Stationery Matters Autumn/Winter 2017

A U T U M N // W I N T E R 2 0 1 7 £ 4 . 9 5

FLAGSHIP STORES: FLYING THE FLAG FOR BRAND IDENTITY 30 UNDER 30 AWARDS: STATIONERY’S NEXT GENERATION

RETAIL FOCUS: WHY POP UP STORES ARE HERE TO STAY

SMALL BUSINESS FOCUS: AUSTIN & CO ICONS OF STATIONERY: THE PARKER “51”

PROFILE: KRISTINA KARLSSON OF KIKKI.K

PLAN YOUR VISIT TO MANCHESTER STATIONERY SHOW

A great gift stationery mix. Covered.

Please contact your agent or request a brochure for more information

Tel: 01373 462165

www.museumsgalleries.co.uk

Email: sales@mgml.co.uk

CONTENTS

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7 NEWS All the latest news from the world of stationery 11 THIRTY UNDER 30 Brand new awards showcasing the next generation of stationery stars 16 ALL IN THE PLANNING Julia Faiers tracks the latest trends in journals 21 ICONS OF STATIONERY Chris Leonard-Morgan on the Parker “51” 22 FLAGSHIP STORES Charlotte Kemp explains why there’s more to a flagship than size and stock

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26 GOING GREEN Trend watch: botanicals 29 MANCHESTER STATIONERY SHOW PREVIEW Everything you need to know about what to see and do at the first Manchester Stationery Show 40 LAUNCHPAD MANCHESTER COMPETITION Editor’s Pick of new stationery suppliers and designs

43 Editor’s Letter

I’m excited about the sheer breadth of talent on display in this issue. From the Manchester LaunchPad awards showcasing innovative new stationery, to the dynamic group of under 30s shaking things up in the Thirty Under 30 Awards, it’s clear the stationery industry is in very good health. Look out for new regular features for this biggestever issue, including Icons of Stationery from London Stationery Show founder Chris Leonard-Morgan and a fascinating focus on small and independent retailers around the UK. If you’re planning a visit to the first ever Manchester Stationery Show, the Show Preview is where you’ll find everything you need to know. Dive in.

Front cover features the Cactus Desktop Organiser by Mustard which has been a massive hit www.justmustard.com

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CONTENTS STATIONERY BIZ 43 DO-IT-YOURSELF STATIONERY Henri Davis on stationery’s current obsession with DIY and personalisation

OUR CONTRIBUTORS Charlotte Kemp Stationery magpie Charlotte Kemp is editor of Femail Magazine at the Daily Mail and has a penchant for ink pens, notebooks and elegant leather pencil cases.

She was previously editor of Stationery Magazine and continues to contribute to Stationery Matters.

Chris Leonard-Morgan Chris is the founder of the London Stationery Show, National Stationery Week,World Stationery Day and the ‘Writing Matters’ campaign. He is a Liveryman of The Stationers’ Company. He also founded the London DIY Show and was one of the founders of Exclusively Housewares of which he is still a director.

Henri Davis Henri has worked in the retail industry for 30 years, and in stationery since 1990, as a stationery buyer for WHSmith until 2003. Now an independent retail advisor in the cards, gifts, stationery and heritage industries, she works with many small and medium-sized businesses.

She is currently chairman of The Giftware Association.

Phil Pond Phil translates consumer and design trends into high-growth business strategies for clients at trend forecasting agency Scarlet Opus. For more than 10 years, Phil has spoken about design and consumer trends at events around the world.

Chris Partridge Chris started writing about technology when phones were wired to the wall, research involved long hours in the library and tweets were strictly for the birds. He edited the technology supplements of the Sunday Times and the Daily Telegraph and now works freelance covering technology trends for The Times and Woman’s Weekly.

Rebecca Saunders Rebecca is an independent retail and ecommerce consultant, having recently run Stationery,Weddings and Christmas at Notonthehighstreet.com. She is a former John Lewis buyer and has worked across Food, Technology, Jewellery, Beauty and Baby & Child. She started her career in finance and strategy.

While every care has been taken for accuracy in the contents of this magazine, the publisher accepts no responsibility or liability for any errors or omissions. No part of this publication may be copied or stored in a retrieval system without the express permission of the publisher.

Views expressed are not necessarily those of the publisher. Copyright: Ocean Media Exhibitions Ltd 2017. Stationery Matters is available free of charge to directors, buyers, merchandise managers, store managers and department managers of retailers and suppliers of stationery products in the UK. No part of this publication may be reproduced without the written permission of the publishers.

47 SCREEN WRITING STARS Chris Partridge reveals the devices and apps where digital and analogue collide 50 BACK TO THE FUTURE Phil Pond of Scarlet Opus explains why the industry can benefit from using trend Intelligence 53 SUSTAINABLE STATIONERY Henri Davis finds out how the market is working to develop sustainability strategies 56 SMALL BUSINESS FOCUS Austin & Co, Malvern 60 TOP OF THE POP UPS Rebecca Saunders investigates the rise of pop ups and why they’re here to stay 62 LAST WORD We interview Kristina Karlsson, founder of kikki.K Editor: Julia Faiers editor@stationerymatters.news Sales & circulation manager: Hazel Fieldwick hazel.fieldwick@oceanmedia.co.uk Sales executive: David Rebelo david.rebelo@oceanmedia.co.uk Art director: Jon Wainwright Marketing manager: Vanessa Fortnam info@stationerymatters.news Publisher: Tim Willoughby tim.willoughby@oceanmedia.co.uk Stationery Matters is published twice a year

by Ocean Media Exhibitions Ltd, One Canada Square, Canary Wharf, London E14 5AP Tel: +44 (0) 20 7772 8461 email: info@stationerymatters.news Twitter: @StatMatters Web: www.stationerymatters.news

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See you the re !

Perfect for planning ahead for spring/summer 2018 and picking up some last minute Christmas deals, the NEW Manchester Stationery Show will be full to the brim with fantastic writing and paper products for gift and greetings retailers.

Don’t miss this two day stationery extravaganza featuring key brands, beautiful designs, new suppliers, leading trend and business speakers and great networking opportunities.

It’s where fashion meets function Register for your FREE ticket today at: www.stationeryshow.co.uk Follow us @StationeryBytes

Register at www.stationerymatters.news to receive our biweekly industry e-newsletter

NEWS

Illustration by Oriana Fenwick, from The Pencil Perfect, Copyright Gestalten 2017

The Pencil Perfect: The Untold Story of a Cultural Icon

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Hard pencils (F and H) contain more clay and less graphite and so are lighter and scratchier, while soft pencils (B) contain more graphite than clay and so are darker and smudgier.

Pilot FriXion celebrates 10 years

19th Century

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Once in a while the writing instruments market witnesses the launch of a product that shakes things up, reinvigorating the market to become an iconic market leader within its category. Sometimes it even creates new categories.

Think about how the Bic Cristal ballpoint and the Sharpie permanent marker have become household names and sell in enormous volumes worldwide.

Stuart Barker, marketing manager at The Pilot Pen Company, shares some insight about these ‘must-stock’ consumer favourites: “Pilot also has such a track record over the years, with the V5 needle point rollerball and then the G2 retractable gel pen. For Pilot, such innovation comes out of its Japanese R&D team every decade or so.

“In late 2006, Pilot launched an erasable pen called the FriXion, based on technology which Pilot originally developed decades earlier, but put on hold until they felt the time was right to introduce the world to their ‘thermo-sensitive’ erasable ink technology.”

And the rest, as they say, is history. Just over a decade on from its launch, the Pilot FriXion has evolved from a fun, novel and practical erasable pen with a tattoo-print barrel for kids to a market-leading product range universally used and loved. Stuart continues: “The range has expanded from the original ‘FriXion Ball’ stick version to retractable, fine-line and felt-tip versions in a range of different ink colours. In recent years, other brands have seen the success of FriXion in the market and released their own thermo-sensitive ink pens to try and challenge Pilot.

“Some would have thought that would decrease Pilot’s dominance in the erasable ink category, but 2017 has so far seen double-digit percentage sales volume growth of the Pilot FriXion range. We have also seen success in the offshoot category of FriXion refills. They are a major seller with strong consumer demand.” www.pilotpen.co.uk

Part elegy and part historical insight into this humblest of writing instruments, The Pencil Perfect is ‘the tangible tale of the pencil’, authored by pencil connoisseur Caroline Weaver. Caroline is a self-confessed pencil obsessive, whose childhood fascination with the tool led her to open her own shop dedicated to the pencil, CW Pencil Enterprise in New York, and to write this book. Oriana Fenwick, an artist from Zimbabwe, contributes the illustrations – all drawn in pencil, of course.

In tune with the current curiosity and enthusiasm for small, everyday analogue objects, The Pencil Perfect features profiles of pencil makers, anecdotes about famous writers’ favourite pencils, and essays revealing the surprising role pencils played in world history and culture. Weaver compares how the pencil looked then and now, and how its uses have evolved. Described by the publisher as an endearing and enlightening biography of an inanimate object, The Pencil Perfect is a book to read and to cherish. Be prepared for a sudden, irresistible urge to buy and use more pencils!

The Pencil Perfect by Caroline Weaver was published in the UK in May by Gestalten. www.gestalten.com

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NEWS

mt X Foyles: where tape meets books

mt masking tape, the original Japanese washi tape brand from Japan, played the starring role in an impressive art installation at Foyles’ flagship book store on Charing Cross Road, London in September.

The iconic masking tape has featured in several installations globally, but mt X Foyles is a first for the brand in the UK. The installation’s award-winning designer, Koji Iyama, created a

show-stopping window display and transformed the book store’s beautiful Atrium with a striking graphic design using grey, blue and white mt tapes.

This is the first time Koji has brought his creations to London, having worked with mt since 2008 creating imaginative art installations around the world. Koji’s first UK project takes inspiration from the store itself, and its piles and piles of books.

The latest range of mt masking tape was available to purchase at the store for the duration of the installation, which was timed to link in with the London Design Festival, which ran 16 - 24 September 2017.

In the hands of an artist like Koji, it’s easy to see the creative possibilities of mt tape pushed to new levels. But for every day use? Emily Stone, marketing and communications executive at Stone Marketing Ltd, the exclusive UK distributor of mt masking tape, has the following suggestions: “The versatility of these small colourful rolls is extensive, which for me is the most exciting thing about the brand. They can be used in the office for marking files, sticking things to the wall and personalising notebooks, or at home for labelling things in the kitchen, decorating small pieces of furniture or even entire walls and windows! With a bit of creativity, the possibilities really are endless.” www.stonemarketing.com

GLUE DOTS UNVEILS NEW-LOOK PACKAGING, NEW DISTRIBUTOR AND NEW DEALS It has been a busy year for Glue Dots International as the company has just launched an eye-catching newlook for its range of adhesives and appointed Personal Impressions as distributor for the stationery, craft, art and education trade sectors.

Visitors can sample and try out Glue Dots at the Craft Focus magazine workshops – plus, there’s a range of exclusive show offers.

The new packaging is stylish and informative featuring simple illustrations that make it easy for customers to select the right adhesive for their needs.

We caught up with Dave Angus, Glue Dots European Key Account Manager, to ask him more about the new-look packaging and their new distributor.

to consumers what it is they’re looking at and what a particular adhesive can do for them. This new packaging design does just that.”

What was the thinking behind the re-design?

Tell us more about your new distributor?

“It’s a brand evolution that we are very happy with. We have a large range of adhesive options including dispensers, rolls and sheets and there’s also a choice of different adhesive strengths from removable to permanent.

“We know that consumers spend just a few seconds ‘dwell time’ on products in-store so, it’s vital for us to get across

“It’s an exciting new venture as Glue Dots International has appointed Personal Impressions. We believe they’re a great fit with Glue Dots as they are very well-known in the industry for their brand-focused range of craft products. We also liked their personal family-friendly approach, backed by impressive warehousing and logistical support, high quality service and fast delivery, which we believe makes them an ideal distributor for Glue Dots.”

STAND

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For orders and new account opportunities please contact Personal Impressions: Tel: 01787 375241 Email: pisales@personalimpressions.com

www.personalimpressions.com

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NEWS

Indie boutique Meticulous Ink celebrates 7th birthday

The doors to Meticulous Ink’s first small shop opened in Bath in October 2010.

Within four months, the stationery design and print company acquired its first printing press. The business grew and they needed a separate space for their enormous 1960s Heidelberg Windmill presses: the new premises on Walcot Street housed both the shop and print works in one building, and is where Meticulous Ink continues to reside and thrive.

To celebrate the company’s seven years of designing and printing fine stationery, owner Athena Cauley-Yu comments: “we will be open all day on Saturday 21st October for customers to peruse the machines close up, plus we’ll be having some print demonstrations to show the machines at work. All are welcome to visit.” www.meticulousink.com

Left, Zoë Ross, printer and Athena Cauley-Yu, owner

50 years of Chronicle Books

Born in San Francisco’s Summer of Love in 1967, Chronicle Books has grown from a regional press into a leading international publisher of books and gift formats.

Stationery, journals, and other non-book items first became part of the Chronicle Books brand in 1993 and will celebrate its 25 year anniversary next year.

Tyrrell Mahoney, president of Chronicle Books, said: “We’ve challenged ourselves to sell our books around the globe, in bookstores, museum shops, and gift stores

large and small, from specialty stores to farm stands, wineries, toy stores, and even car washes. We love when people tell us they see our books everywhere.”

Many of the celebrations took place in the publisher’s home city, including an exhibition at the San Francisco Center for the Book and a Chronicle Books Read Aloud Day at all the public library branches. www.abramsandchronicle.co.uk

Chronicle Books staff 2017. Photo: Ryan Cunningham

London Calling

Remember to pencil in next year’s London Stationery Show, which takes place at the Business Design Centre 24-25 April 2018. The London Stationery Show is the place to visit to see the widest variety and the cutting edge of stationery design.

You will always find something new.

The 2018 show will feature a great speaker programme, a craft workshop, and the most comprehensive selection of paper and writing instrument suppliers anywhere in the UK, all under one roof. So if you buy or sell stationery, save the date now!

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Setting the standard for ingenuity in design, Castelli are delighted to present the new Midnight Floral collection.

See all our beautiful new collections at

www.castelliitaly.com

new

T: www.castelliitaly.com E: 01892 612 200 1W: 0 retail@castelli.co.uk A U T U M N // W I N T E R 2 0 1 7

or visit us at the

Manchester Stationery Show 31st October - 1st November 2017 • Stand 11

SPECIAL FOCUS

THIRTY UNDER 30 AWARDS

MEET THE JUDGES

Wendy Vickery

marketing manager, Pentel UK

Mark Janson-Smith managing director, independent retailer Postmark

Ruth Burgess

senior stationery buyer, B&M Retail Ltd

Julia Faiers

editor, Stationery Matters

THE KEY to our industry’s future lies with the next generation of young professionals. Thirty Under 30 is a brand new awards initiative set up to identify and acknowledge these talented young people across the breadth of the industry. Nominations for the awards flooded in over the summer, revealing an exciting array of people under 30 shaking things up in the stationery industry.

Our judges’ task was to review all 30 nominees, identify those which stood out from the rest, and describe why they deserved to be highlighted. The ‘stand out’ candidates will be revealed during the after-show party on the first day of the Manchester Stationery Show on 31 October.

Nominees, who could nominate themselves or be nominated by a colleague, were asked to demonstrate their passion for their business and products, as well as show creativity, innovation and commitment to their role, and display an understanding of the wider UK stationery industry.

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NAME: Adam Whittaker COMPANY: ExaClair Limited JOB TITLE: E-Commerce and social media developer JOB DESCRIPTION/ACHIEVEMENTS: Established online identities for nine brands supplied in the UK by ExaClair; developed existing online assets and implemented new ideas to help grow the company’s engagement and sales delivered from targeted digital marketing; developed a brand new digital strategy.

WHAT THE JUDGES SAID: WV: “Enthusiastic and committed to his new role within our industry.”

JF: “He works confidently between traditional and digital marketing methods.”

NAME: Berjo Mouanga COMPANY: Berjo Creative JOB TITLE: Illustrator JOB DESCRIPTION/ACHIEVEMENTS: Illustrator and graphic designer running a creative studio called Berjo Creative which provides an illustration and branding service; designed and created a handmade stationery brand. One of the winners of the 2017 London LaunchPad competition.

WHAT THE JUDGES SAID: JF: “He’s clued up on trends and has developed a product with good commercial appeal.”

WV: “He clearly has entrepreneurial, as well as creative, talent.”

NAME: Bree Huxley COMPANY: Think Trigg JOB TITLE: Creative Director JOB DESCRIPTION/ACHIEVEMENTS: Part of the team that created Life Mapper, a page-a-day analogue companion. One of the winners of the 2017 London LaunchPad competition.

WHAT THE JUDGES SAID: WV: “An individual who clearly has talent and determination.”

MJS: “Bree has researched the market well, and rather than rushing a product to market, has sought the advice of specialists, which shows maturity and vision.”

NAME: Chloe Bayles COMPANY: A Gift From The Gods (AGFG) Brands Ltd JOB TITLE: Wholesale Manager JOB DESCRIPTION/ ACHIEVEMENTS: Covers product development, trade shows and wholesale account management.

WHAT THE JUDGES SAID: WV: “She is clearly one to watch, and possesses the talent and vision to help take A Gift From The Gods into its next phase of development.”

JF: “Her passion for the product shines through.”

NAME: Chloe Sewell COMPANY: Pictures and Presents JOB TITLE: Owner and professional photographer JOB DESCRIPTION/ACHIEVEMENTS: Opened her own gift shop straight from university.

WHAT THE JUDGES SAID: MJS: “I am fully aware of the hard work and commitment to open and run your own shop so have nothing but admiration for Chloe to do this on her own at 21.”

NAME: Chris Holden COMPANY: Ajoto JOB TITLE: Founder and Director of Ajoto JOB DESCRIPTION/ACHIEVEMENTS: Creates hand-crafted writing products from Ajoto’s Manchester design studio.

WHAT THE JUDGES SAID: JF: “I love the product Ajoto has brought to market, and the way Chris, as founder, has delivered it.”

NAME: Christina Forman COMPANY: Papier JOB TITLE: Creative Director JOB DESCRIPTION/ACHIEVEMENTS: Worked with the Founder and Marketing Director to pass major milestones and build and define the brand aesthetic.

WHAT THE JUDGES SAID: MJS: “A very impressive CV and I am aware of the brand and design collaborations which list some very respected names which shows how talented Christina must be.” WV: “Christina displays creative vision, a flair for NPD and commitment to the achievement of business objectives.” JF: “I’m fascinated by her curation skills in identifying artists that fit with Papier’s brand identity and then working to translate this into stationery.”

NAME: Claire Boyden COMPANY: The Plan Den JOB TITLE: Owner JOB DESCRIPTION/ ACHIEVEMENTS: Designs and makes made-to-order items for planners and runs her own Etsy shop.

WHAT THE JUDGES SAID: JF: “Claire’s planner stickers cater for an eclectic audience (love the Wiccan Holidays sheet!) and her Etsy shop shows a lot of happy customers.”

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NAME: Daniel Jay Kanabar COMPANY: Castlegate Stationery Art and Toys JOB TITLE: Senior Sales Assistant JOB DESCRIPTION/ACHIEVEMENTS: He is 16 and has worked for the family business for two years.

WHAT THE JUDGES SAID: WV: “It is commendable that at such a young age Daniel is already receiving praise from customers for his helpful manner and professional level of service.”

NAME: Daniel Mark Carr COMPANY: ColArt International JOB TITLE: Global Senior Brand Manager JOB DESCRIPTION/ACHIEVEMENTS: Managed a global relaunch of the Reeves brand.

WHAT THE JUDGES SAID: WV: “Daniel shows creative flair, passion and commitment and a strong understanding of rebranding as part of a successful consumer marketing strategy.

JF: “He’s made the Reeves brand cool, using every trick in the book to take it to his target market.”

MJS: “He’s shown great skill to rebrand a staple stationery brand.”

NAME: Emma Farley COMPANY: A Cornish Geek JOB TITLE: Blogger/Owner A Cornish Geek JOB DESCRIPTION/ACHIEVEMENTS: Created her stationery and lifestyle blog five years ago.

WHAT THE JUDGES SAID: JF: “Emma’s enthusiasm towards engaging with fellow stationery addicts during National Stationery Week shows her passion for the products and for the ‘Writing Matters’ campaign.”

NAME: Emma Pearce COMPANY: Hotchpotch JOB TITLE: Designer JOB DESCRIPTION/ACHIEVEMENTS: New product development, design and illustration of new lines for Hotchpotch; styles the company catalogues, involved in website redesign and trade show stands.

WHAT THE JUDGES SAID: RB: “Emma is helping to keep designs and ranges exciting. The passion she shows is reflected in the design and product, and she seems to understand how a fresh new design can drive sales.”

NAME: Florin Musteata COMPANY: Welch & Tidy JOB TITLE: Buyer JOB DESCRIPTION/ACHIEVEMENTS: Reinvigorated the wholesale category, introducing new brands and refreshing the current suppliers’ ranges.

WHAT THE JUDGES SAID: MJS: “To get this position without any experience is a statement of Florin’s character in itself. His innovative promotions are commendable.”

WV: “An enthusiastic and committed innovator determined to help grow his company’s business by understanding customer needs.”

NAME: Gemma Hayden COMPANY: Quadrille, an imprint of Hardie Grant JOB TITLE: Senior Designer JOB DESCRIPTION/ACHIEVEMENTS: Has led the design team for Quadrille’s growing stationery programme for the last 12 months, working across a large range of products and collaborating with many different authors and brands.

WHAT THE JUDGES SAID: WV: “Her work with the Lulu Guinness brand has enabled the sales team to broaden their range of accounts.”

JF: “She obviously has a good eye for brand identity and how that translates to Quadrille’s own stationery portfolio.”

NAME: Jaymin Patel COMPANY: Shop Inc JOB TITLE: Founder/Director JOB DESCRIPTION/ACHIEVEMENTS: Stationery wholesaler, supplier and manufacturer.

WHAT THE JUDGES SAID: MJS: “I always admire anyone who starts a business from the ground up so this alone deserves to be commended.”

JF: “It’s wonderful that his business provides jobs for his community, including forging a partnership with his own school.”

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NAME: Jennifer Rea COMPANY: Ink Monkey Art JOB TITLE: Director JOB DESCRIPTION/ACHIEVEMENTS: Started a retail space selling stationery and art supplies, expanding to provide a printing, binding and laminating service.

WHAT THE JUDGES SAID: MJS: “A great looking business and excellent consumer engagement.”

JF: “I am impressed by her drive to create, build and manage a physical and online community for creatives in her area.”

WV: “She demonstrates passion, creativity and an innovative approach to her business.”

NAME: Joshua Allsopp COMPANY: OPI JOB TITLE: Reporter JOB DESCRIPTION/ACHIEVEMENTS: News reporter focusing on office products and supplies; rejuvenating social media and video content for the wellestablished trade title. Part of the BOSS Leaders of the Future committee, where he looks after the communications side of things. He is also helping to set up an LGBT+ support network for the office supplies and stationery industry alongside BOSS. WHAT THE JUDGES SAID: JF: “Joshua has made a significant impact in a relatively short space of time.”

NAME: Lianne Devonish COMPANY: NPW Gifts JOB TITLE: Product Developer JOB DESCRIPTION/ACHIEVEMENTS: Key member of the Product Development team.

WHAT THE JUDGES SAID: WV: “Lianne is a hard-working, creative and committed young professional.”

JF: “A perfectionist in her role and a resourceful, helpful team member.”

NAME: Mary Yusuf COMPANY: Cocoon – Home & Stationery JOB TITLE: Founder and Creative Director JOB DESCRIPTION/ACHIEVEMENTS: Created her own stationery line, sold through her online store.

WHAT THE JUDGES SAID: WV: “She is a determined and self-motivated individual with a passion for stationery.”

JF: “I’m impressed. Only 25 and already a Boss Lady.”

NAME: Natalie Lea Owen COMPANY: Natalie Lea Owen JOB TITLE: Founder and Designer JOB DESCRIPTION/ACHIEVEMENTS: Surface pattern designer who started her own independent stationery brand in 2015. Her products are now stocked in stores internationally. She was a finalist in the 2016 Etsy Awards.

WHAT THE JUDGES SAID: WV: “To set up as a freelance designer after graduating, and then to create her own range of products shows courage, creativity and determination.”

JF: “A talented illustrator with an eye for current stationery trends. Her ‘can-do’ attitude inspires me.”

NAME: Natalie Richardson COMPANY: Mall Galleries JOB TITLE: Bookshop Manager JOB DESCRIPTION/ACHIEVEMENTS: Sources new product lines, analyses buying patterns of designs and listens to customer feedback. Started a new range promoting artists exhibiting in

NAME: Nikki Strange COMPANY: Nikki Strange JOB TITLE: Designer JOB DESCRIPTION/ACHIEVEMENTS: Self-funded setting up her own business in 2013 with an initial line of notebooks, which she has expanded to include more stationery – greeting cards, notepads, planners and accessories.

WHAT THE JUDGES SAID: MJS: “A very impressive website and a good product range. Her list of suppliers is impressive too.

Her attitude to hard work, and her understanding that starting a business takes commitment, is commendable.”

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the galleries.

WHAT THE JUDGES SAID: WV: “Natalie’s decisions are based on analysis and customer feedback, and she is sensitive to pricing. Her idea to promote the work of visiting artists through greeting cards shows innovation and she has an eye to the future with a desire to grow the stationery range.”

NAME: Qusai Jafferji COMPANY: Newmans Stationery Ltd. JOB TITLE: Head of Sales & Marketing JOB DESCRIPTION/ACHIEVEMENTS: Works across website design and digitisation of the printing side of the business, and directly with clients. Works with the community to promote local small businesses.

WHAT THE JUDGES SAID: WV: “There is certainly evidence of Qusai’s commitment to his role within the stationery industry, but equally impressive is his involvement with charity organisations in the commitment, which will help reflect positively on the stationery industry.”

NAME: Rebecca Gray COMPANY: Rebecca Kathryn JOB TITLE: Owner and Founder JOB DESCRIPTION/ACHIEVEMENTS: New motherhood prompted her to create a planner that fitted her needs: The Coco Planner.

WHAT THE JUDGES SAID: JF: “I’m impressed that in the maelstrom of new motherhood Rebecca identified a gap in the market to create her Coco Planner to help organise her life. Its many press mentions show it reflects current trends in both design and function.”

NAME: Rebecca Ostrowski COMPANY: Maped Helix JOB TITLE: Marketing Executive JOB DESCRIPTION/ACHIEVEMENTS: Works with the media and suppliers, on initiatives like National Stationery Week, organises stands at major trade shows and works with retailers on their window displays.

WHAT THE JUDGES SAID: RB: “She sounds like a very valued member of the team who rises above expectations to deliver what’s required to drive stationery for Maped Helix. Trade shows are very important to buyers and suppliers, and creating the right stand for these events is a key skill.”

NAME: Ross Adams COMPANY: Niche Pens Ltd JOB TITLE: Managing Director JOB DESCRIPTION/ACHIEVEMENTS: Started Niche Pens in 2004 after identifying a gap in the market, initially offering one brand and then expanding to cover more lines.

WHAT THE JUDGES SAID: MJS: “An incredible selection of pens on his website which would have taken some curating.

Always a fan of someone who does one thing well, Ross has excelled in bringing this collection to the market place.”

NAME: Scott Woodward COMPANY: Nemo Group JOB TITLE: Marketing Manager JOB DESCRIPTION/ACHIEVEMENTS: Creates marketing campaigns, updated the corporate website, set up the company’s in-house design agency, launched a new social media management service for members, created an award-winning catalogue.

WHAT THE JUDGES SAID: RB: “A very forward-thinking individual, highly motivated, committed and inspirational. Proud of what he has achieved for the company and his team.”

NAME: Sidonie Warren COMPANY: Papersmiths JOB TITLE: Founder JOB DESCRIPTION/ACHIEVEMENTS: Founded contemporary stationers Papersmiths with bricks-and-mortar stores in Bristol and London and an e-commerce store.

WHAT THE JUDGES SAID: JF: “Her design vision infuses everything, from the products she travels the world to source, to how they are presented online and at the brand’s incredibly stylish and innovative stores.”

WV: “Truly inspiring – an example of what can be achieved with passion, belief, intelligence and determination.”

NAME: Sophie Agar COMPANY: Papier JOB TITLE: Brand & Marketing Director JOB DESCRIPTION/ACHIEVEMENTS: Joined the brand pre-launch, helping to define the brand’s core principles and build its community of designers, collaborators and customers. Enabled strong growth, including achieving the brand’s Series A fundraise in April 2017.

WHAT THE JUDGES SAID: JF: “Sophie clearly lives and breathes the brand and has played a leading role in shaping its strong identity. Her expertise extends to fundraising and building an impressive legion of Papier fans on social media.”

NAME: Taymoor Atighetchi COMPANY: Papier JOB TITLE: Founder and CEO of Papier JOB DESCRIPTION/ACHIEVEMENTS: Established Papier as a leading stationery brand in less than two years, working to deliver a wide selection of design-led and personalised stationery online.

WHAT THE JUDGES SAID: WV: “I was extremely impressed

by Taymoor’s vision and determination, firstly identifying a gap in the market, then establishing a successful business model and building relationships with artists, illustrators and style icons.

Taymoor has a passion for stationery – one to watch.”

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ALL IN THE PLANNING Editor of Stationery Matters and avid journaler JULIA FAIERS tracks the latest trends in journals Say Nice Things

Rhodia

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JOURNALING, it seems, is having a moment. Once upon a time people kept a diary. Today they journal. It’s a verb now, as well as an old-fashioned noun. And although the human urge to document, plan and make lists goes back eons, what the market is seeing right now is a rekindled love affair with these analogue methods and products.

It is fascinating to see how the industry caters not just to long-time journalers, but to a new generation that hasn’t experienced life without the internet. A handful of key trends currently dominate the journal market, all of which tap into pre-internet desires to record events and emotions, and to feel organised and motivated.

Some are marketed as a deliberate antidote to digital overload. One of the main trends firing up young and old alike is the goal-oriented journal.

Goal Digger Innovation in goal-setting journals is coming in equal measure from big brands like Rhodia and start-ups like Think Trigg. ExaClair, the UK supplier of Rhodia, has introduced Goal Book journals to its Rhodiarama

range of notebooks and pads. Goal Books are available in 16 on-trend colours and come with functional features like contents tables, indexing and calendars. They provide a clear framework for the person who wants to customise their journal and organise their life.

Kevin Wharton, ExaClair’s marketing manager, says: “The new Goal Books, a trend that’s come over from the US, have been introduced to serve a growing market looking for the utmost in functionality and design. Rhodia grew by 50% in 2016, partly as a result of wider distribution, but also because we have been able to continually expand the range of books, pads, and accessories to suit the needs of the modern boutique stationery buyer.”

Think Trigg was a LaunchPad winner at this year’s London Stationery Show, attracting attention from buyers and visitors with its visually enticing and practical Life Mapper journal. Life Mapper was designed to facilitate identifying and achieving goals; each page has a dedicated section for prioritising

Cocoon

Think Trigg

By Mrs Carter

Berjo Creative

what’s important, what can be delayed, and what can be shelved.

The company’s director Matthew Bennett and creative director Bree Huxley see its appeal as going deeper than this: Digital detox “Trigg is an antidote to the internet,” says Matthew Bennett. “The provocative concept of our page-a-day diary has evolved for anyone wishing to reboot their focus, habits, productivity and relationships. Yes, we are all addicted to the internet but we are all also craving balance, looking to a former life that wasn’t so dominated by devices.

“Lots of people at the London Stationery Show asked us why we didn’t make Trigg as a smartphone app, but Trigg has been designed to help hold aloft daily people’s most sacred intentions away from the rising tides of digital distraction. It resonates with people’s needs because each day we find our most important personal goals washed away by a wave of noisy notifications, social media data, iCal reminders and hundreds and hundreds of emails.”

This concept of turning to paper to crystallise our thoughts and ‘reboot’ is echoed by another millennial stationery designer and LaunchPad winner, Berjo Mouanga of Berjo Creative. Mouanga hand-makes his notebooks, which feature quirky bicycle illustrations that straddle the front and back covers. He adds: “I believe that paper products and stationery will always be relevant, especially today when most people rely on their digital devices, it’s refreshing to go back to pen and paper. The feeling one has when ticking off items from a to-do list, or writing down a quick thought or idea simply cannot be replaced by a digital screen.”

By Mrs Carter, another London LaunchPad winner, whose positivity journals are bound in leather, linen and Harris tweed, includes pages encouraging users to ditch their phone for a day.

A HANDFUL OF KEY TRENDS CURRENTLY DOMINATE THE JOURNAL MARKET, ALL OF WHICH TAP INTO PRE-INTERNET DESIRES TO RECORD EVENTS AND EMOTIONS, AND TO FEEL ORGANISED AND MOTIVATED.

Mindful journaling The UK is experiencing a ‘mindfulness mega-trend’ in reading, with The Guardian reporting on 31 July 2017 that sales of spiritual books had risen A U T U M N // W I N T E R 2 0 1 7 1 7

Leuchtturm1917

Abrams Noterie

Boho Berry

THE FEELING ONE HAS WHEN TICKING OFF ITEMS FROM A TO-DO LIST, OR WRITING DOWN A QUICK THOUGHT OR IDEA SIMPLY CANNOT BE REPLACED

BY A DIGITAL SCREEN.

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13 per cent in 2017. This trend has had a significant impact on stationery design, with many suppliers giving their journals a mindful theme. Think Trigg’s Matthew Bennett continues: “The Launchpad London judges aligned our journal format with the growth of mindfulness at work, digital detoxing and mental health awareness as yet more evidence of a surging analogue backlash. Having put so much love and thought into the flow of wisdom found in Trigg, it was cathartic watching attendees of the London Stationery Show in April pick up a copy at our stand and visibly relax as they browsed our suggestions to find greater focus and calm.”

Andy Youings, marketing manager at Say Nice Things, is as enthusiastic about the mental health benefits of journaling as his customers, commenting: “The main benefit of journaling is that of reflection. This could be anything from solving a problem, dealing with life’s challenges or understanding your own feelings.”

New stationery designer Cocoon focuses on mindfulness as an aid to productivity. Founder Mary Yusuf says: “The Fruitfulness journal is aimed at the woman who wants to get organised, be intentional and see fruit from her busy life.”

Bring on the BuJo BuJo (or Bullet Journalling for those who dislike abbreviation) was created

by Ryder Carroll, a digital product designer living in New York, to organise his life. He describes it on his website and YouTube channel as an analogue system for the digital age. It simply refers to a journal with gridded or dotted paper. But it’s how you use the paper to list, categorise and plan that has proved so popular with journalers. BuJo epitomises the happy marriage between analogue tools and digital inspiration. As well as the official website bulletjournal.com, Carroll’s YouTube channel commands 84,000 subscribers, and his ‘how to’ bullet journal video for beginners has nearly 6 million views. The Instagram hashtag #bulletjournal has been used in more than a million posts. Kara Benz’s Boho Berry blog is a visual feast of bullet journaling inspiration, including a post advising how to

document your ink collection. Many bullet journal devotees want to turn their journal into a thing of beauty as well as set goals, and they go online for inspiration.

Leuchtturm1917 offers the only official licensed Bullet Journal, complete with the brand’s embossed logo, but several manufacturers have responded by producing variations on the theme. Abrams Noterie has recently released its Jot Dot Doodle Notebooks with tactile embossed covers and gridded paper inside, aimed at ‘diligent notetakers and dedicated doodlers’, to encourage artistic creativity as well as an organised mind.

The Next Big Thing?

A natural extension of the mindfulness trend is kindness. The book trade identified the publishing trend for ‘up lit’ earlier in 2017, and we’re now seeing this filter through to journals. Chronicle Books has just released Kindness Every Day: A Journal. Users can read inspiring quotes on how to build a life of peace, wellness and happiness by recording how they offer and receive kindness.

What’s not to love?

Chronicle Books

kikki.K

Journaling accessories Journalers love to adorn their pages and personalise their doodles using accessories like mt tape and pens in every colour. Stabilo’s latest ad campaign for its Boss pastel highlighters carries the hashtag #mystabilojournal so users can share their journal layouts on Instagram.

Retailers are responding to the journaling trend by offering accessories to upsell their core product. Kikki.K gives its newsletter subscribers helpful tips on how to form good journaling habits. The brand uses visually arresting stills and inspirational videos showing how to create the perfect, personalised journal with accessories like adhesive notes, pens and even an ‘inspiration kit’ of quotes.

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MANCHESTER STATIONERY SHOW www.leuchtturm1917.co.uk

STAND 4

ICONS OF STATIONERY

The Parker “51” CHRIS LEONARD-MORGAN, the founder of the London Stationery Show, pens his thoughts on the ‘world’s most wanted pen’

CraneReaction

FOR many people, especially those of a certain age – which unfortunately includes myself – the legendary Parker “51” is one of the first stationery icons to come to mind. It’s a true classic, and the world’s biggest selling as well as one of the most elegant fountain pens ever made.

I was given mine by my mother in 1961 at the age of 13 and continue to use it to this day – little could either of us have known then that years later I would be fortunate enough to be part of this amazing market.

Developed in 1939 and launched in 1941, the Parker “51” was promoted as ‘the world’s most wanted pen’ and is believed to have been so named to mark the fifty-first year of existence of the company formed by George Safford Parker at the age of just 25 in 1888. There is also a possibility that it was named because of Route 51 being built through Janesville, USA where the company was based and most of the pens were made, but no one knows for certain. Either way, by giving it a number rather than a name, Parker avoided the difficulties which can sometimes arise when translating a name into other languages.

It remained in production for over 30 years until 1972 by when it had sold millions of pens worth in excess of an incredible $400m.

The Parker “51” has a long and rich history, and was by any standards a remarkable product. Stylish but not flashy, it was particularly innovative with its hooded tubular nib, sleek cigar-shaped barrel, multi-finned ink collector and efficient non-screwing slip cap. It was intended for use with a special fast-drying ink, and is still instantly recognisable even today. It won many awards and has a place in the Museum of Modern Art’s design collection and its own Wikipedia entry.

It wasn’t just looks that gave the Parker “51” its enduring appeal and cachet. It was designed to be a durable, reliable, hardworking everyday pen and it did not disappoint – my own is testimony to that.

It was not inexpensive, and was for a long time the pen to be seen to have, and enough of a status symbol for some people just to wear the cap in their jacket pocket with the clip visible! Its fans included royalty and the military, with Germany’s surrender after World War Two being signed with a Parker “51” by General Dwight D Eisenhower, and Japan’s by General Douglas MacArthur. Parker itself was awarded the Royal Warrant by Queen Elizabeth II in 1962, and HRH The Prince of Wales in 1990.

Not all Parker “51”s are the same, with a number of refinements being

The Gentleman Stationer

The Gentleman Stationer

made over the years to the barrel, cap and clip, filling system, colours and materials used.

It was brought out of retirement in 2002 with the production of a 51 Special Edition retro model with an Empire State Building etched cap.

The Parker “51” remains popular with pen bloggers and collectors and attracts different price levels according to the model, condition and age of the pen. Joe Crace, for example – otherwise known as The Gentleman Stationer – devotes a post to this beloved pen on his blog celebrating ‘vintage living in the modern world.’

It’s heartening to see this pen’s iconic status shows no signs of diminishing.

The Parker Pen Company

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kikki.K’s flagship store in Covent Garden

FLAGSHIP STORES Stationery addict and editor of the Daily Mail’s Femail Magazine CHARLOTTE KEMP investigates why there’s more to a head store than square footage and extra stock

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FOR stationery lovers, students and passing tourists alike, it’s a retail paradise.

Airy and light yet stacked high with tempting products, there are enticing displays, opportunities to touch and try out, workshops and demonstrations to sign up to, and even a spacious coffee shop to enjoy.

Paperchase’s flagship three-storey store in Tottenham Court Road is conveniently located underneath the brand’s head office and is described by chief executive Timothy Melgund as the “biggest and highest-turnover store,” welcoming more than one million customers each year from around the world. “It’s a big machine,” he admits.

What makes a ‘flagship’ store?

The term refers to the old naval description of the lead vessel in the fleet and for Paperchase, this means creating a destination store which plays out the brand identity on a vast, impressive scale. It’s also used to strengthen the link between brand and retail delivery – a handy testing ground to try out new products developed at head office and get instant feedback.

For boutique brands a flagship has another purpose. The main drive is to establish a strong online presence rather than a chain of shops, so the flagship becomes an effective window display for products and brand aesthetic.

International brands like kikki.K and Fabriano are sited at prestigious London addresses to showcase the offer to the UK market. Location is key – nestled between fashion and beauty brands in the heart of Covent Garden, kikki.K’s flagship signals that the stationery is as much a fashion and lifestyle accessory as a practical buy.

The brand message spreads by word of mouth, building a cult status.

For some High Street chains, the flagship was the store that got the ball rolling. Tinc established its identity through the very first shop in Bath, which is now closed, but set a template for a wider roll out which now numbers 17. Australian import Smiggle opened the first UK store in Westfield White City, a clever move to get the brand talked about and to guarantee initial footfall before a rapid roll out in the provinces.

Here, successful brands reveal the philosophy behind their flagship stores...

PAPERCHASE, TOTTENHAM COURT ROAD, LONDON JOE IRONS, chief customer officer of Paperchase says: What’s the ethos behind the design and layout of the flagship store?

The overall intent was to create the most impressive stationery and card store, certainly in the UK…if not globally. When the doors first opened in 2000, Paperchase wanted the store to be as prominent and memorable as the Heal’s next door, and with the most standout shopfront on Tottenham Court Road.

The interior was designed around the self-supporting scissor staircase, so customers can see all the space as they walk up the theatrical central stairs and view the different product groupings on each floor. With over 20,000 different products across stationery, greeting cards and wrap, premium gifting and art and craft materials, this is no mean feat.

Along with the impressive stairs, high ceilings, lighting and fixture design, it brings all three trading stores together in an impressive stationery emporium.

Is it an integral part of the brand positioning/brand identity?

Yes – as well as being at the forefront of the stationery and greetings card industry, the store is the absolute heart of the Paperchase brand. The store provides the envelope to drive the brand forward and is the testing ground for new innovation across product design, service and display.

The entire Paperchase head office and creative function is also based above the store, with windows and easy access to the store giving staff the feel of being part of the shopping environment. The link between brand and retail delivery is both immediate and engaging.

What add on experiences are there?

Interactive displays and retailing theatre are at the heart of the Paperchase flagship model.

The store has dedicated visual merchandising teams who ensure creative and elevated product presentation. We also offer a product personalisation service and on the top floor, regular and ever-changing

crafting workshops (which can be booked in store or online at paperchase.co.uk/project-craft) where both adults and children can learn all sorts of skills including how to scrapbook, make cards or even pompoms! Workshops start from as little as £5. There’s also a café on the first floor where customers can relax, review their stationery purchases and watch the world go by on Tottenham Court Road.

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KIKKI.K, JAMES STREET, COVENT GARDEN, LONDON KRISTINA KARLSSON, founder of kikki.K says: What’s the ethos behind the design and layout of the flagship store?

Our kikki.K London flagship store embraces our Swedish heritage and design philosophy, bringing to life the rich, authentic brand story that is inspiring millions of people around the world. Customers are surprised and delighted in the store; design mood boards showcase how our unique products come to be, and an inspiring styled workspace nook shows customers how kikki.K can seamlessly fit into their stylish lives. The kikki.K monogramming service is also an integral part of the brand positioning/brand identity.

The kikki.K brand purpose is to inspire and empower people to live their best life every day and we believe an inspiring instore experience is a perfect way to start this journey.

What add on experiences are there?

We always have exciting events and activities happening in our store, but in particular we offer an inspiring suite of kikki.K workshops covering topics including Mindfulness, Happiness, Habits and Goals. They’re a wonderful experiential extension to our beautiful products in store and help you to live your best life, every day.

SMIGGLE, WESTFIELD, WHITE CITY, LONDON JOHN CHESTON, managing director of Smiggle says: What’s the ethos behind the design and layout of the flagship store?

Our products are all about colour, and so all of our stores are designed to bring this to life. Fans are able to navigate by their favourite colours. We want, and have always wanted, to encourage fans into our stores to experience the products that smell, talk and change colour – you really have to interact with our products. Key products and seasonal items are always at the front of the store to showcase what’s new and to encourage passers-by to take an interest in the bold colours and designs.

Is it an integral part of the brand positioning and expansion?

Yes, before opening the store in White City we did our research. We knew that large numbers of families, children and students who shop at the centre would enjoy the store and products. It’s a great location with transport options and immaculate facilities.

What other add-on experiences are there?

We encourage our fans to come in, experiment, explore, poke, prod and play – because a visit to one of our stores should be fun and exciting.

FABRIANO BOUTIQUE, MARYLEBONE HIGH STREET, LONDON CLAUDIO DALL’ERA, general manager, Fabriano Boutique says: What’s the ethos behind the design and layout of the flagship store?

The store is meant to be a place where people can touch and smell our paper products and leather goods; a place where they can experience the heritage and tradition of a brand which was established in 1264. We have tables without edges to allow the visitor to freely move in the shop and in the store, paper butterflies are hovering about to show that from a simple blank sheet of paper can spring beautiful ideas. The shop plays an integral part in our brand identity and positioning.

Is there an emphasis on interactive display?

We really love people to touch Fabriano Boutique products so we always ask people to take a moment to feel the touch of the paper or enjoy writing with a fountain pen. Also children are more than welcome!

What other add on experiences are there?

We really do not want to be just a stationery store.

We rather prefer to be a spot where people can ‘do’ something. We deliver calligraphy courses and origami classes on a regular basis and from time to time we also host young and talented artists. Their masterpieces of art will be on our shelves and also in the window for a couple of weeks after the related event.

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TREND WATCH: BOTANICALS

GOING GREEN

Boxclever Press

JULIA FAIERS brings out the magnifying glass to inspect the current trend for everything botanical IT’S NO surprise that Pantone’s Colour of the Year 2017 is ‘Greenery.’

This fresh, zesty hue – in Pantone’s words ‘a life-affirming shade of green’ – reflects a wider design trend ubiquitous across the home, fashion and stationery sectors: botanicals.

This year you can’t visit an interiors or stationery store without seeing tropical palm leaves, succulents and cacti adorning everything from wallpaper and cushions to notebooks and calendars. But this trend is about so much more than the colour green. Designers have found new inspiration in Victorian botanical illustration, using a more muted colour palette or even monochrome.

Alice Scott’s Monochrome range for Portico Designs fulfils this trend with its intricate pen-and-ink patterns of palms, ferns and flowers.

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History lessons A genuine fascination for historical illustration drives the current trend.

Frances Lincoln commissioning editor Nicki Davis, of the Quarto Group, explains why botanical designs resonate so strongly with consumers: “The world-famous RHS Lindley Library holds a unique and vast collection of botanical art from which we draw endless inspiration. There is something special about the elegantly realised detail of botanical illustrations which captures the imagination – the study of plants made accessible, beautiful and even decorative. The connection to nature lifts our spirits.

This may go some way to explaining their current popularity as well as their enduring appeal.”

Portico Designs has a range that sets out its store with its name: Botanique. This design celebrates Victorian botanical illustration in all its glory, with a pretty pastel rendition of traditional English roses, ladybirds and butterflies, with an exotic bird thrown in for good measure. Laura Stoddart’s award-winning illustrations

Frances Lincoln

Portico Designs

THE CONNECTION TO NATURE LIFTS OUR SPIRITS.

Meticulous Ink shop front

are unique but she clearly holds a candle to historical illustration. Her In Bloom range does feature people, but on a miniature scale. For her, it’s all about the plants.

Back to nature Perhaps going back to nature is all part of the growing desire to counterbalance digital overload. Humans like to surround themselves with foliage to feel more connected to nature. Independent stationery shop Meticulous Ink in Bath drew customers in this summer with a fabulous window display of greenery.

Over-sized palms and vines cascaded from the ceiling, all made from precision-cut paper in various shades of green. The effect is of passing through a tropical rain forest to discover an oasis of stationery.

Illustrator and pattern designer Jacqueline Colley has created a range of stationery and gift designs based on her own house plant collection that blends a historical botanical illustration style with a distinctly millennial feel.

Jacqueline Colley, House Plant notebook

Jacqueline explains: “Plants make people happy. Having a growing (pun intended) collection of house plants for me is like a reminder of the beauty and diversity of nature. They also clean the air in my home as a bonus benefit! I love my house plant notebook, which I am currently writing my to-do lists in, especially as it features all my favourite house plants which I drew directly from my home collection!”

The interior life of plants Botanical design in stationery owes much to cutting-edge interior design brands. House of Hackney’s Palmeral design, which pays homage to Loddiges, one of the world’s largest palm houses and based in Hackney during the Georgian period, is available in several shades. Its Midnight and Azure design of palm leaves against a dark blue background in particular is a look proving popular in stationery design: dramatic and contemporary with historical roots.

Ohh Deer’s Papergang subscription

Dark Botany stationery, Ohh Deer

box in June, for example, was called Dark Botany and its curated selection of stationery offered a modern twist on botanical illustration.

Modern Florals Despite the current fascination with green leaves, florals also form a significant part of the botanicals trend, in an eye-popping palette of hot colours like pink and orange. These designs appear on a wide range of products, including pens, notebook covers and even notebook edges.

Julie Bell Stationery is known for its understated luxury social stationery. One of its latest designs features a little green cactus which clashes dramatically with a bright orange background. This is botanicals super-charged. Julie Bell, of Julie Bell Stationery, offers her interpretation of the perennial appeal of floral designs, commenting: “We have done masses of things with flowers on, sometimes too many things! I think they always appeal because they never offend.”

Artisan notebook, Flame Tree

Julie Bell Stationery

In Bloom wrapping paper, Laura Stoddart

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AA1004 Rosalind Wise Deluxe Address Book ISBN 978-0-7649-7985-9

AA309 John James Audubon Birder’s Journal ISBN 978-0-7649-3316-5

AA995 Charley Harper Leather Pocket Journal ISBN 978-0-7649-7956-9

0166 Jane Tattersfield: Sunflower Boxed Small Notecards ISBN 978-0-7649-7990-3

0167 Murakami Shodo: Peonies Boxed Small Notecards ISBN 978-0-7649-7993-4

0568 Wayne Thiebaud: Cake Boxed Notecard Assortment ISBN 978-0-7649-7958-3

Pomegranate Europe Ltd. • +44 (0)24 7621 4461 • www.pomegranate.com • sales@pomegranate.com

SHOW PREVIEW

GET READY FOR THE FIRST MANCHESTER STATIONERY SHOW! Designed to complement its elder sister, the London Stationery Show, this brand new event in Manchester is your one-stop shop to find exciting new products for 2018 and pick up some great last-minute Christmas bargains!

BEFORE you arrive, follow our guide to map your route around the UK’s newest boutique buying event for stationery and gifts. We have product launches right across the show from brands you know and love through to exciting new discoveries.

Don’t miss at the new Manchester Stationery Show: New Product Showcase:

One of the most popular stopping off points for visitors at the London Stationery Show, the Manchester display will be no exception.

Featuring exhibitor products launched since 1 January 2017, it is an easy visual way to spot trends and track down new brands and suppliers, as all the products are clearly labelled with their name, a stand number and supplier.

Full Speaker Programme

Expert voices of the industry share their insight in a series of seminars running on both days of the show. Don’t miss show regulars Phil Pond of Scarlet Opus and Michael Weedon of exp2, and make the most of the industry expertise of newcomers including independent retail consultant and Giftware Association chair Henri Davis and Greetings Today editor Tracey Bearton. Find out more on page 30.

LaunchPad Manchester display

Shining a light on exciting new ideas and market-ready products, we’re showcasing a selection of winners who proved to our judges that they can offer the market something different. This is the place to come for sourcing brand new talent. Get in there before your competitors do!

Thirty Under 30 winners

A brand new initiative to find 30 people under 30 years old who contribute to the success and future of the stationery industry.

Take a look at our display of all our entries and why they were nominated. The judges have chosen the most driven, talented young individuals from a large number of impressive entries.Visit the display to see the industry’s next generation of stationery stars.

Craft Focus Creative Stationery Workshops

A huge hit with visitors to the London Stationery Show, our programme of Creative Stationery Workshops is sponsored by leading craft title Craft Focus. Try your hand at calligraphy, card-making and other crafts with the experts. Find out more on page 36.

Open Tuesday 31 October 9.30am-5pm Wednesday 1 November 9.30am-4pm

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SHOW PREVIEW: SEMINAR PROGRAMME

MANCHESTER STATIONERY SHOW: SEMINAR PROGRAMME Come listen to the voices of stationery FOLLOWING on from the successful expanded speaker programme at the London Stationery Show in April, we’ve assembled the cream of the stationery industry to share their expertise with visitors to the Manchester show.

OUR SPEAKERS Phil Pond A very popular regular speaker at our shows. Phil, from trend forecasting agency Scarlet Opus, returns to provide an overview of key global consumer and design trends. He’ll offer practical tips to ensure your merchandising and product offer is attractive and on trend for Christmas and Spring/Summer 2018.

Tracey Bearton Tracey is the editor leading trade magazine Greetings Today, published by Lema. She is a wellknown face in the industry and we’re delighted to welcome her to our seminar programme.

She’ll be sharing tips on getting press coverage for your business and products. Spoiler alert: she’s going to tell the Jack the Ripper story in 27 words!

Christina Strang Christina is a graphologist and an affiliate member of the British Institute of Graphologists.

She works for various clients on behavioural profiling reporting for recruitment, team building and upskilling, as well as for personal development. She’ll be talking about what handwriting can reveal and will be offering free handwriting analysis at the show.To find out more, contact vanessafortnam@thepressofficeltd.com.

Michael Weedon Researcher, analyst and regular news commentator on retail locations, Michael returns after a successful debut at the London show in April to share his insights on the changing nature of High Street retailing and the shift from selling goods to offering services. He’ll offer advice on how to adapt your retail offer to profit from these developments.

Faika Khurram Faika is a retail analyst and consultant for Bright Disposition, which has just published its third annual Back to School report on the stationery market. Faika has worked as merchandising manager for Paperchase, and at John Lewis and BHS. She will suggest new strategies for retailers and suppliers to capture a successful Back to School 2018.

Henri Davis With 35 years in the retail industry, working with retailers including WHSmith, Habitat, Next and the National Trust, Henri’s expertise goes without saying. For the last 14 years she has worked as an independent retail adviser in the cards, gifts, stationery and heritage industries, and is currently chair of the Giftware Association. At the show she will reveal how small businesses can use their independence to their advantage to grow sales in 2018.

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The full programme including timings can be found in the What’s On section at www.stationeryshowmanchester.co.uk

EXHIBITORS, BRANDS AND LICENSES BRANDS AND LICENSES

EXHIBITORS

ALICE SCOTT

27

LEATHERSMITH OF LONDON

5

ALLSORTED

7

LEGAMASTER

19

ARTBOX® COLOUR & ACTIVITY

20

LEGAMI

14

BLUE SKY DESIGNS

17

LEUCHTTURM1917

4

BOMBATA

14

LIME STATIONERY & ART

14

BRAUSE

26

MANUSCRIPT PEN COMPANY LTD

22

BULLET JOURNAL

4

MATT SEWELL

48

CAROLINE GARDNER

27

MONTEVERDE

14

CAROLYN CARTER

27

NAPKIN FOREVER

14

CASTELLI

11

NEWELL RUBBERMAID

6

CHARFLEET BOOK BINDERY

5

PAPER LOUNGE

39

CLAIREFONTAINE

26

PAPER MATE

6

CLEVER KIDZ

12

PARKER

6

COLLIER CAMPBELL

27

PARTY CRAZY® NOVELTY PARTYWARE

20

CONCEPT

12

POLAROID3D

23

CONKLIN

14

POMEGRANATE EUROPE LTD

15

CRAFTY BITZ

12

PORTICO DESIGNS LTD

27

DATADAY

5

POSTSAFE LTD

18

DEAR PRUDENCE

8

PREMIER OFFICE

12

DIPLOMAT

14

PREMIER STATIONERY PRODUCTS

12

DURABLE AND PAGNA

9

RHODIA

26

EASYNOTE® PREMIUM STATIONERY

20

RYYAN INTERNATIONAL LTD

40

ECCOLO

7

SAY NICE THINGS LIMITED

25

EDDING UK LTD

19

SEMIKOLON

4

EDEN PROJECT

27

SHARPIE

6

EXACOMPTA

26

SILK HAT GREETINGS

3

EXACOMPTA CLAIREFONTAINE (EXACLAIR LTD)

26

SOUTHFIELD LTD

46

EXLEY

7

STABILO INTERNATIONAL GMBH

24

EXPLORE

12

STIK-IE

12

FILOFAX

7

STUDENT SOLUTIONS

12

FLAMETREE

7

TALLON INTERNATIONAL LTD

20

FLIPFLOP

25

THE DRAWING TOOL COMPANY

10

FOURTH WALL

7

TOSCANA CARTE PREGIATE S R L

16

GLUE DOTS INTERNATIONAL

42

TREEWISE

45

GO STATIONERY

48

TRIGG

7

HERBIN

26

TROIKA

14

ICON

12

UHU

19

JUST STATIONERY® ESSENTIAL STATIONERY

20

VISCONTI

14

JUST TO SAY...® GREETINGS & GIFT

20

WHITELINES

14

KARTOS

16

WOODLAND TRUST

48

KOH-I-NOOR

14

WOODMANSTERNE OPIUM

48

LALO

26

WORLD OF COLOUR

12

LASERCOL

12

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come see us stand 22

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SHOW PREVIEW: EXHIBITOR FOCUS

Dear Prudence

Allsorted

STAND 7 Allsorted aims to be the best distributor of gift books and beautiful stationery in Britain and Ireland.Visit us at Stand 7 to see how we can help you to be even more successful with gift stationery. www.allsorteduk.com

Blue Sky Designs

STAND 17 Blue Sky Designs is the fastest growing licensed stationery distributer in the UK. We pride ourselves on being the most innovative company in the sector and are constantly looking to reinvent traditional formats.We will be showing the new 2018 ranges of our main licenses, My Little Pony and Star Wars, as well as our range of Hana Zuki stationery which we’re sure will be a huge hit in 2018.We plan to launch “Hamsta” at the show, a fantastic new licence from Holland. www.blueskydesigns.co.uk

Castelli Diaries Ltd

STAND 15 With over 50 years of experience Castelli is a widely renowned brand of notebooks, diaries and gifts.With the combination of our Italian heritage and passion for excellence we create luxurious stationery collections that sympathetically infuse Italian design with technical brilliance. www.castelliitaly.com

Charfleet Book Bindery

STAND 5 Charfleet Book Bindery is a luxury British bookbinding business with a head office and manufacturing facility in the South East of England. We have a long and rich history of bookbinding, producing high-quality bespoke diaries and undated stationery. As well as having a bespoke manufacturing division we produce the Dataday, Leathersmith of London and At a Glance range of calendars and diaries. We have introduced, under the brand Charfleet Book Bindery, a range of fun, affordable bright and modern A5 and A6 notebooks. www.charfleetbookbindery.com

STAND 8 The world of Dear Prudence is deeply entwined with nature and folklore – animals, plants, trees, birds, the trappings and comforts of home and storytelling.

You will see many influences of creator Laura’s experiences working with textiles: intricate lace patterns, traditional Welsh blankets, cross-stitch and patchwork quilts.

Every Dear Prudence product starts out with Laura picking up her paints, pencils or pastels. A clean, quiet, orderly studio allows ideas to flow: the whimsical little characters Laura conjures, the textures and details she notes are then digitised and turned into cards, calendars and notebooks. www.dearprudencestudio.com

Durable and PAGNA

STAND 9 Your colour, your style. PAGNA® and DURABLE are the go-to brands for adding inspiration and motivation to a drab workspace.The brand new STYLE UP range from PAGNA® features a diverse mix of premium files and folders in fashionable colours including part files, organisers and an innovative carry case designed for the daily commute. If you’re looking for a versatile range of storage and organisation accessories, DURABLE’s VARICOLOR® range can enhance any home, office or classroom.

Experience the vibrant filing and organisation ranges from PAGNA® and DURABLE. www.durable-uk.com

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Exacompta Clairefontaine (ExaClair Ltd)

STAND 26 ExaClair, the home of iconic brands such as Exacompta, Guildhall, Goldline, Clairefontaine and Rhodia, will be showcasing its ranges of premium and boutique stationery and calligraphy products from Rhodia, Clairefontaine, Exacompta and Lalo, Herbin and Brause.

We will be highlighting ranges such as Iderama, Rhodia Heritage, Clairefontaine Age Bag and the new Jacques Herbin Ink.Visitors will also see a great selection of wrapping paper. www.exaclair.co.uk

edding UK Ltd

STAND 19 We will be launching our new Colour Happy Boxes as the latest edition to edding’s immensely popular Creative Life category at the Manchester Stationery Show 2017.You’ll also have the opportunity to see our market-leading edding writing and marking ranges alongside our visual communication aids from our Legamaster brand, together with glues and adhesives from our UK distribution partner UHU. www.edding.com

GO Stationery

STAND 48 The team at GO Stationery is proud to design and manufacture its stationery in London to the highest standards.We are passionate about great design and expert craftsmanship and are delighted to be showing at the first Manchester Stationery Show this year.

Our latest ranges feature new products and formats, new colours, with exceptional textures and finishes, giving retailers the widest choice of contemporary fashion and gift stationery. www.gostationery.net

Glue Dots International

STAND 42 To celebrate the launch of its new-look packaging, Glue Dots International is offering 10% off its entire range of adhesives. It’s their versatility that makes them a Christmas stationery essential and this new offer comes just in time for the busy festive sales period. Glue Dots’ collection of displays, new-look products and industry-leading dispensers offers outstanding value for money and with a choice of 21 different products, in a variety of formats, adhesive strengths and sizes, there’s bound to be a selection to suit your business. www.gluedots.com

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Leuchtturm1917

STAND 4 Launching new products and colours, LEUCHTTURM continues to further enhance its exciting range. It is adding Nordic Blue to the two colours of the official Bullet Journal range, introducing Fresh Green and Ice Blue to the vibrant colours already available, and a range of HB pencils.With a great selection of free POS and a customer support which focuses on good service, LEUCHTTURM is a great addition to your business. www.leuchtturm1917.co.uk

SHOW PREVIEW: EXHIBITOR FOCUS

Newell Brands

Lime Stationery & Art

STAND 33 Lime will be showing a small selection from its portfolio of brands, including Troika,Whitelines, Legami, Napkin Forever, plus the writing instruments from Diplomat, Monteverde, Conklin and Visconti. www.limestationery.co.uk

STAND 6 Our purpose at Newell Brands is to make life better every day for hundreds of millions of consumers where they live, learn, work and play.We will be showcasing a range of our newest and most innovative writing instruments across Sharpie, Paper Mate and Parker and providing display solutions for your stores. Paper Mate InkJoy has developed a gel pen with unique, quick-dry ink in 14 brilliant colours that dries fast for reduced smearing.

Parker has modernised its iconic Jotter pen, featuring Quinkflow ink technology for a smooth, clean and consistent writing performance. www.newellbrands.com PK_1133344023_Parker_NBID_Jotter_2000x3000_EMEA_2016.indd 1

Paper Lounge

STAND 39 Inspired by design, functionality, practicality and fun; Paper Lounge delivers beautifully crafted Kraft paper furniture to complement any setting. The range of contemporary concertina or foldable furniture has real life functional applications at home, in-store, in the office or just about anywhere. The range includes stools, side tables, foot stools, tables, pillars/plinths and benches. www.paperlounge.co.uk

Manuscript Pen Company Ltd

STAND 22 Experts in calligraphy and penmanship since 1856, Manuscript Pen Company will showcase its extensive range of calligraphy and hand lettering products at the Manchester Stationery Show.

Stop by Stand 22 to take a look at Manuscript’s bestselling calligraphy products including the Beginner’s Calligraphy Set, the award-winning Callicreative collection and the revamped hand lettering range. Also, take a sneak peek at the revolutionary new products we’re launching in 2018.Whether you are looking for writing, crafting or gift items, Manuscript’s collection has something for everyone. www.calligraphy.co.uk

Polaroid 3D

STAND 23 The Polaroid Play 3D Pen is billed to be one of the must-have Christmas presents this year.

With a good number of large retailers stocking these over the festive season, don’t miss out on your opportunity to be a part of this as well.

With its nine speed settings, stencils via the Polaroid Trace app, the ability to draw into the air and 20 amazing colours to choose from, the Polaroid Play 3D Pen really is a product not to miss. And all for only £29.99 (RRP). www.polaroid3d.com

Pomegranate Europe Ltd

STAND 15 Pomegranate has a superb range of calendars for which we have a special show discount.We are also offering a discount on all our jigsaw puzzle ranges: 1,000-, 500- and 300piece puzzles, floor and tin puzzles.They make superb Christmas gifts! www.pomegranate.com

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JOTT THE ORIGIN

SHOW PREVIEW: CRAFT WORKSHOPS

Joyce Lee of Artsynibs and Manuscript Pen Company hosting a Modern Calligraphy workshop

CRAFT FOCUS CREATIVE STATIONERY WORKSHOPS Learn a new skill at one of our fabulous Creative Stationery workshops and use it to bring in new customers.

SPONSORED by trade magazine Craft Focus and led by its editor Julie Bonnar, exhibitors and expert demonstrators will show visiting retailers how to use simple stationery workshops to engage with customers.

Why not try your hand at easy-tomake Christmas decorations to feature in a Christmas window, which can also

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be shared with customers. Team this with learning how to create beautifully written gift tags and make-your-own Christmas cards.

Using tools and materials from contributing exhibitors edding UK, Manuscript and Glue Dots, crack the art of fabulous gift wrapping, learn simple origami and how to master

specialist pens and inks for many different types of surfaces including porcelain, fabric and stone.

The first 25 visitors to pre-book a workshop place on each day will receive a fab stationery goodie bag.

Visit www.stationeryshow.co.uk to see the full timetable and book your place. Don’t miss out!

EXPERIENCE THE VIBRANT FILING AND ORGANISATION RANGES

STAND 9

YOUR COLOUR

Choo se to be d i ffe rent

YOUR STYLE

www.durable-uk.com

Postsafe Ltd

Portico Designs Ltd

STAND 27 We are super excited to be exhibiting at the Manchester Stationery Show this autumn, where we will present fancy notebooks and beautiful boxed notecard sets.We’ll also have our gorgeous Alice Scott gift and stationery collection, which launched with a bang at the beginning of the year. Due to its huge success, many more fabulous products have been added to the range, including luncheon items, travel mugs, super sophisticated pens and meeting accessories. Perfect for all those stylish boss ladies on the go. Come visit our stand to take full advantage of our show offer – 10% discount off all carriage-paid orders placed at the show (£200 ex.VAT). www.porticodesigns.com

Ryyan International

STAND 32 Our main product is a range of highquality document folders in 14 colours, with a unique design and special material. RYYAN currently supplies education and businesses, and aims to teach children to be organised from an early age, and to have fun with bright colours.We also offer special marker pens for children to write and draw on the folders, then wipe off with a special rubber. RYYAN’s other line is children’s bags with a built-in tracker/GPS. Using an Android or iOS Apple app, parents can track their children at school and on school trips.Visit our stand for a full demonstration and to claim free samples of the folders. www.ryyan.co.uk

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STAND 6 Postsafe is a UK manufacturer of polythene envelopes (padded and unpadded), polypropylene boxes and a range of retail packs for the online market.The range of 100% recyclable lightweight padded polythene bags we launched at London Stationery Show will replace conventional, nonrecyclable paper padded bags.The bags wrap around the contents and are totally water resistant.They are much lighter, to reduce postage costs and meet Royal Mail pricing in proportion sizes. Another exciting development is our range of polypropylene boxes which can be plain, printed Postsafe or bespoke printed. www.postsafe.co.uk

Premier Stationery Products

STAND 12 Premier Stationery will be exhibiting at the first Manchester Stationery Show and will showcase many new and current products on its stand.Visitors will see paper products, writing instruments, folders, arts & craft, school and office supplies.

We will also have exhibition Special Offers during the show, so please do take the time to come and visit us. www.premieruk.net

Silk Hat Greetings

Say Nice Things

STAND 25 Visit Say Nice Things on Stand 25 to view our collection of journals, notebooks, cards and pencils – all designed and made in the UK. The show will also be the first opportunity for retailers to view and order our new ‘Essentials’ collection of notebooks and companion accessories. Available in two unique designs, the range is neatly packaged for retail in a display unit holding 60 items for just £99.95 plus VAT. www.saynicethings.com

STAND 3 Silk Hat Greetings designs and manufactures a premium quality range of sheet wrap, gift bags and greeting cards and sells direct to retail.The Silk Hat brand has many unique selling points. Our products incorporate an array of innovative, tactile and eyecatching coatings specifically developed for this application.With velvet textures, raised and shiny finishes, foils and touch-proof glitter, our products are unique, innovative and luxurious.

We also offer bespoke services and can use customer designs. www.silkhatgiftwrap.co.uk

SHOW PREVIEW: EXHIBITOR FOCUS

STABILO International GmbH

STAND 24 STABILO is one of Europe’s leading manufacturers of writing instruments.

The STABILO BOSS ORIGINAL highlighter has been the number one highlighter in Europe for more than 46 years, and this year we have launched a new pastel version of the iconic highlighter. Building on the success of the STABILO BOSS ORIGINAL Pastel highlighter, we’re proud to introduce the new STABILO BOSS MINI Pastellove edition available in six different happy pastel colours to suit your mood and to brighten up your day! www.stabilo.co.uk

Southfield Ltd

STAND 46 We at Southfield are very excited to exhibit our “Terribly Posh” range of gifts and stationery at Manchester Stationery Show. This fun and cheeky range has already been a massive success with retailers, who are struggling to keep up with demand as products fly off their shelves.You can add any place name to this innovative range, ensuring a really original product offering tailored for your customers.

We are a UK manufacturer ensuring high quality, fast delivery and low minimums. Order this range today before your competitors do! www.southfield-stationers.com

The Drawing Tool Company

STAND 10 We are exhibiting our IsoSketch – say goodbye to ‘I can’t draw!’

Our drawing tool is a universal sketching aid for pupils.The teacher-designed tool now supports the learning of 3D drawing in schools globally.With the library of free video tutorials featured on The Drawing Tool Company website, pupils can independently learn the basics of 3D drawing.Teachers can use these videos with whole classes and, crucially, no specialist knowledge is needed to teach with or use IsoSketch – think of it as a one-to-one tutor for every user. www.thedrawingtoolcompany.com

Tallon International Ltd

STAND 20 Tallon supplies the wholesale and volume retail market with one of the largest ranges of stationery available.

Our products are carefully sourced and we offer amazing value without compromising on quality.

In addition to our range of more than 150 calendars, plus diary and organiser products, we also have a broad range of branded and own-label product. www.tallon.co.uk

Treewise Pencils

STAND 45 Treewise Pencils are made from 100% recycled newspapers and have won several awards for their unique innovation and use of sustainable products. Our unique selling proposition is that we are the world’s first company to offer pencils with a promise of no breakage while writing or sharpening.We also offer corporate branded pencils, with your choice of name and logo – a great personalised corporate gift.

Come and say hello and view our amazing products on Stand 45 at the Manchester Stationery Show. www.treewisepencils.com

Toscana Carte Pregiate

STAND 16 Toscana Carte Pregiate was founded in the summer of 2012, purchasing the Kartos brand.This continued the tradition of a brand known for its paper stationery products, including wedding cards, writing paper, gift boxes, gift bags, pens, pencils, sketchbook, diplomas in parchment, gift wrapping paper with gold powder, greeting cards and stationery. Kartos has been known the world over for more than 60 years. It is chic and practical at the same time, in the Italian tradition. Kartos features paper exclusively created by specialist Italian paper mills using responsibly sourced materials. www.kartos.it

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The inaugural LaunchPad competition, which selected the most exciting new stationery products and designs from more than 40 entries, offered 12 winners free stand space at the London Stationery Show. Hot on its heels comes LaunchPad Manchester, which will provide six of the most innovative market-ready entries free stand space at the new Manchester Stationery Show.

Editor’s Pick The judges have yet to reveal their six winners, so we’ve turned talent scout to offer you a sneak preview of some of our favourite entries.

Come to the Manchester Stationery Show on 31 October and 1 November to see who the judges chose, and discover the most exciting new talent in stationery.

Bert & Gerts Jason Wilkes based his new stationery collection of greeting cards and wrapping paper on a series of quirky characters he created for the brand’s existing rubber stamp

range for the craft market, inspired by his childhood toys. He hopes to extend the range with notebooks, gift bags and more. info@bertandgerts.co.uk

Clipmatic Clipmatic invites users to ‘make your creative spark shine brighter’ with its organisation and personalisation tools for spiral notebooks. The current range includes five products: Planner,

Ruler, Protractor, Multiple Dividers and Stickers. Clipmatic also offers customisation such as corporate gifts. info@lampsonleung.com

Lauren Designs Lauren Designs creates quirky illustrations inspired by confectionary and sweet things.

The original hand-drawn patterns, of doughnuts, biscuits, cupcakes and chocolates,

appear on a range of birthday cards, and she has extended the delectable designs to cover notebooks and wrapping paper. laurenodesigns@gmail.com

Evermade Evermade is an online brand that has built its collection of contemporary design-led stationery through collaborating with artists from around the world. The Brighton-based

company creates prints, greeting cards, wall planners, pin badges, wrap and more, and prints all its stationery in the UK. info@evermade.com

Green Pebble The traditionally made slim A5 journal features part cloth-bound hard back covers and a wire binding that allows the journal to open flat. Bound-in heavy, acid-free paper is

designed for watercolours and calligraphy.

The journal comes with a pack of refills that can be inserted anywhere in the volume. info@greenpebble.co.uk

Little Nature Explorers Based on original designs from the maker’s book series for children about the natural world. The range includes a variety of stationery products, all using responsibly

sourced materials, including this writing set with A5 paper, coordinating envelopes and stickers. The whole range is made in the UK. emma@emmalawrence.com

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LAUNCHPAD MANCHESTER: EDITOR’S PICK

Just Married

HARRY

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Congratulations!

May Blossoming Kirstie Gilleade designs a wide range of bright, fun and cute stationery, including badges, greeting cards, plain and lined notebooks, and art prints in sizes from A6 to A4. Card designs

include illustrations of animals and cactuses, while some focus on humorous captions. kirstie_gilleade@hotmail.com

Paper Mirchi A range of handmade, recycled, eco-friendly gift wrap sheets, new to the UK. Each sheet is individually made by a skilled artisan using traditional textile processes such as tie and

dye, batik, block printing and hand marbling on recycled handmade cotton paper. sales@papermirchi.co.uk

Peace & Blessings An online stationery boutique celebrating non-mainstream festivals. These design-led products are made using responsibly sourced materials and traditional craftsmanship and

modern production techniques. The current range includes greeting cards and notebooks for the Eid and Ramadan festival. hello@peaceandblessings.co.uk

S-mall Brainstorming Movable schedule planners: the MOVER – in four sizes – holds a stack of sticky notes, with sticky notes’ sizes and colours each representing a different function. Use it with

the MOVER Pad for various timeline and note-taking templates. Both have stand-up and mounting options. alexsumlikhang@gmail.com

Stationery Geek Stationery Geek offers customisable “useful stationery with a quirky twist.” They’re big fans of stickers, adding them for extra fun and to help with organisation. The “Family and

Kids” range includes a School Mum Calendar, Kids Writing Set, Mummy’s Reward Chart and Thank You Postcards and other items. lucy@stationery-geek.co.uk

Vdub Budz™ VDUB BUDZ™ greeting cards pay homage to the iconic 1950s ‘vdub’ camper van.

The current card range caters for weddings, engagements, anniversaries, newborns and

birthdays, with each category offering unique customisation options. janjordyn@gmail.com

Wang’s Wonderful World Wang’s Wonderful World stationery aims to inspire and encourage creativity. Mixing plain designs and natural elements with motivational typography, the portfolio is a

fashion statement with a modern feel. The product range includes pencils, notebooks, sticky memo pads, washi tapes and more. charline@wangswonderfulworld.com

Word Up Contemporary stationery and gifts influenced by scandi and monochrome trends. Designer Alexa Stretton’s range includes art prints, notebooks, greeting cards and note cards.

She wants to develop postcards with words of encouragement, kindness and happy thoughts that could be framed or posted. wordupprints@gmail.com

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STATIONERY BIZ

DO IT YOURSELF STATIONERY HENRI DAVIS explores stationery’s current obsession with DIY and personalisation

mt tape, Stone Marketing

STATIONERY users tend to fall into two distinct camps: those who just want a notebook to write in with a pen that works, and users who really care about what their stationery looks like and want it to reflect who they are. This article is absolutely not about the first type!

When I was at school we personalised our stationery with names of sporting idols and pop bands with stylised writing like graffiti, doodles, flowers and geometric patterns. From notebooks to geometry sets, pencil cases to wooden pencil boxes, satchels to backpacks, nothing escaped our attention.

Fast forward to 2017 and it is all the rage again. But this time with adults. Maybe we have always wanted to do this, and now we have ‘permission’ because it is back in fashion. And this time round, manufacturers supply the kit to help us indulge our creativity, be that sticky pictures, numbers or letters, or pens that will write on any surface. And this is not about appealing to children.

These products are very much aimed at those who want to customise a product to their exact requirements.

The stationery, card and craft markets are much more closely linked these days than 20 years ago, and they influence each other a lot. In the early 2000s scrapbooking was a significant trend in the craft market.

The trend came over from America and revolved around personalising pages of albums in ways that linked to the pictures being kept. The market was worth millions, with pre-made packs of themed papers, inks, paints, markers, stickers; and retailers would devote a significant amount of space to this area.

Scrapbooking shares ground with the current journaling trend in many ways, except journaling tends to be more word based. However, these can be annotated with pictures, doodles and other paraphernalia. ‘Bullet journaling’ in particular has become really popular recently, focusing on schedules, to-do lists, and goals per week, month or even year.

THE STATIONERY, CARD AND CRAFT MARKETS ARE MUCH MORE CLOSELY LINKED THESE DAYS THAN 20 YEARS AGO, AND THEY INFLUENCE EACH OTHER A LOT.

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Stone Marketing

One product that seems to embrace all of this perfectly is the Busy Days Planner from Boxclever Press because it combines the worlds of planning, scrapbooking and journaling. As well as a week-to-view diary, the planner also includes pages for each month, to note ‘Hopes, plans and dreams’ and ‘That was the month that…’ with space to record memories, goals and plans. The planner has been designed so that users can customise it as much or as little as they want, adding photographs and mementos directly into the planner, as well as their own cover design. Because it is bound with a flexible disc binding, users can easily remove and add pages.

At the recent Home and Gift Harrogate I noticed that Rachel Ellen, the well-known card publisher, had several products on her stand that encouraged users to personalise their notebooks by including sheets of lettering, stickers and fun images, and an organiser with a cover to which you could add your name.

Likewise with colouring, which in 2015 became a huge craze linked to creativity and de-stressing, and took the stationery world by storm.

WHSmith cited it in its half-year figures as one of the major areas of sales growth for the period for the

business overall. And while it was colouring books to start with, two years on we are now seeing colour-in card packs, pencil cases, posters and backpacks.

The customisation trend is encouraging retailers to broaden their product offer and many are starting to stock chalk markers, glass markers, washi tape and various stickers so they have a selection of products available for use on all sorts of surfaces including paper, glass and balloons.

Retailers are seeing this as a way of engaging with customers, and Hobbycraft has a monthly blog which focuses on different projects.

I’ve spotted two blog posts this year related to personalising stationery – one for notebooks and one a wedding scrapbook. They specify what accessories you need to create the finished article and then how to do it.

Personalisation takes it one step further, and is a strong trend in its own right. Once upon a time personalisation involved a white sticky label with your name written on it or, if you were very flash, a DYMO tape where you squeezed the letters out as evenly as possible. Now it can be anything from buying a product online and having your name or initials added, to having photographs printed on the covers.

Leuchtturm1917 offers personalised notebooks, in a choice of two fonts, one modern and one more traditional.

As a German company, that can be an expensive option because of the postage costs, but in the UK various businesses offer this service, such as Prelogram and Pen Heaven. Leuchtturm1917 also runs in-store promotion days, offering a free print service with each purchase.

Stone Marketing

There are frequently large queues, with some customers buying up to 10 books at a time.

Paperchase offers personalisation of its bestselling notebooks and diaries online. Customers choose from a selection of typefaces to write either a fun or inspirational message, or their own name.

Kikki.K is a relatively new entrant to the UK market, but is really embracing the idea of DIY stationery with some products focused very particularly on this. Its DIY Sticker Book contains lots of stickers, tags, quotes and envelope sealers in different formats and styles, while the Paper Lovers Book contains things like notepaper, envelopes, cards, cake toppers and bookmarks.

And hot off the Smiggle press and new for Back to School 2017 is its DIY range of wallets, sticker badge sets and backpacks, which can be coloured in to suit each customer’s style.

Illustrating the increasingly fluid boundaries between the craft and stationery markets, ExaClair, the UK supplier of Clairefontaine, has just launched its Paper Touch pads. Users have everything they need in one kit to decorate a table for a dinner party or kids’ party. The pads, each with 12 sheets of double-sided card, provide crafters with the means to create coordinated menus, coasters, confetti, gift boxes, place tags and mats.

Being able to make your mark on your stationery is a strong trend in 2017. As suppliers and retailers develop increasingly clever and appealing products to keep customers happy, it shows no sign of disappearing any time soon.

Rachel Ellen

Leuchtturm1917 Boxclever Press

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STATIONERY BIZ

SCREEN WRITING STARS

Rocketbook

Tech journalist CHRIS PARTRIDGE explores the latest devices and apps where digital and analogue collide A RECENT survey of British office workers came to a surprising conclusion: important but boring meetings could be made significantly more productive if laptops were replaced by pen and paper. The poll, conducted by Wacom, makers of graphics tablets and styluses, found that “63 per cent of office workers felt that taking notes by hand would or does enable them to be more creative and productive.”

Laptops create barriers between people and distract their users from the business at hand: “37 per cent of respondents agreed that their meetings would become more efficient and engaging if there was a ‘laptops down’ rule,” the pollsters noted.

Smartphones are, if anything, even worse, posing an ever-present temptation to answer messages and catch up with social media rather than pay attention to the speaker.

Writing notes has been shown to improve comprehension and recall as compared with typing, but they have a significant drawback – they can’t be emailed to co-workers or stored in databases for future reference.

Happily, technology is now available to enable paper notes to be quickly and easily digitised.

Once in computer format, many other benefits accrue. Notes can be filed electronically, eliminating the need for shelves full of old notebooks.

Once safely in the database the notes are visible to search engines, adding greatly to their future usefulness.

Handwriting recognition software can now translate reasonably clear hands into typescript with surprising accuracy, making them even more useful in the digital world.

Tech companies have taken two main approaches to the digitisation challenge: scanning and digital pens. Scanning has the advantage that everyone already has access to the technology in the ubiquitous all-in-one printer, but an increasingly popular solution is the scanner that we all have with us at all times – the camera in our smartphone.

Apps are available that allow the user to photograph a note, correct the keyhole effect caused by misaligning the phone with the paper, crop the image and optimise brightness and contrast, all automatically. The results can be excellent, especially if the light is good.

Digital notes can then be stored in cloud storage such as Dropbox or in apps such as Microsoft One Note and Evernote, where they will be searchable and sharable.

63 PER CENT OF OFFICE WORKERS FELT THAT TAKING NOTES BY HAND WOULD OR DOES ENABLE THEM TO BE MORE CREATIVE AND PRODUCTIVE.

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Montblanc’s Augmented Paper uses a graphics tablet placed underneath note paper to record every movement of the pen and upload it to a smartphone or tablet.

Oxford notebooks can be scanned by the Scribzee smartphone app, which locks on to arrows at the corners of the page to correct distortions.The image is automatically scrubbed up for maximum contrast and sharpness for editing, sharing and storage.

The IrisNotes stylus is tracked by a sensor that clips to the edge of the notepad, sending notes to a computer or device by Bluetooth.

Notebooks are now appearing that help the scanning app do the best job possible by adding marks to each page that make correcting distortions easy.

Hamelin has just launched a new range of Oxford notebooks specially designed for scanning by smartphone with a dedicated scanning app called Scribzee. In the new notebooks, every page includes arrows at each corner that are picked up by Scribzee and used to correct the image to the exact shape of the original. Scans can be sent directly to the free cloud storage or to Evernote. Scribzee-compatible versions of Hamelin’s iconic Black n’ Red wire-bound notebooks will be available soon.

Innovative US start-up Rocketbook also uses a smartphone app to scan, which focuses on a thick black border around the page to help identify the edge whatever the background.

Each page is identified by a number contained in a QR code, so scans are stored in the right order. Seven symbols at the bottom of each page can be mapped to actions such as storing the page in Google Docs or Slack, so simply marking the symbol you want before scanning will send the digitised note exactly where you want it to go.

The alternative to scanning is the digital pen, which records every stroke as it is made.

Some digital pens use a camera next to the nib to record barely visible patterns of dots on the paper that establish the exact position of the stroke and the time it was made, so the writing or drawing process is captured in every detail. The pen then sends the information to a computer wirelessly. The main digital pen systems are Anoto in Sweden, the technology behind the Livescribe range, and NeoLAB in Korea.

Digital pens have made some progress in professional applications, mainly form-filling, and in education.

Livescribe pens are popular with students, lawyers and journalists because they record sound as well, perfect for making notes at lectures and interviews.

Moleskine makes a range of notebooks for use with the Livescribe 3 pen and recently launched the Tablet, a strange iPad-styled notebook for use with the NeoLAB pen.

However, the need to use special paper limits their appeal for many people and they have yet to go mainstream.

Notes made in a Rocketbook can be scanned and uploaded to a pre-set destination such as Dropbox or Evernote.

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The Livescribe 3 digital pen from Anoto has a camera next to the nib that analyses a pattern of dots on the paper to establish the position of every stroke with high accuracy, sending the information to a tablet or smartphone via Bluetooth.The mobile device can also record audio which can be linked to the notes in the app.

Hello new perspectives.

The stationery trends.

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Another approach is to place a digitising tablet under the paper, the pen communicating with the tablet to provide highly accurate positioning data. The world leader in this technology is the Japanese company Wacom. Wacom’s Bamboo range of folios and tablets take pads of the user’s favourite paper and digitise the ink, sending it to a computer or smartphone by Bluetooth.

The process is intuitive and instant using Wacom’s own app, Bamboo Paper. The technology also underpins Montblanc’s new Augmented Paper system, a luxury folio covered in Florentine leather and a StarWalker digital pen. It is stylish but can hardly be described as cheap – £590 at Montblanc’s website.

Canon’s IrisNotes subsidiary takes a third approach – the pen is tracked by an infra-red ‘radar’ unit clipped to the top of the paper. Scans are decent and it is cheaper, but scores high on the faff factor.

Rocketbook has a unique selling point in that two models can be erased, as long as you use Pilot’s FriXion pens. The Everlast can be wiped clean with a damp cloth, and the Wave can be erased by blasting it in a microwave oven (unfortunately not for ever, however. Only five times.)

Whether you choose to wipe or swipe, it’s clear that for anyone who stores all their notes in the digital domain, having a reusable notebook is a big plus. And where there is demand, there will be startups and enterprises rushing in to meet this need.

BACK TO THE FUTURE Trend forecaster at Scarlet Opus, PHIL POND, explains how the stationery industry can benefit from using trend intelligence.

Chase and Wonder

Notable Designs

ANALOGUE WORKSHOP IS A TREND STORY BECAUSE THE VIRTUAL AND DIGITAL MAKE LIFE FEEL FLEETING AND TEMPORARY.

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THE team at Scarlet Opus works with retailers and manufacturers in many sectors including stationery. They come to us for in-depth information about the future wants, needs and desires of people. They want to know what will be in fashion for the world of interiors two to three years before it happens.

People refer to what we do in many ways: trend intelligence, trend forecasting, futurism and other wonderful names. I guess the idea has been to make it sound desirable, intriguing and interesting, but in my experience, these descriptive terms have done more to put business owners off engaging with trends than doing so. That’s a great pity because trend intelligence, used correctly, grows and sustains business. Even the word ‘trend’ can become an issue for some who interpret it as meaning something fleeting, short-term, or even a fad!

Let’s set aside the need to have a title for what ‘it’ is, and instead look only at what ‘it’ can do. Changing uncertainty into positive opportunity, leveraging trend intelligence correctly is one of the most powerful business tools available. Integrating it into a company’s long-term strategy creates valuable competitive advantages. Knowing what is coming next in your market sector helps you to de-risk innovation and drive growth.

Trend intelligence informs marketing strategy, merchandising, store design, NPD programmes and workplace design. It causes significant improvement to brand awareness, revenue generation and reduces the cost of running a business.

So how does it work for the stationery industry? Here’s an example of how a trend can be used to grow a stationery sector business, relating it to fashion, interiors and lifestyles: at the London Stationery Show in 2016, Scarlet Opus presented three design trends that we said would begin to emerge in the Spring/Summer of 2017.

All three translated well across fashion, interiors and stationery, enabling the consumer to make complimentary purchases for a satisfying overall experience. One of these trends was particularly relevant for stationery and will continue to be so throughout 2017 and into 2018; we called that trend ‘Analogue Workshop.’

‘Analogue Workshop’ is a trend story because the virtual and digital make life feel fleeting and temporary.

This is driving some consumers to reach for that which can be constant and grounded. We might call this digital detox: a celebration of low-tech, analogue, everyday product. We can also describe the trend as finding beauty in the ordinary, satisfaction in the basic, valuing simple pleasures and admiring slowly acquired skills. Last year we forecast a renewed interest in ‘learning by experience’ and ‘earned know-how’. This year, we can see this interest in all areas of our lives beginning to gather momentum and popularity.

The trend’s look is new-retro, a 1950s-style influence. But stronger than this is a new appreciation of everyday materials. People are studying how these materials can be worked together.

Products made with precision, that have the appearance of having been made lovingly in a small workshop;

Grafiosi Co

Kaweco

humble, modest products made by experienced hands.

The colour palette discreetly reintroduced us to to a range of lowkey, everyday simple colours and asks us to see them in a new light, valuing their modesty. It’s cardboard cookie browns, denim blues, granite grey, petrol blue and a flat orange.

The look and style can be described as: workshop, hand-crafter, sturdy, permanent, reliable, made to last, functional, and materials patch-worked together. The beauty is in the precision and small detail of their make-up. In the workplace we already see products made from wood and crafted like old school kitchen tables and bar stools.

There is a lot of personalisation of individual workspace.

It’s a fantastic trend for stationery that translates to both traditional and contemporary looks. Intelligent patterns focused on dots, cutting plans, pinstripes, illustrations, set squares, draughting tools, windowpane-checks and graph paper are all inspiring gift wrap and product pattern. Retailer Present & Correct has mastered this look in its product range and photography.

Old school products are on the rise, regarded as luxury, essential tools for craft practice. Products will be most desired when their beauty can be seen and appreciated in their simplicity.

Brown paper look leather-fold lunch bags, brown paper look pencil cases, pens made of brass, or warm metal mixes. Italian industrial designer Giulio Iacchetti’s Neri graphite writing mechanical tools push out the pencil lead with a dial like a compass adjuster. Tailoring products and offers

to build/create your own stationery basics is still a big opportunity to grow sales.

The continuing resurgence of traditional men’s grooming services is a great opportunity for the stationery sector, particularly in stationery targeted at men: simple, luxurious, elegant and sophisticated stationery for men wanting quality and essential indulgence. To merchandise in keeping with this trend’s style, simply make your window and shop (or part of it) look like a craftsman’s workshop.

Offer ‘workshop’ events to draw members of the ‘Analogue Workshop tribe’ in, inspire them, teach them and share traditional skills with them.

So if you didn’t act upon this information a year ago, you’ll now be seeing all around you the evidence for Analogue Workshop, what it means and the tribe it has developed in all manner of different ways: education, employment and advertising. The good news is that it isn’t too late to capitalise on the popularity of this particular trend.

It isn’t going anywhere for a while yet.

Giulio Iacchetti

Analogue Workshop palette, Scarlet Opus

Chase and Wonder

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STATIONERY BIZ Stewart Superior

SUSTAINABLE STATIONERY HENRI DAVIS finds out how the market is moving away from the bad old days of grey and grainy recycled paper to develop new, long-lasting sustainability strategies DESPITE all the pre-millennium hype about moving to paperless offices, paper sales continue to be strong, be it for A4 refill pads, notebooks or diaries. The ongoing significant use of paper – and products to file it in – means that we should take a responsible approach about the source of raw materials and how we process them, to ensure that wherever possible they are sustainable and therefore available for years to come.

Back in the 1990s most ‘environmentally friendly’ stationery products were made from recycled paper, which was usually very grey and often had such an open texture that if you used a rollerball or fountain pen your writing feathered; it was synonymous with poor-quality product. A lot of effort was put into the technology around its recovery and processing to make it much closer in colour, quality and writing experience to a paper made with virgin pulp.

This processing was costly and the bleaching of the recycled material was not environmentally friendly. Recycled paper manufacturers could not charge a premium despite additional production costs, yet the paper was

expected to perform well. I was working at WHSmith at the time, and every paper range from writing paper to A4 refill pads had to have a recycled paper product due to consumer demand.

Roll forward almost 30 years and what has changed? Recycled paper products are still available but they have not become a significant part of the UK market. They remain quite niche, with retailers offering a product option in key areas like copier paper. However, this doesn’t mean the environment has been abandoned but rather that the focus has changed, with FSC and PEFC papers replacing recycled materials in many areas. FSC and PEFC certification both ensure paper comes from a sustainable and legal forest source. The main difference between the two schemes is their approach.

In 1995 there was a major global push to encourage paper buyers to commit to purchasing credibly certified wood and wood materials, and in 1998 the first FSC toilet tissue in the world was offered in the UK, by Sainsburys! The FSC logo gained real recognition when supermarkets started

to insist on it for sandwich packaging, so now consumers see it everywhere.

They may not know exactly what it stands for, but it reassures them that the paper or board is sourced responsibly.

In categories like greeting cards it is now the norm for a product to be made using FSC or recycled materials, and Glebe Cottage has been at the forefront of environmentally sensitive production since the mid 90s. Its notecard wallets contain eight small cards and envelopes. As well as being printed on 100% recycled board, any designs that benefit from strong colour are laminated with a high-gloss compostable laminate made from cornstarch so the product can still be recycled. If it used a normal laminate the plastic would render the paper unrecyclable.

Glebe Cottage

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Treewise

Toby Robins, chief executive of Office Club and strategic council member of the Institute of Environmental Management and Assessment is very knowledgeable on this subject and offers the following views: “The Body Shop arrived on our high streets and became a massive success because so very many people wanted the opportunity to buy cosmetics that had not been tested on animals. Today, thanks to the EU, it is illegal to sell any cosmetics where, if you’ll forgive me, animals have been used as guinea pigs. This is a cycle familiar to many industries, including our own, where regulation follows voluntary initiatives and standards.

The EU Timber Regulations, and Lacey Act in the US, have raised the bar on sustainable timber procurement following on from the work done by the FSC and PEFC. However there is still a need for voluntary standards, as regulation sets a baseline rather than best practice.

“Every business must make a strategic decision as to whether they position themselves as merely legally

WHETHER YOU LOOK AT THE US, THE UK OR THE REST OF THE EU, I BELIEVE THAT PEOPLE WILL DEFAULT TO DOING THE RIGHT THING IF YOU GIVE THEM THE UNDERSTANDING AND THE OPPORTUNITY TO DO SO.

compliant, as having a credible defence if questioned, or as a sustainable leader who is able to use the position as part of the company’s USP, a differentiator in the marketplace.

The choice of where you pitch it will reflect several factors, including your personal values. One of the most critical factors will be whether you think it matters to your customer base, thinking about who your customer is today and who they will be tomorrow.

There are numerous surveys showing the increasing sustainability awareness among the younger generations, and medals and awards for sustainability leadership are hard fought over in every sector of the economy.

“Whether you look at the US, the UK or the rest of the EU, I believe that people will default to doing the right thing if you give them the understanding and the opportunity to do so. Here in the UK, for instance, the dealer group Office Club launched its Cool Earth copier paper just over a year ago to replace its previous own brand which was showing an 8 per cent decline in line with the market. After twelve months, the paper is in 29 per cent growth; doesn’t that say it all?” Robins concludes.

But of course, it is not just about paper. Plastics – so popular for notebook and filing products – have come a long way, with recycled and recyclable options. However the latter is only possible if the elements can be successfully separated so they are not contaminants. Advances are also being made in plant-based plastics, and additives to plastics which enable them to biodegrade in composting facilities.

Cool Earth - an international NGO working to halt rainforest destruction Office Club 5 4 A U T U M N // W I N T E R 2 0 1 7

Stewart Superior was founded over 20 years ago and, with its reputation for innovation, has developed its SECO range with strong environmental credentials at the fore. Managing director Geoffrey Betts feels that most impacts of human behaviour on the environment are obvious, be it pouring effluents into our rivers, chopping down rain forests or pumping carbon monoxide from our vehicles into the atmosphere. We can easily relate to the ‘no smoking’ ban because it has impacted on every single one of us, whether we smoked or not. But he feels that most people need government pressure to change habits, evidenced by the massive increase in recycling. It is encouraging that young people today are adopting greener practices by habit.

Betts comments: “The problem occurs when profits are squeezed and budgets are tightened, as there is a tendency for companies to charge more for green products, and hence the likelihood is that the cheapest item will win the day. Our SECO range of Oxo biodegradable filing and vending cups have done extremely well, as they degrade once disposed of and exposed to the elements, unlike normal plastics.

We could clean our beaches up; the technology exists and it doesn’t mean banning plastic, it just means possibly paying fractions more for it.”

Plastics are also used for pens, and Pilot Begreen was the first full range of recycled pens to be offered at the same price as its normal range. Five years on, Stuart Barker of Pilot comments: “Begreen is still a key purchasing criteria in the B2B channel, but less so in the retail environment. Traditionally, for most everyday writing instruments under £10, they are considered as disposable items. Recycled materials used in the manufacture do not seem to be a key decision-making criteria, whereas for

FriXion refillable, erasable pens by Pilot

THE PROBLEM OCCURS WHEN PROFITS ARE SQUEEZED AND BUDGETS ARE TIGHTENED, AS THERE IS A TENDENCY FOR COMPANIES TO CHARGE MORE FOR GREEN PRODUCTS, AND HENCE THE LIKELIHOOD IS THAT THE CHEAPEST ITEM WILL WIN THE DAY. commercial buyers wanting to adhere to environmental accreditations, it is still important to them.”

While sustainable stationery has a place in the market today, the view from manufacturers as confirmed

by Stuart is that generally it is more acceptable in the commercial sector, where the purchasing companies have environmental policies that they must be seen to support with the supplies they buy for their companies.

Many retailers have tried and given up on refillable products. It seems many consumers are motivated by brand, product appearance and performance, and that being refillable is a secondary benefit. Interestingly, retailers have never been big fans of pen refills (other than ink cartridges) as the return on space is generally poor.

But as consumers look to save money by choosing refillable pens, there is a growing demand to stock them, even if only to offer refills online.

One area where sales of refills are growing at a phenomenal rate in the retail and B2B channel is Pilot’s FriXion erasable pens. Retailers are seeing listing refills for these as a great opportunity. When compared to nonerasable gel and liquid ink rollerballs, thermo-sensitive erasable ink pens such as FriXion have a shorter writing distance, so consumers actively search out refills. As a result, retailers are giving fixture space to FriXion refills.

There is one recycled product that could easily catch the consumer’s imagination and that is Treewise pencils. Relatively new to the UK, they are made from 100 per cent recycled newspaper. No wood or plastic is used. They have an extra dark graphite lead that sharpens well and writes smoothly.

However, given that environmental matters continue to dominate modern life, I am sure that consumers will become increasingly savvy over such issues as product miles, country of origin and packaging. If in the future we can reduce any price premium, I am sure that will help products with environmental benefits grow in popularity with the consumer market, and put pressure on retailers to stock them.

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STATIONERY BIZ

SMALL BUSINESS FOCUS: AUSTIN & CO

We speak to independent stationery boutique owner SEAN AUSTIN Describe Austin & Co to our readers

We are a small independent card and stationery shop in Great Malvern, Worcestershire on the slopes of the Malvern Hills. It is very much an extension of the owner’s personality who has used his lifetime love of stationery and travel to curate a collection of design-led stationery items that would previously have involved a visit to a larger retail centre such as Worcester or Cheltenham.

Tell us about what you did before Austin & Co

I worked in records management and research. This included a spell in the Diplomatic Service, gaining my librarian credentials in medical and academic libraries before going on to develop a career as a business researcher at Mars Confectionery, WHSmith, and finally a number of leading UK corporate law firms.

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What made you decide to set up shop and when did you open?

The shop opened in 2011. For the previous couple of years I had been selling greeting cards on markets and car boots to supplement my income after the 2008 credit crunch. In 2008, the law firms I worked for were some of the first to be hit by the downturn.

When the work dried up there I bought a job lot of cards off ebay, a wallpaper paste table from Homebase and started on a circuit of car boot sales around the West Midlands.

Why stationery? Why Malvern?

Stationery was among my first pocket money purchases and was always at the top of my Christmas list. I grew up in Worcester in the 1970s and my stationery mecca was AO Jones: four floors filled to the brim with stationery. It was my sweetshop.

I did consider opening in Worcester but the saturation of card shops and the lack of the ‘right shop in the right place’ meant I cast my net further afield. Malvern was my summer holiday playground as a kid so I knew

it well. There was a gap in the market and the ideal premises were there.

How has your previous experience helped you run your store?

My previous work experience as a librarian helps behind the scenes.

Research still forms part of the job.

When looking into new trends, understanding Boolean logic helps you to search the internet more effectively.

Knowing how keywords work goes someway into what I post and how often on social media. But the best experience was from my time on car boot markets. I learnt how to sell, negotiate, understand the tax system, deal with wholesalers, and how to grow a relationship with the public and my customers.

What makes Austin & Co different from other indie stores?

The most obvious difference is that the owner is male. Looking at who attends the trade shows, who most of the suppliers are, and who actually runs an independent card and stationery shop, it is a heavily female-dominated

industry. This is reflected in the look of the shop and what I stock – I’ve never been one for candles and jewellery for instance! I was always told to sell what you love and have knowledge of.

Do you have a philosophy for the layout and display of the store?

This is where the librarian past comes to its fore. Clean lines, no clutter and not overcrowded. Everything in the shop is there for a reason (to be sold) and I like to show off everything in the best way I can.

How is Austin & Co addressing some of the challenges facing the UK high street?

By being savvy and prepared to negotiate; an empty shop is of no use to your landlord. I never overstock (the stockroom is almost redundant).

I always research a new product – I’m too small to be a pioneer, it needs to be tried and tested in a bigger market before I can see success. And while others around you are losing their heads, don’t lose yours – I discount infrequently. Be prepared to remain strong on your core product, but if something isn’t working, shift it quick, get your return, and move on.

Are you purely a bricks-and-mortar man or will you ever consider selling online?

Purely bricks and mortar. And I’m happy with that. Opening a shop was always seen as being an alternative not just to the big players on the High Street but also as a tactile oasis to those who saw the online retailers as killing off the High Street. Also, everyone expects an Amazon experience when shopping online and with a manpower of one, the thought of developing an all-singing all-dancing website while maintaining the shop doesn’t appeal.

And it wouldn’t feel right to blow the ‘shop local’ trumpet with one hand and then sell online with the other.

You’re very active on social media.

How has this evolved?

I’ve always seen social media for the shop as an extension of my personality.

It can be quite personal though you’ll rarely see a picture of Mr Austin & Co; we leave that to the dog – Nessa’s far prettier. We don’t hard sell.

I ALWAYS RESEARCH A NEW PRODUCT – I’M TOO SMALL TO BE A PIONEER, IT NEEDS TO BE TRIED AND TESTED IN A BIGGER MARKET BEFORE I CAN SEE SUCCESS.

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DON’T BE SWAYED

BY SUPPLIER DISCOUNTS FOR BUYING A HIGHER VOLUME UNLESS YOU KNOW IT’S GOING TO SELL. Humour is king and Mr Austin & Co can be quite cheeky, and dry with it.

Use original content when you can – a photo of the product in your shop is better than the stock library photo from your supplier.

Where do you source products for the store?

Traditional trade shows such as Top Drawer, Spring/Autumn Fairs, Stationery Show (including the new one in October in Manchester). Instagram for following new designers or those from overseas that don’t usually show in the UK. And much to the annoyance of my partner, I spend too much time in stationery shops when I’m on holiday abroad. The USA has particularly been a rich hunting ground. The plan over the next year or so is to visit the National Stationery Show in New York to source in a more organised way.

What’s the most exciting area of stationery right now? (in terms of design or functionality)

Japanese style from the likes of Mark’s Tokyo has always intrigued me in terms of design and functionality. As we approach the 2020 Olympic games in Tokyo, I can see a greater adoption of this and Kawaii stationery items. Where paper stationery can link in to the digital age too, with items such as Whitelines.

And who’d have thought the dotted format on paper would engage with the new bullet journalers out there!

Do you have any advice for anyone thinking about setting up a bricksand-mortar stationery/gift store?

• Research your location. Go around all your potential competitors – if they sell similar, can you do it better?

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Be prepared to sit outside your prospective shop on different days and at different times of the day to see what the footfall is likely to be.

• Know what you are selling. If you don’t, research it. Create a story to engage with your customer.

• Don’t just fill the shop with things you like. Some of my biggest sellers are things I wouldn’t personally buy.

• Doing ‘back to school’ isn’t compulsory for a stationery shop!

I’ve got a WHSmith next door – I’d be committing commercial suicide if I tried to match their offers.

• Christmas doesn’t have to start in August. Customers find it refreshing that they can buy a non-Christmas card from me in an environment that isn’t fully tinselled out before the kids have even gone back to school.

• Don’t overstock – reorders come through relatively quickly these days.

Stock held in the back room is no different to leaving a load of money on the shelves.

• Don’t be swayed by supplier discounts for buying a higher volume unless you know it’s going to sell.

• Above all, be different.

2018 SPRING/SUMMER ISSUE Editorial Copy Date: mid February Publication Date: end of March The Spring/Summer issue of Stationery Matters will be sent out at the end of March to over 6,000 UK and overseas buyers including all advance registrations to the 2018 London Stationery Show. It will include the Official Previews to the London show and National Stationery Week.

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who does it, what they offer and how their business model works

RETAIL FOCUS Role of digital in driving store sales

FLAGSHIP STORES: FLYING THE FLAG FOR BRAND IDENTITY 30 UNDER 30 AWARDS: STATIONERY’S NEXT GENERATION C

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SMALL BUSINESS FOCUS: AUSTIN & CO ICONS OF STATIONERY: THE PARKER “51”

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LONDON STATIONERY SHOW

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The buyers’ guide to who’s exhibiting what

DESIGN SPECIALS Next gen pencils and social stationery

RETAIL FOCUS: WHY POP UP STORES ARE HERE TO STAY

PROFILE: KRISTINA KARLSSON OF KIKKI.K

PLAN YOUR VISIT TO MANCHESTER STATIONERY SHOW

MODERN CALLIGRAPHY how it’s dominating stationery, gift, craft and publishing

LAUNCHPAD LONDON Special focus: our pick of brand new stationery suppliers & designers

STATIONERY/DESIGNER COLLABORATIONS Why the market loves big-name designer hook ups

SMALL BUSINESS FOCUS Want to see your indie store in this feature?

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NATIONAL STATIONERY WEEK A unique sales opportunity for retailers and suppliers

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STATIONERY BIZ

TOP OF THE POP UPS Independent retail and e-commerce consultant REBECCA SAUNDERS investigates the extraordinary rise of pop ups and reveals why they’re here to stay

SUCCESSFUL EXPERIENTIAL SELLING INVOLVES SURPRISING CUSTOMERS. 6 0 A U T U M N // W I N T E R 2 0 1 7

Experience is everything Not a day passes without a new story proclaiming how ‘experiences’ represent the future of retail. Successful experiential selling involves surprising customers, whether through unexpected locations, store designs, service or unique products. Pop-up shops tap into this requirement, helping brands attract new customers or test locations and offering landlords opportunities to encourage customer frequency and rejuvenate shopping locations.

Describing varied initiatives – from well-known brands such as Etsy taking temporary space in John Lewis to oneoff markets – ‘pop-up shop’ has become a catch-all term. In recent years the concept has evolved with the launch of dedicated spaces such as Shoreditch’s Boxpark, which opened in 2011.

Boxpark bills itself as the “world’s first pop-up mall,” offering leases starting at one week in shipping containers from around £1,000 per month.

Similarly, the Up Market partnership between Appear Here and retail destination owner, manager and developer Hammerson is described as a “differentiated destination where more happens” by David O’Neil, Hammerson’s head of commercialisation. Launched in

Birmingham’s Bullring earlier this year, O’Neil says it will “shine a spotlight on the UK’s most exciting and innovative retail talent, providing unknown artisan brands with an unparalleled opportunity to engage with millions of customers on a national scale. Rotating the mix of emerging independents will also ensure that our portfolio of leading retail destinations continues to offer personalised experiences.” This type of pop up, characterised by dedicated market-stall counters and costing from £50 per day, represents a practical, flexible option particularly suited to small brands.

Appear Here, described as ‘the AirBnB of retail space’, offers thousands of options, from these small spaces to extensive retail sites. Whilst choice is predictably high in London, opportunities are by no means limited to the capital. In fact, a 2014 report by the Centre for Economics & Business Research and EE hailed Cardiff as the UK’s most popular pop-up location. Up Market has now launched in Bristol’s Cabot Circus; further locations are opening in Brent Cross and Victoria in Leeds this year. Similarly, Appear Here, which operates countrywide, cites Manchester, Liverpool and Birmingham as areas of high demand.

Boxpark in Shoreditch (photo: Max McClure)

Up Market in Birmingham’s Bullring (photo: Appear Here)

Peace & Blessings, Bullring, Birmingham (photo: Appear Here)

Papersmiths’ bespoke plinth (photo: Max McClure)

Testing, testing…

Using pop ups to attract different audiences appeals to new and established brands alike, with kikki.K, Moleskine and Rifle Paper Co recently embracing such initiatives. Testing a location whilst limiting financial risk is increasingly important given the commitment required for lease costs in a climate of climbing business rates.

Bristol-based Papersmiths, which opened in Boxpark in summer 2017, took this approach. Co-founder and owner Sidonie Warren decided a pop up would help her understand the market, saying: “We see Boxpark as a stepping stone to a London location… we looked at permanent locations [in central London] but they were a big jump in rent.” Hammerson’s David O’Neil also explains that the Bullring’s high traffic is attractive to smaller businesses wanting to test customer demand, since the Up Market initiative there will “introduce 35 new artisan brands to an annual footfall of over 35 million shoppers.”

Location, location, location Location choice is critical to success and should be based on understanding your target customers. Warren explains Shoreditch’s appeal: “It has a really good mix of tourists and designers; similar to our original location.”

Footfall and demographic information may be available from landlords, but

nothing beats conducting your own research. Visit the area at different times to assess potential customers – and take the plunge to speak to some directly. Warren adds: “It was reassuring to speak to other traders in the location before committing.”

Secrets of success It is easy to get excited about popping up, but given the time and financial investment, clarity of purpose is critical to meet your own measure of success.

This may be a simple sales target or a focus on acquiring customers.

Determining goals upfront will influence the finer detail of execution, e.g. to gain social followers, you might splash out on a PR and/or customer launch event, and therefore the pop up’s look and feel needs to be striking and perfectly ‘Instagrammable’ to help create user-generated content suitable for various channels.

Show me the money If you have only ever sold online there are numerous new factors to consider, including stock levels, ticketing, security, shopfit, branding, staffing, layout, and secure customer data capture – many of which will have an additional cost.

As well as inherent differences in lease costs, pop-up economics can be significantly different to those for a permanent shop, with potential cost savings on staff and fixtures. Ensure

you review the fine print of any agreements and note that business rates, service charges, deposits and insurance may be payable on top of lease costs.

A market-stall type space can be more economical, whereas a dedicated shop will require significant thought regarding shopfit. Warren considered this before deciding on a two-year lease at Boxpark, enabling her to collaborate with surface designer Katie Gillies to develop bespoke display surfaces and plinths. She has found that “customers like them so much we are now going to make a range of desk accessories” – an unexpected benefit of testing products directly with customers. A further bonus for Papersmiths has been the multichannel effect. Warren reveals: “The Boxpark location increased brand awareness, which has increased online sales.”

Once you pop…

These benefits highlight the growing popularity of pop-up shops, given they are an exciting and low-risk way to expand; many brands will no doubt seek to maximise the Christmas 2017 sales opportunity through such opportunities. Equally, landlords will continue seeking to fill vacant spaces and draw in crowds for festive excitement. It appears that the phenomenon of short term pop-up shops is now here for the long haul.

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STATIONERY BIZ

THE LAST WORD with Kristina Karlsson, founder of kikki.K When did your love affair with stationery start?

I’ve always had a passion for gorgeous stationery and putting pen to paper.

There’s something about its tactile nature and the feeling it gives us that can’t be replicated. It’s nostalgic.

It’s special. It makes things feel meaningful and purposeful. Whilst the proliferation of technology may mean that we’re using phones, computers, tablets more so than ever before, I truly believe there will always be a place for pen and paper.

In terms of the business, was there a light-bulb moment with kikki.K?

I came to a point where I became dissatisfied with work and spent many late nights trying to figure out what it was I wanted to do with my life.

When I became quite restless (literally!) at 3am one morning, my partner Paul encouraged me to write down everything that was important to me – I wanted to follow a passion

and do something I truly loved driving to work for every day, stay connected with my friends and family in Sweden and have the independence of a venture of my own. I also wanted to do something meaningful and earn enough to pay the bills!

So I thought, if I’m going to have a business of my own, I’ll need a beautiful home office! I looked in stores for products for a productive, organised and inspiring workspace but really couldn’t find anything that suited my taste. I got a little discouraged at first… but then I realised I had just stumbled across a wonderful idea… and that’s how it all began!

work together to help you to stay inspired, achieve your dreams and love every moment.

How do your Swedish roots inspire your designs?

Can you share your plans for kikki.K in 2018?

My native Sweden is my biggest inspiration – it’s beautiful. I love the architecture, the way of living, the natural beauty of the landscape, the boutiques, the design…. love it, love it, love it!

All of our kikki.K products are built on the Swedish design principles form and function, combined with seasonal trends and other inspirations. They are always beautiful in design, colour and texture – however they’re also functional. They not only look good, they inspire and empower you to live your best life, every day – with style.

Oh it feels like we’re just getting started! Our focus is still on fulfilling our vision to see something kikki.K in every stylish life, the world over – and my dream to open kikki.K stores in all my favourite cities right across the globe. At the moment, we’ve got five beautiful stores in the UK, and we’re really focusing on building the brand there. It’s amazing to see the UK fall in love with kikki.K. And of course, we’re also continuing to design more and more beautiful kikki.K products.

Three words which best describe kikki.K

As much as your passion will tell you otherwise, you can’t do everything yourself, so surround yourself with wonderful people to help you on your way. Contacts are invaluable, so seek mentors. You’ll be surprised by how many people are happy to help, and how much you can learn from others.

We have four words! Dream. Do. Enjoy. Share. As a brand, we exist to inspire and empower people to dream, do, enjoy and share – in the process of living their best life. To me, each of these words is inter-related. They 6 2 A U T U M N // W I N T E R 2 0 1 7

How did you grow your business?

Finding the right team and maintaining good team relationships play a very crucial role in any organisation’s success, and at kikki.K we’re no different. Our business is our people and we’ve been so fortunate to attract wonderful people over the journey that have helped grow the business to what it is today. Our best team members have been the ones attracted by what we do and the way we do it, and they have come to us.

What advice would you give to young people starting off in the industry?

Discover your own creative happiness: Mix up to 190 colour shades with the brushpen colour mixer and just 20 brushpens.

Get your Colour Happy Edition from edding and let your creativity run free!

So, what’s your next idea?

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