News

Danilo enters the anime arena

Danilo is introducing anime brands into the greetings card domain this year with the likes of Naruto, Dragon Ball Super and My Hero Academia. All are hugely popular anime series whose calendars perform very well for Danilo in this increasingly popular genre.

With a name that means ‘the first sound of the future’ in Japanese, Hatsune Miku is another new addition to the portfolio. She has become one of the most popular synthetic voice programs and is a virtual pop idol, performing songs for her audiences both on screen and as a holographic image at live concerts. Danilo’s new card range will incorporate her iconic image and famous catchphrases.

Umbellifer donates to wildlife charity

Yorkshire greetings card brand Umbellifer has teamed up with Yorkshire Wildlife Trust (YWT) for its two new Christmas ranges to be launched at Home & Gift. Both ranges consist of six cards and are printed on FSC accredited board, carbon offset through the Woodland Carbon scheme. YWT will receive 10% of all profits from the two ranges.

Jo White, corporate partnerships officer for the YWT, said: “We’re delighted to partner up with Umbellifer on its beautiful Christmas card ranges, it’s fantastic to receive support from a local small business.”

All change at Giftware Association

The Giftware Association (GA) hosted its AGM on 22 June for the first time in person for three years, seeing some big changes to the make-up of its National Committee and officers.

The AGM was held at the GA’s Head Office in the Jewellery Quarter in Birmingham, with a selection of members including suppliers, retailers and service providers who braved the travel chaos to meet the team, network and learn from other members.

Chris Workman, marketing and PR manager, opened the day welcoming the guests, and showcased a brief history of The Giftware Association to its newer members, as well as introducing the National Committee to the room. Chris handed over to outgoing Chair Gert Schyberg from Sebnini and CEO Sarah Ward to conclude the AGM Formalities and the official business of the AGM.

Official Business saw Louise Welsby from Buy-From take over as the Chair of The Giftware Association, and Gert Schyberg step into the Deputy Chair role. Jeremy Corner from Blue Eyed Sun stood down from the National Committee and was thanked for his service and support over the years, and Mark Jones from Gisela Graham will step into the role of Vice Chair to form the new officer selection for the next two years.

Louise said: “It is an honour to be the new Chair of the Giftware Association, the first service provider in the association’s 75-year history to take on the role. I am looking forward to continuing the excellent stewardship of Gert Schyberg and am keen to get to work on supporting the GA with new initiatives, including development of their digital marketing and educational benefits.”

The GA also welcomed two new members to its National Committee ranks, both of whom bring a wealth of knowledge and experience with them. Tabi Marsh from Papilio Heritage will offer a valuable retail perspective to the association and on projects moving forwards, and Stephen Illingworth from Widdop, will offer support from his role from one of the largest gift suppliers in the UK.

Sarah Ward said: “The day was fantastic, and it was great to meet new and familiar faces. We welcome the changeover in the committee and thank Jeremy for his time on the committee. We wanted the day to be a bit different from a formal AGM and we succeeded in making that happen and connecting a lot of people.”

The Giftware Association likes to do things differently, so the AGM was enlivened by talks from three members, who each shared their incredible business journeys so far: Clare Harris from Talking Tables, Demi Pendakis from F.Y.G and Paul Sun from Gingko.

Rachel Ellen Designs team mark silver anniversary

Rachel Ellen Designs celebrated 25 years in business as the team gathered together at an exquisite country house near Nottingham on 16 June. Everyone donned their finest and enjoyed high tea before company founder Rachel Church (pictured left) was subjected to a ‘how well do you know your staff’ quiz. Then followed a video montage with messages of congratulations and thanks from staff, agents, suppliers, customers, friends and distributors from around the world.

“It was overwhelming and very humbling,” said Rachel. “The video somehow condensed 25 years into about 20 minutes, which was incredible, I feel blessed to have such wonderful customers, work with such fantastic people and have such a great team - and the day was about sharing something special together.’’

Scotland autumn show promises chance to stock up for winter

Independent retailers across Scotland and the north of England should ensure 18-19 September is in their diaries if they wish to stock up for winter at Scotland’s Trade Fair Autumn.

With the Launch Gallery packed with innovation, this show promises to offer visitors something special, with a raft of exciting exhibitors. Around 120 exhibitors, many of whom can only be seen at this show, will display their cards, homewares, gifts, textiles, jewellery and food, which will be perfect for shops for their Christmas customers, as well as gaining ideas for 2023 stock.

In The Launch Gallery, new companies such as Christine Allan Art, Fiona Matheson Studio, Joy Nevada, Christine Gilbert Art and Surya Luna Naturals will be exhibiting for the first time at the Autumn edition of Scotland’s Trade Fair.

The Speciality Food area is once again in high demand, featuring companies such as Och Vegan, Cold Town Beer and Scotia Spice Foods.

The show provides a chance to make last-minute orders for Christmas, as well as get ahead of competitors and order for 2023. With established companies such as Barrhead Leather, Glen Appin, Pocket Mountains, Shearer Candles, Pink Pig, Ness and Urban Outline, there will be a huge array of gifts to order.

Show director Mark Saunders said: “Nothing quite beats meeting suppliers and negotiating orders that can only be done face to face at trade shows, especially as many of our exhibitors will only be at this show. However, our Autumn Show is about more than just buying, it allows shops the chance to find out what is on trend in the marketplace, discover new exhibitors, offers the opportunity for networking and catching up with suppliers and is a welcome day out after what we hope will be a busy summer season.’’

New publisher launches

New publisher Utterly Conkers launched at PG Live with its scrumptiously stylish and fun watercolour illustrated greeting cards, offering two collections: Canine Chums and Blooming Bees.

Emma Harrison, the doodling, story-loving designer behind Utterly Conkers, started painting during lockdown alongside homeschooling her two daughters. After years of writing children’s fantasy stories while working in technology marketing, she returned to her first love - art - combining her fondness for creating colourful characters and painting with every, carefully hand-painted, watercolour illustration. Canine Chums features the nation’s favourite dogs, focusing on the playful characters of these beloved animals, giving them generic appeal as well as catching the eye of all dog lovers. More than 35 designs are available as blank cards or with heartfelt captions.

Blooming Bees celebrates our much-loved bumble bees with fun captions mimicking their flight around colourful blooms. Playing on the flower names within the captions, these designs combine fun and style.

All cards are printed on 350gsm FSC Certified board, sourced in the UK, delivered plastic free and are fully recyclable, and made in the UK.