VIEWPOINTS

from Progressive Greetings July 2023

by Max Publishing: Print, Digital Media + Events (London)

Positive Vibes

Stand outs: “ Pigment’s newness was lovely to

Jane Armour owner of Jane Armour Trading, Taunton

“What a successful PG Live. I enjoy visiting trade shows and have a particular fondness for this one. I love the fact that the majority of the show is greeting cards, that its small enough to zoom round in a day if you can’t spare longer, but there is enough to look at and talk about if you can stay for the two days. I placed 13 orders for delivery over the two or three weeks following the show and a couple of Christmas orders were placed as well.!”

Stand out: “The Art File and Caroline Gardner, two of my existing suppliers both had some cracking new cards that just had to be ordered! I like reconnecting with suppliers I haven't ordered from for several years - James Ellis and Cinnamon Aitch spring to mind, both had some beautiful cards, very different from their styles that I stocked in the past, obviously orders were placed! I love meeting potential new suppliers and this year I loved the humour on display, and ordered from, Oh Squirrel, Bewilderbeest and Comedy Card Co

I had a stern word with myself when I arrived on day 1, that I have no room for more wrap and wasn't going to order any. That plan went out the window when I saw what Paper Mirchi had to offer and again, obviously, an order was placed!”

Heidi Early co-owner of Earlybird Designs in Stoke

“PG really was a great show wasn't it? It's our absolute favourite show from both a publisher and retailer perspective. There's everyone there that I love and want to talk to!

The organisation of the show is superb. As an exhibitor it is so good to have electric, lights and furniture included in the package, plus the water stations, the free tea and coffee, the free lunch, the drinks in the evening, all of these really add up to make it stand out as a show.

I really feel that PG Live is absolutely at the heart of our industry. Jakki, Warren, Tracey, Jim and Ian and the team are really visible, they sort any problems out promptly and they really know everyone, no-one is just a number or just a stand. And I think, in today's climate, this kind of connection and community is absolutely priceless!”

Stand outs: “I love that all my firm favourites were at PG Live - Ohh Deer, Stormy Knight, Brainbox Candy, Dean Morris, The Art File, Paper Salad (to name just a few) but then there's also newer suppliers like Ickaprint with whom we spent our Retas’ Silver Ticket - Jess' face was such a picture of joy when we handed the ticket to her! We love her colours and images. And we also found a new supplier, Henries award winner Bewilderbeest, where we spent our Sunshine Ticket! His detailed illustrations give the funny puns trend a whole new lease of life.

I also absolutely loved Hallmark's paper flowers in the lunchroom, we had our own handmade paper flowers on our stand, so it felt like we were completely on trend!”