Retailer Views

Gift retailers share their views of last year’s show…

Jo Barber, owner of No. 14, Ampthill

“A brilliant show, it has to be the best ever!

A great mix of publishers, the usual jolly atmosphere and lots of orders placed - I do hope I’m not in on the day they all land! There were so many amazing stands we just couldn’t fit it all in and we were still placing orders a week later.

Another great reason for attending is catching up with industry friends, sharing tips and feeling as though the world has very nearly returned to normal. I loved it, and the 2023 dates are already in the diary!” everyone was so happy to be there and it was really lovely to reconnect with so many card companies. We placed 17 orders. I really love this show because it is all about the cards and the UK card industry is without a doubt the best in the world.”

Greg Rose, co-owner of Maybugs, Eastbourne, Hailsham and Bexhill-on-Sea

“PG Live is one of the most important shows for us as we use it specifically to find new and upcoming publishers, and this year was the best ever! We placed 21 orders at the show, with 16 of these from the Springboard area with new suppliers. As always, the show continues to be one of our favourites, not just because of the density of high-quality suppliers but also because it’s such a pleasurable experience to attend.”

Caroline Ranwell, owner of Hugs and Kisses, Tettenhall

A Greats’ Drinks Reception

All current and previous Greats winners and finalists are once again invited to enjoy a glass of fizz at the Wall of Fame drinks reception taking place at the Business Design Centre’s Gallery area on the first floor at 12.45 on both days of the show.

“What a wonderfully enjoyable opportunity for gift retailers to meet up and socialise, as well as compare notes about what has caught their eye at the show,” comments Sue Marks, editor of Progressive Gifts & Home/GiftsandHome.net.

As an extra 'gift', all independent finalists and winners of The Greats 2023 receive a £50 golden voucher that can be spent against an order placed at the show with any of the exhibitors.

Below: Retailer buddies enjoying a catch up at The Greats/Retas drinks reception at the show.

Anne Barber, owner of In Heaven at Home, Market Harborough

“I honestly thought the atmosphere and my whole day at PG Live was the best at any trade show I have ever been to in my career. I met up with 16 of my current suppliers and placed orders with them all and found three new suppliers. To me it felt special and magical and buzzing - I loved every moment. A very happy day. I’ve got the PG Live 2023 dates in my diary!!!”

Samantha Gibbs, owner of Nest, Stoneygate, Broughton Astley and Thurlaston

“PG Live is so fresh, it kicks off the summer buying season with a great start. There is nothing like seeing the product directly and I am a huge advocate of in person trade shows, they are so important to us. We came away from PG Live really happy after such a productive day!”

Sally Matson, owner of Red Card, Petworth

“A fabulous show! The buzz at PG Live was great - right from opening on the first day -

“We absolutely loved the show, it’s my favourite one of the year - the location is great and as a card buyer it’s brilliant to have so many fantastic companies under one roof, which makes it so easy to get around. I love that you have a Springboard section, as it’s great to be able to see new publishers. I love the buzz of the show, as well as the free lunches and even a champagne reception, that you don’t get that anywhere else!

It is also a great opportunity to catch up with other retailers/friends; to chat and share ideas/experiences with others in the trade. And I placed quite a few orders!

We’ll be at PG Live 2023 with bells on!”

Below: Caroline and Jon Ranwell with Five Dollar’s Matt Genower (right) at last year’s show.

Extra Touches

In addition to the incredible exhibitor lineup, PG Live is also known for the ‘added extras’ that make buyers and exhibitors alike feel special - right from the moment you walk through the door to be welcomed by meeters and greeters who will hand you a limited edition keepsake tote bag, containing a full colour catalogue and lots other goodies.

To keep you sated, a delicious free lunch is available in the Gallery Hall, (first floor), for both visitors and exhibitors, with free teas and coffees being poured throughout the show days - into proper cups!

Everyone is invited to let their hair down at an opening night party on Tuesday 6 June that will see the great and the good in the card industryexhibitors, retailers and trade suppliersclinking glasses and enjoying a fabulous free evening networking opportunity straight after the show in the Gallery Hall.

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