Progressive Greetings Worldwide November 2017

November

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Leader

On The Cards

@Prog_Greetings Left: PG’s Jakki Brown (centre) with new GCA president Ceri Stirland (left) and Sainsbury’s card buyer, Carly Pearson.

Below: (Right-left) PG’s Gale Astley, Jakki Brown and Warren Lomax at the Ooh La La Henries awards last month.

Below left: PG’s Jakki Brown (far right) was there to witness a ‘dream coming true’, when four year old Poppy Babb (second left) was presented with a princess dress (for her and her cousin Libby) based on her design that won a competition run by Hallmark and Rubies (costume company) in Tesco.

Like everyone else in the packed room at the recent GCA AGM and Conference, I listened intently to what all the speakers had to say. Admittedly, I struggled a bit to fathom out all of the intricacies of the assumptions, extrapolations and spidery graphs which Glynn Jones, a Bank of England’s ‘eyes, ears and voice’, delivered in as layman’s terms as he could. The fact that someone from the Bank of England came to speak at our industry’s ‘big day’ was impressive, but then the GCA’s ceo Sharon Little is a mighty persuasive woman!

With Glynn having presented the ‘big picture’, other speakers did some nifty ‘colouring in’. In her GCA presidential address, Ceri Stirland, director of marketing of UKG, while alerting everyone to the challenges of a changing landscape – not least the drop in footfall in the high streets impacting on greeting card stockists - she also shared some pretty uplifting stats. It was not just the news that the greeting card market has increased in value by 10% since 2011 that caused some smiles, but the fact that by UKG’s reckoning the market is set to grow by another 2% in the coming year. And the smiles broadened further when Ceri pointed out how 93% of the UK adult population has bought a card in the last year, the same percentage who have bought bread in the last year.

However, there was a bit of shifting in chairs when Carly Pearson, Sainsbury’s card buyer, shared insights of the UK’s social demographics that surprised me - about an aspect of our society I had not really thought about. As part of Sainsbury’s drive for inclusivity, she highlighted how 6% of the adult population defined themselves as ‘not heterosexual’ - but how in the 18-24 year-old age group some 49% describe themselves as ‘somewhere in between homosexual and heterosexual’, urging publishers and the retailers in the room

to be aware of this less defined approach to sexuality and that we as an industry should respond to this, as well as how 9 million people in the UK above the age of 16 originated from a non-white ethnic group, in order to remain relevant to societal tastes.

But for all the challenges and changes ahead, whether in the UK’s ethnicity make-up, sexual bias or economic outlook, the collective brain power and inventive minds in that audience, from publishers, retailers and suppliers, made me feel as though, while not easy, we as an industry will find a way through what ever shape the graphs will take us.

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Contents

What’s Inside 22

With This Issue:

THE UK CALENDAR AWARDS BROCHURE (THE CALIES)

30-34 70

hin

Wit sue: this is NRIES E THE H INNERS W 7 1 0 2

11-21

37-59

News

The Henries 2017 Winners

73-75 Art Source

The winners of this year’s Henries awards.

22-23 Over The Counter

60-61

Tis The Season

In Conversation With… UKG

Independent card and gift retailer, David Robertson, co-owner of JP Pozzi in Scotland, explores how other retailers are approaching Christmas.

UK Greetings strengthens its commitment to supporting the independent retail sector.

76-77 What’s Hot?

Thinking Into Action

24-25

63-67

Cardsharp

Innovations

79-81 Spotlight On Animal Cards

Creature Close-Up A small herd of animal cards publishers share a memorable encounter with one of our furry or feathered friends.

The Future Is Bright-ish Cardsharp muses over topical events happening in the industry.

82-94

68-69 Jeremy’s Journal

Winning At Cards 27-29

95

Blue Eyed Sun’s Jeremy Corner considers how do you make sure you hold all the aces when it comes to successful greeting cards.

Viewpoints

Christmas Gazing Indies reveal their predictions for Christmas 2017.

Top left: A angelic Christmas design

by Alljoy.

Below: An ailurophile, the definition of a cat fanatic, on a beautiful design from Flotra.

Classified Appointments

70-71 30-34

Face To Face

The Henries 2017

Granting Wishes

Ooh La La!

Rod Brown, joint md of Words ‘n’ Wishes, shares some of the publisher’s recent tactics that have been ‘scoring’.

The party pictures of this year’s ‘Ooh La La Parisian’ themed Henries awards.

Progressive Greetings is a monthly business magazine.

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Copyright© 2017. While every effort has been made to ensure the information in this magazine was correct at the time of publication, the publishers cannot accept legal liability for any errors or omissions, nor can they accept responsibility for the standing of advertisers nor any organisation mentioned in the text. Views of contributors do not necessarily reflect those of the publishers.

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PG is the official magazine for the Greeting Card Association GCA: Sharon Little 020 7619 0396 Email: gca@max-publishing.co.uk www.greetingcardassociation.org.uk PROGRESSIVE GREETINGS WORLDWIDE

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NEWS TOP STORY

Amazing GCA AGM Conference UKG’s Ceri Stirland gives her inaugural address as GCA president Well over 140 GCA members and associate members from the greeting card community – publishers, retailers, suppliers and agents – gathered at Birmingham’s majestic Council House for the GCA AGM and conference on Tuesday 24 October.

They were treated to a strong line-up of speakers who delivered insightful, thoughtprovoking and uplifting presentations.

Ged Mace, md of The Art File, handed over the GCA presidential ‘baton’ to Ceri Stirland, director of marketing for UK Greetings, who shared her views on the industry, the concerns and the opportunities.

Ceri told PG, that she was “really looking forward” to her tenure as GCA president, bringing her 25 years’ industry experience, both on the retailer and publisher sides, to the fore. “We find ourselves in a period of uncertainty, we don’t know the total effect of Brexit, the retail landscape is changing, footfall is down and consumer confidence is fragile, but I am confident that the UK greeting card industry can adapt. It is how we respond to these changes that is crucial.”

For all these concerns, however, Ceri feels those in the greeting card trade should take comfort in the fact that the industry has not only grown by 10% since 2011, but is projected to grow by another 2% in the coming year.

Moreover, and even more encouraging longterm, “93% of the UK adult population are buying greeting cards – this is the same level as bread and chocolate!”

Some of Ceri’s aims for the next two years of her reign is to improve the profitability of seasonal sales, initiate more support

Paperchase’s US expansion is back on the cards

for independent retailers through the further development of a seasonal and event toolkit as well as advice and support, engagement with Gen Y and Gen Z on the greeting card front – as well as gearing up to mark the GCA’s 100th anniversary in 2019.“We need to make it the best birthday year ever!” said an enthusiastic Ceri.

Other speakers included Carly Pearson, Sainsbury’s card and wrap buyer; Sarah Hamilton, artist and founder of the Send a Card campaign and author of the House of Cards book and Bank of England’s deputy agent Glynn Jones.

Commenting, Sharon Little, GCA ceo said: “It has been a great year for the GCA, membership and associate membership are at an all-time high, the recent Thinking of You Week had the broadest ever reach – and now a fabulous and well attended AGM and Conference!”

Paperchase rose against the challenges of what its ceo Timothy Melgund describes as a “difficult year”, not helped by the Brexit referendum decision. The design-led retailer reported a 4.3% growth in overall sales (to £119.2 million), a 0.7% nudge up on like-for-like and a whopping 31% surge in its online business for the year to January 31. It revealed a 16% drop in EBITDA (excluding exceptional items), taking it down to £9.1million.

While sales from Paperchase’s overseas operations were largely flat over the last year, growth is once again on the cards in the States. Having postponed its plans to open stores in Chicago, due to the turmoil on the other side of the Atlantic, Paperchase is now back on course to open two stores in the ‘windy city’ next April, one in the main station, the other in the Southport area.

Summing up his current feelings about the marketplace, Timothy said: “The UK retail landscape is not for the fainthearted and there are of course significant headwinds.” He remains however, assured of Paperchase’s position and its popularity with the general public.

Above: Paperchase’s ceo Timothy Melgund reports sales are up for the chain.

Coming up Rosie

BBC Radio Scotland’s Kaye Adams had a small segment on her daily radio show about her ‘Mary Whitehouse’ experience in a Brighton card shop. Not naming the shop, Kaye said the cards in this particular shop “made her blush” with “60% of the cards being very sexual with the worst kind of sweary words.” Kaye invited ceo of the Greeting Card Association, Sharon Little onto her programme to discuss rude cards. In reply to Kaye’s comment about the noticeable increase in the level of profanity in greeting cards over the past few years, Sharon pointed out: “There’s a huge market for it, but rude cards really are a tiny proportion of the greeting cards on offer. Retailers know their market, so you won’t find these cards in all outlets. If you go into card shops in areas with lots of young office workers or students, you will find these very, very rude cards, because the customers love them!”

Rosie Harrison, founder of greeting card publisher Rosie Made a Thing, has a lot to celebrate. Not only was her Gin & Frolics range a finalist in this year’s Henries, but the business she founded and owns has won the Small Business of the Year Award in the Women in Business Awards, organised by the Leicester Mercury.

Commenting on her win, Rosie said: “Winning this Small Business Award is exciting as it rewards all the hard work that goes on behind the finished cards.

The business has grown so rapidly since we started in 2015. What started out as a kitchen table venture has grown into a full-time (and more) business and it is great that all that hard work has been recognised.”

Above: Many shops stocking rude cards carry a ‘warning’ sign, which safeguards them against criticism.

Above: Rosie Harrison with her Small Business Award trophy.

Above: New GCA president, UKG’s Ceri Stirland with Bank of England’s Glynn Jones and GCA’s ceo Sharon Little.

Left: Outgoing president Ged Mace, md of The Art File with the GCA’s ceo Sharon Little in front of a packed audience at the recent GCA AGM and Conference.

Rude cards back in the limelight

PROGRESSIVE GREETINGS WORLDWIDE

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NEWS Card sales light up for Diwali

TOP STORY

Les Magnifique Henries Winners The card industry’s ‘grand nuit’ was ‘très bon’ The industry’s ‘big night’ of the year - The Henries awards - took place last month (October 5), but the positive ripples are still palpable as the award winners celebrate their victories, suppliers follow up on the contacts made and so many attendees rejoice in the ‘esprit de corps’ through numerous posts on social media.

This year’s Henries Awards event (hosted by top comedian John Robins) had a certain ‘je ne sais quoi’, not just because of the Parisian theme of the night, but as all 700 attendees were up for a night of celebration, and of togetherness.

As Jakki Brown, editor of PG said in the opening speech: “There is no denying that it has been a challenging year in the industry, both on the publishing and retailing fronts, but The Henries rises above these challenges and celebrates our collective achievements.”

It was a big night for Rod and Trevor Schragger, directors of Second Nature, who were presented with an Honorary Achievement Award each, while talented Louise Tiler, founder of Louise Tiler Designs received the rechristened The

Above: It was an emotional moment when Second Nature director Rod Schragger took to the lectern to give an impromptu acceptance speech on behalf of himself and his brother Trevor, having both been presented with an Honorary Achievement award.

Left: (Left-right) IC&G’s Simon Wagstaff, Tony Roberts and Ian Wagstaff were delighted to win the Gold award in the coveted Best Service to the Independent Retailer category.

Lynn Tait Most Promising Young Artist or Designer award.

The IC&G team stormed the stage when it was announced that the company had once again won the Gold award for Best Service to the Independent Retailer.

The winners of all The Henries award’s categories (pages 37-59) were not the only winners as a result of the event. The charity raffle (which included some very ‘grands prix’) raised over £7,500.

Fingers crossed for cardies Two cardies will find out within the next few weeks if they have been successful in winning local business awards. Beverley Green’s Heywood shop, Blue Rose Gifts and Balloons has been shortlisted for High Street Retailer of the Year in the Rochdale Business Awards, while artist Ann Worsnip of Oi Doris has been nominated for a Lancashire Women in Business award, in the digital and creative category.

Left: Beverley Green of Blue Rose Gifts and Balloons, Heywood.

Suffolk teen set to be youngest ever PG Live exhibitor Talented teenager Ophelia Yannaghas, the creative brains behind card publisher Foofster Designs, is on course to be PG Live 2018’s youngster ever exhibitor when she makes her debut at the trade show next year.

The plucky 16 year-old (who will be 17 by the time of PG Live) is already attracting considerable interest from the consumer press, galleries and retailers who are astounded by her artistic prowess, irrespective of her young age.

Ophelia, who started the card company when she was only 13, (naming it after the pet name for her blue brindle whippet, Olive) has recently appeared in the Eastern Daily Press, East Anglian Times as well as having won various art prizes and scholarships.

Ophelia’s creative streak showed itself as an early age, but it how she has developed this into a business while still at school is so impressive.

“At the age of 11, after years of drawing nothing much in particular, I was introduced to my granny’s iPad and suddenly the Foofster Design was born, said Ophelia.

Left: Ophelia Yannaghas and Olive Above: Foofster Designs’ Pedigree Range is to be increased to 50 designs by PG Live.

Diwali – the Hindu festival of light – is growing in popularity in the UK every year and it’s having a knock-on effect on greeting cards as well. Rajeev Arora, founder of greeting card publisher Davora, which publishes Diwali cards as part of its portfolio, said: “Diwali does appear to be growing every year. Leicester saw 40,000 people turn up at their Diwali Lights switch on, and for the first time the London Eye was lit up for Diwali too.”

Commenting on greeting card sales this year, Rajeev admitted that his gut feel was that its sales were up. “Almost all the high street chains were on board, and we picked up a number of new independents this year too.”

As Trish Corner, buyer of Card Galore commented, while Diwali is still a minor season for the chain, “We do like to have an offering of between four and eight designs for our customers, as they have come to expect that we stock cards for the religious festivals.”

Manpreet Grewal, owner of Gifts and More Gifts in Uxbridge says: "We had an unbelievable response from our Diwali cards this year. We've always stocked cards for Diwali, but have noticed that the demand is increasing each year. We get neighbours coming in to buy for neighbours and that kind of thing."

In addition to more widespread participation by retailers is how UK consumers are responding to this event.

“One of our bellwether tests is how many cards we sell direct to consumer via our website,” Raj told PG. “This year we relaunched our website, which has had a massive positive effect - Diwali sales have more doubled from the same period last year. While this could be down to having a better website, it does show an underlying demand for Diwali cards.”

Above: A Diwali card from Davora.

Sad loss l Popular independent retailer, Chris Mitchell has sadly passed away at the age of 69. Chris and his wife Lynn previously ran Heart to Heart in Wantage and Didcot for many years. Jacqui Wright, territory manager of Noel Tatt, who spoke to Chris a few days before his untimely death pays tribute: “I think that anyone that had to describe Chris Mitchell would probably all say the same thing: A true gentleman, kind, honest, funny and honourable.”

Above: Lynn and Chris Mitchell.

PROGRESSIVE GREETINGS WORLDWIDE

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NEWS TOP STORY

Love All In Game, Set And Match Warren and Bill to play tennis for Lynn Tait’s charity Two of the card trade’s stalwarts - PG’s coowner Warren Lomax and Paperlink’s sales director Bill Greeno – are to hit the tennis court and play for almost five hours to raise money Myeloma UK, the charity linked to the blood cancer that caused Ladder Club founder, Lynn Tait’s untimely passing earlier this year.

What prompted the idea? PG’s Warren Lomax explained: “Lynn was as fanatical about tennis as Bill and I. Unfortunately she passed away during the French Open in June. So, Bill and I thought a fitting challenge would be for us to play a match

and attempt to break the Paris Open final match record length of four hours 42 minutes – and follow Lynn’s great example and raise money for charity in the process.”

The Lomax v Greeno marathon match is scheduled for Wednesday 15 November. The pair’s aim is to play competitively and continuously for longer than four hours and 42 minutes, thereby beating the longest ever French Open final which took place between Mats Wilander and Guillermo Vilas in 1982.

Getting into the mode, Warren and Bill adopted the look of the two most famous players of that era, Borg and McEnroe for their promotional photograph. The match will take place at the Islington Tennis Centre, commencing at 7.00am and going through until noon.

A designated Just Giving page has been set up specifically for the match. If you would like to contribute in memory of Lynn, go to www.justgiving.com/fundraising/ warren-bill Left: Bill Greeno and Warren Lomax parody the poster for the new McEnroe v Borg film.

Best Thinking of You Week ever!

This year’s Thinking of You Week (which took place 25 September – 1 October) had the broadest reach ever. Summing up some of the highlights of the widespread participation, Sharon Little, ceo of the GCA, who spearheaded the week-long initiative that encouraged people to send extra cards, said: “There was so much going on... publishers went into schools, hospitals and the elderly to write cards, multiples Clintons, Card Factory and Waitrose helped to promote, as did Moonpig and Thortful. Royal Mail spread the word on its stamp cancellation marks, crafting magazines went full pelt, BBC Radio Wiltshire had a special Thinking of You Week spot each lunchtime during the Week, and social media channels were buzzing – there were 837 #thinkingofyouweek Instagram posts alone during the Week!”

Independent card and gift retailer, Calliope Gifts (which has stores in Dorking, Haywards Heath and Alton) really got behind Thinking of You Week for the first time this year - by instigating a ‘4 for 3’ promotion across all greeting cards to encourage multiple buys (and sends).

“We are delighted with the results,” confirmed Andy Adamson, Above: Children with their cards they made for a local older people’s club. director of Calliope. l Putting its own spin on Thinking of You Week, Abacus Cards took to Facebook to inspire others to send cards by featuring several of their team and the greeting cards they have sent as well as the reasons behind the sends. l The GCA’s ceo Sharon Little was on several radio programmes to promote the Week, and involved in a card writing event in Offside Books, in Kilburn. l Sai Pathmanathan from The Taste Buds went into Bangabandhu Primary and Globe Primary in Bethnal Green and spoke to the children about how sending cards makes them feel. The children then made cards to be delivered to a local older people’s club at St Hilda’s Community Centre in Shoreditch. The members of the club were so touched by the gesture that they are making thank you cards for the children!

From sympathy to joy When a design from Uniquely Yours was selected as one of the three winners in the competition run by retailer House of Cards for The Ladder Club attendees last year, the company’s co-owners Maccine and Graeme Hall had no idea about the journey this would take them on.

Maccine’s sympathy design was one of three selected to be made into cards (by Home Counties’ retailer House of Cards) to be stocked in its six branches for a whole year (starting in February). Three quarters of the way through this 12 month commitment by the retailer to stock the three winners’ designs in its shops (with the retailer having paid for the production as well as given prize money), Uniquely Yours’ sympathy card is currently ranking 6th best seller out of the Top: Maccine and Graeme Hall 15 sympathy designs at this year’s Ladder Club event.

Above: The winning sympathy stocked by House of card from Uniquely Yours.

Cards branches.

“We are absolutely delighted by the sales and this has really given us a boost to extend the range to eight cards which includes With Sympathy and Thinking of You,” says Maccine. “When we first booked to attend The Ladder Club seminar last year we had no idea that making the long journey from Durham to Southend would result in us launching our business, winning a competition and exhibiting at PG Live. What a journey and this is only the beginning.”

Miles Robinson, partner of House of Cards said: “We wanted to do something to support newbie publishers and so came up with the idea for the competition, but we have learned a lot too along the way – like how much is involved in publishing cards. I think we will continue to concentrate on retailing!”

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NEWS TOP STORY

Sainsbury’s Leads On Inclusivity The grocer’s LGBT Christmas cards continue its pledge Sainsbury’s is upping its pledge to be the UK’s ‘most inclusive retailer’ with the launch of its first ever same sex Christmas cards. The two Christmas designs go on sale in the supermarket’s entire retail estate of 1,414 stores on November 7, to cover both single sex male and female sends.

Carly Pearson, Sainsbury’s card buyer, gave a rapid-fire powerful speech at the GCA AGM and Conference in which she shared insights, beliefs and the retailer’s ambitious aims on the greeting card front for the 26 million customers it serves each week.

“Greeting cards play an important role in social communication. To remain ever relevant, the designs, the editorial and the captions need to reflect society,” Carly told PG. These Christmas designs, published by UK Greetings for Sainsbury’s, follow on from

the single sex Valentine’s Day designs as well as a Mother’s Day card that was tailored to children of same sex parents that received such positive reaction from customers and the public at large earlier this year.

As Carly told the attendees at the GCA AGM, “The population in the UK above 16 stands at 51 million with 3.1 million adults currently identifying themselves as not hetrosexual – that’s 6% of the total adult population of the UK, ” before leaving publishers with a shared challenge.

“How is it possible that we can and do have cards in our ranges both from and to the cat and dog, but no cards that address the lifestyle of 6% of the population?”

Top: New same sex Christmas cards for Sainsbury’s.

Above: Sainsbury’s card and wrap buyer Carly Pearson delivering her keynote speech at the GCA AGM.

Three quarters of card businesses promote via Facebook Social media is the most popular online marketing activity for the greeting card and giftware industry, according to the findings of a year-long research study undertaken by Card & Gift Network (www.cardandgiftnetwork.com), involving over 600 greeting card and gift businesses.

Charlotte Biggs, founder of Card & Gift Network (below) (which consults with companies to develop their online activities), embarked on the research project to gauge how greeting card and giftware companies were promoting themselves online.

Charlotte said of the project,“With a better understanding of how the industry is promoting itself online, we can measure our efforts against best practice of professional marketers and find new ways to improve.”

The research looked at what marketing channels card and gift companies are using online.

Analysing data from the 642 companies tracked, Charlotte discovered that the most popular form of marketing was social media.

Some 76% of businesses surveyed were using between one and seven social media channels to promote their greeting card and gift products – the most popular of these were Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Pinterest.

Of these Facebook was the most popular social media channel with 71% having a Facebook page for their business.

Commenting on the findings Charlotte said: “The popularity of social media is a great sign that the industry is forward thinking and willing to embrace new technologies to reach customers.”

Other highlights of the research included: l Of all the social media channels, Facebook is the one that is most popular in the card industry. l 38% of the 642 companies analysed had a blog to showcase their brand. l Only 35% used email marketing, despite this being one of the most popular marketing methods for professional marketers. l Just 69 (11%) companies had used ‘Pay Per Click’ paid advertising to promote their business in the last year.

Lola Design launches marketing campaign Design-led greeting card and art brand, Lola Design, has launched an integrated PR and marketing campaign, entitled Just Beautiful.

The focus is to drive brand awareness among consumers, retailers and potential licensees through the press, online sites, bloggers and influencers in the interiors and lifestyle sectors.

Wife and husband team, Amanda and Frank Mountain, owners of Lola Design have enlisted the expertise of 23PR (the same PR and social media company that has worked with Sara Miller to help build the Sara Miller London brand), while Hamilton Branding, a leading digital marketing, content marketing, social media marketing and branding agency, has produced video content which anchors the digital aspect of the campaign.

“Our dream is to build an internationally recognisable lifestyle brand known for beautiful design.

We are still at the beginning of the journey but have a vision to extend that presence across multiple categories into more markets,” says Frank Mountain, who looks after the sales and marketing aspects of the business.

The beautifully shot mini films feature Amanda, Frank and their cute dog Rocky as well as capturing the essence of the Lola Design brand. In the first couple of days alone the film was watched by 13.8k people via Lola Design’s Facebook page.

900th Card Factory store Card Factory opened its 900th UK store last month at Epping Forest Shopping Park, only a few metres away from Clintons’ headquarters.

This landmark opening comes after a sustained period of expansion for the retailer, with around 50 new stores opened every year for the past 10 years.

Karen Hubbard, ceo, commented: “We are thrilled to have reached this fantastic milestone of 900 stores, which demonstrates the rapid growth of Card Factory since opening our first store in Wakefield 20 years ago.”

Above: Card Factory’s 900th store is opposite Clintons’ headquarters in Essex.

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NEWS TOP STORY

WHS’ new store format

New Look For Zo And Co Four stores have new retail concept “You can’t just sit back – so we just decided to go for it,” stated independent card retailer Paul Carter about how he and his wife Zoe took the bull by the horns and have totally transformed their four card shops into a fresh new retail concept that trades under the Zo and Co brand.

“This has been the most significant development for our business since we started 20 years ago, but the positive reactions from customers are worth it alone, let alone the improved trading,” Paul told PG. The new concept debuted in the couple’s Knutsford store last November – which went on to win a Retas award in July – the Didsbury store received a similar makeover in June, the Cheadle branch in September and the most recent makeover at the Marple store completes the set.

Having traded as a Hallmark Gold Crown store for years, the Carters committed to the radical new independent approach that they developed themselves with support from suppliers, most notably GBCC and Widdop and Co.

Below: The Marple Zo and Co store.

A contemporary grey frontage, wood flooring, floating shelves, modern card fixtures, curated gift areas (focusing on Widdop’s Amore, Bambino, Impressions, By Appointment and Emporium brands), plus a Thorntons section and a Qualatex balloon area completes the line-up.

“It has been frantic, but well worth it.

The shops are trading really well, the customers’ comments have been so positive,” Paul said. “We are now looking forward to a really good Christmas!”

Indies beat multiples on openings Data released this month by bira and the Local Data Company (LDC) reveals that more independent shops (of all sorts) opened significantly more shops than in the same period last year, while the national chains continued to see a fall.

Independent shops saw an increase of 762 shops (+0.27%) in H1 2017, a significant increase Above: More indie new stores than the multiples. from the net increase of four shops (+0.00%) in H1 2016. A net growth of +562 units in H1 2017 on the high streets was one of the main drivers in the growth of independent retailing in H1 2017 - a +181% increase from the 200 unit increase in H1 2016.

The chain retailers have also remained in decline with a net loss of -659 shops (-0.33%) in H1 2017 across Great Britain, which compares to -2,001 shops (-1.02%) in H1 2016.

“It’s good to see independents, and the high street in particular, leading the way in net unit growth for the first half of 2017," commented bira's ceo Alan Hawkins. "The courage and, we hope, skill of the independent entrepreneurial spirit will fly long after the prophets of doom are silent."

HH Designs’ canine supermodel is Pets At Home ‘poster boy’ Hugo, a cockapoo owned by Ali Kittermaster of newbie greeting card company HH Designs, is achieving great stardom, not only appearing on some of HH Designs’ best-selling cards, but has just debuted as the ‘poster dog’ for Pets At Home in its Christmas advertising.

Hugo is something of a ‘canine supermodel’ as he has also appeared in recent adverts for Audely Retirement Homes, Harveys Furniture and Pandora Jewellery.

Ali Kittermaster and Emily Parton started their HH Designs card company earlier this year.

Ali admits that currently, “Hugo is earning more as a dog model than we are selling his image on our cards… we hope with hard work, persistence and a sprinkling of luck this may change soon!”

Left: Ali posted this picture of Hugo to a cockapoo Facebook page and he received 2,200 likes!

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PROGRESSIVE GREETINGS WORLDWIDE

This year WH Smith is making great play of marking its 225th anniversary – and part of the stalwart retailer’s celebrations is a radical new store format that places cards and stationery in prime position.

With the first trading in Reading, another six stores have been earmarked for a transformation to the new look over the next six months.

In a video interview with Retail Week journalist Emily Hardy, WHSmith High Street’s business unit director of general merchandise, Rachel Russell, said of the new trial format: “You can see straightaway that we love stationery.”

Reinforcing the importance of greeting cards for WH Smith, Rachel said: “Cards is one of our big areas; we have a very strong range of cards”, adding that it has introduced new navigational PoS to make it easier to shop the card racks.

Below: The new look WH Smith trial celebrates its card and stationery heritage.

Wrendale goes East There is no denying the success of Wrendale Designs’ products in the UK, but now the brand is continuing its expansion elsewhere in the world too. Hannah Dale, the company’s founder and creative maestro, attracted the crowds in Japan recently where she was guest of honour at several department stores, giving painting demonstrations amid the displays of products depicting her work.

The trip was part of a new venture to launch the brand in Japan. Wrendale is working alongside Portmeirion (which licences Wrendale designs for collections of tableware and giftware) with a new Japanese distributor who had arranged a full week of painting demonstrations in top department stores in Tokyo.

The trip also involved participating in the British Fair that was being held in Tokyo’s Mitsukoshi department store, the oldest department store in the world – which began trading in 1673.

Below: Hannah at work in the Mitsukoshi department store.

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NEWS NEWS IN BRIEF

TOP STORY

Causes For Celebration Clintons claims ‘50th is the new 21st’ Clintons’ latest tranche of consumer PR activity revolves around how our milestone celebrations have nudged up the age range. Its sales data suggests that 50th birthdays are now being made more of an event than 18th or 21st birthdays.

Sales of cards designed specifically to mark 50th birthdays now account for more than 15% of the birthday milestone cards sold on the high street, according to Clintons’ research.

However, while 50th birthdays now top Clintons’ birthday league table, 21st (14.1%) and 18th (13.8%) do follow closely behind.

Reflecting the UK’s ageing population, milestone cards (combined) for the over 70’s (including cards for those reaching their first century) now account for almost 20% of sales.

Tim Fairs, vp marketing and ecommerce at Clintons, said: “We’ve all probably asked the question at some point - is that an important

Below: Within Clintons 15% of milestone cards are for 50th birthdays.

Middle: 50th cards top the birthday league table.

birthday? When I was a kid, your 18th was the big birthday - it was about becoming an adult getting the vote, buying alcohol and the chance to marry that girl your parents didn’t approve of. While 18 and 21 are still a cause for major celebration, we’re seeing that many of the later milestones are moving up the importance ladder.

With more centenarians than ever, 50 is a great time to stop, reflect and prepare for the next 50!”

l Staffordshire based rural greetings card designer and publisher, A Farmer’s Daughter, has launched a brand new website. The site - www.afarmersdaughter.co.uk features improved navigation with trade customers able to request a trade login to view wholesale prices and order online. l The Celtic Company, the award winning greeting card and gift shop owned by Ros Jones in Welshpool, was featured in a five page article in the town’s County Times newspaper to mark the Above: The start of the extended five 20th anniversary of the page feature in the County Times. business. Ros said she was “blown away by the level of support” the article in the press attracted from suppliers and well-wishers. l A Wellness Week at the beginning of October at UKG’s Dewsbury and Corby sites went down a storm with staff participating in activities like yoga, meditation, bootcamp, Zumba, book club, nutrition workshops, doodling, origami and more.

The week raised £1,000 which will be split between charities Johnny’s Happy Place and Mind.

Above: A yoga session at the Dewsbury office.

Double dose for Christmas Clintons fully expects to account for an 18% market share of the Christmas card market, double that of the 9% chunk it has for the rest of the year.

Commenting, Tim Fairs, vp marketing and ecommerce of Clintons, said: “Our market share invariably doubles at Christmas as this is the special time of year when customers are really happy to spend a bit more to get what they want. We have

Competition to design a Beanie Boo is a hit for retailer

always done very well for ‘inner circle’ sales when customers buy for their nearest and dearest and at Christmas this really comes to the fore.”

Clintons expects to serve 8 million customers this festive run up through its 380 stores and online presence, with high hopes that this year’s Christmas product portfolio will nudge the Clintons’ ‘average basket spend’ beyond the current £5.00+ (which is up from the £4.50 mark three years ago).

Above: Clintons’ vp of marketing and ecommerce, Tim Fairs outside the ‘mock shop’ at its Essex HQ. Left: A Christmas display at Clintons.

Independent card and gift retailer, Dragonfly Cards & Gifts in Knaresborough, ran a very successful competition with Ty for children to design a Beanie Boo character. Children were given a sheet of paper with a pair of the distinctive Beanie Boo eyes in the middle.

They then had free rein to create any creature they liked.

“We received an amazing 83 entries, from children aged between 3 and 11, all designing their own Beanie Boo in the hope of winning a giant one of their own,” said Rachael Barnes, who co-owns The Retasaward winning Knaresborough card shop with her mum Rita Knibbs.

All the entries were judged by Ty’s area manager Frank Loughlin.

The winner was Anna Jones, aged 10, for her fabulous ‘Magic Monkey’, who received a Beanie Boo dragon (worth £30) while there were also five runners-up.

Above: Anna Jones with her amazing idea!

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NEWS PEOPLE

TOP STORY

A Funny Calendar Girl Tania Edwards to host The Calies awards Stand-up comedian and writer Tania Edwards has been confirmed as the host for The Calies, the new UK calendar and diaries awards event, which takes place on Wednesday 29 November at Stationers’ Hall in the City of London.

Having recently supported Katherine Ryan on her sell out tour, a regular on BBC’s Mock the Week, appeared on Stand Up For The Week, Twit of the Year (on Channel 4), BBC2’s Après Ski and Radio 4’s The Unbelievable Truth, wowed audiences at Edinburgh Fringe and feted by The Guardian, The Mirror and Glamour magazine as one of the UK’s top female comedians, Tania is suitably equipped to cope with the sharp wit of those in the calendar and diary community, who, together with retailers and licensors will make up the audience at the imminent UK Calendar Awards.

The Calies, owned and organised by Max Publishing (owners of Progressive Greetings and organisers of The Henries and The Retas) are successors of the NCAs (National Calendar Awards).

“Thanks to the support and input from so many in the calendar community, The Calies makes its debut, continuing many of the elements of its forerunners, but also

with additions and tailoring, befitting of this ever evolving sector,” commented Warren Lomax, joint md of Max Publishing.

The finalists of The Calies appear in all their glory in a finalists’ publication (kindly produced by Eight Days a Week and Alltrade Printers) that is distributed with this copy of Progressive Greetings.

The winners of the awards will be unveiled at a late afternoon/early evening event (5pm-8pm) at the historic Stationers’ Hall in the shadow of St Paul’s Cathedral. The buzzy format of the event will involve a drinks and canapé reception, a couple of snappy keynote speeches by industry experts, a pacey awards ceremony followed by networking and drinks.

Tickets to The Calies are available from Clare Davies of Createvents at a cost of £35 + VAT. Click here to download a ticket booking form (www.theukcalendarawards.co.uk/ Attending/), email Clare on clare@createvents.co.uk or phone on 01183 340085 Top: Comedian Tania Edwards is to host The Calies on November 29.

Above: Winners will receive a shiny pewter trophy.

Hallmark turns a four year-old into a princess Four year-old Poppy Babb from Devon, won a Beauty and the Beast competition run by Hallmark, Tesco and costume company Rubies to have her design for a princess dress turned into a reality.

The competition, which launched to coincide with a special Disney Beauty and the Beast greeting card FSDU going into Tesco stores, attracted approaching 300 entries, but the creative idea shown by Devonbased Poppy was deemed the best. She also said that if she could choose anyone one else in the world to also have her yellow and blue princess dress to wear it would be her cousin Libby.

“This is beyond anything we could have hoped for,” commented Ellen Harrison, Hallmark’s marketing and events manager who was at the unveiling event.

Her colleague Esther Key, licensing and consumer marketing manager, explained that the rationale had been “to create a competition that encompassed the creativity of Hallmark, encouraging the use of the imagination, as well as creating something that the competition entries could be shared with someone they hold dear to them. We are delighted that both Tesco and Rubies worked with us to make dreams come true.”

Above: Poppy (left) with her cousin Libby in their beautiful dresses.

Above right: Poppy’s entry into the Beauty and the Beast competition.

l Having been the inspiration behind the launch of Paper Salad’s new Baby Milestone cards, tiny baby Ben Williams (the brand new son of Paper Salad co-founder Claire Williams) has been able to put them to the test!

Right: Baby Ben Williams modeling Paper Salad’s new Milestone Baby range.

l Words ‘n’ Wishes’ joint md, Rod Brown, presented David Larmour with the Sales Person of the Year award at the company’s recent annual sales conference at the Etihad Stadium (home to Manchester City FC).

Above: David Larmour (right) was presented with Sales Person of the Year Award by Words ‘n’ Wishes joint md Rod Brown.

l After appearing in the Sunday Times’ , Vicki Willden-Lebrecht, the founder and md of Bright Agency, (which supplies many card publishers with artwork) appeared on BBC Business Live talking about how she got started in business.

Above: Vicki Willden-Lebrecht on BBC Business Live.

l Andre Rickerby (right) has joined Moonpig as chief marketing officer. Andre comes from Etsy where he was vp, global marketing, responsible for digital marketing, CRM, SEO, brand marketing, social, merchandising, partnerships and events. l Duncan Gibson, a former Disney Store exec, has joined Paperchase, taking on the role of chief operating officer. This also coincided with Kevin Heath, the retailer’s retail finance director being promoted to the position of chief financial officer, following the departure of David Bateman after 17 years with the business.

Above: Kevin Heath and Duncan Gibson.

l The recent GCA AGM saw Sarah-Jane Porter, licensing director of Moonpig, and Leanne Ainger (right), Hallmark’s head of business insights and category leadership, joining the Council. In addition, Paper Rose’s sales director, Nigel Willcock became vice president of the association and Raj Arora, founder of Davora, took over as secretary. Jeremy Corner, md of Blue Eyed Sun continues as treasurer.

PROGRESSIVE GREETINGS WORLDWIDE

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OVER THE COUNTER

Tis The

Seas on Independent card and gift retailer, David Robertson, co-owner of JP Pozzi in Scotland, explores how different retailers are greeting Christmas.

I am quickly coming to the conclusion that there is no single blueprint for success in retail, and with this the case it’s never been more important to meet and hear from people who will help you to think differently.

It is also important we constantly evolve and challenge ourselves, and part of that process is to look at what is going on within our industry and around us. We have to ‘Drink the Kool-Aid’ as the Americans say.

What does that really mean though?

Well, in a lot of ways small indie retailing used to be quite straightforward: You bought or rented a store in a good location, filled it with decent, preferably unusual, stock, provided a

friendly, efficient knowledgeable service, made some money, then sold up and walked away. There you have it, easy and simple in less than 30 words.

At that time ‘a takeaway’ tended to be a mathematical problem and houses tended to have one phone that rang occasionally but was not attached to you like an umbilical cord. Communication was either by voice, letter or card and, oh, people actually shopped by venturing out onto the high street and into stores. God I sound old!

Yes, the times have changed and they are never going back.

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PROGRESSIVE GREETINGS WORLDWIDE

This whole being in business thing is a constantly moving puzzle that is like what was once the Christmas number one toy the Rubiks Cube. Sort one side, get one panel right and you mess up another.

So what do we do with the ‘puzzle’ now that Christmas is coming?

Traditionally, we as retailers have three sections of Christmas and I want to look at them all here albeit briefly. We have Christmas decorations, Christmas gifts and Christmas cards and paper product.

This time of year retail is traditionally our ‘harvest’, or at least it should be and we need it to be. This is where we hopefully can make some money to see us through the leaner months, and it is often the case that the feeling of the store being busy lifts our spirits for the months ahead.

As retailers we are in that funny period where Christmas hasn’t really started yet, but we feel all consumed by it. We have perfected all our festive displays and wrestled with what margin we need and the margin we think we can ultimately get on our Christmas lines.

In the past week I have visited our Scottish capital, Edinburgh, calling in on as many card and gift retailers and garden centres en route. This was to satisfy my curiosity, to see what others were doing and to look to see if their Christmas strategy and mine are similar or different.

Now, there are of course certain factors that are different, everything from the type of consumer to the size and location of the store.

It used to be that we only had to worry about having the right product. Now we have to have something other than that to draw the casual customer. Whether it is parking, food or a million other scenarios, a simple shop might just not be enough anymore.

We have to worry, not only about our other competition, both local and multinational, but also about the internet and of course the rising marketplace of social media.

So here it goes... brutal honesty... I don’t think that indie retailers can really make their fortune from Christmasspecific product anymore.

Within our business we have changed our buying Above: A Christmas design from Rosie Made A Thing.

Above left: Just like a Rubiks Cube, being in business can be a constantly moving puzzle.

Left: A wonderful festive display in David’s store.

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OVER THE COUNTER

further this year, and have a smattering of Christmas product from some of the major players, such as Gisela Graham, Heaven Sends, and from some smaller quirky companies. The problem is, and will continue to be, that garden centres and out of town retail spaces have the room and buying power to offer Christmas decorations and lights far better than we indies could. They can offer that forest of Christmas trees; they can create that magical winter wonderland, and as one owner of a fantastic garden centre said to me this week, “When we aren’t selling the number of pansies that we used to - we need Christmas.”

In our experience we were beginning to find that when a huge part of our store was turned over to Christmas decorations it went a little like this: Huge initial interest in Christmas displays and customers who worried that items might sell out would buy nice and early. The displays would then sit until the public put out their own decorations and we would get another little lift instore.

Then people would really be onto festive gift buying but hold off buying Christmas decorations, saying “Oh, I will wait for it to go into the sale and I will buy it for next year.”

Can I prove this theory beyond reasonable doubt? – no, but it is certainly what I have felt over these last few years. Having visited over 20 stores this would again seem to be proven. The indies are offering some Christmas product but are concentrating on those special gift purchases, while garden centres etc have literally battalions of Santa’s Grottos, along with everything else!

Smaller card and gift retailers just can’t compete. Traditionally, we may have benefited from our hardcore loyal customers, but now people are able to access so many shopping options, such as through the internet, mobile phones or simply being able to drive out of town. It is now as much about the coffee as it is about the Christmas candle.

So we took the option to source great Christmas gift product, to be that little bit

Above: Indies can’t beat the garden centres when it comes to Christmas decorations: Just a small offering at Ackworth Garden Centre.

Below: A Sara Miller London Christmas box from The Art File.

different and to offer that little bit extra in terms of service. Time will tell if we are right.

So what about the humble, but meaningful Christmas card?

Cards of course still operate on giving lots of choice so that is one small advantage indies have. And it tends to be the older generation that are still sending/buying larger quantities of cards, possibly because they have always done it, possibly because they enjoy it and possibly because they have the time.

However, our local paper now does a roaring trade in ‘Christmas messages to all’ from festive well-wishers who have decided to place a newspaper message rather than send cards, giving the money saved to a local charity.

Customers will of course still send a card to that special mum, son, grandchild or friend, but I think the amount of Christmas cards that are being sent is less. The days where the neighbours, work colleagues and that couple you met on holiday receive a Christmas card are gone.

Throw in the cost of posting a large number of cards all at the same time and the fact that WhatsApp-ing, email and texting make it possible for us to instantly communicate, interact and show images and music, then you can start to understand the demise of Christmas cards to a certain extent.

This of course makes it challenging, but I still believe, in the way that books and vinyl records have continued to exist and have now seen a resurgence, that Christmas cards will always have a place.

Christmas cards, and indeed greeting cards in general, are all about the sentiment.

The idea that someone cares enough to write and post something to you that reflects them and you. That is the core of what card sending is about.

Our Christmas card display this year I feel is the strongest it has ever been. It features fantastic product from UKG, IC&G, Ling, Five Dollar Shake, Belly Button, Bexy Boo, Janie Wilson, WJB, Alljoy and Rosanna Rossi... to name but a few.

We specialise in the more specific titles and giving great choice on key relations. In fact, it reminds me of the year that Michael McIntyre hosted The Henries Awards. He did a sketch basically saying there was a greeting card for every occasion. A card for crossing the street got you covered. The birth of a monkey - yes, can do that as well. This is our point of difference. We can be that specialist card retailer.

What also struck me in stores that I visited was the huge lack of Christmas boxes practically everywhere I went. Even in the likes of Paperchase I did not see the choice I have seen in previous years. It seems that a lot of retailers are now looking at the Christmas box as being a thing of the past. Certainly our own selection is reduced, but I love The Art File’s selection, while in terms of quality value IG Design Group's Tom Smith offer is hard to beat.

It must also be said that Tesco, Boots, Next and many other retailers get their Christmas boxes of cards very, very right.

Usually bang on trend and a bit quirky, they can benefit from this sale without having the hassle of a proper display.

We think long and hard about our Christmas card selection and still hand-pick every card that goes into it. While the traditional Christmas card market erodes it tests us in terms of what we buy and how we display it. We want people to be wowed by our cards and we want to show off the great product that our industry provides.

I am no bah humbug but I do hope that my present this year will be a nice return on our Christmas product choice. I promise Santa, I have been a good boy all year!

To contact David email: jppozzi@btconnect.com PROGRESSIVE GREETINGS WORLDWIDE

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CARDSHARP

The Future Is Bright-ish Cardsharp sat down after breakfast on a recent Sunday to relax and digest the newspapers. He soon wished he had not bothered! He was bombarded with negative story after story in both the business and news sections.

So what does this all mean for the card trade?

As Cardsharp flicked through the pages on a so called ‘lazy Sunday’ he saw that the September retail figures were 0.3% down and UK consumer debt is at its highest level ever and only going to get worse. Inflation is at 3%, a whole percentage point above the average wage increase, while productivity per employer is at a lower level than 13 years ago, and still deteriorating. And of course there is the uncertainty over Brexit holding back business investment. It was enough to make Cardsharp want to get back under the duvet!

Add to that the specific challenges in the UK’s retail scene. The increase in the minimum wage, the decline in footfall as bricks and mortar retail as online sales continue to grow. Plus, there is the increase in business rates imposed on many retailers in April 2018, and it would be easy to conclude we are heading for a perfect storm!

But, thought Cardsharp, although we can’t run away from the facts on the ground, it is not all doom and gloom.

It was certainly not happy reading, and there is no doubt that the retail economy, the overall UK economy and the UK consumer is going to be in for a testing time in the next year or so, but, reflected Cardsharp, the greeting card industry has seen downturns,

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PROGRESSIVE GREETINGS WORLDWIDE

recessions and technological challenges in the past and has come back fighting. To his mind, we in the greeting card industry have a lot going for us, certainly compared to some other retail sectors. We have become adept at adapting to challenges, whether they be the changing tastes of the UK consumer or incoming new technology.

Cardsharp didn’t need to look far for cause for a little cheer. In the last year the UK greeting card industry grew to its highest ever level. According to the GCA’s recently published annual Market Report the total market value was estimated to be £1.75 billion. Technology gadgets aside, how many other non–food retail categories can boost such a solid performance? It would seem that many UK consumers still have a love affair with cards. And that should help us keep our spirits up amid all the gloomy headlines.

Top: In all the doom and gloom, the card sector’s future looks bright.

Above: Paperchase is performing strongly on the high street.

Left: Scribbler is attracting the younger card senders, helping to keep the tradition alive.

Cardsharp likes to do a little party trick when at social gathering. When speaking to any woman, the conversation inevitably comes around to what you do for a living and the subject of greeting cards comes up.

Nine times out of ten, it is revealed to Cardsharp that they love buying greeting cards and will list where and when they buy their cards. Their knowledge of design styles and different retail outlets is quite incredible.

And then Cardsharp throws in the statement, that he is sure they have a secret drawer at home where they buy and store cards they like, keeping them ‘just in case’

24-25_Layout 1 25/10/2017 16:59 Page 3

CARDSHARP they are needed. And that they become so attached to some of those cards, that they would be reluctant to part with them!

“How did you know that?”, is usually the astonished reply. And it normally further turns out that this stash is kept secret from a partner. Their spend on greeting cards, like cosmetics and hair care, is something they are reluctant to reveal to their other half for fear of criticism on just how high their outlay is on these ‘essentials’!

Cardsharp feels that the industry needs to rejoice in this ‘hidden inventory’ as it not only speaks volumes about many consumers’ love of greeting cards, but it adds £millions to the total industry sales, and a practice that in Cardsharp’s experience shows no sign of slowing up.

And it is not just more mature females that are still embracing card buying with gusto. There is increasing evidence that many millennials are hugging all things paper. It is no coincidence to Cardsharp’s mind that so many young

designers are attracted to the greeting card industry to start their own business, and that the Paperchase and Scribbler chains, with a predominantly youngish customer base, are performing strongly. It is also no coincidence that stationery is enjoying a miniboom and even quality magazines are seeing a rebound in sales.

And the card trade’s pretty unique selling point shouldn’t be forgotten either.

Greeting cards are still probably the least purchased general

How do they do it? (Chapter 20) Every six months for the last ten years Cardsharp has commented in wonder at WH Smith’s impressive financial performance. Ever since Kate Swan took over the helm a decade ago, WH Smith’s high street division has managed to squeeze increased profits out of decreasing sales, by combining a move to more profitable lines, squeezing suppliers and by operational cost cutting. Cardsharp has long marveled at this but wondered how long this could go on.

Well the process is continuing under Kate Swan’s successor, Steve Clarke. The pre-tax profit for the group in their latest set of financials was up to £131million from £121million last year, the strongest performance for 14 years.

And although a lot of this sterling performance was down to the travel division, the rate of decline in sales in the high street division was ‘only’ 2%, the lowest for many a year. This, according to Steve Clarke was due to “growing margin and increasing productivity”, and, good news for this sector, its stationery sales were strong.

There was little in his statement about any plans for Cardmarket, WH Smith’s value retail chain, or any expansion of Funky Pigeon as a bricks and mortar brand. It would suggest to Cardsharp that the management at Smith’s is still not convinced either way about the future direction there. He was however interested to learn from PG Buzz that a new retail concept, with stationery and cards at its heart, is being trialled in several WH Smith stores over the next few months.

While Cardsharp finds a visit to his local WH Smith outlet a dispiriting retail experience (a new concept store in Cardsharp land please WHS!), there is no disputing the company’s amazing and continuing financial success.

Look forward to a similar comment from Cardsharp (Chapter 21?) in another six months!

Above: In some John Lewis shops greeting cards can be front of store.

Middle left: Stunning cards are produced by Hearts Designs’ young and rising creative Elliott Bennett.

Left: A design from young card publishing punster, Jelly Armchair.

Below: WH Smith is trialling a new retail concept in some of its stores.

consumer item on the internet. Moonpig aside, web sales have made few in-roads into the market. In recent issues of PG, Cardsharp has read of the huge effort the big grocers like Sainsbury’s, Tesco and Waitrose have gone to upgrade their greeting card selections. The concerted effort is obviously about increasing card sales, but also recognition that a good greeting card offering draws customers in store. Even department store, John Lewis where possible is placing greeting cards nearer the front of store whenever it does a major floor reorganisation.

And then there is the product itself.

Creatively in the greeting card industry has never been stronger or diverse. This year’s Henries awards bore this out. Among the winners this year were publishing giants such as Hallmark, down to the smaller niche players like cute winner, Stripey Cats, and Louise Mulgrew on the art front. Traditional words and sentiment publishers like Words ‘n’ Wishes battled it out with stunning contemporary design edge publishers like Stop the Clock. With so much to excite the consumer it is no wonder we as an industry continue to thrive in the UK and also export so many of our designs around the world.

So, there you have it! In the course of a column, Cardsharp has lifted the mood of despondency that he had on commencing it! Of course, we can’t be complacent and not underestimate the challenges ahead for the greetings industry. But to paraphrase the old advertising slogan, to Cardsharp’s mind “The future is still bright, the future is greeting cards!”

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Christmas Gazing With the biggest trading seasons for retailers now kickstarted with a festive flurry, PG asks some of this year’s Retas Awards winners and finalists how are they gearing up for Christmas, what sparkling treats are instore, the ho ho hot sellers and if they could look into their crystal ball to foretell if it will be a ‘Miracle on 34th Street’ with the tills ‘Jingle(ing) all the Way’ or if ‘The Grinch Stole Christmas’.

Carole and Debbie Hatch partners of Paper Moon, Dore: Christmas run up: “We have been busy taking deliveries of all our Christmas stock and topping up on stock that is already selling through well. It is always crazy this time of year making sure that everything’s in place ready for the busy season ahead.

We both try and do as much Christmas shopping for family as we can from the shop. We’ve both got boys so for them we’re always a bit frantic with online orders as we have little personal shopping time in December.”

Adding extra sparkle: “We hold a Christmas Shopping Event every year, usually around the middle of November. We offer a 15% discount on the day and are open until late. It’s a lovely atmosphere in the shop with Christmas music playing and sherry and nibbles on offer. The day has always been a huge success and is a great way to kick-start people’s Christmas gift buying.”

Festive favourites: “Our charity Christmas cards are selling really well, every thing else Christmassy doesn’t go on display until the end of October. Scarves and wraps from Zelly are already selling well, as are silk scarves from Quintessential. Everything unicorn is selling brilliantly, especially the tins from Rachel Ellen. Bracelets from POM and Envy have also been great sellers this season.”

Christmas crystal ball: “Our Christmas sales have increased year on year, so we are optimistic they will do the same this year. Christmas spending tends to start quite late in Dore. We find from the 1st December it all goes a bit crazy in the shop. We have learnt not to worry, if sales are slower through November as we know it will hit in December.”

Santa’s wish list: “Carole would love a new more updated phone for Christmas, and I would love a pair of grey leather boots. Spending time with family is what we both really love!”

Inset: Gazing at what’s in-store for indies' Christmas – a card from The Alternative Image Co (Mary Evans Picture Library).

Far left: Two naughty elves that reside at Paper Moon, Carole and Debbie Hatch.

Debbie Brown co-director of First Class Greetings and Plum Green, Hadleigh: Christmas run up: "At First Class Greetings we have been selling Christmas charity packs since the end of August, and at Plum Green a dedicated Christmas room has been open since the beginning of October.”

Adding extra sparkle: “We are selling the Yankee Candle WOW Gift, which is a gift set containing £60 worth of products for £30!”

Festive favourites: “Woodmansterne’s Christmas charity packs are doing very well, with reorders placed on several designs. At Plum Green accessories by Powder (socks, gloves, scarves) are doing very well.”

Christmas crystal ball: “I have a good feeling about Christmas this year. I think it will be better than last year.”

Santa’s wish list: “Health, Wealth and Happiness please Santa! We've been very good and hardworking girls and boys this year!”

Below: A stunning in-store festive display created by Debbie Brown.

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Beverley Green owner of Blue Rose Gifts & Balloons, Heywood: Christmas run up: “Here at Blue Rose Gifts & Balloons our Christmas season begins on Monday 23 October and that's when all our Christmas stock will be out on display, the decorations are up and our window display in place (this year we have a life size balloon modelled nativity scene).”

Adding extra sparkle: “Our official launch will be held in the shop on the evening of Friday 10 November when we host an open evening for our neighbouring retailers, suppliers, local civic dignitaries (the town’s Mayor and Mayoress, local councillors and our MP) alongside, of course, our loyal customers. We will serve seasonal treats and give them the chance to purchase their cards and presents with 10% discount on the night.

A week later sees the town’s Christmas Festival and Lights switch on, always a busy day for local retailers. We will have a ‘Merry Minion Christmas’ themed float in the town’s Festive Parade that takes place immediately prior to the ‘Big Switch On’. We take part as a business each year and our float is done in conjunction with KATS Dance, a local young peoples dance group based in Heywood – this further helps raises our profile. And we will also have a street stall selling our goods.

To boost sales of our Christmas cards we will be running our ‘Buy 5 cards and get another free’ offer, this has in the past always been highly popular and helped to drive up our sales. We have also

Cathy Frost owner of Loveone, Ipswich: Christmas run up: “We celebrated our 10th birthday at Loveone at the end of October, so before we decked the halls we had a Mexican themed fiesta in the shop. This then nicely turned into a bright retrothemed Christmas window, using Acorn and Will products. The shop will be bedecked for the Christmas period by 6 November. Some products are being put out early like our Art Angels’ Advent calendars and Christmas cards.”

Adding extra sparkle: “The shop will be open seven days a week from the middle of November, so we concentrate our efforts on that.

We are planning a couple of late night events in December and tempting customers with mulled wine and chocolate. Our community of traders, The Saints, are launching the season with an event on Sunday 19 November, and by then our town's Christmas lights are on and we will be showcasing all the great independents in our area.”

Festive favourites: “The Advent calendars from Art Angels have started selling well, as well as a great new calendar from Jo Clark

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Left: Beverley with husband John dressed as festive elves at last year’s Heywood Town Parade and lights switch on.

produced a Christmas brochure highlighting our new range of cards, gifts and chocolate products. The brochure also includes a 10% voucher off any purchase made in December.”

Festive favourites: “This year we launched an exclusive handmade chocolate range called Blue Rose Chocolates.

Made especially for us by a professional chocolatier, these individual pieces of chocolate can be made into a personalised message of love with pictures. Beautifully packaged, we expect them to be a big seller.”

Christmas crystal ball: “We are hoping for a good season. Sadly, our local high street lost two competitors this year, while we don’t wish this on anyone, their demise has seen an increase in our footfall. Something which we predict will be further reflected in our Christmas sales.”

Santa’s wish list: “We are hoping for a great Christmas and look forward to singing the retailers' song: “Jingle Tills, Jingle Tills, Jingle all the way!””

Left: Illustrating the naming and shaming of Naughty Dogs, Jo Clark’s 2018 calendar is sure to be a furry winner.

Below right: Just a few of the festive treats that can be found at Loveone.

Designs called Naughty Dogs. As usual we will be stocking a wide range of Christmas cards from some of our favourite designers such as Chase and Wonder and Wrap, added this year to our collections from Maurice and Maude and Jade Fisher. We have some beautiful gift ideas from One Hundred Stars - scarves and kimonos and one of our best selling ranges, Orelia jewellery. A perennial favourite with our customers is Jellycat, and we have many new designs on order for Christmas.”

Christmas crystal ball: “After a pretty quiet summer we are hoping for a busy season. I am predicting sales similar to last year.

Customers are beginning to engage with the festive spirit, but the last few years have seen sales only really pick up towards the last few weeks of the trading period. I predict the same pattern this year.”

Santa’s wish list: “I would love a really busy Christmas in the shop. It is my favourite time of year and there is no better feeling than closing the door on Christmas Eve knowing it's been a successful season. I can then really enjoy being home with the family and hunker down for a few days with good food, great company and plenty of board games. Simple!”

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Serge Sumerling owner of Nor, Norwood, London: Christmas run up: “We planned our Christmas window well in advance, sourcing lots of decorations and lights to fit with our 2017 theme of being a ‘Colourful Christmas.’ However, we’ve delayed preparing to be honest... spending lots of time setting up the new epos system!”

Adding extra sparkle: “No we won’t be offering offers. We will however open later on Fridays and Thursdays.”

Festive favourites: “We’ve no festive stock out as yet (mid October) apart from Advent calendars and diaries... but those are selling well.”

Christmas crystal ball: “If the weather gets colder we will see more Christmas spirit sales. I think it’s very weather dependent.”

Santa’s wish list: “A holiday!”

Left: Serge is requesting a well-earned holiday in his letter to Santa.

Victoria Robinson partner of Wishes, Cockermouth: Christmas run up: “We’re getting into the Christmas spirit at Wishes!

Our boxes and packets of cards were out on display first at the end of September, swiftly followed by our full 28 foot display of individual cards. Our ‘Christmas corner’ of wrap followed, and our gift offering will continue to grow over the coming weeks. Christmas window displays are also being planned to start mid November.”

Adding extra sparkle: “In Cockermouth we have a Christmas late night shopping evening the first Friday night in December known as ‘Cockermouth by Candlelight’, which we look forward to and plan something special for each year. We also open Sundays in December.”

Festive favourites: “Particularly the special and more unusual Christmas card titles such as Son and Fiancée, Niece and Husband, Granddaughter and Boyfriend etc are selling well. Jonny Javelin’s cards, across all of its Christmas ranges, are the clear favourite of our customers so far!”

Christmas crystal ball: “We have definitely noticed our customers have started buying Christmas cards earlier this year. This could be in part to spread out the cost of Christmas.”

Santa’s wish list: “We would love cold, crisp, frosty weather for Christmas! It puts everyone in a festive mood and for going Christmas shopping. It also reduces our risk of flooding again!!”

Right: A fine footage of Christmas cards at Wishes, Cockermouth.

Sarah Green owner of Spots, Southwold: Christmas run up: “We are busy packing away all our summer seasonal stock – buckets, spades, wetsuits etc to make way for Christmas.

We have got our Christmas charity packs and boxes out but we are holding fire on Christmas singles for another week (mid October) as we can’t bear to pack away all our lovely open cards! It’s Above: Almanac (GBCC) Christmas boxes are tempting always a tricky call when to go customers at Spots. into Christmas mode because Below: Amazon is a real threat to Indies, especially at Christmas. we have a big influx of tourists at Half Term and obviously many of those customers are still wanting beach stock, toys and games (if the weather is good) rather than Christmas decorations.”

Adding extra sparkle: “Throughout the year we offer 10% off greeting cards with a My Southwold loyalty card. Last year we extended the offer to Christmas cards and as a result we saw an uplift in turnover in this category. We will repeat the offer again this year.”

Festive favourites: “The Woodmansterne charity packs and Advent calendars are selling really well. Customers seem to love the Christmas Advent cards, which they can’t get in the supermarkets. Boxes of Almanac (GBCC) cards seem to be popular too. On the gift side, Eco-Chic coolbags, backpacks and shopping bags are just flying out.”

Christmas crystal ball: “Unfortunately we feel pretty bleak about Christmas sales. People seem to send fewer cards each year, although offering the 10% discount does help drive sales.

In the toys and games sector we see a decline every year as we can’t compete with the internet. On the post office side of our business we see the amount of Amazon Collect orders piling up, which is very depressing. Instead we are concentrating on pick-up lines, stocking fillers, secret Santa type lines which people are likely to buy on impulse. Generally people will buy things under £10 when they see them to avoid P&P.” Santa’s wish list: “A rent rise amnesty and a government rethink on business rates would definitely be top of my list.”

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The Henries 2017

Ooh La La! The Henries Awards really did have a certain ‘je ne sais quoi’ this year.

Almost 700 members of the greeting card community were there to enjoy the Parisian-themed ‘big night’ which saw the industry’s ‘esprit de corps’ out in force.

PG shares a flavour of the wonderful event.

Above: Fresh from his triumph at the Edinburgh comedy festival, comedian John Robins, host of The Henries, wrote some cardcentric material for the event.

Below: The winners took to the stage with their shiny trophies, celebrating being ‘the best in the west’ on the greeting card front.

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Above: Accordian and clarinet duo Vive la France added to the French theme of the event.

Above right: There was even an Eiffel Tower on the stage!

Right: PG’s Gale Astley and MC Simon Green made their way up to the Windles’ pre-Henries reception.

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The Henries 2017

Above: The Paperlink gang getting the happy vibe early on.

Above: (Right-left) Windles’ Andrea Norcott and Bruce Podmore with Really Good’s David Hicks and Postmark’s Mark Janson-Smith at the Windles’ reception.

Below: The Paperchase team certainly know their onions!

Below: Windles’ marketing manager Michelle Mills with the company’s creative maestro Ian Kear-Bertie with the two Eiffel Towers he made from board for the entrance to the Windles’ Henries reception.

Above: Cheers! (Left-right) Catherine Kleeli, Ilona Drew (I Drew This), EmmaLouise Allen (Windles), Janie Cook (Janie Wilson) and her sister Erika Hudson.

Above: Napoleon and Josephine were at The Henries too! PG’s Jim Bullough with Josephine Prince (Danilo).

Above right: UKG’s head honcho Gary Rowley pretends he hasn’t noticed that PG’s Jakki Brown has an Eiffel Tower on her head!

Left: (Right-left) WHS trio Katie Briggs, Rachel Hevicon and Claire Castle with Pigment’s Debbie Saltmarsh.

Right: Windles created a menu card that was a great ‘tie’ in with the Parisian theme!

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The Henries 2017

Left: Quelle suprise, Loxleys’ md Richard Bacon fully got into mode, donning a beret, moustache and onions garland (provided on the tables by House of Cards) and Loxleys even producing its own placecards.

Above: Everyone participated in a Higher or Lower elimination competition, the questions for which were on a French theme.

Left and right: Sacre bleu!

House of Cards’ Miles Robinson (left) and Nigel Williamson (sponsors of the Higher or Lower competition) were surprised to see themselves as Inspector Clouseau and Napoleon on the big screen! The winner of the competition was Noel Tatt’s md Jarle Tatt (right) who received a magnum of champagne as well as a hamper of French goodies for being jolly clever.

Below: Tesco’s general merchandise director Deborah Rabey showing great interest in The Henries finalists boards.

Below: Effervescent creator of The Happy News, Emily Coxhead with Pigment’s Martin Powderly at the Henries finalists’ boards (kindly produced by The Sherwood Press).

Above: A champers moment for (left-right) Megan Purdie (Megan Claire), Hannah Dale (Wrendale Designs), Sally Swannell (Sally Swannell) and John Parker (Berni Parker Designs).

Right: A hairy moment for CBG’s Julia Andrew’s and PG Live’s Simon Boyd.

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The Henries 2017

Above: The GCA’s ceo Sharon Little shared the responsibility of drawing the raffle tickets with The Art File’s Ged Mace and, all the way from Paris, Laurent Reiz of distributor Zazous Editions.

Below: (Right-left) Wendy Jones-Blackett’s Jacqui Godlove and Steve and Wendy JonesBlackett hit the dancefloor with Abacus’ Bev Cunningham.

Above: Industry legend Simon Elvin with the company’s sales manager Sarah Weston-Mouse.

Below: Hands up who’s had a good night?! (Left-right) Forever Cards’ Ge Feng, Lucy Feng, Zazous’ Laurent Reiz and Suzanne Feng.

Left: Cherry Orchard’s Jackie Collins with Simon Elvin’s Peter Springford.

Above: The Brainbox Boys adopted a ‘French Kiss’ dress code this year! Seen here with (second left) Paper Salad’s Jess Hadfield and Windles’ Andrea Norcott.

Below: The dancefloor was full as soon as The Lionels came on stage.

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The Henries 2017

Above: (Right-left) Woodmansterne’s Keith Gillespie, Katherine Mann, Paul Woodmansterne, Kate Hawthorn and Mark Timlett.

Below: (Paper) Sole sisters?! (Right) Jenny Morrison (Paper Sole) with Laura Clamp (Flying Teaspoon).

Above: Really Good’s Lisa Shoesmith’s dress may be blue, but she certainly isn’t. All smiles with MEG’s Mike Gray.

Left: Paper Rose’s Kate Vines and Paperlink’s Bill Greeno were open mouthed. But why?!

Below: Bright Agency’s Jess Lomax looked ‘beret’ nice!

Right: Hallmark’s Steve Wright (left) and The Art File’s Ged Mace were all smiles!

Below: (Left) David Hicks (Really Good/Soul) and PG’s Warren Lomax making a point on the dancefloor.

Below: The Magic Mirror photo-booth sponsored by House of Cards added an extra element of fun to the Henries event.

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’s e n i t n e l a V

(t) 0116 230 4197 (f) 01536 401 031

(w) www.mint-publishing.co.uk

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THE LYNN TAIT MOST PROMISING YOUNG DESIGNER OR ARTIST AWARD

Open to: This award was open to all greeting card designers and artists (employed or freelance) under the age of 35 on August 1 2017

Winner Louise Tiler founder and designer of Louise Tiler

Initial Reaction: “Did they just say my name? Yeahhh!”

Louise Tiler, founder and designer of Louise Tiler Designs

Above: Louise Tiler, founder and designer of Louise Tiler Designs, is delighted to accept this esteemed trophy for the newly named The Lynn Tait Most Promising Young Designer Or Artist Award sponsored

by Paperchase. Frances Burkle, head of buying for the company, presented the award.

Comedian John Robins, (left) compered the Henries event.

Left: Louise congratulated by (left to right) Eloise Hall, Louise Mulgrew, and Rosie Proudfoot (Proud Couture).

CATEGORY SPONSOR

BEST CHILDREN’S RANGE

Open to: All children’s greeting card ranges that have been launched or updated (with a minimum of eight designs) since August 2016.

Below: Janie Wilson’s Janie Cook weaves her way to the stage.

Winner Animal Magic from Janie Wilson

Left: Janie Cook, designer and director of Janie Wilson, firmly clasps her Henries trophy for the Best Children’s Range category presented to her

by Richard Bacon, managing director of Loxleys, the category sponsor.

Initial Reaction: “Stunned and over the moon!!! Woohoo!”

Janie Cook, designer and director of Janie Wilson

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BEST CHRISTMAS BOX OR PACK Open to: Any Christmas box or pack that has been launched since August 2016.

This award could be for a specific item rather than for a range.

Winner Paloma Christmas Box from Belly Button Designs

Initial Reaction: “My heart was pounding! I heard the name Paloma and the table erupted. I just felt so proud for Belly Button, overwhelmingly proud, so quite emotional really.”

Rachel Hare, managing director of Belly Button Designs

Above: Rachel Hare, managing director of Belly Button Designs, proudly accepts the company’s Henries trophy for the Best Christmas Box Or Pack category from Gould Paper’s managing director, Nick Henry, who presented the accolade on behalf of the award sponsor, Gould Paper.

Right: Rachel clutches her shiny award.

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Here for you from thought to finish

Open to: All contemporary words and sentiments greeting card ranges that have been launched or updated (with a minimum of eight designs) since August 2016.

BEST CONTEMPORARY WORDS & SENTIMENTS RANGE

Winner Every Picture from Icon

Initial Reaction: "We are so chuffed! For a new range to be nominated is cool, but to win was the icing on the cake… hence the big cheesy grins! Huge thanks to the lovely judges!"

Kate Jamieson, creative manager of Icon

Above: Kate Jamieson, creative manager of Icon, is delighted to receive the award for the Best Contemporary Words and Sentiments Range category, presented by Adam Short, sales director for The Imaging Centre, the category sponsor.

Left: Kate and her winning smile.

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BEST CHRISTMAS COUNTER RANGE Initial Reaction: “We were both totally thrilled when Five Dollar Shake was read out. After our initial celebratory hug we made our way to the stage. Both of us were honoured to have been asked

by Matt and Beth to represent our company, and to actually win was just the icing on the cake!"

Christine Fuller and Sophie Nuthall, product development managers of Five Dollar Shake.

Open to: All Christmas counter greeting card ranges that have been launched or updated (with a minimum of eight designs) since August 2016.

Winner Christmas Edged in Gold from Five Dollar Shake

Left: Christine Fuller (right) and Sophie Nuthall, product development managers for Five Dollar Shake, collect the company’s award from Bruce Podmore, managing director for Windles, who sponsored the Best Christmas Counter Range category.

Far left: All smiles, Sophie (left) and Christine clasp the festive trophy.

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BEST HUMOROUS RANGE Open to: All humour greeting card ranges that have been launched or updated (with a minimum of eight designs) since August 2016.

Winner Cloud Nine from Redback Cards

Initial Reaction: "Woohoo! We've won. Now, please don't fall up the stairs."

Chris and Kate Stanley, owners of Redback Cards

Right: A très magnifique Kate and Chris and an ‘ohh la la!’ Henries award.

Above: A delighted Chris and Kate Stanley (right), owners of Redback Cards, receive the award for the Best Humorous Range category from Peter Yorston, director for Transrap Packaging, sponsor of this category.

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BEST TRADITIONAL WORDS & SENTIMENTS RANGE Open to: All traditional words and sentiments greeting card ranges that have been launched or updated (with a minimum of eight designs) since August 2016.

Winner Heart Story from Hallmark

Above: Ruth Turner-Blood, senior editorial manager of Hallmark Cards, is over the moon to accept The Henries trophy for the Best Traditional Words & Sentiments category from Solutions Polska’s sales and marketing agent, Rob Pearson, who presented the accolade on behalf of the award sponsor.

Right: Ruth is very pleased with her Henries trophy.

Initial Reaction: "I was absolutely ecstatic! My reaction was to jump up and shout ‘Yes!’ Then I virtually ran up on stage after that as I couldn’t wait to get my hands on the award! Proud, excited, shocked, thrilled… I was feeling it all! I’ve lived and breathed sentiment at Hallmark for nearly 16 years and this was definitely one of the best moments of that time."

Ruth Turner-Blood, senior editorial manager of Hallmark Cards

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BEST CONTEMPORARY TREND RANGE Initial Reaction: “Wowsers! We were over the moon when we heard our name!”

Emma Pearce, senior designer for Hotchpotch

Open to: All contemporary greeting card ranges that have been launched or updated (with a minimum of eight designs) since August 2016.

Below left: The ‘contemporary’ Hotchpotch ladies, led by designer Emma Pearce, manoeuvre their way to the stage.

Winner Flair from Hotchpotch

Right: Emma Pearce (front), designer of the Flair range for Hotchpotch with the whole Hotchpotch team (second left to right) Helen Wallace, Merrick Iszatt and Anna Price, who were thrilled to receive the award for the Best Contemporary Trend Range category from Angie Bryant, on behalf of National Stationery Show, New York, sponsor of this category.

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BEST HANDMADE OR HAND-FINISHED RANGE Open to: All handmade or hand-finished greeting card ranges that have been launched or updated (with a minimum of eight designs) since August 2016.

Left: Ge Feng, designer and director of Forever Cards and his wife and business partner Suzanne, receive the award for Best Handmade or Handfinished Range, which is sponsored by EBB Paper. The company’s sales and marketing director, Chris Sandwell presented the award.

Initial Reaction: "When our Magic Box cards won this category it was so wonderful that I just couldn’t take it in until someone whispered to me that I’d just won!"

Ge Feng, designer and director of Forever Cards

Right: A very happy Suzanne and Ge Feng and a lovely new trophy.

Winner Magic Box from Forever Cards

CATEGORY SPONSOR

BEST PHOTOGRAPHIC RANGE Open to: All photographic greeting card ranges that have been launched or updated (with a minimum of eight designs) since August 2016.

Initial Reaction: “It was such a buzz to win - our whole table jumped up in excitement! It was a collaborative project in the design studio and we are all so thrilled to have acquired such an amazing accolade for The Proper Mail Company in its first year. Needless to say, the Prosecco flowed very freely afterwards!”

Emma Grant, senior designer for The Proper Mail Company

Below right: Emma Grant, senior designer for The Proper Mail Company, accepts the trophy for Best Photographic Range from Alison Graham, head of sales for Spring Fair, the category sponsor.

Winner B&W Photo from The Proper Mail Company

Below: Emma in the spotlight as she makes her way to collect her trophy.

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GREETING CARDS & CALENDARS FROM

MULTI-AWARD WINNERS

01992 702 900 |sales@danilo.com | www.danilo.com Independent retailers contact: Is It Art: 01926 747935

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@CalendarsUK

All images images copyr copyright ight © Ladyb Ladybird ird Books Books Ltd, Ltd, 2017 2017

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BEST LICENSED RANGE

Open to: All greeting card ranges involving a licensing agreement that have been launched or updated (with a minimum of eight designs) since August 2016.

Winner Ladybird Books for Grown-ups from Danilo Left: Danilo’s licensing director Dan Grant (second left), and creative director, Martin Carter (second right), are pleased to accept the Best Licensed Card Range award sponsored by Skeet Print. Director, John Skeet presents the trophy.

Initial Reaction: “My reaction was one of joy and surprise; there were some very strong ranges in our category. I followed Martin to the stage and I remember thinking that it seemed to take ages... I don’t like to keep people waiting.”

Dan Grant, licensing director for Danilo

Left: Martin, Dan and Daniel Prince, Danilo’s operations director, with their newest ‘characterful’ addition, a Henries 2017 trophy.

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BEST ART RANGE Initial Reaction: “Totally and completely shocked and surprised and a bit dizzy!”

Louise Mulgrew, director of Louise Mulgrew Designs

Open to: All art greeting card ranges that have been launched or updated (with a minimum of eight designs) since August 2016.

Winner Jungle Tumble from Louise Mulgrew Designs

Left: Louise is over the moon with her trophy.

Above: Louise Mulgrew, director of Louise Mulgrew Designs was presented with the award for the Best Art Range category by Taha Meziane, sales director for Top Drawer, sponsor of this award.

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VOTED “BEST MALE RANGE” TWO YEARS IN A ROW AT THE HENRIES AWARDS!

T. 0115 850 7490 F. 0115 941 3411 E. sales@thear tfile.com

W W W.THEARTFILE.COM THE ART FILE

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BEST MALE RANGE Open to: All greeting card ranges aimed at men (non-humour) that have been launched or updated (with a minimum of eight designs) since August 2016.

Winner Geronimo from The Art File

Right: Lucie Whitehead, creator of the Geronimo range

by The Art File, makes her way to the stage.

Initial Reaction: “I’m so thrilled we won this award for the second year running – it means so much to me and the whole team sitting at our table.”

Ged Mace, managing director for The Art File

Left: Ged Mace, managing director, and Lucie Whitehead, creator of the Geronimo range and in-house designer for The Art File, receive the Best Male Range award from Nick Murphy, commercial director for Centura Slater Harrison, the category sponsor.

CATEGORY SPONSOR

BEST WHOLESALE RANGE

Open to: All greeting card ranges (of any design type) that are distributed via wholesale distributors or cash & carries that have been launched or updated (with a minimum of eight designs) since August 2016.

Winner Ritzy from Simon Elvin

Initial Reaction: “Hooray! I felt very proud collecting the award for my designs and representing the fabulous company I work for!”

Sarah Vockins, designer for Simon Elvin

Above: Sarah Vockins, designer of the Ritzy range from Simon Elvin, is proud to be presented with her Henries trophy for the Best Wholesale Range from Lynda Raymond, partner of LB Warehousing, sponsor of this award.

Left: A sparkling win for Sarah.

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We are delighted to have won a Henries Award for the 3rd year running!

This year it was for our truly stunning Stephanie Dyment gift wrapping range.

To celebrate our win we are launching a brand new Stephanie Dyment collection in November. Follow us on social media for our latest news!

01274 655980 sales@glick.co.uk www.glick.co.uk Unit 1 Allenby House, European Ind. Park, Knowles Lane, Bradford BD4 9AB

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CATEGORY SPONSOR

BEST GIFTWRAPPINGS RANGE Open to: All giftwrapping collections that have been launched or updated (with a minimum of eight designs) since August 2016. Entries could either be a range of giftwrap sheets or a collection of wrappings (eg co-ordinating wrap, bags, boxes, ribbons etc).

Winner Stephanie Dyment from Glick

Initial Reaction: “Wow! I wasn’t expecting that at all!"

Becky Dobson, director for Glick Right: Glick director Becky Dobson (centre), Stephanie Dyment (left) and Michelle Airth (Glick’s export and key accounts controller) are thrilled to accept the Best Giftwrappings Collection award from Simon Boyd, show director for Progressive Greetings Live, the category sponsor.

Left: Stephanie, Becky and Michelle are happy with their unexpected Henries award.

CATEGORY SPONSOR

BEST SPRING SEASONS RANGE Open to: Greeting card ranges for the Spring Seasons occasions that have been launched or updated (with a minimum of eight designs) since August 2016.

Winner All My Love Valentine’s Below left: Erin beams with delight.

from Stop The Clock Design

Left: Erin James, co-director for Stop the Clock Design, collects the award for Best Spring Seasons Range from GF Smith’s paper consultant, Mark Jessett. The paper company was the sponsor of this category.

Initial Reaction: "Over the moon, especially since there was tough competition within the category!"

Erin James, co-director for Stop the Clock Design PROGRESSIVE GREETINGS WORLDWIDE

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LAGOM DESIGN www.lagomdesign.co.uk

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Open to: All cute greeting card ranges that have been launched or updated (with a minimum of eight designs) since August 2016.

CATEGORY SPONSOR

BEST CUTE RANGE Left: Director of Stripey Cats, Jonathan Crosby, looks happy but shocked as David Horne, greetings card & finishing manager of Offset Print & Packaging Group, presents the award for the Best Cute Range trophy on behalf of the category sponsor.

Winner Stripey Dogs from Stripey Cats

Below: Jonathan and a sparkling Henries award.

Initial Reaction: “Oh My God!! Wow I’ve actually won!”

PG Live’s Tracey Arnaud said I looked shell shocked!… which I was! I was so happy to win, it felt amazing as I wasn’t expecting to at all!”

Jonathan Crosby, ‘Top Cat’ for Stripey Cats

CATEGORY SPONSOR

BEST RELATIONS & l OR OCCASIONS RANGE Open to: All relations or occasions greeting card ranges that have been launched or updated (with a minimum of eight designs) since August 2016.

Winner Postco from Lagom

Left: Paula Mearns, new business development manager for Lagom (centre left) and the team (Holly, Alison and Shivraj) are elated to receive their Henries award, the trophy for the Best Relations &/or Occasions Range, from Simon Pilkington, director of Fedrigoni, sponsor of this award.

Below: Lagom’s creative director Kelly Hyatt with wife and business partner, Paula Mearns and a fabulous Henries trophy.

Initial Reaction: “My reaction was somewhat delayed because I wasn’t in the room when the award had been announced! However, after realising we’d won, it left me feeling genuinely delighted and I had a grin on my face for the rest of the night. There’s no better award to win than a Henries.”

Kelly Hyatt, creative director for Lagom PROGRESSIVE GREETINGS WORLDWIDE

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Are absolutely delighted to win the

Henry Cole Classic Award

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CLOUDESLEY HOUSE • SHIRE HILL • SAFFRON WALDEN • ESSEX • CB11 3FB T: 01799 520200 • F: 01799 520100 • WWW.NIGELQUINEY.COM

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Open to: This award is for ranges that have stood the test of time. The winner will join The Henry Cole Classic Hall of Fame with the previous winners which are Bestie from Paperlink, Eric the Penguin from GBCC, Forever Friends from Hallmark, On The Ceiling from Emotional Rescue, Me to You from CBG, Medici Cards Blue Label from GBCC, Second Nature’s Pop-Ups, Quentin Blake from Woodmansterne, Giggles from Hanson White (UKG) and Rainbow from Ling Design.

CATEGORY SPONSOR

THE HENRY COLE CLASSIC AWARD

Initial Reaction: "I was shocked and couldn’t believe it, but then I felt really excited and couldn’t wait to go up and collect the trophy – at that point there was no stopping me! It’s an honour to win the The Henry Cole Classic award."

Alison Butterworth, managing director of Nigel Quiney.

Winner Pizazz from Nigel Quiney Publications

Right: Nigel Quiney’s managing director Alison Butterworth receives the trophy for this Henries award that recognises card ranges that have stood the test of time - The Henry Cole Classic Award.

The Sherwood Group’s sales executive, Nicky Marshall, presented the award on behalf of the company, who sponsored this category.

Left: Alison tightly holds Nigel Quiney’s Pizazz range Henry Cole Classic Award.

CATEGORY SPONSOR

BEST SERVICE TO THE The finalists in this category were arrived at as a result of an exhaustive poll involving 1,500 independent card retailers. The retailers were invited to nominate which companies they considered to be their top three card suppliers on the service front over the last year.

There are three trophies in this category, the Gold, Silver and Bronze awards were presented to the top three scoring suppliers in the retail poll.

INDEPENDENT RETAILER

Bronze Winner

Initial Reaction: “I was so pleased to receive the award on behalf of the UKG team, but I hadn’t realised I needed to visit the stage to collect it given it was my very first Henries!... so it was a really nice surprise. It’s an honour to be consistently recognised in this category and receiving the award topped a fantastic evening.”

Darren Cave, director of merchandising and independent retail of UK Greetings

Far right: UK Greetings’ director of merchandising and independent retail, Darren Cave, steps up to retrieve the Bronze award for Best Service To The Independent Retailer from Chris Dyson, joint-managing director of Cardgains, sponsor of this whole category.

Right: Darren clasps the Bronze Henries trophy.

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TO ALL OUR CUSTOMERS for your continued support We are also delighted to announce the launch of

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Available for immediate delivery or for the New year!

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CATEGORY SPONSOR

BEST SERVICE TO THE INDEPENDENT RETAILER Left: Noel Tatt’s managing director Jarle Tatt accepts the Silver Best Service To The Independent Retailer award from joint-managing director Chris Dyson of Cardgains, sponsor of the Best Service category.

Silver Winner

Below left: Jarle and his team win the Henries Silver trophy for Best Service To The Independent Retailer for the seventh time.

Initial Reaction: “Relief and pride in equal measure. Seven consecutive years of winning Best Service to the Independent Retailer award is incredibly satisfying but brings its own pressure. Very happy!”

Jarle Tatt, managing director of Noel Tatt

CATEGORY SPONSOR

BEST SERVICE TO THE INDEPENDENT RETAILER Gold Winner

Left: Taking to the stage, brothers Simon (centre) and Ian Wagstaff (far right), managing directors of IC&G, and celebratory members of the IG&G team, are presented with the Gold award for Best Service To The Independent Retailer from joint-managing director Chris Dyson of Cardgains, sponsor of this award.

Right: Brothers, Simon (right) and Ian with their Gold Service trophy.

Initial Reaction: “Wow, we did it! What an achievement for everyone involved. We have such a strong and loyal team, it’s so humbling! Loving the support from our amazing customers! Thank you so so much!”

Simon and Ian Wagstaff, co-managing directors of IC&G

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JUST ONE OF OUR EXCEPTIONAL NEW LOOKS FOR 2018!

Contact your rep/agent, call us or go online: E: hello@secondnature.co.uk T:+44 (0) 1983 209 590 secondnature.co.uk

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CATEGORY SPONSOR

ACHIEVEMENT AWARD HONORARY Honorary This prestigious award is presented to an individual who has contributed greatly to the UK greeting card industry. The winner can come from the retailing, publishing, wholesaling or the supply side of the trade.

Nominations were sought from the entire industry for this special award.

2017 Winners Rod Schragger and Trevor Schragger, coowners of Second Nature

Above: Second Nature’s co-owners, Trevor Schragger, and Rod Schragger, were presented with the esteemed Honorary Achievement Award given by UK Envelope Centre’s managing director Joanne Jefferson, who sponsored this category.

An excerpt of the speech given by PG’s Jakki Brown at the awards ceremony: “Tonight we honour not one, but two people. Both have steered a world-class card publishing company through the choppy waters of fashion, changing retailing scene and economic highs and lows.

Over the last 30 years they have constantly reinvented the products they produce, creating stalwart ranges that stand the test of time, both in the UK and every corner of the world.

These two special individuals have greeting cards in their DNA. Between them they have over 65 years of experience in the greeting card industry and are still going strong. One is a maverick, creative force of nature, not afraid to experiment in design or format. The other is completely there on strategy, a commercial nous bar none who has an astute ability to see the bigger picture.

As well as managing a successful international publishing company, through good times and tough times for 30 years and more, these two people are also bound together in other way, as brothers. Theirs is certainly, a case of ying and yang that really works!

They try new ideas all the time, yet one of their most iconic ranges is still selling all over the world 30 years after it was created and was rightly admitted to the Henry Cole Classic hall of fame, a few years ago.

Being brothers in arms has meant the company that they have stewarded has a great family feeling. Such is the loyalty they imbue, they attract great people and they rarely leave.

Although still very much connected, they have ensured that the company continues to evolve with a new generation of both pure family and company family, all heavily invested to push the publishing company forward, based very much on and their values of fair-minded, innovation and service.

Both brothers are always self-effacing, incredibly modest, avoiding the limelight at all cost, but tonight the limelight can’t escape them.

Doing it their way is something that comes as Second Nature to these two men. The 2017 Honorary Achievement Awards go to Rod and Trevor Schragger, co owners of Second Nature.”

Initial Reaction: “Definitely a huge shock and an enormous surprise as it was so very unexpected. We are lucky to have a big family influence within the company, who, along with the support of our fantastic dedicated team, and thanks to our customers and suppliers, have continued Second Nature’s existence and evolvement over the 35 years or so since we began. Also thanks to Jakki, Warren and their team for acknowledging us for this award, it’s unbelievably appreciated.”

Rod and Trevor Schragger, co-owners of Second Nature Below: This year’s Henries’ Honorary Achievers, Rod (right) and Trevor Schragger, co-owners of Second Nature.

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In Conversation With... UKG

Above and right: The relaunch of UKG’s Thinking of You brand with accompanying PoS reinforces its commitment to the independent retailer.

Below: Figurative art features in the Palazzo collection in the Thinking of You collection.

Thinking Into Action

UK Greetings has not only been doing a lot of thinking about how best to support the independent retailer sector, it has turned these thoughts into action.

The company has just relaunched its indie-focused Thinking of You brand, committed to a series of customer retail forums, devised a whole programme of initiatives for this sector and is now ‘Going for Gold’, an anewed customer service drive for its independent customers.

PG found out more about UKG’s independent thinking.

“Independent retailers are massively important to us,” assured Ceri Stirland, director of marketing of UKG, who has also just become president of the GCA (Greeting Card Association).

With 25 years greeting card experience, both on the retailing and publishing sides, Ceri knows and understands the stresses and strains of both sides of the counter.

Ceri was fabulously adept at delivering a potent presidential speech to a packed audience at the recent GCA AGM about the industry’s ‘big picture’, and was equally prepared to roll her sleeves up and get behind the counter of a number of independent retailer’s stores recently as part of UKG’s ‘out in the field’ programme.

“The industry as a whole faces a number of challenges, both on the publishing and retailing fronts,” said

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Ceri.“We all have to brace ourselves for a huge amount of change. Independents are our biggest customers of our branded ranges,” she adds, citing the 3,000 independent rooftops UKG now supplies.

Recognising that independents are a very diverse bunch, Ceri acknowledges, “Working with Darren Cave, our director of field sales, we need to get closer to understanding our independent customers and their customers so that we Below: Last week saw UKG’s director of UKG, Ceri Stirland (right of the centre board) become president of the GCA. Supporting the independent sector is crucial to UKG and the industry as the publisher’s recent independent retailer forum testified, the attendees of which included Louise Parker (Daniels, Windsor); Trevor and Jayne Griffiths (Sentiments, Whitchurch); Rachael Barnes (Dragonfly Cards and Gifts, Knaresborough) and Rawda Jehanli (Boswells, Oxford) pictured here with members of the UKG team, including Lois Holcroft (next to Ceri).

can provide tailored products and services that meet their needs and exceed their expectations today, tomorrow and in the future.”

As Ceri reiterated in her speech at the GCA AGM, while the buying of greeting cards is very much engrained in the UK psyche 93% of the adult population buy cards (encouragingly on a par with the percentage who buy bread and chocolate) – the category, and indies in particular, will benefit from having more support. Ceri says part of this will be through supportive PoS, as well as advice, visual merchandising support and curated promotions (such as the current competition for free tickets for the upcoming Star Wars film) for independents.

“We have lots more tailored promotions in the pipeline, such as getting indies involved

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In Conversation With... UKG

as we gear up to Boofle’s 10th anniversary next year as well as more practical support. I spent a lot of time during my store visits, listening to one independent retailer who explained how it was important to have well designed paper bags,” reveals Ceri. “It made me realise how much they are appreciated,” she admits.

On the product front, while UKG has a whole raft of new ranges and updates on the go at any one time, catering for different types of retailers’ needs, the new Thinking of You collection is something a bit special, not least because of the sheer amount of work that has gone on behind the scenes to ensure that it hits the mark for independent retailers and their customers.

At its basis are the thoughts, views and actions harvested from over 40,000 members of the public that UKG has been tracking for the last three years as part of its ongoing research into consumer insights.

This extensive commitment to consumer research has meant UKG has been

Left: Independent retailers from Sentiments of Whitchurch, Dragonfly of Knaresborough, Daniels of Windsor and Boswells of Oxford don their high vis jackets with members of the UKG team for a ‘behind the scenes’ tour as part of the recent Retail Forum event.

Below left: Mighty impressive is the Star Wars promotion which enables indies to either win tickets for the imminent new film or offer them as incentives for their customers.

Bottom left: Read all about it! The Introductions newspaper covers all the latest developments from UKG. Below: Specially designed bags enable indies to compete with multiples on the branded front.

able to drill down to what those who prefer to shop at an independent retailer like to find in a greeting card. And this information includes not just their preference of design style, but the boldness of the font for the caption, the actual size of the card, format, price point and even thickness of board used - all of which is reflected in the resultant Thinking of You range.

While accepting the diversity among independent card retailers, UKG’s research highlights that more than two thirds of these shops’ customers are over 60 years of age, which the designs in the revamped Thinking of You collection reflects.

Revealing more about this important bunch of indie card shop customers, Lois Holcroft, UKG’s director of product management and consumer insight, explains that this bunch “places a high importance on buying the ‘perfect card’ with the words and messages being particularly important”, with this age group favouring more traditional styles than any other generational group - nearly a third select traditional designs when making their

greeting card selections, according to UKG’s research.

The findings also highlighted an interesting shift in buying habits between men and women – and how men are actually buying more cards than ever before.

“Men are slightly more likely to buy traditional product, women are more likely to receive traditional cards, so we incorporated this factor into our design and editorial directions,” reveals Lois. She also revealed that men are more likely to favour buying their cards in an independent card shop than in other types of stores.“Men are more likely to be loyal to the independent card shop – making up a higher proportion of those who say they buy the majority of their cards there,” she adds.

Home on the range UKG first launched the Thinking of You collection back in 2014 and it has been given a few ‘facelifts’ in the subsequent years, but nothing as dramatic as this latest one.

The new collection comprises 139 designs under the Thinking in You brand, spanning 12 different looks including contemporary figurative, watercolour, florals, photographic, male, still life, graphical and vintage collage designs.

The majority of the TOY designs are code 55 (RRP £1.99), 149mm x 229mm in size, on premium board, with an insert and enhanced by finishes such as flitter and foiling.

A collection of juvenile designs also form part of the new TOY offering, but these have a lower RRP of £1.45.

The range is complemented by 27 new Gibson designs at code 50, (RRP £1.89).

“This means that a total 166 new designs have been added below the all important £2.00 price point,” says Jill Alexander, UKG marketing communications director.

The collection is divided into adult ages (18 designs), female relations birthday (33 designs), male relations birthday (28), general birthday (23 designs), juvenile (16 designs), birth/christening (7 designs) and wedding/anniversary (14 designs).

Above: Though traditional in style, this design reflects contemporary subject matter influences.

But it is not just helping retailers to foster loyalty among their customers irrespective of their gender, UKG is also working hard to earn more loyalty from its independent customers, as part of its Go for Gold remit.

“We were happy to receive the bronze award Best Service to the Independent award at The Henries this year, but we have to aim higher – to regain the gold trophy, through our products, support and service,” sums up Ceri. “The world and the industry is changing, it is how we all adapt to these changes that will ensure our collective future,” she said as a true president!

PROGRESSIVE GREETINGS WORLDWIDE

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Innovations PG Showcases A Collection Of New Product Launches

To Be Or Not To Bee The Countryside range from Doodleicious Art is expanding and now comprises 12 designs, including this honey bee, a pony, a puffin, a hedgehog and a badger. Designed by Sarah Capper, all the illustrations are made up of exquisitely detailed tiny flowers, are 6”x6” in size and sold wrapped with kraft envelopes.

Doodleicious Art 07734 034039 www.doodleicious.co.uk

Down Memory Lane Wildcards is launching Vintage Montages, a new range of pretty photomontage cards made up from photographs, textures and script images all brought together in a new and distinctive style. All the cards have pretty pastel coloured borders and are captioned ‘With love on your birthday.’ There are 12 designs sized 150mm square, sold wrapped with 100% recycled kraft envelopes.

Wildcards 07525 785961 www.wildcardgreetings.co.uk

Gone Potty

Tony’s Heros Footy fans will love The Football Collection - 24 new designs from Tony Fernandes featuring red and blue teams, goalkeepers, defenders, centre forwards, referees, coaches, boots and balls!

Tony’s cartoon artwork won’t make you blush but you’ll have a good giggle at his daft footballers - all perfect for armchair pundits at home. The cards are sized 5” x 7”, blank and sold wrapped with a white envelope.

Tony Fernandes 01142 620899 www.tonyfernandesdesign.com

My Ass Henries Awards nominated Flying Teaspoons is launching a brand new birthday range: Animal Attraction, where sass, cuteness and the humorously quirky are all rolled into one.

Created by Laura Clamp using collaged magazine cuttings, this range features more of her much loved donkeys, a feather bower wearing chicken and a ‘slow’ gin drinking tortoise. There eight designs in the range initially, sized 150mm square and sold wrapped with a brown ribbed envelope.

Flying Teaspoons 07975 940194 www.flyingteaspoons.com

Lottie Murphy's new botanical range Plants & Pots feature her illustrations of garden pots, just in time for the spring. The everyday designs focus on birthdays, new home, thank you and Mother’s Day. All the cards are blank inside, printed on the highest quality board, and sold wrapped with kraft envelopes.

Lottie Murphy 07716 304741 www.lottie-murphy.com

Brought To Book In a new development from Oh My!, here’s giftwrap that comes in the form of a stitched book. When a sheet is needed, it is removed along a perforation leaving the rest of the book intact, making it easy to store in a draw or on a bookshelf avoiding damage. There are three books in the current range, each with four different wrap designs that open to 500mm x 700mm when removed, and the cover has four tear out gift tags.

Oh My! 01274 760 177 www.ohmydesigns.co.uk PROGRESSIVE GREETINGS WORLDWIDE

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Envelope Your Cards In Luxury ROSE GOLD & COPPER, NEW FROM ENVECO

Enveco Ltd Sunrose Place Michigan Drive Tongwell Milton Keynes MK15 8HQ 01908 378866 www.enveco.co.uk info@enveco.co.uk

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Innovations PG Showcases A Collection Of New Product Launches

Bittersweet Symphony The new Sympathy Collection from Grass Roots is launching with 24 brand new designs covering a host of specialist titles, for example ‘On the Sad Loss of your Mum’ and ‘On The Sad Loss of your Precious Little Angel’. These traditional designs have a beautiful heartfelt verse, clean lines and are finished with delicate flittering and soft gentle foiling.

Grass Roots International 0151 541 0448 www.writefromtheheart.co.uk

Days Of Romance Decorative Valentine is a beautiful new range of Valentine’s cards being released by Allie Fisher Design. This collection comprises eight romantic designs in deep, rich reds inspired by ornate motifs and patterning. All the cards are 150mm square, printed on luxury board with a slight satin sheen, blank inside, and sold wrapped with a deep red envelope.

Allie Fisher Design 07710 470079 www.alliefisherdesign.com

Fresh From The Valleys Conffeti (the Welsh spelling for 'confetti'!) by Anwen Roberts of Draenog, is expanding to 30 designs, with new Valentine’s, Mother’s Day and Easter cards being added to the everyday captions. Featuring foil details in silver, gold or copper, the cards are available in Welsh or English. All the cards are sized 144mm square, are designed and printed in Wales and come cellowrapped with a light grey envelope.

Draenog 07815 153582 www.draenog.com

Foxy Lady

Celeb City New from Rumble Cards is the B&W Celebrity range of 10 simple line-drawn cards featuring up-to-date celebrity and pop culture characters including Solange Knowles, Notorious B.I.G, Katy Perry, DJ Khaled, Adele, Whoopi Goldberg, Kendrick Lamar, Snoop Dogg and… Jeremy Corbyn. All the cards are sized A6, printed on textured card and wrapped with a brown recycled envelope.

Rumble Cards 07739 082695 www.rumblecards.co.uk

Libby Morris of Brighton based Rattycatcat hand-prints all her greeting cards, sketchbooks and prints from linocuts using her 1950s laundry mangle! All her prints are inspired by popular culture, animals and objects that she finds entertaining or interesting. New out is an autumnal Fox in a Box set of six cards and gift tags, featuring foxes and falling autumn leaves with coordinating red envelopes.

Rattycatcat 07914 801782 www.rattycatcat.co.uk

Lovelly Cards Golden Touch is a range of 20 very special occasion cards from Sarah Lovell Art, all featuring Sarah’s hand-painted imagery around a gold foiled hand lettered central element. The cards are all sized A6 and sold wrapped with a beautiful golden envelope.

Sarah Lovell Art 07979 814146 www.sarahlovellart.co.uk PROGRESSIVE GREETINGS WORLDWIDE

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Innovations PG Showcases A Collection Of New Product Launches

Art’s Desire New designs launching into Bug Art’s popular Jewels range are inspired by the decorative style of the Vienna Secession and the artist Hundertwasser. There are 12 boldly coloured designs, all set against a black background and gorgeously embossed with two different foils.

The cards are blank inside, sized 118mm x 167mm and sold wrapped with a gold envelope.

Bug Art 0115 929 4776 www.bugart.co.uk

American Dream

Age And Beauty

Honey, I’m Home! is a range of birthday and occasions cards designed by Sue Lee and inspired by her passion for mid-century design.

Everything an aspiring 1950s domestic god or goddess could possibly dream for take centre stage here! All the cards are sized 127mm x 178mm, printed on textured ivory board and come with co-ordinated ivory envelopes.

Pennychoo 07941 645018 www.pennychoo.com

Deckled Edge has expanded its popular Blooming Ages range of natural floral designs.

New designs include everyday occasions as well as milestone ages 16 all the way to 101!

The cards are sized 120mm x 170mm, glistening with fresh coloured foils on lovely thick 350gsm white textured board, sold wrapped with spring green, cream or pink coloured envelopes to match.

Deckled Edge 0800 771 0771 www.decklededge.co.uk

Taking Flight Flock of Birds is a stylish new collection from Wishart capturing our British coastal birds in their shoreline habitat. There are 18 designs in the range created by coastal artist Joanne Wishart, from puffins to curlews, to spoonbills and lapwings, sold with complementing envelopes in biodegradeable cornstarch wrap.

Wishart 0191 296 0446 www.joannewishart.co.uk

Bringing Up Baby Brand new from Paper Salad is Baby Milestones – wallets of 24 double sided postcards with different images on each side to help celebrate babies’ first moments on social media. With packs for boys, girls and unisex, these are the perfect way to record all those special occasions, including the first time I slept through the night and my first pair of shoes!

The cards are A6 in size and each set comes with its own unique packaging.

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PROGRESSIVE GREETINGS WORLDWIDE

Mum’s The Word Spring has come early with the release of Katie Phythian’s new Paintbox Mother's Day cards.

Painted in Katie’s Cheshire studio, the range is wonderfully feminine with wildflower meadows, scented peonies and beautiful birds and butterflies. There are 15 145mm square designs in the range, printed on textured board, handfinished with delicate gems and supplied wrapped with a petal pink envelope.

Katie Phythian 07900 431825 www.katiephythiandesign.com

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Innovations PG Showcases A Collection Of New Product Launches

Tied Up With String

In With The Florals

Favourite Things is one of Laura Sherratt's most long-standing, successful card ranges, and it’s growing with 40 new designs being added.

These 120mm square designs feature cute, small scale paintings by Laura, all hand-embellished with a luggage tag and bow, and covers a wide selection of occasions, religious titles, birthday cards, male and female and children's cards.

Laura Sherratt Designs 01538 384566 www.laurasherrattdesigns.co.uk

Florali from Paper Rose is inspired by nature taking beautiful botanical illustrations and giving them a modern twist with elegant typography. The range includes adult ages ranging from 18 –90, features a stunning sculptured coral blush foil and comes wrapped with a buff coloured envelope.

Paper Rose www.paperrose.co.uk 0115 9850115

To The Point

Brain Power

Mandarin Duck is just one of the new additions to Fay’s Studios’ ever-growing In The Wild collection. Beautifully hand-drawn by illustrator Fay Miladowska using her popular pointillist technique, this range now boasts over 70 designs all printed onto a gorgeous heavyweight textured board and hand-finished with subtle flecks of glitter. The cards are sized 145cm square and come wrapped with recycled brown fleck envelopes.

Fay’s Studio 07817 412086 www.faysstudio.com

Brainbox Candy is thrilled, nay ecstatic, to announce its latest collaboration - an official range of everyday and occasions cards with the stupendous David Shrigley. The initial launch comprises 24 hilarious cards - cue randomness, swearing animals and laughter galore. The cards are sold wrapped with bespoke envelopes and there’s also a range of postcards.

Brainbox Candy 01702 716643 www.brainboxcandytrade.com

True Love Is… With no soppy words or heartfelt sentiment in sight, Bettie Confetti’s ’True Love Is…’ 2018 Valentine’s Day Range is all about the little moments in life that are the real meaning of love. Whether it’s a trip to IKEA that doesn’t end in divorce or competing for the dog’s love, this range covers all angles of what true love really is. The range of 18 designs is sized A6, printed on quality kraft board and sold wrapped with a matching kraft envelope.

Bettie Confetti 07531 058664 www.bettieconfetti.com

Let’s Party Earlybird has expanded its ever so popular Ink Sandwich neon range into party invites and thank you card packs. There are three new party invite pack designs which feature a leopard, an elephant and a cute cake, and three new thank yous featuring a dog, a dinosaur and a pineapple. Each set contains eight small cards of one design with kraft fleck envelopes in a hanging pack.

Earlybird Designs 01227 765372 www.earlybirddesigns.co.uk PROGRESSIVE GREETINGS WORLDWIDE

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JEREMY’S JOURNAL Business blogging by publisher Jeremy Corner of Blue Eyed Sun.

Winning At Cards

Below: How do you make sure you hold all the Aces when it comes to greeting cards?

Below: Widdop & Co is just one of the gift companies that has recently created their own card ranges.

Bottom: Some of this year’s Ladder Club attendees and speakers.

Jeremy Corner, owner of greeting card publisher Blue Eyed Sun, considers best sellers.

Great product is good for everyone: retailers, publishers, suppliers and, most importantly, card senders. If the product is good it’ll sell well. But if all the cards in the industry are good, how do you make sure yours are the best? We can’t all be winners and it’s a very competitive market.

Market challenges Competition among publishers is fierce, with new talent starting up businesses every week. The Ladder Club, which supports new and ‘climbing up the ladder’ publishers, had one of its busiest years ever this year and PG Live’s Springboard area continues to grow.

In addition to the plethora of great start-ups, larger publishers have launched smaller brands in order to compete.

Paperlink has Meraki, Five Dollar Shake with Counting Stars, Second Nature has Lime, Woodmansterne with The Proper Mail Company and Carte Blanche has Hotchpotch.

We’ve also seen an influx of giftware companies joining the greeting card party with Widdop & Co, Katie Loxton and Transomnia all launching card ranges.

On top of all the new players, the space available in the independent retail sector has been shrinking, as many independent retailers go under or decide to hang up their boots by not renewing expiring shop leases. This is further compounded by brokers sweeping up large chunks of the sector, effectively closing doors that were previously open to smaller outfits via sales agents, trade shows and direct marketing.

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As the market shrinks and consolidates, and as casualties are lost along the way, there is a rush by all card publishers to create best selling designs to win the race and become one of the top ten ‘must haves’ in any retailer’s store.

The trouble is that many end up...

Playing it safe The card market has always swallowed up good ideas and innovative product.

New looks and trends get absorbed by other companies and reincarnated in all sorts of interesting ways. I’m not talking about blatant copying here (a bugbear for all of us). I mean the very nature of creativity is that is constantly influenced and stimulated by the environment in which it is working. Following trends feels safer for everyone, but it has its costs.

Trends come through like big waves and the result is that lots of product ends up looking the same. At the moment it’s foiled messages on stripes and flowers,

flamingos, unicorns, llamas and drinkrelated cards, such as gin and Prosecco.

There’s a strong temptation to follow trends and keep adapting with (rather than to) the competition. The trouble is you end up looking like everyone else and have no discernible point of difference. This leads to a lack of loyalty with customers and price becomes the dominant deciding factor at the point of purchase.

Worse still, you don’t take risks and your creativity becomes constrained and restricted by the urge to make money. In the end, vast quantities of unicorns, flamingos and llamas end up sitting in warehouses across the country as the party fizzles out and moves on to the next ‘big thing’.

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JEREMY’S JOURNAL The real power lies in staying different from the pack and creating great cards that consumers love to buy. Staying different over the years has always been one of the biggest challenges we’ve had at Blue Eyed Sun and I imagine that it’s the same for most card publishers.

So what is the secret to long lasting success? It’s simple, and I’ve been teaching it to Ladder Club delegates and new publishers for the last 14 years... create something different that sells well.

And yet asking someone to create a best selling card range that’s different from everything else is like holding a gun to someone’s head and asking them to relax.

The truth is...

The consumers’ needs At its simplest level, the consumer needs a card that allows them to connect with the recipient they are sending it to. The card can represent the seller, the recipient, something about the relationship between them or a combination of these elements. When this works well there is an emotional connection and an intuitive sense that the card is ‘the right one’. It’s a lovely feeling when you find the right card and you look forward to sending it.

We’re all different though, so variety is important as we don’t all like or choose the same things. Consumers want the right amount of choice. Too much and they can feel bamboozled. Too little and they can’t find a card that suits. They want nice designs, meaningful or humorous sentiment, and they want cards that ‘feel right’ for them (this can change over time). Price is important, but is not always the deciding factor. If the card is right, the design will win out over price on most occasions.

Retailers’ needs

Nobody knows anything Screenwriter, William Goldman, famously wrote of Hollywood that “Nobody knows anything.” What he meant is that nobody in the movie business knows for certain what is going to work commercially. It’s a guess (and at best an educated one) every single time. I think it’s the same with most creative businesses.

If it were a straightforward affair to create best selling cards, we wouldn’t have such a variety of publishers in the industry.

There would be just one player serving all of its needs. Inevitably, the magic would disappear as the market became commoditised and eventually it would become obsolete. People don’t buy cards because they have to. They do it because they choose to.

That it’s not easy to create best sellers means that the card market continues to present opportunities for companies to enter and rise quickly when they execute well and meet its needs. Understanding these needs is crucial. So what are they? Having spent the last year visiting over 50 stores and buying cards every week on The Greeting Card Project, I’ve tried to get inside the minds of consumers and retailers to understand them more closely. Here’s what I’ve learned so far:

Like all good businesses, good retailers pay attention to their customers and their needs.

They gain an intuitive sense of what will work for them and what won’t by watching their best sellers over time. The best retailers track their sales data and are ruthless at culling cards that don’t sell (and filling the space with better sellers). Most importantly, they make sure that they never ever run out of stock of their best sellers (and they know every single one of them well).

It’s easy for a retailer staring at the same best selling stock every week to get bored of seeing it. Ordering something else because you feel that you’ve “done that” range is all well and good if it’s not selling. It’s a costly mistake if it’s in your top 20% of sellers and you don’t know it.

Above left: Jeremy has tried to understand the mind of the card sending consumer.

Above right: Not a trace of a unicorn, Blue Eyed-Sun’s Valentine’s 2018 range.

Below: Good retailers pay attention to their customers' needs – the interior of Postmark, Dulwich.

Retailers also want their own businesses to stand out on their high streets from the competition. They’ll often ask for exclusivity on a publisher’s cards in their location in order to do this, or they will try to be first to find new ranges and publishers. It’s another reason why larger players have created sub brands in order to target different sectors more effectively.

Others’ needs Other people within the market have needs too. There are sales agents (‘what’s new?’), distributors (language changes, rectangular), brokers (size, shape, colour), suppliers (volume, finishing), multiples (consignment, barcoding, alpha codes, text positioning) and warehouses (communication, sizing, volume)… all of which affect the market in a variety of ways.

Despite their importance, I’ve decided to pay less attention to them in this article because it’s the end consumer that pays all of our bills and the retailer is still the dominant route to the end consumer.

Winning at cards There’s no silver bullet to creating best sellers that are different. Where do good ideas come from anyway? Nobody knows. If someone tells you it’s them, they’re lying. Everything new has a source of inspiration, an element of play, some experimentation and a connection to the collective subconscious.

I’ve seen a lot of businesses come and go in our industry over the years. The companies that clearly define themselves as different from the competition are the ones that most often stand the test of time.

Whether you are a retailer or publisher, understanding you niche and playing to your strengths is essential if you want to win at cards!

Read more on Jeremy’s blog at www.blueeyedsun.co.uk/blog Watch The Greeting Card Project weekly videos at www.YouTube.com/TheGreetingCardProject PROGRESSIVE GREETINGS WORLDWIDE

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Face To Face

Words ‘n’ Wishes has been scoring highly recently!

In the last few weeks alone it has kicked off the distribution arrangement of Quitting Hollywood designs to the independent retailer, jumped up to 5th place in the industry service ‘league table’ at The Henries, unveiled its new branding and launched a revamped product portfolio at an annual sales conference that took place at the Etihad Stadium, home of Manchester City FC. Rod Brown, joint md of Words ‘n’ Wishes (and former professional footballer himself) shares his ‘team tactics’ that are based more on core principles rather than fancy footwork.

“We have had a great month,” Rod Brown, joint md of Words ‘n’ Wishes told PG recently.

Although known for his positive ‘can do’ attitude as well as his natural salesman ability, the Words ‘n’ Wishes’ ‘score sheet’ is looking pretty impressive.

Making its debut at the company’s recent annual sales conference, which took place at Man City’s Etihad Stadium, was a

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new product portfolio under fresh new Words ‘n’ Wishes branding.

Significantly, not only did the launch include 92 new Words ‘n’ Wishes greeting card designs, but also the inaugural collection of 120 ‘best of the best’ Quitting Hollywood designs, which are now being distributed to the independent sector by the Words ‘n’ Wishes sales team.

Above: The new Words ‘n’ Wishes logo reflects the more contemporary feel of the company’s product portfolio.

Left: Rod Brown is delighted the way things have panned out for Words ‘n’ Wishes.

Below: As ever, Words ‘n’ Wishes made a big deal of its annual sales conference – it had every reason to! It was held at the Etihad stadium, home to Manchester City FC.

Moreover, half of these Quitting Hollywood designs (in the QH and Paw Play ranges) have been revamped exclusively for independent retailers to give them a point of difference, with more from the Twisty and other ranges to follow in time.

Rod admits he felt “incredibly proud and emotional” at the conference, which provided time to reflect on the progress the company has made over the last six years since he cofounded the business with fellow joint md Carl Salt, who were joined by Brian Philips (former co-owner of Wishing Well Studios), Alison Traynor (sales co-ordinator), Lesley

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Face To Face

Chocs away!

Measey (heads of customer services), Denise Bishop (head of credit control) and Tony Cotterill (studio manager), all of whom are shareholders of the business.

“Without doubt it is a challenging market out there at the moment, but we still see lots of opportunities. Our new branding and extended portfolio reflects the refreshed approach we are taking,” said Rod. Having been in the industry for 30 years - with Hallmark, Paper House (now GBCC), Second Nature, Rainbow Cards (that he coowned for several years), Wishing Well and now Words ‘n’ Wishes (of which he is a major shareholder) - Rod is well qualified to comment on the changing industry scene as well as react to its changing dynamics.

“The retailing landscape has changed so much over the years. We are a ‘middle of the

While Rod Brown is a firm believer that companies should stick to what they know, he is also of the opinion that you should be open to logistical opportunities when they present themselves. The launch of Words ‘n’ Wishes chocolate bars, at the start of this year, is a great example of this.

“I was over in Ireland doing store visits with Watermark, our Irish distributors, who told me how well they were doing with a spinner of chocolate bars. My initial response was “No, cards are our thing”, but then I thought about it in the context of how there is a strong connection between cards and chocolate and realised that if the wrappers were designed to tie-in with key captions and card sending events the bars would offer good incremental sales for customers and complement what we are doing on cards.”

Using the same confectionery supplier as Watermark, Words ‘n’ Wishes created a range that was also available on a spinner that holds 48 designs.

“Over 140 of our accounts took them in the first couple of weeks and we have sold over £100,000 worth of bars in the last few months – all additional sales for our customers and our sales team,” reveals Rod. Above: The diversification into chocolate bars has proved successful for Words ‘n’ Wishes.

Top left: Words ‘n’ Wishes’ senior sales co-ordinator Alison Traynor (left) and Diane Bishop, head of credit control, sending one of the first orders that also includes Quitting Hollywood cards.

Left: The Words ‘n’ Wishes sales force having a ‘team talk’ at the Etihad Stadium.

Below left: Part of the agreement with QH is that the designs were reformatted to offer something exclusive to the indies.

Below middle: One of the latest Words ‘n’ Wishes designs.

road’ publisher that has independent retailers at its heart,” says Rod. “I can remember back to the days when an independent card retailer’s sales came from 80% cards and 20% gifts.

Now many have to work to a 50:50 split to survive. The good ones have of course, and we are proud to be part of their business,” he added.

The decision to add QH into the mix was a logical one. “We have a large sales team of 24 people that each have relationships with their retail customers. The opportunity to supply these customers, and others with a curated collection of strong humorous designs (many of which are exclusive to

Up close and personal PG got inside the head of Rod Brown, Words ‘n’ Wishes’ joint md for some ‘words and wishes’! l What three words would your mates would

l l

l

l l

use to describe you?: “Talkative, positive and personable.”

What is your guilty pleasure?: “Galloways chunky steak pies – Wigan’s finest!”

Who would be top of your list to have dinner with tonight?: “Winston Churchill, George Best and my parents – all sadly passed away.”

How do you treat yourself?: “I love buying clothes. Church and Clements in Birmingham is my favourite shop for men’s tailoring.”

You are always on the go, how do you relax?: “By walking the dog – gives me time to think.”

To where do you most like to escape?: “Dubai.”

Above: Words ‘n’ Wishes’ (far right) Carl Salt and Rod Brown (left) with Cardgains’ Penny Shaw and Chris Dyson at the Windles’ reception at The Henries.

the independent sector) that would arrive in the same delivery of Words ‘n’ Wishes cards makes a lot of sense all round.”

The QH line joins Words ‘n’ Wishes at a time when the company is on an upward trajectory. In the last year alone, the publisher has increased its sales by 21% and that was on top of sustained sales increases since it started the business.

“Growth is not something you can take for granted. We supply 1,000 retail rooftops already and do think there are another 200 out there that we would like to have as customers, but without letting down our existing customers who have put the food on our table over the years,” said Rod. To his mind Words ‘n’ Wishes’ continued growth will be down to two key elements - product and service.

“Our first priority has to be the product range. As a card publisher we are never going to achieve utopia, but our products have to keep improving, something our studio completely buys into,” says Rod. However, while product is crucial, he feels service is a very close second.

“We were delighted appear in 5th place in the Best Service to the Independent Retailer in The Henries, up from 6th the year previous, but we want to do even better and I believe we can,” adds Rod, his eye on a trophy and a move further up the ‘league table’!

PROGRESSIVE GREETINGS WORLDWIDE

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72_74_PPS Awards 2017_Art Source 27/10/2017 16:14 Page 72

ARTSOURCE

TO APPEAR IN THE ARTSOURCE CONTACT TRACEY ARNAUD ON 01234 740 051

TO APPEAR REGULARLY IN THE

ARTSOURCE SECTION OF PROGRESSIVE GREETINGS CONTACT TRACEY ARNAUD ON

01234 740 051

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ART SOURCE

PG helps to paint a pretty picture of freelance artists, designers, verse writers and photographers’ worlds in order to promote their talents to publishers and, conversely, make it easier for publishers seeking artists.

ARTIST IN FOCUS

Stella Ishack I am a freelance artist and illustrator based in a wonderful studio in Stockwell, London. Though I’ve been drawing for as long as I can remember, studying at the London Atelier of Representational Art allowed my work to develop a figurative, realistic quality to it, and it now confidently sits between categorised as fine art and illustration.

I enjoy drawing and painting a variety of subjects, with a strong focus on portraits. Typically, I hand draw my work using either charcoal or a super sharp HB pencil, but I also greatly enjoy the softness and texture of painting using watercolour. Where I can, I try to combine these two mediums, and though I mostly enjoy using traditional tools to create my art, I also like using digital software to complement it.

My work takes on a variety of themes; I mostly draw on the world of fashion, beauty, and celebrity, but have also recently enjoyed exploring various conceptual ideas, such as our contemporary relationship with social media and the way we interact. I am constantly inspired by illustrators who manage to keep a traditional quality to their work, such as David Downton, Kelly Smith and T.S Abe, but I also love the bold strokes, patterns and raw, unfinished quality of artists such as Henri-Toulouse Lautrec and Gustav Klimt. Whenever I have shared my work in a compact format, such as postcards, I have always had a wonderful response, and so I would love to extend that to the greeting card industry. If you would like to view examples of my work, or contact me regarding an idea for a project you can visit my website or Instagram page! l Web: www.stellaillustration.com l Instagram: @stellaillustration

WANT TO BE FEATURED?

If you are an artist, photographer or verse writer and would like to be considered to appear in Art Source, please contact PG’s Emma Cain on emmac@max-publishing.co.uk. This is an editorial feature and as such is free of charge.

PROGRESSIVE GREETINGS WORLDWIDE

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ARTSOURCE

TO APPEAR REGULARLY IN THE

ARTSOURCE SECTION OF PROGRESSIVE GREETINGS CONTACT TRACEY ARNAUD ON 01234 740 051

Unit 8, Archers Park, Branbridges Road East Peckham, Kent TN12 5HP Email: info@theimagingcentre.co.uk Tel: 01622 871449

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ART SOURCE Jane Newland

I am an illustrator from Norwich. I studied for a BA in illustration and have been working professionally ever since.

I am extremely fortunate to have a wonderfully artistic family and so drawing and painting as a child was a very natural thing. My grandfather was the most amazing artist. He painted like Arthur Rackham, and came up with fantastic odd ideas like Heath Robinson, and made the most incredible, beautiful artefacts from natural materials – all hugely inspiring to me.

My grandmother was a whizz at watercolour painting, and my dad paints stunning landscapes and draws like a demon! I really have been blessed having so much talent around me to learn from, and my style draws on elements from all three.

I love to create little worlds. I love a bit of odd, and humour sneaks into my work quite often too. I work in Photoshop mainly these days, sometimes adding hand painted elements, and I’m totally obsessed with detail.

I’m the house illustrator for Newl&Potter, my brother’s design consultancy, and over the years I have worked on a huge range of projects for some awesome clients.

Recently, I have begun to want to venture out into the realms of art licensing and book illustration too, so I have worked on developing more of an individual style. I signed up with The Bright Agency last year, and immediately started getting work in both licensing and children’s book illustration!

If you would like to find out more about my work, please contact Hannah or Fiona at The Bright Agency. l Tel: 0207 3269140 l Web: www.brightgroupinternational.com

Jill Howarth Originally from Pennsylvania, but now a New Englander living just west of Boston, I am a freelance illustrator with a degree and background in graphic design. After graduating from Penn State University, I took a design job at a large toy company and eventually became an art director in their preschool toys division.

Eventually I started drawing and illustrating on the side and began transitioning to more illustration as opposed to straight design work. As a freelance artist with Jennifer Nelson Artists, I enjoy working with hand lettering, colour and fun characters. Primarily a Vector designer, I work primarily within Adobe Illustrator, with a bit of Photoshop and gouache occasionally.

A devotee of mid-century design, particularly children's book, I take a cue from that era, drawing inspiration from the charm, palettes, graphic sensibility of that timeperiod. I hope to give the viewer a momentary rush of nostalgia, but in a fresh way. Being trained as a graphic designer, I tend to take a problem-solving approach to design and illustration and enjoy working with lettering.

My clients range from publishing to bolt fabric, stationery and more – some examples of these clients are: Penguin Random House, Running Press Kids, Scholastic Press, Design House Greetings, Riley Blake Designs, Quarto Press, American Greetings, Pottery Barn Teen and more. l l l l

Jill’s agent: Jennifer Nelson Email: jennifer@jennifer-nelson-artists.com Web: www.jennifer-nelson-artists.com Tel: 781-643-2002

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PG asked a selection of card retailers for their ‘hot’ card sellers.

Rachel Buckley, co-director of RBUK, Rochdale, Greater Manchester A medium shop in a town suburb with a loyal and varied customer base.

Category

Name of Publisher

Product/Name Range

Comments

Cute

Hammond Gower

Fancy Pants

Humour

Rosie Made A Thing

Gin & Frolics

Dandelion Stationery

Words Of Wisdom

Photographic

Pulp

Betty Loves

Art

Museums & Galleries

Matthew Williamson

Sally Scaffardi

Potted

Traditional

Berni Parker

Ladies Who Love Life and Men Who Love Life

Handmade/ Hand-Finished

Five Dollar Shake

Across The Board

Hearts Designs

Mad Dots

Cards featuring animals having a party!

There’s a pig wearing a tutu, feathers everywhere and animals wearing party hats and fun glasses.

The images are brilliant but it's the words joking at everyday things that are just perfect.

A personal favourite and selling well in the shop. The sentiments are just the kind of thing you wish you could think of and write.

Quirky black and white images with a hint of colour and lovely friendship sentiments.

Bright colours and brilliant foiling… and the butterfly designs are very popular.

Simple and modern potted plant illustrations on white board with a pop of colour.

We have a spinner of Bernie’s cards which we occasionally move around the store, and the cards are searched out specifically.

She is talented artist who we’ve found has a loyal following.

The large size designs sell particularly well, usually for milestone ages, anniversaries, daughter and son.

Modern and luxurious with their gold foiled lettering, hearts and all round sparkle.

Right: Sweet and funny friendship sends, a Betty Loves design from Pulp.

Below: Yoga and wine... two things that are good for you from Dandelion Stationery’s Words of Wisdom range.

Holly and Donna Read, mother and daughter duo of Crimson & Clover, Hither Green, London A small modern retro shop in a city suburb with a loyal locals and varied customer base.

Category

Name of Publisher

Product/Name Range

Comments

Everyday

Rocket68

Across The Board

Humour

Sally Scaffardi

Animal

Art

Paper Bird

Paint

Contemporary

Betty Etiquette

Across The Board

Handmade/ Hand-Finished Children’s

Anuradha Deacon Varma I Drew This

Handmade Origami Cards Mischief

Giftwrappings

Cambridge Imprint

Across The Board

Bold, vibrant designs with a vintage aesthetic, which suits our shop to a tee.

The ‘Flight of Fancy’ birds are a current feathery fave!

Chortle worthy and one of rare ranges that appeals to the less frequent (but no less important!) male consumer.

Abstract pieces that offer a little mellow amongst the hectic, often spunky cards.

Modern calligraphic designs with a sensibility and light of touch that sit nicely with the largely illustrative/arty cards we offer. We’re eagerly awaiting the arrival of the Breton collection, which is looking magnifique!

Offering up something different and tactile with the human touch.

Very popular with our 4ft somethings!

Enchanting drawings with lovely colour work and variety.

Strong graphic designs on quality thick paper. We love the 'harking back to tradition' and nature of the prints (screen printed/William Morris-inspired) and they’re super eye-catching.

Above: Sally Scaffardi’s Animal range plays on words.

Right: Not only a retailer, Holly Read also designs her own cards.

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Esther Payne and Patricia Fitzpatrick, owners of Mustard Gift Shop, Oadby, Leicestershire, and online (www.mustardgiftshop.com) A family run shop in a small town with a local and varied customer base.

Category

Name of Publisher

Product/Name Range

Comments

Everyday

Art House Meath

Across The Board

Jade Fisher

General

Humour

Katie Abey

General

Photographic

U Studio

1000 Words

Children’s

Meri Meri

General

Ancillary

U Studio

Mood Pencils

Art House Meath

Handmade Chocolate

We know when we hear a chuckle by the card wall that the ‘Congratulations on your new baby.

Don’t drop it!’ card has been spotted.

The range has great artwork by the artists supported by this brilliant charity. We love talking about Art House Meath with our customers, it always gets such a positive response.

Llamas are inexplicably ‘on trend’ and we love them! All of Jade’s gouache painted illustrations are very popular with our customers. The design ‘Julio the Llama’ is a great all round celebration card. We think he’s ace!

Another sure fire chuckle from the ‘You’re annoying but I love you’ dinosaur card. Strange how many people relate to this instantly! There’s a real gap in the market for more contemporary sarcastic cards!

The ‘Cat Paws’ image is a firm favourite with our customers. We’ve discovered there are a lot of cat lovers out there.

A card and stand up flashing light robot in one!

We think the ‘Flashing Robot’ is the coolest kids’ card ever! It's a fantastic range of novelty cards made to last long after the occasion.

This range of pencil sets have our customers chuckling every time.

The funniest of which are the Depressed pencils, Demotivational pencils and Procrastination pencils. All have funny slogans written on them, ie ‘Do your best, or don’t, whatever’.

A delicious range of handmade chocolate all wrapped in the beautiful paper designed by their super talented artists. Eating chocolate and doing some solid charity work is a winning combination for us and our customers!

Right: Help a charity and eat chocolate, what’s not to like? A delicious Art House Meath sweet treat.

Below: A robot card whose eyes light up from Meri Meri.

Jayne Mahoney, partner of Pedlars Gold, Swaffham, Norfolk A medium shop in a market town with a loyal local and tourists customer base.

Category

Name of Publisher

Product/Name Range

Comments

Cute

UK Greetings

Boofle

Humour

Paper House (GBCC)

Two Fat Gherkins

Paperlink

Bottomline

Contemporary

Noel Tatt

Henna

Art

Ling Design

The Wildlife

Ancillary

Joe Davies

Card Holders

Boofle, the knitted puppy, is a strong character and the range is always being updated.

Good designs across the whole range, and there’s something for everyone.

Humour for older people… and the jokes are very true to life!

Strong, bright designs that appeal to all ages.

Great animal designs and the artwork works well for us in Norfolk.

Simple protective credit/debit card holders for men and ladies.

Right: Birthday greetings from Boofle published by UKG.

PROGRESSIVE GREETINGS WORLDWIDE

77

16TH February 2018

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Spotlight On Animal Cards

Inset: Lemony, cat assistant at Fasanian Artistry.

There’s been no ‘pawcity’ of flamingos, llamas and raccoons on animal greeting cards recently, running with the herd of familiar furry-eared, claw-owning wild beasts, doe-eyed farm residents, feathered, perching personalities and tail wagging or purring whiskered pets.

With a massive menagerie of animal card publishers nourishing the British public’s love of all creatures great and small, a small ‘pack’ reveal their special encounter with nature’s fauna.

Laura Clamp, founder of Flying Teaspoons: “Growing up in the industrial city of Stoke-on-Trent doesn’t quite provide you with the best encyclopaedia of birds from which to draw inspiration. A walk through the town will offer up the occasional seagull and about a 500489 pigeons which have a tendency to wait until the last second before flying up right into your face. So there’s no surprise that my first range of cards featured these rather funny birds with all their strutting and cooing... and it turns Above: One of the 500489 pigeons in out that a lot of people actually Stoke-on-Trent, recreated in paper collage by Flying Teaspoons. love them!

There’s something ironic about turning the overlooked, common grey pigeon into a piece of art made from hundreds of coloured paper and I think that’s why people think the cards are so funny. They’re mischievous and charismatic and make up some of my best selling designs, so I should probably admire them by now, but I still give them a wide birth in the street!”

Kathy Webster, artist and founder of Dotty Dog Art: “We have a rescue dog called Dandy, who is a total poppet but goes to pieces if anyone raises their voice.

Dandy will carefully pick up a piece of recycling out of our recycling bin, but once he knows that we’ve spotted him, and just incase anyone is even thinking about raising their voice to him, he dashes off only to return moments later empty-mouthed.

Little did we realise that he was creating a stash of recycling in our garden. I’m sure our neighbours think we throw our recycling straight out of the kitchen window!

So to try and break this ‘littering’ habit we now all praise Dandy when he shows up with a piece of recycling! (Crazy right?) This has stopped him running off to the garden to litter and now he thinks he is being super clever bringing us the recycling! Oh, he’s trained us so well!”

Above: Dotty Dog Art’s illustrations are created with love and are full of character as a homage to our quirky canine friends who brighten our days and make us smile.

Rebekka Somogyi, co-founder of Fasanian Artistry: "A few years ago I adopted a cat. I called her Lemony, after Keith Lemon, because she has a big ginger moustache. She hated all other animals and humans. Nobody would dare touch her as she got known for scratching anyone who got too close. After a while, we became friends and she grew very loyal to me and me alone. One day, when I was looking across our neighbour’s large fields, I saw Lemony walking alongside some hedges. The weirdest thing was, just a few feet behind her, a group of five or six male pheasants were following her! Every time she Above: A ‘fowl’ play on words on a Fasanian Artistry design. stopped, they stopped too. Once in a while she’d turn around, glaring at them. It would have been nice to think she actually made friends for once, but even from that distance I could see her swearing at them to just leave her alone."

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Kate Merrick, illustrator for Merri Illustration: "Growing up in North Wales my childhood was always full of adventures outside with animals and pets. My most memorable may have been when my sister's horse bit my thumb very hard thinking it was a carrot; that really stuck with me and put me off feeding him for quite some time!

Our family dogs always made me happy, along with a small collection of pet rabbits, that came and went very fast! I think animals are so important when growing up, they teach you how to share, love and how to experience loss; all of these memories will stay with me forever and will continue to inspire my imagination today.”

Left: A gorgeous fox design from Merri.

Vicky Kieldsen, founder for Hello Geronimo:

Helen Thompstone, designer for A Farmer’s Daughter: “Growing up on a farm, my encounters with animals have been many and varied from a young age. Some of the most memorable ones have taken place in the farmhouse itself.

We’ve had bats in the bedrooms, lambs in the kitchen and one Christmas a Above: ‘Collie in the driving seat’ pheasant flew straight through a from A Farmer’s Daughter. windowpane and into the front room. More recently I returned to the studio to find a hen on my desk!”

Sue Morrish, director of Glebe Cottage: “Many of the images of wildlife we use on our cards are taken during our family holiday in Pembrokeshire. It's an area incredibly rich in wildlife and there are so many opportunities to capture amazing moments. One campsite we stay on has flocks of swallows that come to nest - it’s beautiful to watch them swoop around the fields and barns, but even better when the chicks hatch! You just have to be careful not to get in the way of the parents as they fly backwards and forwards feeding their young. The children love the daily pilgrimage to watch the "baby swallows" to see if they have embarked on their first flight.”

Left: Fluffy and eager for food, ‘baby swallows’ on a Glebe card.

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"While on holiday in California a few years ago, I was desperate to see a bear. We were hiking around Redwood state park and were really high up, it was very deserted and so quiet, and further along our path we heard some rustling in a massive bush, and the not too distant sound of logs being ripped apart by some very fierce teeth. Needless to say we became terrified and the prospect of being that close to a bear, and possibly disturbing it, had us running back the way we came sharpish!

I’ve always loved bears, and they were certainly at the forefront of my mind when I was designing my Animal collections – this Little Cub card is a new addition to the family!"

Above: One of two new Little Cub baby cards from Hello Geronimo.

Clare and Alice-Jane Hutton, marketing and creative director of Maurice & Maude: “So we shall set the scene on Polzeath beach in Cornwall on a baking hot summer day. The entire Hutton family are there, from grandparents to grandchildren. We are playing every beach game you can imagine from digging holes, making sandcastles to bat and ball. After multiple trips to the sea for buckets of water to fill sandcastle moats we decided an ice-cream break was needed. Twisters, Fabs, Strawberry Mivvies and 99's were purchased.

But one 99 didn’t make it back to the deckchairs. An enormous Seagull spied it, swooped and whipped it away in the blink of an eye straight out of Alice-Jane’s hand! We laughed and laughed. That event inspired the "Beside the Seaside" range, in particular... Sid the Seagull, who we feel may have got his comeuppance!”

Above: Sid the Seagull on a Maurice & Maude design.

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Spotlight On Animal Cards

Holly Auchincloss, proprietor for Wildcard: “There is always a sense of joy for me photographing out in the African bush. The days begin early before dawn and I will often be out shooting all day only returning when the sun has gone down.

I love all the animals I come across, but there is something about an elephant at sunset that stirs my soul. I particularly remember the encounter that resulted in one of my best-selling cards, it had been a quiet day and I was heading home. The sunset was beautiful, low and red, as it often is in Africa, when a lone bull sauntered across the horizon. I couldn’t believe my luck and I shot away madly before he wandered off into the distance.

I never take the animals for granted, as with the horrendous poaching situation we can never be sure how long they will be with us.”

Right: A lone bull in the African bush captured by Holly Auchincloss of Wildcard.

Sally Anson director of Sweet: “I am a very keen horse rider, riding most of my life, usually helping others exercise their ‘Bad hair various breeds! I remember a day’ wonderful day when we rode out at the top of Lydeard Hill in the Quantocks to be met by a herd of Exmoor ponies on a wild autumnal day! They were extremely curious about our steeds and set off following us along a very tricky path.

One in particular was so fluffy with a big shaggy mane, we assume the stallion of the group as he seemed to be the leader, and we fell in love with him! This inspired my painting of the endangered Exmoor Pony, now one of my best selling cards with the ‘Bad Hair Day’ caption, and the Christmas version ‘Christmas Hair Do’”.

Lizzie Parker, designer and founder for Penguin Ink: “When my now husband invited me on our first date to Bristol Zoo I knew he was a keeper! Fast forward five years, and he then proposed at the same zoo and then the summer after we tied the knot at the very same zoo.

My favourite part of Bristol Zoo is the penguin enclosure and so when it came to designing the wedding stationery penguins made sense. They are classy and already dressed for a wedding as well as working beautifully in letterpress, my favourite type of print. We then went on our honeymoon visiting zoos and sanctuaries in Singapore, Sydney and the Gili Islands in between scuba diving. Now I get to illustrate all my favourite animals for a living.”

Below: Letterpress cards from Penguin Ink.

Above: Sweet now sponsors four animals for WWF - a snow leopard, polar bear, amur leopard, and dolphin. The Exmoor Pony Society is also now a stockist of Sweet’s designs, raising revenue for the charity.

Sara Burford, co-director for Cinnamon Aitch: “Gypsy, our family cat, is stealthily crawling through the long grass like a suburban panther. In hunting mode she keeps low as she prowls across the garden, shoulder blades high, head down. It wasn’t until she made it up the steps and onto the patio that it was clear she wasn’t hunting at all, she had obviously got stuck and caught her collar on something. While trying to get free she had managed to get her front leg through her collar wrapping it tight and diagonally across her body resulting in her barely being able to walk but crookedly crawl in a hunched distorted Belinda Morris, digital artist for 1790 Cards: way… the birds had a lucky escape that day!”

“I am always on the lookout for new animals to include in my Heads Up range. A Left: Two gorgeous black while ago I decided that I needed to add another cat to the collection. My friend cats scheming amongst Pam has a beautiful friendly tabby called Oakley – perfect. So I arranged to go round the flowers, just one of a take some photos of him. the newest additions to the Este Macleod range Well, it would seem no one had from Cinnamon Aitch. cleared the photo-shoot with Oakley.

Every time he looked like he was in a Right: Oakley on a Heads Up design from great position I would approach with my 1790 Cards. camera and he would look away at the last minute. He went into the garden and I followed but each time I got near he would jump off out of reach. Needless to say I ended up with a lot of photos of the back of Oakley’s head! Luckily there were a couple I could use for reference and what resulted has actually become the current best seller in the range (just hope Oakley doesn’t expect royalties).”

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To appear in the Product Directories simply contact

Warren Lomax on:

020 7700 6740 or email on warren@max-publishing.co.uk or contact

Tracey Arnaud on:

07957 212 062 or email on traceya@max-publishing.co.uk

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NEW SPRING 2018 AVAILABLE NOW Publishers of quality blank greeting cards

bexyboo.co.uk 01565 830546

enquires@bexyboo.co.uk

www.cathtatecards.com

Caspari C aspari Ltd Ltd Linden Linden House, House, John John Dane Dane P Player layer C Court ourt

Witty, gritty, switched on humour.

Cards and gifts with a real difference.

Unit 1, 45 Morrish Road London SW2 4EE Tel: 0208 671 2166 Fax: 0208 678 1119 info@cathtatecards.com

East E ast S Street, treet, Saffron Saffron Walden Walden E ssex, C B10 11LR LR Essex, CB10 T el: 01799 01799 513010 513010 Tel: 01799 513101 513101 F ax: 01799 Fax: Email: info@caspari.co.uk info@caspari.co.uk Email: w ww.CaspariOnline.com www.CaspariOnline.com

PProducts: roducts: Everyday Everyday cards cards - birthday, birthday, blank blank & occasions, occasions, charity ch harity Christmas Christmas cards, cards, gift gift wrap, wrap, bbags, ags, ttissue, issue, rribbon, ibbon, hankies, hankies, napkins, napkins, paper paper plate, plate, candles, candles, placemats, placemats, crackers,invitations, crackers,invitations, placecards, placecards, notecards,diaries, notecards,diaries, address address bbooks, ooks, jjournals, ournals, advent advent calendars calendars and and bridge bridge gifts. gifts.

Method M ethod of of Sale: Sale: D Direct irect to to Retail Retail

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The UK No. No. 1 in The Licensed Greetings Greetings etings Licensed Over Overr 30 licenses Ov licens nses ses including: includin ng g: g: D Disne y, Peppa Peppa Pig Pig, Disney, He Kitty, Kitty Kitty, Mr Men Men Hello a d Angry A Birdss and Birds t: +44 + (0)1264 388400 e: enquiries@gemma-international.co.uk co.uk enquiries@gemma-interna national. ti w: gemma-international.co.uk gemma-international. ona co.uk

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All products are designed and printed in the U.K on the finest quality board.

BRANDS â&#x20AC;&#x153;Write from the Heartâ&#x20AC;? brand includes; Corsage, Sentiments, Champagne, Celebrations and Jelly Beans.

M ETHOD OF SALE Direct to Retail

G RASS R OOTS INTERNATIONAL

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www.dryredpress.com T +44 (0) 1273 241210 E info@dryredpress.com

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CHARITY GREETING CARDS One of the UKâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s leading publishers of Charity Greeting Cards.

Impress offers a wide collection of images, including fine art, graphic, photographic and cute.

We also offer a bespoke design service for bulk orders and/or mail order fulfilment.

Eye catching, luxurious Gift Wraps, Gift Tags, Gift Bags, Roll Wrap, Tissue Papers & Ribbons for all occasions

Impress Publishing Appledown House Barton Business Park New Dover Road Canterbury, Kent CT1 3TE Tel: 01227 811 611 Fax: 01227 811 618 email: info@impresspublishing.co.uk

Glick, Unit 1 Allenby House, European Industrial Park, Knowles Lane, Bradford BD4 9AB Tel: 01274 655980 email: sales@glick.co.uk www.glick.co.uk

ARTISTS AR RT TISTS C CARDS ARDS g glebecottage.co.uk lebecottage.co.uk 01626 369269 E Established stablished 1993

Market leaders in Humour, Art, Photographic, Occasions and Relations cards offering a full planning service with merchandising and retail development opportunities.

www.greatbritishcards.co.uk WATERWELLS DRIVE, GLOUCESTER GL2 2PH UK TEL: 01452 888999

PHO PHOTOGRAPHY TOGRAPHY g glebecottage.co.uk lebecottage.co.uk 01626 369269 E Established stablished 1993 PROGRESSIVE GREETINGS WORLDWIDE

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LING DESIGN

60 years

Yo our N Number b O One S Supplier li off Numerals, Name, Relation & Age Labels for Greetings Cards.

Huge selection with immediate delivery y. Buy direct or from your wholesalerr.

Listan Labels 3 Isis Court, Wyndyke Furlong, Abingdon Business Park, Abingdon, Oxfordshire Oxfordshire OX1 5JN Tel Tel e 01235 465489 Fax 01235 532118 www.listanpublications.co.uk www.listanpublications.co.uk sales@listanpublications.co.uk

The UKâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s leading privately owned publisher of Greetings Cards and Stationery. ...The home for and

Products: Greetings cards for all occasions, Christmas and Spring Seasons cards, gift wrap and bags, charity cards, social stationery.

Bespoke service for charities and other fundraisers.

Ling Design Ltd 14-20 Eldon Way, Paddock Wood, Kent TN12 6BE Tel: 01892 838574 enquiries@lingdesign.co.uk www.lingdesign.co.uk

With Love

Agents Wanted

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Silk Screened Retro, Pop & Classic Cards

or email on tarnaud@btinternet.com

TRADE WEBSITE:

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Products

For further details please get in touch.

info@vincentmcevoy.com

+44 (0)7779 578340

An exciting and innovative range of quality Birthday, Relations, Special Occasions, Art and Humorous greeting cards. Full range of Christmas and Spring Seasons merchandise. Comprehensive collection of handmade cards.

Pizazz Gifts.

Brand Names Pizazz, Pizazz Gallery, Pizazz Jewell, Pizazz for Men, What a Picture, Time Out, Bon Bon, Marshmallow Cloudesley House â&#x20AC;¢ Shire Hill â&#x20AC;¢ Saffron Walden â&#x20AC;¢ CB11 3FB T: 01799 520200 F: 01799 520100 www.nigelquiney.com

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Design-led Stationery, Gifts, Calendars, Diaries and Cards

originalposter.com

Brands Laura Ashley, Roald Dahl, Lily & Val, Vintage Ladybird, Caroline Gardner, Monsoon, Born to Shop, Flash Gordon, Boofle and many more.

All our cards are supplied on consignment, so you only pay for what you sell.

Our In-house design studio and established supply chain enables us to offer bespoke services.

We also supply card fixtures and spinners free-on-loan.

tel: +44 (0) 1225 329494 email: sales@porticodesigns.com website: www.porticodesigns.com

We replace slow sellers and damaged stock free of charge.

We merchandise regularly, so you don’t have to.

THAT’S WHY WE’RE ORIGINAL!

01932 267 300

p p paperlink... the home of fabulous cards!

356 Kennington Kennington Rd London London SE11 SE11 4LD 4LD T 020 7 7582 582 8244 info@paperlink.co.uk www.paperlink.co.uk www.paperlink.co.uk P Paperlinkcards aperlinkcards

@paperlinkcards @

Exquisite Design, Beautiful Cards Key brands include Marzipan, Portobello, Mosaic, Daisy Patch, Aquarupella and Designers Guild, plus many more.

Uk publisher of Greetings Cards with an extensive range of quality Birthday, Relations, Occasions and Seasonal product... available from

LING DESIGN

Tel: T el: +44 (0)115 986 0115 Email: info@paperrose.co.uk www.paperrose.co.uk www.paperrose.co.uk www.artgroupcards.co.uk www.artgroupcards.co.uk PaperRoseCards TheArtGroupCards The_Art_Group

Our Brands: Laughter with Animals, Sporting Fun The Funny Side of Life.

Method of sale: Direct to Retail 14-20 Eldon Way, Paddock Wood, Kent TN12 6BE Tel: 01892 838574 enquiries@lingdesign.co.uk www.lingdesign.co.uk

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PG LIVE STAND ÂŞ 684

greeting cards & contempoRary gifts www.redbackcards.com e: info@redbackcards.com t: 01803 712793

T: 07767 896807 info@stationerytrafďŹ c.co.uk stationerytrafďŹ c.co.uk

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Greetings Cards, Gift Wrap, Social Stationery, Gift Bags, Keepsakes, Partyware.

Brands: Designer Collection, Feelings, Impressions, Inspirations, In Touch, Isabelâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Garden, Paper Wishes, Planet Happy.

Method of sale: Wholesale Distributors

Greeting Cards that are unique & special with creative wit.

Looking for top-notch agents to join our expanding team.

rosierobins.com 01992 536461

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Simon Elvin Limited Wooburn Industrial Park, Wooburn Green, Bucks HP10 0PE Tel: 01628 526711 Fax: 01628 531483 www.simonelvin.com mail@simonelvin.com

Just food and their friends...

Foody puns and wordpla y on greeting cards and gifts. www.the-taste-buds.co.uk info@the-taste-buds.co.uk 07906 367 663

To appear in the Product Directories simply contact

Warren Lomax on:

020 7700 6740 or email on warren@max-publishing.co.uk or contact

Tracey Arnaud on:

07957 212 062 or email on traceya@max-publishing.co.uk

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Sensations International Ltd Unit 6, Quad Road,East Lane Business Park,East lane, Wembley,MIDDLESEX HA9 7NE Tel. 0208 3854470 Fax: 0208 385 4471 Email: sales@sensationsinternational.com PRODUCTS: Worldâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s leading publisher of high quality plastic greeting cards. Also an extensive range of quality greeting cards covering Everyday, Occasions, Christmas and Spring seasons.

BRANDS: Cherished Thoughts, Sweet Sentiments, Buddies Always, Symphony, Thinking of You, Style, Special Wishes, Special Times, Young Editions, Groove Sensations, Forever Blessed, Grey Skies, Classics.

METHOD OF SALE: Direct to retail.

The UKâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s leading publisher of highest quality handmade Greetings Cards.

Products: Greetings cards for all occasions, Christmas and Spring Seasons. Spinners and other retail displays available.

Talking Pictures Cards Ltd 14-20 Eldon Way, Paddock Wood, Kent, TN12 6BE

Tel: 01892 838574 enquiries@talkingpics.co.uk www.talking-pictures.co.uk

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UNIQUE UNIQ QUE U PERSONALISED PERSONALISED CARDS

Wee of W offer ffer f a COMPREHENSIVE COMPREHENS

range of high quality qua Greeting Car ds ffor o Greeting Cards ALL Occasions Occasions,, CHRISTMAS HRISTMAS and Spring Seasons Seasons.

www.tomcatcards.co.uk w: www .tomcatcards.co.uk e: tomcat@tomcatcards.co.uk t: 01243 837300

Method of Sale: D Direct to Retail

Email: info@words-n-wishes.co.uk inffo@w o ords-n-wishes.

Web: W eb: e www.words-n-wishes.co.uk www w.w . ords-n-wishes.co

DIRECT TO RETAIL & EXPORT

Tel: T e el: 01942 01942 233201 233201

Market Leaders in

Verse

& entimen TEL: 01480 435562 FAX: 01480 450599 www.tracksltd.com UNIT 2, 12 BLACKSTONE RD, STUKELEY MEADOWS IND EST, HUNTINGDON, CAMBS, PE29 6EF

To appear in the Product Directories simply contact

Warren Lomax

an extensive range of superior quality,

design-led Greeting Cards for all occasions, Spring Seasons & Christmas.

Method of Sale: Direct to Retail Orders can be placed on our trader site

www.cbgtrader.co.uk or call our customer services team on

+44(0)1243 792600

on:

020 7700 6740 or email on warren@max-publishing.co.uk or contact

Tracey Arnaud on:

07957 212 062 or email on traceya@max-publishing.co.uk

Top-notch British Greeting Cards for Thoughts that Count

01923 200600 | www.woodmansterne.co.uk PROGRESSIVE GREETINGS WORLDWIDE

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DIRECTORY OF WHOLESALERS

NATIONWIDE

MERSEYSIDE

WALES

UNIT 4, THE ARGENT CENTRE, SILVERDALE ROAD, HAYES, MIDDLESEX, UB3 3BS TEL: 020 8573 2975 / 1768 FAX: 020 8561 2349

MERSEYSIDE GREETING CARDS LTD

Merseysideâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Largest Greeting Card Distributor

Email: info@abbeycards.com

Due to our massive buyer power, we are able to offer you the best prices and also take a pride in our friendly service.

LONDONâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S NO 1 GREETING CARDS STATIONERY PARTY AND BALLOON CASH & CARRY

Greeting cards â&#x20AC;¢ Gift ranges â&#x20AC;¢ Pocket money toys â&#x20AC;¢ Balloons â&#x20AC;¢ Badges â&#x20AC;¢ Banners â&#x20AC;¢ Soft toys â&#x20AC;¢ Stationery â&#x20AC;¢ Collectables , including dolls â&#x20AC;¢ Photo frames

Trading Hours Our Opening Hours are: MON, TUES,WED & FRI 9.00 - 5.30pm THURSDAY 9.00 - 8.30pm

Always something different Check us out now!!!

Mon, Tues, Wed and Fri 9.30 till 4.30pm Thursday 9.00 till 7.30pm Sunday 10 till 1.00pm Tel: 0151 227 2555 Fax: 0151 227 2556 mgconline@hotmail.com 25 Dickson Street, Liverpool L3 7EB

HERTS & LONDON

SUMAN BROS

To appear in the Wholesale Directory simply contact

Warren Lomax 020 7700 6740

Stationery and greeting card wholesaler

Crown House Otterspool Way Watford WD25 8HL

or email on warren@max-publishing.co.uk

magnus RUPERT

T: 01923 200 900 F: 01923 200 909

Just off the M1 Junction 5

EUR EUROPEâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S ROPEâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S LEADING LEADING G GREETINGS REETINGS CARD CARDS, S, PARTY GIFTS, IFTS, PAR ART TY PRODUCTS, PRODUCTS, G CANDLES, CANDLES, TOYS, TOYS, STATIONERY STAT TIIONER RY AND FLORIST SUNDRIES FLORIST S UNDRIES DISTRIBUTION DISTRIBUTIO ON CENTRE 75000 SQ FT

TRADING

LONDONâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S NO 1

Great deals Great location Plentiful parking

WEST MIDLANDS

GREETING CARDS STATIONERY PARTY AND BALLOON CASH & CARRY

Trading Hours Our Opening Hours are: MON, TUES,WED & FRI 9.00 - 5.30pm THURSDAY 9.00 - 8.30pm SAT CLOSED SUN 10.00 - 4.00pm UNIT 4, THE ARGENT CENTRE, SILVERDALE ROAD, HAYES, MIDDLESEX, UB3 3BS TEL: 020 8573 2975 / 1768 FAX: 020 8561 2349 Email: info@abbeycards.com

Crown House Otterspool Way Watford WD25 8HL Tel: 020 8993 2231 www.rupertmagnus.co.uk

BESCOT CRESCENT CRESCENT, T, W ALSALL, WALSALL, WEST MIDLANDS. WS1 4NG

Wholesale and direct-to-retail greeting cards, gift wrap, gift bags, social stationery, partyware and gifts.

01922-646666 www .greetingshouse.co.uk www.greetingshouse.co.uk info@gr eetingshouse.co.uk info@greetingshouse.co.uk

Great range, competitive prices, excellent service.

MON,WED,FRI 8.00am-4.45pm TUES,THURS 8.00am-7.45pm SA AT,SUN , SAT,SUN 8.00am-1.45pm

NORTH WEST

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PROGRESSIVE GREETINGS WORLDWIDE

BLACK COUNTRY GREETINGS LTD â&#x20AC;¢

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â&#x20AC;¢ â&#x20AC;¢

Unit 16 Maple Leaf Industrial Estate, Bloxwich Lane , Walsall WS2 8TF.

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Wholesale Greeting cards Gift wrap Gift bags Stationery Banners Badges Balloons Helium cylinders

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E: bcgreetings@outlook.com T: 01922 610190 www.blackcountrygreetings.co.uk Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 9am to 5pm Wednesday â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 9am to 8pm Sunday â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 8am to 1pm TRADE ONLY

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BAGS

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Polypropylene bag specialists

GREETING CARD

Over 40 years quality service to the trade Hot-foiling also available

T 01206 396209 E sales @badgerconverters.co.uk www.badgerconverters.co.uk

GIVE Y YOUR OUR

BAGS

Manufacturers Manuf facturers of hi high igh qua quality lity fflexible l xible pac le packaging kaging 30 YEARS EXP EXPERIENCE PERIENCE - Q QUALITY UALIT A T Y SER SERVICE VICE EXTENSIVE EXT TENSIVE STOCK STOCK RANGE R - QUIC QUICK KD DELIVERY E ELIVE RY ASSURED

- HEADER BAGS WALLET -W A ALLET BAGS - ZIPPER BAGS THERMAL PRINTING PRINTING - FLEXOGRAPHIC, HOTFOIL & THERMAL www.transrappackaging.co.uk www.transrappackaging.co.uk sales@transrap.co.uk sales@transrap.co.uk

VIP

CALL ALL US TODA TODAY AY

TREATMENT TREA ATMENT T

01773 0 1773 7 537810 5378 810

HIGH CLARITY BAGS FOR GREETING CARDS, CALENDARS AND ARTWORK

ENVELOPES

ŏ ŏđŏ ŏ ŏ ŏ ŏ ŏ FOIL BLOCKING EXTENSIVE RANGE OF STOCK SIZES AND BESPOKE MANUFACTURE WRAPPING SERVICE AUTOMA ATED T WRA PPING SER VICE NEW AUTOMATED

CALL US TODAY

01228 560526 www.fulcrumfilms.co.uk

FOR FOR ALL A LL Y YOUR OU R ENVELOPE EN V ELOPE N NEEDS! EEDS! L argest range range of Largest iin-stock n- stock ccolours olours Over 400 Bespoke Envelope Sizes 8 Sizes Permanently in Stock RECYCLED

Available v 100% Recycled Paper Available

PAPER

Stock & Bespoke Cello Bags Peel & Stick Envelopes Bespoke Service on Request

ORDER ON LINE AT: AT: www www.regentenvelopes.com .regentenvelopes.com 01274 583000 sales@r sales@regentenvelopes.com egentenvelopes.com

We’ve We’ve been producing bags of high clarity and high quality for over 30 years.

01274 220 220 www w.wrapid.co.uk www.wrapid.co.uk sales@wrapid. sales@wrapid.co.uk co.uk PROGRESSIVE GREETINGS WORLDWIDE

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Quality Bespoke Envelopes!

From 5,000 quantity to many millions we can produce excellent quality envelopes for you.

Plain, printed, coloured & textured finish.

100% recycled & FSC available.

Please call us on 0843 5066684 with your enquiry or visit our website

www.ukenvelopecentre.co.uk We will be delighted to help!

FLITTERING

LITHO OR DIGIT DIGITAL, DIGITA GIT TAL, WINDLES LES GR ROUP R O GROUP ALWAYS MAKES AL LWAY AYS M AKES THE RIGHT GHT HT PRINT IMPRESSION. RESSION. RE

FOR ALL YOUR FLITTER REQUIREMENTS

ABL Foil Ltd Unit 1, Industrial Estate East Hanningfield Chelmsford Essex, CM3 8AB

Contact DAVID JIGGINS Tel: 01245 400104 Email: david@abl-ltd.co.uk

WWW.WINDLESGROUP.CO.UK WWW W.WINDLESGR W OUP P.C . O.UK

PRINTERS

PJ Print (London) The Capitals only specialist Greetings card printer

Take the time to give us a call

W We ea are re proud proud to to be be recognised recognised as as the the specialist specialist U UK Ka and nd g global lobal manufacturer manufacturer for for the the greeting greeting ccard ard iindustry ndustry for for over over 40 40 years years

you wonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t regret it.

E-mail: sales@pj-print.co.uk The Print Works Colville Road, Acton, London W3 8BL tel 020 8993 5160 www.pj-print.co.uk 92

PROGRESSIVE GREETINGS WORLDWIDE

To discuss how we could work with you, contact Simon King 0115 928 77 66 sales@sherwoodgroupuk.com www.sherwoodgroupuk.com www w..sherwoodgroupuk.com

Hadden Court, Court, Glaisdale Glaisdale Parkway, Parkway, Glaisdale Glaisdale Drive Drive West, West, Nottingham, Nottingham, NG8 4GP

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Introducing a joint venture from

The home of greeting cards eting e r g adinugrer e l s ’ K ct The Umanufa card

Following new investments estm in our digital printing facility we can help you with short run prints, rapid stock replenishment, market testing, design sampling and promotional products.

Our expert digital printing, finishing and packing facilities allow us to provide

150 50 1 .uk

Our specialist services include:

• high quality • fast turnaround • competitive pricing

Digital and personalised greeting cards Short-run print Flitter, foil, emboss, die-cut finishes Bespoke gifts including mugs, coasters, notepads and much more

2 .co 011es4@loxleys

Promotional items Marketing literature

sal

Exhibition graphics /stands Stationery any more ribution

If y you ou w would ould li like ke to disc discover over h how ow w wee could help y you, ou, please contact our sales team:

0114 250 1150 •

07974 133735 • sales@digitalhubuk.com

YOUR MANUFACTURING PARTNER FOR VALUE ADDED PRODUCTS English speaking production team, prices quoted in sterling... and only 3 days delivery to THE UK...

Really... and there s no VAT to pay or customs procedures either...that's a great deal!

• Hand made and hand finished greeting cards • Boxed sets and acetate packs of cards / envelopes • Giftwrap and tag packs • Individually open and closed wrapped cards • 'Pop up' and cardboard engineered products • Notelets and social stationery • Specialised printing on plastics & lenticular For production enquiries, estimates etc., please contact our UK Agent:

Rob Pearson 07710 132 232 rob@solutions-polska.com FSC accredited (BV-COC-002485). Audited member of SMETA. Printing to ISO12674-2 standard.

PROGRESSIVE GREETINGS WORLDWIDE

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WAREHOUSING & DISTRIBUTION

We specialise in providing high quality print for short to medium runs, incorporating multiple images. Go to our website for prices, alternatively call or email us for a bespoke quote.

T

01274 305832

E

info@hellocards.co.uk

W

www.hellocards.co.uk

• LITHO PRINT • DIGITAL PRINT • FOILING • EMBOSSING • FLOWRAPPING

• DIE-CUTTING • FLITTERING • PACKING • DISTRIBUTION • INSERTING

Same day order turnaround Accurate fulfilment Value added only as you sell the product Exclusively Greeting Cards Dedicated Account Managers With an excellent reputation we work as an integral part of yourr team bringing QYGL QSVI XLER JYPǻPQIRX 4YV GSWXMRK WXVYGXYVI MW WMQTPI ERH XVERWTEVIRX ;I GEVV] SYX EPP EWTIGXW SJ LERH ǻRMWLMRK ERH EWWIQFP] ERH TVSZMHI [LEXIZIV ; I GEVV] SYX EPP EWTIGXW SJ LERH ǻRMWLMRK ERH EWWIQFP] ERH TVSZMHI [LEXIZIV EHHMXMSREP WIVZMGIW ]SY RIIH 4YV WIPIGX XIEQ SJ SYX[SVOIVW GEVIJYPP] LERH EHHMXMSREP WIVZMGIW ]SY RIIH 4YV WIPIGX XIEQ SJ SYX[SVOIVW GEVIJYPP] LERH [VET ER] WM^I SV JSVQEX SJ GEVHW YVKIRXP] 4ZIVRMKLX [VET ER] WM^I SV JSVQEX SJ GEVHW YVKIRXP] 4ZIVRMKLX ;I GEVI EFSYX ]SYV TVSHYGX EW QYGL EW ]SY HS &XXIRXMSR XS HIXEMP 6( .WWYIW ERH .8 WYTTSVXIH F] E GSQTVILIRWMZI TETIV XVEMP JSV EPP WXSGO QSZIQIRXW EVI SYV LEPPQEVOW 4YV GER HS ETTVSEGL QIERW [I EVI LETT] XS WSPZI ]SYV TVSFPIQW 4YXWSYVGMRK ]SYV [EVILSYWMRK STIVEXMSR VIPIEWIW ]SYV XMQI XS 4YXWSYVGMRK ]SYV [EVILSYWMRK STIVEXMSR VIPIEWIW ]SYV XMQI XS CREATE/MARKET/SELL/ CREA AT TE/MARKET/SELL/ MANAGE/GROW MANAGE/GROW THE BUSINESS BUSINESS =SYV FYWMRIWW MW SYV FYWMRIWW TPIEWI ZMWMX SYV [IF WMXI ERH WII [LEX SYV GYWXSQIVW WE] XLIR XS ǻRH SYX QSVI GEPP Ly ynda

Tel: 01274 531828 Contact Chris Sharman. Email: chriss@herbertwalkers.co.uk

Raymond ERH TIVLETW [I GER EVVERKI XS QIIX ERH HMWGYWW ]SYV RIIHW . EQ WYVI XLEX [I GER LIPT

www.herbertwalkers.co.uk LB W Warehousing arehousing 9 RMXW Ȧ ȶ ȴ ;E]WMHI ;EVILSYWIW 8SWIPERH 9RMXW Ȧ ȶ ȴ ;E]WMHI ;EVILSYWIW 8SWIPERH 3 IEV X 3ISXW (EQFVMHKIWLMVI 5*Ȧȟ Ȱ7< 3IEV X 3ISXW (EQFVMHKIWLMVI 5*Ȧȟ Ȱ7< Te l ȉȦȏȁȉ ȁȁȉȁȉȉ Fax ȉȦȏȁȉ ȁȁȉȟȉȉ Mobile ȉȮȁȁȟ ȴȟȟȴȏȦ Tel ȉȦȏȁȉ ȁȁȉȁȉȉ Fax ȉȦȏȁȉ ȁȁȉȟȉȉ Mobile ȉȮȁȁȟ ȴȟȟȴȏȦ PP]RHE%PF [EVILSYWMRK GS YO ]RHE%PF [EVILSYWMRK GS YO

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DISPLAY AND SPINNERS

Home of the Wire Spinner Stand

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APPOINTMENTS

Designer/Art worker We are looking for a Designer to work in our busy and exciting design department.

We are a London based greeting card publisher of contemporary, humour, and handmade cards.

The Wire Spinner is proven to be the most cost effective method to display and enhance products.

We also offer sheet metal, wood, acrylic and cardboard solutions or a combination of materials.

To appear in the Classified pages simply contact

Warren Lomax 020 7700 6740 or email on warren@max-publishing.co.uk

paperlink

Tel: 01929 550085 Email: sales@westminsterwire.com Web: www.westminsterwire.com

l

You must be versatile and have very good Mac skills. Experience in greeting card design and making print ready essential. You need to have a ‘hands on’ approach, not take yourself too seriously and enjoy being part of a close-knit creative team.

Salary commensurate with experience.

Please apply with examples of your work to: Louise Tighe Paperlink, 356 Kennington Road, London, SE11 4LD or email: opportunity@paperlink.co.uk Closing date; 21st October 2017

APPOINTMENTS

PROGRESSIVE GREETINGS WORLDWIDE

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