Stationery that never stands still
ExaClair is a stationery manufacturer and distributor that continues to evolve, even producing stationery that protects against the spread of viruses, as UK marketing manager Lawrence Savage explains Tell us a little about ExaClair’s background. ExaClair Limited is a manufacturer and distributor of premium stationery products, including office, craft and gifting items. As the UK subsidiary of the Exacompta Clairefontaine group, we offer well over 18,000 products across all of our 12 international brands, so it can be a bit of a job keeping track of them all at times!
Which shows might our readers see you at this year? We primarily attend the London Stationery Show (LSS), although we’re involved in many others as either exhibitors or sponsors. At the LSS (17-18 May at the Business Design Centre) we will be profiling the latest additions to our Clairefontaine stationery, handicraft and Décopatch ranges. Visitors should also look out for our interactive workshops that run during the event.
How have the past couple of years been for you – and have you adapted any of your products? Although there have been many challenges during the past couple of years, we’ve seen steady progress since the initial lockdown periods. Both the pandemic and Brexit have given us opportunities to review and enhance our operations as a whole. The business has become far more dynamic in relation to order processing, and we developed a greater flexibility in our distribution logistics, which has helped us to accommodate the increasingly varied customer delivery requirements. At the outset of the pandemic we developed a new range of recycled filing and desktop accessories that feature an organic antimicrobial additive within the materials used, which protects against the spread of bacteria, viruses, mould and fungi, eliminating them by more than 99.9%. There is also a massive focus on the environment, and recent advances within manufacturing processes have enabled us to create several new products that incorporate innovative recycled features. This includes stationery that benefits
from a protective covering made with a combination of cellulose-free, FSC certified, sustainable wood fibres and recycled jean fibres or discarded cocoa shells from the confectionery industry.
You supply ranges in several areas that have seen a huge rise in popularity due to the pandemic. How have you kept that momentum going from the first lockdowns? With recent consumer conditions promoting greater emphasis and reliance on selling and promoting products through digital channels, we’ve started to develop more interactive elements to our product packaging, such as links to online video guides via QR codes, which are now featured on a number of our newly-launched craft products. In addition, we’ve continued to analyse current consumer trends, which enable us to enhance our ranges by broadening the choice of product features and designs available within each brand.
Tell us about your new ranges. We have recently launched a new ‘dried flowers’ collection, which will no doubt prove popular with fans of card making and Oshibana, the Japanese art of pressed flowers. Those who are looking to get away in 2022 will love our Clairefontaine traveller’s notebooks, which are a natural extension of our creative journals, and feature the 90gsm Clairefontaine brushed vellum paper that’s loved by pen fans globally. Other new products include a new selection of Pollen Botanical Garden envelope designs, as well as a range of sustainable, 100% recycled envelopes that feature hints of grass within the materials. When looking for engaging indoor activities, Décopatch is an easy craft to learn and enjoy for children and adults alike! Our range of Décopatch Mini Kits contain everything you need to unleash your creativity: a papier mâché shape to decorate, two colourful paper sheets, a pot of glue and a brush.
“We have created products that incorporate innovative recycled features, such as a protective covering made with cellulose-free, FSC certified, sustainable wood fibres and recycled jean fibres or discarded cocoa shells from the confectionery industry’’
How many ranges do you offer? Our portfolio features a wide selection of premium office and contemporary stationery, photo albums, craft and fine art products across our Exacompta, Clairefontaine and Rhodia brands. Additionally, our Décopatch (decoupage), G. Lalo and Pollen (envelopes and paper crafts), Avenue Mandarine (educational crafts) and Herbin (traditional writing instruments and inks) are also very popular.
What are your bestselling ranges? With an increasing number of people working and studying from home and spending more time participating in family activities, we’ve experienced a sizable uptake across our art and crafting products. This has driven sales for our Décopatch Mini Kits, Clairefontaine florist crepe paper and origami packs in particular. This trend has also influenced the impact on the demand for materials to make customisable greeting cards and envelopes, with people having an increased desire to communicate with friends and loved ones using a more personal touch. There’s also been a huge shift in journalling, with more people conscious of boosting personal mental health and well-being. This has inspired popularity in our premium Clairefontaine notebooks and Rhodia Goalbooks.
How do you work with retailers to help them drive sales? As well as offering the advantage of low minimum orders, we have an extensive range of in-store POS and online marketing collateral available. We can also support retailers with special occasions, such as demonstration events. This enables us to provide our customers with a comprehensive support package.
Is there an unusual fact about Exaclair that our readers may not know? We are the only manufacturer within Western Europe to produce and process paper, as we possess our own paper mills. This enables us to offer fast lead-times compared with many Far Eastern-based distributors, as well as ensuring a high quality of product.
ExaClair
Tel: 01553 696600 Email: sales@exaclair.co.uk Web: www.exaclairlimited.com www.greetingstoday.co.uk 39
