Progressive Calendars February 2017

February 2017

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CALENDARS DIARIES GREETING CARDS GIFT WRAP & BAGS CONTACT US: +44 (0)1992 702 900 www.danilo.com sales@danilo.com

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Award Winning Calendars, Diaries & Stationery INTRODUCING OUR NEW 2018 CALENDAR RANGE

For details of our full programme please contact Claire Trigger, Sales Manager UK; teNeues Calendars & Stationery GmbH & Co. KG Mobile: +44 (0)771 520 8507; Tel: +44 (0)203 542 8997; e-mail: ctrigger@teneues.co.uk

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CALENDARS NEWS

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BrownTrout Major New Distribution Top Drawer, held in mid January at London's Olympia, was the first unveiling by BrownTrout of Graphique de France, with a second unveiling taking place at Spring Fair held at the NEC Birmingham from February 5-9.

BrownTrout, which became the official distributors of American brand Graphique de France from January 1, is now responsible for the distribution of the entire Graphique line of calendars and diaries into the UK and European markets.

As a result of the new distribution deal with Graphique, BrownTrout will be offering a new range of calendar slims, including titles such as Food Lovers, In The Pink! and Life Is Sweet.

Additionally, the company has launched ranges of everyday stationery lines, including greeting cards.

"The calendars and diaries have been available in the UK for a number of years, so this will be an easy fit in to the extensive line that BrownTrout already offers," explains the company's managing director Jack Straw. "The new plan is to expand the programme over time in terms of product lines and market penetration and even develop titles and formats specifically for this market," he adds.

Strengthening the team, BrownTrout will be joined by the current Graphique UK key account agent, Emma Tracey (see People right), who has a long involvement with the brand and its current customer base.

Continues Jack: “We are very excited to have Emma working with us and to be able to really help expand this major brand in to this market. Graphique is a major player in the USA and have many items that will work both here and across Europe. It will be a huge challenge, but it really feels like a great fit for us. It is the opportunity we have been seeking for some time to break into the everyday market, and at the same time, securing such a prestigious calendar line on an exclusive basis.”

Above left, above and left: New calendars from Graphique include Nuthin' But Trouble, Pawparrazi and Patisserie. The calendars are being distributed in the UK and European markets by BrownTrout.

Below left: BrownTrout will also be offering new Graphique slims, to include In The Pink! and Life Is Sweet.

People ● Following Trevor Jones retirement in December, Dan Grant (right) has joined Danilo as senior licensing manager. Trevor will remain as a non executive board director. ● Emma Tracey has

joined BrownTrout as national account manager.

Emma was previously the sales manager for Nouvelles Images and is working with other well known brands as their key accounts agent. As national accounts manager, she will be totally responsible for the sales into many of BrownTrout’s larger customers as well as working closely with the BrownTrout team to ensure a seamless integration of the Graphique line. ● 2016 Has been a year of growth and development for Pyramid International, with several additions to the teams, including Louise Mehmet as field sales manager, Sarai Denny in the role of national account manager, along with additions to the company's creative, marketing, account and business administration teams.

Two New Licensing Deals I Like Birds is a new licence for BrownTrout, with the company confirming that it will be offering a square wall, an A3 family organiser and a slim calendar.

"The artwork was on a number of items that reached the final stages of the Brand Licensing Awards in 2016," confirms BrownTrout's managing director Jack Straw.

BrownTrout has also entered into a new licensing arrangement with Silverstone, the Home of British Motorsport, and will be publishing two square wall calendars based on vintage art and photography.

Right: I Like Birds and Silverstone Through The Years 19601985 are two new square licensed calendars from BrownTrout.

Progressive Calendars is published by Max Publishing Ltd, publisher of Progressive Greetings Worldwide. It is distributed with the February edition of Progressive Greetings Worldwide.

Editor in Chief: Jakki Brown (jw@max-publishing.co.uk); Advertisement Director: Warren Lomax (warren@max-publishing.co.uk); Editor: Sue Marks: (sue@sjbassoc.freeserve.co.uk) and Deputy Editor: Gale Astley: (galea@max-publishing.co.uk) Max Publishing Ltd, United House, North Road, London, N7 9DP www.max-publishing.co.uk Tel: 020 7700 6740.

Home of The Henries, The Retas and Progressive Greetings Live. Copyright: 2017 PROGRESSIVE CALENDARS 2017

Visit us at Hall 3 Stand Q30 R31

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To make an enquiry or to request a copy of the Great Big Calendar Collection featuring our full range of Organisers, Calendars and Diaries email sales@gbcc.co.uk phone 01392 826 482

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Over 650 Generic, Licensed and Exclusive titles 6 Million Calendars distributed in 2016 Managed Programmes, Displays, Advice and Sales Support from the industry experts

“Your one-stop calendar solution�

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STICKER CALENDARS

Charley Harper

30.5 x 30.5 cm • Open to 30.5 x 61 cm • Over 150 stickers

B. Kliban: CatCalendar

Lisa Houck: Birds, Bugs, and Blossoms

WARNING: Choking hazard—small parts.

Not suitable for children under 3 years.

COLOURING CALENDARS

The Wizard of Oz

30.5 x 30.5 cm • 12 images to colour • Wire-O bound

Alice in Wonderland

WALL CALENDARS

Charley Harper

30.5 x 33 cm • Open to 30.5 x 66 cm

The Paintings of Eric Wert

Thierry Bisch: A Bestiary

Fractals: The Art of Cory Ench

Butterflies

Aesop’s Fables: Paintings

by Charles Santore

Intricate Ink: The Art of Tim Jeffs

Alice in Wonderland: Paintings

by Frances Broomfield

England: The Landscape Paintings of Anna Teasdale

CONTACT POMEGRANATE EUROPE LTD. FOR A FULL CATALOGUE.

+44 (0)24 7621 4461 • Fax +44 (0)24 7630 2796 • sales@pomegranate.com • www.pomegranate.com

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CALENDARS NEWS

National Calendar Awards

Sir Cliff Is Top Of The Pops On Amazon

And The Winners Are...

This year's National Calendar Awards, which take place at London's Stationer's Hall on January 25, will be presented by feisty LBC radio presenter Nick Ferrari, who is sure to have some amusing opinions about the industry!

A bumper entry of over 400 calendars, from 30 different publishers, were received for this year's competition. Industry advisor Michael Rose of Rose Calendars praised the "excellent calibre of entrants this year". The judges also commented on the high standard of design and production quality.

The panel included Calendar Club’s Olly Above: LBC radio presenter Nick Chapple and Rob Dand, retailers Chris Dell of White Mint in Ferrari will be the compere at this Berkhamsted and St Albans, and Philip Downer from Calliope year's Awards.

The judges are shown Gifts who has shops in Dorking, Alton and Haywards Heath. Also Below: making their selections at the on the panel were London Stationery Show’s Vanessa Fortnam; National Calendar Awards judging.

David Jones from Premier Paper and printer Jenny Jones. Danilo's Symon Machin judged the Photography and Student categories.

The judging was arranged by NCA organisers Pat Batley and Kay Hurrell, along with Michael Rose and Danilo’s operations director Daniel Prince, who helped set up and co-ordinate the day.

New From Danilo For 2018 Danilo will be exhibiting at Nuremberg for the first time in February, with 2018 shaping up to be an exciting year. Along with the return of the company's top selling Minecraft calendar, 2017 will also see the release of major movies titles, kicking off with the Disney’s live action Beauty & the Beast, followed by a string of superhero movies: Guardians of the Galaxy 2, Wonder Woman, Spider-Man, Thor and the Justice League.

"The summer blockbuster is predicted to be Despicable Me 3, with other animated movies, Cars 3 and My Little Pony, soon after, followed

by Pirates of the Caribbean 5 and Transformers 5," explains sales director Chris James. "The second Paddington movie is highly anticipated following the success of the first one, but this time, with an even stronger cast. In addition, the next Star Wars movie launches in December 2017 and follows on from the story set up in Episode 7 in 2016."

Chris says that Danilo will be looking to expand its offering further in 2017 with new TV, publishing and gaming titles coming through for 2018. ● Danilo will be exhibiting at Spring Fair, Hall 3, Stand M16.

Sir Cliff Richard may be a golden oldie, and his calendar may have come in at No 10 on the Danilo chart, (see bottom) but Cliff topped the Amazon calendar charts just before Christmas, seeing off current pop heart throbs to include Justin Bieber, who he outsold by two to one. The calendar featured classic photos of Cliff taken over the past 50 years.

In the celebrity stakes, other best selling Amazon calendars included: Little Mix, Justin Bieber, Kylie Minogue and Elvis Presley.

Below: Danilo's Cliff Richard calendar was the No 1 seller for Amazon.

Liverpool FC Scores In The Danilo Calendar League In a battle of the football giants, Liverpool FC beat Manchester United to take the No 1 spot in Danilo's official licensed calendar chart. The football club not only made history, with over 3% more sales than runner-up Man U, but also knocked One Direction, Cheryl, Frozen and Minions off the top spot which they have made their own over recent years.

In another 'first' this year, sports calendars took the No 1 and No 2 slots - the only time in Danilo's 38 year sales history.

(Last year's top 10 chart places are shown in brackets)

1 Liverpool FC (5) Left: Liverpool FC 2 Manchester United (3) went head to head with Manchester 3 Pokémon (New Entry) United in the 2016 4 Justin Bieber (Top Male) (6) Danilo calendar 5 Little Mix (New Entry top group) chart, with Liverpool declared the winner.

6 Elvis (17) 7 Harry Potter (New Entry) 8 Star Wars (1) 9 Great British Bake Off (13) 10 Cliff (7) The annual chart is compiled of sales from Danilo online, HMV, Tesco, Calendar Club, Amazon, together with retail chains and independent retailers around the UK and sales abroad.

PROGRESSIVE CALENDARS 2017

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National Calendar Awards continue to promote excellent work Started originally as a ‘Business Calendar’ exhibition in the early 1960’s by lecturers at the London College of Printing and sponsored by Kodak, the event was designed to encourage their students to appreciate the commercial aspects of design and production and encourage a better understanding of the disciplines involved.

The exhibition became an annual Awards event, and remained college based until some six years ago when organiser Pat Batley moved the then ‘National Calendar Awards’ to their new home at the Stationers’ Hall.

The Awards have grown to encompass and recognise the work of printers, designers, photographers, artists, publishers and students involved in the production of bespoke, desk and personal use, retail and cause-related calendars and dated products.

It is at Stationers’ Hall every January where a gallery of entries is created and the Calendar industry gathers to find out which are the winning entries!

To find out more about these prestigious annual awards and how to ensure your products are considered for the 2018 National Calendar Awards please contact: Pat Batley, patricabt@blueyonder.co.uk

The 2017 judging panel and Awards organising team pictured above and the 2016 Awards presented by Eamonn Holmes. This year’s Awards will be hosted by Nick Ferrari.

The London Stationery Show and National Stationery Week are proud sponsors of the National Calendar Awards 2017. Our congratulations go to all the winners, particularly those in our ‘Illustrated, Desk and Pocket Diaries’ category.

Writing and paper products have never been so popular with consumers, and are a major sales opportunity for greeting, gift and lifestyle retailers.

Join us in April for a two day stationery extravaganza and make the most of this hot category!

It’s where fashion meets function.

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CALENDARS NEWS

A Bumper Year For Carousel Company Enjoys Continued Growth Carousel Calendars distributed over 1,300 calendar, diary and giftwrap titles, the most the company has ever done, of its 2017 calendar range.

"Licenses are as important as ever, and every year we increase our licensed portfolio," confirms managing director Steve Plackett. "We now have over 100 different licensed properties which account for over half of our calendar and diary range."

The number of overall titles published by the company last year was up from the 2016 range, mainly due to additional American titles. Over 100 were for the North American market, where Carousel has seen recent growth.

For its 2017 range, Carousel distributed 6.3 million calendars and diaries. "It's down a couple of per cent on the previous year," comments Steve, "with the volume reduction mainly in the grocer sector, but we certainly saw growth with some of our other clients. The high street volume was stable and the volume to our key distributors was up slightly."

He adds that in 2016 the company again saw growth with distributors to the independent market and the garden centre market. "Otter House, our sister company, is our key distributor to the garden centres and independents, a main benefit being that Otter House has is its own modern distribution centre. In addition, over 70 titles were own label titles for our customers, and this continues to be a key part of our offering, particularly for independent customers and charities."

For the company's 2018 range, Steve says he anticipates a similar number of titles and similar volumes to the 2017 range.

Above: Steve Plackett, managing director of Carousel Calendars.

Left: Carousel is continuing to increase its licensing portfolio which boasts over 100 licenses.

Well, Doggone It A calendar collaboration between Carousel Calendars and Sausage Dog Hotel in St Albans has culminated in a 365 wall format calendar, with each day of the year featuring an image of sausage dogs! The dogs are shown enjoying their stay at the hotel, which provides long and short term stays and day care.

Sausage Dog Hotel has a huge audience on social media, where the hotel's owner shares images of sausage dogs loving their life at the Hotel.

News In Brief ● Pyramid International

has added a new state of the art showroom at its head office. "This allows us to display our newest ranges in an environment that enables customers to better envision how these products will fit into their retail space," says marketing executive Robert Ling.

Above and left: Among the newest titles from Pyramid.

● teNeues is

introducing a new line of midi flexi diaries - a fresh, modern approach with Glam Line, whose covers are enhanced by gold and copper shades, and Colour Line, which offers pastel spring colours.

Boxhouse Publishing To Rebrand In 2017 As of Easter 2017, Boxhouse Publishing, the company behind the Organised Mum brand of home stationery, is changing both its brand and limited company name to Boxclever Press.

The new brand name and logo will be officially launched in April alongside the company’s new range of 2018 diaries and household stationery, which are designed with features to help with organisation. The change of name will allow the company to both widen its existing products’ appeal whilst expanding into new product areas.

"People who are attracted by the clever features and layouts we include with our products, but not being mums, feel that the products are not for them," explains managing director Sarah Sadler. "Our new name of Boxclever Press will ensure that our products appeal to everyone who needs to organise their busy life, as well as giving us the flexibility to design stationery for other markets under one brand.”

The company will continue to produce its four main calendar titles under Organised Mum brand.

Below: Boxhouse's Organised Mum Family Home Planner.

The new calendar brings together hundreds of the photos, with two variant covers: dachshunds among the flowers, and dachshunds racing over the beach.

Sausage Dog Hotel has also got a following in the US, with many fans asking for a calendar of their own. Consequently, Carousel is currently looking at producing calendars for the American market for 2018.

Above and left: Sausage Dog Hotel has two covers to choose from featuring dachshunds among the flowers, and dachshunds racing over the beach.

PROGRESSIVE CALENDARS 2017

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HOME OF BRITISH MOTORSPORT THROUGH THE YEARS 1960 - 1985

2018 OFFICIAL CALENDAR

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STATE OF THE NATION

Times They Are A Changin’ Black Friday, Cyber Monday, a weak £pound and an uncertain world politically and financially. With major upheavals sure to impact on business in 2017, plus an increasingly strong reliance on mobiles and tablets, Progressive Calendars asks some of the leading names in calendars for their views on the industry going forward over the next 12 months.

As more and more of us rely on mobile devices to organise our lives, to include daily reminder alerts and much more besides, are people still relying as much on calendars and diaries, and if so, are buying patterns changing?

The answer is a 'yes' on both counts. Far from digital taking away from dated products, it seems that Britons see the two happily existing

side by side, with calendars and diaries still having an important role to play in people's lives both at home and work. According to publishers, organisers and planners in particular are on the up, with people's lives getting busier, leading to more reliance on writing things down, especially when it comes to family life.

At teNeues, 2016 proved another strong year for the company's dated range, "But buying habits are changing with sales starting later in the year which will continue well into 2017 if 2016 is an accurate measure," says sales and marketing manager Claire Trigger. She says that increasing sales in diaries suggest that dated products are still relevant. "Offline is the new luxury," she highlights, "and at teNeues we continue to gain new customers from different market sectors such as women’s clothing boutiques. The independent retailers continue to

Innovation In Advents Advent calendars continue to be the way many families enjoy 'counting down to Christmas', with a diverse range to choose from. But it's not just about chocolates behind the windows. "Many retailers have embraced the concept of the Advent calendar as a means of promoting products containing things like candles and beauty products," observes Sarah LaPlain, Advent, charity and export manager at Caltime by Woodmansterne. "In fact, the idea of placing your own little gift inside to be discovered each day is catching on fast. Caltime’s 3D Village, launched in 2016, with beautifully decorated buildings in which little treats can be hidden, have been a particular hit with consumers this year," highlights Sarah.

Right: Caltime's 3D Village Advent calendar was a best seller in 2016.

PROGRESSIVE CALENDARS 2017

Above: Danilo's Marvel Comics square calendar.

Below left: The Gruffalo family planner from teNeues.

be strong sellers, with more requesting spinners and desktop presentation units as they dedicate more space to display the ranges in a way that will maximise sales. Grid calendars and family planners continue to drive the market," continues Claire, "and we will continue to hold our £9.99 price point for these."

Danilo's Chris James concurs that consumers are buying later and later, with the introduction of Black Friday and Cyber Monday, meaning savvy buyers are waiting for these days to come around before purchasing. "But with less single day promotions by retailers, they risk missing out if product isn’t available," Chris states. He adds that calendars purchased early tend to be self purchases, while later on they tend to be more gift and Secret Santa related.

"However, in January it tends to be a self purchase when people realise they didn’t receive the item as a gift," he comments.

"Overall, there is definitely more bulk purchasing taking place," says Chris. "The new colouring-in calendars have proved to be a huge success, especially Harry Potter and Marvel, with more to come," he adds.

Chris also points out that licensed merchandise is over indexing and growing at a disproportionate rate in all retail channels, with calendars no exception. "Strong music, entertainment and sports brands are perfect for

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STATE OF THE NATION the category, offering an opportunity for retailers to cross merchandise with other categories in addition to selling from main calendar displays."

He highlights that a real growth sector for Danilo’s licensed calendars lie within the fashion/lifestyle retailer sector. "Brands that work well on, for example, clothing and children’s bed linen, are naturals for expanding their product offering to include calendars, diaries and, of course, giftwrap, bags and greeting cards," highlights Chris. He adds that Danilo continues to be an active member of the TRAP organisation, challenging unofficial merchandise being sold in the UK and Europe.

"It's still a big problem across music, entertainment and sport," he states, "while grey imports prove an ongoing challenge on licensed merchandise."

At Pomegranate Europe, Ley Bricknell, sales and marketing director, adds: "In what was a year of prodigious upheaval, we have had one of our best ever calendar years with a much wider spread of orders covering both new and classic titles. While it was obvious that buyers were playing it safe early in the year, we soon received 'add-on' orders and as the year progressed continuous re-orders."

Breaking The £10 Barrier Carousel Calendars is among the publishers that has increased the number of titles selling for £10.99."In the 2017 range, there are 14 titles, over three different formats, selling for £10.99, totalling 165,000 units overall," confirms managing director Steve Plackett. "All these titles have extra content or added value, with the best seller, Mum’s Fabric and Buttons organiser, containing a month-to-view calendar, a notepad, stickers and post-it notes."

Above: Carousel Calendars' Also pushing the boundaries in terms of price is Boxhouse best selling Mum's Fabric and Buttons.

Publishing (which will be rebranding to Boxclever Press in April). "In terms of price, our calendars have retailed at £11.99 for a number of years now," says managing director Sarah Sadler. "With sales increasing year on year, we find that customers are willing to pay for a product that has been thoughtfully designed and produced to a high quality."

Danilo's sales director Chris James says that with a weak £pound, and higher costs, anything is possible, but nevertheless feels that over £10 is a major step for the sector. "We could see sales decline if price went above this," he comments.

New Formats At Carousel Calendars, a successful new format for the company has been the week-to-view wall calendars. "This range of calendars displays week-toview grids on high quality, uncoated paper, with Emma Bridgewater the best seller with over 20,000 units," confirms managing director Steve Plackett.

Carousel's 2017 range also saw the introduction of the mini box calendars, which include six titles at £6.99 that provide quips and quotes for each day of the year. "Standard box calendars have been decreasing in sales for a few years so we have introduced these lower priced, smaller

Above: A weekly Planner from Boxhouse (£11.99).

What's Changing? l Online sales are continuing to

drive sales. l Sales to independent retailers are

versions that are perfect for a busy desk," explains Steve.

Always looking for new formats is Danilo, which this year successfully tested a midi format (230 x 230 cm square wall format), as well as colouring-in calendars which are proving very popular. "Watch this space for 2018 trends," quips sales director Chris James.

Above: Carousel Calendars' best selling Emma Bridgewater calendar.

Left: Carousel Calendars’ Golf Quips mini box calendars.

on the up. l Fashion boutiques are a growing

l l l

l

market place as retailers cross merchandise products with calendars and diaries.

Grid calendars and family planners continue to be a market driver.

Licensed product continues to go from strength to strength.

More calendars have already, and are increasingly likely to, break the £10 glass ceiling.

Colouring-in calendars have been a successful new entry to the market.

PROGRESSIVE CALENDARS 2017

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VIEWPOINT

On The Rise Jack Straw, managing director of BrownTrout, and a respected name in the world of calendars, shares his views on the rise in internet retail, most notably Amazon, and the inevitability of price increases this year that will break the £10 glass ceiling.

The Rise In Internet Retail "When we talk about internet retailing in the calendar industry, or in general, we are really talking about Amazon. The broader picture is that Britain has gone from being a ‘nation of shopkeepers’ to a nation of online shoppers, and the British now do a greater share of their retail spending online than any other country, including the United States and Germany (the next two largest). In fact, The Economist estimates that by 2020, online sales could rise by almost 50% to a staggering £63bn.

Amazon has now become a major player in the calendar market in the UK and is growing exponentially. BrownTrout witnessed a 70+% increase in sales in 2015 over 2014.

This trend is set to continue as more people shop from home. We see all the time that ‘bricks and mortar’ stores are being closed and shop assistants laid off, and it is estimated that the retail industry could shed a third of its 3m or so jobs by 2025 (British Retail Consortium).

Ten years ago, most calendar publishers shied away from dealing with Amazon, fearing that it would hurt their traditional retailers.

This is no longer the case. In my experience, all of the surviving calendar publishers appear to make their full catalogues available to buy on the Amazon platform. Originally regarded as deep discounters, Amazon has reversed this perception and, in reality, do maintain retail price integrity on the whole. Its popularity with consumers is based upon exceptional customer service and choice. It is easy to shop on Amazon.

PROGRESSIVE CALENDARS 2017

Top right: Jack Straw, managing director of BrownTrout.

Above: BrownTrout's Loose Leashes is among the company's calendars breaking the £10 barrier.

Below left and right: BrownTrout top sellers on Amazon include Game of Thrones and The Disney Dreams Collection by Thomas Kinkade.

Seeing what sells on Amazon is fascinating, and does not necessarily reflect the industry ‘best seller’ rankings that get issued from time to time. Its best-selling wall calendar is Racing Post, with Star Wars coming in at a distant 8th behind such titles as Thomas Kinkade’s Disney Dreams, Game of Thrones and Pug Puppies from BrownTrout.

As a business, we have had to gear up to deal with Amazon effectively as it is a demanding retail partner. Its reputation for customer service is jealously guarded, and it will remove a supplier who does not reach its exacting standards without hesitation or even explanation. The investment in training has been worth it, and BrownTrout are now responsible for 42 out of its top 100 wall calendar titles.

The Inevitability Of Price Rises There is no doubt in my mind that prices in our market are set to rise and that more and more publishers of the square wall calendar will recommend retail pricing above £10. What has made this inevitable? Most UK publishers have been at £9.99 for the past seven years at least, and in that time, have had to absorb a VAT increase in particular and a general creep upwards in costs. The news of the Brexit vote in June triggered a dramatic devaluation in sterling which had the immediate effect of increasing publishers’ direct costs by around

18%, since most calendars are printed in the Far East and paid for in $US. The uncertainty surrounding the recent US elections has only served to exacerbate this hit on our currency value with no guarantee that the exchange rate will float back up to traditional levels, and the country is anticipating the onset of inflation and price rises everywhere.

Retailers must also be struggling with ever increasing costs. Internet shopping is hurting traditional sales volumes, so why not get more money at retail for every sale made? High street retailers should be trading ‘up’ in my estimation and looking to charge more for the best products. I have seen regular wall calendars being priced at £11.99 for next season, so the glass ceiling has been breached already.

Suppliers in our industry and most others have been squeezed tighter and tighter for improved margin by major retailers who have been terrified to increase their retail pricing instead. We have also seen a ‘race to the bottom’ amongst the deep discounters - an industry that continues to thrive in the UK and elsewhere. Our product has been caught up in this and has become increasingly commoditised to the point where a major market such as Germany has all but been eliminated for decent calendars. We cannot allow this to happen here.

There is still a great demand for quality calendars and diaries and consumers will pay a decent price if it is what they want to buy. For that reason I think it is inevitable that the retail price of a square wall calendar has to rise above £10 in the coming season."

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It’s A Date

Calendars and other dated products are continuing to go from strength to strength, with no sign of digital phones and tablets making a dent in the market.

Bought as self-purchases or gifts, retailers, to include Calendar Club, reported healthy sales both before and after Christmas.

So which calendars topped the charts?

"After several years of bestseller charts dominated by boy bands and teen heartthrobs, it turned into a good old-fashioned battle between two of the country’s most decorated football clubs for supremacy at the top of the pile this Christmas," revealed Calendar Club's online marketing manager Glenn McWhinney. "Ultimately, it was Manchester United who emerged victorious - the first time since Calendar Club UK & Ireland was founded in 1998. It edged out its North West rivals Liverpool, who last topped the charts back in 2009. In the end, the difference between the two was a mere 269 calendar copies."

Elsewhere, Glenn says it was another strong year for street artist Banksy, with the slim calendar and desk easel securing 3rd and 4th spots respectively, and the wall calendar sneaking into the top 20 at No19. Girl group Little Mix significantly improved on their 16th place last year to make it into the Top 5. Arsenal FC, and last year’s bestseller Justin Bieber, were placed at 6th and 7th respectively.

High profile returning favourites included Elvis Presley, with fans propelling The King into a credible 8th spot. "Sir Cliff Richard’s official calendars have, historically, been a perennial favourite, with Cliff cracking the Top 10 in 9th position with a retrospective A3 calendar spanning his decorated career," Left: Calendar Club in Llandudno.

Right: Danilo's official Manchester United calendar topped the Calendar Club charts.

A Tartan Twist "Our calendar and diary sales were consistent with last year, a mix of self-purchases and gifts, and we continue to sell a good proportion of dated product after Christmas too," says Fiona Fabien, owner of Papyrus in Glasgow. "Our biggest calendar supplier remains BrownTrout, with teNeues also offering an excellent selection. We always do well with Scottish titles - but not the traditional calendar - so it was no surprise that our best selling calendar this year was a bit of fun, Kilty Pleasures, where we sold out in mid-November. teNeues' Gemma Correll's A Cats Life, a humorous take on feline cartoons, was our No 2 best seller. Other hot calendar hits included BrownTrout's Games of Thrones, as well as the Belle and Boo family planner and the Gruffalo, both from teNeues. Day to day blocks were among the best selling formats," adds Fiona.

Above: Kilty Pleasures from BrownTrout, a best seller for Papyrus, Glasgow.

Left: teNeues' A Cat's Life humorous calendar.

SPOTLIGHT ON... RETAIL Strong Sales "I bought slightly more diaries but slightly less calendars than last year," comments Karen Ebers, owner of Something Special in Edenbridge. "Sales of both have been strong, especially the regional calendars, which we always do well with, and the slim calendars."

Continues Karen: "Organised Mum planners and life books are another popular line for us. Plus, Wrendale diaries and calendars sold out completely. Post Christmas, self-purchase sales of calendars were very good."

Below: Organised Mum planners and life books from Boxhouse.

continues Glenn. "Another long-standing customer favourite, Mums Family Calendar, illustrated by US artist Sandra Boynton, completed this year’s Top 10. We also saw particularly notable surges in demand for product relating to AMC’s postapocalyptic zombie drama The Walking Dead. The wall calendar was our 13th placed bestseller with the brand as a whole up 58% on last year, benefitting from the hype surrounding the premiere of the show’s seventh season in October 2016."

Pokemon was up by a whopping 1,300% following the success of the Pokemon Go app, and Game of Thrones wall calendars were up by 20%. "We also saw encouraging debut sales from David Bowie, Shawn Mendes, internet sensation Doug The Pug and US drama Supernatural, as well as strong performances from calendars relating to the year’s biggest films including Fantastic Beasts, Suicide Squad, Deadpool and Trolls."

Adds Glenn, "A final word for former flavours of the month One Direction who dominated our sales chart between the years 2012-2015. After finally being dethroned by Justin Bieber last year, the British boy band found themselves way down in 80th position among such unlikely contemporaries as Winnie the Pooh and the Gruffalo!"

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ECLECTIC

Take Your Pick From pop music and paintings to Advents, apps and organisers, calendar publishers are bringing out a cornucopia of exciting and diverse calendars for 2018.

Countdown To Christmas

Rock On Pyramid International has added a host of new licenses to their range of calendars for 2018, while continuing to produce their traditional lines. Licenses including, Connor McGregor, Loui Jover and Metallica now sit alongside some of their most popular calendars including Breaking Bad, AC/DC, Sons of Anarchy, Bob Marley and Deadpool for 2017.

Pyramid International 0116 184 3645 Spring Fair: Hall 4; Stand E70/F71

Caltime by Woodmansterne is known for its licensed Advent calendars, with this years’ new additions Mog and Stick Man, part of the Gruffalo brand. Written by Julia Donaldson and illustrated by Axel Scheffler, it tells the story of Stick Man who lives in the family tree with Stick Lady and their three stick children. Measuring 245 mm x 350mm and packed with a gifting envelope, this beautifully illustrated Advent calendar also has a spot the difference game on the back.

Also from Caltime by Woodmansterne is a mini Advent calendar card showing Santa over a village giving everyone the opportunity to send an early Christmas message. Printed on an elegant felt board and finished with glitter, its small enough for standard letter postage.

Caltime By Woodmansterne 01923 200600 Spring Fair: Hall 3; Stand N10/P11

Get Baking Artist and illustrator Tracy Hall specialises in highly detailed watercolour paintings with a distinctive nostalgic feel. Each page of the charming calendar, Favourite Baking Recipes, features a colourful scene with an accompanying baking recipe which can be cut out and kept. The calendar retails for £5.75.

Salmon 01732 452381 Spring Fair: Hall 3; Stand M40

Christmas Glitter A Mixed Bag The teNeues 2018 calendar and diary range includes award-winning bestsellers such as the Gruffalo family planner, A Cat’s Life by Gemma Correll and Jack Vettriano.

New titles include Vintage Kitchen Collection by Kelly Hall, art titles including Hiroshighe and Pre-Raphaelites, retro Pin Ups and urban Pop Art from TV Boy. teNeues 0203 542 8997 PROGRESSIVE CALENDARS 2017

Guess how many days till Christmas?

Enjoy the countdown to the big day and open a window every day in December.

Featuring beautiful stickers and cover art from the gorgeous children's picture book Guess How Much I Love You, this Advent calendar is a delight with its sparkling glittered cover.

Flame Tree 020 7751 9650 Spring Fair: Hall 3; Stand 3N31

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ECLECTIC On The Road This well-known brand is new to calendars. It is one of the largest privately owned transport and distribution companies in England today, with over 2,500 trucks that are easily recognised for their distinctive colours and individual names. A £9.99 wall calendar is available that uses this iconic look and will appeal to all Stobart fans.

Carousel Calendars 01392 826482 Spring Fair: Hall 3; Stand Q30/R31

Squaring Up To Adulthood Adulthood is a Myth is a square wall calendar based upon the cartoon series Sarah’s Scribbles and documents real-world anxieties, concerns and insecurities of young modern life.

A 16 month diary/planner is also available from the same artist.

BrownTrout 0117 317 1880 Spring Fair; Hall 3; Stand P41

Adult Colouring Umberto Brunelleschi (Italian, 1879–1949) became one of Europe’s best-known book illustrators of the art deco period, exhibiting his drawings and paintings in Paris salons and at the Venice Biennale. Here are black-andwhite ready to colour illustrations adapted from his work in Contes du Temps Jadis (Stories from Once Upon A Time, France 1912).

Pomegranate Europe 024 7621 4461

In The Game Exploding Kittens square wall calendar is based on the bestselling app and card game that holds the record of being the most funded Kickstarter game of all time, raising £6 million on the crowdfunding website.

BrownTrout 0117 317 1880 Spring Fair: Hall 3; Stand P41

Natural History The Natural History Museum is a world-class visitor attraction and welcomes more than five million visitors a year. The museum cares for more than 80 million specimens and has an extensive archive. Portico is delighted to be working with the NHM and utilising its incredible archive to create four different themed calendars and diaries for 2018: Fossils, Minerals & Gems, Entomology and Botanical.

Portico 01225 329494

Added Value Organiser Dinosaur Roar is a new £10.99 organiser for Carousel Calendars, following on from the success of the company's added value organisers.

Carousel Calendars 01392 826482 Spring Fair: Hall 3; Stand Q30/R31

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Artof Fine Gifts

CALENDARS, DIARIES, NOTEBOOKS Stunning Social Stationery from FLAME TREE. See us at the Spring Fair, Hall 3, Stand N31

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ART & ILLUSTRATION

Straight From The Art

The wonderful world of art and illustration captures everything from classical art to ballet, botanical, vintage, contemporary and fantasy.

Early Monet In the early works of Claude Monet from 1865 to around 1872 - figures, not flowers, were his frequent subjects.

Around 1872, Monet began producing views of the Seine that foreshadowed a new direction in his art. The images in this calendar, and the corresponding exhibition, Monet: The Early Years, lead up to this moment.

Pomegranate Europe 024 7621 4461

Fabled Animal Art When illustrating Aesop’s fables, renowned American artist Charles Santore looked to the animal kingdom, with its huge variety of characters, to provide examples of what it means to be human. Twelve watercolours from Santore’s Aesop’s Fables appear here, each presented alongside its fable.

Pomegranate Europe 024 7621 4461

Poised For Success A Royal Ballet wall calendar features photography of some of the most vibrant and visually stunning ballet performances to grace London's Royal Opera House. It showcases the graceful poise of such dancers as Marianela Nunez, Steven McRae and Beatriz Stix-Brunell in beloved classics such as The Sleeping Beauty and Rhapsody. Other new titles include Unicorns

by Anne Stokes. Angela Harding to Yoga and Meditation and Olga Suvorova.

Flame Tree 020 7751 9650 Spring Fair: Hall 3; Stand N31

Stylishly Vintage Alice Scott is a leading British stationery and gift brand, designed in London and launched in 2013. The playful mix of vintage illustrations, contemporary typography and casual editorial has become Alice Scott’s signature look. Due to the success of the brand on greeting cards, giftwrap and bags we are excited to be launching the 2018 calendar and diary collection.

Other new titles include the Collier Campbell 2018 calendar and diary collection, which mixes vintage details with contrasting patterns, bold colours and exciting new designs, and additions to the Caroline Gardner collection Hey You. Plus, the new Caroline Gardner Rose Tinted range features a monochrome floral design and colourful polka dots.

Portico Designs 01225 329494

Saying It With Flowers Well-known for her floral watercolours Penny Silverthorne’s FLORAL DAYS which she publishes CALENDAR 2018 on greeting cards and a variety of other products, Penny Silverthorne specialises in both contemporary and botanical designs and she gains inspiration from the natural beauty of her local Devon countryside. Her work is being published on two calendars – Floral Days, a slim appointment, and a pictorial calendar entitled Flowers. Both calendars retail for £5.99.

Salmon 01732 452381 Spring Fair: Hall 3; Stand M40 PROGRESSIVE CALENDARS 2017

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Avonside

Publishing Ltd Choose from our range of over 285 Titles. Animals, Artists, Birds, Cars, Dogs, Flowers, Puppies, Travel,Wildlife & Many More.

Dogs, Puppies & Birds Calendars

Tel: +44 (0) 1225 704060 Fax: +44 (0) 1225 707012

2018 Calendars

Generic Calendars

www.avonsidepublishing.co.uk - sales@avonsidepublishing.co.uk To view our 2018 range please visit NEC Spring Fair 2017

Hall 3 Stand M02

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ANIMALS & BIRDS

Animal Instinct From small cats to big cats, from garden birds to wild birds, fauna lovers will find plenty of inspiration for 2018.

Chris Pend leton’s

Garden Birds Family Organiser 2018

Wild About Wildlife Angela Harding has been working in the arts for over 30 years. Based in Rutland, she is inspired by the wealth of natural wildlife around her to create her stunning prints. The animals she depicts – from a blackbird stealing redcurrants to seals in coastal waves – are always featured in atmospheric locations, which pull the viewer into the artwork.

Flame Tree 020 7751 9650 Spring Fair: Hall 3; Stand 3N31

Blue tit Long-tailed tit

Nuthatch Goldfinch House sparrow

Chaffinch

Greenfinch

Beautiful Birds

Animal Magic There are three new products available from Ailsa Black: wall calendar £9.99, slim £5.99, and diary £9.99. She is a Scottish artist that works in her seaside studio to create unique collections of beautiful art and prints to capture the happiness and simplicity of the good things in life. Her animals are particularly stunning and are used throughout the new calendars and diaries.

Carousel Calendars 01392 826482 Spring Fair: Hall 3; Stand Q30/R31

Blackbird

Twelve colourful images of garden birds by wildlife artist Chris Pendleton illustrate this practical calendar organiser with five columns for all the family’s appointments.

Published in A3 size, the calendar retails for £8.99 and each illustration is accompanied by a useful notes section and descriptive caption.

Salmon 01732 452381 Spring Fair: Hall 3; Stand M40

Take Note Thierry Bisch (French, b. 1953) has long specialised in art with a message. Of late, he has brought his critical eye to the plight of animals at risk of extinction with his Delete? project, and a number of works from this series appear here in Thierry Bisch: A Bestiary. These paintings often top six feet, their size emphasising the vital importance of protecting these species.

Pomegranate Europe 024 7621 4461

Cool Cats With over 6.5 million followers on Instagram, the Cats of Instagram profile is an internet sensation! Portico are thrilled to be offering its 2018 calendar collection featuring photos from the Cats of Instagram profile which showcases the character, charm and quirks of cats worldwide.

Portico 01225 329494

Owl Wise Most owl species have a great deal in common, yet their temperaments and behaviours can be strikingly different. San Francisco Bay Area artist Jeannine Chappell has observed owls in the care of local rescue organisations. Her collage-like works convey the unique character of each species, bringing us closer to these intensely wild birds.

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WORLD AROUND US

What A

Wonderful World The world may be turbulent, but as these calendars show, life goes on in Great Britain, with the countryside, landscapes, farming life and canals all beautifully depicted by British artists.

Down On The Farm

Country Wise “Growing up on the edge of Romney Marsh, Sussex, gave me a strong affinity with landscape. The final work is an invitation to stroll about within the parameters of the picture.” Anna Teasdale (British, b. 1930) said about her work, which captures the English countryside with a subtle palette, conveying its beauty from north to south.

Pomegranate Europe 024 7621 4461

Farming Life is a new calendar from the brush of rural artist Michael Cooper, who loves to capture traditional farming scenes around his Somerset home. The calendar depicts vintage tractors and machinery and farmyard life. Opening to twice size, the calendar features an art print and large date block and retails for £5.75. Also new from Salmon is Alan Firth’s Canals retailing at £5.75 and Seaside Poster Art by Becky Bettesworth, which offers a nostalgic twist of a bygone era. It retails for £7.99.

Salmon 01732 452381 Spring Fair: Hall 3; Stand M40

The Beauty Of Ireland Conor McGuire creates timeless visions of his native Ireland. His oil paintings reflect the picturesque landscape in lush, radiant colours. Nature is amplified, accompanied by cathedrals that glow, boats that gently rock and sway, and colourful buildings that stand watch upon the seaport.

Pomegranate Europe 024 7621 4461

On Location These are two stunning calendars by artist Tabitha Mary: British Coastlines Wall £9.99 and West Country £5.99, both showcasing Tabitha’s beautiful vintage style art of popular British locations. They boast a wonderful style that will appeal to the art lover as well as tourists and travellers.

Carousel Calendars 01392 826482 Spring Fair: Hall 3; Stand Q30/R31

Country Nostalgia Trevor Mitchell is a well-known nostalgia artist whose work appears on a wide variety of products. Countryside Memories brings together twelve of his colourful country scenes in a large square format. The calendar retails for £8.99. The inspiration for Jo Grundy’s beautiful country scenes calendar Country Days comes from the ever-changing seasons of the English landscape. Her colourful contemporary style creates a delightful calendar that retails for £5.99.

Salmon 01732 452381 Spring Fair: Hall 3; Stand M40 PROGRESSIVE CALENDARS 2017

Landscape Lovers This art calendar brings together 12 stimulating works by the printmaker and designer Angie Lewin. The fine detail of her landscapes captures the native flora of the regions that inspire her: the north Norfolk coast and the Scottish Highlands. Fall in love with the wild beauty of her reeds, grasses, teasels and other botanical scenes with this exquisite collection of some of her best pieces.

Flame Tree 020 7751 9650 Spring Fair: Hall 3; Stand N31

Immerse yourself in the greeting card world Over 250 publishers, artists and designers from around the globe will be coming together at PG Live to inspire, excite and delight the greetings world. With thousands of original designs, creative ranges and exclusive offers on show, can you afford to miss out?

“We love visiting PG Live! It’s a great show to really focus on cards, as it’s big enough to offer lots of choice without being overwhelming. The show has soul; everyone there is so enthusiastic about the industry.”

Lauren Keen, manager, Sentiments, Burnham on Sea

Be Inspired Now in its ninth unmissable year, Progressive Greetings Live 2017 is an inspiring celebration of the exciting greeting card industry.

Register for your free ticket now at www.progressivegreetingslive.com

PG Live 2017

Tuesday 6 - Wednesday 7 June Business Design Centre, London

BOOK YOUR TICKET NOW!

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

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