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Retailer Highlights
The Show Stoppers Below: Jenni Taylor With thousands and thousands of brand new designs (centre) with colleague Melissa Ramsden (left) and launching at PG Live a few weeks ago, the show really Viv Barlow of Ling Design. Right: Megan Claire’s was a feast for the buyers’ eyes. Colourblock range was Jenni Taylor’s fave from PG asked a smorgasbord of retailers what delectable the show. delights really took their fancy. Jenni Taylor, buyer of greeting cards for Bentalls, Kingston:
Natalia Kosterska, assistant buyer of Oliver Bonas: Top picks: “A new supplier that caught my eye was The Cardy Club, its tongue-in-cheek designs and use of bold colours definitely stood out. I also really liked Jolly Awesome’s new diecut range, Cut Outs. These are really fun and will definitely stand-out on the shop floor. I could also see a die-cut trend coming in for SS19! Stormy Knight’s Good as Gold range is another of my top picks. Although these cards feature no colour, their distinctive use of black and white on a craft board give this range a distinctive signature, the muted tones also allow for the gold detailing to really pop on these designs. They’re simple in design yet still remain fun and punchy!” Show business: “I really enjoy attending PG Live as it’s a great space to catch up with our current suppliers, all made easier as everyone is under one roof! It’s one of my favourite shows as it’s so easy to navigate; you’re guaranteed to always bump into a friendly face and let’s not forget the free lunch.” Above: Natalia Kosterska (centre) with Oliver Bonas colleagues Siobhain Watkins (left) and Rachael Pearson at The Retas Champagne Reception at the show. Above right: The bold graphics of The Cardy Club was a hit for the Oliver Bonas team.
Top picks: “New ranges I saw at the show that caught my eye include: Megan Claire Colourblock (my favourite range of the whole show) and Tutti Frutti; Rosie Made A Thing - loved the new additions to Gin & Frolics; Always Sparkle - Neo and Away With Words; Mint - Glitterati; Woodmansterne - lots of fantastic new humour; Carte Blanche Miami Vibes; And… I am excitedly waiting for the launch of Proud Couture mugs! (I buy ceramic as well).” Show business: “What a fantastic show - it is where you always find the crème de la crème of card suppliers, companies and ranges. This show should run twice a year, in the Spring and Autumn, as it is so good in so many ways. It’s a real chance to see all the people who are passionate about cards in one building - and that makes it truly special, especially as it is such an amazing industry to be in!”
Beverley Heyworth, owner of Blue Rose Gifts & Balloons, Heywood: Top picks: “We chose to use our Retas Ticket with Flying Teaspoons (below right), the unique designs and quirkiness took our eye instantly and I am sure our customers will love what we have ordered!” Show business: “It was a pleasure to attend PG Live, the enthusiasm and passion of all attending makes the long journey south worthwhile. This year it was great to meet with some of the smaller independent card designers who perhaps don't get the level of recognition and business as the ‘big boys’. We love looking at all the new designs, ranges and new ideas. The event is brilliant for bringing them all together. Roll on 2019's PG Live!” Above: Beverley Heyworth spent her Silver Ticket with Paul Urban of Kingfisher Cards.
PROGRESSIVE GREETINGS WORLDWIDE
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