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NEWS Millionth Customer Celebrations
TOP STORY
Deal Wrapped Up Ling Adds Velvet Olive To Its Group Ling Design has bolstered its position in the contemporary greeting card sector and found the ideal person to take control of the creative direction of its Penny Kennedy giftwrappings company, in one go! As PG went to press, the ink was drying on a deal which sees Ling Design acquire the assets of niche design-led greeting card publisher, Velvet Olive. In addition, Velvet Olive founder and owner, Kathryn Fletcher is joining Ling Design to head up the creative direction for its Penny Kennedy upmarket giftwrapppings company, as well as being involved in the group’s contemporary card brands, including Max and Sid and now, Velvet Olive. As Ian Bant, md of Ling Design, pointed out: “Velvet Olive is a fantastic addition to our Ling Design, Penny Kennedy and Talking Pictures offer. The fact that Kathryn is joining us to continue to run Velvet Olive and take control of the design of Penny Kennedy, as well as work with us on our contemporary brands, brings a new dimension and expertise to our successful team.” Kathryn, who lives very close to where Ling is based in Kent, admitted to PG that she had fostered an idea of working at Ling one day. “I have very much enjoyed
Below: Ling’s Ian Bant with Velvet Olive’s Kathryn Fletcher. Below left: One of the Velvet Olive ranges that will continue now as part of the Ling group.
the last 11 years as an independent publisher, but I really think the time is right to work with a larger organisation which can help me fulfil the potential not only of Velvet Olive, but also for myself personally within an industry I love,” she said. The Velvet Olive deal comes six months after Ling Design was itself acquired by Swan Mill. Commenting on the rapidly growing card and wrap group, David Byk, group ceo of Swan Mill, said: “When we said at the time of the Ling purchase that we could become a greeting card incubator we never thought the next acquisition would come along so quickly. However, Velvet Olive is such a fantastic brand and has so much potential, plus Kathryn is a great fit with Ling/ PK, that we had to grab the opportunity with both hands.” Velvet Olive becomes part of the Ling portfolio with immediate effect and will be sold by the Ling sales teams, with Kathryn continuing to manage key national accounts. All Velvet Olive cards will be dispatched from Ling’s Paddock Wood facility.
Sweet On Thorntons Three greeting card shops have recently become Thorntons franchisees: Thorntons at Every Occasion, Oadby; Thorntons at Smart Ideas, Bromsgrove and Thorntons at Baristas Café, Clydebank. In addition, two further greeting card shops are pending: Thorntons at The Card Hall, Maidstone and Thorntons and Hallmark, Lytham St Anne's. "For three years we’ve been proud to roll out Above: Smart Ideas, Bromsgrove, recently put our successful new concept stores which feature new furnishings in the 'Thorntons… in your store' concept. and elaborate finishes, all lit up with LED lighting, that truly showcases the fantastic range we offer. We know these finishing touches will make all the difference," says Han Van Rees, franchise D&R manager. "Chocolate is the perfect gift for any occasion," continues Han. "If you run a card and gift shop, our chocolate adds an extra special touch to gifts at every season. Our 'Thorntons... in your store' concept offers a full range of crafted Thorntons chocolates in beautiful packaging, complementing all product ranges in store." ● Thorntons is among the exhibitors at Spring Fair and will be exhibiting by in Hall 3, Stand M01.
There was an unexpected surprise in store for Ricci Pleszkan when she shopped at independent card shop, Postmark in London’s Dulwich recently. As Postmark's one millionth customer, she was presented with a celebratory huge bag of goodies, including cards, notebooks, pens and other stationery, which was sponsored by Caroline Gardner, The Art File and Pigment. "It was fantastic!" enthused Postmark's md Mark Janson-Smith. "I remember how excited I was when I served my first customer, so to be celebrating our millionth feels amazing. We've been very lucky to have had such loyal customers over the years, and the fact that we've hit this incredible milestone is testament to the support there is out there for local businesses. Long may it continue!" Below: Jenny Davies, Postmark's area manager, with Ricci Pleszkan.
Urban Graphics Has A ‘U’ Turn On New Name Top Drawer marked the debut of Urban Graphics’ new name and branding - U Studio. The rebrand, which came into effect in early January, was initiated to better reflect the company’s more-giftorientated product portfolio. As Jo Nicol, sales manager, told PG: “The company is very different to when it started over 10 years ago as a cards and wrap business. Now we are a gift company that also publishes cards.” U Studio will be exhibiting in the design-led gift hall for the first time at the imminent Spring Fair (Hall 6, Stand L50/M51). Below: U Studio’s debut at Top Drawer where loads of new products were showcased.
PROGRESSIVE GREETINGS WORLDWIDE
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