does My Garden Grow?

Cardsharp digs deep into the garden centre sector.

18-21 Viewpoints

Delivery Drivers

Ofcom has spoken and July 28 marked the change in the USO to Second Class delivery moving to every other weekday. PG posts some views.

22-25 The Retas In Pics

The Retas Rodeo

PG shares the lowdown on the hoedown in pictures.

25-37 The Retas 2025 Winners

Rootin’ Tootin’ Winners

The Retas 2025 winners in all their glory.

Jakki

39-43 Retailer Reactions Spoilt For Choice

From the wealth of newness at PG Live, in the second of a series, retailers reveal what ranges stood out from the crowd.

45-49 Innovations

Publishers’ new ranges and designs.

51 Art Source Floral Tributes

Artist Emma Burnett shares how her talent for botanic art has bloomed onto many greeting cards over the years.

53-54 What’s Hot?

A trio of retailers reveal their best-selling ranges.

55-63 Sources of Supply

TOP STORY

Postmark’s 13th London Store

Capital addition takes Postmark up to 14 stores

Mark Janson-Smith had a busy week before the Postmark MD popped on a plane to visit the Noted trade show in the US – making sure the retail group’s latest store was open on time.

The outlet in the Northcote Road, Battersea, marks the 13th site for the group in the capital – joining the existing stores in Balham, Battersea Power Station, Blackheath, Chiswick, East Dulwich, Greenwich, Kings Cross, London Bridge, Richmond, Waterloo, Wimbledon, and Victoria – alongside its Glasgow store.

“Drum roll please – we are so excited to open the doors to our newest edition, Postmark Northcote Road,” Mark said of the opening on Wednesday, 23 July, “Another amazing

Clintons’ revamp continues

The Clintons revamp continues as owner Cardzone has opened the second of its new-look stores in the brand new Cotswolds Designer Outlet, near Tewkesbury.

effort from the fabulous Postmark team to get everything looking beautiful.”

And he added: “We made it in the nick of time before I head to *Noted,” of his trip to the US GCA’s annual trade show which moved to Las Vegas for the first time.

More card store action

It’s 84 stores and counting for Cards Direct as the Hemel Hempstead-based retail group added two more stores to its portfolio in the last few weeks.

Ashton-Under-Lyne became the 83rd location, just a couple weeks before the family-run retailer opened the next pink, purple and green-branded store in Halifax under the Making People Smile tag. Meanwhile Cardfactory also continues to grow. The latest towns to join the Cardfactory stable are Allenton in Derby, followed by Sligo in Ireland.

Otter than July

“It’s had a great start and we’re feeling very positive. I suspect it will be a popular weekend shopping destination,” said Cardzone x Clintons trading director James Taylor. “We are really pleased with this new store on a brand-new Outlet. The feedback we’re getting for our fresh new look has been fantastic and the fact we’ve had the opportunity to use Yankee Candle signage on one side of the store adds another string to our bow here as it’s an outlet where Yankee Candle is more desirable.”

The 136,000sq ft phase one of the Cotswolds Designer Outlet is now 98% let with 51 other high-profile brands joining Clintons, including Tommy Hilfiger, Reiss, The North Face, Sweaty Betty, Puma, Adidas, Rituals, The Perfume Shop, M&S, and ProCook

This follows on from Clintons first 2.0 store which opened in the Metrocentre in Newcastle in June fanfaring the new pink look.

Garden centre growth

Otter Nurseries & Garden Centres has purchased its eighth site, the former Whitehall Garden Centre (and fellow Tillington member) in Whitchurch, Bristol. Jacqui Taylor, md at the South West-based group, said, “We have known the Self family for many years now and have always admired their way of running an independent garden centre.” And Whitehall director Claire Self added: “When we made the decision to sell our Whitchurch centre, it was important to us as a family to find the right buyer that will continue the store as a garden centre and keep our existing staff in their roles... We are very pleased that Otter Garden Centres have bought the store, like us they are an independent family business with strong heritage and values. We have worked closely with them as a family for many years now and their business values align with our own.”

Whitehall’s Pewsey centre remains on the market while the flagship store at Cheltenham continues to trade.

On the garden centre front, Blue Diamond has acquired the Barton Grange garden centre in Lancashire. Former owners Peter and Guy Topping said: “It’s been a huge decision but, after careful consideration, it just feels like the right time. We’ve always been impressed with Blue Diamond, and we feel confident they're the right team to take the garden centre and nursery forward.”

Meanwhile, following the sales and closures at the end of last year, Dobbies is underway with a nationwide store refurbishment programme.

Hungerford is the third of the group’s sites to be relaunched, following Brighton and Cadnam, with a small gift shop area now open stocking home, gift, spa, fashion and greeting card products.

Dobbies’ ceo David Robinson said: “Our refurbishment programme is well underway and it’s great to see our third store now complete. Our fourth refurbishment is now underway.”

In other garden centre news, Inverness-based Simpsons has added Christies, which has been in Fochabers since 1820, along with the 48 staff to take it to three sites with the Happy Plant in Mintlaw.

(See Cardsharp pages 16 and 17)

Top: Halifax has been added to Cards Direct’s portfolio. Above: The new Cardfactory store in Allenton.

Above: Dobbies’ Hungerford outlet is the third to be revamped.

Below: Retas’ finalist Otter now has eight centres.

Above: Postmark’s new store in Battersea’s Northcote Road.

Left: (second left) Buyer Shannon Fisher with the Postmark team in the new store.

Top: Yankee Candle also appears on the fascia of the outlet store.

Above: Inside the new Clintons store.

Six Brits’ Trophies In Las Vegas

Louies for Redback, Ohh Deer, The Art File, Mifkins and Santoro

Five UK publishers clinched six trophies in the recent Louie Awards as British publishers made their mark again in the US GCA’s annual competition. Redback Cards topped out for the home contingent, picking up two honours in the ceremony at Las Vegas World Market Center, after the first day of the association’s annual four-day *Noted greeting card trade fair.

Designer Greetings adds Great Arrow Graphics to its group

Also called up to the stage were File, Mifkins, Ohh Deer and The honours for Redback fell to international sales manager Sharon Murdoch – who was in the desert city exhibiting at the adjacent Las Vegas Summer Market – to lift the Birthday Humorous $5.50 & Below title, for its Americanised Your Age Is Very Inappropriate For Your Behavior design from its Holy Flaps typographic range, as well as collecting the inaugural Vickie Gimbelman Celebrating Women Louie Award. Named in memory of Designer Greetings’ cofounder Vickie, the category honours cards that thoughtfully capture the essence of womanhood through art and copy, and the Zeppelinmoon manatee design was judged the best, with Redback owner Chris Stanley saying the design totally captures “the essence of womanhood. All women from all walks of life and size should be celebrated and this card offers a very uplifting message. You Betcha Baby!”

For Ohh Deer, md Mark Callaby was very

The Retas’ rodeo continues

chuffed with the Children's Card $5.50 & Below accolade, commenting: “Well that was nice news to kick start the week! The Animals card by Emily Doliner has been a bestseller for us since we launched it and we decided to try our luck in a category that we're not really known for – children’s! So the punt paid off and we're delighted.”

The company also has a vested interest in a number of other winners as it distributes Seedlings, launched at PG Live last month, which picked up two trophies.

Distributed in the US by Notes & Queries, The Art File’s gold-foiled and die-cut sun design from the Storybook collection earned the Birthday General $5.50 & Below trophy.

“We were delighted to wake up to the news that we’d won a Louie in Las Vegas for our Storybook design,” said The Art File md Ged Mace. “Created by our head of design Lucie Cox, it has seen huge success for retailers across the globe so it’s thrilling to be recognised in the USA for this standout collection.”

Having been a finalist in the Gift Of The Year 2025 Cards, Wraps & Stationery category, Santoro’s The Book Café Swing Card went one better in the US, with its clever design coming top in Paper Engineering & Innovation category.

Last but not least of the British winners is Mifkins, which won the Thank You $5.50 & Below category.

After hearing the news owner Natalie Alexander told PG: “I’m so honoured to receive a Louie award! As a small UK brand, it’s amazing to see our designs recognised by such a brilliant community in the US – it really does feel incredibly special to have won.”

Continuing its acquisitive strategy, US publisher Designer Greetings has purchased Great Arrow Graphics, adding the publisher’s bold silkscreen designs to its portfolio.

Founded over four decades ago, Great Arrow offers vibrant, art-driven cards which were originally printed by hand, one colour at a time, and are now presented as silkscreen-inspired, which the company says is “honouring the bold aesthetic of traditional screen printing while embracing scalable methods”.

Steven Gimbelman, president and ceo of New Jersey-based Designer Greetings, which sponsors The Henries awards and exhibits at PG Live, said: “Great Arrow is a beloved brand in the industry, and this acquisition represents our shared commitment to artistry, innovation, and the future of meaningful communication.”

The transition of operations from Great Arrow’s Buffalo base to Edison is expected to be completed by midSeptember.

Alan Friedman, longtime president of Great Arrow Graphics and an awardwinning designer, added:

“Having known Steve personally for decades through our time on the US Greeting Card Association board, I can say with confidence that Designer Greetings is the right steward for Great Arrow’s future. I’m thrilled the spirit of our company will live on under their banner.”

The country and western theme of The Retas greeting card retail awards went down a storm at the recent event which took place at London’s Grosvenor House Hotel.

Finalist Medici Gallery in Kensington took home more than memories, as retail manager Tim Reynolds and assistant manager Charlie Wheatley dismantled the fabulous cowboy saloon set, created by N Smith, and together with many of the other props created a fabulous window display.

(For full coverage of the event and The Retas, winners turn to pages 22-37).

This acquisition marks

Designer Greetings’ 14th strategic addition since 2006.

Left: Redback’s Sharon Murdoch is all smiles with the brace of awards. Below left: Redback’s Holy Flaps and Zeppelinmoon designs brought home the trophies.

Left: The Retas relived at Medici Gallery. Right: Sheriff Tim Reynolds.

Above: Steven Gimbelman (left) with colleague Andy Meehan at The Henries last October.

Below: The silkscreen effect still features in Great Arrow Graphics’ designs.

Above: The Art File (left) and Ohh Deer are both thrilled at winning.

Below: Mifkins (left) and Santoro picked up a trophy apiece.

TOP STORY

Jellycat Row Deepens

Five

Dollar Shake Pens support for dumped indies

The Jellycat debacle has gathered pace as national newspapers and the BBC have ramped up covering the news of the plush brand dumping many of the long-standing indie retailer stockists while Five Dollar Shake’s owners have expressed their thanks to independent retailers.

don't. It's not our business to.

“Our careful review of the overall experience of our business is that we couldn't be prouder of finding a bricks and mortar stockist like you.

You are what we built the foundation of our business on and, 26 years later, nothing has changed.

Positive plush project

Indie retailer Jo Sorrell freely admits she’s “a bit of a Womble” so the owner of Cardies in Stevenage is now extending her ‘reduce, reuse, recycle’ habits to cuddly toys

with a Preloved Plush Project.

In a stand against “injustice”, Five Dollar Shake’s co-owners Matt and Beth Genower have sent personal hand signed letters to their indie stockists who they’d heard had been dumped by Jellycat.

Matt and Beth wrote: “Of late it would seem that a supplier can, if they so wish, build their business around providing stock to a High Street retailer and then, when it suits them, deny them any stock at all.

“On the other hand, if the retailer is deemed worthy enough, the supplier can choose to continue to supply. Not a particularly soft or cuddly way to do business.

“Beth (who has designed every card here since 1999!) and I own Five Dollar Shake and we would like to take this opportunity to reinforce how we judge you the retailer. We

“We are lucky to have you. Feel free to share that you're a Five Dollar Shake stockist with the rest of the world. We don't have (window) stickers. We have principles. We also guarantee absolutely no fluff.”

Gorgeous Gifts’ owner Sarah Marsh, who has run her store for 17 years, detailed in Facebook posts how she was forced to attend a 65-minute interview with Jellycat account representatives on 3 July, to be told she can only order to the end of the year – but has already reached a “spend limit” with them. Sarah added: “What will keep us open is all the cards, little affordable gifts, balloons and everything else we sell – the very things that Jellycat hinted that made us not good enough.

And she posted: “To receive this lovely, personally addressed and hand-signed by the owners of the wonderful Five Dollar Shake was just the lift we needed.”

Not such a soft touch

Retailer Puddleducks in Diggle has appeared in the Daily Mail and on the BBC over the Jellycat stockist cull with owner Alison McCabe (see top) explaining she’d had no contact prior to receiving the letter notification she could no longer stock the plush toys despite having done so for 19 years.

Meanwhile, Georgie Stewart, who runs Stewarts with her partner Simon, has recently appeared on BBC Radio 4’s You And Yours

After all the recent negative news about Jellycat, and with Cardies being one of the dumped stockists, Jo got to thinking of ways to make people happier about cuddlies again.

“I've done various different upcycling campaigns, and I've got a soft spot for stuffies,” she told PG. “I read an article about how many end up in landfill, so I often try to do teddy bear tombolas and people do know they can drop them in to me. So I thought, why don't I just do this as a proper campaign. People often chuck out a really cute teddy when there’s nothing wrong with them.”

Explaining that she’ll take in any type of plush and cuddly toy, wash and brush them so they’re clean and fresh, then all the CE-compliant ones will be found a new loved life.

Jo explained that, while many soft toys are donated to charities, if they have a mark or dirt on them they still get thrown away when all they need is a little TLC to make them as good as new, so she’ll be sorting and cleaning all donations ready to go off to raffles, tombolas, and local charities with some being sold in her store with a percentage going to Labrador Rescue South East & Central and Garden House Hospice, a local charity.

lunchtime programme, where she was interviewed by presenter Winifred Robinson. Georgie explained “It's very upsetting that we're going to lose the business, but also for the loyal customers and the collectors, we feel we've been treated very badly. We've written several letters and emails to Jellycat, but they've just put the last one ‘thank you for being getting in touch with us. I'm sorry, but there is no appeal process. Our decision is final’.”

Above: BBC News has spoken to many indies, including (pictured)Alison McCabe, owner of Puddleducks in Diggle over the Jellycat changes.

Below: 5$’s Matt Genower with McMillan’s Jenny Cummins at the recent PG Live.

Above: Georgie Stewart of Stewarts was interviewed on Radio 4 by Winifred Robinson.

Above: The Preloved Plush Project is on social media.

Below: Orberry is the star at Cardies and likes presenting customers with his favourite cuddly toy.

TOP STORY

Card Designers Of The Future

Hallmark picks internship winners from graduates’ annual showcase

A five-strong judging team from Hallmark picked the two New Designers winners who, as part their prizes will have the opportunity to work with the publisher’s creative studio team. With the annual showcase of creative graduates’ work marking its 40th anniversary – and Hallmark’s 30th year of support – Carmen Alexander has been named as the Week 1 winner of the Hallmark Connection Award, with Jodie Chung taking the Week 2 title.

The Hallmark judging team of creative director UK Rachel Goodman, creative development director Eve Gray, design director Kelly Wykman, trend strategist Heather Williams, and Holly Ismail, head of properties, licensing and innovation, immersed themselves in an in-depth look at the entries from across the disciplines at the New Designers show. And they picked two winners who are 2025 graduates they feel can bring new innovative, future-thinking, and sustainable ideas to the greetings category, both highly creative in their concept and ideas development, and demonstrating an inventive exploration of emotional connection through their work.

“A beautiful collection built on

serendipitous finds. Emotionally evocative, connecting to memory,” was the judges’ verdict on Carmen’s work, who received her award from fashion and textile royalty Dame Zandra Rhodes.

The Ipswich-based 21-year-old is about to graduate with her jewellery and silversmithing degree from Edinburgh College of Art. The collection was based on the Friday Street car boot sale near Saxmundham.

The entry from Jodie was deemed: “A fun take on nostalgia and memory.

Visually witty and poignant as concept and display. Made us smile!” and she received her prize from artist Morag Myerscough.

Jodie has been studying graphic design at Swansea College of Art

Taba Naba and Oso win AF transformations

A greeting card and gift store is one of two winners of a £10,000 retail business transformation from Autumn Fair and Savethehighstreet.org

Taba Naba, which opened in Felixstowe just 17 months ago and sells cards, wrap, prints, homewares, children’s items, jewellery and accessories, and the jewellery and fashion store Oso Boutique in Salisbury have triumphed in the Retail Makeover Mission, a nationwide competition for bricks-and-mortar indies.

“Both winners demonstrated a strong growth mindset, community focus, and readiness for change, key criteria in a competition designed to champion resilience and innovation in independent retail,” said Autumn Fair’s event director Soraya Gadelrab. “This initiative isn’t just about transforming two stores, it’s about showcasing what’s possible when independent retailers are supported with the tools, expertise, and visibility they need to thrive.”

Taba Naba’s owner Michaela Sawyer said: “Like many independents, I’ve

UK Greetings women support the WIMEN initiative

As part of its commitment to diversity and inclusion, UK Greetings has got behind the launch of the Women In Manufacturing & Engineering Network to help females secure more manufacturing roles.

The WIMEN initiative has been founded by the West Yorkshire Combined Authority and mayor Tracy Brabin was one of the keynote speakers at the event held at the Arup global technical consultancy in Leeds recently, attended by the government’s business secretary Jonathan Reynolds MP.

Laura Roderick, head of people and culture at the Dewsbury-based publisher said that UKG is “proud that women are represented at all levels within our organisation, but we know there’s lots more we can do, especially in manufacturing”.

Monta Fryer, UKG’s production supervisor and member of the WIMEN committee, took part in the panel discussion, sharing her inspiring journey and career progression at the company.

poured my heart into the shop but, bringing everything together into one clear plan has always been the biggest challenge. The Retail Makeover Mission feels like the perfect opportunity to step up, to gain expert advice, build something more focused and sustainable, and take our customer experience to the next level.”

Backed by a task team of retail experts, each of the business transformation packages is worth over £10,000 and aims to address pressing issues facing independents.

Alex Schlagman, founding partner at Savethehighstreet.org, commented: “Independent retailers are the backbone of our High Streets. By investing in their success, we’re not just supporting individual businesses, we’re strengthening communities and local economies, and inspiring a new era of retail innovation.” Autumn Fair takes place at Birmingham’s NEC over 7-10 September.

and Savethehighstreet.org.

Mission is run by Autumn Fair

Above: Michaela Sawyer is looking forward to Taba Naba’s retail transformation.

Above: UKG’s Monta Freya (left) with Pam Cole, one of publisher’s tradespeople at the WIMEN launch.

Below: West Yorkshire mayor Tracy Brabin and business secretary Jonathan Reynolds with attendees.

Above: All the winners with Dame Zandra Rhodes. Below left: Winner Carmen Alexander. Below right: Winner Jodie Chung.

Royal Mail cuts approved by Ofcom TOP STORY

Cardies Hit The Media

Ofcom’s decision to approve the cuts to secondclass deliveries saw the greeting card industry achieve a high profile across the media as the fight to protect and improve Royal Mail’s service continues.

parliament about the issue with her impassioned pleas on behalf of those who’ll be disproportionately affected in her Western Isles home and across isolated and rural areas.

In the bag for indies

Coming to a shop near you – #Cardmitment paper bags to protect those precious greeting cards and tell everyone just how much a card means.

The postal service watchdog’s recent announcement brought the unwelcome news that, despite serious concerns about affordability, public objections and the difficulties and issues highlighted by RM’s asyet uncompleted trials at 37 delivery offices, the reduction of second-class post to no deliveries on Saturdays and only every other day during the week is to be rolled out across the UK from 28 July.

With GCA CEO Amanda Fergusson leading the industry representation on the BBC, Channel 5 News and Sky News, GCA council member and Ohh Deer md Mark Callaby and Thortful md Pip Heywood were on ITV’s national news, and BBC’s lunchtime news featured Cards And Gift Wrap indie retailer Janet RossJordan – who significantly increased the number of signatories on the association’s petition to

In the GCA’s response to the news Amanda said: “We’re pleased the announcement notes the concern of GCA members and other stakeholders on the affordability of the universal postal service and firstclass letters in particular.

“We believe Ofcom’s decision to review pricing and affordability is a significant move and welcome their acknowledgement that further price changes could be contingent on improvements in quality of service.

“Our members remain concerned that a reduction in the second-class service would lead to a reliance on uncapped, unregulated first-class mail that is increasingly unaffordable for businesses and consumers alike.”

(See Viewpoints pages 18-21)

Strengthened leadership structure at Woodmansterne

Looking to the future has seen Woodmansterne strengthen its leadership structure with some changes to its board of directors to boost the family company’s core values.

Rhiannon Pryce-Lewis has joined the board as operations director, responsible for production, brokerage, warehousing and logistics service, after two years as head of business operations and project manager.

Director of operations and IT Adam Osborne is moving into a new role as

Sparked by her idea voiced at last year’s PG/GCA Retailer Forum indie retailer Sally Matson, who owns Red Card and Little Red in Petworth, shared how retailers’ paper bags could be used to take the #Cardmitment message direct to the consumer. It has taken almost a year, but as a result of a collaboration between the Cardmitments retailer What’s App group, the GCA and publishers UK Greetings, Ling Design and The Great British Card Company, Abacus, Paper Salad and Pigment, the project is now up and running and the resultant paper bags are now being used by independent card retailers.

“The bags can now be ordered for £20 per 1,000 from these publishers and also on Faire through GBCC,” explained Kaye Thurgood, of Sincerely Yours in Shefield and Hornchurch, who has been leading the project.

“I’m very grateful to UKG for helping me to get this project off the ground and to the publishers for agreeing to support the distribution. It’s been an amazing team effort. I really hope that retailers get behind this initiative and use the bags to reinforce the joy of sending cards through all seasons.”

Birthday greetings for Harrogate show

The greeting card community wished Harrogate Home & Gift Festival a very big happy 65th birthday. Instigated by the GCA, a giant card, based on a design by Grace Jackson of Grace Jackson Design and produced by N Smith was positioned at the main entrance to the show which visitors and exhibitors were invited to sign. The show’s birthday was also marked by a visit from the Mayor of Harrogate Cllr Chris Aldred, who cut the official cake and added his signature to the card.

development director, heading up teams that will grow the company’s expertise and sustainable supply chain, as well as the systems and processes to keep the business moving forward.

Both are long-serving Woody staff, with Rhiannon starting in 2008 as a retail display planner and working her way up to overseeing the new Croxley Press installation in the Magna Park building in Milton Keynes.

Adam joined as customer services manager in 2010, then became general manager in 2014, and a director two years later, joining sales director Andy Paterson, creative director Lee Keeper, and md Seth Woodmansterne and his chairman father Paul.

Seth said: “Looking ahead to the future and how Woodmansterne can serve our customers in greater ways, it became clear we needed to extend our leadership structure across a series of promotions internally to ensure we remain true to our values of high quality, authenticity and innovative sustainability.”

Below: The greeting card industry in the media – Mark Callaby, Amanda Fergusson, Janet Ross-Jordan and Pip Heywood.

Below: (left-right) Woodmansterne’s directors Andy, Rihannon, Paul, Seth, Adam and Lee.

Below: Kaye Thurgood has seen the paper bag project through.

Below: The new timetable for second class deliveries works on a two-week rota.

Above: Above: The giant card and lovely cardies.

TOP STORY

Toni’s Trek

Totted Up

Raffles tip Cardgains’ charity total over £60,000

The raffle at The Retas as well as one run by The Highworth Emporium have pushed the Cardgains’ charity challenge to its biggest fundraising total yet as the 2025 event will have topped £62,000 once all the cash is gathered in – more than double the original target!

Adding to the walking efforts of staff member Ele Spreckley who completed the 27mile Toni’s Trek in June in aid of Pancreatic Cancer UK, The Highworth Emporium’s annual Cardgains charity raffle pulled in prizes from a host of generous sponsors and raised a record total of £2,835.

Thanks to UK Greetings, Woodmansterne, Heathcote & Ivory, The Eco-friendly Card Company, Heaven Sends, Paperlink House Of Sarunds, Inis, East Of India, Widdop and Co, Paper Shed, Wrendale Designs, Potters Crouch The English Soap Company, Gisela Graham History & Heraldry, and Scentiment Gifts there were 17 prizes up to be won.

“We’re absolutely gobsmacked with this year’s record total,” Aga told PG. “I think it was due to a combination factors – The Emporium team felt passionate about supporting the cause and made a real effort to promote and sell tickets, a lot of customers related to the pain and suffering caused by pancreatic cancer, and the fact that Ele actually did the walk made all the difference as customers

Kingfisher has acquired Dog’s Paw

The Dog’s Paw greeting card brand has been acquired by Kingfisher Cards. Dog’s Paw founders and industry stalwarts Martin and Maria Eaglen have decided to retire after running the publisher at their Llanfyllin base for more than 20 years, specialising in the customisation of cards for each customers’ location, most with a humorous twist, with the name of the town, city, or village incorporated into various places within the design.

could see someone from the shop putting in the effort, so they felt more personally connected to the cause.”

And the thrill of a raffle also brought in the cash at the recent Retas awards, with £2,500 (half the money raised), going to Pancreatic Cancer UK in memory of Toni Cresswell, who was part of the Emotional Rescue greeting card family for 28 years, and sadly died in September after a very short battle with the aggressive disease.

Penny Shaw, md of the Cardgains buying group which organises the charity challenge every year that anyone involved in the greetings industry can join, said: “It’s absolutely incredible. We’ve been overwhelmed by the kindness and generosity of everyone involved this year.”

Big beaver on tour

What do you do with a giant beaver?

Send him on tour! And that’s just what Wrendale Designs has been doing with Chester, the 6ft plush introduced via a naming competition earlier this year.

After a guessing game on social media, co-owner Hannah Dale announced Chester’s first tour stop would be the Northumberland Zoo gift shop, where

“The deal is a complete acquisition of the brand and designs,” explained Kingfisher’s md Paul Urban, “and, because Martin says he’s not yet ready to be put out to grass he’ll be a strong collaborative influence on maintaining the brand’s integrity.

“Although I'd never met Martin, I knew him by reputation and had been aware of Dog’s Paw for a while, when I realised there was an opportunity to acquire the brand for Kingfisher I thought I just had to go for it.

“The deal is a good fit for both companies, for Kingfisher it represents the opportunity to continue to offer our independent retailers product ranges which give them a real point of difference.”

For Martin and Maria, they said the move means the brand they have “lovingly nurtured will be going to a new home that appreciates its core aims and, with the benefit of Kingfisher's larger sales force and customer base, will be able to push it forward”.

from 21 July through to 31 August, visitors can meet the giant plush.

Hannah told PG: “We had so much lovely feedback about Chester at the Spring Fair and so many requests for him to visit retailers that we decided to try to make it happen!”

He’s already been out and about at Doddington Hall Farm Shop, and Brigg Garden Centre promoting the company’s Wild Wrendale book about the rewilding efforts at its Lincolnshire farm base, which includes the reintroduction of a family of beavers.

“As we’ve now launched the Chester plush character it’s worked out brilliantly as people can take home their very own mini Chester! The tour is also a great way to tell people about Wild Wrendale and our commitment to nature restoration,” added Hannah.

Left: Chester is proving his selfie pulling power.

Above: A thumbs up from Highworth Emporium’s Ele Spreckly on the Toni’s Trek with (left-right) Lorraine Bradley (Rush Design), Caroline and Jon Ranwell (Hugs & Kisses) and Andrea Pinder (Presentation).

Below: There were £1,000 worth of prizes to be won in Highworth Emporium’s raffle.

Above: Paul (left) and Martin shake on the deal.

Right: Dog’s Paw offers town personalisation and captions.

cardsharp

A long time ago, when Cardsharp was a young man, his first big job in publishing was working on the garden centres’ and plant growers’ weekly bible, Horticulture Week, now published under the snappier moniker of HortWeek.

Because of this he has always had a fascination with the garden centre market, something that intensified when garden centres expanded and diversified into other product areas, and greeting cards in particular. Certainly, since the millennium, while high street retailing has become much more difficult, garden centre retailing has thrived for many, benefitting from free and ample parking, plenty of space for expansion and in most cases no rent to pay, since the land is owned by them.

Garden centres are definitely a thorn in the side of indies. In the most recent PG

Retail Barometer over a third of respondents cited garden centres as a threat, 10% going so far as to view them as a ‘serious threat’. Admittedly this has dropped back from 53% who saw them as a threat in the first post Covid year of 2022, when garden centres had been able to trade throughout the lockdowns.

On the publisher front, some spotted the potential of garden centres way back. Those like Noel Tatt and Abacus were early in on the act, offering planning services for

mainly independent garden centres. Others like Hallmark, UKG, GBCC and Woodmansterne were slightly later to the party, but courted by offering brokerage models which were very tempting to a lot of garden centres, meaning they could tick the greeting card

box while tending to their more horti areas. It meant they didn’t need to employ specialist card buyers, and the replenishment and merchandising was taken care of.

What Cardsharp observed was with greeting card high street retailing at saturation point, garden centre business became the new battlefield for publishers, some taking sizeable stands at GLEE, the big garden centre trade show. According to the Horticultural Trade Association there were (and still are) around 1,500 garden centres and retail nurseries, and most of these up until relatively recently were independents or regional chains, so were very attractive propositions for greeting card publishers. But Cardsharp has observed that things are changing very quickly. A huge consolidation is taking place in the garden centre market. Two very ambitious groups seem to be competing to buy up as many garden centres as possible with Van Hague, Hayes, Frosts and Yarnton among

Above: There have been growing gains and growing pains in the garden centre sector.

Below: Certainly there has been much ‘digging deep’ into greeting cards by garden centres over the last few decades.

Below left: Indies shared their views on garden centres in PG’s recent Retail Barometer.

Cardsharp drummed his ‘green fingers’ and dug deep to consider how this sector

those that have been acquired in the last year by either Blue Diamond or British Garden Centre Group.

British Garden Centres is certainly an incredible success story. Owned by the Stubbs family, in 2010 they had only five garden centres, and 2018 they had ten. But things really started to move when it acquired the ailing Wyevale chain which pushed them up to 37 centres. They are now up to around 60 centres, being able to stake the claim of being the largest garden

centre chain in the UK, but the whippersnapper Blue Diamond has now eclipsed this.

Blue Diamond now has 67 stores and counting, owned by a charismatic entrepreneur, Alan Roper. In 2023 Blue Diamond made £24m profit. The company recently announced it had broken the £400m turnover mark and has very recently

Good Card-brations!

Cardsharp probably spends far too much time following current affairs and it is all too easy to get dragged into a lot of the negativity out there. You know the themes… inflation is not coming down and remains stubbornly high at 3.6%. There is a huge fiscal black hole which will inevitably lead to tax rises this autumn. And then of course there is all the burdens businesses have had to shoulder in the last year. The employer’s National Insurance hike, the increase in the Minimum Wage and the reduction in Business Rate relief.

Then came the bombshell that the Labour government’s plan for economic growth seems to be stillborn with gross domestic product falling by 0.1% last month. Not the end of the world and not a fullblown recession, but certainly not good news.

The American economist Kyla Scanlon coined a new phrase for the downbeat sentiment and low consumer confidence that seem to be so prevalent at present. She coined the phrase, ‘Vibecession’ to describe the low beat mood at the moment. Not outright recession or stagflation, but just a kind of resigned bad economic vibe.

Cardsharp does not want to trivialise the challenges we face at present. And our greeting card industry is further affected by the changes to the postal system and the uncertainty for many indies over the Jellycat situation, but it is still too easy to get carried away with the downbeat mood.

The mood at PG Live, the recent Retas and Harrogate Home & Gift were incredibly positive. Good independent retailers

completed arguably its most eye-catching acquisition yet, the massive Barton Grange garden centre complex in North Lancashire, which in itself, was turning over £15m. It has been reported that Blue Diamond and Alan Roper have borrowed £100m for more expansion. If this is the case more acquisitions will surely follow.

So, what of the future? Cardsharp thinks that this expansion of the big two will continue. Many independent garden centres are still family-owned businesses and are often tempted by the temptation of a big final payout. And unlike high street retailing, investors seem keen to lend recognising it is the one bright spot in the retail landscape. Given that, the brokers that have the relationship with the big two, will surely benefit, while the diminishing number of independents will create challenges to those publishers who are not in the big two’s camps.

(and let’s face it to survive the last few years you have had to been good) are coming out fighting. They are sourcing new exciting ranges, getting behind the GCA’s Cardmitment campaign and putting huge efforts into their window displays. Cardsharp thinks it is something connected to the nature of being involved in greeting cards that makes good card retailers pretty positive. As an industry we sell sunshine and good feelings.

Cardsharp has coined a new phrase as an antidote to ‘Vibecession’, he calls it ‘Good CardBrations’, a la Beach Boys’ classic, Good Vibrations.

Cardsharp makes no apologies for planting the earworm! All together now… “Good, good, good, good vibrations!”

Left: Blue Diamond is continuing its acquisitive strategy.

Below: The greeting card display in independent garden centre, Okells in Tarpoley which reached the finals in The Retas this year.

Right: One of the graphics Kyla Scanlon used when she first aired her Vibecession theory back in June 2022.

Above: Surfs up, let’s get happy! Right: Cardsharp is pushing for a Good Card-brations rewrite of The Beach Boys’ classic.

VIEWPOINTS Delivery Drivers

So, Ofcom has spoken and July 28 marked the change in the USO to Second Class delivery with a roll out to every other weekday, while we all remained braced for an announcement on First Class pricing and any other changes that may come about as a result of Royal Mail’s new ownership.

Sarah

Jackson, director of Stormy Knight

“Ofcom's announcement didn't come as a huge surprise unfortunately. We’d been bracing ourselves for these announcements and it confirmed what we were expecting. I feel mixed about it… if things aren’t working then it’s clear that changes need to be made, and I personally would rather have a Royal Mail that’s operating on a slightly reduced service than one that isn’t at all.”

What are the positives? “The positives are that we still have a second class service and that it’s affordable. It’s something that a lot of countries don’t have so I’m not taking that for granted!

We still have the options to send something first class, but I think we may just need to get into the mindset of allowing a little extra time for our second class post to arrive.”

How to counteract any backlash and elevate the category?

“It’s incredibly important that we all look to unite as an industry to keep reminding people of the power of sending cards. We need to nurture young card senders and pass on the traditions to them as well as making sure that we keep our current card shoppers engaged with the market by offering designs that are relevant to them.”

Above: Sarah Jackson with the Cards Make People Happy livery one of the Cardmitment assets from the GCA to share with the community.

Right: Royal Mail’s special stamps, such as the recent Peanuts collection will hopefully add extra interest to sending and receiving social mail.

Pip Heywood, managing director of Thortful

“How do I feel? Frankly, conflicted. On one level, it’s a pragmatic response to a sharply declining letters market. Ofcom’s aim to protect the USO by reducing unrealistic targets makes sense on paper. But this is a deeply human category, and changes to how people connectespecially through greeting cards - need to be handled with sensitivity. The real frustration lies in the ongoing pattern: hike prices, slash services. It’s a blunt instrument. And it risks accelerating the very decline it’s trying to respond to. Our industry is not short of ideas to stimulate demand - we’ve got creativity, data, and emotional insight on our side. What’s missing is true partnership from Royal Mail to work with us on long-term revitalisation.”

What are the positives?

“I hope for a more sustainable service delivery that's more financially viable in the long term and less reliant on unreasonable price increases. I hope for a more reliable hitting of delivery targets that rebuilds customer confidence. And I hope for a real, not token, commitment to forge an industry forum that protects the vulnerable and drives our economy.”

What am I worried about? “1. Affordability of first class post: Let’s be clear: first-class delivery is no longer affordable for many people. Ofcom’s own research shows a strong correlation between increasing stamp prices and declining usage. The 1st class stamp has gone from 46p in 2010 to £1.35 in 2024 - nearly tripling in cost. Where will it stop?! We're worried that Royal Mail is nudging first class toward a ‘Special Delivery’ price point, effectively pricing it out of the everyday use it was designed for. That is not what the Universal Service Obligation intended. The USO isn’t just about frequency; it’s about accessibility and affordability - six days a week, for everyone.”

What should happen next? “1. Shift from 'cut-and-retreat' to 'invest-and-stimulate': Royal Mail’s current model is too focused on

managing decline. But there’s another path: stimulating volume and usage. We in the greeting card industry are ready to collaborate with ideas that drive customer engagement, innovation in formats, and marketing that reminds people why sending cards matters. From limited-edition drops to loyalty-linked postage, we could work together to grow demand.

2. Preserve an affordable everyday tier: First class delivery must remain part of everyday life. We need Ofcom to keep affordability at the heart of USO reform - and we need Royal Mail to stop treating first-class as a luxury bolt-on. Reliability, yes. But not at the expense of relevance.

3. Use the new forum to build something better: The proposed industry forum can’t just be consultative - it must be co-creative. Royal Mail, retailers, publishers, the GCA, CWU & consumer bodieswe all have a role to play. Let’s use it to explore real innovation in services, formats, and incentives that bring the joy and meaning of sending post back to the forefront.

Final thought: Ofcom’s announcement is a fork in the road. It could mark the beginning of managed decline or the start of a new chapter where Royal Mail embraces its role, not just as a carrier of post, but as a carrier of culture and connection. We're up for that challenge. But we can’t do it alone.”

David Falkner, director of Cardology

“Ofcom’s announcement was indeed a milestone moment, but for me, it’s not just about reacting it’s about how we reframe the conversation going forward. How did I feel?

Relieved, frustrated, and more convinced than ever that we’re at a pivotal point. While the final statement was less extreme than the trajectory we saw from Ofcom early on, the path we’re being steered onto still carries serious risks; not just operationally, but in terms of how people emotionally connect with cards and post. And there remain parts of

Ofcom’s analysis of Royal Mail’s data or wider economic impacts which feel like missed opportunities. That said, we’ve made real progress as a sector in raising our voice, and I genuinely think that matters.”

What are the positives? “The most important positive is the sense that our industry now has a place at the table. Two years ago, I’m not sure Ofcom or Govt Ministers would have even thought to engage with a sector like ours; now we’ve had regulatory wins, national press coverage, and even policymakers echoing our

language. The other, even bigger positive is the momentum we’ve built around the deeper value of card sending. Every time we’ve stepped up, we’ve quietly reinforced something powerful to consumers: that card sending matters; perhaps now more than ever.”

How to counteract any backlash and elevate the category? “We can, but we need to think beyond defence. This isn’t just about shielding ourselves from change, it’s about owning the narrative. That’s why both the GCA and I are putting so much weight behind category engagement marketing and encouraging all of our members to do the same. This needs to be something bold and even more emotionally compelling than we’ve already achieved, aimed not just at Christmas and Valentine’s Day, but the everyday magic of card-sending. We’ve seen what happens when we act collectively. Now it’s time to build something permanent and proactive, with longterm consumer resonance.”

Far left: Contrary to her spacehopper antics at the recent PG Live, Pip Heywood is far from jumping for joy about the announcement. Left: A card design on the Thortful platform by Designer by Lockdown.

Above: David has spoken out on LinkedIn.

Above: David Falkner has been a tenacious campaigner on safeguarding a reliable and affordable service from Royal Mail.

VIEWPOINTS

Louise Richardson, owner of Two for Joy Illustration

“I personally feel disappointed that Royal Mail is slashing the service. With this reduced service people will either not send as many cards, or more likely perhaps feel forced to buy first class stamps, which now priced pretty much double the cost of a second class stamp. The only reliable stamp option now is not far off the price of an actual card. Disaster. Royal Mail has increased the price of first class stamps very quickly over the past few years and now it’s making that the only reliable option. We all have heard the rumours that parcels get priority and letters are stacked up at delivery offices (I've heard this direct from posties!), so, what will happen now? Do we as

publishers and retailers, sending cards to our customers, have to allow an extra few days on top of the 'every other day' rule to overcome Royal Mail’s mismanagement of letters?! Or will we be forced to use first class... I have not decided yet.”

What are the positives? “If it all works, we will still have second class mail delivered within three working days of collection. That still is pretty good. We have to assume RM is making these changes to protect the service. So, we do have to trust that this is the answer to the future of the postal service; we do not want to lose the postal service and so it is a positive that it continues. Not directly linked but I send a lot of small parcels for my wholesale orders and I do genuinely think they are brilliant value. I bought a Royal Mail Click and Drop label yesterday morning, printed it and stuck the parcel in my local parcel post box on the way home from the afternoon school run, and my cards were on my customer’s shelf (in Scotland!) by the next afternoon school run, tagged in its Instagram post that afternoon, all for less than £8. Also, RM continues to sell Spice Girls first class stamps… I’m taking that as a positive.”

How to counteract any backlash and elevate the category? “I think we could do more to encourage

people to be more organised with their card buying. I do believe we have already primed (no pun intended) our customers not to expect an Amazon next day service, and I think our customers prefer a thoughtful purchase over a speedy one. I would love to join forces and start a movement to totally romanticise card boxes/card drawers. It's something a lot of us have but it goes unmentioned, or for the younger generation, it feels very old fashioned. But imagine a beautiful box, with space for all sorts of cards, beautiful pens, your stamps, and even maybe some things to decorate your envelopes before you send them. I want people to pick up a card and think 'This is perfect for my sister!' and take it home for the box, not 'Oh, her birthday isn’t for another six months, I'll remember to buy it later' (and then of course totally forget). Finding the perfect card is brilliant, but knowing you've got an absolute banger of a card lined up for someone, tucked up in your card box, is even better.

I have sold these previously, lovely wooden boxes with the tops engraved in my handwriting, and a large postcard to note all important birthdays and occasions, but as the source of these boxes is no longer operational, I should pick this back up with a different style of box. Right that's it, I must relaunch card boxes!!”

Sarah Laker, owner of Stationery Supplies, Marple and Wilmslow

“Let’s choose cards and change the narrative! Waking up to Royal Mail announcing that second class deliveries will now be every other weekday wasn't the news I wanted to hear, but importantly we can still send a greeting card from Land's End to John O'Groats for 87p, which is incredible value. I'm staying positive that the new delivery schedule will at least be more reliable.”

How to counteract any backlash and elevate the category? “Things change every day. Nothing ever stays the same so with a bit of planning we can easily adapt. And for less than the price of a fancy caramel-frappamaccachino-wotsit, we can send someone a card to show we’re thinking of them.”

Above: Two for Joy’s Louise Richardson at the Postal Museum.

Above: Louise rams home how Royal Mail’s service is still good value.

Below: Louise is planning to relaunch her card boxes!

Left: Sarah Laker will continue the big battle to encourage the public to choose cards.

Above: Sarah makes the good point that most greeting cards are cheaper than a Starbucks’ tiramisu frappuccino latte.

Wendy Jones-Blackett, founder and creative director of Wendy Jones-Blackett

“It was always ‘on the cards’ that changes would be made to Royal Mail’s delivery schedule and the ones announced were pretty much as expected. What was a pleasant surprise to me was the raised target of 99% of second class mail arriving on time as this type of guarantee is what has been needed - when you post a card off you usually have a date in mind which you need it delivered by, if it’s for a specific occasion, so this plays to the ‘reliable’ aspect of card sending.

(and the GCA’s RM subcommittee devote hours of their time for free to get members’ voices heard), on the flip side we as publishers and retailers can also publicly celebrate just what good value for money stamps are in this day and age. Royal Mail is a business and is facing all the same challenges as other businesses today (increased employer NI contributions, the second hike in minimum wage in two years, energy costs, etc) and so a service where a greeting card can travel anywhere in the UK for the same price and be posted through someone’s letterbox is absolutely fantastic!”

What are the positives? “The power of a card and the meaning attached to sending one is just as important now as it has ever been and the retailers I have spoken to are very keen to focus on that and away from anything negative going on with Royal Mail.”

How to counteract any backlash and elevate the category?

“Our job as publishers is to create products that are beautiful, funny, inspiring, clever, arty or interesting - and absolutely ‘must have’. If someone completely falls in love with a card, then the cost is secondary.

While it is very much the GCA’s remit to lobby Royal Mail on behalf of the card industry for a ‘reliable and affordable’ service

We as an industry do need to utilise social media more to highlight how brilliant cards are - I’d love to see the journey a card goes on, from a single idea through the print process, being chosen by a buyer at a trade fair, sitting on a shop shelf, being chosen by a customer as perfect for their friend or family member, being written with a personal message, being posted, the journey via train, van and postie to the arrival at the doorstep, being opened by the end user and the emotional result, and then the card being given pride of place on the shelf or mantelpiece. There must be someone out there with the AI skills to make that into a little movie (not me, that’s for sure!!).

Our industry is bursting with creativity - we now need to harness that creative force not just in the designing of cards, but in how we remind people how amazing it is to send and receive cards!”

Amanda Fergusson, ceo of the GCA

“The GCA remains concerned about elements of the USO reforms, however we welcome new obligations to ensure all mail, whether first or second class should be delivered against new tougher ‘tail of mail’ targets of 99% for two and five day delivery.

We welcome the comments from Martin Seidenberg [group ceo of International Distribution Services] that these changes will ‘support the delivery of a reliable efficient…service’ and look forward to working with Royal Mail and Ofcom to rebuild consumer confidence in the reliability of the postal service; this is key for our industry and card sending”.

Above: It’s the wild west! Wendy Jones-Blackett (second left) with husband Steve (far right) with Hugs & Kisses’ Caroline and Jon Ranwell at the recent Retas awards event.

Right: WJB’s Popcorn range further broadens its appeal to engage other card senders.

Inset: Amanda Fergusson with Ohh Deer’s Mark Callaby (left) and Cardology’s David Falkner at a meeting with Ofcom.

Below: The awards host, Majorcan/Welsh comedian and musician Ignacio Lopez had everyone in stitches in his warm up with his astute observations and wonderful comedic timing.

Inset, below and below right: The stage set, tables and awards brochure exuded the country and western theme of the event, with the cowboy hat place cards (courtesy of Paper Salad), menu/notebook (courtesy of Ohh Deer) and 3D bottle bouquets (thanks to UKG) all adding to the fun.

Left: If you want to get ahead, get a hat. Highworth Emporium’s Aga Marsden (left) and Amy Bishop were well ahead!

and during

into

but then

Right: Sheriff of Lark, Dom Crowe.

Below: The line dancing in full swing.

Inset: The Pigment cowboy and cowgirl cavalcade! Far right: Bykie The Kid aka David Byk of Ling/GBCC flouting the ‘no guns’ ban!

Inset: The Honky Tonk Angels not only provided the musical entertainment in the reception

lunch,

launched

a line dancing lesson after the ceremony, which was great fun.

Left and above right: UKG’s Tracy McMinn was the winner of the ‘higher or lower’ elimination quiz which was sponsored by Carte Blanche Greetings. CBG’s Bill Greeno presented Tracey with her prize of a Johnny Cash LP, a bottle of Knob Creek small batch Kentucky bourbon and a shoelace tie.

Right: Cards & Moor’s Sally Swift (left) and Vicki Hunt about to hit the saloon bar!

A unique fruit and vegthemed humour range by talented illustrator Louise Nisbet, cultivated to a slightly smaller size.

Below and right: Red Card’s Sally Matson (left) and Karen West underneath their ‘Wanted’ poster, with Wendy Jones-Blackett and David Byk of Ling/GBCC among the others with a price on their heads!

Left: Cowboy time! (Left-right) Cards & Gifts’ Carl Dunne and Andy Holdsworth with Carte Blanche’s Jamie Millican.

Right: (Left-right) GCA’s Amanda Fergusson, Stormy Knight’s Sarah Jackson and Ricicle Cards’ David Nichols-Rice.

Below right: (Right-left) Heyyy Cards’ Dan and Yvette Clarkson saying “Howdy!” to Creative Cove’s Sandra Jervis.

Right: Medici Gallery’s Tim Reynolds (left) and Charlie Wheatley in the ‘saloon’ that they dismantled at the end of the event and took back to the shop to feature in a c&w themed window display.

Bottom right: Paper Salad’s Ellie Woodcock with the special ‘booty bag’ the publisher gave to each of its guests, much to the delight of (right-left) Rush Design’s Lorraine Bradley and The Bay Tree Company’s Nikki Halliday.

Below left: Half the money raised through The Light Fund charity raffle is being donated to Pancreatic Cancer UK. PG’s Mark Grayson delivered a winning raffle prize to agent Beth Robson.

Inset: Pretty Shiny Shop’s Georgina Black (left) and Earlybird’s Hannah Sharman had tickets to ride.

Right: The Ohh Deer galloped in and made straight for the N Smith created Retas Rodeo Saloon photo op installation.

Rootin’ Tootin’ Winners

Initial Reaction: “Such amazing news, we are chuffed beyond belief! Such a surprise! We are so pleased that our superstar manager Hannah [Sharman] was there to collect the award for us, as her continued hard work and dedication make this award a real team effort. Winning this award twice really reminds us what a brilliant industry we work in and how the love of greeting cards continues to grow despite the many challenges we all face.

Thank you so much to the Progressive Greetings team for being the industry’s biggest champion, to Ohh Deer for inviting us and to our team and customers for continued loyal support. Gutted to have missed the line dancing, off now to practice on the beach!”

Heidi Early, co-owner of Earlybird

SPONSOR

Hannah Sharman, manager of Earlybird (centre) was delighted to be presented the trophy by Ohh Deer’s md and co-founder, Mark Callaby.

Left: A yee haw moment for Hannah.

Mark Callaby, managing director and co-founder of Ohh Deer, sponsor of this award category announced the winner.

Home Counties & South East

Initial Reaction: “It was a huge surprise and it took us a moment to take in that we had won. Everyone who had been nominated in every category would have been a worthy winner and we were not expecting to come out on top of ours. It feels brilliant to have won and we would like to thank everyone that we have worked with in the industry over the last 40 years as they have contributed to us getting here today.”

Fiona Haddrell, owner of Inklings

Initial

Left: Winning smiles from Inklings’ Fiona Haddrell and Will Foot (second and third right), who were presented with the trophy by Fiona Pitt, head of commercial at Hallmark.

Bottom left: Fiona Pitt, head of commercial at Hallmark, sponsor of this award category ready to announce the winner.

Below: Fiona letting the good news sink in.

Right: Alex Flatt, owner of Abigail’s Cards & Gifts and Just Cards in a ‘cowboy sandwich’, having been presented with the trophy by Abacus Cards’ md Nick Carey (right).

Far right: Embracing the C&W theme, Nick Carey, managing director of Abacus Cards, sponsor of this award, announced the winner.

Below right: Alex’s proud moment with the trophy.

South West

Gifts, Kingsbridge

Jayne Brooking, co-owner of Occasional Cards and Gifts

2025 WINNER: Occasional Cards and WALES

Initial Reaction: “When our shop name was announced as the winner, it was an incredible moment feeling that all the hard work, love and care we put into our shop had been recognised. Being voted the best retailer in the South West is such an honour, especially knowing how many wonderful independent shops there are in the region. It was a moment of pure joy and pride.”

2025 WINNER: Daisy Daisy, Cardiff

Initial Reaction: “Woo-hoo we won! Oh, my goodness we’re absolutely over the moon to achieve this accolade and recognition for our hard work and passion. What a trophy, what a reward and what an event! I will be on a high for weeks and months! I will never forget the moment our shop name was announced as the winner of our category. A whole wave of emotions hit and I managed to just about hold back my tears of joy until I was off stage. I would like to dedicate this award to the whole team at Daisy Daisy, our wonderful customers and fantastic suppliers - we wouldn’t be here without all of their support. I absolutely love our charming little shop, packed full of wonderful greeting cards through which we spread a little happiness.”

Rebekah Mudie, co-owner of Daisy Daisy

Below: As host Ignacio Lopez (centre) lives in Cardiff, where Daisy Daisy is located, the win was extra special for the retailer’s owners Rebekah and Andy Mudie.

Right: A very happy Rebekah Mudie, co-owner of Daisy Daisy was beaming as she accepted the trophy from PG Live’s co-owner Warren Lomax.

Below right: Warren Lomax, coshow director of PG Live, sponsor of this award category announced the winner.

SPONSOR

Above: Jayne Brooking, co-owner of Occasional Cards and Gifts was delighted to be presented with the winning trophy by Rosie Harrison, founder of Rosie Made a Thing, sponsor of this award. Right: Jayne with her prized possession.

Above: Rosie Harrison, founder of Rosie Made a Thing, at the lectern about to announce the winner.

SPONSOR

The Midlands

SPONSOR

SPONSOR

Initial Reaction: “What a wonderful afternoon with the best people and to top it all, we won a Retas trophy!

How did I feel when it was announced we had won? I was absolutely lost for words and had to hold back the tears of joy until I got back to my seat! I am so very proud and happy!”

Caroline Ranwell, owner of Hugs

Initial Reaction: “When our name announced as the winner both my mum and I were really emotional. I looked over to my Mum and could just see the sheer joy and emotion in her face, and I'm sure I mirrored the same. It was truly heartwarming to hear such kind words from people in the industry who took the time to come over and congratulate us.”

Sonya Haandrikman Sibbald, director of Celebrations

director of International Cards and Gifts, sponsor of this award category announced the winner.

Above right: Hugs & Kisses’ Caroline and Jon Ranwell (second and third left) were chuffed to be presented with the shiny trophy by IC&G’s sales director Allen Taylor.

Left: It was well worth the trip down from Carlisle for mother and daughter duo, Tanya Haandrikman and Sonya Haandrikman Sibbald who were presented with the trophy by UKG’s field sales director, John Eagan.

Below: An emotional moment for Tanya and Sonya.

Bottom left: John Egan, field sales director of UK Greetings, sponsor of the award category announced the winner.

Right: A very happy Caroline and Jon Ranwell.

North East ENGLAND

2025 WINNER: Cards & Gifts, Dronfield

Initial Reaction: “Well where do I start? And what do I say? What an amazing array of colour and a fantastic set up in the Ballroom. I strongly believe that everybody there representing their business are all winners. However, for each category there has to be one winner and you always wish, hope and want that your name is going to be called out. I was so hoping that in my category it would be me and then I talked myself out of it at the last minute as everybody is so good at what they do. When our shop name was called out as the winner I came over a bit star shocked and couldn’t quite believe it, hence the delay in me getting up to the stage. It felt a huge achievement to take the trophy home. Without all my staff, our customers and the publishers whose cards we stock we wouldn’t be where we are now, offering great products to sell to the great public.”

Carl Dunne, owner of Cards & Gifts, Dronfield

INDEPENDENT GREETING CARD RETAILER

Black, two shops in Glasgow

Initial Reaction: “Well knock us down with a feather! We were so, so thrilled to be finalists alongside a bunch of inspiring Scottish independent retailers. And we only went and won. It's a genuine pleasure to be part of such a supportive, friendly and fun industry!” Jo and Natalie Marwaha, product manager and operations director of Penny Black

Above: (second left-right) Penny Black’s product manager Jo and Natalie Marwaha, operations director were all smiles, having been presented with the trophy by Rachel Hare, founder and creative director of Belly Button Designs, sponsor of this award category.

Bottom left: Jo and Natalie Marwaha share a happy moment. Below: Belly Button Designs’ Rachel Hare opened the gold envelope and announced the winner.

Initial Reaction: “To say I'm chuffed is an understatement. It's great to have my little shop in a shipping container recognised in this way!”

Matt Simpson, owner of The Letter Arty

Initial Reaction: “It was a really lovely afternoon, made all the better by being a

I am thrilled!”

Sheryl Shurville, owner of Gerrards Cross Bookshop

Right: A triumphant smile from Sheryl Shurville.

Left: Bill Greeno, national account manager of Carte Blanche Greetings, sponsor of this category announced the winner.

Right: Matt had his hands full with a trophy and a Golden Ticket.

her shiny trophy that was presented to her by Woodmansterne’s sales director, Andy Paterson.

Left: Andy Paterson, sales director of Woodmansterne Publications, sponsor of this award announced the winner.

Left: The Letter Arty’s owner, Matt Simpson proudly holds the trophy that was presented to him by CBG’s national account manager, Bill Greeno.

Best Non-Specialist Independent Retailer Of Greeting Cards - North

2025 WINNER: The Kitchen Range and

Initial Reaction: “We were thrilled to have been nominated for an award, it means so much to be recognised in the industry. We were shocked when our name was read out as the winner as it was our first time being nominated so we just weren’t expecting it. We had a fantastic time at the awards, topped off by winning!”

Ella Yates, director of The Kitchen Range Cookshop and Polkadot Gifts

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Initial Reaction: “We’re proud to have won the Retas Award for Best NonSpecialist Independent Greeting Card Retailer. When our name was announced, it was a real moment of recognition for the work our teams put in every day to create thoughtful, inspiring displays and a great customer experience. This award is a real boost and a reminder that we’re doing something right.”

Elliot Jacobs, ceo and Louise Cambridge, greeting cards category manager of UOE

Above left: Ella Yates, director of The Kitchen Range Cookshop and Polkadot Gifts was beaming, having been presented with the trophy by Steve Wilkinson, sales director of N Smith, sponsor of this category.

Left: Steve Wilkinson, sales director of N Smith & Co, sponsor of this category announced the winner.

Right: A proud moment for Ella.

Above: UOE’s greeting cards category manager Louise Cambridge (centre) was very happy to be presented with the trophy by Pigment’s managing director Lynsey Burbidge.

Above left: Lynsey Burbidge, managing director of Pigment, sponsor of this award did the honours in announcing the winner.

Left: A very happy Louise.

Best Greeting Card Small Multiple

(4-20 stores)

Initial Reaction: “What a fantastic time we had at The Retas, it’s the event we all look forward to the most every year. We were overjoyed to win our award which, with it being our 25th birthday year made it all the more special and we feel really proud as a business to be recognised in this way.”

Kate Cowie, co-owner of Utility

Best Department Store Retailer

Initial Reaction: “We were absolutely thrilled to have won, and our award now has pride of place on our counter!”

Julie Effamy, supervisor of Bradbeers

(second and third right) Dick Mawdsley, Kate Cowie and buyer Steph Lloyd were presented with the trophy by Ling Design’s ceo David Byk.

Above far right: David Byk, ceo of Ling Design, sponsor of this award category all tasselled up at the lectern ready to announce the winner.

Right: Utility’s three owners (left-right) Dick Mawdsley, Kate Cowie and Richard Skelton share the golden moment with buyer Steph Lloyd.

Right: Bradbeers’ supervisor Julie Effamy and cash office admin Paula Bartlett were presented with the trophy by Spring and Autumn Fair’s key account director, Daniel Goodban. Below: Daniel Goodban, key account director of Spring and Autumn Fair, sponsor of this award category had the pleasure of announcing the winner.

Below right: Julie and Paula proudly clasp the trophy.

Best Supermarket Retailer Of Greeting Cards

2025 WINNER: Tesco

Initial Reaction: “We’re very proud to win The Retas award and be recognised within the industry. It’s the result of a lot of hard work and collaboration from our Tesco team, our UKG colleagues and all the publishers that we work with. It’s been a fantastic year of sales and the plans we have in place mean that we’re all looking forward to the year ahead.”

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Ross Lasseter, buying & merchandising manager

Best Non-Specialist Multiple Retailer Of Greeting Cards

2025 WINNER: Waterstones

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Initial Reaction: “It’s amazing to win again this year – we really weren’t expecting it and are so pleased! It’s such a nice feeling to be recognised by the industry.”

Hazel Walker, buying manager of Waterstones

Left: (second and third left)

Waterstones’ buying manager Hazel Walker and buyer Megan Douglas were delighted to be presented with the shiny trophy by Rosie Tate, director of Cath Tate Cards.

Bottom left: Hazel and Megan with their trophy.

Below: Rosie Tate, director of Cath Tate Cards, sponsor of this award category was all smiles as she prepares to announce the winner.

Right: Tesco’s (centre) Ross Lasseter, buying & merchandising manager went on stage with colleagues Lauren Thomas (second right) and Nicola Roberts to be presented with the trophy by Danilo’s chairman, Laurence Prince.

Below right: Laurence Prince, founder and chairman of Danilo Promotions, sponsor of this award category did the honours in announcing the winner.

Below: Tesco’s Ross Lasseter was delighted by the win and the Golden Ticket for next year’s PG Live.

Best Specialist Multiple Retailer Of Greeting Cards (20+ stores)

Initial Reaction: “What an amazing event - we all enjoyed it hugely and to be nominated as the winner in our class was the absolute icing on the cake! Our team were overjoyed and it reminded us of the terrific people we have and their genuine enthusiasm for what we have created.”

John and Jennie Procter, co-founders of Scribbler

Initial Reaction: “Another fantastic Retas event; what a memorable celebration.

We’re absolutely thrilled to have won and are proudly displaying our Retas trophy in the shop.”

Kerri Sorbie, commercial development manager

Left: Scribbler’s co-founders John and Jennie Procter (second left) were so happy to be presented with the trophy by Paperlink’s managing director, Emma Young.

Below: Scribbler’s (right-left) John Procter, Laura Clarke and Maggie Gingell share the glory.

Above: Looking damn fine and dandy, Emma Young, managing director of Paperlink, sponsor of this award category took to the lectern to announce the winner.

Right: Kerri Sorbie, commercial development manager of Archerfield Walled Garden was presented with the trophy by Sophie Bylina-Williams, relationship manager of Museums & Galleries.

Below right: Sophie Bylina-Williams, relationship manager of Museums & Galleries, sponsor of this award category did the honours with the gold envelope.

Below: A very happy Kerri.

Initial Reaction: “We were so pleased with our Retas’ win as we have worked really hard this year to get the centres looking exciting and offering a great range of publishers all under one roof. I did get some strange looks on the train home, carrying a large silver trophy though!”

Carla Ringer, buyer of Blue Diamond

Initial Reaction: “We were absolutely over the moon to receive this award. It means such a lot to have our efforts recognised, especially when so many small shops are facing such a tough climate. We put a huge amount of care into everything we do, so to have that acknowledged by the industry feels incredibly special.

The Retas are such a wonderful celebration of this community, and the awards ceremony itself was an incredible experience - full of positivity, camaraderie, and so many inspiring people. It’s been a real boost for us and a reminder of why we love what we do.”

Sophie and Simon Edwards, co-owners of More Than

Right: Jenny Weare, national accounts manager of Nigel Quiney Publications, sponsor of this award category announced the winner.

Below: A happy moment for Sophie and Simon

Left: Seth Woodmansterne, managing director of Woodmansterne Publications, sponsor of this award category announced the winner.

Right: Blue Diamond’s buyer Carla Ringer and category operations, Nick Dale (second right) were very happy to be presented with the award by Seth Woodmansterne, managing director of

Above: Sophie and Simon Edwards, co-owners of More Than Just A Gift (second left-right) were delighted to be presented with the shiny trophy by Jenny Weare, national accounts manager of Nigel Quiney Publications.

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Left: Nick and Carla hold the trophy aloft.

Best Greeting Card Wholesaler

2025 WINNER: Jackson’s CRS, Sheffield

Initial Reaction: "Winning The Retas award for Best Greeting Card Wholesaler for the sixth time is a tremendous honour for us. This achievement reflects the hard work of our dedicated team, the support from our suppliers, and most importantly, the loyalty of our customers. We are truly grateful to be part of such an amazing industry.”

Greg Jackson, IT and marketing manager of Jackson’s CRS

Greeting Card Retailer of the Year

2025 WINNER: Waterstones

As Ged said: “All of today’s winners are truly magnificent which makes the choice of our retailer of the year award, a really challenging one. This award goes to a retailer who has really excelled in last few years, not only by expanding its estate on our nation’s high streets, but more importantly through its approach and commitment to greeting cards. Moreover, they have achieved this by retaining total control of their greeting card selection with a dedicated and talented buying team whose passion and product knowledge shines through. And I have a feeling that there is more to come, which is good news for us all.”

Initial Reaction: “I can’t believe we won the double! It’s testament to the hard work from the whole Waterstones team both in the office and our shops. We’re so proud to be bringing the awards back to the office and sharing them with the team.”

Hazel Walker, buying manager of Waterstones

Above: Ade Longe, managing director of Sensations, sponsor of this award category opened the gold envelope to announce the winner.

Above right: (second and third left) Mark Molloy, greeting card buyer and Greg Jackson, IT and marketing manager of Jackson’s were delighted to be presented with the winning trophy by Sensations’ managing director, Ade Longe.

Right: A shiny bright moment for Mark and Greg.

Top right: Waterstones’ buying manager Hazel Walker (second left) and buyer Megan Douglas went on stage to be presented with the prestigious trophy by Ged Mace, managing director of The Art File.

Above: Ged Mace, managing director of The Art File, sponsor of this prestigious category said a few words about before announcing the winner.

Right: A doubly happy Hazel (left) and Megan after winning the Best Non-Specialist Multiple award as well as being crowned Greeting Card Retailer of the Year.

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Deb

and Jess Came,

owner and manager of Paperweight, Cardiff

“We discovered the following new companies and placed orders as we loved their ranges…

• Zoe Spry - we met the lovely Zoe and spotted her very contemporary cards with clever quirky wording! Loved them!

• Heyyy Cards – we loved Taking Shape, a fab range of shaped style cards that are fun and funky. We were also impressed with the debossed cards which are brilliant for male sends and some really quirky ones! We loved the look and a different style that will stand out. We were very happy to spend our Golden Ticket with Heyyy’s Dan and Yvette!

• Grace Jackson Designs - Tasting Notes is a brilliant wine bottle range while the hand-foiled Imperial Flowers range is stunning with such gorgeous colours used for the card itself. We used our Sunshine ticket with Grace.

From our existing suppliers we also loved and placed orders with…

• Rosanna Rossi - beautiful new ranges inspired by the lovely Anna and Troy’s Australian travels. We particularly loved Florini with its

Jo Sorrell, owner of Cardies, Stevenage

Sophie Edwards, co-owner of More Than Just a Gift, Narborough Hall

“In terms of product highlights, it was great to see the Laura Ashley collection on the Ohh Deer stand, I think customers will really enjoy that nostalgicbut-fresh aesthetic. More new launches from Rosie Made A Thing are always welcome. And I found great highlights from established publishers like Molly Mae. I love to discover newer names too in Springboard. For retailers like us, that mix is crucial, familiar favourites with proven appeal alongside innovative newness that keep our shelves looking fresh.”

embossed details and vibrant colours and the retro style of the Sunny side range.

• Woodmansterne - we rely on these guys to come up with the goods!

• Paper Salad – it was so lovely catching up with Karen and Jack Wilson. We have stocked these wonderful cards since starting out and we are still going strong! Always bright and beautiful card designs that stand out on the shelves that are going and growing from strength to strength.

• Museums & Galleries - always so stylish with stunning artwork. How to choose!! We loved The Fold, its new sub-brand.

• Portfolio – it’s always good to catch up with our friends Jayne Diggory and David Corner and see the new collections. Great art cards with some added humour in there and the new additions to Jaz & Baz as our customers love this range.

• Megan Claire - classy cards that always hit the mark with quirky captions. Opaline is a great new range.

• Ohh Deer – we just love these cards and notebooks as do our customers! The new Laura Ashley range is fab and should go down well in Cardiff as she was a fellow Welsh lady!”

“I spent my wonderful Silver Ticket with Lucilla Lavender. I also placed orders with Dandelion, Stormy Knight, Hallmark (Snoopy of course) and Five Dollar Shake

My to follow up list was long, including Apple and Clover and Jelly Armchair.”

Above: (right-left) Paperweight’s Deb and Jess Came with Grace Jackson. Right: A die-cut card from Heyyy Cards.

Below: Thousands of new designs wowed retailers at PG Live.

Left: Jo Sorrell enjoying The Retas champagne reception. Right: Lucilla Lavender had some top treats for Jo Sorrell.

Above: Sophie Edwards (right) with Catherine Rayner. Left: Some Molly Mae cuteness.

Tim Gould, co-owner of Objectables, Folkestone

“We always look forward to PG Live because we know we will find new small publishers there. As a small independent publisher ourselves it’s a massively important to us to support new publishers as well as existing suppliers. We were really happy to spend our Greats ticket with The Curious Pancake and our Retas Golden ticket with Sanders De Roeper, a really brilliant husband and wife team (he’s called Tim too so that is obviously a bonus!) who are just starting out on their greeting card journey. Obviously it’s always good to see the

fantabulous Earlybird, Penguin Ink, Poet and Painter, Dean Morris, Mifkins, both Rosies (Made A Thing Thing and Tate), Lucy Maggie is one of our favourite designers so it’s always great to see her stuff out in the wild. Our stand was next to Stormy Knight which makes wonderful cards. It’s great to see small companies growing too, one of our favourite new brands over the past couple of years has been Dinosaurs Doing Stuff. And there are many more.”

Jayne and Kevin Brooking, owners of Occasional Cards & Gifts, Kingsbridge

Sandra Jervis, owner of Creative Cove, Lampeter

“TWAAT cards caught my eye. A lot. Like really a lot. I just loved Jane's manner and her cards just spoke to me. Which probably says a lot about me when one of my favourite cards was all about having your fingers crossed that Covid would have got you...

I also loved Design Smith’s cards, which was another Springboard discovery. The images are beautifully laid out and will be a huge hit with my shop... who wouldn't want a spread of stationery items artistically displayed on a card?!”

“We loved the Laura Ashley range on the Ohh Deer stand. It is a beautiful collection that would suit most occasions. Tache was another great company. Its farmyard range is perfect as we have a large farming community around us. Raspberry Blossom was a perfect find for our shop and new website! The designs made me feel happy and made me smile (and we all need a bit of that at the moment).”

Sally Matson and Karen West, owner and manager of Red Card and Little Red, Petworth

Evonne Pearson, co-owner of The Hedgehog Bookshop, Penrith

“The exhibitor that caught my eye right away was artist Faye Bridgwater. The cards are based on her paintings and the colours are fantastic. We very happily spent our Sunshine ticket with Faye. Others that caught my eye were Jelly Armchair for its humour and bookrelated cards; Ink & Ivy’s Wallypops range is great for children. Like Wallypops, Marina B’s,

crystal cards are a lovely card and gift in one. We also placed orders with Anthology cards based on old postcards and Rosanna Rossi. I'm going to order Catherine Rayner as we sell her lovely books, I also like The Fold range from Museum and Galleries.”

“I think our favourite unexpected fab surprise was the Cath Tate/Simon Drew standwe placed a huge order and have them for sale at Little Red and they are going like the proverbial hot cakes.

We bought a tiny spinner of tiny cards from Penguin Ink and traded greenhouse dreams with Lizzie Parker. We caught up with our special friend Louise Mulgrew and placed a big order for her wonderful Bijou cards - the Christmas ones flew out last year and the new designs are really lovely.

We caught up with Rosie Harrison of Rosie Made A Thing and placed an order for the new cards - the bottomless brunch one being one of our favourites. So great that these female-founded companies are still going strong ten years on - we were there at the start!

We also loved the beautiful new luxury notecard packs from The Art File - a great price for 12 beautifully foiled notecards.”

Above: (centre) Jayne and Kevin Brooking with Raspberry Blossom’s Rebecca and Mark Green. Left: Some designs from Ohh Deer’s Laura Ashley Signature range.

Above: A double dose of laughter! (Far right and far left) Objectables’ Tim and Annie Gould with Hatty de Roeper and Tim Sanders, co-founders of Sanders De Roeper. Below right: A design from The Curious Pancake.

Above: Red Card’s Sally Matson (left) and Karen West (right) with Poet & Painter’s Lucy Creed. Below: A Simon Drew design.

Above: Creative Cove’s Sandra Jervis (left) larking about with her mate, Sarah Laker of Stationery Supplies.

Left: Design Smith had some perfect designs for stationery retailer Sandra.

Left: (right-left) The Hedgehog Bookshop’s Irvine and Evonne Pearson with Baileys’ Simon and Penny Bailey.

Below: A Catherine Rayner design.

The Fold brings joy, colour and a carnival of contemporary artists and illustrators to the world of Greetings Cards. It’s a new and exciting venture, backed by a trusted name.

Serge Summerling, owner of Nor, Beckenham Place and West Norwood

“Bird and Co Studio's botanical range I thought was just beautiful. I was also very excited to see Studio Boketto's new kids’ age cards... colourful, fun and educational.”

Andrea

Pinder, owner of Presentation Cards and Gifts, Barrowford

“My top picks? in no particular order were…

• Badgerbee Designs: Fun colourful and character animal cards.

• Running with Scissors: I loved the humour.

• Santoro: Christmas pop-out beautiful hanging bauble cards.

• The Happy Fruit & Veg Farm: Fun and lovely crocheted stitching sentiment gifts.

• Wendy Jones-Blackett: Rise and Shine range and Quicksilver. Beautiful foiling with superb illustrations.

• Paperlink: New male cards with foil finishes.

• Paper Salad: Children’s cards with colourful illustrations, fabulous colours and amazing finishes.

• Five Dollar Shake: Never fails to deliver the very best in fabulous designs with luxury finishing touches.

• Molly Mae: Baby range with finishing touches of tiny pearls.

• Carte Blanche/Hotchpotch: Male birthday and ages with gold and rose gold foiling.”

Sharon Collier, shop manager of Guildford Cathedral

“My best find without doubt was Ink and Ivy.”

Caroline Ranwell, owner of Hugs & Kisses, Tettenhall

“So many amazing companies it’s hard to pick a few…

• Mint Publishing: I loved the To Be Frank range. These bright neon cards with witty one liners and matching gifts and gift bags too really stood out.

• Wendy Jones-Blackett: We loved the new additions the new Rise & Shine range which I know is going to sell so well for us.

• Rush Design: Timeless is a brilliant new male range with gold foiling and embossing, fabulous designs in open birthday, ages and relations. We sell Rush’s Domino male range well so I know these will be a winner for us.

• The Happy Fruit and Veg Farm: Great little crocheted characters which are so cute and at a great price.

• Louise Mulgrew: Gorgeous designs!

• Carte Blanche Greetings: Great large boxed cards.”

Lara Wares, owner of Threads, Harpenden

“We really enjoyed looking at the smaller and newer companies upstairs and ordered from four of themSunshine Lane, Twaat, Painted Parasol and RossJDesigns - which is exciting.”

Cathy Frost, owner of Love One, Ipswich

“I loved Ricicle’s new cocktail range - bright and summery; Stormy Knight’s Catnip – funny and quirky; and Bird and Co had some lovely new additions to its ranges. I also met Louise Richardson of Two for Joy who is a local artist for me. I have been following her on Insta so it was great to meet her and place an order. And Ohh Deer’s new retro and nostalgic Laura Ashley range is already proving popular in store.”

Fiona Haddrell, owner of Inklings, Hungerford

“The Serif range from 1973 is beautifulvery simple and stylish and we used our Sunshine ticket with them.

The new large cards from Five Dollar Shake were beautiful.

So, I have dipped my toes in the water and ordered a couple for Christmas. Although they’re gorgeous, I am not sure that our customers want to spend £16 on a card but I will be very happy to be proved wrong!!

Emeline Watchorn’s cards were very stylish and gorgeous!”

Above: Caroline Ranwell (right) with Louise Mulgrew. Right: One of the crocheted treats from The Happy Fruit and Veg Farm.

Above: An age card from Studio Boketto. Left: Serge Summerling with Emily Byrd of Bird and Co Studio.

Left: Guildford Cathedral’s Sharon Collier (right) and Ruth Barrows. Right: An Ink and Ivy design.

Above: Presentation’s Andrea Pinder (right) with Wendy and Steve Jones-Blackett Below left: A Running with Scissors design.

Left: Threads’ Lara Wares (right) and Emma Walton with Ross Jardine of RossJDesigns. Below: Some Painted Parasol cards.

Far left: Cathy Frost (left) with Earlybird’s Hannah Sharman at The Retas.

Left: Two for Joy’s Louise Richardson with some of her cards.

Above: Inklings’ Fiona Haddrell and Will Foot. Below: Some Emeline Watchorn designs.

Grace And Favour

New from Molly Mae is Graceful, a range featuring soft pastel backgrounds and beautiful hand-drawn illustrations, including the publisher’s signature spotty and stripey patterns. The illustrations are framed with either silver or gold dots and each card is finished with a pearl or two and a luxury envelope. The designs cover baby, wedding, relations and education sends.

Molly Mae 01455 551115 www.mollymae.co.uk

Swing Out

Santoro has further extended its Swing Card 3D Pop Ups collection. Among the latest designs is Botanical Garden, which is a recreation of an indoor botanical garden. The design features swinging floral pieces doused in vibrant colours and many details, which can be sent for any occasion while doubling as a keepsake home décor piece.

Santoro 0208 781 1100 www.santoro-london.com

Book It

Wrap Editions is Storigraphic’s latest product, a curated collection of premium wrapping papers contained in a ‘book’. This first edition collection encompasses 12 signature premium papers that detach cleanly via perforations for gift wrapping, home décor, bookbinding, origami, collage and other craft projects. Each 100gsm sheet measures 485mm x 690mm when unfolded. Storigraphic faire.com/direct/storigraphic

Rising To The Occasion

The Art File has launched 47 new designs into its Occasions Collection featuring designs covering love, academia, new baby, congratulations and more. Alongside occasions, new card designs have also been introduced covering female and male relations.

The Art File 0115 648 3240 www.theartfiletrade.com

Character Treats

Gardening Tips

Rainbow Designs is debuting a fun and vibrant Mr. Men Little Miss gift range. These characters, with their distinct personalities, have been adored by generations of families for 50 years.  Rainbow’s new collection includes large cuddly cushions, collectable soft toys and plush keychains, starring favourites Mr. Tickle, Mr. Happy, Mr. Bump and Mr. Strong, alongside Little Miss Hug, Little Miss Sunshine, Little Miss Princess and Little Miss Chatterbox. Rainbow Designs 01329227300 www.rainbowdesigns.co.uk

Felicity Designs' new Floral Garden art card collection features 11 beautifully vibrant, handillustrated and hand-lettered designs. Each card reflects a personal journey with nature, art, and flowers, and is uniquely titled and finished with luxurious gold foil lettering. Printed on premium textured FSC-certified board, each card is paired with an eco-kraft envelope, attached by a transparent plastic-free band. Felicity Designs 07975926334 www.felicitydesigns.co.uk

Peter Rabbit Flopsy

Showering Praise

Confetti is a fresh, fruity and fun new greeting card collection from Hotchpotch. The designs are full of stripes, cherries, checks, cats and confetti, all playfully illustrated with pops of red, vibrant neon pink ink and finished with satin gold foiling.  Hotchpotch 01243 792600 www.hotchpotchlondon.com

Special Handwriting

Well-Baked

The new Patisserie Delights birthday card range from Ricicle features some delectable baked goods, including macarons, eclairs, strawberry tarts, doughnuts and croissants. The hand-lettered greeting cards are enhanced with gold foil elements with each having diecut scalloped edges. Ricicle Cards 07850757676 www.riciclecards.com

Signature is a brand new range of 12 hand-finished birthday cards from Belly Button Designs. Based in the publisher’s heritage look first shown in its Birdie card collection, the new Signature range is something of its big sister. The luxury cards are all foiled and hand-finished with crystals, printed on luxury UK board. Belly Button Designs 0161 902 1061 www.bellybuttontradeshop.co.uk

A Handy Idea

Ulti-mutt Addition

Rosie Made A Thing has just unleashed Dog Days. Created in collaboration with illustrator John Bond, the range features 12 designs capturing the quirky and mischievous world of our four-legged friends. Each 109mm x 157mm card is printed on 300gsm FSC-certified board and is supplied naked with a classic white envelope.

Rosie Made A Thing 0116 406 2000 www.rosiemadeathing.co.uk

Och Aye

Broon Coo is a new bold illustrative range from Wee Wishes. A key feature of the range is the use of eco kraft board and a special new addition is the Coffee Inclusions Fenner board, which has a textural pattern of actual recycled coffee grinds within the structure of the paper. The 12cm x 17cm cards come with a coordinated coloured envelope. Wee Wishes 01337 830959 www.weewishes.co.uk

Providing a gift and card in one are Jolly Awesome’s new Pick N Mix Bracelet Cards. Each of the 10 card designs come with a detachable, keepsake friendship bracelet, which include a beaded message of Lucky, Happy, Bestie, Love or Sweet. The elasticated bracelets feature premium resin and metal charms and are bright, detailed and cute.

Jolly Awesome sales@jollyawesome.com www.jollyawesome.com

A selection of wonderful, new products and ranges.

Festive Foliage

Bug Art has just released some new Christmas card designs, expanding its popular Scenics and Paper & Foil ranges. With these additions the festive collection now spans 61 designs. Each 118mm x 168mm card is embossed with gold foil, is blank inside and comes with paired with a gold envelope. Available as unwrapped singles, bio-bagged singles, or 8-pack boxes.

Bug Art 0115 929 4776 www.bugart.co.uk

Wrap Attack

Pink Pig has launched a brand new giftwrap collection to complement its Chekkers foil card range. Checks, gingham, stripes and animal print all feature in this striking set, which spans over 30 designs. The giftwrap sheets, which measure 700mm x 500mm, are sold singly and are supplied rolled.. Pink Pig Cards 07795574548 www.pinkpigcards.co.uk

Nordic Know-how

Inspired by skandi-style folk art, Kali Stileman Publishing’s new occasions collection encompasses 16 designs that feature delicate people, birds and flowers against muted on-trend colours, enhanced by lovely silver foiled calligraphy. The cards are printed on a linen textured board.  Kali Stileman Publishing 01305 848899 www.kalistileman.co.uk

Berry Impressive

Plewsy has launched its 2025 Christmas collection. The Berries print (pictured) is the limited edition textiles design for this year, which is gracing Christmas tea towels, oven gloves and aprons. Meanwhile there are stacks of new Christmas cards and gift wrap designs. Plewsy 07725530875 www.plewsy.com

Playtime Beckons

Playful is a feel-good everyday and occasions range from Lucilla Lavender, featuring a kaleidoscope of colours, fun words and embossed elements. Inspired by a celebratory party vibe, multicoloured lettering surrounded by fun design elements feature across 14 everyday and 10 occasions cards. Lucilla Lavender 0203 405 1410 www.lucillalavender.com

Pudding Time

Hot off the press from Bexy Boo is its new Mother’s Day Puds collection. There are 12 designs in this cute collection that’s filled with colour, quirkiness and love. Individually embossed to make the image stand out, the cards are printed on 350gsm board, and each comes eco-stickered with a bubblegum pink envelope.

Bexy Boo 07810448080 www.bexyboo.co.uk

Art Source

Floral Tributes

Emma Burnett does not need to venture far for her inspiration as it is growing all around her in the wonderful garden which surrounds her studio and gallery.

Here, the Sussex-based artist shares how her talent for botanic art has bloomed onto many greeting cards over the years.

“I started painting seriously about 30 years ago and have earned my living as an artist for around 20 years. I was extremely lucky to be taught botanical illustration by Anne-Marie Evans MBE who received her MBE for services to Botanical Art and Illustration. This thorough grounding in learning to observe and really see flowers has allowed me to go on and develop my own looser, more painterly style.

I have taught art for many years in private classes at Bradness Gallery where I live with my partner, the landscape painter, Michael Cruickshank. Teaching is a wonderful way of focussing the mind to the task in hand. In order to explain something clearly, I have to really think about it and understand what I am doing and why. It makes me push boundaries and try new ways of working. Many years ago, I was asked to teach Colour Mixing. I teach this in classes and also spent two years developing a comprehensive online course at www.colourmxingtutorials.com that is used by students at art college. It is very easy to get stuck in a colour palette, but it is very exciting to try new and different colour palettes. Expanding my range of colour palettes changes the work and keeps it fresh and inspiring.

I live in an old farmhouse in rural Sussex. We have a very large wildlife garden that we have developed ourselves over several decades. Our garden is a wonderful source of ideas for my work.

I love quotes and inspirational words. The blind artist Sargy Mann said that “eyes are not fixed capacity instruments and the more we practise the more we see”. It is so true.

I work from freshly picked flowers from my garden and not from photographs because photographs tend to flatten flowers and we don’t see the flowers as 3D and we don’t see the subtle colour changes. As we do our garden ourselves we are able to grow all the flowers that I want to paint.

About 30 years ago when my children were small I met another

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mother who designed greeting cards for a living. Oh my goodness, I so wanted to do this and now I do! Licensing my paintings gives me enormous pleasure and over the years my work has been licensed by many companies for greeting cards and prints.

Mike and I love visiting galleries and museums and I am a huge fan of studying wonderful artists who have become a great influence on my own work, such as Ivon Hitchens, Henri Matisse, Jules Cavailles and Winifred Nicholson.

I have read a lot of books about art, creativity and our brain function and truly believe that creativity helps us to be calm and happy in a challenging world. Especially with painting flowers and nature it takes our focus and concentration to a simple place of contentment. I feel very lucky that this is how I earn my living and look forward to producing new and exciting artworks in the future.”

• Emma is represented by Sue Bateman at Yellow House Art Licensing. www.yellowhouseartlicensing.com

Above: Emma Burnett.

Right: Emma paints from real flowers that she grows in her garden from seed.

Middle right: Richer and darker colour palettes also feature in Emma’s designs.

Above: The beautiful setting of her home and gallery provides much inspiration for Emma.

Above: Various shades of one colour that appear in nature are reflected in Emma’s work. Below: Seeing real flowers from all angles Emma feels gives her art a more 3D look.

Category

Everyday

PG ASKED A TRIO OF RETAILERS FOR THEIR BEST SELLERS

Liz Ward, owner of Wishes & Kisses in Sutton Coldfield

Name

A well-loved card and gift shop in a leafy town in Greater Birmingham.

Product/Name

Caroline Gardner

Relations & Occasions

Fox Under The Moon

Caroline Gardner

Rosie Made A Thing

Five Dollar Shake

Humour

Children’s

Adult Ages

Cute

Photographic

Gift Wrappings

Gifts

Bold & Bright

Rachel Ellen

Rush Design

Rush Design

Caroline Gardner

Belly Button Designs

Cinnamon Aitch

Ginger Betty

Cinnamon Aitch

The Art File

Holy Mackerel

Woodmansterne

Glick

Wrendale Designs

East Of India

Belly Button Bubble

Rosie Made A Thing

Aurora World

Border

Doodle

General

Sympathy

Gin & Frolics

Ribbons & Roses

Mimosa Moon

Jeffrey & Janice

General

Everything Sparkles

New England

Owl’s Nest

Googly Bear

Alternative Image

Framed

General Plush

Sentiments

Signature Mugs, coasters, shopping lists, bookmarks

Palm Pals

Comments

“Always bringing out new ranges – people buy them by the handful.”

“Poignant sentiment and beautiful. I buy them direct as well as from The Art File.”

“They offer some really nice ones.”

“We’re constantly restocking the relations and occasions designs.”

“We stock all of these premium cards. They sell really well for weddings.”

“A bit close to the knuckle but our customers don’t mind!”

“These do well in ages and children relations.”

“Nice grandchildren age cards.”

“We do really well with their relative ages, eg Mum 90, Mum 70.”

“These three publishers are all really good for us for adult age cards.”

“Really sweet, and we do their pin badges and bookmarks too.”

“Fun and cute!”

“We sell a lot of these.”

“All the black and white photos are great.”

“Cool, lovely images.”

“It covers everything. The Stephanie Davies range is really lovely.”

“I ordered these at Harrogate and they’re selling!”

“These go well.”

“This is picking up a bit of momentum.”

“You can have the card and gift together, perfect.”

“These are £7.99 and people buy two or three of them.”

Left-right: A Palm Pals Avo from Aurora, a mug from Rosie Made A Thing and some Stephanie Davies gift packaging from Glick.

Right: Rush Design’s Everything Sparkles.

Right: Googly by Cinnamon Aitch.

Right: Framed from Woodmansterne.

Trish Le Poidevin, owner of The Owl At Number Two, Aberdeen

Stocking items from small and independent makers and artists, many local to the north-east of Scotland is key at this shop in the granite city.

Category Name of Publisher

Wee Wishes

Joy Nevada

Dandelion Stationery

Joy Nevada Stormy Knight

Nice Things By Helena

Running With Scissors

Jen Winnett

Eat Haggis

Archivist

Alexandra Snowdon

Susannah Bleasby

Ilana Ewing Design & Illustration

Dandelion Stationery

Printer Johnson

Kali Stileman

Emma Bridgewater Small Stories

Product/Name Range Comments

“My top sellers over the last six months.”

“She does occasions and general birthdays.”

“Personalise at no extra cost.”

“The thank you cards sell really well.”

“Good for sympathy, wedding and engagement.”

“Her cards are amazing.”

“These are quite a new addition for us.”

“Clever puns and beautiful illustrations.”

“Scottish-themed cards that work really well.”

“Very nice cards.”

“An Edinburgh-based illustrator.”

“Arty abstract floral designs and landscapes.”

“Beautiful and very cute age designs.”

“The seagull design is so us in Aberdeen!”

“This looks like very expensive wallpaper.”

“Really nice sheet wrap.”

General Doric Tea Towels

“Lovely items.”

“They do local themes, covering Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire.”

Winona Turvill, has run Robin’s & Loxley’s Den in Edwinstowe for over 40 years A long-established shop in the heart of Robin Hood’s official home village.

Category

Everyday Relations & Occasions

Name of Publisher

International Cards & Gifts

Noel Tatt; Words ’N’

Wishes; Jonny Javelin and Cherry Orchard

International Cards & Gifts

Noel Tatt

Humour

Children’s

Adult Ages

Cute

Photographic

3D/Pop-Ups

Gift Wrappings

Emotional Rescue

Cherry Orchard

Jonny Javelin

IC&G

Jonny Javelin

IC&G

GBCC

Noel Tatt

Glick

Product/Name Range

Luxury and generally

Generally

Luxury

Married in 2025

Pavilion

General

Model Family

Ages

Poppets

Twingles

Year You Were Born

Signature

Barley Bear

General

ZigZag

General

Comments

“These large-shaped cards are beautiful and are flying out.”

“Our customers like the verses.”

“Weddings and anniversaries, and the one that’s selling really well is Married In 2025.”

“Among our bestsellers especially for weddings.”

“People really like these – we can hear them chuckling when reading them.”

“These are good.”

“The ages in these are very strong as well.”

“These are popular.”

“A new range that’s going very well. We start at age one and go right up to 100.”

“These cater for people who want a cute card.”

“We have the animal ones on a spinner.”

“These offer something extra. The adult age ones go well.”

“The ranges are beautiful and the floral ones just fly out.”

Right: Wee Wishes is the top seller.

Right: Jonny Javelin’s Twingles ages.

Right: Joy Nevada’s male range.

Right : Puns from Jen Winnett.

Right: iC&G’s large shaped Luxury cards.

Right: Gentle humour from Emo’s Model Family.

CHARITY GREETING CARDS

One

6 Heron Trading Estate Alliance Road, Park Royal, London W3 0RA T: 0208 385 4474 F: 0208 385 4471

E: info@Xpressyourselfcards.co.uk

WWW.XXPRESSYOURSELFCARDS.CO.UK

PRODUCTS: World’s leading publisher of high quality plastic greeting cards. Also an extensive range of quality greeting cards covering Everyday, Occasions, Christmas and Spring seasons.

BRANDS: Cherished Thoughts, Sweet Sentiments, Buddies Always, Symphony, Thinking of You, Style, Special Wishes, Special Times, Young Editions, Groove Sensations, Forever Blessed, Grey Skies, Classics.

METHOD OF SALE: SENSATIONS –Direct to retail

XPRESS YOURSELF –Now one of the leading wholesale publisher suppliers in the UK

Tel:01274531828

Email: info@herbertwalkers.co.uk

www.herbertwalkers.co.uk

please visit www.alljoydesign.com for more information or email us at info@alljoydesign.com

please visit www.alljoydesign.com for more information or email us at info@alljoydesign.com