Progressive Greetings August 2023

ON THE CARDS

There’s nothing like a gloomy headline to dampen your spirits…spoil alert, look away now if you want to remain in a buoyant mood… ‘UK loses 6,000 retail outlets in five years thanks to ‘crippling’ business rates’ was the message that greeted me this morning. The BRC’s head honcho Helen Dickinson used the sorry stat to urge the Government for the long overdue total revamp of the Business Rates system, especially as retailers will collectively have to find an extra £400million that will be lumped onto their bills next April.

The retail sector underpins the whole UK economy, with 10% of our workforce employed in retail. And with greeting cards sold in one in six of all retailers, our sector is right up there.

There is no magic wand, and money does not grow on trees, but if the rates system for retailers was overhauled this would not only benefit the business owners and their staff, but consumer products industries like ours.

However, for all the challenges retailers continue to face I never cease to be amazed by the tenacity, flair and passion of the multifarious retail operators in our sector. There was a huge swell of collectively pride and joy in the Grosvenor Ballroom a few weeks ago when 400 members of the greeting card community were together to celebrate and give recognition to our greeting card retailing stars with The Retas awards.

Being a winning retailer is not a ‘one size fits all’, as the various Retas winners testify, but each and every one continues to ignite the consumer appetite for greeting cards which do a lot more for the soul than a business rates bill ever will!

The timing and audience of The Retas made it the perfect opportunity to reveal the news about the

#Cardmitment Campaign, a major PR and marketing campaign being spearheaded by the GCA that is all set to boost Christmas card sending and beyond. While, thank goodness, there is no likelihood of a re-run of a postal strike in the run up to Christmas this year, we cannot assume that Christmas card sending will bounce back to previous levels.

It is a bold initiative, which requires specialist skills, hence the appointment of Arena PR and a target of raising £50,000 to cover a host of activities all of which will encourage and remind consumers of the true value of sending greeting cards. As PG went to press, several publishers and retailers have already come forward, pledging donations which have taken the tally to over £25,000 already. Every little helps, with donations having ranged from £10 to £6,000. (More details appear on page 15 along with a QR code that can be scanned to make a donation).

I for one am looking forward to reading a happy headline of how 2024 Christmas cards sales were off the scale…but we all need to play our part.

Above: PG’s Jakki Brown (third left) with Retas’ winners (far left-right) Bentleys’ Stephen and Julie McHale with Beverley Yates and The Beverley Card Company’s Donna Stocks (second right).

Left: Alan Bushnell, group md of Elphicks was happy to show PG’s Jakki Brown around the new look greeting card department of this Retas award winning store.

Below left: Danilo’s Daniel Prince (left) and PG’s Warren Lomax were among the Cardgains Lookout London Charity Challengers who were applauded on stage at The Retas for their efforts, with half the raffle money at the event going to MNDA, meaning almost £49k has now been raised.

PH038

INTRODUCING

OVER 40 DESIGNS AVAILABLE

Card Size: 159mm x 159mm | Blank inside Available Wrapped or Unwrapped.

Trade Price: £1.12 per card | Retail: R.R.P

11-19 News

All the latest happenings and developments in the trade.

20-21 Over The Counter

A Tale of Three Cities

Co-owner of JP Pozzi, David Robertson’s ‘Springsteen tour’ of Edinburgh, London and Gothenburg got him thinking about footfall.

22-23 Cardsharp Grocers’ Game of Thrones

Cardsharp does a supermarket sweep of the card racks.

25-27 Viewpoints

Popping the Question

Publishers and retailers share the current “I dos” on the greeting card front for the wedding season.

29-31 Caught On Camera

Painting The Picture

PG shares a flavour of the ‘starry starry afternoon’ at The Retas.

32-43 Winning Ways

The Retas 2023 winners in all their glory.

44-45

How The Retas’ award-winning department store, Elphicks is embracing the test of time.

47-49

From the wealth of newness at PG Live, retailers reveal what ranges stood out from the crowd.

51-55 Innovations

Publishers’ new ranges and designs.

57 Art Source

Thank Evans

Artist and illustrator Nicola Evans shares her creative journey so far.

59-60 What’s Hot?

A quad of retailers reveal their best-selling ranges.

61-71 Sources of Supply

Tracey Bearton Features Editor traceyb@max-publishing.co.uk

Jakki Brown Editor/Joint Owner jakkib@max-publishing.co.uk

Warren Lomax Joint Owner warren@max-publishing.co.uk

Ian Hyder Joint Owner ianh@max-publishing.co.uk

Tracey Arnaud Sales Manager traceya@max-publishing.co.uk

TOP STORY

The Retas 2023 Winners Revealed

Retailers, publishers and trade suppliers celebrated together

The UK’s very best greeting card retailers were officially recognised at The Retas 2023 greeting card retailer awards ceremony, which took place recently at The Grosvenor House Hotel in London’s Mayfair.

The ever-popular event, which this year took on a Van Gogh theme, to tie in with the 50th anniversary of the Van Gogh Museum in Amsterdam, was hosted by comedian Jake Lambert and was attended by some 400 greeting card retailers, publishers and suppliers.

Welcoming guests, PG’s co-owner Jakki Brown paid tribute to The Retas’ finalists and winners, saying: “With The Retas 2023 we put those who are excelling in the true artistry of greeting card retailing in the frame for their rightful fanfare.

Vincent van Gogh wrote regularly to his younger brother Theo, an art dealer, in which his letters revealed his mission to create an emotional connection with his art. In July 1882 he wrote: “I want to touch people with my art. I want them to

say, ‘he feels deeply, he feels tenderly.” It is now exactly 141 years since Vincent wrote that letter, but it is the same mission that greeting card retailers achieve each and every day with the greeting card selection they curate and offer their customers. They, together with greeting card publishers, are continuing Van Gogh’s legacy - of creativity powered by emotion.”

Among The Retas 2023 winners were Cardzone, Tesco, Oliver Bonas, Longacres, Postmark, House of Cards, Elphicks, Bentleys, Paper Tiger, Diverse, Red Card, Artichoke, Creative Cove, Mimi, Bazaar, Sincerely Yours, Highfield Garden World, Bus Stop Cards & Gifts, The Beverley Card Company, The Hedgehog Bookshop and Archerfield Walled Garden.

All winners are featured on pages 32-45 with more photos are on pages 29-31

Above: Host Jake Lambert (far left) with the Tesco team who were delighted to receive the Retas’ trophy for Best Supermarket Retailer of Greeting Cards, presented to them by Daniel Prince, md of Danilo (far right), sponsor of this award category.

Left: Retas’ winners Sincerely Yours’ (right-left) Emma and Kaye Thurgood with Longacres’ Kim Lewis and David Byk, ceo of Swan Mill, which owns Ling Design and GBCC.

A fitting finale

Among the many jubilant winners was Postmark, which not only won the Best Greeting Card Small Multiple award, but was also presented with the final award of the ceremony, the prestigious Greeting Card Retailer of the Year trophy, the latter presented by Ged Mace, managing director of The Art File, sponsor of the award.

“All of today’s winners are truly magnificent which makes today’s choice of the Retailer of the Year award, a really difficult one,” began Ged in his build up before announcing the winner. “This award goes to an independent who perfected a fantastic card greeting card retail model over a number of years. From their one tiny shop which concentrated very much on offering quality greeting cards, they expanded slowly and steadily adding a few further stores in a radius from their original base. A partnership with another retailer led to further successful expansion in the last couple of years adding a few more choice stores in the vicinity.

However, in the last six months this special retailer has undertaken a turbocharged expansion programme. It has more than doubled the size of its portfolio, expanding from its London heartland, opening high profile units in major transport hubs around the country while importantly remaining steadfast to their principles of exceptionally high standards of service and product selection together with a great human touch which has become their ‘postmark’.”

Pillow talk

It’s not every morning you get to wake up with a real ‘Reta’ but Creative Cove’s Sandra Jervis embodied the joy of all Retas 2023 awards winners when she posted her ‘morning after’ selfie on social media from her hotel room.

“After an extremely late night out in Soho,” Sandra told PG, “Reta and I had a lie in, a leisurely breakfast and then had a fabulous day out. We walked around the Olympic Park (like a true champion!), went for ice cream (she particularly liked the lemon flavour) before hopping on the train to start the journey home to Wales!”

Above: Waking up with Reta was great for Sandra Jervis!

Stop press

Just a few days after lifting the trophy at the glitzy award ceremony, Red Card’s owner Sally Matson featured in prime position on the front page of the Petworth store’s local newspaper, the Midhurst and Petworth Observer along with a longer story and image inside, and was very happy to say: “We’re absolutely thrilled to be awarded this prestigious accolade! We love being part of the greeting card retail community in the UK and we also love being part of the independent business community in Petworth.”

Above: Red Card’s win made front page news.

Charity winners

Those going home with shiny trophies were not the only winners at the recent Retas event. With a bunch of fabulous generously donated prizes up for grabs, the charity raffle raised £4,695 for The Light Fund, the industrywide charity. Half of this sum is being donated to Motor Neurone Disease Association, supporting Cardgains Lookout London Charity Challenge, which saw almost 50 members of the greeting card community walk the 25 mile route around London only a few days before The Retas, in memory of David Hicks, founder of Really Good and Soul. Many of the walkers in the audience at The Retas and were invited on stage to be applauded for their efforts. With the monies from The Retas’ raffle, this means that at the time of PG going to press, Cardgains has now raised an astonishing £48,610 for the cause.

Below: Cardgains’ walkers at The Retas.

Above: Postmark director Leona Janson-Smith with the retailer’s two Retas trophies.

Woodmansterne’s Expansion Into Gift Packaging

Emma Bridgewater, Sanderson and Quentin Blake licences secured

Woodmansterne is to launch into gift packaging with the inaugural collection set to debut instore in Q1 of 2024. The publisher has secured licences with Emma Bridgewater, Sanderson and Quentin Blake for the initial range. These will sit alongside designs based on some of Woodmansterne’s popular inhouse created brands. The sizeable product collection will span rollwrap, giftbags, tissue paper and tags.

Explaining the rationale behind what it is a significant product expansion for the company, Seth Woodmansterne, managing director told PG: “We have been seriously considering the move into gift packaging for some time, having received several requests from our customers as well as several licensors

Bridgewater brand over several years through its greeting card collection, extending that relationship Woodmansterne has now been granted the exclusive licence for gift packaging and the brand’s distinctive designs will feature prominently in the inaugural collection.

WHS’ “healthy” High Street

WHSmith is happy with its “very healthy High Street business” yet has no plans to expand its current 550-store estate.

The revelation came from ceo Carl Cowling in a recent interview with the BBC World Service Marketplace Morning Report, in which he said the 230-year-old British retail stalwart’s biggest growth market is the US where it has captured about 12% of the retail market in US airports, and his ambition is to reach 20% over the next four years.

Carl told the BBC: "We've got a very healthy High Street business in the UK but we've got no ambitions to grow that," adding that to open any more than its current 550 stores "would just be a duplication" as the retailer is already present in the main cities across England, Wales and Scotland with its offer of greeting cards, stationery, books and convenience products.

with whom we work. However, we needed to ensure that the quality of the products and the standard of design were commensurate with what customers expect from Woodmansterne. In addition, making the products plastic-free was also a top priority. Confident that we have now all this in place, the time is right to expand in this direction.”

Having forged a very successful licensing relationship with the Emma

Glee-ful cheque handover

The recent Glee trade show, at which Woodmansterne exhibited, left the publisher’s team feeling particularly gleeful, especially as it was crowned by the presentation of a cheque for £11,000 to the Greenfingers charity which creates magical outdoor spaces for children in hospices.

Victoria Brabender, product and range director of Emma Bridgewater commented: “We are thrilled to expand our partnership with Woodmansterne, building on the success of the Emma Bridgewater greeting card range. We are looking forward to working together on a new collection of gift packaging, combining signature Emma Bridgewater style and Woodmansterne quality.”

The entire gift packaging collection will be featured in the Woodmansterne catalogue which is due out in September for delivery in February/March 2024. The gift packaging collection will be carried by Woodmansterne’s existing salesteam.

Although WHS recently launched its Curio-city retail store concept to go after former Paperchase customers in Britain, and has the online greetings platform Funky Pigeon, the Travel arm is the main growth area with the upbeat trading statement on 31 May reporting a 31% rise in revenue in the 13 weeks to 27 May, following on from the group’s £63million profit before tax in 2022.

Carl said it will spend about £120m this year opening shops in America and Europe30 in North America in the first half of this financial year with another 30 in the second half - and he said: “We’re constantly winning tenders in airports.”

The money had been collected from a mix of product sales of the publisher’s Greenfingers card range, and its team’s various fundraising efforts. Linda Petrons, director of fundraising and communications at Greenfingers, said: “Woodmansterne are such a joy to work with and we are really pleased to receive this cheque. It will make a huge difference.”

He cited the new retail partnership with Toys R Us which has seen the toy retailer reappear in the UK following its collapse into administration in 2018 with concessions opening in nine WHS outlets in June.

Carl said: “Our business has come out of the pandemic in a good place. We're very cash generative.”

Above: A visual which gives an idea of the breadth of product styles and brands that will feature in the inaugural collection of rollwrap.

Left: The Emma Bridgewater gift wrappings and ancillaries will build on the success of the licensed greeting card range for Woodmansterne.

Top: Curi-o-city is WHSmith’s new retail brand.

Above: Carl Dowling (third from left) at a new WHS store in Newark Airport.

Above: Woodmansterne’s managing director Seth Woodmansterne presented the cheque to Linda Petrons on the Glee stand.

Natural History. Reinvented.

The Natural History Museum range comprises bold and beautiful Greetings Cards, Gift Packaging, Stationery and more. Buy the best of the beasts: see our website or contact you agent to order.

museumsgalleries.co.uk

E: sales@mgml.co.uk

01373 462165

#Cardmitment Campaign

GCA PR and marketing campaign to boost Christmas card sending

In a significant move for the industry and society as a whole, the GCA is instigating a #Cardmitment PR and marketing campaign which will run from now until the end of the year and into 2024. The national PR and marketing multi-faceted programme will remind UK consumers that greeting cards build connections, and how much they love sending and receiving them, as well as amplifying local cardies’ initiatives.

Following a series of pitches from consumer PR agencies, Wolverhamptonbased Arena PR has been appointed to drive the campaign, with the GCA urging those in the industry to get behind the activity, both financially and participatory.

Revealing the news of the GCA’s #Cardmitment campaign at The Retas in her welcome speech Jakki Brown, PG editor and GCA council member told the audience of retailers and publishers: “While we sincerely hope and believe that there will not be a re-run of the Communication Workers’ Union strikes this year, we cannot take for granted that the Christmas card sending volumes will be back up where they belong.”

She praised indie Kaye Thurgood of Sincerely Yours , for being among those “who called for action, stressing

Caring at Christmas

the need for all of us in our great industry to pull out all the stops to reengage the consumer with the joys and importance of sending and receiving Christmas cards - and all cards.

“We now need all of you here to get involved and support this crucial initiative. It’s not just about Christmas cards, the positive knock-on effects will benefit us all,” said Jakki ramming home the message.

The GCA is looking to raise a total of £50,000 to cover the costs of the #Cardmitment campaign. Initial pledges from GCA Council membersCardology, Emotional Rescue, GBCC/Ling Design, Ohh Deer, Stormy Knight, Woodmansterne, Paper Salad - and others have already taken the fund to £26,000. To donate to the campaign can scan the QR code pictured above right.

As GCA ceo Amanda Fergusson explained. “A major PR campaign will enable us to get on the front foot on the industry’s behalf, leading the discussion that cards continue to play a key role in today's society and are integral in building connections between people.”

Old stamps for joy

In the first of many activations in the GCA’s #Cardmitment consumer PR and marketing campaign, the GCA’s new communications partners, Andrea Ross and Nick Agarwal, co-owners of Arena PR have not wasted any time in putting their PR prowess to good use.

A couple of weeks before the old nonbarcoded stamps became invalid on July 31, they sent out a press release to the media encouraging the public to use up their stamps to make someone happy by sticking one on a card to bring the power of thoughtfulness to a person who needs or will appreciate it.

Above right: Non-barcoded stamps became invalid at the end of July.

Forming part of the #Cardmitment Campaign is the Caring at Christmas initiative which will see publishers and retailers forging links with local care homes to spread the joy of sending Christmas cards to those not able to easily access the High Street by helping to create Christmas card writing events with the residents.

With the aim of covering the whole of the UK, those in the greeting card community are being asked to pre-register their intention to get involved with the Caring at Christmas programme.

The Caring at Christmas initiative has been spearheaded by Matt Genower, md of Five Dollar Shake , with help from GCA Council members Abacus Cards’ md Nick Carey and Stormy Knight’s director Sarah Jackson.

It came about after Matt saw a flyer explaining activities for pensioners including Christmas card writing and, with his father-in-law just having moved into a care home, the Five Dollar Shake team contacted local homes last November and took in cards and helped residents choose which to write and send to loved ones.

As Matt sums up, “the initiative is about two things; firstly, showing the good that Christmas card writing does, and, secondly, it’s genuinely a really lovely and rewarding activity to be a part of.”

A dedicated Caring at Christmas blog on the GCA website features full details and ideas of how to get involved, including a template letter and email that can be sent to a care home as well as a poster.

To pre-register for the Caring at Christmas initiative, email the GCA’s Adriana Lovesy on adriana@gca.cards.

Above: Arena PR’s Nick Agarwal (left) with the GCA’s Adriana Lovesy and council member David Falkner of Cardology.

Left and above: PG’s Jakki Brown on stage at The Retas revealing the GCA’s new #Cardmitment campaign. Above right: Scan the QR code to make a donation.

Left: Caring at Christmas is one element of the GCA’s festive activities.

Above: A poster template that is available to download from the GCA blog.

Central 23 Reacts To Copying Claims

Publisher is ‘addressing complaints’

Greeting card publisher Central 23 has taken action following the copying issues raised by Thortful on a social media post and a subsequent news story on PG Buzz which included views from a number of card publishers who also claimed to have had their designs copied by the company. These included Paper Plane, Ohh Deer, Dean Morris, Brainbox Candy, Lucy Maggie Designs and Bewilderbeest.

“We have taken the article on PG Buzz seriously,” Central 23 co-founder Marcus Ereira said, “and have actively reviewed and addressed complaints made by fellow designers. In a number of cases, we have withdrawn the design from sale.

“We have also created a design guidelines document for use by our team of designers, outlining best practices for our future design briefing and creation process.

touch, challenged us on a few aspects of creators’ complaints, but showed real will to understand what’s gone on and address any issues they identify.”

Soho-based Central 23 has now been in contact with a number of publishers who were among those featured in the PG Buzz article (which went out on July 7).

In an email to Jack Thorpe and Laura Harvey, owners of Paper Plane, Marcus sent them Central 23’s updated guidelines and said: “We have taken your complaint seriously and have made the decision to discontinue our design. While there may still be some remaining stock available online for a short period of time, I can confirm that the design has been immediately removed from our website, catalogue and Etsy.

Taking pride in charity

The Cath Tate team is very proud of its latest charitable efforts as more than £2,500 has now been handed over to Educate & Celebrate thanks to long-time customer Gay’s The Word. The publisher decided to mark Pride month by donating 10% of all its June sales to the charity which provides training and consultation on gender and sexual identity.

Gay’s The Word in London’s Soho was first LGBTQIA+ specialty bookshop in the UK and has been ordering Cath Tate’s cards since the 80s.

We have worked with over 100 freelance designers in the past and will ensure that our collaboration with future designers is based on these updated guidelines.”

Thortful md Pip Heywood, who placed the post to support several of its creatives who claimed that their designs had been copied by Central 23, confirmed that progress has been made. “We’re happy to say Central 23 has been in

Cards bring the sun

Although we do not have complete insight into your creative process and the origins of your design, we acknowledge that our card bears more similarity to yours than it should, and for that, I am sorry.

We have never encouraged designers to explicitly copy the work of others. That said, we have taken this criticism seriously and conducted a comprehensive review of our entire creative process. Having done so, we recognise the need for change.”

Marcus added the Designed By Dog card “has been immediately discontinued”.

UK Greetings is using its greeting cards to support the local community with two special designs helping people with life-limiting conditions as well as youngsters suffering hearing and sight loss.

Having previously worked with The Kirkwood Hospice, the publisher has been involved in this year’s Sunflower Memories event.

“Each visitor received one of UK Greetings’ beautiful sunflower cards, which our fantastic creative and production teams produced, which we hope brought them comfort and a memory of the day,” said UKG’s internal communications manager Heather Clarkson.

And UKG has also stepped up to support the Usher Kids UK charity, which supports and advocates for children with the genetic condition that’s characterised by hearing loss or deafness as well as a progressive loss of vision, and their families. UKG donated some lovely thank you cards, that read ‘You’re simply the best’ in British sign language - the cards providing a great way for the families to thank their volunteers and donors.

Right: UKG’s team produced this special sunflower card for The Kirkwood’s annual event.

Pigment smashes target for Swan UK Fundraising

Harrogate-based publisher Pigment put together a challenge to walk, run and cycle a total of 1,000 miles with the original aim of raising £1,500 for charity Swan UK, and they’ve now almost quadrupled that at £5,755 to date for the organisation which supports families affected by a “Syndrome Without A Name”, genetic conditions so rare they often go undiagnosed.

The main walkathon saw team members set out on the 30-mile route along the canal from Skipton to Leeds, with sales director Steve Baker joining in on his bike while on holiday in Italy and, not to be outdone, production manager Ally Petyt cycled the 118-mile round route to Morecambe Bay.

Pigment picks a charity to support each year and decided on Swan UK after hearing that the youngest daughter of a team member is a swan - taken from the first letter of the words in the phrase ‘syndrome without a name’.

Above: Everyone in Pigment’s team has joined in the fundraising fun.

Above: Rosie Tate with Gay’s The Word store manager Jim MacSweeney.

Above: Central 23 has said it has removed some designs from sale on its website.

Be: The Designed By Dog card Central 23 is removing from sale with Paper Plane’s original (left).

Moonpig’s Trading Boost

CEO

Moonpig has reported a jump in annual sales as ceo Nickyl Raithatha hailed the “resilience” of its business model thanks to the “stability of the greeting card market”.

Despite the economic downturn affecting the business since last October, Moonpig’s annual results (for the year to 30 April) showed year-on-year revenue growth of 5.2%, from £304.3million to £320.1m, and gross profit rose 19.7% to £179.7m from £150.1m.

Nickyl said: “The results demonstrate the resilience of our business model which is rooted in the stability of the greeting cards market and our unique use of data to drive customer loyalty. We have high profitability, strong cash generation and inherent flexibility that allows us to respond rapidly to a dynamic macroeconomic environment.”

The report said it had been “a milestone year establishing key capabilities to drive future growth”, with the technology team grown to 250 from 195 roles to focus on delivering new features for customers, and new operational facilities opened in Tamworth as well as Almere in the Netherlands.

It also trumpeted continuing customer acquisition across both Moonpig and sister brand Greetz, the Dutch online greetings service, with joint revenue from new customers hitting £31.7m, remaining ahead of pre-pandemic levels which were at £23.9m in the full year to April 2019.

Adjusted EBITDA grown was £84.2m, against £74.9m the year prior, however adjusted profit before taxation was down at £48m compared to £51.5m in 2022 after Moonpig was impacted by higher interest rates and the investment in technology, and reported pre-tax profit slipped 12.6% to £34.9m, the second year running it has fallen.

Although sales were higher, the ceo said it reflected a rise in the pricing of its cards, along with fewer promotional discounts, as the average order value rose from £7.70 to £8.30, and he admitted fewer cards had been sold

than the previous year but “on a per customer basis our customers are buying more cards per year than they were before Covid”.

The report explained the group has now formed a single global design team for greeting cards to “leverage the strength and breadth of our UK range across geographies” and it manages both in-house and licensed designs, currently focusing on bringing global licensed properties such as Marvel, Disney and Star Wars that already feature on Moonpig to Greetz.

Nickyl added: “We are innovating to differentiate and elevate Moonpig cards with embedded video messages, personalised content and the ability to include a gift experience within the card.” Trading since the start of the year has been in line with the group’s expectations and it expects revenue to grow at a low single-digit percentage rate in the first half of the 2023-2024 financial year.

“As the clear online leader in greeting cards, Moonpig group is well positioned to benefit from the long-term structural market shift to online,” believes Nickyl.

Nickyl Raithatha said the business is innovating to differentiate.

Above: Moonpig was quick to tap into the Barbie movie frenzy.

Wendy’s royal greeting

Even if you are a publisher, receiving a greeting card from the King and Queen is a cause for celebration. “It’s such a gorgeous card,” Wendy JonesBlackett, founder of the eponymous card company exclaimed about the missive she received recently in response to the card the publisher had sent to mark the King’s Coronation. “We love a bit of foiling here and it seems the King and Queen do too! It’s a beautiful card from the palace, and so fab to see them thanking everyone who sent good wishes for the coronation by sending out cards. They’re great ambassadors for our industry!”

The royal thank you card has a floral design including roses, shamrocks, thistles and daffodils for the four nations of the United Kingdom on the front along with the King’s cypher and a lion in gold foil, and inside is a photo of the monarchs on coronation day with the signatures of Charles R and Camilla R.

The message reads: “We were deeply touched by your kind and thoughtful message following our coronation. We are enormously grateful to everyone who took part in the celebrations, and particularly appreciate that you so generously took the time to write to us on this very special occasion.”

The card arrived at WJB’s Chapel Allerton HQ after Wendy and her team made and hand-finished a one-off design exclusively for King Charles III and Queen Camilla which they all signed and sent in time for the Coronation back in May.

Julia Parkinson joins Glick

There’s a new face at Glick, but one that many will recognise as Julia Parkinson who has joined the Bradford-based giftwrap specialist as operations manager. Julia spent over 16 years with UK Greetings, largely as customer care manager in the publisher’s Special Editions business unit before being made redundant in 2021 when she then moved to Jewson as a customer development manager.

“I’m really excited to be back in the industry, working with such fantastic people and great product,” said Julia.

Left: Julia Parkinson is Glick’s new operations manager.

Top: Moonpig ceo

Above right: WJB’s royal acknowledgement

Above: The card the WJB team made and sent to Charles and Camilla.

hails business model ‘resilience’ due to stable card market

In his classic novel, Tale of Two Cities, Charles Dickens compared life in Paris and London during the Revolution. The novel, although not the easiest to read, details what happens when the rich oppress the poor and the book deals with themes such as selfsacrifice, resurrection, hope and death.

Now this month’s column is not going to be quite on that level. After all greeting cards are not quite life and death, though they do cover both events!

In fact in the headline, I mention three cities (instead of Dickens’ two), the reason being that in the last month I have spent time in Edinburgh, London and Gothenburg. The reason for each visit being to follow the greatest storytelling musician of our time, Bruce Springsteen.

A Tale Of Three

Cities

,“Why do you need to see him so many times?” is the question my Mum often asks, and only true fans will understand the need to see multiple shows. His current tour has a theme where Bruce speaks very openly about being the only remaining member of his first band and the struggle with mortality that we all face. Some have felt that this is an indication it may be his last tour, but I don’t think that is the case.

I spoke to retailers at the recent Harrogate show who are now going fully online and in recent months have watched others close businesses that they simply couldn’t sell. Some people are flying, some people are struggling, but as I always say I admire everyone who generates their own pennies as quite simply no one really knows how difficult running your own business is until you do it. We all get very wrapped up in our own little worlds, but in reality they are shops and businesses that will not survive past us running them. Our Pozzi’s building will hopefully continue as it is now over 115 years old but who knows?

Getting older, losing those close to you and realising that life is in actual fact very short is something that hits people at different times in their life. This is where maybe Bruce is. With my young lad Hudson turning one you often think about when he will be 20 I will be…old! It’s a natural human thing. As my 50th year approaches in 2024 you find yourself casting a retrospective look over your shoulder and wondering what type of legacy that you will leave.

My mum too is getting older and is talking about retiring which would change the dynamic in our business a lot. Life of course never stays the same.

Being the driver of your own wealth with your own business these last three years more than ever before have tested us in lots of different ways. The pandemic changed so many things, perhaps none more so than footfall.

Each of the aforementioned cities above did not appear to struggle on this front. London is always so busy, Edinburgh has rebounded with an influx of tourists and Gothenburg too was exceptionally bustling, but are these cities typical of the rest of our towns?

I would argue strongly that retail trade in the three cities is not typical of what we indies experience. Most of us can’t afford to

Left: David Robertson goes one better than Dickens with his recent Springsteen tour.

Below left: Edinburgh’s Victoria Street in the Old Town has to be one of the most photographed locations in the city.

Bottom: The Boss in action in Hyde Park last month.

be in the high footfall areas where literally 1000s of people new and old walk past your door on a daily basis.

All three cities have things in common. History being one. Cafe culture being another and a crucial part of any city is the vibe your get from being there.

London feels slightly on edge. I still love it, but its vastness does mean you are more careful when there. Edinburgh I know very well and it is simply spectacular. I have been twice in a month to our capital and it was hard to move along the pavements due to the number of historic walking tours. Everywhere we turned there were different accents and there seemed to be more Japanese there than are in Japan. The old town, with its streets straight out of Harry Potter, were literally thronging with people walking and buying souvenirs, from tartan to cashmere. Price was not an option and speaking to pals who supply this type of product they are having a great time of it.

Gothenburg had an amazingly laid-back vibe and the Avenyn, the main boulevard was really something.

It was originally all huge private houses where the shipping magnates and the wealthy lived before being turned into shops and eateries with the large gardens providing fabulous wide pavements to house pedestrians, bikes, and loads of alfresco seating.

The three cities of the title are magnets that attract many from around the world yet there are very few independent retailers operating in the centres of these places.

So, what can we indies do to try to increase our footfall? What are the drivers that will make a difference?

If you are a smaller operator and in your store daily it is easier to set that tone.

To be that welcoming voice, and if not yours then your staff’s. The basics of looking up, acknowledging customers and being willing to help are the basics. Being prepared to get out from behind the counter and offering a personalised service is crucial. You want that customer to say: “I really was helped there and that my custom was valued”.

Read the card, suggest a gift, advise on the base metal in the jewellery - give your customer more than a simple hello and goodbye. This will result in more return custom than anything, but it can be easy to be too much or not enough and each staff member is different as is each customer so while this sounds easy it really is not!

The next crucial point is to build that return footfall. After care service is a huge driver in customers being willing to come back to a store. In a recent survey 80% of customers are willing to pay for a better experience. Nowadays we need to offer them more than just being a shop. We want them to feel that they can dwell for longer and spend more.

We recently changed part of our large building (repurposing our former Christmas shop) into a hairdresser and two beauty rooms. This adds to the cards, gifts and jewellery and 70 seat coffee shop. I can’t tell you the lift it has given, not in terms of money but by adding five girls starting out on their self-employed journey for the first time, their energy has been infectious. Many of our customers want to use them and conversly their customers are discovering us, so it’s win win.

OVER THE COUNTER

If your website is working, encourage your local shoppers instore with a click and collect service. This gives customers the chance to put a face to the business, to experience the warm welcome and the service that you provide. We are looking at building on this by offering a free coffee to those who order online and collect in store.

Hosting events is something we used to do a lot of. Launching jewellery products, Christmas shopping nights, letting community groups use our coffee shop. All build the recognition of you in the community, albeit a lot of work and usually involve costs and long hours.

In our small businesses we will invariably know our customers. We know their names and their circumstances and in some ways the best stores become part of the local communities’ lives. This of course drives footfall.

Finally, when new people discover us this is perhaps the biggest boost. Words like “we didn’t know you were here!” or “we don’t have a shop like this at home” really lift our spirits and I am sure many of you have heard them too.

Footfall in the towns and cities of the UK is returning slowly but with hybrid working, changes to jobs and routines, Helen Dickinson chief exec of the BRC goes so far to state that it may never reach pre-pandemic levels.

So, what can we do? Well, we have to create our own footfall by driving return visits. We have to stay positive and try to convert every visit to a sale.

I believe truly that our stores have never been better in terms of stock or look.

At the end of the Tale of Two Cities the main character is beheaded, but Dickens gives a hypothetical speech where he imagines a world where there is peace, a future and an optimism of what is to come.

Quite simply you have to keep believing that The Boss’ Glory Days will return!

To contact David email: jppozzi@btconnect.com

Top: A poster on London’s Underground that promotes ‘real’ shopping in Kings Cross’ Coal Drops Yard. Above right: Gothenburg, Sweden’s second largest city has a lot of attractive qualities, and great footfall.

Left: A Barbie moment for David Robertson at Harrogate Home & Gift on The English Soap Company stand.

Grocers’ Game

Of Thrones

Recent newspaper headlines alleging profiteering by the major supermarket chains and the decreasing government tax revenues being levied from them, have recently made Cardsharp reflect on the whole big grocery sector. Then came the news that UKG has won the Morrisons’ greeting card contract, to add to its Asda, Sainsbury’s and Tesco accounts. Cardsharp grabs a shopping trolley to try and make sense of it all.

Let’s face it, the supermarkets really are in the public eye at the moment. Record levels of food inflation, accompanied by a cost-ofliving crisis has meant that the supermarkets have been accused of blatant profiteering. An accusation that Cardsharp feels perhaps suited both the government and the Bank of England, as they would have hoped it would take some of the heat off them a bit, especially as both were being seen as dual architects of the inflationary surge in the first place.

fact, both of these did not pay a penny of corporation tax last year, due to an anomaly in the UK tax laws that surely needs to be addressed. Both are now heavily loaded with borrowings, which means that these borrowings are deducted to show a technical loss. Hence, they avoid paying the 25% corporation tax to which Tesco and Sainsbury’s have been subject. Tesco and Sainsbury’s, who are conventionally financed paid £247million and £120million respectively. Asda was bought with debt by the Issa brothers, while former Tesco boss Sir Terry Leahy led the Clayton Dubilier and Rice (CD&R) deal (also the American private equity owners of UKG) for Morrisons. Prior to the buyout, they paid an average of more than £200million in corporation tax a year between them.

All interesting stuff thought Cardsharp. The big four UK supermarkets, Tesco,

Sainsbury’s, Asda and Morrisons, have a huge impact on UK greeting card sales. The massive displays of greeting cards these players have instore probably collectively constitute 40% of all greeting cards sold in the UK, and Tesco competes with Card Factory for the crown of being the largest greeting card retailer. So, whether you are a publisher who is represented in one of these grocers’ brokerages or a retailer competing for sales, there is a massive amount of interest in what is happening in the grocery sector, and that is without even mentioning Aldi, Lidl, Waitrose, Co-op, Booths and the convenience chains.

Cardsharp feels a little sympathy for the supermarkets on this issue. If the supermarkets were exploiting the consumer and over charging to boost profits, then the grocers’ profit margins would be high. But if you look at the financial results of all of them in recent years, profit returns have been relatively modest, especially considering the gigantic levels of turnover they all generate.

A more serious accusation could be made of Asda and Morrisons - specifically their lack of contribution to our tax base. In

It’s hard to believe, especially for anyone under the age of 50, that this development is relatively recent. Some 30 years or so ago, supermarkets stocked very few greeting cards. In the early 1990s the supermarkets’ market share of the greeting card pie was a piffling 6%. The now defunct Woolworth’s was then the market leader on Christmas cards and

Above: Game of Thrones has been praised for its scope, production values, storyline and complex characters. Similarities with the greeting card grocery plotline?!

Above left: The grocers collective share of the greeting card market has increased hugely over the last 30 years. Below: Tesco won Best Greeting Card Retailer of Greeting Cards in The Retas 2023 for the second year running for its varied selection, and it is yet to be seen how its acquisition of the Paperchase brand will pan out.

WHSmith was the king of everyday card sales, soon to be overtaken by Clinton Cards.

Cardsharp remembers reading in an early edition of PG a quote from Lionel Wiggins, of research company Taylor Nelson who said “Once the supermarkets’ greeting card market share rises to 15% it will change the dynamics of the industry forever.” Back then that 15% prize seemed light years away and was considered almost impossible, history has a funny way of superceding things.

While the brokerage model for greeting cards debuted in Asda, as far as Cardsharp can remember, the first of the big four to really take greeting cards seriously as a product category was Tesco, who is still the market leader. But its growth came about in a strange way. In the mid 1990s a small Bath-based greeting card publisher called Mind’s Eye, persuaded Tesco that it could supply all of Tesco’s growing greeting card needs and persuaded the grocer to adopt the brokerage model that has long become the industry norm. The difference though, between then and

American Greetings, the latter through its subsidiary UKG. Paper House (now part of GBCC) did have the Sainsbury’s account for a while 20 years back and experimented with a consignment model and Asda did briefly use an independent logistics company which ended badly. And not forgetting Woodmansterne, who three years ago became the broker for the Waitrose chain.

But in the last 25 years it has been rather like musical chairs when it comes to some of these major grocery accounts, reflects Cardsharp. Tesco is at present brokered by UKG. Before that for the previous five years, it was Hallmark. Then before that it was UKG and then before that Hallmark. The history of supermarket greeting card supply bears a remarkable resemblance to the Game of Thrones!

supplying a major grocer through brokerage gives you is something not available elsewhere - massive, massive volume!

But now in 2023 we have a new and novel situation arising. The responsibility for Morrisons’ brokerage has now going to UKG from the start of 2024. Whether the fact that UKG and Morrisons are both owned by CD&R is the reason for the change, we will probably never know, but it means that for the first time ever, Tesco, Sainsbury’s, Asda and Morrisons all have UKG as their greeting card broker. This is shining testimony to the brilliance of the UKG operation and its management teams thinks Cardsharp.

And hopefully this will open up considerable opportunities for publishers aspiring for more access to the supermarkets’ greeting displays. However large UKG’s studio and creative resources are, there is surely only so much different product the controlling broker can generate to give all of the four grocers their own unique looks. Cardsharp would have thought that UKG will want to develop even closer partnerships with even more quality publishers who are happy to supply them, and to work with more of them, and on more variety of ranges, in order to give creative distinction to each of these massive accounts.

now, was that Mind’s Eye was an independent business and had very little of its own cards in the displays. The vast majority of the cards supplied came from dozens of different publishers who all benefitted from Tesco’s astounding growth on the greeting card front. It all worked swimmingly until Tesco decided to turn the screw on Mind’s Eye’s margins. It then found that it could not make a profit without having more of its own stock in the displays itself. Belatedly Mind’s Eye started to up its percentage of own brand designs, but it was not enough to prevent it going bust and so the short era of genuine independent brokerage was effectively over.

And since then the control of the supermarkets’ greeting card displays has mainly yoyo-ed between the two big American-owned giants, Hallmark and

The reason being that only Hallmark and UKG had the scale and resources to handle the demands of these massive brokers and make money from them. The cost of financing the fixtures, fittings, and merchandising are huge. And the resultant risk of getting your calculations wrong are catastrophic. The big two found out, through bitter experience, that without a substantial percentage of the controls with their own product you can’t make a profit. But if you have too many skus in the display, the retailer demands more space to be made available to third party retailers. Being a supermarket broker is like being caught between a rock and a hard place.

And being a third party publisher supplying the big two brokers is not the for faint-hearted either. The trade price you receive for your cards is fairly low and the brokerage cost you can incur and the returns you receive are often high. But what

Ironically, this new situation of UKG dominance could, and Cardsharp stresses the word ‘could’ lead to a more balanced form of brokerage not seen since the early days of Mind’s Eye in Tesco all those years ago.

And concludes Cardsharp if that means the public ultimately get more, not less, greeting card choice then that surely is no bad thing, only time will tell. And so, this high grossing grocers’ Game of Thrones continues!

Above: Morrisons is to move to UKG for brokerage from the start of next year.

Below left: Asda was the first supermarket to introduce brokerage for greeting cards, an idea that had in fact been first developed for Woolworths by UKG. Below right: So the supermarkets’ charge into the greeting card market continues!

Popping The Question

“Love and marriage, go together like a horse and carriage,” rang out the dulcet tones from the late Frank Sinatra. Here we are bang in the middle of the traditional wedding season, but the celebration of nuptials has trotted on a long way since the mighty crooner was in his heyday. After the upheaval Covid caused to the lovebird mega season, PG put itself on the guest list of publishers and retailers to find out the current “I dos” on the card centric front for engagements, weddings and anniversaries.

Matt Genower co-owner of Five Dollar Shake and Counting Stars

The feeling’s nuptial: “The result of pushing weddings back by a year or two meant 2022 and 2023 have hosted more weddings than any previous years. To accommodate all these events, venues are opening their doors weekdays as well as weekends.

The traditional Saturday summer wedding has spread to all days of the week and months of the year. We certainly have seen the need for wedding cards spread across the year.”

The proposal: “I think all our lockdown experiences have, when the occasion arises, led to a greater outpouring of excitement and emotion. We’re feeling the celebration more than ever. Our reaction to this in designing wedding and anniversary cards is to make them more special than ever.

What the card says and what’s written inside matters more than ever. In a throwaway world, we aspire to create forever keepsakes.”

Vital statistics

l There are around 275,000 weddings every year in the UK

l Over 264,000 weddings were postponed due to the 2020 pandemic

l On average 81 people attend a wedding

l £14.7billion is spent directly on weddings every year

l August is still the most popular month for weddings

l 86% of couples still have a first dance

l 79% have a cake-cutting moment

l The average wedding costs £18,400

l 21% of couples each keep their own name

l Wedding dresses cost an average of £1,350

l 60% announced their engagement on social media Info from www.ukweddings.org and www.hitched.co.uk

Sarah Holmes owner of indie retailer Pencil Me In, in Elgin

The feeling’s nuptial: “Wedding and anniversary cards sales are always big for us in May and August, and steady through the summer. In store we have our Wall Of Love section, that covers engagement, wedding, anniversary and love.”

The proposal: “We try to keep an eclectic mix of wedding cards and I think that, with more couples asking for money or vouchers, cards have become more popular.

Top: Matt Genower (at The Retas) sees the need for wedding cards spreading over the whole year.

Above: Engagements lead to weddings.

Left: Forever keepsakes are the aim at Five Dollar Shake.

Above: Ian and Lorraine Bradley were the greeting card industry’s very own lovebirds when the Rush Design owners ran off to Gretna Green to get married.

Left: Declining marriage rates were boosted by same-sex unions.

Above: May and August are the big wedding months for Sarah Holmes.

The older customers inform me that, back in the day, you only sent a card if you were not attending - which used to be read out by the best man!

We try to keep a range of cards that cover LGBQT+ weddings too. Hunter Paper Co makes a great range of longer thin cards which are perfect for cash gifts and these always sell out too fast.

Stormy Knight’s lobster card has been our bestselling anniversary card for a while now, and we’ve just taken in a fun illustrated range of anniversary milestone cards from You’ve Got Pen On Your Face, which cover the smaller years - tin (10th), cotton (2nd), paper (1st), wood (5th), etc - these are proving popular already.”

Anniversary waltz: “On the wider anniversary front, we have been asked about new pet cards - we always have some animal-themed cards which usually fit the bill, but our instore card personalisation service always comes in helpful at those moments.”

Carolyn Verderame sales director of Caroline Gardner

The feeling’s nuptial: “Weddings have always been and remain a high demand caption for Caroline Gardner. While we saw a slight dip in this area in 2020, due to many weddings being cancelled, volumes have now returned to normal and have remained high since 2021.”

Julia Keeling

md and owner of Wishes of Cudworth, Cudworth

The feeling’s nuptial: “One of the biggest changes post-Covid is that more weddings are throughout the week now. So, this has spread out the season for weddings and anniversaries. Things have definitely picked up and it's great to see people getting together to celebrate these lifetime moments.

People still buy lots of cards, but our wedding-related gift sales are on the slower side. There are a few strange quirkslike we can’t get hold of biodegradable wedding confetti so we now suggest alternative ideas like bubbles, rice or flower petals. We're also adapting and monitoring what sells and what’s slow. The last thing we want are things that collect dust and take up space. Long gone are the days of silver horseshoes, chimney sweep gifts, rolling pins and blue garters. Maybe that's something to be thankful for!”

The proposal: “The wedding cards that are doing well for us mainly feature verse - Cardigan Cards, Cherry Orchard and Words ’N’ Wishes are our bestsellers. Also, we sell a lot of cards from Prelude BGC, which are a booklet style of design. People don't mind spending that little bit extra for a special anniversary card or a wedding card when it's a family member.

One caption we've received more requests for is You've Got Married. This is likely down to people getting married in different countries or not being able to accommodate all their family and friends on the day.”

Anniversary waltz: “Our customers are quite traditional and that's reflected in the captions we get requests for so we don't get asked for the more contemporary captions. That said, we've seen a rise in sales of Our Anniversary cards for couples who are not married. It's good to keep your ear to the ground and listen to what your customers are looking for.

The proposal: “Our cards are suitable for allMr/Mrs, Mr/Mr, Mrs/Mrs etc. The Beetle, two hearts and the bigger Happy Couple design are our best sellers in wholesale.

Anniversary is a big caption for us too, and we’ve recently added new captions within this while special anniversaries such as silver (25th), pearl (30th), ruby (40th) and gold (50th), are increasing in sales of late.”

We've been asked for cards that celebrate anniversaries in the first 15 years which, unfortunately, our suppliers don’t offer, generally starting at the 25th year. So, if anyone out there has plans to produce some cards to focus on this, it would likely be very popular!

Also, we’re asked for double captions with an anniversary and family member on the same card. For example Son & Daughter-in-Law and Silver Anniversary together. Again, these are hard to come by, which restricts the choice we can offer.”

Pew with a view: “There does seem to be a trend for people getting married aboard or having smaller weddings but, equally, people still want to celebrate after the day itself, so it all balances itself out. Weddings and anniversary cards are constant good sellers,throughout the year. They remain ever popular and are a large percentage of our sales, all year round and not just in the traditional summer season. One difference we've seen is that we have to allocate space for these captions throughout the Christmas season too which, being a small shop, means being creative with our space - spinners are our friends!”

Top: Julia Keeling offers a wide range of gifts too. Above: Captions are key in Yorkshire.

Above: Carolyn Verderame says weddings are a high-demand caption.

Above left: Special anniversaries are increasing sales.

Left: New captions are being added.

Above: Fun anniversaries from You’ve Got Pen On Your Face.

Left: Stormy Knight’s lobsters is a bestseller.

Jack Thorpe and Laura Harvey co-owners of Paper Plane

The feeling’s nuptial: “We've always sold more anniversary cards than wedding cards and this hasn't changed. We've added more several more anniversary designs over the past few years, but only one new wedding card - although now I think maybe we're missing a trick!”

The proposal: “We tend not to publish traditional or sentimental cards, so our anniversary cards lean towards funny and our wedding offering is more light-hearted. I think people generally like to stick to quite safe or pretty cards for weddings, neither of which is really our style, so we're happy to cater for the quirkier 0.1%.”

Anniversary waltz: “As a couple that have been successfully unmarried for nearly 13 years now, we're more than aware that people celebrate anniversaries in their own way. All of our anniversary cards can easily be given to celebrate other landmarks - we don't mention weddings or marriage.”

Wendy Jones-Blackett co-owner and creative maestro of Wendy JonesBlackett

The feeling’s nuptial: “We’ve certainly seen a big increase in sales of wedding cards this year. It’s a bit hard to quantify as to the reason as we’ve had more designs to offer but, if we compare like-forlike - ie last year’s sales of Quicksilver wedding designs to this year’s - sales are up by 20%. Wedding card sales remain strong as it’s a big card-sending occasion - whether delivering the card by hand at the event or sending a card because they can’t make it on the day, a wedding card is essential!”

The proposal: “We’ve always offered captions like To My Son & Daughter-in-Law On Your Wedding Day, but our major sales are still in quite traditional captions and imagery as they’re gender neutral and tick all the boxes for a variety of wedding themes and scenarios.”

Lorraine and Ian Bradley co-owners of Rush Design

The feeling’s nuptial: “Demand for wedding and anniversary cards is still very strong. A wedding is a one-offor several one-offs in some cases! - whereas the anniversary happens every year. Plus, couples that aren’t married also mark their anniversary.

Engagements remain a lesser-marked occasion but remain steady. They tend to be especially popular around Christmas, new year and Valentine’s Day.”

The proposal: “It’s always good to add new styles to all occasions, while keeping those bestsellers in the offer. More specific titles like Daughter & Son-in-Law are good for both weddings and anniversaries, and Husband 50th Anniversary. Son & Fiancée, etc are popular requests for engagement.”

Anniversary waltz: “No shift to specific other anniversary captions for us. We remain focusing on great anniversary cards; specific ones like Son & Daughter-in-Law and generic ones that can be sent between all couples for any anniversary.”

David Byk ceo of Swan Mill Group, owner of Ling Design and GBCC

The feeling’s nuptial: “We’re actually finding great demand for all the wedding categories. This year the steam has built up for more with engagement cards. We’re certainly seeing that the trend towards more expensive cards performing well as considered purchases from consumers continue to grow.”

The proposal: “We continue to tweak our offer in line with demand - we’re seeing demand for even higher anniversary cards becoming less traditional as tastes are changing and developing.“

Above: Ian and Lorraine Bradley. Left: Anniversaries are good business.

Above: Wendy and husband Steve celebrate their own 25th wedding anniversary this year. Right: WJB’s Quicksilver wedding sales are up 20%.

Top: Successfully unmarried Jack and Laura offer quirky cards.

Above: Get hitched with Paper Plane.

Right: Celebrate any anniversary with this caption.

Above: David Byk (far left) with the GBCC team and Laurence Llewelyn-Bowen (second left) at PG Live.

Left: Wedding designs from Ling.

Above: The tables were suitably Van Gogh-ified with Danilo providing the menu cards and Origamo the pop-up placecards, both are licensees of the Van Gogh Museum. Inset: Fresh back from his Australian tour with Michael McIntyre, comedian Jake Lambert superbly hosted The Retas.

Top:

Warren Lomax and Jakki Brown welcomed guests from a Van Gogh ‘gallery’ stage set.

Above: The front cover of the awards’ brochure featured a self-portrait of the great artist himself.

Below: Origamo’s (far left) Furio Ceciliato and Chiara Sciotto (right) travelled from Turin to be at The Retas, joining colleague Jamal Merdassi. Their 3D Van Gogh Museum licensed cards (as held by PG’s Jakki Brown) were very much in evidence.

Above: The table numbers were artists’ palettes that had been hand-painted by Max Live Events’ Sam Bennillick-Jones, which guests took home as a memento.

PG’s

Above: Celebrations of Carlisle’s Tanya (far left) and Sonya Handrikmann (third right) and The Hedgehog Bookshop’s (far right) Evonne and Irving Pearson with Lucilla Lavender’s (second left-right) Anneke Driscoll, Lucilla Lavender and Nigel Willcock.

Left: Each guest on the Paper Salad table was given a bespoke Van Goghesque framed artwork, created by the publisher’s co-founders Karen Wilson and Claire Williams. Watermark’s Paul Slater (far left) was suitably delighted with his portrait and shared his joy with co-director Brian Murtagh and Glick’s Becky Dobson (second left) and Michelle Airth.

Left: All guests participated in a fun ‘higher or lower’ elimination quiz on Van Gogh-related questions.

Below left: Sharon Green, Henry & Co’s director of retail operations won the Higher or Lower quiz. Steve Baker, sales and marketing director of Pigment, sponsor of this icebreaker presented Sharon with her prize of a magnum of champagne, a bottle of absinthe and a bouquet of sunflowers.

Right: Words ‘n’ Wishes Rod Brown (second left) with (right-left) Emma Cove (Danilo), Scarlett Ford (WHS), Chrissy Bee (WHS) and Danilo’s Angela Anderson, Julie Shelton and Daniel Prince.

Below: Ever the showman, Brainbox Candy’s Ben Hickman in the Van Gogh style straw hat that was on every table.

Below right: AfroTouch Design’s founder Georgina Fihosy (third left) and her guests made the most of the Van Gogh Museum photo op setting that had been created by N Smith.

Below: (left-right) The Card Centre’s John Barratt and Andrew Reid; Cath Tate Cards’ Amy Woodrow Arai and Rosie Tate with Postmark’s Leona Janson-Smith.

Below right: Medici Gallery’s Tim Reynolds (centre) with The Art File’s Ged Mace (right) and James Mace.

Top: Woodmansterne’s Keith Gillespie (second

and Payal Shah (third right) with John Lewis buyers Jason Billings-Cray (far right) and (third left) Claire Jeffrey, JL’s merchandiser, Emily Cooper and Waitrose’s merchandise manager Will Cummings.

Above: GCA’s Amanda Fergusson (far right) joined RHS’ Hazel Small (third right) and Scribbler’s John and Jennie Procter and colleagues in the photo op set in the reception.

Above

Below: Half of the money from The Retas charity raffle went to Motor Neurone Disease Association to top up the amazing amount raised from the Cardgains’ 25 mile charity challenge walk which took place a few days prior to The Retas. The walkers present were brought up on stage, many donning their official finisher’s t shirt.

Right: Cardgains’ managing director Penny Shaw and chairman, Miles Robinson, co-owner of House of Cards drew the raffle.

Inset: PG’s Tracey Bearton, in a Starry Starry Night Van Gogh dress that she made herself, delivered one of the great raffle prizes to winner Museums & Galleries’ general manager Tom Williams.

Right: There was a lot of hilarity on Ohh Deer’s two tables with confetti cannons being let off when certain winners were announced.

Below: (left-right) Karen Ebers of Something Special; Abacus Cards’ Mark Long and Sean Edwards with Milford Cards and Gifts’ Kayleigh and

Right: If you want to get ahead, get a hat! Baileys’ coowners Simon and Penny Bailey.

Top right: (second right) Tiffany Leach of Kingfisher Cards and Gifts with Belly Button Designs’ (left-right) Michelle Hindle, Estelle Johnson, Rachel Hare and Cara Griffiths.

right: Gee Tees’ (right) George and Yasmin Twist with UKG’s Matt James.

left)

Reta-iling Artistry

bookshops to garden centre maestros and so much more. The Retas 2023 winners reflect this card retailing excellence.

BEST INDEPENDENT GREETING CARD RETAILER

London (inside the M25)

Initial Reaction: “We're so thrilled to have won Best Independent Greeting Card Retailer - London!

When I received the call (I was ill in bed), I couldn't quite believe it. I just kept saying “We won? We won?” Recovery swiftly followed!

I'd like to thank the judges and also all the amazing card brands that supply us with a never-ending stream of innovative and creative cards that keep our customers coming back. This is as much their award as ours.”

Anita Thorpe,

owner of Diverse

Above centre: Amina Abdallah, sales assistant of Diverse collected the award from Ohh Deer’s md and co-founder, Mark Callaby.

Right: Mark Callaby, managing director and co-founder of Ohh Deer announced the winner.

Right: Amina was a very enthusiastic trophy recipient!

Above All the winners on stage with their trophies, joined by host Jake Lambert (second left, on stairs) and PG’s Warren Lomax, Jakki Brown and Tracey Bearton.

2023 WINNER: Red Card in Petworth

Initial Reaction: “Wow, we won another Reta, how fantastic is that! We’re absolutely thrilled to be awarded this prestigious accolade! We love being part of the greeting card retail community in the UK and we also love being part of the independent business community in Petworth.”

Sally Matson, owner of Red Card

BEST INDEPENDENT GREETING CARD RETAILER Home Counties and South East BEST INDEPENDENT GREETING CARD RETAILER East Anglia and

2023 WINNER: Sincerely Yours in Hornchurch

Below: Sean Edwards, national sales manager of Abacus Cards, the sponsor of this category did the honours at the lectern.

Initial Reaction: “What a fabulous event! We were having such a fantastic day as guests of Ling’s/GBCC’s David Byk (who is a very entertaining host) and enjoying catching up with our wonderful and talented friends Paul and Helen Southgate from Cards n Things Norwich, that to hear our names called as winners was truly the icing on the cake!! We were touched by the lovely comments announcing our win as we took to the stage, which highlighted the strength of our mum and daughter partnership.  A huge thank you to all the well-wishers who have taken the time to congratulate us - the cardie family is truly special.” – Kaye and Emma Thurgood, owner and manager of Sincerely Yours

South West

2023 WINNER: Bazaar in Barnstaple

Initial Reaction: "We came with no expectations of winning, although there is always a little hope in your heart that it might be you! The whole afternoon was magical and we thoroughly enjoyed it, the atmosphere was amazing. When the finalists in the south west category were announced a cheer went up around the room. As the winner was revealed I looked at my husband in sheer disbelief as a massive rush of adrenaline and emotion sprang us to our feet to receive our trophy. This award means everything to our family at Bazaar. A huge thank you to our card suppliers and customers for their loyal support. Thank you to everyone at PG and Rosie Harrison of Rosie Made a Thing for sponsoring our category."

Heather Middleton,

BEST INDEPENDENT GREETING CARD RETAILER Wales

2023 WINNER: Creative Cove in Lampeter

Initial Reaction: “I am so unbelievably honoured to have won it for Wales! I was an absolute bag of nerves and holding back (unsuccessfully!) the tears before it had even got to my category! That emotion hasn't left, I'm still overwhelmed and overjoyed, it is one of my proudest moments. Being recognised by people who love the same thing as you and champion those same values, there isn't a feeling like it. The pure emotional release when it was announced, because no matter what, you always hope, but that fear is greater... Let's just say the tears took a while to stop!”

Sharon

owner of Creative Cove

Right: Heather and Phil Middleton, owners of Bazaar were very happy to be presented with the winning trophy by Rosie Made a Thing’s founder, Rosie Harrison (far right).

Above: Heather showing off her shiny

Left: Heather and Phil Middleton.

Above left: Rosie Harrison, founder of Rosie Made a Thing christened her first year as a Retas sponsor.:

co-owner of Bazaar

Left: Sandra Jervis, owner of Creative Cove is the inaugural recipient of this new award category. She collected the award from PG Live’s director Warren Lomax.

Above: (second left-right)

RETAILER

North East

2023 WINNER: Artichoke in Tynemouth

Initial Reaction: “We did it! Can’t quite believe that we won – thank you, thank you, thank you to Progressive Greetings, all of our fabulous suppliers and all of our amazing customers for supporting and loving what we do. It was such an honour to even be nominated! We’re so proud of our fabulous little store.”

BEST INDEPENDENT GREETING CARD RETAILER

Scotland

2023 WINNER: Paper Tiger,

Initial Reaction: “Absolutely delighted to win the award, thank you to you and to the judges! Sadly as it coincided with a pre-booked holiday I wasn’t able to be there in person, but I had a couple of glasses of Slovenian fizz to celebrate!”

Michael Apter, owner of Paper Tiger

Right: Artichoke’s co-owners Cilena Easton and Dawn White were delighted to be presented with the trophy by Wendy Jones-Blackett, the sponsor of this award category.

Below right: Agent Mike Rignell shares the joy with Artichoke’s Cilena and Dawn.

Cilena Easton & Dawn White, co-owners of Artichoke

Above: Gary Freeman of Method UK collected the trophy on Paper Tiger’s behalf from Rachel Hare, creative and managing director of Belly Button Designs, the sponsor of this award category.

Left: Rachel Hare, creative and managing director of Belly Button Designs announced the winner.

Best Greeting

Card Newcomer

2023 WINNER: The Beverley Card Company in Beverley

Initial Reaction: “I didn’t in my wildest dreams expect to win a trophy on my first visit to The Retas, being part of such a prestigious event was enough. I was in complete shock when It was announced that I was the winner of my category. I think my beaming smile on the photos with my cherished trophy said it all! This makes all my efforts worthwhile. I love what I do and I’m passionate about my business, it’s not been an easy ride with Covid hitting three times in my first year, but I’ve taken the plunge and now have expanded and I’ve never looked back. Congratulations to all the businesses and independents involved.”

Donna Stocks, owner of The Beverley Card Company

Best Independent Bookstore

Retailer of Greeting Cards

2023 WINNER: The Hedgehog

Bookshop in Penrith

Initial Reaction: “We had a fantastic day at The Retas. It was a big shock when it was announced that we had won our category, but we are over the moon! I am as passionate about our cards as much as I am about our choice and range of books, so to win is amazing. The whole day from start to finish was brilliant.”

Evonne

Left: Evonne Pearson, owner of The Hedgehog Bookshop received the trophy from Andy Paterson, sales director of Woodmansterne, the sponsor of this award category.

Left: There was no missing the happiness exuding from Donna Stocks, owner and manager of The Beverley Card Company, who was presented with her award by Alister Marchant, ceo of Carte Blanche Greetings, the sponsor of this award category.

Below: Beverley with her shiny trophy and Golden Ticket.

Pearson, owner of The Hedgehog Bookshop

Right: Andy Paterson, Woodmansterne’s sales director did the honours by announcing the winner.

Above: Alister Marchant, ceo of Carte Blanche Greetings opened the gold envelope for this award.

Below: Evonne held her trophy aloft with pride.

Best Non-Specialist

2023 WINNER: Archerfield Walled Garden in Dirleton

Initial Reaction: “Absolutely over the moon that Archerfield Walled Garden won the Best Non-Specialist Independent Retailer of Greeting Cards - Northmeans so much to both myself and the dedicated team at AWG who all play their part in making our cards such a massive success within the business. We are delighted to have received recognition from the industry! Also, a huge thank you to our wonderful customers, as without their continued support and loyalty we wouldn’t be here!”

Retailer of Greeting Cards - North Best Non-Specialist

Retailer of Greeting Cards - South

2023 WINNER: MiMi in Hartley Wintney and Wokingham

Initial Reaction: “Firstly THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU - Sarah and I had the BEST DAY! Our table companions were lovely, our chat with Dan from Spring Fair was great, food was delicious and to WIN on top was the BEST feeling. When we heard our name called out everyone on Table 33 shrieked with excitement and happiness - it was fabulous to share the JOY with strangers that have become friends. Our trophy’s journey home was eventful and it is now ensconced in our window in Hartley Wintney with our invite, brochure etc.”

Julianne Moore, owner of MiMi

Right: (second left) Kerri Sorbie, retail buying manager of Archerfield Walled Garden was over the moon to receive the trophy, that was presented to her by Lucilla Lavender, director of Lucilla Lavender, the sponsor of this award category.

Kerri Sorbie, retail buying manager of Archerfield Walled Garden

Right: Steve Baker, sales and marketing director of Pigment announced the winner.

Left: Mimi’s Julianne and Sarah embraced the Van Gogh theme with their dress for the day and were delighted to pose with their giant Golden Ticket.

Left: (second right) Julianne Moore, MiMi’s director and sales manager Sarah Connor with the trophy that was presented to them by Steve Baker, sales and marketing director of Pigment, sponsor of this award category.

Above: Lucilla Lavender, director of Lucilla Lavender was delighted to come on board as a Retas sponsor for the first time this year.

Left: Kerri was happy to be taking the trophy back to Scotland!

Best Greeting Card Small Multiple

(5-20 stores)

2023 WINNER: Postmark, 14 stores in London

Birmingham and Glasgow

Initial Reaction: "What a day! After such an intense six months we are absolutely thrilled to have been named Best Small Multiple and also Best Greeting Card Retailer 2023!” Mark and Leona Janson-Smith, directors of Postmark

Best Department Store Retailer of Greeting Cards

2023 WINNER: Elphicks in Farnham

Initial Reaction: “We felt incredibly proud and privileged to be standing on stage as the winner of the prestigious Retas award for Best Department Store Retailer of Greeting Cards. It was made more special as we were competing against first-class retailers. This award serves as a reminder that hard work and dedication pay off. It motivates us to continue striving for excellence and pushing the boundaries of what we can achieve.”

Alan Bushnell, group managing director and Sandie Jenkins, group buyer of Elphicks

Top right: David Byk, ceo Ling Design and GBCC was suitably attired for the Van Gogh themed event.

Right:

Bottom left: Daniel Mayhew, event director of Spring & Autumn Fair announced the winner of this award.

Left:

Right:

Best Supermarket Retailer of Greeting Cards

WINNER: Tesco

Initial Reaction: “As a Tesco team we are beyond proud and elated to bring The Retas trophy back to Tesco for the second year running. There is a lot of work that we put into the range behind the scenes, alongside our UKG counterparts and it is so rewarding to have that recognised. It really meant a lot!”

Ody, lead buying manager of everyday cards for Tesco

Best Non-Specialist Multiple Retailer of Greeting Cards

2023 WINNER: Oliver Bonas

Initial Reaction: “We at Oliver Bonas are absolutely thrilled to have won the award for Best Non-Specialist Multiple Retailer of Greeting Cards, it was the icing on the cake to a wonderful day and to be honest, year. We work with so many amazing and innovative card brands that make our job a joy and without their talents and hard work we wouldn’t have been able to put together such a great range.”

Lucy Cornwall, assistant buyer of Home & Gift for Oliver Bonas

Left: Daniel Prince, managing director of award sponsor Danilo announced the winner.

Right: A delighted Tesco team! (Second left-right) Katy Strachan, Ross Lasseter, Sam Ody, Gemma Smith and Lauren Thomas were presented with the trophy by Danilo’s managing director, Daniel Prince.

“We were delighted and pleasantly surprised to win an award which we are excited to share with the business for everyone’s hard work! Sally and Jo looked to have had an amazing day! Also, really pleased for Postmark on winning two awards, the main one being Greeting Card

Best Garden Centre Cards – Multiple Retailer of Greeting

2023 WINNER: Longacres Garden Centre

Initial Reaction: “An amazing day. I was in complete shock when Longacres Garden Centre was read out as the winner of Best Garden Centre – Multiple award. I found it all very overwhelming and when I came up to get the award my whole body was shaking. To be honest I can't remember much of being on stage! I feel so proud that we won. I had a few happy tears and a few glasses of wine. It is a wonderful feeling to know that people voted for us and I thank them so much. I wouldn't be able to do my job without the help and support from all my amazing reps and agents.”

Kim Lewis, card buyer for Longacres Garden Centre

Retailer Initiative Best Greeting Card

2023 WINNER: House of Cards, for its Thinking of You Week activities

Initial Reaction: “What a lovely Retas it was, with such positive vibes. The host Jake Lambert was very good and the whole day was wonderful. It really was a total surprise winning the Best Retailer Initiative category because there were some very worthy nominations raising awareness and support for people in need. We have enjoyed winning all our trophies over the years and they are all special. Winning each one spurs us on to be even better.”

Nigel Williamson and Miles Robinson, co-owners of House of Cards

Right: Longacres’ Kim Lewis was delighted to be presented with the trophy by Seth Woodmansterne, managing director of Woodmansterne Publications.

Above: On behalf of the whole House of Cards team, Angela Stargatt, store manager of its Caversham branch was delighted to receive the trophy from Georgina Fihosy, founder and creative director of AfroTouch Design.

Right: Georgina Fihosy, founder and creative director of AfroTouch Design, a first time sponsor of The Retas.

Left: As ever, the House of Cards team was out in force at The Retas!

Above: Seth Woodmansterne, managing director of Woodmansterne Publications, sponsor of this category announced the winner.

Left: Kim was overwhelmed with joy.

Best Greeting Card

Wholesaler

2023 WINNER: Jackson’s CR

Initial Reaction: “We are really honoured to have received this award and I’d like to take this opportunity to thank all the members of our team at Jackson’s for their endeavours. We pride ourselves on customer service and this award confirms that our efforts have been recognised. But most of all we must say “A BIG THANK YOU” to all our valued customers.”

Mark Molloy, head category buyer of Jackson’s CRS

Greeting Card Retailer

Of The Year

2023 WINNER: Postmark

Initial Reaction: “This one really is for the whole team, who have dug in and helped us pull off something we, at times, didn't think we were going to achieve. We've also been very lucky to have the full support of our partners at Cardzone and from suppliers across the industry.”

Mark and Leona Janson-Smith, directors of Postmark

Above: Ade Longe, managing director of Sensations/Xpress Yourself, announced the winner.

Right: (second left) Mark Molloy, head category buyer of Jackson’s and Greg Jackson, its head of marketing & PR collected the trophy from Ade Longe, managing director of Sensations/Xpress Yourself, the sponsor of this award category.

Top left: Ged Mace, managing director of The Art File was given a few words to read about the winner by PG’s Jakki Brown.

Bottom left: A double whammy! Postmark’s Leona with the retail group’s two 2023 Retas trophies.

Left: As sponsor this prestigious category (far right) Ged Mace, managing director of The Art File presented the trophy to Postmark’s directors Mark and Leona Janson-Smith (third and fourth right) who were joined on stage by their colleagues (right-left) Shannon Fisher, Emma Cole and Graham Lease.

Far right: Greg Jackson, head of marketing & PR at Jackson’s CRS points to the shiny trophy held by Mark Molloy, head category buyer of Jackson’s.

Elphicks’ Evolution

“We felt incredibly proud and privileged to be standing on stage as the winner of the prestigious Retas’ award,” said Elphicks’ group md Alan Bushnell who shared the limelight with group buyer Sandie Jenkins. “The award serves as a reminder that hard work and dedication pay off. It motivates us to continue striving for excellence and pushing the boundaries of what we can achieve,” he added.

While Alan’s remit now spans the running of the entire department store, drawing on his many years in senior management positions with Debenhams and House of Fraser in their heyday, there is no doubt that greeting cards have a special place in his heart.

In fact, a decade ago Alan made his first appearance on The Retas stage, as in 2013 he collected the award for Best Independent Greeting Card Retailer - Wales and the Midlands for his duo of independent card shops, RSVP Greetings in Porthcawl and Caldicot. And no doubt he was aware of many of the independent contenders in this

Following on from a £2million refurbishment of the whole store, Elphicks of Farnham’s new greeting card department saw it clinch the Best Department Store Retailer of Greeting Cards award at The Retas last month.

PG was given the grand tour of this retailing beacon by group managing director, Alan Bushnell.

years’ awards as a result of the six years he spent as retail consultant to UK Greetings right up until 2014, only giving it up when he joined Tudor Williams, which owns Elphicks. Initially he was group sales and operations director, before adding merchandising to his responsibilities and was then appointed group md last May.

The store underwent a huge £2million overhaul in 2018/2019 involving a total refurbishment and extension of the retailing footprint.

“It was a massive project, but totally worth it. As I told our customers, Elphicks has been here for well over 100 years, we firmly believe in ensuring its place in the future,” said Alan.

Part of this future is the store’s greeting card department. As Alan explained:

Having 142 years of retailing history alone does not guarantee you a place at the top, for that you need to continue to evolve, investing wisely in what you offer your customers.

Above: Elphicks can trace its history back to 1881 when George Elphick, then 38 years old, opened a drapery business in Farnham, buying the freehold of No.13 West Street (where the department remains to this day). Right: Alan Bushnell next to the visual display area in the greeting card department, which currently is wedding themed.

Below: The new greeting card department in Elphicks includes bespoke fixtures and PoS and wider aisles.

“Greeting cards have always been important to us. Sales wise they are the biggest product category within homewares,” quantified Alan.

As Sandie Jenkins, group buyer responsible for greeting cards added: “Over the years our card department has become a destination in the town, showing consistent growth despite historically being wedged between other departments and lacking its own identity - until earlier this year that is!”

It was during a review of the store layout that Alan spotted an opportunity to elevate not only the card department’s visibility, but to expand it in a better position instore.

So, working closely with Woodmansterne, which supplies Elphicks’ greeting card selection from a wide array of publishers under its W Select brokerage scheme, Alan and Sandie pushed the

A Buyer’s Eye

As a little girl, Sandie Jenkins was taken to Elphicks to buy her first school uniform. Now several decades later, she is group buyer for the department store with responsibility for greeting cards and nine other departments.

Here she shares her story…

“I’ve always been in retail in fact it runs in the family. I started out as an exec trainee with Harrods which gave me a really solid and varied grounding at a time when department stores in London were exploding with innovation. I worked my way up and then applied for a buyership with our sister store, Dickens and Jones (there’s a blast from the past!) which I got.

I then stayed working with House of Fraser for about eight years. Marriage beckoned and I left London heading to the west country where I had a year at JLP and then by way of a change two happy years selling country houses before moving back to Surrey.

It was then that one of those strange quirks of fate happened. A letter arrived in the post addressed to me, but not signed by anyone, saying that Elphicks in Farnham was looking for a buyer. To this day I have no idea who sent that letter. Anyway, I got in touch, they were recruiting, and the rest is history.

I honestly enjoy buying for every one of the 10 departments for which I’m responsible, but there’s something about greeting cards that’s almost addictive.

When I think how cards have evolved during my couple of decades or more buying them, who would have dreamt that what once were considered taboo topics can now be shared in a card to the good. They are a real record of social history.

Technology has allowed visual creativity to reach great heights. The colour reproduction, the textures and techniques on some cards today are truly astonishing.

I am a big believer in cards. As great as technology and social media are, an email, text or even phone call often just doesn’t do it. I know how chuffed I feel when I receive a card because I know that real care went into choosing it, writing it and sending it.”

boundaries on creating a modern, spacious department. Bespoke fixturing, high quality 3D acrylic signage and, in common with the store’s other departments, a feature display area, add to the contemporary gallery feel.

“We have a terrific relationship with Woodmansterne and we were all determined to create something that would move the department on which I truly believe we have,” said Sandie. “What is great about it is that it has allowed us to increase the stock densities and expand our selection, while ensuring that there is still a feeling of space which encourages customers to browse.”

The new location, which can be seen as soon as you come into the store, has walkways on three sides thereby encouraging customers into the department.

“The space between the display stands is 20% greater now than previously,” explained Sandie. “This may seem a luxury, but we have seen the average sale value increase as customers buy several cards at a time, so it is clearly working.”

Having enjoyed a “record Christmas” last year at the store as a whole, Alan has high hopes for this year’s all important festive season, including on the greeting card front with the new department expected to really come into its own.

“I am always an optimist, but we have a great selection of cards and a new department to really show them off,” said Alan. “Here’s to the next 100 years of Elphicks!”

Top: Elphicks’ group managing director Alan Bushnell (second right) and group buyer Sandie Jenkins were delighted to receive the trophy for Best Department Store Retailer of Greeting Cards in The Retas 2023 from (far right) Dan Mayhew, event director of Spring Fair and Autumn Fair, category sponsor, on stage with host Jake Lambert.

Above right: Part of the ladies fashion department on the first floor.

Above: Examples of Elphicks’ historic photos and advertising feature in the wall art in the store.

Right: Elphicks really comes into its own for Christmas trade.

Sarah Holmes, Pencil Me In, Elgin

Top picks: “It was great to see Sarah Jackson of Stormy Knight , I think I ordered all her new stuff. And David Nichols-Rice at Ricicle Cards had some fab new cards, funny typography ones and more delicate designed occasion cards. Katie Wagstaff at Oh Squirrel , with whom I spent my Silver Ticket, had the best stand and props for sure, I love her run up to any trade show as she documents it so well on Instagram.

I always enjoy the Springboard section, trying to find new talent for the shop, I spent my Sunshine Ticket with Leanne from Letterbox Lane as her illustrated cards are beautiful, fun and will really suit our customer base here. With any new supplier I try to spend a bit of time getting to know them and what I loved about Leanne's stand was her storytelling of her family, and her as a child with a toy set. We are also bringing in cards from You've Got Pen On Your Face, Frankie was super brave and got me onto her stand where we chatted and I ordered a great collection of illustrated cards, lots with a retro 80s/90s theme. Ohh Deer also enticed me to its stand with a double offer, they generously sent me a £50 voucher for being a Retas’ finalist but also a birthday discount as our shop is seven years old. Its cards always sell well for us and the price point is good, handily I was able to add on some stationery to my order too.

I really enjoyed the show, the vibe at PG is always super summery, breezy and fun. I enjoyed the Village Green section with more of the smaller indie brands as this is what we stock at PMI. I always love catching up with our suppliers. PG Live allows me to select lots of cards in one day and place orders, some of which I take immediately and others I delay to keep fresh new designs coming for the next quarter.”

With the wealth of newness in abundance, retailers were spoilt for choice at the recent PG Live show that they were keen to rave about. Following on from last month’s Viewpoints, the good news keeps flowing as PG shares more buyers’ top picks that are now pepping up their product selection in their stores.

Tracey Shea, assistant buyer for National Trust

Top picks: “I especially liked Viv Hunter in the Springboard Intro area. In terms of particular ranges, we sourced the Catherine Rowe range from Museums & Galleries, which we are excited to try. The whole show was great, providing lots of inspiration around colour which we will start to reflect in our range more from spring/summer 2024.”

Aga Marsden, owner of Highworth Emporium, Highworth

Top picks: “Cath Tate was the most eye catching publisher for me this time so we will be making some room for its witty cards later this year!I We ordered from Paper Shed and Kingfisher, both new suppliers for us and I also enjoyed placing a top up order with Rosie Made a Thing

PG Live is my favourite show because it is the perfect size and is focused on the most important category in our shopgreeting cards!”

Above: Sarah Holmes (right) with Katie Wagstaff of Oh Squirrel.

Above right: Letterbox Lane was popular with many buyers.

Above: Retail buddies got together at The Retas/The Greats champagne reception at PG LIve. (Right-left) Chris and Tracey Bryant, Expressions; Katrina Raill, Etcetera; Jo Webber, Jo Armor; Aga Marsden and Victoria Packford, Highworth Emporium and Libby Holden, Lovely Libby’s.

Right: Viv Hunter’s art struck a chord with NT’s Tracey Shea.

Above: Aga Marsden taking a break at The Retas/Greats Champagne Reception.

Left: A Lost Plots’ design from Cath Tate.

Priya Aurora-Crowe, co-owner of Lark, a group of 15 card and lifestyle stores in London and the environs.

Top Picks: “Oh Squirrel is a new supplier that caught my eye and I am excited to be now stocking them in all stores. The new collection from Type and Story also blew my mind and is going to all Lark stores.

PG Live was the best show ever this year. I have never placed so many orders with both existing and new suppliers.”

Niloufar Noorbakhsh, co-owner of Jumping Bean, Beckenham, East Dulwich and Honor Oak

Top picks: “As a result of PG Live We are thrilled to be stocking Paper Mirchi, which creates beautiful handmade products, all recyclable and sustainable. The processes and techniques the company uses are very special, which we believe our customers will love. Other new brands for us that stood out are Type and Story, with a wonderful selection of cards from its new Precious collection and Oh Squirrel’s famous biodegradable glitter cards PG Live is my favourite show, with an amazing array of greeting cards and the friendliest of people and companies.”

Above:

Libby Holden, owner of Lovely Libby’s, Rayleigh

Top picks: “We placed lots of orders, some of which were in the shops and selling within days. Among our favourites were White Cotton Cards, we love the new range of large cards, especially the female ones with the cocktails on, they are something special. Also, Rush’s cards stood out, we especially loved its new range of male cards.

There were lots of gorgeous newbies showcasing their card ranges, but it is also always good to see our firm favourites there too.”

Paul and Helen Southgate, owners of Cards N Things, Hellesdon

Top picks: “We placed several orders and made good use of our Silver Ticket and Sunshine Ticket with Dandelion and Rosie Made a Thing. We also placed orders with Pigment, Stop the Clock and new companies for us, Paper Salad and Sarah Kelleher Cards. We saw some lovely new additions at UKG and of course were impressed by the new Laurence Llewelyn-Bowen range on the GBCC stand!

PG Live was great!!! It seemed like there was a real buzz this year. We made lots of connections with other business owners and loved sharing product ideas and generally chatting about the industry. This made for such a positive day.”

Sonya Haandrikman, co-owner of Celebrations, Carlisle

Top picks: “Paper Shed Design was my first port of call, these have been good sellers for us and I was keen to see the new designs. I was very impressed with Lucilla Lavender, a new supplier for us, and the team there were just lovely to deal with. Being attracted to all things sparkly, its Sparklicious range caught my eye and the Human Bean range made me smile! I also loved the Paper Salad so bright and colourful. I ordered three ranges which have been good for us - Hunky Dory, Mine’s a Pint and Is it Friday Yet?

The buzz at the show was fantastic! Our industry has a real warmth about it and the gathering of ‘cardies’ all under one roof is a joyous thing. We often meet the agents, but rarely get the opportunity to meet the people who create the cards or own the smaller publishers and PG Live gives us the opportunity to do that.”

Above right: Lark’s Priya Aurora-Crowe with retail chum, Jumping Bean’s Niloufar Noorbakhsh.

Type and Story’s new Precious range stood out for Priya and Nilou.

Right: Libby Holden (right) with White Cotton Cards’ Georgie Palmer at PG Live.

Above: A new Domino design from Rush Design.

Above: Cards N Things’ Paul and (left) Helen Southgate with Jo Wilson of Dandelion Stationery.

Left: A new design from Sarah Kelleher.

Above: (left to right) Lucilla Lavender’s Anneke Driscoll, Lucilla Lavender, Celebrations’ Sonya Haandrikman and agent Nigel Willcock.

Above right: An Is It Friday Yet? design from Emotional Rescue created in collaboration with Paper Salad.

Jo Barber, owner of No.14, Ampthill

Top picks: “We placed orders with Dandelion Stationery, Megan Claire, Heyyy Cards, Marina B Designs and Robert James Hull. Since then I’ve placed more orders and there are a few more still to consider.

What makes PG Live my favourite trade show? Cards, obviously, I just love cards, but it’s what comes with it. The atmosphere at this show is like no otherthe camaraderie, the friendliness and the knowledge. If I were only allowed to visit one trade show a year, this would be the one!

It’s so lovely to see brands progress from a tiny stand in the Springboard area on the top floor a few years ago to now exhibiting from a much bigger stand on the Village Green on the ground floor and an increase in number of cards to match.”

Roy Beswick, co-owner of The Card Collection

Top picks: “I had my Retas’ winner’s Golden Ticket burning a hole in my pocket and it would have been easy to hand it over to some of my existing publishers with whom I placed orders, such as Lucilla Lavender or Redback Cards or even the two newbies that I found at last year’s show and have sold really well for usnotably Klara Hawkins and Dyson Design, but my aim is always to try and support the really new and small publishers usually found in the Springboard area. This year there was an exceptional array of new designers and the buzz felt really good and the new Springboard Intro tabletop exhibitors area added a new dimension to the show. I placed an order with one new publisher, The Comedy Card Company whose humour cards I really liked and will fit well with our current offerings. I presented my Golden Ticket to a very excited Helen from Anthology Cards. The nostalgic and retro feel of the cards will sit well with the retro sweets and games that we sell in our shop and is something completely different to anything we currently stock.”

Above: A design from The Comedy Card Company.

Right: Roy Beswick was delighted to present his Golden Ticket to Helen Blamires of Anthology Cards.

Stephen McHale, Bentleys and Maddison, four stores in the Midlands

Top picks: “We placed around 20 orders at the show, mainly on new product from Nigel Quiney, Rush, Brainbox Candy, Bold & Bright, Dandelion Stationery, Dyson Design, Sarah Kelleher, Stripey Cats and others.

We feel it is hugely beneficial to us to be able to focus on cards at PG Live and to see new products in the flesh.”

Kayleigh Hisim, co-owner of Milford Cards & Gifts, Milford-on-Sea

Top picks: “Several ranges really caught our eye… we loved the 3D cards from Alljoy Design and Cardology as well as the plantable seed cards from The Seed Card Company. We loved the Springboard section and even found some cards based upon local designs from the lovely Rachel Hudson Illustration.

We spent our Sunshine ticket with Bewilderbeest - Iain Hamilton has created really funny animal cards which we think they are going to be a huge hit with our customers! We also did an order with Ohh Deer, who had some very funny cards across the board, from general everyday through to relations. We also purchased the Cath Kidston age cards from the publisher.

We loved so many collections but would need to open another 15 shops to be able to display them all. We can't wait for next year!

We had such a fantastic day at PG Live. Everyone was so friendly and we were made to feel very much a part of the community. The show was very easy to navigate and well set out.”

Jo McBeath, owner of Chirpy, Chapel Allerton

Top picks: “After walking the show a couple of times I was ready to place some orders and ended up placing quite a few. I’d been looking specifically for packs of blank cards, which I found from Earlybird and James Ellis. Orders were placed with new suppliers, Heyyy (with whom I spent my Silver Ticket), Stop the Clock and Earlybird. I placed a couple of orders with lovely existing suppliers, Hutch Cassidy, Dicky Bird, Jessica Hogarth and Rosie Made a Thing. I also took some information away from another couple of potential suppliers who I’m sure I’ll be ordering from later.

It was my first visit to PG Live and I loved it - a trade show where everyone was really well looked after.”

Left: Bentleys’ Stephen Hale with Sarah Kelleher.

Left: Jo Barber at The Retas’ Champagne Reception.

Right: Jo’s dog Dolly admiring a sample card from Robert James Hull!

Above: A coastal design by Rachel Hudson Illustration.

Below: Chirpy’s Jo McBeath (right) with Heyyy’s Vyette Clarkson.

A selection of new products that have been launched to pep up retailers’ displays

A Wrap Artist

A range of 26 fabulous new giftwrap sheet designs have just been launched by Pink Pig. The new collection includes eight striking contemporary florals, eight on trend checks, and 10 fun character designs, including adorable puffins, cheeky highland cows, and fun sheep. Each sheet wrap measures 50x70cms and is printed on beautiful matt, high quality 100gsm FSC paper.. Pink PIg  07795574548 www.pinkpigcards.co.uk

Countdown to Christmas

Santoro London has launched some high end Christmas Countdown Calendars, which aim to carve out a new niche in the luxury advent/countdown calendar market. As well as two intricately engineered Pirouette Countdown Calendars, there is also a Gorjuss Countdown Calendar which incorporates premium stationery and lifestyle gifts. The latter is crafted to resemble a cloth-covered antique book and richly adorned with festive gold foiling, it evokes a nostalgic sense of true Christmas magic. Upon opening, the box transforms into a stunning centrepiece, set to brighten any home during the Christmas season.

Santoro London

0208 781 1100 www.santoro-london.com

Taking Note

Paper Shed Design has further expanded its portfolio by launching a delightful new collection of magnetic notepads, perfectly suited for a till point display. This inaugural range comprises eight cute notepads while a collection of bookmarks is also now available too.

Paper Shed Design

0118 9744283  www.papersheddesign.com

Celestial Canines

Sea-ing Is Believing

Seaside Shanty is Utterly Conkers’ new collection inspired by the wild Cornish coast where founder and artist Emma Harrison has visited family for many years. The range comprises 12 watercolour illustrated designs featuring shells and crustaceans, offering a bright, stylish take on a coastal theme with a splash of gentle humour. Covering everyday, popular occasions and blanks, the cards are 150mm square, are printed on luxury 350gsm FSC certified white board and are accompanied by a recycled kraft brown envelope, prepackaged with a sticker clasp..

Utterly Conkers

07508 754522

www.utterlyconkers.com

www.faire.com/direct/utterlyconkers

Speaking Out

Ricicle's new Whimsical range is made up of 16 playful, fun and sometimes a little cheeky greeting card designs. Printed in England using a vibrant pastel colour palette, the typographical designs feature hot foil colours that contrast with the coloured background. There is a mix of birthday, new baby, wedding and anniversary occasions cards in the collection.

Ricicle Cards

07850757676  www.riciclecards.com

White Cotton Cards is on a roll, with two stunning new collections. Style features designs of gorgeous fashionable girls that exude style while Star Dogs, as the name suggests, depicts specific breeds of dogs within a greeting card setting. Of the latter, the inaugural range features 12 breeds of dogs, including Cockapoo, Bulldog, Westie, Scottie and sausage dog. All come with a gold envelope. There are special offers on orders placed in August.

White Cotton Cards

07909 911229

www.whitecottoncards.co.uk

Funny Sunnies

The summer days have sparked more funnies from the Not at all Jack duo, with a collection of 10 new quirky designs joining the publisher’s line-up. The new cards cover a variety of subject matters, from lawn care to sunflower growing, British weather to cycling. All 145mm square, the cards are printed on quality 300gsm Calisto soft white card, are supplied with a recycled eco-brown envelope and come packed in a biodegradable sleeve.

Not at all Jack 07773 656883

www.notatalljack.com

Keeping It Local

Picking up on the demand for localised cards, Heyyy Cards is offering a Christmas card option to retailers, whereby they can select from a series of designs and also include the name of the town, village or county where the shop is based. The minimum order quantity is only 12 cards per design, and each is enhanced with foiling.

Heyyy Cards

07488 283524

www.heyyycards.co.uk

Illustrating A Point

New from the Eco-friendly Card Co is a collection of charity Christmas card packs for The Wildlife Trusts featuring artwork by illustrator Ralph Steadman. Best known for his satirical cartoons in the New Statesman and Rolling Stone magazines, the Christmas designs originate from the Gonzovation Trilogy, books written by Ralph Steadman and Ceri Levy which tell the stories of the dangers faced by so many creatures today and the work being carried out to help and protect them. The 153mm square Christmas cards are printed on 100% recycled board and come with 100% recycled envelopes. Packs contain eight cards of one design, with a charity donation of 55p made to the Wildlife Trusts for each pack sold. The Eco-friendly Card Company  01626 369269 https://ecofriendly.cards/

Colour Blasts

Hallmark is blasting out the colour on its two new Neons ranges, Break the Rules and Electric Parade. The graduated neon inks are eye poppingly bright while some designs have holographic waves of foil running through them. The captions cover close sends as well as ‘just to say’ sends. Hallmark 0800 9020900 www.trade.hallmark.co.uk

A Monster Hit

From Menacing Malcolm to One-eyed Brenda, Stripey Cats’ latest Monster Mash greeting card collection is sure to be a monster smash! All the designs feature neon coloured monsters and of course include the company’s signature googly eyes! There are eight designs in this first collection.

Stripey Cats

07866713826

www.stripeycats.co.uk

Over The Rainbow

Colourful rainbows, stars, sunshine and little fluffy clouds characterise Rainbows, a new collection from Petimo covering a wide range of baby and child occasions. From birth to christening, birthday to first day at school, teacher to exam congrats, there are currently 43 design in this collection, all of which are supplied with a cheerful yellow envelope. The 150mm square cards are printed on FSC carbon balanced board, 40% of which is made from recycled coffee cups. All are available naked or in biodegradable compostable cello.

Petimo 07801 652225

A selection of new products that have been launched to pep up retailers’ displays

Polypropylene & biodegradable bag specialists

Over 40 years quality service to the trade Hotfoiling also available

GREETING CARD

FRIENDLY, EXPERT ADVICE

DEDICATED AND KNOWLEDGEABLE TEAM FAST AND EFFICIENT SERVICE HIGH QUALITY FILM BAGS

SCOTTISH GREETINGS CARDS

www.weewishes.co.uk

info@weewishes.co.uk

We will be at Scotlands’s Trade Fair August 2023

T 01206 396209

E sales @badgerconverters.co.uk

www.badgerconverters.co.uk

Everyone’s Welcome

Sunshine Llama has worked with artist Wes Leal on a collection of stunning inclusive cards covering birthday and anniversary occasions featuring some cheeky fruit characters. This LGBTQ+ range celebrates diversity in a humorous way. Each card is printed on 350gsm FSC premium board and come naked or cellowrapped.

Lucy Maggie Designs/Sunshine Llama 0776 3239731

www.lucymaggiedesigns.co.uk

Blooming Borders

Umbellifer has expanded its Garden Borders range to include more of the summer months’ blooms. Each colourful card shows what a dream border looks like, while the reverse includes a list of the plants depicted so customers can recreate the look themselves. As always with Umbellifer cards they are produced using FSC-accredited and carbon offset board and come in plastic-free 'cello' bags.

Umbellifer 07510 874363

www.Umbellifer.co.uk

Panting Passions

The day you discover how brilliant big pants are, is the day you become free, that is what Stoats & Weasels’ new Lady Love card collection celebrates! The card designs promise that comfy draught-free life of dreams. This range of humorous and positive cards helps celebrate and promote the notion of doing the things you want to do. All A6 in size, the cards come naked or cello wrapped, each with a yellow envelope.

Stoats & Weasels 07796 664912 stoatsandweasels.shop

Human Instincts

Giving It Large

Stop the Clock Design’s new Happy Days range comprises 30 large 159mm square cards. The designs feature the publisher’s distinctive style of pattern, bold colour, quirky imagery, dogs in sunglasses, cats in hats, pretty flowers and more - all finished with a UV gloss varnish to really make them pop. The collection covers a range of captions including birthday, female relations, new baby, new home, anniversary, thank you teacher. The cards come nested, clasped or cellowrapped with an iris blue envelope.

Stop the Clock Design 01457 763335

www.stoptheclockdesign.com

Sweet Dreams

Popsy & Plum’s most popular children’s range Nighty Night has welcomed some cute new friends. The publisher has augmented the collection with a series of additional illustrative designs featuring cute animals, including a bear, panda and rabbit. All the cards are blank inside and are printed on sustainably sourced FSC-certified board. They each come with a Kraft envelope and are sealed with a recyclable card clasp.

Popsy & Plum  07769 212269

www.popsyandplum.com

Feel Better is just one of the latest ranges from Funky Belly, the card company that has a mission to raise awareness of an ageing population and pets. All 100 designs in the range are humorous, colourful, and quirky, showing the important connection between pets and older adults. All cards are printed on 350gsm board and come with a quality envelope. The publisher is working with RSPCA Halifax, Huddersfield, Bradford and District branch to help rehabilitate unwanted, abandoned or abused pets and find them a permanent loving home.

Funky Belly

07709799964

www.funkybelly.com

A selection of new products that have been launched to pep up retailers’ displays

Art Source

Thank Evans

Nicola Evans was always destined to pursue a creative career, and greeting cards have been part of that pretty much since she graduated. Now with 24 years under her belt being represented by Advocate Art, the Sussexbased illustrator is surrounded by inspiration. Here she shares her life and creative loves.

“I think that if you do something that you love for a living then you are pretty lucky and I’m happy to say that I’ve been able to do just that.

Growing up I spent a lot of my time happily drawing away by myself and at school the art room was always where I felt most at home. I guess then it was always clear that I was going to do something creative.

After my A levels and completing a BTEC in Art and Design I went on to complete a BA(Hons) in Graphic Design and Advertising, specialising in Illustration Graphics. Several months after leaving university I couldn’t believe that I had landed my first greeting card range. At the time I was juggling early morning shelf stacking, working in a bar in the evenings while in the day trudging my portfolio round London and beyond to meetings.

It was only through developing a good working relationship with my first client that they mentioned about getting an agent and suggested giving Advocate Art a call. I’m so pleased I did! After joining Advocate my career took off and over 24 years later, I am still Illustrating full time.

Today I work from home on the South Coast with my husband, two children and our two cats, Bluebell and Mabel.

A lot of my early work involved children’s Illustration, but more recently I have developed a passion for drawing florals and other organic forms. I love gardening and my favourite place to visit for inspiration has to be Kew Gardens. If you are an

Sussex is also surrounded by some beautiful countryside and historic landmarks and fortunately the beach is only a short walk away. All these things play heavily in what I like to draw the most.

Much of my commissions over the past few years have been for greeting card publishers with whom I really enjoy working. I’m incredibly passionate about keeping the tradition of sending greeting cards alive and I still love receiving them myself. However, I have also Illustrated books, stationery, giftwrap, tableware, CD covers and jigsaw puzzles to name a few.

Occasionally, I also take time out to paint large paintings which I sometimes exhibit. It’s fun to get the big brushes out and do something more spontaneous, totally different and messy!!

A lot of my work now is digital, but I do miss painting. I used to have a real fear of moving to digital, but nowadays I quite like to be able to have a mix of the two and it works really well for me. Being an Illustrator can sometimes be quite lonely so over the past few years I’ve taken the leap in to joining several art courses online. Although a little apprehensive at first this has really helped to open me up to new ways of working which perhaps I never would have tried before. Equally it’s a great way to receive critique from other creatives. It’s been a really positive experience for me and I plan to make this a regular thing. Looking back through my career, I have worked with so many wonderful clients worldwide. It really is a great environment to be a part of and I’ve learnt that not everyone will like what you do, but as long as I can keep selling my work and I do what I enjoy then that’s good enough for me!”

l Nicola Evans is represented by Advocate Art for licensing and commissions.

artist, photographer or verse writer and would like to be considered to appear in Art Source, please contact PG’s Jakki Brown on jakkib@max-publishing.co.uk. This is an editorial feature and

Top left: Nicola Evans has designed many greeting cards for various publishers over the years.

Top middle: The last few years has seen Nicola develop her floral and botanical designs.

Top right: A festive design by Nicola that incorporates typography.

Above left: Cute depictions from Nicola.

Above right: Repeat patterning by Nicola.

Right: Nicola is not afraid to try bold colour palettes.

PG ASKED A SELECTION OF RETAILERS FOR THEIR BEST SELLERS

Winner of The Retas 2023 Best Garden Centre Retailer of Greeting Cards – Independent Tim Armstrong, director of Highfield Garden, Whitminister.

Category Name of Publisher Product/Name Range Comments

Everyday Relations & Occasions

Humour

Children’s

Humour

Nigel Quiney

Woodmansterne

Pigment

Woodmansterne

Nigel Quiney

Rachel Ellen

Woodmansterne

Pigment

Pizazz

Pink

Across the board

Across the board

Across the board

All kids’ ranges

Genius; Speed Bump; Stand Up Riff Raff; Fleet Street; Rib Ticklers

“Our best selling open female birthday range. The cards hit the spot for price points and design.”

“Our second best selling female range.”

“These three publishers offer a really good mix of designs to cater for all tastes.”

“Brilliant and stylish designs for kids of all ages.”

“The best sellers cover a commercial cartoon style humour.”

“Great jokes in a photographic format.”

Photographic

Gruff Pawtraits

Art

Adult Ages 3D/Pop-ups

Woodmansterne Woodmansterne

Pigment

Cardology

Generally Lucy Grossmith Millbank

Generally Harry Potter; Battersea

“Brilliant dog photos that look like illustrations - they stand out from the crowd.”

“Beautiful countryside images.”

“Simple elegant designs with white backgrounds.“

“All round quality and designs that work.”

“Something different that allows our customers to spend a bit more for something special.”

Best Independent Bookstore Retailer of Greeting Cards

Category Name of Publisher Product/Name Range Comments

Everyday

Humour

Children’s 3D

Mini Cards

Eco-friendly Cards

Gifts

Art Angels

Dandelion Stationery

Paper Salad

Alljoy Design

Louise Mulgrew

The Seed Card Company

Museums & Galleries

All ranges

Words of Wisdom

Hoopla

Message in a Bottle

Bijou

Plantable Cards

Wild Press Designs

“Cards that move with the seasons.”

“The humour is great!”

“Such a bright and colourful range.”

“Stunning 3D designs.”

“The designs, quality and price point are spot on.”

“Often bought as it is a card and gift in one. The seeds grow into wild flowers.”

“A full range of products including cards, tote bags, notecards and sketch books.”

Top: A design from Woodmansterne’s Speed Bump range.

Above: A 3D card from Cardology’s Battersea range.

Above: The Cabaret Dancers by Sarah Long from Art Angels. Right: A Hoopla design from Paper Salad.

Evonne Pearson, co-owner of The Hedgehog Bookshop, Penrith.

Everyday

Winner of The Retas 2023 Best Greeting Card Retailer Newcomer

Noel Tatt

Decoupage; Tropicool; Petale

“The publisher continually updates designs and brings out new and exciting ranges.”

Children’s

Rachel Ellen Noel Tatt

Wedding

Carte Blanche Greetings

Wishing Well Studios Wholesale

3D and Pop-ups

Giftwrappings

Me &Mcq Glick

Winner of The

Everyday Relations and Occasions

Humour

Children’s

Adult Ages

Cute

Art

Keeping in Touch

Giftwrappings

Rosie Made a Thing Redback

Cinnamon Aitch Stop the Clock

Bold and Bright Objectables

Rachel Ellen

Cinnamon Aitch

Generally Generally Generally Generally Generally Generally Across the board

Best

“These two publishers, plus those purchased from my wholesaler offer breadth.”

“Wedding cards are popular. Same sex marriage age cards are in demand as are gift wallets.”

“Just amazing laser cut pop up cards.”

“Continues to fly off the shelves with new designs added every few weeks, with matching bows, ribbons and tissue paper.”

Gifts

Ginger Betty

Museums and Galleries

Wrendale Designs

The Art File

Cinnamon Aitch

Jellycat

Lanka Kade

Gin & Frolics Holy Flaps; Zeppelinmoon; Pinata

Margo; Cobalt; Skylark

Across the board

Jeffrey and Janice

Across the board Chatterbox; Star jumps

Bloom; Margo

Owl's Nest; Keepsake Cards

Coast and Country; Mezzanine

Generally

Flat wrap, gift bags and rollwrap Giftbags

Plush

Fair trade toys

“Firm favourites for our customers.”

“Tremendous ranges.”

“High quality cards. Cobalt is very popular for male sends.”

“Bold and bright designs.”

“Guaranteed to cause customers to laugh.”

“Hilarious and very popular.”

“Eye catching, vivid designs.”

“Elegant style.”

“Everyone loves and the cats and dogs.”

“The keepsake cards displayed at the till are great little pick-ups.”

“Very popular blank card ranges.”

“Always popular and superb quality.”

“Extremely popular with both young and old.”

Donna Stocks, owner of The Beverley Card Company, Beverley.

Retas 2023

Independent Greeting Card Retailer – South West Heather Middleton, co-owner of Bazaar, Barnstaple.

Above right: Summer vibes from Noel Tatt’s Tropicool collection.

Right: Wrappings from Glick’s Louise Mulgrew range.

Top: Some crazy fun from Objectables’ Photosh*its range.

Above: A design from Cinnamon Aitch’s Margo collection.

To appear in the Product Directories contact Warren Lomax T: 020 7700 6740 email: warren@max-publishing.co.uk or contact Tracey Arnaud

T: 07957 212 062 email: traceya@max-publishing.co.uk

sales@glick.co.uk glick.co.uk trade.glick.co.uk

from the

Including firmfavourites and brand new designs

Brands include: Keepsakes,Words ofLove, Jelly Beans, Bella Rose, Champagne and many more

Tel: +44 (0)115 986 0115 customerservices@paperrose.co.uk www.writefromtheheart.co.uk

Hallmark Cards PLC Dawson Lane, Bradford, BD4 6HN UK&NI: 0800 90 20 900 ROI: 012 480 104 customerqueriesUK@hallmark.com

THE GREATEST COLLECTION OF GREETING CARDS IN THE WORLD

To appear in the Product Directories contact Warren Lomax T: 020 7700 6740 email: warren@max-publishing.co.uk or contact Tracey Arnaud T: 07957 212 062 email: traceya@max-publishing.co.uk

CHARITY GREETING CARDS

One of the UK’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.

To appear in the Product Directories contact Warren Lomax

T: 020 7700 6740 email: warren@max-publishing.co.uk or contact Tracey Arnaud T: 07957 212 062 email: traceya@max-publishing.co.uk

PRODUCTS: World’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.

Products:

Cards, Gift Wrap, Gift Bags, Social Stationery, Partyware

Brands:

& Bows

THE GREATEST COLLECTION OF GREETING CARDS IN THE WORLD

EUROPE’S LEADING GREETINGS CARDS, PARTY PRODUCTS, GIFTS, CANDLES, TOYS, STATIONERY AND FLORIST SUNDRIES DISTRIBUTION CENTRE 75000 SQ FT

THE GREATEST COLLECTION OF GREETING CARDS IN THE WORLD

Polypropylene & biodegradable bag specialists

Over

We’ve