The Retas Finalists 2019 by Max Publishing: Print, Digital Media + Events (London)

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Retas

The

2019

The finalists #RETAS19 WEDNESDAY 10 JULY 2019 GROSVENOR HOUSE HOTEL PARK LANE, MAYFAIR LONDON W1K 7TN

2-3 June

RetaileRs Rejoice! All you fabulous RETAs finalists have one thing in common – we think you’re amazing! From one celebration of the greeting card industry to another, PG Live 2019 is delighted to be able to help you all celebrate this afternoon. Enjoy yourselves and good luck!

WE hAD A BLAsT AT PG LivE 2019 - sEE you nExT yEAR! “PG Live has a unique feel – it’s like a lovely daytime party to meet likeminded card people – what could be nicer?”

Anne BArBer owner In HeAven At Home

joiN iN tHe FUN

PG live 2020 Tuesday 2 - Wednesday 3 June Business Design Centre, London

the greeting card industry

+44 (0) 1635 297070 www.progressivegreetingslive.com @PGLiveLondon

PG Live is an excitinG ceLebration of

Get in touch now to be Part of the 2020 show.

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A Frida Fiesta Welcome to The Retas at our lovely new Park Lane venue, the Grosvenor House Hotel!

he theme of this year’s Retas is Frida Kahlo. On the surface this choice may seem an odd one. For those not familiar with the life of this iconic female Mexican painter she was a devout communist who despised capitalism and she was also a proto-feminist romantic nationalist. She suffered from chronic ill health nearly all of her short life after being hit by a bus, and had a tempestuous marital relationship with fellow Mexican artist, Diego Rivera. She had a string of extra-marital relationships, including one with the revolutionary Russian communist, Leon Trotsky, who not long after was murdered with an ice-pick. Above: Last year’s Retas Awards was on an oceanic ‘Into The Blue’ theme. I don’t think many of The Retas’ finalists present Left to right: The Retas’ Gale Astley, Jakki Brown, Warren Lomax and Ian Hyder with toast master Robert Persell. today have experienced such a racy career! But scratch below the surface and there are some comparisons to be made. As with so many talented retailers here today, Frida’s skills were totally self-taught. Being virtually a crippled invalid most of her life, she some how overcame adversity and difficulties to produce brilliant end results of astonishing beauty. Much the same, can be said of so many of the inventive entrepreneurial retailers in the room today who have fought the tough retail landscape using their own passion for product presented in an inspiring retail environment. Frida has also become an icon for so many challenged and endangered minority groups, which I think many retailers feel like today!! She has been described as a ‘Hero’ and a ‘Survivor that fights back!’ - both epithets that can be used for so many of you here today. And although her art embraces many themes, such as Mexican folklore, florals and the natural world, her constant remaking of her identity and her construction of the ‘Theatre of the Self’ is what Retas finalists strive to do almost every day of the year! If all of this is starting to sound a bit over pretentious and pseudo-intellectual, then perhaps we should just appreciate the There are so many people and companies that have added extra colour and colour and vibrancy that both Frida sparkle to this year’s Retas Awards, not least of which are the event’s and this year’s great Retas finalists wonderful sponsors. have bought to the world. We also thank Paper Rose/The Art Group for creating the stunning Retas invitations, GF Smith for the board and Loxleys for printing them; Cath Tate We hope everyone has a fabulous for designing the place cards and printed by Loxleys; and the menus, afternoon that would make Frida beautifully designed by Paper Salad with the inserts printed by Windles, feel proud! Eurowrap for the lovely goody bags, and the flowers are thanks to Budget

A Picture Of Gratitude

The Retas team Jakki Brown, Warren Lomax, Gale Astley, Mark Grayson and Clare Hollick

Greeting Cards, as well as all the donated raffle prizes, which are going to raise money for two charities, The Light Fund and Amnesty International. The background imagery for this brochure was provided by The Frida Kahlo Corporation facilitated by its licensing agent Art Ask Agency.

The Retas are annual awards for UK greeting card retailers. They were introduced and are wholly owned by Max Publishing, publisher of Progressive Greetings Worldwide, Progressive Gifts & Home, Progressive Housewares, Progressive Party, Progressive Preschool and The Licensing Source Book.

Photos of The Retas Awards will be available to

view shortly after the event on The Retas website.

www.theretaswawards.co.uk/media

orders@cathtatecards.com 020 8671 2166

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Greeting Card Retailer Employee of the year Criteria: Awarded to a special employee who has ‘gone the extra mile’ and made an outstanding contribution to the running or growth of a greeting card shop or department.

Mandy Baker, manager of Celebrations, Aylsham “Mandy has always gone the extra mile. She is great at displaying products to their best potential and will always help other staff members if they have problems. However, this recent experience proves how great she is: Last January I was very ill in hospital with double pneumonia but Mandy stepped up and took all my worries away. She sorted staff rotas, saw the reps and even worked out the staff wages. She should have had a week off in that time but she postponed it so I could recover. Once I was feeling a little better she would come over to visit after her shift always with ﬂowers or chocolates. I’ve just returned to work but without Mandy I don't think I would have a business to go back to!” Linda Bygrave, owner of Celebrations, Aylsham

Helen Baxter, visual merchandiser of Thurrock Garden Centre “Helen Baxter has made a huge impact on our gift and card sales this year and continues to do so. She has brought new, fresh ideas and was promoted to the role of Visual Merchandiser last year. Her seasonal displays incorporate the cards we purchase from our suppliers so that the customers’ shopping experience is much enjoyable and all of their needs are met. Our main customer base are the older generation and young mums who may not have time to search for the appropriate card so this has been a positive change to our card shop, enforced by Helen.” Anna Hallett, marketing manager of Thurrock Garden Centre

Jennifer Burke, store manager of Card Factory, Bootle Parkside and Stonedale stores “Jennifer is the store manager for two of the most successful stores in our estate. During her 11 years at Card Factory she has made a huge impact, running a fantastically well organised and seamless operation at her stores and giving customers an experience that keeps them returning time and time again. She is dedicated to training and developing colleagues, while regularly taking on additional responsibilities outside of her remit. She was one of only three out of 28 nominated colleagues for our annual Store Manager of the Year award to achieve 39/39 for Leadership Behaviours and platinum KPIs; her outstanding performance led to her being our winner for 2019!” Steve Lilley, retail stores director for Card Factory

Denise Keers, shop manager of Cards 2 Confetti, Brixham “Denise is an incredible manager. Her ability to pick the right card ranges at the two trade shows we attend is amazing. She has a really good rapport with all the reps, she manages the shop and the other member of staff thoughtfully and carefully and she is always on hand to help customers - her skill in linking a sale is uncanny! Denise is hard working, knowledgeable, innovative, diligent, fun and a great manager. She is an asset to the business and really cares about what she does for the customers. It is said that a retail shop is only as good as its staff. It is Denise, with help from staff member Dianne, who make Cards 2 Confetti the successful shop that it is. Thank you Denise!” Nick O’Brien, owner of Cards 2 Confetti, Brixham

Pippa Kelly, card buyer/admin coordinator of Gee Tee’s, five stores in the north “Pippa has worked for Gee Tee’s since she was 15 years old, beginning as a Saturday girl. Her professionalism and conscientiousness progressed her to working at head office and she has proved to be a valuable team member, proficient in all aspects of the card area, ancillary products and gifts, and also in both buying and the administration side of the business. While I was absent from work due to illness, Pippa has carried out my role and done an excellent job in every aspect, managing and dealing with all card companies concerned, liaising with our five stores daily, as well as our warehouse division, buying and all administration. We are extremely grateful and proud of all her accomplishments, dedication, strong work ethics and loyalty she has displayed, and I sincerely hope that all the hard work she has contributed to Gee Tee’s is recognised at The Retas.” Yasmin Twist, buyer of Gee Tee’s

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Ben Knight, customer service manager of Scribbler, Manchester store “Ben is the perfect embodiment of Scribbler, he embraces all of our quirky, fun sense of humour and energy. There is never a dull moment in his shop: our Manchester store is always buzzing with enthusiasm and happiness! He has recently taken on the role of customer service manager, servicing our shops in the north and he is the perfect candidate, spreading joy and his unmistakable witty customer service. He has made a huge effort to improve not only his own store but all those he visits. He is constantly striving for excellent results and truly leading by example to all of his peers. Sometimes in retail the question gets asked: what does ‘great’ look like? Well, we’ve found the answer!” John and Jennie Procter, co-owners of Scribbler

Emma Knights, part-time sales assistant of Dragonfly Cards & Gifts, Knaresborough “Emma has been part of the team for three years now and has quickly grown to be my right-hand woman. She is a single mum yet manages to juggle family life with working four days a week for us. She is great with customers - friendly and helpful - and good at up-selling, without the customer realising it! She always goes above and beyond – ie the first week in the New Year when I was struck down by flu, not only did Emma cover my shifts but she saw that the Cherry Orchard Memory Lane mugs were now out of date so took them off the shelves, listed the returns for my rep and filled the shelves with alternative product all with no prompting. It is little things like this that means I know that the shop is in safe hands whenever I'm not there, as Emma runs it with the same passion and attention to detail that I do.” Rachael Barnes, partner of Dragonfly Cards & Gifts, Knaresborough

Karen Roberts, shop assistant for Memorable Moments, Ripon “Karen is my right-hand woman! She deals with the usual retail responsibilities ie deliveries, merchandising, cleaning, and she is responsible for creating our window displays and changing them regularly. Her attention to detail is amazing – I call her my ‘creative director’! However, what sets Karen apart is the amount of work she does in her own time without remuneration: display prop-making, repair and touch up of retail units, and when we relocated the shop last year, she insisted on doing hours of painting the new premises on her days off. She is always positive and has excellent people skills, and Memorable Moments wouldn't be the same without her!” Fiona Trees, owner of Memorable Moments, Ripon

Antonia Secchi, assistant manager for The Write Stuff, Edinburgh “Antonia embodies the points that sets us apart from the competition. She does this by ensuring that every customer feels valued and leaves the shop happier than when they arrived. Her attention to detail is incredible, putting the customer ﬁrst and by going that extra mile in every area, helping to grow the business every day in terms of service, sales and reputation. Antonia assists in making sure our products are relevant and fresh, marketing and displays and keeping the retail environment outstanding by very much contributing to the shop’s relaxed browsing environment.” Mae Douglas, owner of The Write Stuff, Edinburgh

Helena Smith, sales assistant for Nickery Nook, Bedale “Helena Smith joined Nickery Nook as a shy Saturday staffer six years ago. Since that time, she has moved to full-time and has proved herself to be an invaluable asset to the shop. I am putting Helena forward not for many skills but for her positive attitude and dedication to her work. She has had a horrible year on several fronts, one being major reconstructive knee surgery that limited her mobility for months. Being Helena she wangled her way back to work as early as she could on the proviso she remain seated at the counter. Helping customers, numerous times we had to chase Helena back to her seat. Ever cheerful, ever patient and always ready to help or cover a shift, Helena is worth her weight in gold. Every business needs a Helena, but do get your own because we are keeping ours.” Angela Mungham, owner of Nickery Nook, Bedale

SPONSORED BY

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Best Independent Greeting Card Retailer

London (inside the M25) Criteria: Independent card retailers in London (inside the M25) which have shown excellence in all areas across the retail spectrum over the last year, including: range of greeting cards stocked, product knowledge, customer service offered, shop environment created, marketing, display and competitive edge.

The Ark, Stoke Newington

Diverse, Brixton

Gift, Crouch End

The Loft, Teddington

Medici Gallery, South Kensington

Pretty Shiny Shop, Stroud Green

SPONSORED BY

PROUD SPONSOR OF THE RETAS

Proven Best Selling Ranges

Made in Great Britain

Made in Britain to ensure continuity of supply Stunning new designs with personalised heartfelt verses Direct to Retail product available from leading Wholesalers Premium quality All enquiries: Tel: 01442 215532 E: sales@regalpublishing.co.uk www.regalpublishing.co.uk

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Best Independent Greeting Card Retailer

Home Counties Criteria: Independent card retailers in the Home Counties which have shown excellence in all areas across the retail spectrum over the last year, including: range of greeting cards stocked, product knowledge, customer service offered, shop environment created, marketing, display and competitive edge.

The Card Hall, Maidstone

No. 14, Ampthill

Paddock Wood Cards, Paddock Wood

Red Card, Petworth

Something Special, Edenbridge

Zebra Cards, Royal Tunbridge Wells

SPONSORED BY

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Best Independent Greeting Card Retailer

East Anglia Criteria: Independent card retailers in East Anglia which have shown excellence in all areas across the retail spectrum over the last year, including: range of greeting cards stocked, product knowledge, customer service offered, shop environment created, marketing, display and competitive edge.Â

Blue Dog, Clare

Greetings from the Heart, Bourne

Little Boat Gifts, Brightlingsea

Love It, Bury St Edmunds and Stamford

Sincerely Yours, ShenďŹ eld

Wave and Spots, Bungay and Southwold

SPONSORED BY

Good Luck TO A L L T H E

FABULOUS

Retas Finalists IN

2019 F RO M

CLOUDESLEY HOUSE, SHIRE HILL, SAFFRON WALDEN, ESSEX, CB11 3FB Tel: 01799 520200 www.nigelquiney.com

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Best Independent Greeting Card Retailer

South West Criteria: Independent card retailers in the South West which have shown excellence in all areas across the retail spectrum over the last year, including: range of greeting cards stocked, product knowledge, customer service offered, shop environment created, marketing, display and competitive edge.

Cards 2 Confetti, Brixham

Cilla & Camilla, Bridport

Daisy Park, South Molton

Island Greetings, two stores in St Helier

Just Cards, Honiton

Soukous, Bristol

SPONSORED BY

RetasAwardsAdvert4.pdf

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Wishes all you lovely finalists

CMY

s GO O D LU CK s

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Best Independent Greeting Card Retailer

Wales and the Midlands Criteria: Independent card retailers in Wales and the Midlands which have shown excellence in all areas across the retail spectrum over the last year, including: range of greeting cards stocked, product knowledge, customer service offered, shop environment created, marketing, display and competitive edge.

Bentleys and Maddison, Stourport and Harborne

In Heaven At Home, Market Harborough

Little Paperie, Ashbourne

Nest, Leicester

Tidings, Cirencester and Westonbirt

Tokenhouse, Nottingham

SPONSORED BY

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Best Independent Greeting Card Retailer

North and Northern Ireland Criteria: Independent card retailers in the North and Northern Ireland which have shown excellence in all areas across the retail spectrum over the last year, including: range of greeting cards stocked, product knowledge, customer service offered, shop environment created, marketing, display and competitive edge.

Baileys Cards and Gifts, Southport and Crosby

Cards etc, Horsforth

Memorable Moments, Ripon

Nickery Nook, Bedale

Thistledown and The Lime Bothy, Castle Douglas and Newton Stewart SPONSORED BY

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Best Independent Greeting Card Retailer

Scotland Criteria: Independent card retailers in Scotland, which have shown excellence in all areas across the retail spectrum over the last year, including: range of greeting cards stocked, product knowledge, customer service offered, shop environment created, marketing, display and competitive edge.

Alba, Oban

Bluestone Gift Shops, Largs, Glasgow, Lochgilphead and Barrhead

Coorie Doon, Gourock

The Gift Boutique, Fraserburgh

JP Pozzi and Bijou, Buckie and Elgin

The Write Stuff, Edinburgh

SPONSORED BY

Well Done A big congratulations to all the 2019 finalists from the Spring & Autumn Fair team! See you in September at Autumn Fair! Be sure to get your free ticket now at autumnfair.com

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Best Independent Greeting Card Retailer

Newcomer or New Branch - South Criteria: Open to all new independent greeting card shops that have opened since January 2016 in the South. Each should show excellence in all areas across the retail spectrum over the last year, including: range of greeting cards stocked, product knowledge, customer service offered, shop environment created, marketing, display and competitive edge.

Objectables, Folkestone

No.66 Cards and Gifts, Ryde

Pack A Punch, Bridgwater

Planet Sal, Honiton

Sincerely Yours, Hornchurch

Sullivanâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s, Thorpe Bay

SPONSORED BY

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Best Independent Greeting Card Retailer

Newcomer or New Branch - North Criteria: Open to all new independent greeting card shops that have opened since January 2016 in the North. Each should show excellence in all areas across the retail spectrum over the last year, including: range of greeting cards stocked, product knowledge, customer service offered, shop environment created, marketing, display and competitive edge.

Best Wishes, Garstang

Cards & Gifts, Sheffield

Holly Blue, Saltburn-by-Sea

Pencil Me In, Elgin

Rad Studio, Saltaire

West Kirby Cards Hallmark, West Kirby

SPONSORED BY

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Best Greeting Bookstore Retailer of Greeting Cards Criteria: Open to all UK independent bookstores who have shown excellence in retailing greeting cards over the last year.

Blandfords, Broadway, Hereford and Ledbury

Bookends, Christchurch

The Edge of the World Bookshop, Penzance

Serendip, Lyme Regis

Spencer Thorne Bookshop, Bude

Walkers, Oakham and Stamford

SPONSORED BY

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Best Non-Specialist Independent

Retailer of Greeting Cards - North Criteria: Independent shops in the North for whom greeting cards are not their primary product area eg gift shops, sub post offices, children's shops, art galleries etc. Consideration is given for their greeting card treatment over the last year.

Boroughbridge Post Office, Boroughbridge

CTD News, Allestree

Hand Picked By Henrietta, Chapel-En-Le-Frith and Poynton

The Old School Beauly, Beauly

QLM, Leeds

Spirito, Glasgow

SPONSORED BY

Y OU GOT T HIS!

FROM EVERYONE AT

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Best Non-Specialist Independent

Retailer of Greeting Cards - South Criteria: Independent shops in the South for whom greeting cards are not their primary product area eg gift shops, sub post offices, children's shops, art galleries etc. Consideration is given for their greeting card treatment over the last year.

George R Reeve, Wymondham

Gifted, Thaxted

MiMi, Hartley Wintney

Mooch, Olney, Towcester and two stores in Northampton

Mooch Gifts & Home, Stourport on Severn

My Flair Lady Floral Design, White Roding

SPONSORED BY

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Best Greeting Card Small Multiple (4-20 Stores) Criteria: Retailers with four to 20 shops, excluding department stores, which have shown excellence in all areas across the retail spectrum over the last year, including: range of greeting cards stocked, product knowledge, customer service offered, shop environment created, marketing, display and competitive edge.

House of Cards, six stores in the Home Counties

Mayther, seven stores in the South

Penmark, four stores in the Midlands

Postmark, four stores in London

Three Wishes, Broadstone, Ferndown, Lymington, Ringwood and Verwood

Zo & Co, four stores in Greater Manchester and Cheshire

SPONSORED BY

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Best Department Store Retailer of Greeting Cards Criteria: Open to individual independent department stores as well as groups. Where the department store has a number of branches, the award can be given to a speciďŹ c branch or to the group depending on the nominations. Each contender should show excellence right across the greeting card retail spectrum over the last year, including: product range, product knowledge, staff training, customer care, marketing and promotion as well as a commitment to the greeting card sector.

Atkinsons, Sheffield

Barkers, Northallerton

Daniel of Windsor, Windsor

Dawsons, Clitheroe

Elys of Wimbledon, Wimbledon

John Lewis, Oxford St

SPONSORED BY

2-3 June

WE hAD A BLAsT AT PG LivE 2019 - sEE you nExT yEAR! “PG Live has a unique feel – it’s like a lovely daytime party to meet likeminded card people – what could be nicer?”

Anne BArBer owner In HeAven At Home

joiN iN tHe FUN

PG live 2020 Tuesday 2 - Wednesday 3 June Business Design Centre, London

the greeting card industry

+44 (0) 1635 297070 www.progressivegreetingslive.com @PGLiveLondon

PG Live is an excitinG ceLebration of

Get in touch now to be Part of the 2020 show.

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Best Supermarket Retailer of Greeting Cards Criteria: Open to multiple or independent supermarkets could be nominated. Each should demonstrate excellence across the greeting card retail spectrum, product range, customer care, marketing, display as well as a commitment to the greeting card sector over the last year.

Aldi

Asda

Co-Op

Sainsburyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s

Tesco

Waitrose 2-3 June

SPONSORED BY

at the

RETAS Congratulations, to all the nominees!

www.browntroutuk.com

@BrownTroutUK

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browntrout_uk

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Best Non-Specialist Multiple Retailer

of Greeting Cards (4+ Stores) Criteria: Open to all varietal stores, gift shops, fashion outlets and mixed multiples with four branches or more. Candidates should demonstrate excellence in range of greeting card products stocked, marketing and display as well as commitment to the card sector.

Between The Lines, 15 stores in the South

Lorimers, 12 stores in Surrey and Kent

Oliver Bonas, 70 stores nationwide

Utility, 3 stores in Liverpool and one in Manchester

Waterstones, 250+ stores nationwide

WHSmith, 611 stores nationwide

SPONSORED BY

A POEM ABOUT THE RETAS:

ALCOHOL BLAH BLAH BLAH WIN AWARD TAXI HOME SLOSHED PAPERLINK WOULD LIKE TO CONGRATULATE THE WONDERFUL RETASâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; NOMINEES AND WISH THEM ALL THE VERY BEST OF LUCK!

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info@paperlink.co.uk 020 7582 8244

www.paperlink.co.uk paperlinkcards

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Best Specialist Multiple Retailer

of Greeting Cards (20+ Stores) Criteria: Retailers with a chain of greeting card shops of more than 20 branches (excluding department stores and supermarkets) could be nominated. Excellence in all areas across the retail spectrum over the last year, including: product range, product knowledge, staff training, customer care, marketing and promotion, window and product display as well as commitment to the greeting card sector.

Cards Direct, 30 stores

Card Factory, 970+ stores

Cards Galore, 50 stores

Cardzone Group, 130 stores

Paperchase, 130+ stores

Scribbler, 38 stores

SPONSORED BY

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Best Garden Centre Retailer

of Greeting Cards Criteria: Open to all disciplines of garden centres â&#x20AC;&#x201C; be they independent or multiple. Each should demonstrate a commitment and knowledge of greeting cards being retailed within a garden centre. Consideration is given for their greeting card treatment over the last year.

Blue Diamond Group, 30 garden centres Burston Rose, St Albans

Garrion Bridges Garden and Antique Centre, Overtown

Klondyke and Strikes, 22 garden centres

Longacres, Bagshot, Bybrook Barn, Chobham and Shepperton

Planters, Tamworth and Derby

SPONSORED BY

D R A U G E M O AND THE H

...SALUTE ALL FINALIST

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Best Greeting Card Retailer Initiative Criteria: Open to retailers of greeting cards for a speciďŹ c development or initiative that has been instrumental in increasing retail growth of greeting card sales and sustaining an interest in the shop and greeting cards in the last year, consideration is given for their greeting card treatment over the last year.

Blue Rose Gifts & Balloons, Heywood, for its Make A Pudsey activity

Card Factory, for its Fatherâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Day Macmillan Cancer Support Partnership

) ( " ( % ) ( $ ( card You might know of us as the green coloured go even shop but now weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve decided itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s time to to be greener! As of 2019, Scribbler is pledging off the more environmentally friendly. Kicking green themed fun with our new biodegradable ďŹ lm bags! hard to Across our business weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve been working do our bit for our olâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; big blue planet. Currently in fully all Scribbler branded cards in stores come ďŹ nding recyclable cellophane bags, however after into out only 11% of plastic in the UK makes it to up our the recycling bin we decided it was time game. So kicking off with our 2019 Valentineâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s range our newly printed standard size Scribbler bags! brand cards will come in fully biodegradable

to â&#x20AC;&#x153;Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re incredibly excited about our move green Go Greener, weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve always worked with a mission in mind but this new step is a big, a important move which we hope will inspire change in the industryâ&#x20AC;? John Procter, Founder

Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re really excited about this over at Scribbler the headquarters and we canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t wait to start using by new bags in 2019. Youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll be able to spot them of our the friendly Going Green logo on the backs shops! cards, so keep your eyes peeled around the

COMPOSTING

The new bags are made from PLA (polylactic such acid), derived from renewable plant sources away as corn, potato or beet starch. By moving weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re from traditional petroleum-based plastics helping to preserve our planetâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s natural resources. dropped Once youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re done with the bag it can be waste in your general waste or food and garden right bin where after reaching landďŹ ll, under the CO2, conditions, it will be broken back down into by all the biomass and water, ready to be eaten up hungry plants.

BIOMASS, CO2 AND WATER

PLANT CARD BAG

About Scribbler: Scribbler are a UK based greeting cards and gifts company, known for their edgy humour and alternative take on traditional greeting cards. Founded by husband and wife duo John and Jennie Procter in 1981, Scribbler now has 37 stores across the UK and an online personalised card website. Note to editors: For full details on Scribblerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s green initatives please see the attached copy of our blog post or online at: www.scribbler.com/Blog/Going-Green/

STARCH

Or contact: Aisling Crosland Designer customerservice@scribbler.com 0207-091-2640

BIODEGRADEABLE MATERIAL POLYLACTIC ACID

Cardies, Stevenage, for its community street art programme

DragonďŹ&#x201A;y Cards & Gifts, Knaresborough, for its Milestone Birthday Giveaway

Pencil Me In, Elgin, for its My Shoplife 19 Instagram Challenge

Scribbler, for its Goes Greener initiative

Wishes of Cudworth, for its Christmas programme

SPONSORED BY

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Best Greeting Card Service

Based Wholesaler Criteria: Both single and multiple sited wholesale operations could be nominated. Each should show excellence in areas across the card spectrum over the last year, including: product range, product knowledge, staff training, customer care, marketing and promotion as well as a commitment to the greeting card sector.

Archway Cards, Norwich

Budget Greeting Cards, nine branches UK and Eire

Card and Party Store, Bury

Crosswear Trading, EnďŹ eld

Greetings House, Walsall

Jacksons, Sheffield

SPONSORED BY

Sensations

THE PERFECT CHOICE

Wishing the

BEST OF LUCK to all of this year’s

R E T AS Finalists

www.theartfil e.com email: sal es@theartfil e.com tel: 0115 850 7490

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Greeting Card

Retailer of the Year Criteria: All the winners of The Retas awards are truly great greeting card retailers. This award goes to the â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;greatest of the greatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; of these retailers - a retailer that has truly excelled in all aspects of greeting card retailing. Winners of all The Retas categories are contenders for this award.

Above: Last year Paperchase won the 2018 Retas award for Greeting Card Retailer of the year. The Paperchase team accepted their award from Ged Mace (left), managing director of category sponsor, The Art File.

But which retailer will clinch this top Retas title for 2019?

SPONSORED BY

FC Cover.qxp_Layout 1 20/06/2019 14:21 Page 1

MAX PUBLISHING LTD T: 0207 700 6740 WWW.THERETASAWARDS.CO.UK PROGRAMME EXQUISITELY PRINTED BY METHODUK SUPPORTERS OF THE RETAS T: MATTHEW PAYNE ON 020 7691 0921 WWW.THISISMETHOD.CO.UK

#RETAS19 Follow the action on Twitter: @Prog_Greetings