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VIEWPOINTS
Top Of The Pops With so many new ranges and companies debuting at PG Live last month, retailers were spoilt for choice as to what to add to their card racks to pep up their summer offering. PG put some of the visitors on the spot for what really caught their eye.
Lindsey Kleinlercher
Kirsty Hicks
product director of Between the Lines:
card buyer of Waitrose:
Fave Raves: “As far as products are concerned, we were really impressed with the beautiful, eye-catching wrap and cards from Kali Stileman. Hammond Gower, as usual, had some stunning new collections. I especially loved its large wedding cards and the box of Positive Love Hearts. The colourful range of notebooks from Go Stationery were great, as were the more subtle, pretty notebooks and cards from Cinnamon Aitch. We were able to place many orders and look forward to receiving these new ranges into our stores imminently." PG Live Notes: "The Business Design Centre is the perfect location for PG Live. This show is vibrant, exciting and on trend, but still able to maintain its friendly and intimate atmosphere. Not only are the exhibitors of great quality, but there is clearly also a huge amount of attention and care going into the show from the organisers. The food was greatly appreciated and the massive balloons in the lunchroom added to the fun ambience. Thank you PG Live team for a really enjoyable day.”
Fave Raves: “I was very drawn to the Feelgood Cards’ stand due to the great colours and photographic imagery. I also loved Bettie Confetti as the cards expressed what a lot of us feel, but would not necessarily say aloud, and I thought Little Paperie had some beautiful illustrations. Down in the main body of the show I was impressed by The Art File’s Just Frank and Anthro ranges. I also really liked The Proper Mail Company’s different approach, including the kraft board. But OMG - Paper Salad! It is incredible what they do, the effort they put into their designs (from the new kids cards to wedding designs) and the stand is amazing.” PG Live Notes: “A great show that never disappoints! We started in Springboard as usual and discovered loads of great new, innovative products, but there were lots of fresh new ideas from the main body of the show too. We want our card offering to be ‘unique and different’ and found loads of incredibly fresh designs that fit this bill perfectly.”
Above: Lindsey Kleinlercher loved the vibrancy of the show. Left: A colourful design from Kali Stileman’s Animal Selfies range.
Fiona and Victoria Robinson co-owners of Wishes Cockermouth: Fave Raves: “We love the handwriting approach of Pearl of a Girl, it makes for a very classy look. Other highlights for us are Dandelion Stationery (its use of words has both a humorous and poignant touch) and Amy Louise (we love the colours, format and sentiments such as ‘Proud of You’).” PG Live Notes: “This was our first trip to PG Live and we loved it as it is cards, cards, cards! As we live, eat and sleep cards, the show celebrates everything we love.” Above: Newbie publisher Amy Louise was a popular pick for retailers. Left: Fiona (right) and Victoria Robinson find Wishes on the Wall of Fame.
Above: Kirstie Hicks was delighted to find so many great ranges from publishers new and established. Left: One of the designs from Bettie Confettie.
Jenni Taylor buyer of Bentalls, Kingston: Fave Raves: “Just some of top picks from the show were: Five Dollar - More Glitter; Lola Design - I Eat Glitter; Catherine Winget - art/landscape scenes; Muffin & Me - for its gorgeous ‘Just to Say’ options; Modern Toss just great humour; Sarah Kelleher - Inky Florals; Sarah Lovell Art - Three Friends; and I Drew This Landmarks. These ranges were eye-catching, beautiful Left: Jenni Taylor had a long list of ‘loves’ from the show.
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PROGRESSIVE GREETINGS WORLDWIDE
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