Progressive Greetings July 2020

July

-�

WHEN

I

I

•

CARE ENOUGH,

CAN CHANGE THE WORLD.

• • • • • • •

y

2020

•

•

•

•

-

• •

•

In partnership with

FC_PG_July 2020.indd 1

28/06/2020 13:13

IFC-03_PG_July 2020.indd 1

30/06/2020 16:13

IFC-03_PG_July 2020.indd 2

30/06/2020 16:13

wendyjonesblackett.co.uk 0113 2888468 info@wendyjonesblackett.co.uk 04_PG_July 2020.indd 1

28/06/2020 12:58

5_7.qxp_Grid 08/07/2020 09:44 Page 1

From The Editor

ON THE CARDS Very few of us are built for tightrope walking and I most definitely am not (even less so after three months of lockdown eating and drinking!), but that is what it feels a bit like a lot of us are doing right now. We all desperately want to ‘get fully back to normal business’, but are swayed by obvious concerns of personal safety as well as wanting to ‘do the right thing’.

The full extent of the commercial dent Covid-19 will make on the macro and micro economy will not come to light for a long while yet, but in the mean time we are doing our best for our respective businesses, whether a major multi-national publishing company or a bijou card and gift emporium.

I have been so buoyed up by the lengths so many fabulous indies have gone to over the last few months, coming up with ways of engaging with their customers while their shops were shut. This meant they quite rightly received a rapturous welcome from customers as they re-opened - and trading, by all accounts is off to a good start.

I loved hearing about the Brief Request charity initiative, Sally Matson of Red Card in Petworth’s ‘lockdown project’ which is now providing clean undies to the needy (an area not covered by foodbanks or charity shops) and had a huge surge of admiration for Beverley Heyworth of Blue Rose Cards and Balloons (in Heywood) who, during the period the shop was shut, spent six days a week (12 hour shifts) working at the Nightingale Hospital in Manchester as well as the Covid-19 testing centre, coming home of an evening to send out the online balloon orders to her loyal customers.

But best of all have been the everyday utterances as members of the public have told indies how much they have been missed and how lovely to be able to select cards ‘for real’. I certainly experienced a surge of serotonin as I ventured into my two most local Top: A Cheers for Cardies Zoom, hosted by PG, just prior to the shops re-opening.

Above: Red Card’s Sally Matson will some of the branding (created by Jo Wilson of Dandelion Stationery) for her Brief Request charity initiative.

Left: PG’s Gale Astley (right) with Blue Rose’s Beverley and John Heyworth.

www.max-publishing.co.uk THE HOME OF MARKET LEADING TRADE MAGAZINES

EXHIBITIONS

@Prog_Greetings

card shops (Postmark and The Indigo Tree) and selected designs to replenish my depleted card stash.

It has been amazing too to learn (and share via PG Buzz) the lengths some publishers have gone to in support of their customers and their communities, from creating attractive POS to support retailers get across the socially distanced and hygiene messages to customers as well as the help on extended credit and ‘re-opening’ promotions.

The start of the flexible furlough scheme on July 1 certainly made it feel like more of the industry was ‘re-awakening’ as this gave publishers (and trade suppliers) some leeway in enabling them to test the water with the level of service retailers/publishers needed and wanted from their reps.

Like in any sector, sadly jobs will go, businesses will suffer and changes will have to be made. We (PG) had to make the decision to cancel PG Live 2020 (which was initially scheduled to place in June and then moved to early September), take the entering and judging of The Henries online for this year and, on a personal note, to say goodbye to Gale Astley (who has been my ‘right-hand woman’ on PG for the last 17 years) due to ‘crap Covid times’. Gale, like many others who will lose their jobs as a result of this pandemic, is talented, committed and also far better on a tightrope than wobbly me!

We really hope you enjoy this edition. The industry is definitely revved up, the new raft of products are fabulous, the shops have never looked better and people are loving buying cards. I for one, will not be going off to join the circus as I have a great ringside seat in this greeting card world.

THE HOME OF MARKET LEADING TRADE AWARDS

Max Publishing Ltd, United House, North Road, London N7 9DP Tel: 020 7700 6740 Fax: 020 7607 6411 www.progressivegreetings.co.uk PROGRESSIVE GREETINGS WORLDWIDE

5

Greeting Cards . Gift Wrap . Gift Bags . Balloons . Partyware . Seasonal . Stationery . Gifts

New lines added every week

Exclusive high quality products at the lowest prices Choose from 1000’s of unique cards, bags, gift wrap and partyware, picked from our exclusive ranges of quality products, now available to buy, safely and securely online. Simply register at bgcwholesale.com from a computer or mobile and start enjoying the UK’s best trade only prices, today!

Prefer to shop in-branch?

With 9 stores in locations all over the United Kingdom and Ireland and a dedicated design studio, we have millions of items readily available in over 600,000 sq/ft of display space.

You can be sure of finding everything you need in a store near you.

Belfast

02890 848436

Birmingham

Bristol

01179 823433

Dublin

Gateshead

0191 482 1255

Manchester

0121 359 5714 01 612 0834 0161 871 4458

BGC 06_PG_July 2020.indd 1

Bradford

01274 651059

Dunstable

01582 346 724

Nottingham

0115 671 8449

bgcwholesale.com

03/07/2020 10:37

5_7.qxp_Grid 08/07/2020 14:10 Page 3

What’s Inside?

CONTENTS 23

47

53

11-21 News

39-43 Innovations

All the latest happenings and developments in the trade.

New products set to pep up those dusted down card racks.

23-29

45-49

Viewpoints

Trend Spotlight

The Taste of the New Normal

Terracotta Army

Card publishers, retailers and suppliers share their take of how the new normal is panning out.

PG immerses itself in the foliage flurry of the craze for pot plants and how they have cultivated a new hybrid of card designs.

31-33 Over The Counter

Talking Shop…Combs, Shoelaces and Jigsaws David Robertson, co-owner of JP Pozzi in Scotland considers how some of what is happening is ‘back to the future’.

51 Art Source Heather Powers is the ‘artist in focus’ this month.

53-55 Jeremy’s Journal

This Too Shall Pass 35-37

39-43

Blue Eyed Sun’s Jeremy Corner on how we should take solace in how things really will improve.

Cardsharp

Tough At The Top PG columnist’s views on the departure of Karen Hubbard from the top job at Card Factory.

Right: A design from Brainbox Candy’s new Badgey McBadgeface range.

57-58 What’s Hot? A quad of retailers share their best sellers as they come out of lockdown.

59-70 Sources of supply

Subscribe to Progressive Greetings from £60 (UK) to £90 (International).

You can organise this quickly and easily online at our secure site: Max-Subscriptions.net For assistance, please email maxsubscriptions@marketingreinforc ements.co.uk or call 0207 700 6740.

Jakki Brown

Warren Lomax

Ian Hyder

Tracey Arnaud

Editor/Joint Owner

Joint Owner

Joint Owner

Sales Manager

jw@max-publishing.co.uk

warren@max-publishing.co.uk

ianh@max-publishing.co.uk

traceya@max-publishing.co.uk

Use your smartphone app to scan the QR code to visit our website.

Copyright© 2020. While every effort has been made to ensure the information in this magazine was correct at the time of publication, the publishers cannot accept legal liability for any errors or omissions, nor can they accept responsibility for the standing of advertisers nor any organisation mentioned in the text. Views of contributors do not necessarily reflect those of the publishers.

PG is the official magazine for the Greeting Card Association GCA: Amanda Fergusson 020 7619 9266 Email: hello@gca.cards www.greetingcardassociation.org.uk

PROGRESSIVE GREETINGS WORLDWIDE

7

PG-07-20-left.indd 1 08-09_PG_July 2020.indd 1

30/06/2020 10:24:29 30/06/2020 16:07

PG-07-20-right.indd 1 08-09_PG_July 2020.indd 2

30/06/2020 10:25:00 30/06/2020 16:07

PG ADVERT JULY 2020.indd 1 10_PG_July 2020.indd 1

29/06/2020 14:20 29/06/2020 18:08

11_13_17_19_21.qxp_9/11/13/15/19/23/25 08/07/2020 09:15 Page 1

NEWS TOP STORY

The Grand Re-Opening Indies lapped up pent-up demand for greeting cards “The bunting’s out; we’re back in business,” rejoiced Amanda Oscroft, coowner of Love It, card and gift shops in Bury St Edmunds and Stamford on the morning of June 15 when non-essential retailers were allowed to re-open after having been closed for three months.

Indies up and down the country reopened to a positive fanfare, stealing a march on many multiples, with the likes of Card Factory, Paperchase, Clintons and Cardzone adopting a slow re-opening approach.

Scribbler however souped up its initial plans of a phased return by opening all of its stores on June 15.

“The sun shone; everyone was in a wonderful mood - what a great start,” John Procter, co-owner of Scribbler exclaimed a couple of hours into the re-opening.

“I think we were all feeling slightly anxious beforehand, but once we got the lights on, the doors open and people started coming in, it was like we had never been shut,” commented Leona Janson-Smith, who co-owns Postmark with her husband Mark.

“Trading in all our three shops has been beyond our expectations - really positive response from our customers,” was how Chris Bryant, who co-owns Expressions (in Swindon), Cats Whiskers (in Bishop’s Cleeve) and Polkadot (in Keynsham) with his wife Tracey, summed it up.

In common with so many other indies Chris and Tracey have lapped up the lovely comments from customers. “It has been great to hear them say things like “Thank goodness you are open we’ve missed you so much”, “It’s great to be

back in a proper card shop where we can get just what we want.”

Down in Devon, Jo Webber, who co-owns Tiverton-based Jo Amor with her husband Mike also gives card sales generally a big thumbs-up. “We had a great sell through of Father’s Day cards and there was a definite positive upsurge on cards generally in our first week, in particular brands with positive words and strap lines that make you smile.”

After what was something of a greeting card bonanza in the first week of opening, culminating in Father’s Day, things have, as expected, slowed up a bit as more multiples open up more of their stores and the pent-up demand has subsided.

“It’s still early days, but it has been a very, very encouraging start,” exclaimed Paul Taylor, managing director of Cardzone, which has reopened the majority of its stores now. “There clearly was a pent-up demand among the public to buy greeting cards, we all have to hope that sales patterns continue to be encouraging but we won’t be popping the champagne corks quite yet!”

Top: Jo and Mike Webber, co-owners of Jo Amor.

Above: A portion of the Father’s Day card display in Celebrations in Aylsham.

UKG sales team first back on the road UK Greetings was the first major greeting card publisher to commit to having its full field sales team back at work. On July 1 all 25 UKG sales execs, as well as the publisher’s four regional sales managers were back up and running for their independent customers.

As Darren Cave, commercial director stressed, safety (for the UKG team and their retail customers) will be paramount.

“Everything will be appointment-based to fit in with retailers’ new hours and social distancing restrictions in their stores. We will send actual samples and catalogues, if required to the customer prior to the appointment to minimise double handling while all our team are equipped with PPE, including face masks, protective visors and hand-sanitiser,” explained Darren.

Left: A UKG Thinking of You card.

Scotland Re-Opens For Cardies “We are at the end of the beginning,” stated Michael Apter, owner of the two Paper Tiger stores in Edinburgh on BBC News on June 29, the day non-essential shops (excluding those in shopping centres) in Scotland were allowed to re-open. Sharing his take on trade as an independent card and stationery retailer in Scotland’s capital, while he said that the customers who did come through its doors bought something, Michael predicts a “long, slow return to normality.”

As Michael pointed out, there are other factors at large. “It was great to reopen, but it's going to be a long haul. The reality is that we need a functioning economy to make our business work, and right now our local economy is dysfunctional. We need the ecosystem of our neighbours to be healthy, hair and beauty salons open, clinics with appointment-driven footfall, nice cafes and bars, etc all to be trading. Most offices around us are still closed with employees working from home, and there are no tourists.

“As further restrictions ease, it may pick up, but I have low expectations for the next 12-15 months,” added Michael.

Below: Michael Apter of Edinburgh-based Paper Tiger on the BBC news.

Hole hearted Putting his creative talents to great use, Allistair Burt, owner of Glasgow-based card publisher, Hole in my Pocket developed a series of posters for his retailers to use as part of their re-opening signage.

Stephen O’Neill, owner of Stephen O’Neill Art, is among the many retailers to be making the most of them. As Stephen commented: “Allistair's posters are great and keep things a little more lighthearted, which is important as shopping in a small design store is meant to be a pleasant experience.”

Above: A touch of Sean Connery works well on this Hole in my Pocket poster.

FOR THE LATEST NEWS VISIT PGBUZZ.net PROGRESSIVE GREETINGS WORLDWIDE

11

Need Stock?

We have full availability and are despatching within 24 hours Order online now at www.piccadillygreetings.co.uk

Made in Great Britain

12_PG_July 2020.indd 1

Piccadilly Greetings Group Ltd 4 Horizon Point, Swallowdale Lane, Hemel Hempstead, Hertfordshire, HP2 7FZ T: 01442 215500 E: sales@piccadillygreetings.co.uk www.piccadillygreetings.co.uk

02/07/2020 14:23

11_13_17_19_21.qxp_9/11/13/15/19/23/25 08/07/2020 09:15 Page 3

NEWS TOP STORY

The Henries Entry Deadline Looms Retailers invited to nominate and be part of the Judging Panel Greeting card publishers only have until July 28 to enter The Henries 2020 and be in with a chance of winning an ultimate accolade in greeting card publishing.

With the ongoing Covid-19 situation, in order to safeguard The Henries awards, both the entry and judging processes for the awards have moved entirely to online for this year.

A brand new website, which is now the portal for all Henries 2020 entries and judging, went live last month (www.thehenriesawards.co.uk) and entries are stacking up in the system as publishers of all shapes and sizes submit their ranges.

UK publishers (or distributors) are invited to enter their new card and wrap ranges (or extensions to existing ranges) that have launched between 10 July 2019 and 9 July 2020.

“While this pandemic has been hugely disruptive to all of our lives, it has not stopped the creativity in our industry flowing. Extending the deadline and period covered this year means that new ranges being launched right now can also be entered,” said Warren Lomax, joint managing director of Max Publishing which owns and organises The Henries.

In recognition of current times, The Henries 2020 programme welcomes the introduction of a new award category Best Lockdown Range.

Entry to The Henries is free and the online entry process is quick and easy.

BrownTrout UK ceases trading

Entrants are required to register and in doing so will be given a password. This will enable them to update and add to their entries right up until the closing date.

While publishers are invited to submit their product ranges, independent retailers are being urged to nominate their top three card or wrap suppliers for the Best Service to the Independent Retailer award, again via the website. The deadline for this category is August 5.

The judging of The Henries product categories will also be undertaken online.

An extensive judging panel made up entirely of retailers from right across the spectrum will share this collective responsibility from the comfort of their homes or offices, and will have several days to complete the task.

Any card retailers or buyers who would like to join the panel (and see the UK’s best greeting card ranges in the one ‘virtual’ place) should email jakkib@max-publishing.co.uk

After 21 years of trading, BrownTrout UK, the calendar and stationery company headed up by industry stalwart Jack Straw, has ceased trading and, as PG went to press, it was due to be liquidated.

The Bristol-based company is a separate wholly owned UK subsidiary of the US-based BrownTrout Publishers Inc, the largest calendar publisher in the world. As well as its own huge collections of calendar and diaries, the UK company also distributed titles from Andrews McMeel Publishing and stationery from Graphique de France.

“It is sad and there is no good time to close a business, but at least this is the ‘cleanest’ time of the year to do it, before we take on any new potential debt,” Jack Straw, managing director and shareholder of BrownTrout UK told PG. He explained that there are a number of factors which have led to the business closure.

“After my illness last year [Jack suffered a bleed on the brain last March], the business tended to suffer and with the onset of the lockdown, and the dire economic landscape ahead, we were left with no alternative but to close down,” Jack said.

Above: Publishers have until July 28 to enter The Henries via the online portal.

Counting Stars merges into Five Dollar Shake Counting Stars, launched as a standalone sibling brand to Five Dollar Shake in 2015, has been merged into the parent brand for simplicity’s sake.

Explaining more, Matt Genower, who co-owns Five Dollar Shake with his wife Beth, told PG: “It’s been five years since Counting Stars was launched and just as we had hoped, it’s found new customers while not alienating Five Dollar Shake’s own loyal retailers.”

The rationale of initially maintaining Counting Stars as a separate brand, was to enable it “to find its own natural homes at retail,” elaborated Matt. And, as Matt confirms, in the card racks it has proved itself as a strong sibling. “There are many Counting Stars designs which give Five Dollar Shake’s top sellers a run for their money!” he admitted.

However, as Matt summed up: “Now is the time for simplicity; for our customers, for us - for everyone!”

As a result of the merger, for the first time since the launch of Counting Stars, orders for both brands can be fulfilled together.

Left: Merging Counting Stars and Five Dollar Shake is not the only way the company has been involved in moving things closer together. The publisher updated the artwork of its social distancing POS to reflect the 1 metre rule.

“We’ve had a great adventure with BrownTrout UK and like to think we have played a part in helping to develop the calendar sector in the UK. I would like to thank my team, many of whom have been with the company for many years as well as our customers who have supported us and our many friends in the industry,” he added. While Jack says he is “not retiring”, he has no definite plans for his next step: “I have been in this industry since I was 22 years old and I am now 63. The future? Who knows!”

Above: In recognition of his contribution to the calendar sector, Jack Straw, md of BrownTrout UK was presented with a Calendar Ambassador award at The Calies calendar awards in 2018.

FOR THE LATEST NEWS VISIT PGBUZZ.net PROGRESSIVE GREETINGS WORLDWIDE

13

Gary Leadston

Gary

Introducing two NEW ‘CoronaOver’ Humour Collections from Carte Blanche Greetings

Edgy and in your face , our br and N E W S a y I t To M y F a c e r a n g e provides some shar p-tongued light relief as we all tr y and ke e p i t r e a l i n a p o s t C OV I D - 1 9 wor ld.

Code SITMFCO20 Trade: £36.00/ €48.96 RRP: £85.92 / €120.00

Rude, cr ude and socially unacceptable , the NEW ‘CoronaOver’ designs within our C a r d s f o r H o r r i b l e Pe o p l e r a n g e should come with a health warning!

Code CFHPCO20 Trade: £36.00/ €48.96 RRP: £85.92 / €120.00

Available immediately. To place an order or find out more please visit cbgtrader.co.uk or call our customer services team on 01243 792600.

www.cbgtrader.co.uk PG_Ad_Humour_June_2020indd.indd 25/06/2020 09:28 - 1 14-15_PG_July 2020.indd 1

(Cyan) (Magenta) (Yellow) (BlacK)

@CarteBlancheGrp

@carteblanchegrp

08/07/2020 13:43

PG_Ad_

Gary Leadston

r r y o ua y e d r O k tod pac 20

NB MTY .40 Code €122 90 / 0 £ : 3 e / € 0 Tr a d 4.80 1 2 £ RRP:

Introducing the

New

Beginnings Collection

In a new wor ld of social distancing,

Me to You

helps us to show how much we care with a

beautiful r ange of designs with simple messages of love , fr iendship and together ness. These hand dr awn designs feature a soft r ainbow palette and delicate foil finish, paired with a soft b l u e e n v e l o p e . T h i s u p l i f t i n g S p e c i a l i s t r a n g e a l s o i n c l u d e s f o u r T h a n k Yo u c a p t i o n s .

Price Code GH-45 RRP £1.79 / €2.50

O u r N e w B e g i n n i n g s r a n g e i n c l u d e s F R E E Po i n t o f S a l e m a t e r i a l s a n d a f a n t a s t i c c o n s u m e r m a r k e t i n g c a m p a i g n aimed at increasing footfall into your store .

To c l a i m y o u r P O S m a t e r i a l s , p l e a s e u s e c o d e P O S N B 2 0 w h e n o r d e r i n g a f u l l p a c k .

r

What’s Included...

e

Competition Entry

Competition

Fo r m s a n d W i n d o w

Counter

Messages

plus...

Window Cling

Strut Card

D o w n l o a d a b l e L o c a l P r e s s a n d S o c i a l M e d i a To o l k i t ( a v a i l a b l e v i a o u r Tr a d e r S i t e ) , £ 1 0 0 0 c o n s u m e r p r i z e a n d P r i z e f o r B e s t R e t a i l e r W i n d o w D i s p l a y.

Available immediately. To place an order or find out more please visit cbgtrader.co.uk or call our customer services team on 01243 792600.

www.cbgtrader.co.uk

p

PG_Ad_New_Beginnings_June_2020.indd 25/06/2020 08:30 - 1 14-15_PG_July 2020.indd 2

(Cyan) (Magenta) (Yellow) (BlacK)

@CarteBlancheGrp

@carteblanchegrp

08/07/2020 13:43

Gary Leadston

At Your Service

We're thrilled to support our Independent partners with a range of ser vices to make trading as easy as possible.

Find out about our new ranges, place your orders and make enquiries about your account:

% 0 2 F F O

rst i F r Yo u a y C a r d d y r e er Ev d r O

Trader Site

T h rou g h ou r c b g t ra de r.co. u k

V ia ou r t e am o f

Business Development Executives w h o a r e n ow av a i l a bl e .

P l e a s e c a l l t o m a ke a n a p p o i n t me n t o r a r r a n g e a c a l l .

T h rou g h ou r fr i e n d ly

Customer Services Team info@cbg.c o.uk or

+44(0)1243 792600 L i ne s a re o p e n M o nd ay – F r i d ay 9a m – 5p m Yo u c a n a l s o re q u e s t a co py o f o u r l a t e s t Cat al og u e by c a l l i n g o u r C us t o me r S e r v i c e s t e a m www.cbg.co.uk

PG_Ad_Back_In_Business_July_2020.indd 01/07/2020 15:42 - 1 16_PG_July 2020.indd 1

(Cyan) (Magenta) (Yellow) (BlacK)

@CarteBlancheGrp

@carteblanchegrp

02/07/2020 14:24

11_13_17_19_21.qxp_9/11/13/15/19/23/25 08/07/2020 09:15 Page 5

NEWS TOP STORY

Carte Blanche’s ‘New Beginnings’ Major marketing campaign and product launch from CBG Carte Blanche Greetings was ready with a whole programme of promotions, POS, catalogues, products and marketing initiatives to coincide with the re-opening of card shops.

“Indies are very important to us and we want to do all we can to support them, with products, service and marketing; more now than ever before,” said Alister Marchant, ceo of Carte Blanche.

The entire Carte Blanche Greetings sales team went back at work on July 1 their return coinciding with the unveiling of a major consumer marketing programme, which includes a massive consumer competition offering a £1,000 first prize. In addition, CBG has been offering a 20% discount on everyday orders placed by indies.

“We recognise that now more than ever, driving customers into an independent’s store and showing them how important it is to ‘shop local’ is crucial,” explained Grace Elphinstone, marketing manager of Carte Blanche.

Under the banner of ‘New Beginnings’ is a brand new Me to You card range (the designs and editorial of which are wholly appropriate to the current time), impressive Point of Sale materials and an engaging consumer marketing campaign (which includes a consumer competition for their customers), all aimed at increasing footfall and local awareness of stores.

All retailers buying into the new range (which comprises 20 designs) have the opportunity to participate in the allied marketing activities. On ordering they will receive the supporting POS (including an eye-catching window cling) as well as all the necessary elements for the competition and the allied PR opportunities.

Paperchase thanks suppliers for their support

“The competition centres around encouraging consumers to share their messages of love and friendship highlighting those special people they value most, who’ve helped out, been there for them when it mattered most or those they are simply happy to be together with again,” explained Grace. They will do this by filling out a message on a heart message card (supplied by CBG) that can then be placed proudly in the retailer’s window.

By filling out their message, consumers can also be entered into a competition, the first prize of which is £1,000 and a limited edition print signed by Me to You head artist, Steve Mort Hill. In addition, every store will have a winner who will receive a limited edition Me to You print signed by Steve Mort Hill and a Me to You bear. The retailer with the best window display will also win a hamper for their store.

All of the activity will be backed up by support across Me to You’s social media channels and via traditional PR. CBG is also to give retailers access to a local media PR and social media toolkit with templates and images they can personalise to drive local interest to the activity within their store.

Top: The window cling that launches the New Beginnings campaign.

Above: Part of the supportive POS, CBG has produced for retailers.

As its three-phased store re-opening progresses, Paperchase has thanked its card suppliers for their support, adding to extra funds from its investors to secure its future.

As PG went to press Paperchase was on track to open another 70 of its standalone stores by July 13, in line with its phased reopening programme, with the remainder anticipated to follow in early August. The retail multiple only opened 18 out of its 126 standalone stores on June 15.

Phase two of its three-phased re-opening programme saw the re-opening of its outlet stores as well as other branches, with its shops located in many city centres being the last to open, in line with footfall expectations.

Frances Burkle, Paperchase’s product director said the reopened stores have been “trading ahead of expectations” but stresses that, given the unsettled times, the retailer is “taking a cautious approach to the rest of the year.”

Frances thanks the retailer’s many greeting card publishers and other suppliers for their financial support and understanding over the last few months.

As Timothy Melgund, Paperchase’s deputy chairman, added: “These are indeed unprecedented times which require everyone in business to take measures that were almost unthinkable only a few months ago.”

He added: “If this horror show has taught us anything, it is how you have to be nimble and maintain relationships - be it with colleagues, suppliers and landlords.”

He confirmed that it is totally Paperchase’s intention to re-open “every single store”.

Top: The Chelmsford Paperchase is among the stores to have re-opened.

Above: Frances Burkle, Paperchase’s product director at The Henries last October.

Archivist Gallery makes a big impression Greeting card publisher Archivist Gallery is set to make an even bigger impression in the letterpress world, having acquired Logan Print, the letterpress printing facility with which it has worked very closely for many years.

When Patrick Roe, the owner of Logan Print, revealed that he wanted to concentrate on his first passion of book binding and enquired as to whether William and Sarah Allardice (owners of Archivist) would like to ‘buy’ Logan Press, they jumped at the opportunity.

As part of the ambition is to bring letterpress to as wide an audience as possible, extending its letterpress production facilities to other publishers as well as retailers which are looking to develop their own range of letterpress product.

Left: Some of the latest new products from Archivist Gallery.

Right: Sarah and William Allardice, co-owners of Archivist Gallery and Archivist Press.

FOR THE LATEST NEWS VISIT PGBUZZ.net PROGRESSIVE GREETINGS WORLDWIDE

17

To mark the reopening of retailers across the land, we are delighted to announce the launch of 14 BRAND NEW SNAP TO GRID EVERYDAY CARDS

RDER PRE-O S YOUR NOW!

W W W.THE ARTFILE.COM THE ART FILE

T. 0115 850 7490

18_PG_July 2020.indd 1

@THEARTFILE

F. 0115 941 3411

@THEARTFILEOFFICIAL

E. sales@thear tf ile.com

02/07/2020 16:33

11_13_17_19_21.qxp_9/11/13/15/19/23/25 08/07/2020 09:15 Page 7

NEWS TOP STORY

No PG Live 2020 Or Autumn Fair Covid-19 impacts on the trade show calendar It is a barren landscape on the imminent trade show front with no Harrogate Gift and Home this July and now, no PG Live, Autumn Fair or Glee in September either.

Progressive Greetings Live, the dedicated greeting card trade show, announced at the start of last month (just after PG had gone to press) that it would not be going ahead as planned in September (23), due to the ongoing uncertainty caused by the coronavirus. The show was moved by organisers, Max Exhibitions from its original June date to September in the hope that the effects of the pandemic would have eased sufficiently to give exhibitors and visitors alike the confidence to embrace the show without concern.

“It was with a heavy heart that we took the decision to cancel PG Live this year, but we know that it was the right thing to do,” commented Warren Lomax, co-owner of Max Exhibitions. “With the current social distancing guidelines, the travel restrictions and a general unease about domestic travel, we also had real concerns that PG Live would not have the lustre that everyone has come to love,” added Warren.

The next PG Live will take place Tuesday 8 June and Wednesday 9 June 2021 at London’s Business Design Centre.

At the start of this month, Autumn Fair 2020 (due to take place September 6-9 at Birmingham’s NEC) announced it was to be cancelled for this year by its

organisers, Hyve. A day later came the news that Glee, the garden and outdoor living show (also owned by Hyve) that was due to take place 15-17 September will not be going ahead either.

Jessica Dawnay, event director of Spring & Autumn Fair explained that she

and her colleagues had been in dialogue with exhibitors, visitors and trade associations to gain their feedback prior to the announcement.

“We would only ever run an event if the community really wanted it. Safety and the wellbeing of others, of course, are of paramount importance,” said Jessica. She revealed that Hyve is now underway with “a fresh approach” for Autumn Fair’s September timeslot with its plans to launch a virtual event spanning a few days, including headline presenters and sector specific elements.

Above: The next PG Live will be 8-9 June 2021.

Left: Hyve’s event director Jessica Dawnay.

Card Factory’s new global mission Card Factory’s ceo, Karen Hubbard is to leave the business after four years of heading up the UK’s market leading greeting card retailer.

This news came a few weeks after a jam-packed set of announcements anchored by the sharing of its preliminary results for the year ended 31 January 2020. The results detail how in the 12 months to end of January, Card Factory experienced a 11.8% dip in its pre-tax profits (taking it to £67.2 million) on turnover that was up 3.6% (£451 million) with like-for-like sales down a tad at 0.5%.

The latter point, Karen Hubbard, ceo of Card Factory said was a reflection of “weak consumer confidence and high street footfall decline in the second half” of the year.

Highlights of the period were the retailer’s Valentine’s Day and Mother’s Day sales, which both showed record sales for the third year in succession. Christmas however was less sparkling, with Karen admitting to a “weaker” sales performance as a consequence of the “macro back drop, reduced demand and execution issues.”

It also included some research findings which claim that Card Factory now accounts for 33% of all single greeting cards bought in the UK and how “more than 40% of card shoppers now consider Card Factory to be their main shop for greeting cards.”

The company has revealed that it now has a vision to be recognised as 'the world's best greeting card retailer', a revised strategy to drive long-term sustainable and profitable growth.

The news about Karen’s departure, coincides with an accelerated programme of Card Factory shops re-opening their doors following the COVID-19 shut down. While only 89 of its stores re-opened on June 15, by the end of last month over 700 of the retailer’s shops were back trading.

Above: Karen Hubbard has been part of Card Factory’s journey for the last four years.

Bill Greeno leaves Paperlink Bill Greeno, the popular sales director of Paperlink, has been made redundant by the card publishing business, having worked for the company for almost eight years.

“The effects of this pandemic are vicious on business as well as human lives,” commented Louise Tighe, founder and ceo of Paperlink. “We have had the good fortune to have had Bill as part of our team and we thank him for everything he has done. It is a sign of the times I am afraid.”

While Bill is well known for his great sense of humour, he is disappointed to be leaving Paperlink. “I loved every single minute of my time working there and am sad that it has come to an end. I’m sure things happen for a reason; I just don’t know what that reason is right now,” Bill told PG. Having worked in the industry for almost 40 years, the majority of it as sales director of Quitting Hollywood, Bill is hoping to find another role in the sector.

“I still want to work, and greeting cards are all I know, apart from playing tennis, playing the piano and, since lockdown learning a little bit of Spanish,” said Bill of his ‘talking CV’. “So, if any company is looking for a tennis playing, keyboard tinkling, matador who loves selling cards and talking to retailers, I’m their man!”

Right: Bill Greeno on stage at The Retas awards, of which Paperlink is a sponsor.

FOR THE LATEST NEWS VISIT PGBUZZ.net PROGRESSIVE GREETINGS WORLDWIDE

19

RE N LE EW AS ES The Ling Design team have been busy creating exciting new ranges to add into our Brand collections and to help support our customers re-opening we are now offering our ‘8am to 8pm’ virtual sales calling, see below for details.

Lots of NEW exciting collections for all occasions! Including new King Street!

80

New collections for Spring/Summer 2020

I ll

ust

rati

ve ne w d e si g n s

To arrange a Ling Design ‘8am to 8pm’ virtual sales call go to www.lingdesign.co.uk/virtual-sales-call or email enquiries@lingdesign.co.uk or give us a call on +44(0)1892 838574

@greetingsbyling 20_PG_July 2020.indd 1

02/07/2020 16:32

11_13_17_19_21.qxp_9/11/13/15/19/23/25 08/07/2020 09:15 Page 9

NEWS Budget Greeting Cards moves into e-commerce

TOP STORY

Diversity Matters GCA to form a Diversity Sub-Committee to progress change The last few weeks have seen the industry come together to discuss how to achieve greater diversity in the sector and to put plans in place to ensure this happens.

Having been contacted by several black publisher members over the issue of diversity in the greeting card sector, Amanda Fergusson, ceo of the GCA instigated a meeting, which took place the end of last month (via Zoom), to which all GCA publisher and retailer members were invited.

As Amanda told PG: “The GCA has a responsibility to all of its members, and has a commitment to diversity, across gender, colour, religion, disability and mental health. It was a very positive meeting, providing an opportunity for publishers and retailers to share their perspective, as well as listen to what others have to say on this important matter.”

Sharing her views, Dayo Williams of card company Handmade by Dayo, (whose ranges include African fabrics, and featuring people of 19 different skin tones) told PG: “The recent events in the US and across the globe have rightly brought about an urgency for greeting card publishers and retailers to be open to ways of taking meaningful actions to ensure that inequality for black people is eradicated from society. There is no place for racism and inequality within the card industry.” As she points out “while some people have made small improvements in their vision to create an inclusive environment for retailers, publishers and customers, there is still room for substantial progress to be made in the support of our black and minority ethnic people.”

Publishers attending the meeting included Georgina Fihosy (AfroTouch Design), Rachel Hare (Belly Button Designs), David Falkner (Cardology), Dayo Williams (Handmade cards by Dayo), Tineka Smith (Huetribe), Sarah Coombes (Karmuka), Cherelle Brown (KitsCH Noir), Grace Adisa (My Ethnic Cards), Nicola Lespeare (Nicola Lespeare), Naomi Robinson (Nyha

Graphics), Mark Callaby (Ohh Deer), Darren Cave (UKG) and Therese Laverton (YOUnited Cards).

Also keen to participate and listen to what the publishers had to say were representatives from retailers Scribbler (Aisling Crosland), Card Factory (Jo Bennett) and Moonpig (SarahJane Porter).

Sarah-Jane Porter, head of cards and licensing at Moonpig, (and also a GCA Council member), had no hesitation in committing to the meeting. As she explained, "It is at the top of our agenda to achieve more diversity and representation in our portfolio. Over the past couple of years, we [Moonpig] have placed diversity as one of the key criteria to address when developing and selecting designs. We have done this by ensuring that our photo upload placeholder images are more inclusive and representational, by developing a figurative range featuring broader ethnicity (and encouraging our publishing partners to do the same) as well as sourcing content partners such as Huetribe and Eastern Print Studio to further broaden our offer.”

As a result of the meeting the GCA is to also form a distinct Diversity Sub-group whose remit will be to ensure diversity matters in the greeting card industry are discussed and resultant improvements made. There was also general agreement that a GCA Diversity pack, available for members to access and use, and incorporate within their own businesses as required, would be developed and hosted on the association’s website.

Top: Attendees of the recent GCA Diversity Zoom meeting.

Above: Jo Bennett, studio director of Card Factory said that the retailer was looking at diversity issues.

In a significant development for the industry, the UK’s largest greeting card wholesaler, Budget Greeting Cards has launched its first ever fully-fledged e-commerce site (www.bgcwholesale.com), offering over 7,000 different greeting card, giftwrap and party products, with thousands more to follow.

Up until now BGC’s focus has been on wholesaling products (including a vast selection of its own greeting cards) to retailers from its nine wholesale cash and carry branches (comprising 600,000 sq ft display space), located throughout the UK and Ireland.

Now, via the new website it will mean BGC can broaden its geographical reach as well as better serve its customers’ needs, offering a next day delivery service for weekday orders placed before 3pm.

“The success of our website will inform the future of our business,” Mike Spence, operations manager of Budget Greeting Cards told PG. “It will signal potential new sites for additional branches as well as highlight product trends. Up until now, our large selection of BGC Studios greeting card ranges, have only been available in our branches, and this gives us an opportunity to offer them to a much wider customer base,” he added.

Above: Budget’s new website is not expected to replace retailers’ visits to the Budget branches, but will be used for top-up orders.

Taking pride GCA Council member, Mark Callaby, who coowns Ohh Deer with his partner Jamie Mitchell, led the discussion from the GCA front at the recent diversity meeting. Having recently rallied against (and received much support for doing so) a homophobic reaction to the company’s decision to make a donation to Switchboard (an LBGTQ+ charity) from Ohh Deer’s Papergang subscription box this month, Mark and Jamie have written a piece on the subject of ‘Unconscious bias and how to spot it’ for their staff which they will adapt for the GCA website for everyone to see and use for their own companies.

Above: The Instagram post Ohh Deer’s Mark Callaby and Jamie Mitchell made in response to a homophobic reaction to the company donating a percentage of sales of this month’s Papergang subscription box to the Switchboard charity. Mark and Jamie have received a huge groundswell of support.

FOR THE LATEST NEWS VISIT PGBUZZ.net PROGRESSIVE GREETINGS WORLDWIDE

21

new ranges ava i la b l e

NOW!

01608 658601 22_PG_July 2020.indd 1

info@archivistgallery.com

www.archivistgallery.com 02/07/2020 14:25

23_25_27_29_Viewpoints.qxp_Grid 07/07/2020 11:01 Page 1

VIEWPOINTS

A Taste Of The

New Normal

With lockdown easing, the flexi-furloughing scheme now in operation and more of the greeting card community back at work, PG checks in with retailers, publishers and suppliers to get their take on how the ‘new normal’ is panning out and, for a bit of fun, asks what they think it ‘tastes’ like.

Paul and James Taylor directors of multiple chain Cardzone: The new ‘now’: “Business certainly isn’t the same as before the pandemic. Different ways of working, including restricted customers numbers and PPE, are definitely here to stay until a vaccine is available. Out of hours replenishments and customer service from a distance is also something we’ve practised since reopening. Staff safety is very big deal! We were pleased with the initial sales in the stores that first reopened, although as more competition reopens on the high street, we are forecasting challenging trading in what will be a slow rebuilding period over the next 6-12 months.”

Positive stuff: “We were delighted by the announcement of the flexifurlough scheme and have utilised this from 1 July to support us through the recovery period. We’ve also had lots of new faces shopping in the stores.

Many people have been making great comments about the product offering in-store and also the safety measures we have put in place for both our staff and customers. This is great to hear after all the hard work over the last few months. As I’m writing this [end of June], we have successfully reopened over 100 stores, with the remaining stores planned from July onwards.

This wasn’t a small task and we are very grateful to our dedicated store teams for all the support and continued commitment to Cardzone in ensuring we get our doors back open quickly and efficiently. Finally, like many others have reported, ATV has increased nicely since reopening, being up 25% across the reopened estate to date.”

Right: How tasty is the ‘new normal’?

Below left: (left-right) Cardzone’s managing director Paul Taylor, director Jo Hancock and trading director James Taylor outside the company’s HQ, Hexgreave Hall, Newark.

Below middle: The upmarket Paper Kisses concept has debuted in a couple of Cardzone’s stores, including in Southwell.

Significant happenings: “Leisure and hospitality is a huge pull for us retailers and undoubtedly footfall has suffered as a result of this sector remaining closed until July 4. We eagerly await a weekend buzz to that which we are all familiar with!”

How will things pan out?: “We are hoping that by November our levels of trading are certainly no worse than -20% against prior year figures, however this is based on the assumption of only a modest second wave of the virus, not requiring another lockdown. If there is another lockdown over Christmas I think it’s impossible to say what the future will hold for our economy; although it seems obvious that the majority of consumer-facing businesses would not be able survive without huge Government support.”

Helping card cause: “At Cardzone we love the greeting card industry and the relationships we have with our suppliers and also our ‘not too dissimilar’ competitors! The level of support offered from our supplier base has been brilliant and extremely understanding of the situation. Our suppliers appreciate the ambitious growth plans we have in the coming years and are supportive of helping our business wherever possible to be a part of this journey.”

The taste of the ‘new normal’: “I’ll go for avocados…not much flavour really but everyone has ended up accepting them in the end!”

Right: Avocado is the taste of the ‘new normal’ for Cardzone’s Paul and James.

PROGRESSIVE GREETINGS WORLDWIDE

23

24_PG_July 2020.indd 1

28/06/2020 13:01

23_25_27_29_Viewpoints.qxp_Grid 07/07/2020 11:02 Page 3

VIEWPOINTS Jo Wilson founder and creative maestro of Dandelion Stationery: The new ‘now’: “For Dandelion so far we have found it fairly easy to adjust. We recently moved to bigger premises, so we have lots of space - social distancing has not been an issue (we just dig out the megaphone when we want to chat!). We have staggered working patterns so that there is usually only a maximum of two people in the office at any one time. Most of our staff have been on furlough, though some started returning from this month. All of our employees have childcare commitments of some sort, so we are having to be a bit creative with this, such as allowing people to work in the evening when their partner gets home to take over childcare. I have had my younger daughter in work with me on many occasions recently - she uses our meeting table to sit and do schoolwork! It’s all a bit strange, (and a bit boring actually when you are in the office alone), but our team WhatsApp keeps the giggles coming.”

Positive stuff: “Having the chance and time to look at

Jeremy Bacon ceo of The Sherwood Group: The new ‘now’: “From the start of this month it felt like the whole industry was starting to wake up from its hibernation, coinciding with the parttime furloughing coming into effect.

Life in lockdown has certainly been a ‘Corona-coaster’ of highs and lows. I attended a HSBC seminar recently at which it compared trade in February with that in April. Comparing these two months, manufacturing was down 27%, in fact the only area up was pharmaceuticals. Even food and drink was down 10.8% (we are not been drinking as much as we all thought!), so the card trade is not alone. Things are now more stable as we all adjust to understanding the new normal.

From a Sherwood perspective, the fact that, in addition to greeting card production, we are also a BRC Food Packaging plant, means that hygiene is custom and practice for us.

We have been open and serving customers throughout the lockdown, but as we now emerge we will cautiously step up our risk management.

Volume wise we are operating at around 80% of what we usually would at this time of year.”

creating new stuff has been great. Often the day-to-day can get overtaken by admin and other things, so having time to do what I love (which is creating stuff) has been fab.”

Significant happenings: “The lease on our former building expired in May, but we knew this many months in advance, and had great plans in place to move early May. However, when lockdown hit, and all staff went on furlough in March this gave us quite a challenge. We basically had myself and my husband trying to move an office and a warehouse. We did about a trillion trips between the two buildings using a (small) Berlingo van and a Mini Cooper. There was some matrimonial friction at times!”

How will things pan out?: “I wish I knew. It feels very hard to make long term plans at the moment. We are taking each month as it comes at the moment. Some of the shops we supply have been bloody amazing during this period - hugely creative in finding new ways to get their products to market, such as offering free local deliveries, getting websites set up in record time, selling via Facebook and social media etc. Others, such as Red Card, have embarked on creating charity projects to help local communities.

The long-term feels a bit unknown currently, but in the meantime Dandelion will just keep doing what we are doing, and help support our stockists as best we can.”

The taste of the ‘new normal’: “It has a slight tang of Brussels sprouts.”

Above: Among the many new designs Dandelion has produced, this one is in response to the many weddings that had to be postponed due to Covid-19.

Left: Jo’s daughter Gracie doing her schoolwork at the Dandelion offices.

Right: Brussels sprouts is the taste of the ‘new normal’ for Jo Wilson.

Positive stuff: “The response of our team has been fabulous the factory has operated continually through the crisis in a safe and responsible manner.

Personally, working from home has been great. I have a 16month old son, James Henry so however bad the day is, seeing his smiling face has put things into perspective. I have been very fortunate to see his first steps, first bike ride and first words which would not have happened if I had left home early for work and returned late as in the ‘old normal’.”

How will things pan out? “A smaller industry certainly, at least initially. We have seen our Christmas production schedules shift a few weeks later than usual though orders placed are only 10% lower than last year.

It will be more telling when everyday card orders come in, at the moment a lot of stock is still ‘in the system’, with brokers sitting on 12 weeks’ of stock, plus retailers still having had a lot in their storerooms.”

The taste of the ‘new normal’: “Cherryade. Back in the 1970s, the bottles used to be home delivered by the Corona pop man. It was my favourite flavour. A bit of a challenge as to whether it was good for you or not, and there was always a slight burning sensation on your tongue, but it sent your head fizzing and gave you an adrenaline boost. Just like now!”

Above left: Jeremy Bacon with his son James Henry.

Left: Jeremy’s fave Corona flavour was cherryade.

PROGRESSIVE GREETINGS WORLDWIDE

25

W e ’ v e m i s s e d yo u !

First and foremost, o u r h e a rt s go out to anyone who's been impacted by the virus, either directly or indirectly.

At IC&G we’re focused on the health and safety of our

e m p loy e e s , fa m i l i e s and co m m u n i t i e s . Our IC&G family are following new recommended safe practices, this change has been relatively s m o ot h and we aim to continue to deliver the highest levels of

p e r f o r m a n c e , ava i l a b i l i t y and s e rv i c e to all our customers.

We have recently released a selection of lov e ly

n e w caption designs including new relations ages,

ava i l a b l e to o r d e r n ow Web: w w w . i cg c a r d s . co m Email: c u s to m e r s e rv i c e @ i cg c a r d s . co m If we can do anything to help you, please know

26_PG_July 2020.indd 1

30/06/2020 16:07

23_25_27_29_Viewpoints.qxp_Grid 07/07/2020 11:02 Page 5

VIEWPOINTS Aga Gabrysiak co-owner of Highworth Emporium, Highworth:

Darren Cave commercial director of UK Greetings The new ‘now’: “Our customer care function for indies is operating remotely and has done so since the end of March. Our webshop is also fully operational and has been instrumental in allowing us to service our independent retailers that were still trading during lockdown. Our regional sales managers have been working these last few weeks to ensure independent card specialists had a key UKG field contact to liaise with as they prepared to reopen. The demand for product during this time has been strong and feedback suggests that retailers have been missing the personal touch offered by our sales team in the field. Given this, on July 1 we brought our sales execs back to work on a part-time basis. The team was incredibly excited about getting back to it - they couldn’t wait to get started.

More and more customers are signing up to our UKG Webshop and are benefitting from the service it provides (customers appear to be preparing ‘just in case’ there’s a second lockdown).”

Positive stuff: “Indies reported better than expected Father’s Day sales and retailers that re-opened on the 15 June have reported encouraging sales results more generally. The Republic of Ireland expedited the easing of their lockdown and all non-essential retail opened earlier - previous plans suggested that shopping centres wouldn’t be able to reopen until August. This was much welcome news for a number of our independent customers there.”

How will things pan out? “While I expect online to continue to perform above pre-lockdown sales levels, I’m confident that sales within card specialists will continue to recover and regain the lion’s share of the market it lost during the full scale lockdown. As the lockdown continues to ease and the consumer becomes accustomed to the new guidelines, I expect a gradual return to bricks and mortar retail.”

The taste of the ‘new normal’: “Non-alcoholic beer - tastes OK but is not quite the same.”

Top: UKG’s investment in its Webshop is proving invaluable to the publisher and its retail customers.

Above: Darren Cave brought the UKG field salesteam out of furlough on July 1.

The new ‘now’: “We think the biggest point is how ‘Shop Local’ has taken a big step forward. We have been singing the message for a while, but the feedback and support seems much stronger than before. Prior to lockdown people took their local shops for granted, just expecting them to be there. Now, the message from customers is they appreciate us.

It’s a little too early to say what the ‘new normal’ is going to be like, but customers seem more patient and are happy to sanitise and wear masks.”

Positive stuff: “Plenty of good wishes and flowers sent to us. We have had lots of local support for our new website www.highworthemporium.co.uk.

With flexible trading terms and low carriage paid order values we think most companies have been wonderful. Some companies went above and beyond during lockdown. To mention a few, Jonny Javelin, UKG, Woodmansterne and Ling have been great and have probably secured a bit more business because they were available.

Going back a little bit the Government support for the High Street was extraordinary, full marks from our perspective.”

How will things pan out?

“Based on the first two weeks back, providing there is no second spike our outlook is positive. The biggest challenge we see is Christmas and special events where customers usually cram into the shop. With our ‘click & collect’ and delivery service added to our support portfolio, we are feeling confident about the future. A lot will change once a vaccine is available or the virus just goes away.”

The taste of the ‘new normal’: “Definitely a lemon! It has many values, looks quite good, but overall there is a slightly sour taste!”

Top: Aga (left) and her partner Richard Marsden and other Highworth Emporium superstars.

Above: The doors re-opening at Highworth Emporium was warmly received by locals.

Right: A lemon Aga feels sums up the taste of this period in time.

David Byk ceo of Ling Design, GBCC and Penny Kennedy: The new ‘now’: “I think we are seeing how weather dependent the ‘new normal’ is. Too hot and too rainy and the customers disappear because they don’t want to have to queue outside stores. Gutted that councils are already starting to charge for parking and I understand in some cases have even put costs up post lockdown which is making it harder on the high street. We have seen a continued massive volume going through garden centres which we expect to continue especially as their catering operations reopened on July 4.”

Positive stuff: “People have been buying a lot of cards. We have seen some Left: The 8 to 8 service from GBCC and Ling has meant retailers can see reps when it suits them.

PROGRESSIVE GREETINGS WORLDWIDE

27

We have full stock availability and 24-hour despatch on all orders O rd e r o n l i n e a t

www.regalpublishing.co.uk and from all good wholesalers including www.greetingshouse.co.uk

www.jacksons-crs.co.uk

www.crosswear.co.uk

www.northwestgreetings.co.uk

w w w. r e g a l p u b l i s h i n g . c o. u k Made in Great Britain

28_PG_July 2020.indd 1

02/07/2020 14:25

23_25_27_29_Viewpoints.qxp_Grid 07/07/2020 11:03 Page 7

VIEWPOINTS massive orders come through and have even opened new accounts which is fantastic. Father’s Day was good for many retailers, which is a fantastic shot in the arm.”

How will things pan out? “I think the market dynamics will change, but it will all depend on the ‘second spike’.

With less people going abroad I think that the coastal and market towns will do well but I worry about trade in city centres and transport hubs.

A key issue for the industry is Christmas with everyone hoping that unemployment isn’t going to reach the rates predicted and that people will want and be able to celebrate it.

As publishers anything we can do to make retailers’ lives easier so they can focus on the end customer and making a living. We have done this by our 8 til 8 service rolling out our planning service at Ling and new ranges.”

The taste of the ‘new normal’ “I think it’s like a cheap tequila. It tastes horrible, it’s rough going down and you need distractions (salt and lemon) to make it better. After a few though everything sort of appears great or you need to go and lie down in a dark room and hope it all goes away!”

Above: A Million Little Things range is to raise funds for NHS Charities Together.

Left: Tequila may not be the answer, but it’s worth a shot!

Rachel Hare managing director of Belly Button Designs: The new ‘now’: “It was difficult at first, but feel I am now in a new rhythm. I am certainly getting a lot more designing done now, which is great. When a situation is intense, as it has been over the last few months, it challenges you. I find I am digging deeper creatively and coming up with newness has been my way through this; creating ranges that retailers will want to buy.”

Positive stuff: “Like many other businesses when this hit, we had to ‘go back to basics’… I was opening post, answering the phone, sending out orders etc. This all led to a new understanding of my business and the way forward with flexibility and agility being key, while maintaining a close eye on the costs.

The sense of community and consideration of others has also come to the fore, which in a case of serendipity as this is at the heart of the new Happy Days range that I created just before lockdown and will launch this month.”

How will things pan out? “I certainly feel more confident about the future of greeting cards. The public’s surge in buying and sending cards throughout the lockdown and since the easing has confirmed this. The reopening of the shops has got off to a good start and I do feel that people have a greater sense of wanting to support their local retailers, which is good news for many indies.”

The taste of the ‘new normal’: “It is a zingy lemon sorbet, that we have eaten a lot of during all this. It has an unexpected tang that may be a bit sour, but is surprisingly refreshing.”

Above: One of the early social distancing posters from Belly Button which featured characters from its new Happy Days range.

Left: Rachel Hare has gone into creative overdrive during lockdown.

Marion Flaherty co-owner of Best Wishes, Garstang: The new ‘now’: “The sunshine has helped bring people out of the woodwork, along with the need for a good choice of cards. Most customers are happy to work to our 'two people at a time' practice and observe social distancing.

There has been a good restart to trading.

Father's Day figures were not up to the sales of previous years but better than we expected. The week following was slightly quieter, but good to see regular customers coming back in for the first time and also some visitors starting to venture out to our market town.”

Positive stuff: “We were overwhelmed by the welcome back we received from many of our regulars, saying how glad they are to be able to buy decent cards again! It also been good to see new faces who are still on lockdown and don’t usually get chance to shop in their hometown.

We appreciate the effort from many in the greeting card industry with messages of support and offers of help, such as reductions in the cost of first orders on reopening, deferred payments on seasonal stock that we didn't have chance to sell and good luck wishes for our return to trading.”

How will things pan out? “We are looking forward to a time when we can welcome all our reps and agents back into our little shop.

We are keeping our fingers crossed that there isn't another spike in the figures, enough to cause another lockdown.

If the last couple of weeks are anything to go by, we should be OK, let's just hope we get a good summer and people want to make up for missed celebrations with a bumper Christmas.”

The taste of the ‘new normal’: “We think it would be tutti fruiti ice cream with hot toasted nuts on top - a cool start with a mix of colourful challenges and a few nutty customers with some warm weather.”

Above: Part of the Father’s Day selection from Best Wishes in Garstang.

Above: Marion and Mark Flaherty at The Retas last year.

PROGRESSIVE GREETINGS WORLDWIDE

29

New Post Lockdown Ranges Available Now Showcasing our brand new designs from GBCC including our exciting new partnership with NHS Charities Together, new humour range Topikality featuring the lighter side of life in lockdown and newness in our established brands and ranges.

To arrange a virtual sales call, contct us on sales@greatbritishcards.co.uk, via our website www.greatbritishcards.co.uk or call +44(0) 1452 888999

Progressive Advert.indd 1 30_PG_July 2020.indd 1

25/06/2020 13:00 28/06/2020 13:02

31_33.qxp_Grid 04/07/2020 13:37 Page 1

OVER THE

COUNTER

Talking Shop Combs, Shoelaces And Jigsaws 19th June is a significant date for my family - it was the day (back in 1988) that we took over the running of JP Pozzi newsagents in Buckie, which saw my Dad especially, work long hours selling a core range of products, which in addition to newspapers, cigarettes and cards included combs, shoelaces and jigsaws.

Fast forward 32 years and interestingly, I spent June 19 putting in a very long day, which included sales of several combs, lots of jigsaws and even had a request for bootlaces! Who says nostalgia ain’t what it used to be.

Many who have heard me speak, or even possibly listened to my recent podcast, will have heard the story of how we are the fourth custodians of the Pozzi building in Buckie and how my parents (or at least my dad), in purchasing the shop, realised his dream of owning and running his own business.

In truth what they bought was a tired building that was not the best business, building or even that important in the town’s landscape.

For the previous 20 years the couple who ran it did exactly that. They didn’t invest, change or even dream of improving it. They just sold newspapers, a few books, cards (displayed in shoeboxes) and survived.

In many ways it was a business that fitted perfectly into the ‘Nation of Shopkeepers’ phrase.

In my brain that was a phrase from a Thatcher speech of the 80s which championed the idea that anyone could own and run a business. That the dream of being your own boss and controlling your own destiny was not just for those who came from a privileged background but was achievable for all.

I have carried that phrase and that thought for over 30 years, yet in reality that phrase was initially uttered as an insult to the English

by Napoleon or the Scottish economist Adam Smith,

depending on which account you prefer, as a put down to belittle them.

For me belittling anyone for running their own business is wrong. Running your own business is a brave thing to do as it is your own money you have to generate to live and survive; you remove the safety net of the guaranteed monthly pay packet! I wear the shopkeeper title as a badge of honour and am deeply proud of myself and my peers for being willing to create our own income and jobs for others - especially in current times.

But back to Pozzis. As Dad often told me, when he started with JP Pozzi, the staples of the newsagent were selling papers, cigarettes, stationery and the old favourites of bootlaces and combs.

The latter two were ordered by ‘the card’ and hung behind the counter. In the early days much of the product was bought from a wholesale firm called Clappertons (based in Edinburgh) and I can remember going to its Christmas shows in various hotels buying toys and gifts to fatten the December sales, with jigsaws being a particular favourite.

These last 14 weeks of lockdown have stoked nostalgia in many of a yearn for a simpler life - with some uncanny correlations.

On the 19 June 2020 (the business’ Above left: An old advert for JP Pozzi.

Above right: David with his mum Linda and dad, Jim, who sadly died recently.

Left: Jigsaws have sold phenomenally well during lockdown.

birthday) I found myself working a 14 hour day selling lots of cigarettes to calm people’s nerves, combs to tame many men’s increasingly wild manes, slightly less newspapers, many greeting cards (especially sympathy designs) and lots and lots of jigsaws.

It was a bit ‘back to the future’ with the only thing missing being the shoelaces, although ironically I did get asked for a pair!

It was like we could go back in time and watch ourselves, but in reality the business is still relevant and needed, which is why it was classed as ‘essential’ and able to trade throughout lockdown.

Over the years we have broadened our essential offer, but at its core our business today is really still about news, cards and other core lines.

As we face the ‘new normal’ trying to rebuild after these last three months I believe we need to focus on that.

We need to focus on the principles that have always meant so much, enabled us to run good businesses and have served us PROGRESSIVE GREETINGS WORLDWIDE

31

Tomcat Cards www.tomcat.cards

à ® -:+< à ® *+< à ® 76:

.YLL[PUN *HYKZ +PZWSH` :VS\[PVUZ

>L HSZV KV! à ® *HY[VUZ à ® )V_LZ à ® +PLJ\[Z

Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s time to get you back in the game!

*HSS! LTHPS! ZHSLZ'UZTP[OIV_ JV \R

^LI ^^^ UZTP[OIV_ JV \R

U ZTP[O /HPUNL 9VHK ;P]PKHSL 6SKI\Y` >LZ[ 4PKSHUKZ ) 5A 6=,9 @,(9: 6- 4(5<-(*;<905. 05 ;/, <2

N.Smith Box.indd 1

â&#x20AC;¢ â&#x20AC;¢ â&#x20AC;¢

All our cards are in stock for immediate dispatch No minimum order requirement - just order what you need Extended payment terms if required - contact us

Tel: 01207 775987

info@tomcat.cards

21/05/2020 12:02

32_PG_July 2020.indd 1

06/07/2020 16:04

31_33.qxp_Grid 04/07/2020 13:42 Page 3

OVER THE COUNTER well. For most of us it is a passion. It is not about £millions profits, it is about that selfsatisfaction that my parents had of having something that is yours.

I am currently in my 14th week of a seven-day working week, not through choice, but necessity. I have had many conversations with business people who, in these last three months, have had to get back to the coalface themselves.

They are back packing the boxes, doing the invoices and generally dealing with customers… and I am too.

I have always been in my shops, but 14 weeks of long days has let me really know my customers again. It has let me remember what brand of cigarette they like, how many lotteries they play, if they pay their papers weekly or monthly, what sweeties they like and what magazine they buy.

Getting the basics right So many of us sometimes forget the basics in among all the wonderful newness. Having spent the time constantly in the store for all these weeks I have seen what people need and thankfully a good card is essential. This gives us indies true hope.

Make the hard decisions

Above: The Last Dance has been among David’s fave lockdown viewing.

Below left: Customers to the JP Pozzie newsagents have adapted to the Covid-19 precautionary measures.

Below right: Some of the signage David has devised for his shops.

One of the things that has got me through it has been having Netflix documentaries on my Ipad, including Last Chance U or The Last Dance. In some ways you could say these series are formulaic but that is because the types of athletes featured in the programmes need the same regularity and rigidity to be successful.

So, this got me thinking as to what the key ingredients are in our formula as independent business? Here are just of few elements that came to mind…

You have to love what you do

In greeting card terms I have really got to know if they favour word-centric designs or not; if they buy on price, the words or the illustration; if they care and ponder over every card or take the first one that comes to hand. There are so many other personal preferences that you can understand just why our industry can support such a wide diversity of card publishers.

As I write this card shops in England have been opened for as few weeks, those in Ireland and Wales have been trading for a few days while card shops in Scotland are on the verge of being able to reopen.

Regardless, we all face the same challenges of rebuilding what we had.

We all have the same doubts about whether the public will come back to shops and whether we can generate enough money to cover our overheads and actually make a profit.

And there are all the new rules to adhere to.

During lockdown the early part of my day has been spent in the shop sorting out the deliveries for over 1,000 newspapers.

Lockdown will have focused your feelings and either you were desperate to be back or in actual fact realised you enjoyed the time away. You may have enjoyed not having the pressure of finding the wages or whatever else and while many businesses may fail not through choice many will end as the owners simply realise it is not for them anymore.

Hard work is a given I don’t know anyone that is successful that doesn’t put in the hours. Whether it be Michael Jordan on the basketball court, or Val Campbell in her card shop.

Hard work, long hours, lots of thought and care and attention is needed.

Knowing your customer Whether it is another physical shop in the same town or simply knowing what sells for you. Sometimes we over think this and again I have softened my stance on certain things. So, you may not like the £1 bags of sweets or the very traditional wordy cards, but both sell and ultimately now more than ever that is what you need.

In business, making the right call at the right time is crucial. In these coming weeks we will all be faced with decisions about hours, staff, suppliers that we maybe don’t want to take but will have to make.

In our 32+ years of business we have never, ever made anyone redundant, but this is now a reality.

We often continue doing small bits of business with people when really we should be moving on and letting them also possibly do the same. Consolidating what we do and supporting suppliers properly will be crucial.

The word ‘ruthless’ is often used, but it does not need to be as dramatic as that.

What it does need to be is the right decision, made with honesty and directness and one that you are willing to own.

Comeback is always stronger than the setback The documentaries I have mentioned always end with a ‘talking heads’ segment. The coach and the players and the teacher stand still with the music pumping and words scroll along the bottom of the screen.

These words tell the story of what happened and where they are now. If they made it or fell by the wayside.

Adversity clichés are often trotted out, such as: “I don’t run away from a challenge because I am afraid. Instead, I run towards it because the only way to escape fear is to trample it beneath your foot.” - Natalie Comaneci or “Strength does not come from physical capacity. It comes from an indomitable will” - Mahatma Gandi These and many other sayings tell us one thing. That is whatever is thrown at us we will have to challenge it and tackle it head on, now as we come out of lockdown...

Covid-19 will not define you or me. It is a challenge that, for the first time, everyone in the world faces, Everyone must change and adapt, but the ones that truly love being their own boss will find a way to make it successful again.

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

33

A hug for you

30% FOG39

QA - Fit, Solids and Grey Balance - CMY = K

QA - Fit, Solids and Grey Balance - CMY = K

THE ECO-FRIENDLY CARD CO.

50% FOG39

FOG39

70% FOG39

FOG39

15% Scott

FOG39

90% Scott

Scott

Scott

82 873

2873 5

LY CARD CO.

and flowers. Each

Countryside walks with my dogs, and ordinary domestic items, inspire me to make lots

70% FOG39

From an original painting by Nikky Corker ©

70% FOG39

70% FOG39

rely on memories and imagination for my final compositions.”

Original artwork by Manda Beeching ©

15% Scott

15% Scott

15% Scott 90% Scott

90% Scott

Autumn Fair - Hall 6 / E10

90% Scott

Code

g n

ds

situation. My motto is ‘crack a smile and pass it on’, and I am thrilled to watch the response of people when they look at my paintings. What better motivation is there than that?”

of sketches and watercolour studies, but I rarely work directly from these as I prefer to

en's books."

50% FOG39

with acrylic paints and linocut prints to explore the themes of landscape and still life.

of carefree childhood holidays and the quirky humour that can be found in almost any

50% FOG39

“My inspiration comes from life itself and the little things that make us happy. Memories 50% FOG39

“I am a painter and printmaker with a life-long love of colour and texture. I work

30% FOG39

30% FOG39

'Morning Stretches'

have always drawn

colour, reflecting

ink. I also have a BA

10/12/2018 10:11

QA - Fit, Solids and Grey Balance - CMY = K

Nikky Corker

Blank inside

30% FOG39

'Amongst the Seedlings'

QA - Fit, Solids and Grey Balance - CMY = K

QA - Fit, Solids and Grey Balance - CMY = K

Manda Beeching

Blank inside

RECYCLED Paper FSC C007915 ®

6

SR85 948

www.ecofriendly.cards 01626 369269 THE ECO-FRIENDLY CARD CO. 100% recycled envelope • Compostable cornstarch bag 100% recycled card • Vegetable-based inks • Alcohol-free printing • Powered by green energy • Printed in Great Britain • CarbonZero™ company • www.ecofriendly.cards

32569 85948 7

© THE ECO-FRIENDLY CARD CO.

THE ECO-FRIENDLY CARD CO. 100% recycled envelope • Compostable cornstarch bag 100% recycled card • Vegetable-based inks • Alcohol-free printing • Powered by green energy • Printed in Great Britain • CarbonZero™ company • www.ecofriendly.cards

C ode RECYCLED

6

MA 86 942

32569 86942 26/11/2019 4

Code

RECYCLED Paper

FSC ® C007915

10:11

6

NK 65 961

32569 65961 2

© THE ECO-FRIENDLY CARD CO.

ESTABLISHED 1993 100% Recycled cards ♥ 100% recycled envelopes ♥ Compostable cornstarch bags ♥ Alcohol-free printing Powered by green energy ♥ Made in GB ♥ CarbonZero™company ♥ www.ecofriendly.cards ♥ 01626 369269 Paper

FSC ® C007915

Cards - 153mm - 191125.indd 14

Advert_A4_2020.indd 7 34_PG_July 2020.indd 1

Cards - 153mm - 200105.indd 26

08/01/2020 13:07

© THE ECO-FRIENDLY CARD CO.

26/11/2019 11:35

01/07/2020 13:58 02/07/2020 14:26

THE

35_37.qxp_Layout 1 04/07/2020 13:47 Page 1

cardsharp

Tough At The

Top

Like them or loathe them, reflects Cardsharp, Card Factory dominates the public perception of greeting cards in the UK. With over 1,000 stores, in many ways it is like Clintons was in the nineties and the noughties. It’s the ‘public face’ of the greeting card industry – and the only retail public limited company in the sector. So, when the surprise announcement drops that its ceo Karen Hubbard is leaving, Cardsharp wonders why it didn’t hit the headlines and considers the possible events leading up to it.

The news that a chief executive of a market leading multiple retailer is to depart after four years at the helm would normally make national news, especially as the person leaving the position has been something of a trailblazer, and was recently listed as one of the top 75th most influential people in UK retail in Retail Week’s 100 Powerlist.

To Cardsharp, the timing of the announcement that Karen Hubbard was to depart Card Factory, ‘was a good day to bury bad news’.

It was released on Friday June 22 when all the media talk was of pubs reopening, the great weather attracting thousands to the beaches and the announcement of the imminent reduction of social distancing distance from two metres to one metre. There was even talk of imminent travel tunnels to allow holidays.

Meanwhile on the business side, Intu’s imminent collapse was dominating the news agenda. Moreover, Friday is always a good day to dispense bad business stories with the City, even in the good times, tending to knock off by lunchtime. A cynic might suggest that the Card Factory board had been waiting for a day like this.

But even if it was not planned that way, the lack of publicity, adverse or otherwise, was evident. Cardsharp heard nothing mentioned in the business sections

of TV and radio programmes. There was a small piece basically rehashing Card Factory’s press release on the subject in the Saturday Times, but on the Sunday following, the day when the ‘heavyweight’ press generally go into more detailed analysis of the week’s business events, there was nothing. The news agenda had Below: Karen Hubbard has been part of the Card Factory story for the last four years, but her departure starts another chapter for the value chain.

Below: The retail landscape is something of a craggy mountain range at present.

moved on and Karen, being a successful powerful woman leaving a top Plc job was seemingly not newsworthy enough.

Karen has been chief executive officer since 2016, joining the value chain after a successful career in retail, both in the UK and Australia. At one stage she was the only woman chief executive in the FTSE 250, before Card Factory was relegated because of the recent fall in its share price.

She oversaw the group’s growth to 1,004 stores, employing 7,000 staff. She has been credited with modernising the retailer’s operations, boosting its online sales, and striking deals with Aldi, Matalan and The Reject Shop in Australia.

But as Cardsharp notes, the City is a harsh judge and you are only as good as your last set of figures and indeed recently Card Factory (while far from being on its own in this regard!) issued a series of profit warnings. Its last set of annual financial results revealed a profit of £80 million, impressive enough, but not the £89 million that the City had expected.

And that news, and the cancellation of a special dividend to shareholders was enough to send the share price into a tailspin. A quarter had been wiped off its market value even before the Covid lockdown. Since then its share price hit a low of a mere 29p, making its market capitalisation so low that in theory anyway, it could be picked up by its previous owners for a song.

In many ways, reflects Cardsharp, the surprise was not that Karen had departed from the Card PROGRESSIVE GREETINGS WORLDWIDE

35

PG AD JUN 2020.indd 1 36_PG_July 2020.indd 1

25/06/2020 17:10 28/06/2020 13:03

35_37.qxp_Layout 1 04/07/2020 13:58 Page 3

cardsharp Factory, but that it had not happened earlier in the year, prior to the lockdown. There were rumours going back to January that some of the big institutional and larger private shareholders were unhappy with the management at the top. ‘Market headwinds’ and weak consumer confidence and the General Election were blamed for the disappointing Christmas sales, but there were strong rumours that these shortfalls were more down to operational and logistical lapses. Running out of wife captioned cards, for example, well before the last push, was seen as a ‘school girl error’.

But reflected Cardsharp, analyst Peel Hunt, went well over the top, when the analyst described the figures as “Truly Shocking”. It was also rumoured that Dean Hoyle, who founded the company with his wife Janet from a market stall in Wakefield

23 years ago had sold the last of their shares. In fact, there was a feeling at the time that perversely because Karen was such a high profile female chief executive in a major retail plc that she was shielded to a certain extent.

There were also understood to have been high hopes that Karen could successfully clinch an acquisition of another key name in the sector, thereby further protecting its position and sending out positive PR message of growth to investors.

But although talks are understood to have taken place, no deal was sealed.

So why is she leaving now and not earlier, mused Cardsharp?

This is surely a hugely disruptive time for all retailers (and businesses, for that matter). Case in point, on the same day it

Left: There had been hopes of several new looks for Card Factory.

Below right: As well as opening its own stores, Card Factory brand has expanded through a distribution agreement with Aldi.

Bottom: The deal with The Reject Shop chain in Australia was fanfared as the start of Card Factory’s expansion overseas.

was announced some 465 of Card Factory’s stores reopened and a new strategy for the company was fanfared to be unveiled on July 28. Paul Moody, the chairman, has been appointed new interim chief executive and there appears to be no long-term appointment to replace Karen imminently. It all seems a bit odd to Cardsharp.

Did it have anything to do with the fact that only 89 of its stores were up and running on June 15 - a full two weeks after the expected open up date, and in the run up to a major card sending event, in Father’s Day? Whatever the reasons, Cardsharp thinks whoever takes over the helm will have a big job on their hands in this challenging period to come. In the short term that person has to unfurlough staff in order to get more of its shops up and running again at a time when probably retail footfall and demand don’t warrant it. From what Cardsharp has seen, the initial sales surge after reopening has run out of steam.

The high street and shopping malls, where a lot of Card Factory’s outlets are located, remain desperately quiet and are expected to remain so for some time. And at the time of writing it is far from clear whether the reduction in social distancing to one metre will make much positive difference. All of the pick-up on greeting card sales seems to be in online, supermarkets and local independents at

present. August, if the weather is good could be a nightmare. Cardsharp guesses that the feeling is that the longer that Card Factory’s doors remain closed, the more consumers will get out of the habit of visiting their stores, which could in turn affect sales in the oh so crucial Christmas season.

Card Factory has been such a fantastic success story in the last 23 years. It was, in effect, the cause of the two times failure of Clintons. It made the £multi-million fortune of its founders, Dean and Janet Hoyle (and indirectly the elevation of Huddersfield Town into soccer’s Premier League under his ownership). It also made a fortune for industry stalwart and early Dean collaborator, Stuart Middleton (who remains the retailer’s creative director), who Cardsharp believes is still the largest private individual shareholder.

But now, in common with many other big high street names, Card Factory faces challenges. It will be a huge task for any man or woman to take on, whether an external or as some suspect, an internal appointment.

Whatever the rewards on offer, it is a job not for the faint-hearted, but then now is not the time to have a dodgy ticker.

PROGRESSIVE GREETINGS WORLDWIDE

37

buzaswholesale.co.uk

18 Brand Ne w Designs, in spired by Beautiful Br itish Gardens, by Cheshire Ar tist, Sarah Capp er

www.doodleicious.co.uk Introducing a New Collection of Exquisitely Detailed Greeting Cards from

Doodleicious

To request a catalogue, please contact Sarah at: doodleiciousdoodles@gmail.com or call the studio on 07734034039

38_PG_July 2020.indd 1

02/07/2020 14:35

39-41-43 PG Innovations.qxp_38-39/40-41 08/07/2020 13:30 Page 2

Some wonderful new launches to pep up greeting card displays as lockdown eases.

A beating heart Recognising that the sending of a genuine compliment or message of love has never been more important, Toasted Crumpet is launching its Heartfelt Collection that contains beautiful messages of love and support. Each of the 16 botanically-inspired cards are 150x150mm in size, printed on a luxury textured card stock, blank inside, with a kraft envelope and are available either cello-wrapped or naked (with an eco-clasp sticker that neatly holds each card and envelope together).

Toasted Crumpet 01372 635359 www.toastedcrumpet.co.uk

Friends reunited Nature calls When nature calls, Wrendale Designs is there.

The publisher has just added 12 new additions to add to its award-winning Country Set collection. This means the menagerie now encompasses some new fave animals brought to life by artist (and company founder) Hannah Dale in her recognisable style. Each card in the collection is printed on high quality textured, sustainably-sourced board and comes with a recycled kraft envelope with gold foil detail.

Wrendale Designs 01652 680253 www.wrendaledesigns.co.uk

In answer to these strange and difficult times, with the hope that we can start to look forward to more positive days ahead, Cherry Orchard Publishing has created a friendship package of appropriate greeting cards. Heartened by so many people looking out for one another and communities coming together, the new card collection is launching to coincide with International Friendship Day (August 3), accompanied by supportive POS material as a thank you from the publisher to its customers.

Cherry Orchard Publishing 01684 295500 www.cherryorchardpublishing.co.uk

Making a date In addition to a brand new brochure including everyday and Christmas cards, English Graphics has unveiled the new designs for its 2021 desk calendars.

The company has started production on previously unseen design variations on some of its more popular themes, each of which uses biodegradable eco-glitter.

English Graphics 01590 672778 www.englishgraphics.co.uk

Joining the crew Pink Pig has added 26 new designs to its Cutie Crew range, taking it to a total of 48 designs. The new cards, which feature a pretty swirly colour background include 10 birthday designs and 16 new occasion cards. The latter cover new baby, anniversary, new home, get well, thank you and just to say. The cards are 150mm x 150mm in format, printed on 350gsm FSC board, accompanied by recycled EkoKraft envelopes and available cello-wrapped or naked.

Pink Pig 0779 5574548 www.pinkpigcards.co.uk

Badgering you Badgey McBadgeface is a brand new A6 card range from Brainbox Candy. All the designs feature the caption printed on a large 77mm badge which is attached to the front of the card. The badges are easily removed with the design repeated underneath. The humour range spans a variety of subjects, including a generous smattering of current lockdown fun, specifically aimed at putting a smile on peopleâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s faces in these tricky times. In addition, there are designs on NHS themes, ages, occasions as well as general humour. They come with a recycled kraft envelope.

Brainbox Candy 01702 716643 www.brainboxcandytrade.com PROGRESSIVE GREETINGS WORLDWIDE

39

new from hype

Elmer

Miffy

new cards

age cards 1-4

Snoopy

Moomins

new wrap and comic cards

new cards with art from moominvalley

hypecards

www.hypa.com

Thank you for continuing to support us & our British made cards.

We are sorry we canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t catch you at the Trade Fairs this year but we do have a super wholesale website and continue to offer

free carriage on all orders

www.laurasherrattdesigns.co.uk

40_PG_July 2020.indd 1

02/07/2020 14:37

39-41-43 PG Innovations.qxp_38-39/40-41 08/07/2020 13:30 Page 3

Some wonderful new launches to pep up greeting card displays as lockdown eases.

They saurus Beautiful new designs by mid-century inspired artist Nadia Taylor are part of Earlybird's latest card range expansion.

Continuing the publisher’s longest standing artist collaboration, the new designs by Nadia include striking depictions of dinosaurs, toucans, whales and black cats among other delectable subjects. The cards are printed on CFCaccredited stock with recycled craft fleck envelopes.

Earlybird Designs 01227 765 372 www.earlybirddesigns.co.uk

Signs of the times 'This card is for you...because’ is a new printed range from Bexy Boo inspired by lockdown and the experiences we have all shared recently and are still encountering.

The designs in the range are perfect for all occasions. Each card is 150mm x 150mm and comes individually wrapped in a bio-degradable cello with a white hammered paper envelope. Naked and card clasped options are also available.

Bexy Boo 01565 830 546 bexyboo.co.uk

Strking Moo-ves Lucy Driver Illustration has launched a new range featuring fun-loving cows. Full of character, the 16 designs in the new Katie’s Cows collection span a range of occasions, including birthdays, friendship as well as celebrating new hobbies that may have been started during lockdown.

The cards are printed on 300gsm board, blank inside and are supplied with a kraft envelope.

Lucy Driver Illustration 07841698068 www.lucydriver.co.uk

Feline festive?

Christmas will be here before we know it!

Sabivo Design has launched a new Christmas range of 25 open designs and family relations captions. The new Christmas collection features delicate hand-drawn illustrations that are handfinished with real sequins. The 145mm square cards are blank inside, printed on FSC-certified board, come wrapped in recyclable cello bags with a festive red envelope.

Sabivo Design 01858433716 www.sabivo.co.uk

(Hedge)hogs and kisses Cinnamon Aitch is sending special 'hogs' and kisses for Christmas this year as the publisher pulls one of its strongest ranges out of the bag!

Beautifully painted illustrations, including some gorgeous ones of hedgehogs, span the collection of handfinished C6 singles, large square singles, advent cards, little packs, money wallets as well as handmade soaps.

Cinnamon Aitch 0121 773 6833 www.cinnamonaitch.co.uk

Buzzy times Coinciding with the launch of the publisher’s super smashing, brand new super clean, easy shopping site, Miko Greetings has launched a host of new card designs, including a topical ‘Bee Safe’ design (pictured) into the portfolio while the My Fine Feathered Friends range has been further expanded.

Miko Greetings 020 8693 1011 www.miko-greetings.com

PROGRESSIVE GREETINGS WORLDWIDE

41

NEW FOR SUMMER 2020 MIDDLEMOUSE.CO.UK SALES@MIDDLEMOUSE.CO.UK | CALL: 07855 959176

PTH 1/4 page advert 6/2020_Layout 1 22/06/2020 16:31 Page 1

Peartree Heybridge Ltd Welcome back and please take good care of yourselves on the retail ‘front line’.

We are here and ready to go with new products to tempt your customers back.

I really must start practising

self distancing ...from the fridge !

Camilla & Rose have been struggling with the lockdown but as usual they see the funny side You can view our cards at www.peartreeheybridge.co.uk

PG July Quarter Page.indd 1 42_PG_July 2020.indd 1

29/06/2020 16:03 02/07/2020 14:38

39-41-43 PG Innovations.qxp_38-39/40-41 08/07/2020 13:30 Page 4

Some wonderful new launches to pep up greeting card displays as lockdown eases.

Plans change Dandelion Stationery understands it totally sucks having to change exciting plans so it has developed these fab new postcards to help. They’re the perfect way to let guests know all of the important details for the new plan.

Supplied in packs containing six postcards which have been digitally printed onto luxury 300gsm FSC certified board and six kraft envelopes made from recycled paper.

Dandelion Stationery 01332 504940 dandelionstationery.co.uk

Happy plus points At the start of lockdown, Hole In My Pocket’s founder Allister Burt created some designs that were just out and out happy, positive messages. Out of this was born the publisher’s new Positive Thinking range, drawn in a childlike simple form with bright colours and happy messages.

The cards are A6 in format, come with a brown kraft recycled envelope and can be supplied in cello or naked with closure sticker.

Hole in my Pocket 07967636869 www.holeinmypocket.com/shop

A natural feeling Nature meets sentiment in the new Decorative Valance range from Decorque Cards. The British natural world takes centre stage in this range of 150mm square cards in which hand-painted decorative borders frame the central special messages. The cards are printed on high quality white board and come with white envelopes.

Decorque Cards 01865 841689 www.decorquecards.com

Animal instincts Just Animals is an irresistibly cute range from Lucilla Lavender. Suitable for all ages, with a few bold brushstrokes, the designs capture the essence of the featured creatures. As well as a delightful dog and kitten, the collection also includes designs featuring a dinosaur, tiger, frog, lion, giraffe among others with the ‘Happy Birthday’ text being in keeping with the loose painterly style.

Lucilla Lavender 0203 405 1410 www.lucillalavender.com

Lockdown backchat

A rainbow wave

Acknowledging that these unprecedented times call for a special breed of card designs, Carte Blanche Greetings has come up with its Coronaover collection of cards.

Encompassing eight designs from its Cards for Horrible People brand and the same number from its Say It To My Face brand, the range provide some sharptongued light relief as we all try and keep it real in a post COVID-19 world.

Carte Blanche Greetings 01243 792600 www.carteblanchegreetings.com

Mister Peebles has added several new designs to its range of humorous and heartfelt animal-filled cards. Among these is the 'Small Act of Kindness' design (pictured), inspired by all the neighbourhood window rainbows. Some 25% of profits from its sales are donated to The Careworkers Charity, who work to support NHS staff. The A6 size cards, are blank inside, printed onto 300gsm matt card and come with a recycled manilla envelope, individually packed in a plastic-free biodegradable sleeve.

Mister Peebles 07736 857493 www.misterpeebles.co.uk PROGRESSIVE GREETINGS WORLDWIDE

43

The GreATesT COLLeCTiOn OF GreeTinG CArDs in The WOrLD PG Live 2021 will be reuniting the international greetings industry, with hundreds of card publishers and retail buyers coming together to celebrate as they rebuild their businesses, refresh their ranges and reconnect with friends.

We canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t wait!

PG Live 2021 Tuesday 8 - Wednesday 9 June Business Design Centre, London +44 (0) 1635 297070 www.progressivegreetingslive.com @PGLiveLondon #PGL2020

44_PG_July 2020.indd 1

The FuTure OF GreeTinGs Book your free tickets now www.progressivegreetingslive.com

30/06/2020 16:08

45_47_49.qxp_Grid 04/07/2020 14:17 Page 1

Trend Spotlight

Terracotta Army

It started with succulents, then teetered by terrariums, and now the indoor flora fetish is full-blown. And this is not only reflected in the double expansion of garden centres’ indoor plant area and retailers’ evolving array of pot designs to house them, greeting card designs are flourishing with lush and leafy potted plant life.

In keeping with the theme of this year’s Retas awards, PG takes a look at what’s cultivating this trend. #plantmum, #plantdaddies, Boyswithplants, Crazyplantlady, Instagram is abundant with hashtagging millennials and their potted verdure; hanging bead plants, fiddle-leaf figs, dragon trees, monstera (Swiss cheese plant), they’re the pride and joy of their green-fingered parents. And tapping into the foliage flurry are indoor plant websites such as Patch, which gives simple advice to your botanical babies’ care and have also recently set up a Plant Hotel so plant mums and dads can rest assured their green kids are in safe hands when they go on holiday. And for a more holistic experience, tune into plant waves via electrodes on their leaves to hear plants speak - in plant sonic pitches.

But what is driving this cacti craze?

This fern fascination?

A distant dream to be able to afford their own home or even care for a cat in

Above: A vibrant card design from printmaker, Printer Johnson.

Left: The pant-wetting ‘So Excited’ design from Hope Designed.

their small rented flat, let alone have kids, millennials are nurturing and rearing botanicals as their green babies, even personalising them with names such as Karen or Big Ken. The desire to fill their homes with beautiful, structural and Instagram-ready succulents, cacti and tropical leafy plants in quirky pots and hanging macramé baskets is not only a 70s throw-back that adds texture and

form to home décor, but, in the urban environment many millennials reside, bringing nature indoors has health (as air purifiers) and wellness benefits, creating a calming feeling, and, learning about each plant’s seasonal cycle, light and watering requirements brings a sense of responsibility and glowing pride as you watch your green babies happily thrive.

A herbage of green-fingered card publishing plant people share what they feel is driving the trend for pot plants and their illustration on card designs.

Liz Temperley, founder of Blank Inside: “I have loved gardening and growing plants ever since I was little when I was given my own tiny space in my mum’s garden. Fast forward 30 years and I have managed to have greenery in every home I have lived in, even in some gardenless London flats I somehow managed to keep my plants alive!

Potty for plants: “There’s definitely a sense of achievement and an antidote to city living to have vibrant verdant house plants in the home. There is something precious about growing and nurturing from seed and I think the trend for looking after house plants is evocative of the desire to create a wellness environment and a mindful way of living when the outside world is seemingly so hectic.

My latest ‘plants in pots’ card range is printed onto annually renewable plant fibre paper and I think encapsulates the trend for eco-friendly stationery and of course house plants!”

Left: Liz in her studio surrounded by her verdant and vibrant house plants.

Right: A perfect polka dot begonia in an inky blue pot from Blank Inside.

PROGRESSIVE GREETINGS WORLDWIDE

45

ange !

New R

Polypropylene & biodegradable bag specialists Over 40 years quality service to the trade Hotfoiling also available

from Redback Cards...

GREETING CARD

FRIENDLY, EXPERT ADVICE DEDICATED AND KNOWLEDGEABLE TEAM FAST AND EFFICIENT SERVICE HIGH QUALITY FILM BAGS

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

AND NOW FOR SOMETHING COMPLETELY DIFFERENT...

Over 40 designs to choose from!

Our innovative greetings card finishes include: Thermography Foil Intense Glitter Snowraise Liquid Metal Blended Glitter Embossing Textured Foil Laser Cutting

Please contact us for product samples, an e-brochure or for an appointment with one of our wonderful sales team!

ask about our ‘Mr Abbot’ sample pack

To discuss your next greetings card range call us on 01797 223355 www.abbotprint.co.uk sales@abbotprint.co.uk

46_PG_July 2020.indd 1

02/07/2020 16:18

45_47_49.qxp_Grid 04/07/2020 14:17 Page 3

Trend Spotlight

Lianne Harrison, founder of Paperwhale Cards & Paper Goods: “I illustrate all of Paperwhale’s paper-cut collage designs, taking inspiration from my love of nature and wildlife. I love visiting botanical gardens and greenhouses, and I'm passionate about plants - I have a growing indoor plant collection filling my home and studio with greenery.

Paperwhale’s best selling Botanics Collection of house plants greeting cards are inspired by a love of indoor greenery and urban jungles. There are 15 designs which feature individual plant care tips on the back of each design. We recently launched six vibrant tropical new additions to our Pocket Collection, and a Glasshouse card featuring an array of tropical collage illustrations - Cacti, Succulent, Palm & Waterlily Houses and Treetop Walkway.

It’s really hard to name a favourite house plant, as I love so many, but at the moment I’m really drawn to Fishbone cacti - they have the most beautiful unique wavy leaves.”

Potty for plants: “I feel the recent popularity and love of house plants is a reaction to the fast paced world we live in. People are embracing slow living and connecting with nature, being more mindful and wanting to bring the beauty of the outdoors in, creating leafy green environments in their own homes.

Plants bring a harmony and positive energy through their natural beauty, which is therapeutic. There is an amazing diversity in their natural forms, and the unique shapes, textures, patterns of individual plants, from the delicate String of Pearls to the big leafy Swiss cheese plant.”

Helen Richmond, founder of Helen Richmond Designs: “My love for houseplants first started when I lived in an apartment. I'd always loved spending time in my parents’ garden digging in the mud, planting flowers and watching them bloom.

Without a garden of my own house plants were a way to bring nature back into my life. In this digital world, I think people are looking to reconnect with the natural world and are looking for simple pleasures in life.”

Above: Crazy about plants, Helen Richmond Design.

Above: Lianne and some of her botanical babies, some of which took a trip to Top Drawer Spring to be on her show stand.

Right: Imagery Paperwhale’s Botanics Collection was kindly donated by Lianne for this year’s Retas Awards’ ‘The Finery of Greenery’ livery. Also being as environmentally friendly as possible is very important to the ethos of Paperwhale.

Right: Hanging plants and pots plants feature on Molly Mae’s designs.

Left: A new 3D spider plant card from Hallmark’s Pop Plant range.

Far left: Spot varnished and leafy, a design from Raspberry Blossom’s Good Vibes range.

Below right: A potted duo from Lou Mills’ Pots & Pansies collection.

Continued on page 49 PROGRESSIVE GREETINGS WORLDWIDE

47

48_PG_July 2020.indd 1

28/06/2020 13:04

45_47_49.qxp_Grid 04/07/2020 14:17 Page 5

Trend Spotlight

Liz Ellis, studio manager for Abacus Cards/Clare Maddicott: “I’m a keen gardener but sadly, so far, I haven’t been that successful in my bid to look after house plants. My daughter loves cacti and succulents and last year asked for some for her eleventh birthday. She was delighted to receive some as a birthday gift and gleefully rehomed them in her bedroom. Unfortunately, her interest in caring for these beloved beauties soon waned and the responsibility soon fell to me. I was under the impression that it was pretty difficult to kill a cactus but so far I have successfully managed to wipe out two, much to my daughter’s disgust! I did suggest that she take back their trusty care as she may have more success.

House plants have grown hugely in popularity over recent years, this has been reflected in our card range. We have two recent card introductions featuring house plants in both the Abacus and Clare Maddicott brands: the Boujee design features illustrated plants and the BBC Gardeners’ World design is photographic.”

Potty for plants: “I think the rise in popularity is down to space and time. Lots of people live in flats with no access to gardens or very little outdoor space. There’s a big trend for living plant walls, I’ve seen some fantastic examples, there’s one in our local florist Tudor Rose, Bury St Edmunds and also retail outlets such as Anthropologie. Displays such as these have certainly helped to inspiration the imagination of the indoor gardener.”

Right: Bright and uplifting, a Boujee design from Clare Maddicott.

Emma Star, national account manager for Pigment: “Plants over people! Starting out with a Draco tree five years ago, my partner and I spend many of our weekends adopting new additions to our evergrowing ‘Plant Crew’ and we are now on plant number 62 (and counting!). Our favourite plant is our lovely Calathea, which my James’ Mum grew from a cutting of hers.”

Potty for plants: “Our top tips for bringing a healthy plant family into the world - Don’t over water, always use a draining pot, and if you are having no luck then move them around the house until you find the perfect happy environment for them. Happy planting!”

Above: Emma with one of her and her partner’s 62 indoor plants!

Below: A cute cacti Pigment design.

Rachel Hare, md for Belly Button Designs: “The current popularity and growing trend in house plants is nothing new to me, I love gardening, green is my favourite colour and I’ve a real passion to bringing the outside in. I’ve cacti in the studio I’ve grown for 25 years!

I’m drawn to their tranquil beauty, and love to recreate this form of expression in our greeting and giftware designs.

Botanical illustration has always fed into fashion and interiors, areas that are a huge part of identifying us and heavily influencing the creative process. The ‘green’ and ‘handcrafted’ connection will continually feed and flourish within our portfolio.”

Potty for plants: “We’re living increasingly busy work lives and crave escapism, especially if we’re city-bound, looking to be at one with nature. To be in tune with our wellness and mental balance are important factors of consideration in a desire to ‘feel good’. We are seeing a rise in collaborations that emphasise the wellbeing benefits of inspired green fingers, especially coverage on the RHS and NHS feel-good garden and lately the Duchess of Cambridge hugely influencing popular opinion with her involvement.

House plants allow us to scale the outside experience down, easily slipping into our lives with little need of attention but giving us so much more; cleaning the air we breathe, improving productivity and mood, reducing stress levels, fatigue and blood pressure - why wouldn’t you surround yourself with this kind of goodness.”

Above: A Belly Button design featuring some beautiful indoor plants.

Above right: Belly Button’s Rachel Hare has a big passion for bringing nature indoors, inspiring many of her designs. Here are just two of her many plants dotted all over her studio.

PROGRESSIVE GREETINGS WORLDWIDE

49

ART SOURCE

Quirky Family-safe Humour A new, ever-growing range of designs covering Occasions, Oddballs, NHS, Dogs, Food, Wine and more, all available to trade or licence

Get Well Soon

TO APPEAR REGULARLY IN THE

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

50_PG_July 2020.indd 72

07566 742677

hello@Chiz.ink

www.Chiz.ink

29/06/2020 19:18

51.qxp_49/51 03/07/2020 10:53 Page 1

Art Source PG helps to paint a picture of artists’, designers’, verse writers’ and photographers’ worlds, helping them to promote their talents to card publishers and in doing so, help publishers to source new designs for their ranges.

ARTIST IN FOCUS

Heather Powers I definitely live up to my name, creating powerful images of nature and nostalgia. I love drawing things that nurture the soul, relish the simple life and celebrate the everyday. In my beloved hometown of South Haven, MI, on the shores of Lake Michigan, I draw inspiration from the beaches, fields, and forests that surround me. The slower pace of life in this small community is reflected in the thoughtfulness and beauty of my welcoming art.

I studied fine art at Kendall College of Art & Design, where I received my Bachelor of Fine Arts. I am a former SCBWI Regional Advisor and was the recipient of the SCBWI Tomie de Paola Portfolio Award.

When I’m not drawing or painting, I’m making beads and jewellery. My bead designs are sold in stores across the US and I

have written three jewellery and bead books: Jewellery Designs from Nature, and Beautiful Elements published by Kalmbach Publishing and the Beadmaking Lab from Quarry Books.

I love nurturing communities and as part of this I organise several bead retreats and bead cruises. I love gathering with creative women during these events and travelling to beautiful locations.

Represented by Jennifer Nelson Artists, my artwork has been published by several companies over the years, including Design House Greetings, Studio Oh!, Tyndale House Publishers, American Greetings, Papyrus, Rosemary Magazine and hopefully many more to come! l Email: hello@jennifer-nelson-artists.com l Telephone: (001) 781-643-2002

WANT TO BE FEATURED?

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

PROGRESSIVE GREETINGS WORLDWIDE

51

C A R D S • H O M EWA R E • F R A M E D P R I N TS • STAT I O N E RY

NE RAN W GE

NEW E G RAN

15cm Square FSC stock w www.sweetdesign.co.uk

100% recycled envelopes sweetdesignproducts

BRITISH FROM START TO FINISH

Sweet-PGBuzz1/4pg.indd 1

52_PG_July 2020.indd 1

sweet_design_products

SUPPORTING WWF

16/06/2020 15:54

02/07/2020 16:39

53_55.qxp_Grid 06/07/2020 16:09 Page 1

JEREMY’S JOURNAL

BUSINESS BLOGGING BY PUBLISHER JEREMY CORNER OF BLUE EYED SUN

This Too

Jeremy Corner, owner of greeting card publisher Blue Eyed Sun and distributor of BambooCup and Bioloco shares his musings on changing times.

Shall Pass It’s a funny old world isn’t? One minute we are all sailing along doing our thing, the next, the proverbial rug is completely pulled out from under our feet and life is never the same again. It seems that the only constant we can rely on is change itself.

In April, I emailed all Blue Eyed Sun’s retailers some tips for selling online as well as a list of useful things business owners could do during the lockdown. It didn’t feel right to be selling to our customers and I wanted to do what little I could to support them. At the end of my email I signed off with a reminder that ‘this too shall pass’.

I’d heard the phrase in a movie (but its origins go back to 1200AD to a proverb in Medieval Levent and was also famously used in a speech by Abraham Lincoln before he became president) and always thought it was something helpful to say when times are tough. It’s a useful reminder that nothing lasts forever. In other words, don’t stress or panic if something troubles you, because it’s not here to stay.

It’s not just difficult times that pass though, good times pass too. In fact, everything is transient and nothing can be relied on with absolute certainty other than the fact that we are born and die (some challenge even these concepts with their perceptions of existence).

Left: The phrase ‘this too shall pass’ has been well used in history, including by Abraham Lincoln, just before he became the 16th president of the United States.

Below: As good sailors know, you need to be ready to reef your sails if the weather turns, but no one could have predicted the disruption caused by Covid-19.

Good Enough Times Feedback from many retailers at Spring Fair back in February was that Christmas 2019 had not been too bad and a sense of measured confidence was returning to buyers. It was less a case of ‘good times’ and more a case of ‘good enough times’.

We were aware of a ‘flu-like’ virus in China and Italy in January. The first recorded UK cases from York were four days before Spring Fair with a third case in Brighton as the show closed. Nobody was worrying too much about it and many publishers and suppliers were reporting decent January and Spring Fair orders and leads. A few weeks later the UK was in lockdown and the economy was in freefall with the wholesale and retail sector contracting by 87.3% in April. Almost two decades of UK economic growth were wiped out overnight.

The British government’s support has been well received by businesses and we

were grateful for the option of furloughing our team using the Job Retention Scheme (JRS). After 15 years of working two and a half day weeks I was suddenly grafting up to 70 hours per week to cover all the bases and keep the company shipping to customers who still needed us.

Not so bad times At Blue Eyed Sun we turned the taps off on all but essential supplies in order to save costs. We then watched in horror as independent card sales nose-dived by 90%.

The crash on giftware was even more noticeable as only a few customers with internet offerings were able to sell our reusable products.

Our greeting card sales continued to hold up at a certain level throughout lockdown and I’ve never felt more grateful to have an established core of best selling cards that people still love to buy. Our online retailers were smashing it out of the park and one of our designs in particular was repeatedly being ordered in the hundreds.

Despite brokers shutting down for a few weeks, they were quickly back up and running and having diversified card distribution in supermarkets really helped us survive April and May, along with some white label business we have internationally.

Things were undoubtedly bad during this PROGRESSIVE GREETINGS WORLDWIDE

53

01924 950500 The perfect solution for all of your Greeting Card Software requirements Enquiry Hotline

CARD manager

Ready-made WEBSHOP

for Customer and Salesforce Orders

Salesforce MOBILE Ordering

using iPhone, iPad, Tablet, etc. incl. Consignment and Van Sales Email us at enquiries@exponential.co.uk or visit our website at www.card-manager.com

UK- 01924 950500 / USA- (617) 8618-517 / Australia- (0432) 846546 Exponential Limited 1-3 Tithe Barn Street Horbury Wakefield West Yorkshire WF4 6HN

54_PG_July 2020.indd 1

02/07/2020 16:16

53_55.qxp_Grid 06/07/2020 16:10 Page 3

JEREMY’S JOURNAL time, but they weren’t terrible. We could find ways to survive by using what we had and focusing on what was working.

The main issue was cashflow. When you have a huge amount of stock and it’s not flowing, but you still have bills to pay, it can drive you crazy. While I’m not suggesting one be flippant about these things, worrying about them isn’t necessarily helpful. A certain sense of detachment is more powerful than being caught up in negative thinking and anxiety.

put in place in March. All sales have fallen in line with or exceeded expectations.

We’re still hugely reliant on our customers paying their bills, which for the most part I am very grateful to say, they are.

The new normal

The present I found that it’s better to stay present with what is and not add anything to it. Sales dropped by 90%, most customers were not buying nor able to buy. Some were. Most customers were paying, some weren’t. Our income was covering outgoings to keep our suppliers paid. We had options for deferring tax and VAT, the Job Retention Scheme and a Bounce Back Loan. These are the facts of what happened and actions we could take. “It’s a nightmare, it’s stressful, I can’t cope,” are what we can often add to what is. They are stories that distort the truth of our experience.

The present moment is actually as safe as any. If you stop right now and take a deep slow breath in and a long steady breath out and then accept how things are for you right now, you will see that everything is actually OK. It’s our fears and anxiety about what is to come that tend to undo us. We load them onto the facts and weigh ourselves down with the worry they induce.

Above: Jeremy Corner on his stand at February’s Spring Fair.

Below left: The ‘looking back from perfect’ exercise is one that Jeremy has told many Ladder Club members as they start their journey as a card publisher. Where do you want to be in say five years time?

Below right: This owl design from Blue Eyed Sun has been a storming success online for retailers dur-ing lockdown.

Looking back from perfect In 2004 I did an exercise called ‘Looking Back from Perfect’ that changed my life.

It’s what helped us to grow and for me to run Blue Eyed Sun on two and half days per week for so long. I’ve used it many times to achieve my goals.

Jakki Brown (PG editor) and I were chatting about the exercise during lockdown and she pointed out that things don’t always end up ‘perfect’. She’s absolutely right, bad weather can destroy or hamper your livelihood and it’s not something we can control. The coronavirus and its impact on our businesses is far from ‘perfect’, Covid19 meant I found myself working 70-hour weeks to survive, which is not the goal I set for myself all those years ago.

We can’t predict everything that happens to us and why would we ever want to? It’s part of the rich tapestry of life that our experiences are varied and ephemeral.

Despite doing this exercise, did my life work out perfectly? Hell no. There have been ups and downs, triumphs and disasters, massive mistakes and fortuitous wins.

Still, we can keep aiming for where we want to get to and adapt to our environment as we go. We can change our ambitions and create new possibilities. We can create reasonable projections and track what works and what doesn’t. So far, so good with the cashflow forecasts I

I’ve learned a lot about our business during lockdown as I went back to doing most jobs I did when we started up. Many new ones I had to learn on the fly. Fortunately my team had created helpful ‘how to’ manuals that got me through it. I managed ten weeks on my own and then brought back our first staff member at the start of June with more to follow as business picks up. Improvements are being made from the things I learned in the warehouse, doing our book-keeping and processing our orders.

Blue Eyed Sun continued to provide a reasonable service to the majority of our customers throughout the pandemic with the main issue being the courier companies struggling with service levels. Parcel volumes have reportedly been like ‘Black Friday’ every day. With the rest of the shops now re-opened and increasing courier capacity this will rectify itself soon enough.

Things have definitely shifted and last month saw order volumes quadruple at Blue Eyed Sun on the previous month. My counterparts in Germany, Spain and Switzerland have seen strong bounce backs in their retail markets and I think we can expect to see a continued lift in the UK too.

Our expectations shouldn’t be fully relied on though, the ride will inevitably be bumpy from time to time. We have to deal with things as we find them and not as we hope they might be. Stay lean, stay adaptable and look for the opportunities as you go. Remember that, whether it’s good or bad, this too shall pass.

Read more on Jeremy’s blog at www.blueeyedsun.co.uk/blog PROGRESSIVE GREETINGS WORLDWIDE

55

80

NEW additions to our best-selling ranges

Now fully operational to meet all our valued customers needs!

We hope you are all staying safe and keeping well.

If you need anything, please get in touch and weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll be happy to help.

Designed & manufactured in Great Britain. Printed on FSC certified board.

56_PG_July 2020.indd 1

30/06/2020 16:09

57_58.qxp_Grid 06/07/2020 16:25 Page 1

WHAT’S HOT? PG ASKED A SELECTION OF CARD RETAILERS FOR THEIR ‘HOT’ CARD SELLERS Sarah Laker, owner of Stationery Supplies in Marple.

A busy card and stationery shop which is well used by the local community.

Category

Name of Publisher

Product/Name Range

Comments

Art

Earlybird Designs

Bex Parkin and Elena Essex

Humour

Redback

Holyflaps

Thinking of You

Dandelion Stationery

General

Pho tographic

Sussex Stills

General

Ages

Jazz

Two Little Monkeys

Children’s

Redback Cards

Shine

Ancillary

Earlybird Designs East of India

Neon Spot Ceramic hearts and gifts

Both artists’ design styles and subject matter (lots of animals and foliage) do well.

The ‘Chin up. Tits out.’ design really hits the spot right now.

The publisher is a master of getting just the tone of its editorial which perfectly match the illustrations.

Beautifully simple designs of nature and landscapes that have proved very popular during lockdown.

This is a new range for us and the adult age designs are especially strong.

The children’s age designs have sold really well.

Striking and bright.

The sentiments mean they can been given as little gifts, including for those experiencing bereavement of a loved one.

Top: A design from Earlybird’s Bex Parkin range.

Right: A Two Little Monkeys’ Jazz design.

Carl Dunne, owner of Cards and Gifts, Sheffield.

Two card and gift shops in two different areas of the city.

Category

Name of Publisher

Product/Name Range

Comments

Everyday

Nigel Quiney Publications UK Greetings Cherry Orchard

Pizazz Female Open

Customers buy them five at a time.

Giggles Feather & Fur

Children’s

UK Greetings Nigel Quiney Publications

Camden Graphics Art Juvenile ages

Adult Ages

Second Nature

Champagne

Giftwrap

UK Greetings

Rollwrap

Partisan (bought from Jackson’s) Ancient Wisdom Amscan and Simon Elvin (bought from Jackson’s)

Violet

We sell so many of these cards.

These have gone down a storm.

Being blank they can be used for different sends.

The designs are simply wonderful.

This new range has got off to great start - I like the way the numbers interact with the characters.

The whole collection is just stunning.

We are selling around 200 rolls a week at the moment.

This selection of large gift bags does very well for us.

A great little pampering gift.

Off the scale - we are selling around a 100 a day

Humour Art

Ancillary

Self-purchases

Above right: A Feather & Fur design from Cherry Orchard.

Right: One of the new juvenile age cards from Nigel Quiney Publications.

Giant bath bombs Foil balloons

Fresh flowers and plants

We offer these at our new shop and the demand has been incredible.

PROGRESSIVE GREETINGS WORLDWIDE

57

57_58.qxp_Grid 07/07/2020 12:41 Page 2

Maggie Wynn, owner of Just Cards in Honiton.

A specialist card shop in the high street of a smallish Devon town which has a loyal customer base.

Category

Name of Publisher

Product/Name Range

Comments

Occasions

Jonny Javelin

Twingles

Humour

IC&G Redback

Year You Were Born Cloud Nine and Holy Flaps

Children’s

Pigment Paper Salad

Funny Works Hoopla

Art

Ling Design

William Morris

Thinking of You

IC&G

Eternal Pizazz Gallery

Local Interest Giftwrap

Nigel Quiney Publications Adrian Oakes Photography Glick

Ancillary

Jellycat

Across the board

Wrendale Designs

Diaries, waterbottles, plant pots, stationery

The grandchildren age (1-10) cards really work as the designs are spot on right for the ages.

Great sellers.

We put two spinners outside and you just hear people laughing at the designs - and then buying them!

A great range, especially for relations.

These really stand out on the displays, due to the colours and the embossing.

The classic designs appeal to all ages of customers.

The words go down well with our customers.

These lovely floral designs sell all day long!

His photography of Devon and Dartmoor landscapes is superb.

We are doing especially well at the moment with the 4mtr rolls.

Who’d have thought plush fruit and veg would sell?! We sold loads for Father’s Day as we had them in the window.

The brand has a strong following. We put a lot of the items near the till and they sell well.

Top: A Twingles design from Jonny Javelin.

Above middle: A Funny Works design from Pigment that resonates with many WFH wives!

Above: Wrendale’s personal password book is a handy item.

Across the board Across the board

Jo Barber, owner of No.14, Ampthill, Bedfordshire.

A specialist card, stationery and gift boutique in an attractive small town.

Category

Name of Publisher

Product/Name Range

Comments

Humour

Stormy Knight Brainbox Candy

Across the board Across the board

Thinking of You

Molly Mae

Sending Hugs and In Loving Memory

Laura Sherratt

Stay Safe designs

Occasions

Caroline Gardner

Across the board

Children’s

Janie Wilson

Milkshake

Female birthday

Megan Claire

Fresco

Adult Ages

Molly Mae Dandelion Stationery Artebene Compton & Clarke Little People Chilly’s Zelly

Special Ages WD40 Across the board Carded Pocket Charms Books for children Water bottles Facemasks

Both publishers’ cards are sensibly priced and reacted quickly to current times. Lockdown and quarantine humour will naturally have an expiry date, but right now customers are loving them.

The sad reality of the pandemic means sales of condolence cards have rocketed.

Laura’s ‘stay safe’ cards have flown out - one customer bought 30!

They really do have everything covered. We find ourselves reordering most weeks.

This range is a breath of fresh air - brightly coloured, fairly priced and gorgeous designs.

Simple and wordy - they hit the mark.

These two publishers produces the best sellers for the adult age categories.

Well designed products.

Top: A design from Molly Mae’s Sending Such an affordable way to let Hugs collection. somebody know you care.

Above: Compton & Clarke’s carded pewter

Giftwrap Ancillary

June Best Seller

58

PROGRESSIVE GREETINGS WORLDWIDE

pocket charms make a thoughtful gift.

These good quality, well packaged, stylish designs retail under £5.00.

We sold over 300 in the first two weeks

Classified Complete 2020.qxp 02/07/2020 15:47 Page 59

PRODUCT DIRECTORY

l PRODUCT DIRECTORY

l PRODUCT DIRECTORY

To appear in the Product Directories email Warren Lomax warren@max-publishing.co.uk or Tracey Arnaud traceya@max-publishing.co.uk

%!"

& "&" " "" ' " "

!" " #$

Te l : 0 1 6 3 8 5 6 9 0 5 0 w w w . a b a c u s c ard s . c o . u k Em ail: in fo @ ab a c us c a rds .c o.uk

To appear in the Product Directories contact

Warren Lomax

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

Tracey Arnaud

07957 212 062

or email traceya@max-publishing.co.uk

Publishers of quality blank greeting cards Tel: 0115 929 4776 enquiries@bugart.co.uk Order Online

www.bugart.co.uk

To appear in the Product Directories email Warren Lomax warren@max-publishing.co.uk or Tracey Arnaud traceya@max-publishing.co.uk

01565 830 546 | bexyboo.co.uk @BexyBooLtd

BexyBooLtd

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

@BexyBooLtd PROGRESSIVE GREETINGS WORLDWIDE

59

Classified Complete 2020.qxp 02/07/2020 15:47 Page 60

PRODUCT DIRECTORY

l PRODUCT DIRECTORY

l PRODUCT DIRECTORY

Family-safe

HUMOROUS CARDS and poster PRETTY ELEGANT DESIGNS | LONDON

Available online Wholesale & Licensing

Occasions Oddballs Dogs Food Wine Humerus (NHS) and more

NEW DESIGN

S One of the UKâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s leading suppliers of Greeting Cards since 19995 Products: High quality greetin ng cards with superb finishes. All maajjor and minor titles, covering traditio onaall to the latest in innovative design, n both Everydaayy and Seasonal. Providing an all NEW selection of Muggs and Notebooks. k

ORDER A TRAD E PACK

hello@emmabryan.co.uk www.emmabryan.co.uk

07566 742677 74267 77 hello@Chiz.ink www.Chiz.ink

Brands Include: Down Memory Lane, Wo Wot A Mug and Tw Twist & Shout Methods of Sale: Direct to retail

SALES AGENTS WANTED Desiggners welcome contact beverley@cherryorchardpublishing.co.uk

www.cathtatecards.com

Unit 10 Duddage Business Park Brockeridge Rd Twyning Tewkesbury GL20 6BY 01684 295500 info@cherryorchardpublishing.co.uk www.cherryorchardpublishing.co.uk

To appear in the Product Directories email

Warren Lomax warren@max-publishing.co.uk or

Tracey Arnaud traceya@max-publishing.co.uk

Witty, gritty, switched on humour.

Cards and gifts with a real difference.

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

LOTTIE COLE Caspari Ltd Linden House, John Dane Player Court

East Street, Safffrron W Waalden Essex, CB10 1LR Teel: 01799 513010 T Faax: 01799 513101 F Email: inffoo@caspari.co.uk ww ww w.CaspariOnline.com

Products: Everyday cards - birthday, blank & occasions, charity Christmas cards, gifftt wrap, bags, tissue, ribbon, hankies, napkins, paper plate, candles, placemats, crackers,invitations, placecards, notecards,diaries, address books, journals, advent calendars and bridge gifftts.

Method of Sale: Direct to Retail

Beautiful, Soulful Cards www.lottiecole.com info@lottiecole.com lottiecoledesigns

AGENTS WANTED

To appear in the Product Directories email made with great imagination

@thecuriousinksmith

www.ch w eekyc w. ychoppstrrade.ccoo..ukk phone: Da Danielle :07946 056571 email:wholesale@speciall--day yss.coo..uk 60

PROGRESSIVE GREETINGS WORLDWIDE

01892 838 574

sales@thecuriousinksmith.co.uk

Warren Lomax warren@max-publishing.co.uk or

Tracey Arnaud traceya@max-publishing.co.uk

Classified Complete 2020.qxp 02/07/2020 15:49 Page 61

PRODUCT DIRECTORY

l PRODUCT DIRECTORY

l PRODUCT DIRECTORY

frrom the

;1b-Ѳbv|v |_mb1 u;;࢟m] -u7v "r S end i n g YO Y OU OU

WISHES

A w o n d e rf u l Eid!

Including firm favourites and brand new designs Brands include: Keepsakes, Words of Love, Jelly Beans, Bella Rose, Champagne and many more

Innovative high quality gift wrap, gift bags, tissue paper and accesssories galore for all seasons and occasions.

Ch C hin nese ese HE IS

THE

WAY

THE AND TRUTH

LIFE

THE

Polissh Po h

Te T el: 0161 1 64 641 0 06 655 Email: m sales@da sales@d avora.co.uk av

0127 74 4 655980 sales@glick.co.uk www.glick.co.uk

Tel:: +44 (0)115 986 0115 Te customer t ser vices@paper i @ rose.co.ukk www.writefromthehear t.co.uk

135 Hea 13 135 eaton Moorr Rd | Stockp ock kpo port ort SK4 4HY 4 4H HY

Glick, Unit 1 Allenby House, European Ind. Park, Knowles Lane, Bradford BD4 9AB

@glickgiftwrap .6-5*3"$*"- and -(#5 (3&&5*/( $"3%4

â&#x20AC;˘ UK Market leaders with humour, art, photographic, contemporary and traditional occasions & relations cards, plus seasonal. â&#x20AC;˘ 2Î?HULQJ D IXOO SODQQLQJ VHUYLFH with merchandising and retail development opportunities.

Hue tribe

www.huetribe.com t: +44(0) 7943416562 e: info@huetribe.com facebook: www.facebook.com/huetribedesign

â&#x20AC;˘ Specialists in garden centres and the independent trade.

CPNF TFF PVS OFX JMMVTUSBUJPOT PO 45"/% 41 BU 1( -*7& % OFF ALL SHOW ORDERS

)

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

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

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

Find The Great British Card Company on: High Quality Greeting Cards, Gift Bags, Gift Wrap & Ta Tags for every occasion.

Hallmark Cards PLC SUPPLIER

*GCF 1HĆ&#x201A;EG +353 (0)404 20528 Email info@garlanna.com www.garlanna.com

www.greatbritishcards.co.uk Waterwells Drive, Gloucester GL2 2PH Tel: 01452 888970

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

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

PROGRESSIVE GREETINGS WORLDWIDE

61

Classified Complete 2020.qxp 02/07/2020 15:49 Page 62

PRODUCT DIRECTORY

l PRODUCT DIRECTORY

WIDE RANGE OF PRODUCTS

l PRODUCT DIRECTORY

Marina B Designs from me to you with love

UK

“Art that tells a story…”

Happy Mother’s Dayy D

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

B rand N ames a Pizazz, Pizazz Gallery, G Pizazz Limited Edition, E Pizazz for Men, Doodle, D A of Nature, Whatt a Picture, Art Designers Corner Cloudesley House, Shire Hill, Saffron Walden,, CB11 3FB

T: 01799 520200 F: F: 01799 520100 www.nigelquiney.c w ww ww.nigelquiney.com om

Love Country

by Sarah Reilly

years

Your Number One Supplier of Numerals, Name, Relation & Age Labels for Greetings Cards.

e in the U

+

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

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

ad

K

Tel: 07735 918118 sarah@lovecountryuk.co.uk www.lovecountryuk.co.uk

M

60

www.marinab.co.uk mar in a@ m a rinab. co.u k Agents wanted

originalposter.com

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

LING DESIGN

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

We replace slow sellers and damaged stock free of charge.

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

THAT’S WHY WE’RE ORIGINAL!

www.lingdesign.co.uk

01892 838 574 information@lingdesign.co.uk

To appear in the Product Directories email Warren Lomax warren@max-publishing.co.uk or Tracey Arnaud traceya@max-publishing.co.uk 62

PROGRESSIVE GREETINGS WORLDWIDE

Great brands, Great service Bespoke planning We can help with all your bespoke planning requirements.

From smaller displays to redeveloping complete card departments

@NoelTattGroup 01227 811 600 sales@noeltatt.co.uk www.noeltatt.co.uk

01932 267 300

Classified Complete 2020.qxp 02/07/2020 15:49 Page 63

PRODUCT DIRECTORY

l PRODUCT DIRECTORY

l PRODUCT DIRECTORY

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

356 Kennington Rd London SE11 4LD T 020 7582 8244 info@paperlink.co.uk k www.paperlink.co.uk Paperlinkcards

raspber r yblossom.com

@ @paperlinkcards

hello@raspberryblossom.com

Send Love e

020 3723 5405

( all year round )

LUXURY GIFT PACKAGING

t: 0208 6138 085 paperbirdpublishing.co.uk u

Exquisite Designs Beautiful Cards Key br ands include: Wr ite from the Hear t Ar tisan, Marzipan, Capisco Designer s Guild, Clare Tupperr Lucy Ledger plus man y more

ICONIC LICENCED BRANDS

greeting cards & contempoRary gifts

01892 838 574 www.pennykennedy.co.uk

PURPLE TREE DESIGNS Awesome cards & gifts inspired by life

www.redbackcards.com e: info@redbackcards.com t: 01752 830482

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

t. 07779 654 694 e. info@ruby-tuesday.co.uk www.ruby-tuesday.co.uk

LING DESIGN

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

Tel:: +44 (0)115 986 0115 Te customer ser vices@paperrose.co.uk www.paperrose.co.uk www.ar tgroupcards.co.uk

purpletreedesigns.co.uk info@purpletreedesigns.co.uk

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

AGENTS WANTED PROGRESSIVE GREETINGS WORLDWIDE

63

Classified Complete 2020.qxp 02/07/2020 15:51 Page 64

PRODUCT DIRECTORY

l PRODUCT DIRECTORY

l PRODUCT DIRECTORY

7RPFDW &DUGV Products: Greetings Cards, Gift Wrap, Gift Bags, Social Stationery, Partyware

Brands: Blossom & Bows Card Essentials Greetings Impressions In Touch Isabel·s Garden Planet Happy Sentiments With You In Mind Word Play

To appear in the Product Directories contact

Warren Lomax

The UK’s leading publisher of highest quality handmade Greetings Cards.

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

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

020 7700 6740

Tracey Arnaud

07957 212 062

Talking Pictures Cards Ltd

or email traceya@max-publishing.co.uk

14-20 Eldon Way, Paddock Wood, Kent, TN12 6BE

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

Method of sale: Wholesale Distributors

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

www.tomcat.cards info@tomcat.cards

DIRECT TO RETAIL & EXPORT

6 Heron Trading Estate Alliance Road, Park Royal, London W3 0RA T: 0208 385 4474 F: 0208 385 4471 E: info@Xpressyourselfcards.co.uk WWW.XXPRESSYOURSELFCARDS.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.

METHOD OF SALE: SENSATIONS – Direct to retail XPRESS YOURSELF – Now one of the leading wholesale publisher suppliers in the UK

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

To appear in the Product Directories contact

Warren Lomax

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

Tracey Arnaud

07957 212 062

or email traceya@max-publishing.co.uk

64

PROGRESSIVE GREETINGS WORLDWIDE

Classified Complete 2020.qxp 02/07/2020 15:51 Page 65

PRODUCT DIRECTORY

l PRODUCT DIRECTORY

WHOLESALE

view by rufus designed in thames ditton

We offffer a We COMPREHEN

range of high Greeting Cards f ALL Occasions,

CHRISTMAS an

... and if we fall into the ountain, we will just prosecco ffo ha av ve to drink our wa ay y out!

Season f Sale:

topdog@view by rufus.com 020 8972 9706

viewbyrufus.com

mail: inffo o@words-nWeb: www We w..words-n-wishes.co.uk

register ffo or a trade account: www w..viewbyrufus.com/b2b

Tel: 01942 233201

Market Leaders in

& entimen

an extensive range of superior quality,

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

A Cards e Art Botanical Fine

Verse

Vibrant and nd elegant gree greeting cards A fr freshly modern perspective on nature

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

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

+44(0)1243 792600

Call Now 075 7700 1145 www.zaquarella.co.uk info@ zaquarella.com

EUROPEâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S LEADING GREETINGS CARDS, PARTY PRODUCTS, GIFTS, CANDLES, TOYS, STATIONERY AND FLORIST SUNDRIES DISTRIBUTION CENTRE 75000 SQ FT BESCOT CRESCENT, WALSALL, WEST MIDLANDS. WS1 4NG 01922-646666 www.greetingshouse.co.uk info@greetingshouse.co.uk MON,WED,FRI 8.00am-4.45pm TUES,THURS 8.00am-7.45pm SAT,SUN 8.00am-1.45pm

To appear in the Product Directories email Warren Lomax warren@max-publishing.co.uk or Tracey Arnaud traceya@max-publishing.co.uk

PROGRESSIVE GREETINGS WORLDWIDE

65

Classified Complete 2020.qxp 02/07/2020 15:51 Page 66

DIRECTORY OF WHOLESALE

CLASSIFIED

l CLASSIFIED BAGS

Polypropylene & biodegradable bag specialists

GREETING CARD

Over 40 years quality service to the trade Hotfoiling also available

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

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

01274 220 220 www w.wrapid.co.uk sales@wrapid.co.uk

BAGS

GIVE E YOUR

Manuffacturers of high quality fllexible packaging 30 YEARS EXPERIENCE - QUA UALITTY Y SERVICE EXTENSIVE STOCK RANGE - QUICK DE ELIVERY ASSURED

- HEADER BAGS - WA WALLET BAGS - ZIPPER BAGS - FLEXOGRAPHIC, HOTFOIL & THEERMAL PRINTING www.transrappackagin ng.co.uk sales@transrap.co o.uk

CALL US TODA AY

01773 5378 810

V VIP

TREA AT A TMENT HIGH CLARITY L TY Y BA AGS FOR R GREETING G ET T NG CARD DS, CALEND EN N ARS ARS AND AND D ARTW TWORK WORK ŏ ŏđŏ

ŏ

FOIL LB BLOCKING NG G EXTE XTENSIVE NSIV VE RANG V R RA ANGE OF S ST TOCK SIZES SIZ ZES AND BES AND BE ESPO OKE KE MANUF KE MANU UF FACTU TUR TURE T U E AT TED D WRAPPING SERVICE NEW AUTOMA

CALL CA CAL C LL US ST TO ODAY OD

0122 1228 228 2 28 8 5605 56 60 052 26 6 www.fful ulcrumfilms. ulcrrum mfillm ms s co.uk uk

66

PROGRESSIVE GREETINGS WORLDWIDE

Classified Complete 2020.qxp 02/07/2020 15:51 Page 67

CLASSIFIED

l CLASSIFIED

l CLASSIFIED

ENVELOPES

l CLASSIFIED

l CLASSIFIED

ENVELOPES

FOR ALL YOUR ENVELOPE NEEDS! Largest range of in-stock colours Over 400 Bespoke Envelope Sizes 8 Sizes Permanently in Stock RECYCLED

PAPER

100% Recycled Paper Available Stock & Bespoke Cello Bags Peel & Stick Envelopes Bespoke Service on Request

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

W W W. EN VE CO .CO .U K

01 90 83 78 86 6

FLITTERING

IN FO @E NV EC O. CO .U K

‘we we make Envelopes and Stationery’

MOREE THAN 50 COLOURS 6 POPULAR GREEETINGS CARD SIZES 50+ WH HITE SIZES IN STOCK BESPOKE ENV VELOPES AV AVAILABLE PEEL A AND SEAL CLOSURE RECYCLED / KRAFTT / 140GSM / 120GSM 11 SUPER BRIG GHT NEON COLOURS BESPOKE NOTEBO OOKS & STATIONERY

PLEASE GET IN TOUCH FOR TARY RY YOUR COMPLIMENTA ENVELOPE OR NOTEBOOK WATCH PA PACK SWA

FOR ALL YOUR FLITTER REQUIREMENTS

ABL Foil Ltd Unit 1, Industrial Estate East Hanningfield Chelmsford Essex, CM3 8AB

Contact DAVID JIGGINS Tel: 01245 400104 Email: david@abl-ltd.co.uk

PRINTERS

SPECIALISTS IN SHORT RUN MULTI IMAGE PRINT s Foiling Services without the need for dies s Wiro bound notebooks, no minimum quantity s In House Fulfilmment Services

T 01274 305832 E info@hellocards.co.uk www.hellocards.co.uk PROGRESSIVE GREETINGS WORLDWIDE

67

Classified Complete 2020.qxp 02/07/2020 15:51 Page 68

CLASSIFIED

l CLASSIFIED PRINTERS

l CLASSIFIED

l PRINTERS

l CLASSIFIED

l PRINTERS

l CLASSIFIED

l PRINTERS

PJ PRINT LONDON The Capitals Only Specialist Greeting Card Printer All Industry Finishes Available In-House Including Laser Cutting

The simplest way to order your greetings cards

The Print Works Colville Road, Acton, London, W3 8BL

Powered by

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

we print

we finish

we pack

we deliver

E-mail: sales@pj-print.co.uk Tel: 020 8993 5160 www.pj-print.co.uk

Your saf ep ai

cturing ufa an m

s for Far E and as fh t o r

Outstanding, cost effective and efficient production of Greeting cards, Packaging and Social stationery, ideal for intricate and hand finished products.

• Over 15 years experience providing high-quality printed products direct from the Far East • Trusted and financially stable, UK owned by The Sherwood Group • Socially responsible manufacturing: SMETA, ISO9001, ISO14001, FSC certification • Full product prototyping in the UK for competitive speed to market requirements

To find out how we can benefit your business, contact Derek Lam +00 (852) 3527 3471 / derek@sherwood-press.com or The Sherwood Group Head Office Hong Kong Office: 13/F, Kam Chung Commercial Building, 19-21 Hennessy Road, Wanchai, Hong Kong

www w..sherwoodgroupuk.com

68

PROGRESSIVE GREETINGS WORLDWIDE

000510

Classified Complete 2020.qxp 02/07/2020 15:51 Page 69

CLASSIFIED

l CLASSIFIED PRINTERS

l CLASSIFIED

l PRINTERS

l CLASSIFIED

l PRINTERS

l CLASSIFIED

l PRINTERS

Social Sta tationerry Printer of the Year

Award winning U UK & Global specialist manufacturer ffor the greeting card industry fo or over 40 years To discuss how we can worrk together, contact Richard Bacon: Tel 0115 928 7766 Email ric chard.bacon@sherwoodgroupuk.com

www.sherrwoodgroupuk.com Hadden Court, Glaisdale e Parkway, Glaisdale Drive West, Nottin ngham NG8 4GP

WAREHOUSING & DISTRIBUTION

Same day order turna around Accurate fulfilment Value added only as you sell the product

THE SPECIALIST GREE ETINGS CARD PRINTE ER

Exclusively Greeting Cards Dedicated Account Managers

Litho Print

Die-cutting

Digital Print

Flittering

Foiling

Packing

Embossing

Distribution

With an excellent reputation we work as an integral part of yourr team bringing QYGL QSVI XLER JYPǻPQIRX 4YV GSWXMRK WXVYGXYVI MW WMQTPI ERH XVERWTEVIRX ;I ; I GEVV] SYX EPP EWTIGXW SJ LERH ǻRMWLMRK ERH EWWIQFP] ERH TVSZMHI [LEXIZIV EHHMXMSREP WIVZMGIW ]SY RIIH 4YV WIPIGX XIEQ SJ SYX[SVOIVW GEVIJYPP] LERH [VET ER] WM^I SV JSVQEX SJ GEVHW YVKIRXP] 4ZIVRMKLX ;I GEVI EFSYX ]SYV TVSHYGX EW QYGL EW ]SY HS &XXIRXMSR XS HIXEMP 6( .WWYIW ;I

Tel:0127 e 4 4531828 Email: info@herbertw o alkers.co.uk

www.herbertwalkers.co.u uk

T JSV EPP WXSGO QSZIQIRXW EVI SYV ERH .8 WYTTSVXIH F] E GSQTVILIRWMZI TETIV XVEMP JS LEPPQEVOW 4YV GER HS ETTVSEGL QIERWW [I EVI LETT] XS WSPZI ]SYV TVSFPIQW 4YXWSYVGMRK ]SYV [EVILSYWMRK STIVEXMSR VIPIEWIW ]SYV XMQI XS CREA AT TE/MARKET/SELL/ MANAGE/ /GROW THE BUSINESS =SYV FYWMRIWW MW SYV FYWMRIWW T =S TPIEWI ZMWMX Z SYV [IF WMXI ERH WII [LEX SYV GYWXSQIVW WE] XLIR XS ǻRH SYX S QSVI GEPP Ly Lynda Raymond ERH TIVLETW [I GER EVVERKI XS QIIX ERH HMWGYWW ]SYV RIIHW . EQ WYVI XLEX [I GER G LIPT

LB Warehousing 9RMXW Ȧ ȶ ȴ ;E]WMHI ;EVILSYWIW 8 8S S W I P E R H 3IEV X 3ISXW (EQFVMHKIWLMVI 5*Ȧȟ Ȱ7< Tel ȉȦȏȁȉ ȁȁȉȁȉȉ Fax ȉȦȏȁȉ ȁȁȉȟȉȉ Mobile ȉȮȁȁȟ ȴȟȟȴȏȦ P]RHE%PF [EVILSYWMRK GS YO

PROGRESSIVE GREETINGS WORLDWIDE

69

Classified Complete 2020.qxp 02/07/2020 15:51 Page 70

CLASSIFIED

l CLASSIFIED

l CLASSIFIED

l CLASSIFIED

l CLASSIFIED

DISPLAY AND SPINNERS

WAREHOUSING & DISTRIBUTION

à ® -:+< à ® *+< à ® 76:

.YLL[PUN *HYKZ +PZWSH` :VS\[PVUZ

>L HSZV KV! à ® *HY[VUZ à ® )V_LZ à ® +PLJ\[Z

*HSS! LTHPS! ZHSLZ'UZTP[OIV_ JV \R

^LI ^^^ UZTP[OIV_ JV \R U ZTP[O /HPUNL 9VHK ;P]PKHSL 6SKI\Y` >LZ[ 4PKSHUKZ ) 5A 6=,9 @,(9: 6- 4(5<-(*;<905. 05 ;/, <2

N.Smith Box.indd 1

21/05/2020 12:02

!"! ## $#

70

PROGRESSIVE GREETINGS WORLDWIDE

Classified Complete 2020.qxp 02/07/2020 16:12 Page 71

APPOINTMENTS

l APPOINTMENTS

l APPOINTMENTS

l APPOINTMENTS

SALES AGENT Established eighteen years and best known for our Alison’s Animals card and gift range, we publish several humour ranges and have new products ready to be released are soon as trading conditions allow. See www.splimple.com

MIDLANDS We need a new sales agent for our Midlands territory – and may appoint two people to cover this sprawling area from Herefordshire in the west to Lincolnshire in the east – and Wolverhampton in the north down to South Gloucestershire. Contact Stuart Caldwell on 07973 110324, or email stuart@splimple.com (ps – we could use someone in central London too!)

Say it how you like.

To appear in the Classified Pages simply contact

Warren Lomax: 020 7700 6740 warren@max-publishing.co.uk or contact

Tracey Arnaud: 07957 212 062 traceya@max-publishing.co.uk PROGRESSIVE GREETINGS WORLDWIDE

71

OBC_PG_July 2020.indd 1

30/06/2020 16:12