Progressive Greetings March 2021

AY A L L D A Y L S March

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2021

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who has a brand new look he’d like to share!

our adorable bear is now fluffier and cuddlier and features in brand new designs across 28 captions - available now!

Contact us or an agent to place an order

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Gold winner 2020

For all your independant display planning requirements

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y ar s r e niv im an ay for h d birth birthday for her Caption Strips

Caption Flags

What IC&G Planning can offer you: Retail Consultancy service available to discuss plans of up to 80ft and create individual layouts to suit your own store and customer needs.

Bespoke planning available to include multiple publishers of your choice.

High impact Point of Sale.

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Christmas 2021 We are very pleased to introduce another fantastic Christmas collection to fill those festive pockets. Accompanying our traditional Essence offering are brand new designs in all of our most popular ranges, including our fluffy, little brown bear Barley, his huggable friend Hun Bun and a delightful selection of beautiful new Fairlight artwork. Each card is sentimentally versed for an extra special send and finished with a variety of festive foils and glitter. With brand new captions such as First Christmas as Husband and Wife, this delightful collection has something for every send.

Available to order now from your sales representative T: 01202 897494 F: 01202 892612 E: customerservice@icgcards.com

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In the Garden is a delightful new collection of 12 Birthday cards featuring illustrations from a new artist.

This collection is all about one of our favourite past times - gardening!

The collection covers everything from insect life to vegetable gardening, a little something for every garden lover in your life.

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All the designs have wonderful foil and emboss finishes PLUS a handy ‘tear out’ insert that contains top tips that you can keep to help you in the garden.

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NEW HUMOUR Take a look at our range...you can’t beak it!

For more information or to order please use the contact information below.

www.heritageartanddesign.co.uk

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Phone: 0330 223 1644 Email: info@heritageartanddesign.co.uk Sales Office: 07976 328 943 or 07976 692 587

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From The Editor

ON THE CARDS The UK greeting card industry has long been there to mark all life’s events, from major milestones to smaller moments, in celebration and support, but the recent anniversary of our year of lockdown is something different altogether.

We have all had our own experiences of life since 23 March 2020, how the pandemic has affected us personally and workwise.

Many lives have been tragically lost, livelihoods have been severely damaged and normality has been massively disrupted in all manner of ways, in what has been the hardest year for the majority in a generation. It is not over yet, but at least with the astonishing progress of the vaccine rollout (full marks to medical science, NHS and the Govt’s medical advisors) and the roadmap looking set to hold, things will start easing and the real re-building of our lives, our businesses, the economy and greeting card community can commence.

No doubt, like you, I remember hearing that first speech given by Boris Johnson which, while shocking, I processed as being a temporary upheaval. Here we are 12 months later and ‘lockdown’ - a word the Government tried to dissuade journalists from using at the start - is ubiquitous in daily parlance and we are living our lives under restrictions we never imagined we would ever have to endure.

I was heartened to read the findings from our recent PG Retail Barometer, which highlighted that 76% of independent retailers firmly believe that the consumer’s appreciation of greeting cards has increased, and another 16% felt they had remained on a par. This served to further underline the incredible importance of greeting cards as a tangible communication of love, friendship and support, and the vital role our industry has played in the year of lockdown arguably more than ever before.

While I/PG joined forces with the GCA and retailers to support the campaign instigated by Cards Galore’s Rumit Shah for greeting card retailers to be deemed as ‘essential’ and therefore be allowed to trade during lockdown, testament to the importance of cards, the public still found ways of buying them. Yes, the print on demand online operators such as Moonpig, Thortful and Funky Pigeon have had a field day; the supermarkets’ card displays have been ransacked by eager card shoppers, garden centres enjoyed blossoming sales, while former bricks & mortar stalwarts have

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

EXHIBITIONS

@Prog_Greetings

Above: How great will it be to cut the ribbon and pronounce PG Live 2021 open for business this July?!

Left: A Cards by Designers design that is exclusive to Thortful, one of the print on demand operators that has done incredibly well over the last year.

Below: While Tony Roberts (pictured here with Dragonfly’s Rachael Barnes and Rita Knibbs at PG Live) officially retires at the end of March, he leaves IC&G with a growing planning department (see pages 36-37).

been blessed with support for their investment in websites, Click & Collect or other inventive ways of getting cards to their customers.

While the card publishing calendar has been shifted somewhat there is no denying that creativity is there in abundance, with designs and ranges that are ever more appropriate to the nuances of our time - be it the humorous observations of lockdown life, depictions of our newfound loves of gardening or four legged additions to our families.

We can never get back the celebrations that didn’t happen in the last 12 months, the business plans that were constantly having to be rewritten, but we can at least look forward to making the most of what is set to be a much better period.

It has been gruelling for so many, but talking to many retailers, publishers, trade suppliers and agents, the ‘reset button’ is being pressed.

Just as we have all been craving getting together with friends and family, the greeting card industry is a true community and as such works so much better when we’re together.

With plans well underway for The Retas (July 14), PG Live (July 27-28) and confirmation that Harrogate Gift and Home is going ahead as planned in mid July means that we have some great opportunities to get ‘the greeting card band’ back together.

Rock on!

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

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What’s Inside?

CONTENTS 28

31

43

9-17 News

39-43 Agents’ Revelations

Down to Earth 18-19

Agents share how they have been tending to their ‘patches’ during this challenging pandemic year.

Over The Counter

The Relationship Business

45-47

Musings of David Robertson of JP Pozzi.

Sustainability Focus

20-21

Protecting The Planet

Cardsharp

The eco developments in the giftwrappings sector.

On Your Marks, Get Set, Go! PG columnist is revving his engine in readiness for the off!

48-49 Design Trends

23-27

What’s Wrapping & Rolling

Viewpoints

The design trends in the wrap scene.

A Basket Case Indies reveal their thoughts about online card sales.

51

Withi n this issu FOCU e: GIFTWS ON RAP

New Products

28-29

Dressed to Impress

Tracking The Changes

The latest giftwrappings product launches.

Back Pages & Crystal Balls How digital printing and the environmental push have been game changers in the industry.

53 Art Source

Speaking English 31-35 Innovations

A day in the life of artist Tracey English.

Publishers’ new ranges and designs.

54-55 What’s Hot?

36-37

Retailers share their best selling ranges.

Face to Face

56-67 Sources of Supply

The Grand Plan PG investigates how IC&G’s move into planning.

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

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Jakki Brown

Warren Lomax

Ian Hyder

Tracey Arnaud

Editor/Joint Owner

Joint Owner

Joint Owner

Sales Manager

jakkib@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© 2021. 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

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NEWS Championing Click It Local

TOP STORY

The Real Show Business All systems go for PG Live 2021 this July Spring is here, card retailers are counting down the days to the big re-opening and registration for Progressive Greetings Live 2021 has gone crazy!

After no trade shows for over a year, retail buyers, distributors and licensees have already clamoured to book their tickets for PG Live, which is all set to take place as a real live exhibition on Tuesday 27 July and Wednesday 28 July at London’s Business Design Centre.

(As previously announced, the dates for PG Live 2021 were shifted from its original early June timing to the end of July, well after the date (June 21) that Prime Minister Boris Johnson has cited as when social distancing measures are expected to no longer be in place.)

“Thankfully the Covid situation continues to improve by the day in the UK, with the vaccine rollout well ahead of schedule. By moving PG Live from early June to late July allows for an extra seven weeks of people’s confidence to build as we all embrace the new dawn,” explained Warren Lomax, joint show director of PG Live. “And from talking to retailers and publishers, the greeting card community is most definitely looking forward to a proper get together!”

As Carly Pearson, senior buyer of cards and wrap at Sainsbury’s commented: “It’s such great news that PG Live 2021 is going ahead. I will be there with knobs on! I so want to see everyone and to be able to touch the products in a real sense. I can’t wait! It will be an invaluable opportunity to do some important range scouting for our future selections.”

Below: It will be a proper cardfest at PG Live 2021.

Below middle: The Business Design Centre will be thronging with cardies.

Rachel and Paul Roberts of Mooch, in Northampton, Olney and Towcester confirmed: “We will definitely be looking for new suppliers in the summer and PG Live is going to be critical for that!”

Adding to the positive drumbeat, Adam and Harriet de Wolff, coowners of The Indigo Tree in Streatham and Crystal Palace exclaimed their delight at the prospect of the show: “Roll on July 27th, the first day of PG Live. In our opinion there is no better way to view and buy.”

PG Live will bring publishers, artists and designers together with retailers and trade suppliers to showcase the very best of our greeting card community.

The rollcall of exhibitors is growing by the day. It already includes great names, such as The Art File, Paper Salad, UK Greetings, Woodmansterne, Dean Morris Cards, Belly Button Designs, Danilo, Ohh Deer, Five Dollar Shake, Ling Design, Megan Claire, Deva Designs, Wendy Jones-Blackett, Emotional Rescue, Redback, Hallmark, Cardology, Paperlink, Pigment, IC&G, Unique and many, many more.

“I believe the key to survive and thrive for my business is to give customers the choice on how they wish to shop,” states Kaye Thurgood, owner of Sincerely Yours, Shenfield and Hornchurch.

Kaye has been in the media spotlight recently, appearing on TV on BBC News as well as being interviewed by BBC Radio Essex, championing the Click It Local initiative which has just launched in her area, backed by the local Brentwood Borough Council.

“The internet was once seen as a threat to independent stores, but now it is their lifeline,” began the BBC News item before cutting to footage of the Shenfield Sincerely Yours store, showing a busy scene of products being packaged up ready for local delivery, as a result of the retailer’s participation in the Click It Local scheme, a new online platform for independent businesses.

Shenfield and its neighbouring towns of Brentwood and Ingatestone form the latest area to be covered by Click It Local, which is already up and running in Cambridgeshire, Brighton as well as parts of London.

Sincerely Yours now has its own designated portal on the ‘virtual high street’ of Click It Local, alongside other independent businesses in the area, including Ingatestone-based Abigail’s Lifestyle and The Olive Branch in Hutton which also stock greeting cards.

As Kaye commented: “What is so great about Click It Local is that it is only open to independent businesses.”

Having launched with Five Dollar Shake cards on the site as well as gift products, Kaye is now extending the selection to include Rachel Ellen Designs, Paper Salad, Belly Button Designs and Rosie Made a Thing.

For the first two months, Brentwood Borough Council is covering the 7.5% commission that retailers in its platform pay on orders that come through the Click It Local site.

(See Viewpoints pages 23-27) Above: The Click It Local bicycle which forms part of the marketing.

Retailers urged to enter The Retas 2021 “There is no denying that the last year has been a testing one for us all, but yet so many retailers have demonstrated true grit, passion and ingenuity in finding new ways of engaging with their customers. Such retailing prowess needs to be recognised and celebrated - and The Retas 2021 awards will do just that,” stresses Jakki Brown, joint md of Y FO TRY Max Publishing, which owns and organises The Retas greeting card retailing awards. “Last year, due to the rate rds that celebra The only award pandemic, The Retas did not happen, so we have a doubly good reason that the 2021 awards will really ‘bang the tailing in the UK reta rd re ng card drum’ for our retail champions,” Jakki added.

YOUR SHOP NOW! ENTER YO The Retas awards shine the spotlight not only the best independent and multiple specialist greeting card retailers regionally and nationally, but also the multifarious non-specialist retailers that stock cards, as well as retail employees who have gone the extra mile.

CLOSING DATE FOR ENTRIES THURSDAY 15 APRIL 2021 Retailers have until 15 April 2021 to submit their entries, via a downloadable entry form that is available from the awards’ website. (www.theretasawards.co.uk) rds.co.uk tasaward reta ww.there ww ww Left: The Retas entry form is available All Retas winners will be announced at a fabulous Awards lunch and afternoon for retailers to download from the awards’ website. event to be held on Wednesday 14 July in the Ballroom of the Grosvenor House Hotel.

Illustrations generously don

ap ated by Paperwhale www.p

erwhale.co.uk

rs from This year, greeting card retaile inate th the UK are invited to self-nom for The Retas 2021.

The Retas Don’t be shy about entering! s a reta a great opportunity for you a ised and your shop(s) and staff recogn

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9

New Humour

Get your teeth into this!

For more information or to order please use the contact information below.

www.heritageartanddesign.co.uk

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Phone: 0330 223 1644 Email: info@heritageartanddesign.co.uk Sales Office: 07976 328 943 or 07976 692 587

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NEWS TOP STORY

“Different Vibe” For Mum’s Day Online and grocers benefitted, but indies still went for it Summing up Mother’s Day up in one word, Jo Barber, owner of No.14 in Ampthill in Bedfordshire was in no doubt “Tough” was the apt descriptor. “It’s been tough on independents, tough on those who have lost somebody and tough on families unable to get together,” That said, Jo says that “all things considered” her Mother’s Day sales were good. Jo feels the card sending for the event was extended this year. “We sold a huge number of cards for Nans, Grans etc this year.”

However, Jo adds that trade for the season is “not a patch” on what it is usually for No.14, but she remains positive.

“Mother’s Day definitely had a different vibe this year!” is the view of Jodie Hatton, general manager of The Alphabet Gift Shops in Burton-onTrent and Mickleover. “The Saturday before Mother’s Day is usually a bit chaotic in the shops,” but with all nonessential shops closed, like her fellow bricks n mortar indies, Jodie’s sales came from online and Click & Collect.

While Rachel and Paul Roberts, co-owners of the Mooch group of stores in Northamptonshire describe Mother’s Day as “the highlight of the year so far!” it was on the gift side that they really scored. Their volume sales of Mother’s Day cards were “massively down”. Rachel feels that they “lost out to the supermarkets, newsagents and garden centres who could offer the inperson choice.” However, on the gifts front, they cited a “big standout trend” of “customers looking for 'assistance' rather than just choosing themselves” which resulted in lots of gift boxes being made up.

“It’s been busy and we have sold through our Mother’s Day stock pretty well from the website and Click & Collect, but we would have done so much better if we had been allowed to open. It is very disheartening to see specialists being clobbered with the sales going to generalists or online operators,”

Left: Mooch in Bewdley and Stourport-on-Severn spelt out the Mother’s Day message on their windows.

Below: An image on Postmark’s website.

said Mark JansonSmith, managing director of Postmark, the London-based group of four card shops.

Jon May, co-owner of Mooch shops in Stourport-on-Severn and Bewdley revealed that its Mother’s Day Card sales were strong but were half what they were in 2020.

“We are fortunate to have our online store which kept us busy, however we did lose out on sales to the supermarkets and garden centres who cashed in on non-essential retail being closed,” he said.

Meanwhile Carl Dunne of Cards and Gifts, Dronfield and Sheffield was delighted: “WOW what a rush! This is the first year in our Dronfield store but comparing it to what our Sheffield

Thortful raised £130k for NHS charities Online operator Thortful gained ground on Mother’s Day by ramping up its consumer marketing (through TV advertising and an impressive PR campaign), but in doing so it has also reaped sizeable benefits for the NHS. As part of its campaign to celebrate the NHS as the ‘Mother of the Nation’ Thortful raised an astonishing £130,000 for the NHS Charities Together (NHSCT) by donating 5p from each Mother’s Day card sold from the platform as well as £5 from the sale of every Tulip Rainbow bouquet of flowers it sold. This smashed its original target of £110,000.

Thortful also commissioned some consumer research to give some insights into how Covid-19 has impacted on the ways we celebrated Mother’s Day this year as opposed to 2020, as well as how the pandemic has served to elevate the important role mums play in our lives.

According to the research, 54% of UK adults say the pandemic has made them realise just how much they appreciate their mums. Nearly 9.5 million (18%) of Brits were separated and unable to meet their mum on Mother’s Day this year. This Mother’s Day, mums wanted to be treated with quality time (59%), a card (42%) and a home-cooked meal (40%) over all else, according to Thortful’s research findings.

Respected columnist Deborah James and mother of two, who is living with cancer, has got behind Thortful’s Mother’s Day activities.

Deborah commented “Covid, and for me cancer, has reminded us even more of the value of family. For many of us, being able to see our mums or other loved ones has been top of our list all year. It’s reminded us of something we perhaps once took for granted, and is now one of the most special things we all dream of.”

shop usually takes, we were easily 100% up! We were one of the lucky ones that were able to stay open all Above: Columnist Deborah James has given the Thortful campaign her endorsement. the way through, thanks to also being a newsagents.

I think Mother’s Sainsbury’s bumper season For this Mother’s Day the ‘essential’ retailers who were able to Day has meant more trade - notably the supermarkets and garden centres as well as to many this year, the online operators - experienced so people were ready an extraordinary surge in demand. to go all out and “Mother’s Day sales went spend more.” through the roof - our card sales For the majority were up 75% with three days to however, they would go,” Carly Pearson, senior card echo the sentiments of buyer for Sainsbury’s confirmed.

However, this huge spike caused Sarah Halsall, owner unavoidable shortages in store. “We of Hand-Picked by tried to keep stocked up, but had Henrietta in Chapelnext to nothing left on the card en-le-Frith. “Mother’s fixtures for the last weekend,” Day behind a mask admitted Carly. definitely isn’t one we Rightt: A Sainsbury’s display of Mother’s Day cards. want to repeat.”

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New Humour Fit these captions into your mane line control!

For more information or to order please use the contact information below.

www.heritageartanddesign.co.uk

04_10_12_PG_March 2021.indd 3

Phone: 0330 223 1644 Email: info@heritageartanddesign.co.uk Sales Office: 07976 328 943 or 07976 692 587

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NEWS TOP STORY

Budget Consensus: “Pretty Fair” Publishers and retailers make the most of any fiscal help While not all of the greeting card community’s wishes were granted in the recent Budget, the general consensus from card publishers and retailers was that it was deemed pretty reasonable. The reductions to business rates up to March 2022, the restart grants (with non-essential retailers able to claim up to £6,000 per shop), a new Help To Grow scheme, and the furlough scheme extended until October were among the most welcome measures.

“It all helps,” exclaimed John Procter, managing director and co-founder of Scribbler. “I had hoped that the UK would follow Scotland and extend the business rates holiday for a year in England, but at least there are three months added to the holiday and then discounted for another six months. Plus, the grants, of course - just a shame they are capped for shops with larger rateable values.”

John stressed that at least the Budget announcement, as well as the road map, means that retailers and businesses can better plan for the future.

“The main thing is that we can now focus on the shops re-opening and encourage people to start shopping.

After the last lockdown, footfall was 50% of previously, this time I reckon that will increase to 65% as people will be vaccinated and the weather will be better.”

Fellow retailer, Miles Robinson, coowner of House of Cards, the Home Counties group of six shops, summed up his verdict on the Budget: “I thought it was pretty fair. I would have liked a bit more on the business rates front, but the grants are very welcome. We all just have to get on with it now!”

Meanwhile, on the card publishing side, Ged Mace, managing director of The Art File feels Chancellor Rishi

Left: Chancellor Rishi Sunak on the day of the Budget announcement.

Below: Dean Morris can’t wait to get back to ‘real’ events, including trade shows.

Bottom: One of many pertinent Dandelion Stationery posts on social media.

Sunak has “done a brilliant job” under hugely difficult circumstances.

“There is a definite sense of optimism in the air as the vaccine numbers continue to sky rocket and with the comprehensive but cautious road map to recovery, business across the UK can properly begin to plan forward,” says Ged. His take on the Budget announcement was that it was “largely welcomed by business and it’s clear that extending furlough to September and Business Rates discounts until 31 March 2022 will help independent retailers everywhere. In addition to this was the commitment to help the High Street with a further £5billion funding.”

While describing himself as “no fiscal expert”, Dean Morris, owner of Dean Morris Cards said the Budget “did what it needed to do.” He does however add the caveat that we should be “under no illusion that it’s got to be paid for eventually, so I suspect more taxes are coming.”

Sharing his view, Daniel Prince, managing director of Danilo said: “The budget was pretty much as we all expected” but I would have liked to have seen more measures included to “support businesses who have also been affected by the lockdowns.

Instead, we have a Corporation Tax hike coming soon!”

Jo Wilson, owner of Dandelion Stationery was among those who feel “relieved” that the furlough scheme has been extended through to September.

“What a bloody relief!” exclaimed Jo “The Budget, the children back at school, the shops reopening soon. I am just looking forward to easing out of lockdown and getting life back to normal.”

Indies speak out Having appeared on BBC News in the run up to the Budget with her plea for the Government to offer more support for independent retailers, Tabi Marsh, co-owner of Papilio at Heritage in Thornbury, highlighted that the extension of the furlough scheme had been gratefully received.

Tabi has also registered for the Help to Grow scheme. However, she remains disappointed that retailers in England only have a business rates holiday until July. “With the Chancellor talking so much about building for the future, it feels a real missed opportunity to not talk about addressing the balance between bricks and mortar and online.”

Like Tabi, another indie who was able to make her views heard in the world at large was Sarah Laker, owner of Stationery Supplies, who owns card and stationery shops in Marple and Wilmslow.

“It is not every day you that you wake up to your photo in the Mail on Sunday!” exclaimed Sarah.

Sarah was quoted saying that she found “a lot that was positive for small businesses” in the Budget. The Restart Grant of up to £6,000 for small businesses which have been forced to close during lockdown “will really help,” she says, but wonders if the furlough “extension goes far enough.”

Top: Tabi Marsh appeared on BBC News airing her views in the run up to the Budget announcement.

Above: The photo of Sarah Laker that appeared in the Mail on Sunday.

GCA help at hand The GCA was quick off the mark to compile a detailed blog post on its website featuring all the relevant points from the Budget for its publisher, retailer and trade supplier members as well as links to extra resources.

“It is the responsibility of the GCA to ensure that our members are kept fully informed of measures that affect their businesses and to make them aware of the grants and support available. Our Covid-19 blog is just part of this,” explained Amanda Fergusson. “In the meantime, we will continue to communicate with the government through our regular quarterly meetings to raise members’ issues of concern,” Amanda added. The GCA’s extended blog is in the Members’ Library section for all members to access. Anyone wishing to join the GCA can do so via the website (www.gca.cards) or by contacting Amanda on amanda@gca.cards.

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The GreATesT COLLeCTiOn OF GreeTinG CArDs in The WOrLD

“We’re very happy with the news that PG Live is moving to late July, those extra few weeks will mean all the difference to the confidence levels of retailers and exhibitors. We’re confident that with the successful vaccine rollout we will all be mingling and enjoying the finer sides of our businesses by then.

We’ve launched lots of new cards over the last few months with no trade fairs to show them off at and will be adding more for PG Live too. You can’t replace the faceto-face, so we will be there with bells on!”

Wendy JonesBlackett, co-owner, Wendy JonesBlackett

The FuTure OF GreeTinGs Last few stands remaininG www.progressivegreetingslive.com

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PG Live 2021 Tuesday 27 - Wednesday 28 July Business Design Centre, London +44 (0) 1635 297070 www.progressivegreetingslive.com @PGLiveLondon #PGL2021

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NEWS TOP STORY

Thorntons’ Card Shop Franchisees Will Continue.

Confectionery brand’s 62 standalone shops are to close.

Being such a well-known brand, news that Thorntons is to shut its entire retail estate due to the ongoing impact of Covid-19 was fanfared by the media as soon as the announcement was made by the confectionery company. However, what the coverage largely failed to stress is that the closures will only affect the 62 standalone stores that are owned and operated by Thorntons.

There are another 100 additional retail stores, many of whom are card and gift shops, who operate under a franchise agreement with Thorntons.

These are not affected by the recent closure announcement.

Cardzone is the largest Thorntons’ franchisee. With 36 of its stores incorporating a Thorntons store-within-a-

looking to benefit from his stores being featured on the Thorntons store locator on its website.

Midlands-based Penmark is Thorntons’ second largest franchisee, incorporating the confectionery branding and products in seven of its stores.

Mark Rees, managing director of Penmark has appeared on BBC Radio 4’s Today programme as well as being interviewed for the BBC’s online news, commenting on the Thorntons announcement.

While his thoughts are with the staff who are losing their jobs, Mark feels that there should have been more “dialogue with franchisees” to explore other alternatives, citing perhaps a “hybrid” solution in an attempt to save some of the shops.

That said, he was somewhat critical that the relationship between Thorntons and its franchise partnerships has not been future proofed. “I have been saying for years that the franchise model needs to be evolved,” Mark told the Today Programme.

In an article on the BBC News site, entitled ‘Thorntons says it’s closing stores - but we’re still open’, Mark relays how Thorntons’ PR could have been better handled as his staff thought they were losing their jobs and customers contacted him thinking the Penmark shops would not reopen after lockdowns are lifted.

His wife Katy told BBC journalist Dan Ascher that the franchise partners, who are often family-run businesses, have been "completely forgotten and are now left to fight for their survival".

Mark and Katy had already started to break away from Thorntons with their new retail brand concept, Henry & Co.

store, the greeting card multiple will now represent over a third of Thorntons remaining presence on the high street.

Paul Taylor, managing director of Cardzone told PG: “I am very saddened by the news of the loss of 600 jobs for the Thorntons’ standalone store staff, I am also rather disappointed that it has not been stressed that the franchised stores will continue.”

Paul stressed that the “combination of cards and chocolate in a store has proved a successful partnership over the years” and is

Paint the town Bex Hassett, owner of Bexy Boo has been doing her bit for the retail scene in her local town of Knutsford to prepare for recovery post Covid by designing postcards and prints for local charity ‘We Are Knutsford’ with the funds generated to go towards town initiatives.

“I am sure the high street will be a stronger and more incredible place to be than ever before and the customers will be even more grateful to have these amazingly creative places on their doorsteps,” says Bex. Left: One of the postcard and print designs by Bex Hassett, that form part of her commitment to the We Are Knutsford activity.

Above: Cardzone is Thorntons’ largest franchisee, in 36 of its stores.

Left: Thorntons is still to operate via its website, franchisees and other retail stockists.

Below left: Mark Rees, md of Penmark shared this pic of him outside his shop in Allestree when his son Henry was a baby with the BBC.

Card Factory’s share price soars Darcy Willson-Rymer officially joined Card Factory as its new CEO on March 8 and he will have no doubt had an interesting first few weeks.

The share price of the UK’s largest specialist retailer has been flying high, having gone through a steep incline in value over the last few weeks, buoyed no doubt by the announcement of the road map by PM Boris Johnson which gives some certainty to April 12 as the reopening date for non-essential retailers. Card Factory shares slumped to 24p a share at the start of the first lockdown, but was at 67.5p the day PG went to press.

There has been considerable media interest about the retailer’s moves to secure extra funding to counteract the effects of the pandemic, which has seen all of its 1,000 stores be forced to close for a large chunk of the last year.

In an official statement, Card Factory gave assurances that it is having “constructive discussions” with the company’s “banking syndicate who remain supportive.”

The announcement confirmed that Card Factory’s banks have provided further waivers in respect of anticipated covenant breaches through until 31 March 2021, “taking account of the Company's cash flow projections, subject to certain conditions.”

Top: Darcy Willson-Rymer, the new ceo of Card Factory. Although joining latterly from Costcutter, his previous experience also includes heading up Clinton Cards.

Above: Card Factory is full steam ahead on its plans to reopen stores on April 12.

FOR THE LATEST NEWS VISIT PGBUZZ.net PROGRESSIVE GREETINGS WORLDWIDE

15

April 2021 Issue New Releases Full Page.pdf

Good Luck to All Retailers

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23/03/2021

11:50

Jonny Javelin

in 2021 at long last

27 NEW Anniversaries 36 NEW Female relation ages Unmistakable Velvet Quality

12 Fab Female Ages Coloured foil & flitter Embossed images £1.59 RRP

Fudge 9 New Style code 75 Foil / Flitter finish Emboss / die-cut page 1 Colour inserts

Wedding 18 New code 75 titles Across 3 Ranges Brand New Artwork Usual JJ Extra Finishes

Tel: 01423 563740 16_PG_March 2021.indd 1

info@jonnyjavelin.co.uk

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NEWS TOP STORY

Home & Gift is on for July

Words ‘n’ Wishes Rewards Local Heroes

Below: Words ‘n’ Wishes has added an extra twist to its thank you reward scheme this year.

Publisher extends its retailer Thank You rewards to the public Greeting card publisher Words ‘n’ Wishes is spreading the love with its Thank You Reward Voucher scheme, having extended the show of gratitude beyond its retail customers to their ‘local heroes’.

Some 15 special individuals/ community groups are being presented with £100 M&S vouchers by the Words ‘n’ Wishes retail customer who nominated them for the selfless work they do.

Last Autumn Words ‘n’ Wishes launched its ‘Thank You All Round’ initiative. This saw all its independent retailer customers who placed an order (of at least £300) for everyday products from the Words ‘n’ Wishes and Danilo portfolios (that were to be invoiced and delivered by December 21) receiving Marks and Spencer vouchers of increasing increments depending on the value of the order. (A £300 order saw them receiving a £30 M&S voucher up to £300 of M&S vouchers for a £2,500 everyday order in the period.)

The publisher also designated 14 geographical regions throughout the UK who each have a winning retailer. These

winning retailers were then invited to nominate their chosen ‘local hero’ who had made a real difference in their respective community over the last year.

“The last year has seen many people go out of their way to help others less fortunate, making a real difference to other’s lives and communities without looking for anything in return,” Rod Brown, joint managing director of Words ‘n’ Wishes told PG, explaining why it felt so important to extend its Thank Yous, to shine the spotlight on some of those special individuals in its retail customers’ communities.

Right: One of the designs from Words ‘n’ Wishes’ soon to be launched Moments in Time range.

The thankers and the winners… l T & D McNeill (Glasgow) nominated Henry McKenna, a chaplin who

makes time for many grieving families. l The Granite House (Fort William) nominated Lochaber

Community Fundraising l Haig Mumbles (Swansea) nominated Jayne Kelly, an NHS nurse who has worked in intensive

care throughout the pandemic. l Wayletts of Thaxted nominated Steve Buckley, a 72 year old local charity fundraiser. l It's a Gift (Northampton) nominated Clare Watts, an amputee who has been an inspiration to many. l Occasions of Herne Bay nominated Althea Walker, a volunteer at a local homeless shelter

and charity fundraiser l The Card Kabin (Holsworthy) nominated Mandy Mitchell, who spent 92 days in intensive care

recovering from Covid. l League of Friends Shops (Oswestry) nominated Rebecca Warren, a hospital ward manager who

has headed up the vaccination hub and manages the spinal unit. l Emotions Group (Segdley) nominated Debbie Tongue who has done voluntary work

throughout lockdown. l Caistor Post Office (Market Raisen) nominated Lesley Danville, who came out of retirement to

open a fruit and veg stall during the pandemic. l Angel Cards & Gifts (Penrith) nominated the Penrith community gardeners for the

Garden of Eden. l We Love Balloons (Bradford) nominated Sally Franks, who collects gifts from local businesses

then donates them to vulnerable people within the local community. l We Love Balloons (Halifax) nominated David Schofield, who works in charity shops in

the local area. l Reeth Post Office (Richmond, North Yorks) nominated Adele Sunter, who delivers prescriptions

and helps people going for their vaccines l D & J Mclister (Ballycastle) nominated Mia McHale, for her involvement in the local foodbank as

well as other helping ways.

Coming as welcome news for those in the gift industry, the Home & Gift, Harrogate exhibition is to go ahead as planned in July. In response to industry feedback, and in-line with government guidelines, organisers Clarion Events has announced the intention to hold the show from 18–21 July across the Harrogate Convention Centre, and in the grounds of the DoubleTree by Hilton Harrogate.

“From its beginnings more than 60 years ago, Home & Gift, just like the retail industry it serves, has always kept people and connection at the heart,” states portfolio director Zoë Bonser.

“After a truly challenging year, our community is telling us that what they really want next is a face-to-face event, so it’s our privilege to deliver a safe, welcoming and successful show for them in July,” she added.

John Lewis store closures The John Lewis Partnership has confirmed that it is not planning to re-open eight of its 42 John Lewis shops from lockdown, as it rebalances its store estate to reflect how consumers want to shop.

The remaining 34 John Lewis stores are expected to re-open from 12 April (with the exception of Glasgow which will re-open from 26 April and Edinburgh, which will reopen from 14 May).

The eight shops identified for closure include four ‘At Home’ shops in Ashford, Basingstoke, Chester and Tunbridge Wells, plus four department stores in Aberdeen, Peterborough, Sheffield and York. This decision is expected to affect 1,465 Partners.

JLP expects 60-70% of John Lewis sales to be made online in the future, with nearly 50% of its customers now using a combination of both store and online when making a purchase.

The retailer is also trialling the introduction of John Lewis shopping areas in Waitrose stores (which include greeting card displays) and, by the autumn, Waitrose general merchandise products are to be sourced by John Lewis.

“The high street is going through its biggest change for a generation and we are changing with it,” commented Sharon White, chairman of John Lewis.

Above: John Lewis will continue to trade from 32 stores.

FOR THE LATEST NEWS VISIT PGBUZZ.net PROGRESSIVE GREETINGS WORLDWIDE

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OVER THE

COUNTER

BY DAVID ROBERTSON OF JP POZZI, ELGIN AND BUCKIE.

The

Relationship

Business

Roadmaps, holiday plans, vaccine shortages, third waves and European politics about supply…

Conflicted? You never know quite what each day is going to bring yet you want to be optimistic, however somehow still feel a bit nervous.

Now is the time to recognise that you are in the relationship business - in the product that is at our core as well as what makes us all tick personally and makes it all happen workwise.

So, the official ‘opening up’ is nigh. I freely admit that like many of you reading this I am tired (both physically and mentally). Having a newsagency business I have had to work right through every single day, but the last few weeks has been the strangest time I have ever had in retail.

Long days - yes. Strange atmosphere yes. Trading on a fraction of our normal takings - yes. Doubting and questioning every decision - hourly.

Interestingly, our main Pozzi store in Buckie was given the green light to open fully. This came on the Monday before Mother’s Day. Environmental health and the head of the Council both confirmed there would be no closure grant or support for this building and we were free to trade. This is because it is attached to our newsagent business. You would think that this would have been great news, but the decision we have made is to keep it closed and just help people when needed still feels the right thing to do. We could only open on a technicality and were concerned how that would that be viewed by customers, plus there was also a reluctance from staff which had to be respected.

Above: The relationships we have are the anchors to our personal and business lives.

Right: The pristine Easter display in JP Pozzi, Buckie.

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As a small community you have to be mindful of that and while no-one seems to think anything about the large chains and supermarkets being open, I am not sure how we would be viewed.

We will need all the public goodwill and staff help and support!

We have to hope that customers have really missed indie card stores and will return as soon as they can, but we need to be mindful that they have bought their cards somewhere else in the interim. While the experience and choice will have been different, the end product is the same.

The British public of course love cards and I do think that will continue. I have been really interested and proud of so many of the indie stores I follow on Instagram and Facebook with the way they have communicated with their customers as well as how they have kept their

stores relevant and at the forefront of people’s minds.

I loved seeing a couple of indies (Best Wishes of Garstang and Red Card of Petworth) putting their cards in the window with a grid system… “I will have D4 please!”

The handwriting/postal services that many introduced I am sure many will continue and I think we are all aware that we need to look for more innovative services and companies that aren’t or can’t be replicated in the supermarkets etc.

Writing people’s messages can be quite emotional as we realise how much we have all missed human contact and the relationships that we took for granted.

And this is the crux. Relationships will be key in the next few months. On the newly sanitised Good Morning Britain (I can’t believe Piers has gone!) they used the phrase “It takes a whole village to raise a child”. This is the loose translation of an old African proverb which is based on a belief that everyone plays their part in shaping a young person’s life. This really made me think about our stores.

With no trade shows, agent visits nor indeed any face-to-face feedback from customers we have realised that it takes a whole host of characters to make a business tick. In addition to this list, we have staff who have been sitting at home for around nine whole months of the last year and who will be somewhat out of the loop.

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OVER THE COUNTER Hiro worship Another key in all of this craziness is your personal relationships and these have never been tested as much as they have what with WFH, home-schooling and the pressures of not having the usual space.

This month we added a little ‘person’ to our mix and already he has made a difference to the time spent at home and with my wife. Meet Hiro Robertson, my nine-week old Lhasa pup who cares not a jot about retailers, cards, customers, banks or pandemic only if you will play with him in the garden. Maybe we should all be a little bit more like Hiro…

Below: Hiro has life sussed already!

Businesses without people are just buildings. Cards without the various characters to buy them are nothing more than colours on bits of papers.

The rebuilding of these relationships, and in some case even friendships, will be the key element to getting our customers and businesses back and keeping them trading successfully.

As we build towards opening over the coming few weeks (depending on which part of the UK that you are trading), speaking to the people that you buy from will be crucial.

I plan to see as many agents/reps as I can in order to have a real hands-on product experience - we want fresh! I feel we have to show people new exciting things and let them see what they have missed.

Relationships are all about trust, loyalty and communication. I wanted to give you my list of things that I am going to try and do to really see if that will make an impact on my business. Take as much or as little from this as you want as the thing is everyone builds their relationships differently… l Diversify your network - Speak to agents/reps you maybe don’t normally deal with. Look at product categories that maybe you haven’t committed to in the past. You have nothing to lose and everything to gain. l It’s a two-way street - Relationships

require reciprocity where you can share honest thoughts and information. I see this in our ‘group chat’ all the time with people linking agents and companies to one another and this is something that will help keep everyone in jobs. l Prioritise key companies - Make sure that you really understand what the company is trying to do and how that is best reflected in your stock choices. Jellycat is one of my most treasured suppliers and we have increased our stockholding and taken pieces for the web and store that we would not normally have tried with great success. We have also been auditing our stock more thoroughly and found we have collectors’ pieces which we can offer to customers who buy regularly and support us and the brand. l Wider support - Don’t be insular. Look within your own business/sector support while also supporting the wider business community in your town or area. Whether through a specific business group or through talking other businesses up, we are back to my favourite saying: “a rising tide lifts all boats”. We need to make your town/street the place to be and for that you need all businesses operating at a good level. l Communication is key - Make sure everyone who will make a difference to your business knows you, your brand and what you are trying to achieve. This will make them great cheerleaders for your stores where they will talk you up and make sure people both inside the industry offer you first chance at new products or the public tells one another about your store. Advertising, while it works, can never replace simple word of mouth. That is without doubt one of the most powerful tools that any of us can harness.

Above right The relationship business in action at PG Live - David Robertson (right) spending a Golden Ticket with Jeremy Corner, owner of Blue Eyed Sun at PG Live.

Below: Like fellow indies, David is all ready to re-open all the company’s shops.

l Work - analyse - change - repeat Your network doesn’t stay the same and sometimes the value of people and companies to your business change. When I look at the trade I used to do with some companies and what I do now with them, it is scary - both in a positive and negative way. Just remember though that this industry is invariably cyclical, meaning things change and fashions come and go so don’t burn bridges, ensure that open conversations happen all the time.

The final and most important relationship is with your staff and this is a difficult one to write about. I have been surprised by some, disappointed in others, but ultimately we will all need to work together going forward and they will all need to return at some point.

Honest conversations, clear expectations and an understanding that everyone has had their own battles in the last year will be crucial to getting things back on

track, but I also feel strongly that staff must realise the part that they will play in helping us all get our businesses back operating to the best level they can. Simply turning up and standing there will not be enough.

Good relationships empower you to take risks, innovate, feel secure in your thinking, recover from setbacks and quite simply your business is not an island and you can’t run it alone.

‘10 years change in 10 months’…or at least that is what they have said and that is without doubt correct, but what hasn’t changed is that people and how we interact with one another is the most important thing. That will simply never change.

I would love to be standing physically with you all as we open our doors to customers, but failing that, I am striking off the days until the greeting card community will see its collective relationship come alive big time at PG Live in July!

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

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cardsharp

On Your Marks!

Get Set! The greeting card retailing race is primed and ready to go. We are just waiting for the chequered flag to come down on 12 April, reflected Cardsharp, but unlike Formula 1 where you can generally predict the winner these days (ie Lewis Hamilton), no one knows for definite who will be the greeting card winners as we return to a level of normal retailing conditions.

But whatever and whoever are the card retailing ‘Grand Prix’ victors, it has to be better than the ridiculously distorted and abnormal retailing conditions of the last 13 months.

Well, there has been no doubt who have been the greeting card retailing beneficiaries in the last 13-month period.

The supermarkets have seen their greeting card sales soar. Some of the sales figures some greeting card publishers have experienced by supplying them are off the scale in terms of increases. And, after a few early blips last April, credit where credit is due, in most if not all cases, the

supermarkets, their brokers and participating publishers have done a sterling job when it comes to keeping displays fresh and well stocked with greeting cards. Not so much on the giftwrap and packaging fronts, where there do seem to have been real problems for many. Probably a consequence of last year’s Covid-related blip in Far East production.

The £million question for Cardsharp is how much of these card sales will be retained once non-essential retail reopens? Cardsharp does not claim to know the answer.

And then what of the boom in online sales through Moonpig, Funky Pigeon,

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Thortful, Scribbler online and their ilk?

For what it’s worth, Cardsharp’s view is that Moonpig’s City flotation was ridiculously over-priced and the claim that online sales would be 20% of the greeting card market in three years was over optimistic. But then Cardsharp has never been much of an online shopper.

The one to watch by his reckoning is Thortful. Its marketing both online and offline is both innovative and effective and has obviously had an extremely lucky break. How long before its founder and serial entrepreneur, Andy Pearce, cashes in his chips and sells it on, adding another fortune to the ones he has made already?

It’s also worth mentioning Amazon here, when it comes to greeting card sales, as it too has done rather well out of the last year’s events. It also looks as if Hallmark’s decision to work with Amazon seriously five years ago has paid off hugely for the ‘Big H’.

Then of course there are all the smaller local convenience stores and post offices who, because of the arbitrary nature of the government regulations have benefitted from the ‘Shop Local’ necessity, and have been able to stay open when so many others in their

Left: We are all set for the off!

Below left: The industry’s ‘engines’ are finely tuned, ready for the retailing ‘Grand Prix’ on April 12.

Bottom: Greeting card retailers are so looking forward to having an ‘open’ sign on their doors.

locations have had their doors forcibly shut.

The garden centres benefitted last spring when they could open before the rest of non-essential retail, but in many cases suffered from a shortage of supply as some publishers closed their doors. This lockdown it has been more difficult for many garden centres. Even if you are allowed to open your doors for trading, a garden centre in a bleak grey freezing February is not attractive to many punters even with the lure of buying greeting cards.

WHSmith is a bit of a conundrum.

Being a public company with a share price to defend, it put out a pretty Panglossian picture of its high street retail sales. It boasted of only a small percentage drop in like-for-like sales in January and February this year. How this related to greeting cards we will never know as traditionally Smiths never breaks it down into that specific a

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category. But given the fact that it was luckily deemed ‘essential’ because it sold newspapers and magazines (work that one out!) it has had the benefit, unlike most retailers with whom it competes, of being allowed to open throughout this last year. Given that, surely WHSmith’s high street shops should have performed better. One prediction Cardsharp will make is that Smiths’ high street side will find it hard work once we return to normality. There is only so far you can get by squeezing suppliers, and not replacing the light bulbs!

As for re-openings for the poor souls who have seen their businesses so unfairly decimated, excitement is clearly mounting and here Cardsharp simply offers his thoughts. He predicts a huge pent-up demand from many mainly female consumers to browse, touch and feel greeting cards on display, in a relaxed friendly, personal environment. And he

predicts, as last summer and autumn, there will be a huge increase in the average basket value transaction, as greeting card lovers start filling up that ‘just in case’ hidden inventory in boxes, bags and drawers at home.

Our biggest specialist multiple chain faces some challenges, to Cardsharp’s mind. Card Factory, since its founding 25 years ago has only experienced growth and success. Now things are different. Its share price, which was languishing at a derisory level of around 30p a year ago and for a considerable time after that, has suddenly rocketed for no apparent reason other than it managed to reorganise its banking arrangements and that its shops will reopen shortly.

It will be interesting to see how Card Factory responds, thinks Cardsharp. The

Left: What would Churchill make of the ‘riddle’ of Clintons’ grand plan?

Below left: Champagne corks will be popped to celebrate the reopening of card shops.

Bottom: A pent-up consumer demand is anticipated for cards as well as other related items.

Below right: The Chain is one of the winning tracks on Fleetwood Mac’s Rumours legendary album, but Cardsharp hopes the ‘rumours’ of a great re-opening come true.

new chief executive Darcy Willson-Rymer has a big job on his hands, almost as large as when he attempted, (but failed), to save Clintons a decade ago. In his new role he needs to keep investors happy, while he will inevitably have to trim the size of what was pre-Covid retail portfolio of 1,000 stores. How low will they go… 900, 800 ,700 stores or below? And how many will be profitable as shopping centres and high streets adjust? Hopefully this will mean Card Factory pushes its prices up. There is plenty of opportunity there. Take price points up. Perhaps 59p to 99p and 99p to £1.29. That would not only help Card Factory but the whole greeting industry too. Card Factory has been the disruptor for so long.

But there is something else ringing in Cardsharp’s ears, that of Card Factory’s stated ambition to grow through distribution via other retailers’ shops, following in the footsteps of what it has done in Aldi, Matalan and The Reject Shop. Cardsharp has heard the rumours of some big pitches in gestation which, if they

pull it off will show the disruptor has not lost its touch.

And what of Clintons? These days to paraphrase Winston Churchill, to Cardsharp, Clintons is “A riddle wrapped up in a mystery, inside an enigma”. It is hard to believe, Clintons the once giant of UK greeting card retailing has become so opaque and invisible. In many ways reflected Cardsharp, Clintons was caught in the unenviable position last March of being in the process of restructuring and negotiating with landlords, just as disaster hit. Even when non-essential opening was allowed last summer and autumn, Cardsharp reckoned only around just over 200 of its 300 or so stores reopened. And who knows on what terms with its landlords? And who knows the intentions of its owners, the equally elusive Weiss family (former owners of American Greetings/UK Greetings). Cardsharp thinks even Winston, Britain’s greatest ever Prime Minister, would struggle to answer this.

Cardsharp has hardly touched the surface. With the ‘shopping local’ trend set to continue for a long while yet, how will beleaguered central London-orientated Cards Galore and other city centre/major shopping mall card retailers recover from this? How long will it be before big city centre retailers see footfall recover to levels that make it financially viable for a card retailer? And don’t get Cardsharp going on Paperchase and the recent financial shenanigans there…

However, the good news to Cardsharp is that we are all still here, at the starting point of the race and raring to go. Some are already behind on the grid due to unforeseen circumstances. Some will no doubt have to take pit stops or burst a tyre or two in the next few months. There will be plenty of slippery oil on the track. Let’s just hope in a year’s time we are all showering ourselves with Champagne.

Cue Fleetwood Mac’s The Chain….the iconic F1 theme tune and a great track for Cardsharp to air guitar along to while he waits for the retailing frenzy!

PROGRESSIVE GREETINGS WORLDWIDE

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We’re Ready, For You!

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VIEWPOINTS

A Basket

Case

In common with all sectors, online has played an increasing role in the greeting card world over the last year - both at a consumer and retailer level.

We are now days away from all greeting card retail stockists being allowed to throw open the doors of their spick and span shops and greet their lovely customers in person. Likewise, meetings with reps and agents will become more commonplace - and PG Live and Harrogate Home & Gift are both taking place in July, the first physical trade shows for over a year.

While there is a strong craving for things to be ‘real’, with predictions that online card sales will double to account for 20% of the market by 2024, PG logs on with some key independent retailers to find out how they think the ‘reset’ will affect online sales and ordering and how they feel about many publishers now selling direct to the public.

Inset: The general feeling is that the public are revving up for a return to local card and gift shops.

How do indies currently view Amazon?

26% 28% 44% 2%

Serious Threat Threat Neutral Bonus

(Source: PG Retail Barometer) Below: Offering a handwriting service from its website has been an added bonus to Mooch customers.

Adam and Harriet de Wolff co-owners of The Indigo Tree, Streatham and Crystal Palace: Reset buying habits: “We hope sales will return to preCovid levels. I’m not so sure that the High Street is doomed for the small independents, but we will definitely have to work harder to find new and unique lines and suppliers. I think shoppers will still need the advice, inspiration and choice we warmly provide.

That said, we will however continue to build on the success of our website and try and drive traffic to it from around the country.”

Suppliers selling direct: “We are definitely very disappointed at the number of card publishers deciding to sell direct to the public and this will definitely be a factor to consider when taking on new ranges... if only we could have our cake and eat it!!

However, as with our gifts we know we are a reliable last minute destination and our customers seem to appreciate our wide and diverse ranges... and they love us too!

Whenever we are walking our cherished dog Doris, she is often stopped and asked when she will be opening the shops again!”

Your own ordering: “Physical please. Roll on July 27th, the first day of PG Live. In our opinion there is no better way to view and buy. We can’t wait to see our lovely suppliers and meet new ones to see their new ranges!”

Above: Harriet de Wolff with Doris in The Indigo Tree’s Streatham store.

Right: A busy scene outside The Indigo Tree’s Crystal Palace shop in pre-Covid times!

Jon May co-owner of Mooch, Bewdley and Stourport-on-Severn: Reset buying habits: “I think some people will continue to shop online and we are still going to be there to serve them. However, many of our customers like to touch, see and smell products before they buy, which you can't do online. They like to mooch for inspiration and have the personal service from our team. We have seen a real shift of people coming back to their local high streets to support them and I think this will grow further when we reopen.

This as well as more people 'staycationing' should see us benefiting from day trippers and holiday makers, spending with us.”

Your online strategy: “Our website will continue to be our first port of call for all products launching with us. Pre-Covid we used to view it as a marketing tool, but now we see it as our third shop and we intend to grow it PROGRESSIVE GREETINGS WORLDWIDE

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VIEWPOINTS further to reach a wider audience. And, if it continues to grow we may even move the online out of our stores into its own fulfilment centre.

We launched lots of new products during lockdown, including new card publishers and gifts - mooch Letterbox gifts (which include a handwritten greeting card) are proving popular along with our new gift boxes taking over from our hampers that we launched for Christmas 2020.”

Suppliers selling direct: “We don't mind publishers selling direct as we all have faced huge challenges over the last 12 months and all needed to survive. However they need to understand our margins and overheads and not undercut us by offering their products direct to the consumer at lower retail prices.”

Your own ordering: “For cards we tend to prefer to order online rather than at shows as we can look at ranges and prices in more detail in the comfort of our own home rather than feeling under pressure at the show or with reps or agents. We do still think trade shows are great to see, touch and fact-find, but unless we are really wowed by a particular product or think it will sell out or not be available to order again our approach is to order post event.”

Above: Even though they are not able to open, Mooch’s windows have been a great signpost to its website.

How do indies view Moonpig, Thortful, Funky Pigeon and other print-on-demand operators?

17% 26% 54% 3%

Serious Threat Threat Below: Online operators Neutral have enjoyed soaring sales during the pandemic.

Bonus

(Source: PG Retail Barometer)

Rachel and Paul Roberts of Mooch co-owners of five shops in Northampton, Olney, Rushden and Towcester started out as online retailers before moving into bricks & mortar, so have seen both sides of the cursor/counter for years: Reset buying habits: “For cards we think customers like to look at a broad range and we think they will revert to the high street.

Interestingly we've had lots of customers sending 'lists' so they can stock up on cards (most folk have exhausted their card stash).

We're going to be stocking up massively over the next few weeks so we have lots of choice for people to replenish their supplies when we reopen. Last year, in the first few weeks after lockdown we saw lots of customers stocking up on 15-20 cards at a time, so we're going to be sure to have plenty to offer them.”

Suppliers selling direct: “For cards we are quite relaxed about publishers having set up their own consumer websites (not so much on gifts though!). We totally understand that this has been extremely difficult for everyone and that people need to do whatever is required to keep going.”

Your own ordering: “For reopening, we'll be focusing heavily on our existing suppliers, but we will definitely be looking for new suppliers in the summer and PG Live is going to be critical for that! For us, choosing suppliers is much more than 'just' the product. We do best with the ranges and suppliers where we have a strong relationship and it's really important for us to 'meet' the brand before we commit to a new range and you can only do that physically.”

Above: The Mooch shop in Rushden.

Left: Rachel Roberts doing a Facebook live tour of its shop in Bells during lockdown.

Sarah Green owner of High Tide and Wave in Southwold and Bungay: Your online strategy: “We have improved our website over the past year and will continue to develop it when we reopen and hope it will work alongside our shops, however the competition online is fierce so we don’t expect it will ever be a large part of our overall business.

We are considering adding a specialist card section dedicated to local cards, as we are lucky to have a huge selection to choose from.

I think the key to being successful online is to specialise.”

Suppliers selling direct: “We haven’t, as yet, included greeting cards on our website. This is partly because it is hard to compete with publishers who are selling direct. Customers will find them first if Googling a particular brand. This is a worrying trend which was beginning to happen prior to the pandemic, but which, like many things has been accelerated by lockdown.”

Your own ordering: “I have so missed face to face meetings with reps/agents - for me it is an important and enjoyable part of the job. This is something I look forward to resuming. I am old fashioned and think these personal relationships are really important.

I have missed the trade shows too - I never thought I would miss Spring Fair as I always have a moan about it, but I would have given my right arm to have spent a weekend at NEC in February! Looks like PG Live will be the first show for me for over a year - I can’t wait! I get giddy just thinking about going to London and seeing all the lovely suppliers and their stands!

I have really missed it and my buying has been poorer from not having the opportunity to meet suppliers and see new products.”

Above: Sarah Green enjoying PG Live 2019 at The Retas drinks reception at the show.

Left: High Tide in Southwold, which will be a beacon for staycationers this year.

PROGRESSIVE GREETINGS WORLDWIDE

25

We've missed Ewe!

Peartree Heybridge welcomes back all our lovely customers!

Always here to support Ewe!

From our Fowl & Wacky card range by Sarah Boddy. The cards are cello wrapped with a Gunpowder Grey envelope, 150 x 150mm square, unit quantity of 6.

Be a rainbow a mong the clouds!

Go ss ip g irls

Ju st chic ken in o n y

!

ou!

Call us on 01423 876311 or email sales@peartreeheybridge.co.uk

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VIEWPOINTS Carl Dunne owner of Cards & Gifts, Sheffield and Dronfield: Reset buying habits: “With so much changing in the world and a big switch to online sales it’s easy to understand why a larger percentage of the greeting card trade has shifted to the web. Stores have been closed for much of the year and even when open, for most, footfall was less than 50% of pre-Covid levels. The debate between online and high street retailing is now a political one, not just social or industry wide. The government aren’t doing enough to support the high street.

The likes of Amazon pay less tax than someone earning a basic wage so how does the Chancellor expect those that have benefitted from the closure of our high streets to pay their fair share?!

I think that most card sales will come back to the high street.

Greeting card purchases aren’t usually something someone plans, they’re usually a last minute or “while I’m out and about” thing. Not to mention the non-personal way in which online greeting card sales work, a printed message in a card that the person sending chooses online? Don’t get me wrong, some Above: Carl Dunne outside the Dronfield store.

Below: Carl Dunne (second left) and his partner personalised stuff with photos are amazing, Ollie Guise-Smith on the Cherry Orchard stand at PG Live 2019. but to write your own message means double the postage. Plus, there’s the worry of it arriving on time etc. The high street card retailer is here to stay in my opinion, it’ll take some time but our customers will come back.”

Your online strategy: “Because we’ve been able to stay open with one of our stores throughout we’ve sort of ignored our website as even at the start when we first pushed to get online, there wasn’t enough business to support a purely online selling platform. To get the word out to people to use the website has a cost and the fine balance between investing to earn wasn’t being met. That said, we are looking at a better integrated system that works with our EPOS and website to manage stocks and online sales which works direct with Amazon and Ebay. It will take more investment, and at present we don’t see it as returning the levels of business that we’d need to sustain or compete with the bigger more established companies that can afford high priced visual and radio advertising.”

Suppliers selling direct: “Publishers selling direct does and doesn’t bother us. They have to do what they have to do to ‘keep the lights on’ the same as the rest of us so we understand that they’ve had to switch to direct selling. However, when we re-open, is the market going to be big enough to support us and their own sales? If they’re not trying to compete on price then maybe there is sufficient room. It’s a dangerous game for them to try and compete with us. Could they afford to be the cause of their retail customers closing down?”

Your own ordering: “SEND ME THE REP! The websites can be slow. Our internet can be slow. I don’t want to finish work, go home and have to hit the laptop to start ordering. The reps know their designs, not to mention the human touch, the camaraderie, the relationships we’ve both spent time building.

As for PG Live, Harrogate, Autumn Fair, Spring Fair… GET ME THERE NOW! I miss seeing everyone and everything physically so much. Trade shows are when I place my biggest orders.

I need the shows, I need to talk to my suppliers and see their new wares, discuss issues and negotiate on just how much discount they’re going to give me this year! We can’t wait for PG Live in July!”

Pamela Ness co-owner of Bearing Gifts, Troon: Reset buying habits: “I genuinely feel that customers will come back into the shop when we reopen. We have received so many messages of support from customers who are just wanting to shop ‘normally’ again. Our town is full of small independent businesses and we have two primary schools in the town centre which brings people in and out daily. I am expecting trade to return quickly because of this.”

Your online strategy: “Our website is a new addition to our business, which we had up and running for the three week lockdown we had in November/December 2020. It has surpassed all our expectations and been an absolute godsend during this time and as such we will continue to develop it.

The customers who live further afield and have found us over lockdown, I hope will continue to support us online.”

Suppliers selling direct: “I have no quarrel with card publishers selling online. We are all trying to make a living.”

Your own ordering: “I will not be keen to see agents or reps, when we reopen initially, until the restrictions have eased completely.

When we are limited to the amount of people in the shop and with social distancing, in a small shop such as ours it’s not an option.

I feel the card companies we deal with have got a great online service and have used the time over lockdown to produce fresh new ranges. I will use the time until we open to continue our online deliveries and sourcing new products online, ready for a fresh restart.”

Above right: Pam took to Instagram to thank customers for the online sales, the delivery and collection orders. “We couldn’t do this without you. My mask says it all,” she wrote.

Above: A Dandelion Stationery card that sold out as soon as it was shared with Bearing Gifts customers.

What percentage of orders did you as an indie place online in 2020?

23% 26% 18% 33%

Under 10% Around 25% Around 50% And Above 75%

(Source: PG Retail Barometer)

PROGRESSIVE GREETINGS WORLDWIDE

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Tracking The Changes

Back Pages & Crystal Balls Following on from the Viewpoints article in last month’s 30th anniversary edition, PG continues to track the significant industry changes in two important areas digital printing and environmental credentials with Adam Short of The Imaging Centre and Sue Morrish of The Eco-friendly Card Company sharing their perspectives and predictions.

A Digital Printer’s Perspective

The arrival of and developments in digital printing rank as one of the biggest game changers for the UK greeting card industry over the last three decades. Adam Short, managing director of The Imaging Centre, a digital printer to hundreds of card publishers, shares his views…

A historical perspective...

What has the past taught you?

“No job is too small. This is actually one of our company values, and one of the finest lessons I have been taught. As digital printers we deal with many new businesses and we still never know how successful publishers will be. Our outlook is that we try and advise everyone as well 28

PROGRESSIVE GREETINGS WORLDWIDE

as we can and try and make each one of those start-ups that come to us as successful as they want to be.”

What have been the main industry changes? “For us the digital technology has had the biggest effect, we truly believe it has allowed many more publishers the opportunity to come into this fantastic industry, as well as allowing those already established to bring out more designs, more frequently while still achieving the same high-quality standards.”

What have been the highlights and lowlights for The Imaging Centre? “I always feel a huge sense of pride when I see a card we have produced on a shelf in a store, or even better when one comes through the letter box. However, our main highlight was PG Live 2018, just two years after using the same show to launch IC Simplicity we were able to see our vision come to reality as we were receiving orders from publishers while at the show just as they were receiving them from the retailer.

Our lowlight would have to be the past 12 months, which have been hugely challenging for

Above: Reaching the 30th anniversary of PG was a good opportunity to turn back the pages of history while also looking into the future.

Below left: Adam Short outside The Imaging Centre’s brand new state of the art headquarters in Tonbridge, Kent.

Below: Adam Short (left) with John Higgins, co-founder of Go La La at PG Live 2018 when the IC Simplicity system was up and running.

Bottom: Adam’s father Bob Short, who co-founded the company with an antique ‘clocking in’ machine at the old factory. Times have changed in so many ways.

everyone in the industry, although again to consider ourselves extremely lucky to be in such a creative industry where people have adapted to the forever changing situation so fantastically well!”

And now to the future…

How do you foresee greeting card publishing changing over the short, medium and long-term? “We feel that short term technological advances mean that personalisation, direct to consumer

markets and instant trends will continue to grow. More long-term these advances will also mean that publishers can see their new designs published and more readily available to the general public much quicker. We believe on demand production will grow from strength to strength, reducing waste, footprint and improving the environment.”

What have you done to help futureproof your business? “We have invested heavily at The Imaging Centre with the future in mind. In the past 12 months

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Tracking The Changes

we have purchased and installed a new state of the art operating system to improve efficiency, turnaround, customer communication and further reduce waste.

In addition, we have recently moved premises in order to house new equipment, including our brandnew HP Indigo 12,000 B2 digital press, which extends our run capacity while also meaning we can offer even more products than before on demand, including giftwrap. Within our new building we have also dedicated an entire floor to install The Imaging Centre’s Innovation room, which we hope publishers will be able to utilise to design, create, proof

Left: One of The Imaging Centre’s new shiny machines.

and approve all at one time in order to go from thought to finish even quicker than ever before.”

If you had a magic wand for the future what would you use it for? “We would use the magic wand to inspire every

business to be eco-conscious. Long term we truly believe that the environmental aspects of each business is key to the future, and every element of our own developments have this at the heart. From the board types and packaging that we offer, to our solar-powered warehouse, on-demand printing and electric company cars - we keep the environment at the forefront of each decision.

And of course, in the short term we are wishing retailers the best for their re-opening to allow all of our publishers to be able to showcase their designs in store as before!”

An Environmentalist Publisher’s Perspective… a choice of high-quality recycled materials from which to choose.

Some 30 years ago you'd never see a FSC logo on the back of the paper products, now many cards have the ‘mark of sustainable forestry’ on the back.”

Far left: The importance of relationships. Sue Morrish with Chris Bryant of Expressions, Cats Whiskers and Polkadot on the publisher’s stand at Spring Fair.

Below left: Sue with the company’s first ever FSC accreditation, back in 2011.

Left: One of The Eco-friendly Card Company’s many wonderful designs.

Below: Sue at the James Cropper papermaker in the Lake District where a lot of the publisher’s board is specially made with a high recycled content.

The Future…

Sue Morrish, co-owner of The Ecofriendly Card Company has been leading the way on the environmental front for years as a publisher. Here she shares her views…

What has the past taught you?

“That this industry is all about relationships relationships with our customers and suppliers, the relationships people have with each other that make them want to send a card at those important milestones, or just to keep in touch. Relationships are the lifeblood of the card industry and make it all worthwhile. I think a lot of people have really missed trade shows over the last year as they realise how important it is to have those personal connections.”

What have been the main industry changes on the environmental front?

“Over the last 30 years there have been huge changes. When we started out it was really hard, if not impossible, to get recycled board and paper, and suppliers would think we were slightly mad for even requesting it. Now, although it's not always the cheap or easy option, there is

How do you foresee greeting card publishing changing over the short, medium and long-term? “The Covid pandemic has shown how publishers can quickly update their designs to react to changes in society although I think we are all looking forward to a time where cards featuring masks are out of date! It's hard to predict what this year will hold, but during this time when we have all had to be physically apart, I think the public have re-discovered the value of cards. They are a tangible way of showing you care in a digital age, so I think the future for cards is a bright one.”

What ground do you still feel needs to be gained to further improve the industry’s environmental footprint? “I still don't understand how it makes environmental sense to print cards on the other side of the world and ship them back here for sale in the UK - we've got a great card manufacturing industry here in the UK.

Manufacturing and printing in the Far East may be cheap, but what about the carbon footprint? There are also environmental issues still to be addressed around additions and finishes that make paper nonrecyclable, packaging, and reducing excessive waste generated through schemes such as brokerage.”

If you had a magic wand for the future what would you use it for?

“Investment in the high street and support for indies. Tax the big online retailers such as Amazon to try and create a more level playing field. No more lockdowns and no more home-schooling!”

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PG showcases a selection of new product launches

Christmas Canines and Cats Cinnamon Aitch has two gorgeous ranges of Christmas cards and some covetable gifts to mark the festive season. In addition to new designs to its Cranberry Sauce range there are also 16 colour popping Christmas single card designs based on the bestselling Margo range.

Festive dogs and celebratory cats sit merrily alongside on six little packs, gift wallets, eco soaps and lip balms, all of which are made in the UK. Cinnamon Aitch 0121 773 6833 www.cinnamonaitch.co.uk

Straight From The Heart In response to requests from its retail stockists, Rush Design has launched a new sympathy collection as part of its Blossom Love range. The new designs cover relations captions - Mum, Dad, Son, Daughter, Husband, Wife, Brother and Sister - plus two open sympathy designs, a Thinking of You and a Feeling Brighter design. Delicately hand-finished with glitter and diamantes, the 150mm square cards are printed on a luxury white textured board and matched with an eco-Kraft envelope.

Rush Design 01788 521745 www.rushdesign.co.uk

Daddy Love

Kool Kids!

Following on the success of Kingfisher Cards’ Funfair range of Juvenile age relations (covering the main relations for ages 1-6) the publisher has now increased the range to cover the more difficult ages 7-12 with a series of stunning age-appropriate designs and captions. The cards are printed on soft touch high quality board with fluted foils and full colour insert.

Kingfisher Cards 01245 327226 www.kingfishercards.co.uk

Loving Local!

Exercising from home and staying local over the last year provided Belinda Morris at 1790 Cards with a renewed opportunity to really appreciate the countryside around her. The result is a new range of landscape designs called From the Door. The 12 inaugural designs are 150mm square, printed on a smooth 300gsm FSC board and presented with a grey FSC envelope, either wrapped in a compostable cello or unwrapped.

1790 Cards 01904 448130 1790cards.co.uk

Holy Mackerel has launched a host of Father's Day designs into its One Lump or Two collection, with new designs for first time dads, older dads, grandads and two dad families. The cards are based on the creations of Worthing-based artist Erica Sturla, who sculpts her amazing characters from polymer clay to create this vibrant and gently humorous collection.

Holy Mackerel 07969 161629 sales@holy-mackerel.co.uk

An Occasional Celebration!

Sprinkles is a new contemporary range from Jessica Hogarth which combines Jess’ love of pattern and colour. There are 16 birthday and 12 occasion designs, each incorporating a gold foil finish. The cards are 120 x 170mm and come with a gold envelope.

Jessica Hogarth 07786906648 www.jessicahogarth.com PROGRESSIVE GREETINGS WORLDWIDE 31

SE Giraffe Range A4 PG Ad AW 2.21.pdf

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PG showcases a selection of new product launches

All Aboard With our sights on the great British summer, The Eco-friendly Card Co has launched a new nautical set of greeting cards from best-selling artist and printmaker Manda Beeching. The 153mm square cards are printed on a 100% recycled uncoated board, which includes 50% coffee cup waste, and are available either in compostable bags or naked.

The Eco-friendly Card Co 01626 369269 www.ecofriendly.cards

An Elegant Re-emergence!

Feel The Need For Speed

Knowing that time-poor retailers are working hard behind the scenes ahead of re-opening in April, Emma Bryan has launched her Bestseller Bundle initiative as a quick way to boost stock. This Bestseller Bundle contains Emma’s top ten elegant designs, a fixed price, carriage paid, and dispatched direct from the studio within 24 hours of order. All 5”x7” designs are printed on 350gsm stock and supplied with a Kraft envelope.

Emma Bryan Designs 07889 598606 www.emmabryan.co.uk

Road Trip is a new range from Cherry Orchard featuring 14 stunning cars and motorbikes. The designs are enhanced with foiled titles, finished with blind emboss borders and supplied with a coloured envelope.

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

Take Note

Creative Characters Sooshichacha’s latest collection, Skooshies, is a celebration of the melting pot of its current obsession with 70s illustration! There are 10 designs in this new range which exude carefree joy and exuberance. Printed in the UK on FSC board, the cards come with a fluorescent orange envelope.

Sooshichacha 01614 255335 www.sooshichacha.com

Ideally timed for the re-opening of nonessential retail, Dandelion Stationery has launched 18 new designs in its A6 notebook range. The new notebooks have been specifically designed to tie in with its Words of Wisdom card collection. There is also a brand-new collection of six magnetic list pads, each containing 50 easy-tear, individually printed pages. Supplied in biodegradable packaging, both notebooks and list pads are printed on FSC sustainable material and are produced in the UK. Dandelion Stationery 01332 504940 www.dandelionstationery.co.uk

Be Masterful Popsy & Plum has launched a new male collection called Master of All He Surveys.

Inspiration was close at hand for publisher/designer Danielle Rogers, as she created the designs based on her hubby’s many interests. Blank inside, the cards are printed on FSC-certified board and come with a kraft envelope.

Popsy & Plum 07769 212269 www.popsyandplum.com PROGRESSIVE GREETINGS WORLDWIDE 33

NEW RANGE!

Introducing our new range with artist Bert Fowler.

12 purrrfect new designs to make you smile!

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PG showcases a selection of new product launches

A Cut Above Artisan Trifold is a brand-new open birthday range from Paper Rose which uses paper innovations to create a striking die-cut card with environmentally friendly credentials. The range, designed by Henries award winner Clare Tupper, consists of 12 bright and contemporary eye-catching designs based on original artwork using paper collage and fine black linework. Each card features a beautiful emboss and gold foil finish and is accompanied by a bright and cheerful purple envelope.

Paper Rose 0115 9860115 www.paperrose.co.uk

Go Wild Heritage Art and Design has launched two new humour brands that pack a punch! The Wild Life collection is made up of eight designs (120 x 170mm) featuring animals all dressed up and ready for a good birthday bash in humorous situations. There are also another nine larger Wild Life designs (154 x 230mm) covering family and high age captions. Meanwhile, Pink Petshop is another collection of eight colourful fun quirky animal designs (120 x 170mm) with soft humorous copy.

Heritage Art and Design 0330 223 1644 www.heritageartanddesign.co.uk

In Full Bloom Bexy Boo has captured the arrival of Spring with her new Scrabbley Blooms collection.

Based on her award-winning range the Scrabbley Neons, this new range (comprising 31 designs) is bang on trend with floral pretty prints and abstract patterns. Each 150mm square card is individually handfinished with a vintage wooden scrabble tile and large sparkly preciosa crystals. They come with an antique cream alabaster envelope, wrapped in a biodegradable cello.

Bexy Boo 01565 830546 www.bexyboo.co.uk

A True Reflection

Living Life What better way to celebrate the return to normality than with Talking Pictures’ range Everyday Wishes. This uplifting selection of bright scenes from the Ling Design portfolio celebrates the things we love to do; funfairs, parties, steam trains and the beach to name a few. Each z-fold design is die-cut, adding dimension to the story, along with cute attachment features and foils.

Ling Design 01892 838574 www.lingdesign.co.uk

Cuckoo is one of Pigment’s many new trend/humour ranges. The collection gets its name from its chaotic style of wording, featuring some fun characters and icons.

The inaugural collection spans 12 open designs but there are plans to extend this.

All designs are black and white, printed on a matt board, with a neon orange envelope to make them pop.

Pigment 01423 520098 www.pigmentproductions.com

Animal Magic The Zippaddydoodaa range from Catherine Kleeli Cards is is bound to tickle the fancy of youngsters as well as the 'young at heart'.

Inspired by the arrival of Catherine’s first grandchild during lockdown, the designs feature creatures from the animal kingdom in her trademark style of stitched paper collage.

The 127mm x 177mm cards are printed on 300gsm board and supplied with a brown ribbed Kraft envelope.

Catherine Kleeli Cards 07814 293155 ww.catherinekleeli.co.uk PROGRESSIVE GREETINGS WORLDWIDE 35

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Face To Face

The Grand Having a plan and seeing it through over the last six months of upheaval has been somewhere between difficult to nigh on impossible for many businesses. Yet IC&G has not only managed to launch its fully-fledged planning service, but has successfully installed new greeting card displays and fixtures into some 24 independent retailers’ stores with many more installations in the pipeline.

PG caught up with Simon Wagstaff, joint md of the Dorset-based publisher to find out more.

There is no denying the high regard independent retailers hold IC&G, as underlined by its winning the Gold award in The Henries 2020 Best Service to the Independent Retailer category for the fifth year in succession last December.

“It was nerve-racking waiting for the announcement to be made at The Henries.

We have always put our customers first and they have showed us great loyalty, but so many other publishers are doing a good job.

You just cannot take anything for granted, in life as well as in business, as the pandemic

has showed us,” said Simon with a modesty which is at the heart of the business he coruns with his brother Ian. “Although the event took place virtually, it still felt fantastic to hear that we had won the Gold again, and it has made us even more determined to do more for our customers,” he added.

Its super quick turnaround on orders as well as continued improvements on the product front, with a dedication to offering a broad array of captions has seen it rise through the publishing ranks over the last decade. The addition of a fully-fledged

Barley’s all fluffed up The launch of the planning service isn’t the only major development in the IC&G camp, as Barley Bear, the publisher’s cute champ has had a makeover during lockdown too!

“Originally, I made Barley Bear using a felting technique,” explains Tracey Colliston, the artist behind the cute character. “But we wanted to give him a softer look so I have now made him from some fluffy textured fur. Being just lightly filled with stuffing, he’s really flexible and extremely huggable - he can’t wait to give lots of hugs!”

The new look Barley is debuting on 28 relations and occasions designs as well as in the Christmas selection.

Left: A new look Barley Bear design.

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PROGRESSIVE GREETINGS WORLDWIDE

planning service is the next bold step up the ladder, but is not one the company has rushed into, nor taken lightly.

It has been on the cards for almost four years, coinciding with Tony Roberts joining the company as sales director. Although Tony, as planned, retired at the end of March, he leaves IC&G most definitely well on its way as a planning publisher, with 24 Top: IC&G owners Simon (right) and Ian Wagstaff with their Gold Henries’ Best Service trophy.

Above: An example of what an IC&G replan could look like.

Inset: IC&G is happy to work with all publishers on the planned displays.

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Face To Face

installations now in place all over the UK, from cardshops to newsagents, convenience stores to party shops.

“We have loved having Tony as part of our team and wish him all the happiness for his retirement. He has been fantastic for IC&G and an absolute pleasure to work with. He brought along with him a wealth of experience and has helped us grow the business over the past three and a half years to where we are today,” said Simon.

“When Tony first joined we put together a five year plan and expanding into offering a credible planning service was very much part of that. We also set in motion plans to strengthen and broaden our product offer, while determined to maintain the high levels of service which our customers have come to expect,” he added.

Up, up and away “Definitely the best decision I have ever made for my business,” Iqbal Zubair, owner of Bonnie Balloons & Party in Larkhall, Lanarkshire told PG. “Our card sales have increased 30%-35% since the replan. I’m delighted to have worked alongside Tony and the ICG reps in developing a new floor plan and card display. They made the process simple, straightforward and stress-free.

The planned display has extended my range, flows well with its layout, fits perfectly and is really eye catching. Every single customer has had nothing but positive feedback and it has definitely helped to increase foot flow for the store. I couldn’t be happier with it all,” added Iqbal.

Right: Bonnie Balloons & Party owner Iqbal Zubair said the IC&G replan was the best business decision he has ever made.

Left: Jade Scholes handles all of the planning for IC&G, using Card Manager software.

Right: Simon Wagstaff with Tony Roberts at the last PG Live.

Below: Part of a new look card display in Keegans Today News in Carrickmacross.

While bringing Amanda Miles on board as creative director bolstered the team on the product front, another clincher was when experienced greeting card planner, Jade Scholes joined the IC&G team last year.

“There are some really good people in this industry, and Amanda and Jade are two of them. They have both been like a breath of fresh air to our business, in the way they work and what they add to our company. I can’t thank them enough,” says Simon.

With over 1,000 card designs in its portfolio, across more design styles than ever before, while IC&G could feasibly fill a 40’ card display with its own designs, this was never the aim. As Simon explains, “it is all about giving the customer what they want. Most of the stock control plans we have installed so far have

seen us account for around 50% of the space, but we are more than happy to work with other publishers of the retailers’ choosing. We are not a one horse race, that would be arrogant and there is no place for arrogance.”

As well as the planning service, IC&G also extended this to offering PoS, fixturing options (working closely with Axiom) and installation, but is not proposing to be an all singing all dancing shopfitting company.

“You have to recognise your strengths and limitations,” admits Simon.

On the ‘limitations’ front, while the pandemic has put paid to many face to face meetings with retailers, with Jade relying on Zoom to chat things through with customers on their wishes,

Simon feels that the lockdowns have also in some instances been a catalyst for retailers to commit to a replan.

“Being unable to open for extended periods has given many retailers the opportunity to have a revamp and a rethink about the way they run their card displays,” says Simon. “While some of the installations replace former stock controls, in other cases it has been retailers recognising the merits of moving to a planned display, enabling them to reduce their stockholding. Having drawers

rammed with cards is just wasting their money,” adds Simon.

With two dozen IC&G installations already out there, and many more in the pipeline, Simon is quietly confident of meeting Tony’s preset goal of having 50 in place by the end of 2021.

“Tony said that us going into planning was like IC&G going from the top of the Championship and into the Premier League, so we had better keep our training up!” quipped Simon.

PROGRESSIVE GREETINGS WORLDWIDE

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Agents’ Revelations

Down To Having been ‘grounded’ for so much of the last year, independent sales agents are now preparing to get back out on the road to coincide with the big retail open-up.

Following on from the last edition of PG, another ‘crop’ of agents reveal how they have been tending their respective ‘patches’, digging deep to support their retail customers during the pandemic.

Fiona Lychehan Your patch: “I cover the London area and represent ArtPress, Caroline Gardner, Cath Tate, Dandelion Stationery, Dean Morris Cards, Earlybird, Frankie Whistle, Hype, James Ellis, Noi, Peter Pauper Press and Rachel Ellen Designs.”

Calling a spade a spade: “Getting through the pandemic has been a huge challenge to all retailers, but my shops are a hardy lot and, having already survived London’s dizzying rent hikes and stiff competition from the multiples, it’s clear none of them are shrinking violets.”

Green shoots: “If anyone can come up smelling of roses by putting in the hard spade-work, it’s the London independent card and gift shops. Generally, they’ve been delighted by the response from the public when they’ve been allowed to open, with their customers letting them know that they’d been missed as a source of individuality on the high street and from a community point of view. Many of them have worked tirelessly to provide Click & Collect services and develop online offerings to harvest any sales that could be dug from their patch. Everyone’s now looking forward to reopening again, with a bumper crop of new produce to offer.”

Plantlife: “I would be a sunflower because the seeds can be sewn anywhere and bring colour to the garden.”

Garden maintenance: “I’ve endeavoured to stay in touch with my customers and tried, where possible, to offer advice on promoting themselves on social media and making them aware of any offers available from my companies.”

Earth Above: The garden tools are to be swopped for card samples!

Far left: Fiona Lychehan in her garden.

Left: Fiona has swopped the Baileys for Gousto boxes and yoga!

Bottom left: Fiona’s plantlife alter ego is a sunflower.

Your plant food/fertiliser: “On a business level, it has so helped that the companies I represent have been amazing with keeping in touch throughout the pandemic.

Personally, over the Christmas period I developed a Baileys habit but had to replace that in the New Year with Gousto boxes and yoga so I can be lean for the return to the field.”

Hopes and dreams for 2021: “I hope that when my customers’ shops reopen they will benefit from pent up shopping desire; that their customers will continue to appreciate their individuality and the positivity of shopping locally to make up for lost time.”

Brendan Cahill of Cahill Agencies Your patch: “I have the pleasure every day of travelling mostly through the country lanes and minor roads of the whole of Wales and Gloucestershire. To complement my working day, I am privileged to carry the most wonderful principals in the industry, namely Alex Clark, Glick, Peter Pauper Press, Tracks, Woodmansterne, Words ‘n’ Wishes and WPL.” Calling a spade a spade: “On a personal level, I have made the most of being at home during the three Above: Was Brendan the lockdown periods. Living in the Brecon inspiration behind this Tracks Beacons has made life a lot easier by having design that he carries?! such lovely scenic walks on my doorstep. The first two lockdowns, were easier for us all to adapt to, due to the glorious weather.

From a business point of view and from all our customers, Covid has had an effect on all us. It has been a tough and totally surreal year. I had a mixture of customers when we first opened after Lockdown 1 with my garden centre customers experiencing tremendous growth, along with the Post Offices who have continued to stay open during the pandemic. During 2020, there were retailers who were BOOMING and then on the complete PROGRESSIVE GREETINGS WORLDWIDE

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Agents’ Revelations

opposite side, retailers struggling. It’s been a case of Start…Stop…Open Doors...Shut Doors...

A real thorn in the side happened in Wales when the Welsh Government announced on 19 October, we would be closing for a two-week firebreak lockdown until 9 November. We all understood the reasons behind this decision, but it was still another blow to our lovely customers.

There was some good news to come. The green shoots appeared out of nowhere as soon as Lockdown 2 was over in Wales. Our independent shops were hit with a tsunami of customers after having had a truly awful year of trade, those tills were ringing. I have never experienced so many customers calling me for more charity/boxed cards. It was so nice to hear customers calling with the excitement of being busy and selling out of greeting cards.

As soon as we are all beginning to feel as festive as we could with our shopping, we had the devastating news from the Welsh Government on Saturday afternoon 19 December that as from midnight all non-essential shops had to close, giving my customers only a few hours’ notice.

Wales has been in total Lockdown since 20 December which includes garden centres, as our Welsh Government has classified garden centres as non-essential retail.”

Your plant food/fertiliser: “If there is to be a downside to lockdown, it’s got to be that I am enjoying too much of my wife Alison’s home cooking. There are too many recipes to mention, but

Left: Brendan Cahill found the good weather of the first two lockdowns easier to cope with.

Below: Brendan’s plantlfe alter ego would be a Daffodil.

my favourite has got to be the homemade lasagna and lemon drizzle cake. I’m not known for drinking, but I do need to cut down on the bottles of Doom Bar and the odd glass of wine.”

Garden maintenance: “I’ve been in regular contact with a lot of my customers, sending Christmas cards, email and jokes, which has kept the communication flowing.”

Plantlife: “If I was to be a flower, it would have to be our flower of Wales - The Daffodil, one of the first flowers we see at the beginning of the year which always puts a fresh smile on our faces. Just like all the times our retailers have been forced to close their doors, they will come back stronger when allowed to do so. It doesn’t matter how many times you chop/cut down your Daffodils when the time is right, they too come back stronger and brighter, year after year.”

Your hopes and dreams for 2021: “To enjoy the light at the end of the tunnel! When the non-essential shops reopen, retailers will be able to show off all the new products in store.

With all the doom and gloom in the High Street, let’s all keep supporting the independents, not just for the next few months, but to continue to Christmas 2021 and beyond.”

Lucy Sharp of The Sharp Stuff Your patch: “The Sharp Stuff Agency covers the whole of Scotland with an array of design-led and innovative brands from the lifestyle and gift market including, for cards Brainbox Candy, Caroline Gardner, Redback Cards and Roger la Borde.”

Calling a spade a spade: “We've all certainly dug in! That spade has been wielded multiple times. The ground has been super tough and bodies have been bruised, but with lots of that groundwork done, hibernation is surely nearly over and we're certainly more than ready for when the sun shines again.”

Plantlife: “The Eriostemon Myoporoides - when you rub the leaves it releases a mix of juniper and lemon aromas and smells like a gin and tonic. Shame there has been no smell-o-vision on Zoom though!”

The green shoots? “Without a doubt the message about supporting small, creative and local businesses cut through at a deeper level with the general public.

It was so encouraging to see some

Left: Lucy Sharp in flower girl mode.

Right: Wendy Ross from Ruby Red, Milngavie at Lucy’s pop-up showroom.

Below: There has been lots of digging deep over the last year.

retailers have some of their best months ever when they were able to fully trade again.”

The thorns and weeds? “I have so missed physically seeing customers, and who would ever have guessed the NEC would start to seem like an exotic location! The days of heading to trade show expeditions will no doubt resume...”

Garden maintenance: “With an agent friend and colleague, we created our own pop-up showroom, on the aptly named Grassmarket in Edinburgh. This ran for several weeks in August and was hugely successful, and we loved being able to see our customers face to face again. They loved seeing the products in real life - just as Chelsea Flower Show on the telly is no match for the real thing, so having a physical event felt so good. And I think they all appreciated a little 'water', be that with coffee, or wine!”

Your hopes and dreams for 2021? “I'm nurturing an established 'garden', so while challenges remain, I am very confident that the years of hard work put in will mean my patch will survive and thrive. There's plenty of exciting surprises ready to bloom - bring on spring!”

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Agents’ Revelations

Rachel Williams, who together with Neil Greenwood make up Reil Agencies Your patch: “The Northwest covering a large patch of England, with its towns and cities as diverse as the people living within them.

From Chester to Carlisle and Warrington to Windermere one thing we do all have in common, aside from a lot of rain, is a northern grit and a determination to succeed and overcome hurdles. As an agent in the Northwest, I represent Caroline Gardner, Cinnamon Aitch, Gift Wrap UK, Hand Crafted Card Company, Laura Darrington, Museums & Galleries and U Studio.”

Calling a spade a spade: “Overcoming hurdles in the past year has become second nature for me and my customers! If ever there’s been a time to dig deep and look for positives, this last year has really tested us all. Companies, retailers and agents have all felt the impact of lockdowns and tier restrictions, and this has really tested our determination to keep going and use our initiative to survive and ride the storm.”

The green shoots? “Because of shop closures many of us have had a lot more time, and much of this has been spent in our homes and gardens, many have used this time to tend to our plots and bring life and colour back to our own little space in a shrinking world. This gave us the opportunity to try new things and be creative.

It has been brilliant to see some retailers taking advantage of Zoom calls and video links to restock and communicate. As well as using the time to set up websites, Facebook pages, using Instagram and other media sources to promote and grow their business share. From the ground up with little experience we have found new ways to sell and interact with our customers and have seen new shoots branch and bloom.”

Your plant food/fertiliser: “I have tried lots of new things, growing my own veg and creating a herb garden being a couple of them. If I’m honest I’m no Percy Thrower and I’ll never make it onto Gardener’s World with my veg patch, even a rabbit would have turned its nose up at my carrots, but at least I tried!

My herb garden on the other hand was great. To be fair herbs are pretty easy to grow, being hardy and fast growing as long as they are tended and encouraged.”

Plantlife: “I would be a Primrose. It keeps going all year round, loves life no matter what the weather and remains cheerful, hopefully bringing a little colour and happiness to those around it.”

Garden Maintenance: “I am lucky enough to call many of my customers my friends and have kept in touch with them during this difficult time. Those who have been able to stay open have continued to order using the internet or phone to place orders during closure. If customers have been happy I have also dropped samples off with them and left them to look through and called back to collect.”

Hopes and dreams for 2021: “If the last year has taught me anything it’s to not take anything for granted, be creative and Top: Rachel with some of her greenery. never give up. It’s been Above: Rachel adds colour and cheerfulness, just like a primrose. really hard work and of course the rewards have been smaller and harder to come by, a little like my herb garden, but when the successes do happen we feel elated and rejuvenated. It continues to be a bumpy journey, with weeds popping up around each corner, but we keep trying and chopping them back to get through and back out the other side, hopefully stronger and more determined than ever.”

Jo Bannister and Joanne McFarlane Your patch: “We cover London and Middlesex (and Oxfordshire for Glick). The companies we represent are The Art File, Brainbox Candy, Eloise Hall, Glick, Louise Mulgrew, Meri Meri, Paper Salad, Sally Scaffardi and Think of Me.” The green shoots: “Customers, fantastic efforts with Click & Collect plus brilliant selling activity on Instagram.

There was a huge uptick in trade in the three weeks between the second lockdown and the pre-Christmas London move into Tier 4.”

The thorns and weeds: “Each lockdown and London being closed down on 19 December in that crucial last week of Christmas trading and shops continuing to stay closed.”

Plantlife: “Sunflowers. Whatever the climate they are a

beacon of joy that bring a smile to your face and that they follow the sun as we do our customers.”

Garden maintenance: “We have trodden very carefully and sensitively. We sowed the ‘seeds' with catalogues, Zoom calls and emails. We’ve tended our ‘allotment’ every day, come rain or shine.”

Your own plant food/fertiliser: “In response to what has pepped our spirits during the tricky times…’SPIRITS’ is the operative word. GIN all the way in the McFarlane and Bannister households!!”

Your hopes and dreams for 2021: “To hit the ground running, spreading as much love as possible by seeing our lovely customers with loads of new samples and positivity. Here’s to hoping the powers that be in Government and the general public realise the importance of our local independent shops and do all they can to nurture them, by shopping with them and let them flourish for years to come.”

Above: Jo Bannister (right) and Joanna McFarlane lapping up the good weather last year.

Right: Sunflowers put a smile on your face, just like Jo and Joanna do for their customers.

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Our Christmas 2021 collection is available to pre-order via our webshop, sales office or sales agents.

Order soon to guarantee your chosen designs.

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Giftwrap: Sustainability

Protecting

Inset: The sustainable drive is ongoing in the giftwrappings sector.

Below: The Unique Paper Company paper has the trademarked Bioglitter logo printed on the reverse to help with identification for the end consumer and recycling.

The Planet The big drive for greater sustainability is something which has been embraced by giftwrap publishers who have been fast off the mark to make their products increasingly planet-friendly.

PG delved into the different approaches companies are taking as they up the ante on the environmental front with their giftwrappings.

Sustainability leading the way “At Glick, sustainability is firmly at the forefront of our minds,” states Becky Dobson, Glick’s managing director. “We believe that creating beautiful products does not have to be at the expense of our planet. When producing new ranges, we are carefully considering the sustainability of all components, while still producing commercially viable products. The recycling symbols are appearing more frequently through our catalogues and this will continue.”

Glick’s range includes recyclable gift bags, rollwraps, flat wraps, paper bows, recycled cotton twines, paper raffias and a Christmas 2021 tissue paper range in recyclable Kraft packaging.

Above: Glick’s Christmas 2021 tissue paper range is in recyclable Kraft packaging.

Right: A recyclable Paper Confetti Bow from Glick.

Eco-friendly glitter The Unique Paper Company is working with Ronald Britton on developing additional ranges using its eco-friendly Bio-glitter. “Obviously, we don’t want to detract from normal glitter, as that’s what we are known for,” says Lydia Scamponi, director, Unique Paper Company. “But we still see a great demand for our standard glitter products, and indeed expect this to continue this year, as I’m sure we will all need a bit of sparkle now more than ever! But our Bio-glitter wrap does offer that option to those customers looking for a more eco alternative.”

Lydia continues: “With reducing our carbon footprint in mind, another USP and key point is that all of our papers are designed and produced by us in our factories which are based in the Suffolk and Essex countryside. I’m sure this will be a plus point considering the rising freight costs, and delays in sourcing from China and other countries,” points out Lydia. “We are also continuing to develop our Uniqueco brand offering print only finish eco-friendly wraps.”

Getting crafty “All our gift wraps, gift bags and rollwrap are sourced sustainably using FSC-certified stock,” confirms Andrew Maddocks, md of Deva Designs. “This year, new introductions for Spring have no foil, glitter or varnish which is why creating stunning, eye catching designs is so important. With clever use of design, and no add-ons, it means that the wraps and bags are fully recyclable.”

A major new edition is the Get Crafty craft flat wrap which the company trialled at Christmas in gold, silver and red. “It was so successful that we have expanded it to every essential colour of the rainbow. It is on FSC stock and uses water-based inks.”

Adds Andrew: “Using brown kraft doesn’t have to look dull - it can really pop!

We partnered with a major high street retailer and can’t wait for the waterfall of wraps to appear in their stores.”

Above: The colourful new Get Crafty craft collection from Deva Designs.

Significant steps “We are always looking for ways to improve our sustainability without compromising the quality of the gift packaging we produce,” states Amelia Strawson, marketing manager at Penny Kennedy.

“In 2021, we have made some significant steps such as removing 80% of the plastic from our tissue packs, and all of our new lines come in recyclable paper packaging, all retaining their quality of finish.”

Right: Penny Kennedy’s Morris&Co ‘Seasons by May’ for Christmas.

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Giftwrap: Sustainability

New foil technique

Below: An occasion foil spot from UK Greetings.

“To promote greater recyclability across our product ranges, we’re committed to reducing waste and removing single-use plastic from our products,” states Katie Prosho, customer & product manager - 3D & Special Editions at UK Greetings. “This starts with only using fully recyclable ink, varnishes and paper stock, and exclusively sourcing FSC-certified paper. Any foil we use is recyclable. We’re also replacing plastic hooks with paper alternatives. So far, we’ve reduced our cellophane rollwrap packaging by 30% since 2017 and lowered the length of our gift bag handles by 130 miles or 18% since 2019.”

Katie adds that an exciting development for UK Greetings most recent launch was finding a sustainable solution for flitter: “How could we offer the shine and shimmer of flitter, but without the environmental repercussions? As part of our flitter-free agenda, we’ve brought to market a brand new foil technique that does just that. So, no matter what the special occasion, there’s still a bit of sparkle! We continue to work hard on our sustainability pledges and will have more new, innovative and exciting initiatives in our future launches.”

Sustainable Christmas “We’ve been making changes to our range over the last few years to remove plastic eurohooks and update finishes, helping the recipient to understand how to reuse or recycle the product,” confirms Hallmark’s Kirstie Watson, communications partner - UK & Ireland. “As well as ensuring we’ve covered the basics, in Christmas, we’ll be launching a sustainable range featuring recyclable gift bag handles and rollwrap made from recycled paper.”

Right: Hallmark’s Christmas range features sustainable gift packaging.

Respect for natural resources "We firmly believe that creating beautiful things does not have to be at the expense of the planet,” says Kelly Hyatt, creative director, Lagom. “From the smallest card to the largest gift, we take care to ensure that the environment is taken into consideration every step of the way. This is part of the natural balance we strive to achieve and lies at the very heart of Lagom.”

Left: Colourful rollwrap from Lagom.

At the core “Sustainability has been the main driver and at the heart of the product development, as we take social environmental impacts into great consideration,” says Rachel Hare, founder of Belly Button Designs.

“Reducing plastic is not new to Belly Button as we evolve and work with suppliers and retail to be accountable for our waste. We continually look to resource and manufacture responsibly, choosing FSC certified paper and boards to package and produce high quality products wherever possible.”

Above: Some of the items in Belly Button’s Sunflowers collection

Utmost importance

Below: An array of sustainable gift packaging from The Art File.

Sustainability and the environment have always been of the upmost of importance for The Art File, not only in the giftwrap and gift packaging category, but in all aspects of the business.

“We are constantly improving our sustainability, with our giftwrap, gift packaging, and the rest of our product portfolio being printed on FSC certified paper and board, from sustainably sourced forests,” confirms James Mace, sales & marketing manager at The Art File. “A lot of our packaging is also 100% recyclable.”

Reducing glitter papers Globe Enterprise has always sourced environmentally friendly wrapping papers and paper products. “We take left over cotton, a by-product of India’s huge garment industry, and recycle it,” highlights Dipika Shah founder of Globe Enterprise.

“We are actively taking steps to reduce the glitter papers in our range and focus on screen printed papers, handmade by artisans, offering the highest levels of precision and accuracy to create the perfect motifs sheet after sheet. Our co-ordinated range of handmade paper products includes gift bags, gift boxes, note cards and paper mobiles, which are all constructed from the same environmentally friendly paper as the giftwrap.”

Above: A range of rollwraps from Globe Enterprise.

Trade mark logo “In creating our Acquire giftwrap range, we not only wanted to create great designs for our distributors, retailers and consumers, we wanted a greener alternative, and have sourced all paper and tags using sustainably sourced paper,” explains Peter Rawlingson, sales director/owner of Out Of The Blue Studios.

“All of our wrap and tags, along with our cards, carry our trade marked logo to inform the retailer but, more importantly, the consumer, that the products are made of sustainably sourced paper.”

Right: A giftwrap design from Out of the Blue.

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Giftwrap: Design Trends

What’s Wrapping & Rolling?

Inset: A selection of designs from Glick’s Paper Salad collection.

From big, bold brights, to pastels, monochrome, nature and Christmas, PG talks to some leading ‘wrap performers’ about what has been driving them on the design front in giftwrappings.

Andrew Maddock, md of Deva Designs

Below: Coastal Cottages from Deva.

Pretty Pastel: “Coastal Cottages, our new lead design for this year, is given pride of place on the cover of our catalogue. I was fortunate to visit Cornwall last year (when we could) and was inspired to design and illustrate Coastal Cottages, which our designer then re-interpreted into a stunning pastel in repeat.”

Brights: “In addition, a classic part of Deva’s range is Party Brights - bold colours, with fun designs in dots, stars, stripes, and now rainbow rock.

When the design is in a rollwrap, it looks like a giant stick of Blackpool rock!

Jungle: “We also have several classic designs that stay with us season to season, as they are always in our top sellers. A great example is Jungle. The new look is brighter and cleaner and pops on the display.”

Becky Dobson, md, Glick Tapping into nature: “Our early 2021 designs were bright, happy and colourful, that bit of sunshine that we all need! However, our midyear designs will take a different course, with monochrome patterns making an appearance alongside a nature theme of florals, berries and insects in earthy tones. Our 2021 ranges are channelling what many of us have needed and have enjoyed during these difficult times.”

Above: Glick’s Paper Salad collection won The Henries 2020 award for Best Giftwrappings Range.

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PROGRESSIVE GREETINGS WORLDWIDE

Rachel Hare, founder and md of Belly Button Designs Inspired by board: “I am very proud to be part of a highly innovative, creative industry and so lucky to have amazing board suppliers and printers and fellow publishers and designers striving to produce cutting edge product.

The exciting new launches for paper have really inspired me.”

Above: Sunflowers from Belly Button Designs.

Amelia Strawson, marketing manager, Penny Kennedy Indulgent: “One trend for Winter 2021 that we refer to as Midnight Ornate, can be explored through our Morris&Co licence. This is all about being indulgent with opulent colours inspired by British luxury and heritage prints that we see across interiors, Christmas decorations and tableware. Through this trend we discover intricate shapes and decorative features that we can include in pattern works, borders and rich foil details.”

Nature and wildlife: “Another trend we love is Crafted Woodland which takes inspiration from the great outdoors via winter foliage, adorned wreaths and a celebration of nature and wildlife. The mood of this trend is explored in our Penny Kennedy own brand range, which features sumptuous berry reds shot through with forest green, thistles and bouncing hares and deer.”

Above: Morris&Co’s Midnight Ornate from Penny Kennedy.

Jo Clarke, founder, Toasted Crumpet Nature and botanical: “Key designs trends we have seen consistently over the last few years revolve around nature and botanical wraps and this has been a key focus for us going into 2021. Our darker background wraps have also performed well, which mirrors the trends and popularity of dark walls within interiors.”

Left: Echoes of nature from Toasted Crumpet.

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Giftwrap: Design Trends

Kirstie Watson, communications partner of Hallmark UK & Ireland Pattern, photography, characters: “We’re showcasing a big step on in our giftwrap ranges this year. As well as protecting key bestselling lines, we’ve worked across our global trends teams and dedicated creative studios to bring pattern, photography and characters to life in the range.”

Special occasions: “Everyone is looking forward to getting back together and our 2021 ranges offer everything needed to recognise any occasion, big or small - including birthday parties (for big kids and little kids!), weddings, anniversaries, a new arrival in the family, summer BBQs, celebrations or just to say thank you, hello, or let someone know that you’re thinking of them.”

Above and right: There are nine key ranges from Hallmark for Christmas with something for everyone families, trend setters, traditionalist, pet lovers and fans of Marvel, Disney, Elf, The Grinch and Lego.

James Mace, sales & marketing manager, The Art File Expanded our horizons: “At The Art File, design content has always been the single most important part of our business, and we've always expanded our horizons when it comes to gift packaging by looking at colour trends, design topics and more, to build and add to our award winning collections. Nothing against football, but you'll never see a football surface pattern design on an Art File Piece of giftwrap...

“For Spring/Summer 2021, we have launched several new everyday flat wrap designs, with matching gift packaging.”

Above: Florals: new for Spring/Summer from The Art File.

Dipika Shah, founder, Globe Enterprise

Below: A new design from Globe Enterprise.

Rich colours: “Our most successful designs have typically been intricate and rich, the type of styles that create a genuine ‘wow’ factor. We have seen numerous buyers placing preorders ahead of the stores re-opening, and, as ever, it is our most eye-catching and beautiful prints that are selling well. Two popular papers in particular are the striking new deep blue and crimson colour palette in the roses print and the newly introduced Florentine print, available in a wide variety of colours to suit most tastes.”

Peter Rawlingson, sales director/ owner, Out Of The Blue Studios Colourful tags: “Influences on trends is very important to us,” says Peter Rawlingson, sales director/owner, Out Of The Blue Studios. “However, we always need to have some of the more ‘safe’ offering within the range. When pulling our new Acquire range together, matching designed tags seemed to be an issue, with the rate of sale varying, and many retailers and distributors having a balance of tags left over when design changes happen. We therefore wanted to introduce a range of wrap that had a range of Pantone colours that we could match ‘solid’ tag colours to, with some of our wrap designs having up to three matching tags. The range is an ongoing in-stock range that’s available all year round from our wholesale/distributors with exciting plans for developing in other key areas.”

Above: Wholesale publisher’s Out Of The Blue’s inaugural Acquire collection offers 50 designs of giftwrap and 14 Pantone coloured matching gift tags.

Ben Dorney, creative director, Museums & Galleries Côte D’Azur and Folk Birds: “Internationally acclaimed Sarah Campbell is the latest star British designer to join the Museums & Galleries universe, where we are launching her range with cards, stationery and two gift packaging collections featuring co-ordinating sheet wraps, gift tissue and gift bags in two sizes.

“The gift packaging features Côte D’Azur and Folk Birds in Sarah’s inimitable design style and language of joyful, expressive and vivid illustration and pattern.”

Above: Sarah Campbell’s gift packaging designs for Museums & Galleries.

Katie Prosho, customer & product manager - 3D & Special Editions, UK Greetings Future focused: “As part of our newest launch of gift dressings, we concentrated on our core ‘signature’ look, incorporating future focused classic techniques and styles to cement the Collage brand look and feel. The team experimented with hand drawn techniques of all forms, utilising negative space within the layout and really focusing on creating clear differentiation between our styles and genres.”

Emotional connection: “Our goal was to tap into consumer emotions through hand drawn illustration, detailing with feeling and consideration, staying true to our Collage ‘signature’ style.”

Above: UKG’s Watercolour Floral collection.

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It’s been a rollercoaster, but we know...

Beautifully expressive greetings cards

by Sarah Curedale (e) sales@realandexcitingdesigns.co.uk (t) 01223 207 080 (f) 01536 401 031

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Giftwrap: New Products

‘Dressed’

Publishers reveal their fresh, new Spring/Summer gift packaging launches that will up the ante when it comes to gifting!

l Hallmark is prepared for lots of family fun this coming Christmas on the wrappings front. There is a giant bow and tag for decorating bikes or big/giant gifts, Advent bags, Christmas Eve bags and even wrapping paper for pets. The ranges are easy to coordinate, and this year’s Christmas offer brings in compendium wraps with matching accessories. Additionally, Hallmark’s Simply For You ranges will expand the value offer, with easy pick-ups at great prices, while everyday ‘beautiful basics’ will launch in Q3 in mix and match colours and designs.

To Impress l Julie Dodsworth has created new designs for Deva Designs, including the Garden Bee which is a delicate painterly floral design that sits alongside Julie’s other designs such as Honey Bee, Forget Me Not and Daisy Daisy.

All the designs mix and match in their unique artisan style. l Penny Kennedy’s Autumn and Winter 2021 collections features designs based on the iconic Morris&Co licence with artworks inspired by original designs from the William Morris collection curated into vibrant, festive collections. The company also sees the return of its Pure Morris collection which is versatile for Christmas and other gifting occasions.

In addition, the Penny Kennedy Sara Miller London gift packaging range captures the contemporary Christmas spirit with three new collections using innovative, on trend colourways and designs, while Emma Bridgewater provides a range of classically festive, cheerful prints which work across bags, boxes and wrap. The Louise Tiler licensed collection is an elegant, festive selection that offers winter floral illustrations and adorned wreaths. l UK Greetings has launched five new giftwrap collections. The Watercolour Floral range has a bold, fresh colour palette, while Peek-a-boo features a bright, vibrant design with holographic foil. Wedding Bouquet coordinates with a UKG card collection, and features a hand drawn design with small touches of deep blue keeping it relevant in today’s market. Also brand new is the Jungle Animals range (pictured) which is bright and fun with a hand drawn design. Plus, the considered use of matt gold foil in the Blue & Gold stripe range gives this collection an added something special. l Abacus Cards’ brand new collection of planet-friendly, plastic-free wrapping paper and tags features a cross section of designs for a multitude of occasions, with the giftwrap designs simply packaged in a compact cardboard hanger with an integral eurohook slot. The circular gift tags are also integral to the packaging, with each pack containing two sheets of folded wrap and two gift tags.

l The Art File has seven brand new flat wrap and roll wrap designs for its Spring/Summer 2021 campaign, from a Spring wrap full of bright, colourful flowers and plants (pictured), along with a brand new contemporary monochrome dog look. And the vast majority of its collections come with matching bags, tissue and tags, as well as being available in a roll wrap format. l A trio of new ranges has been launched by Artebene. The colour purple embraces the Finest Violet Lovers range for Autumn, combined with a bright curry and olive. The Create the Future collection (pictured) is a trendy street art style combined with cyberpunk colours. Bright neon yellow, and silver hot foil effects provide cool highlights. Plus, for Christmas Finest, paisleys and mandala combine with curved classics in a baroque style. l There are 13 vibrant designs in Dandelion Stationery’s latest giftwrap collection, which have been created using watercolours and hand drawn illustrations, including party safari animals, cats in hats, under the sea scenes and lovable hanging sloths. The giftwrap is printed in the UK onto luxury 110gsm uncoated smooth paper and is fully recyclable. l The double-sided giftwrap from Megan Claire features two different designs in one sheet, making them twice as delightful. The Spring Blossom’s pink flower design for example (pictured), has a lime geo pattern on the reverse.

Matching tags are available.

PROGRESSIVE GREETINGS WORLDWIDE

51

ART SOURCE

The Lesser-Known Patron Saints

TO APPEAR REGULARLY IN THE

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

52_PG_March 2021.indd 52

A unique range of humorous “medieval” designs available to buy or license

www.Chiz.ink hello@Chiz.ink

25/03/2021 12:34

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Art Source

Speaking English

London-based illustrator, collage maestro and surface pattern artist Tracey English has been busier than ever during lockdown. In addition to her design work featuring in Paper Rose’s Around the World card range and following on from the success of the inaugural collection of quilting fabrics with Clothworks in the US, Tracey is working on a subsequent one while she has also just finalised 16+ designs for a digital puzzle on the Apple Arcade called Patterned.

PG gained an insight into this talented lady’s life…

Sneak a peek into Tracey English’s tiny studio and you are left in no doubt that she is someone with an abundance of creative ideas inspired by nature, the environment, and pattern, and the skills to bring them to life.

Having started her career illustrating children’s educational books and magazines as well as greeting cards, and giftwrap, she took a break while her family were growing up. Now, she is firing on all cylinders with a completely new style - collage with handpainted papers, as the paper snips testify!

Here, Tracey shares a day in her life…

“Straight after my breakfast, I always kickstart my morning by going for a 45-minute walk with our dog Daisy. This is normally when I plan for my day or see some inspiration that sparks off an idea. Once home, I make a coffee and I'm ready to get started.

My studio is the tiny sunny box room at the front of our house that looks out onto the street, meaning I can see the comings and goings of the neighbours.

There is not a lot of space and it is full to the brim with my paints, papers, books and bits and bobs!

My computer is downstairs in the corner of our kitchen and it is a much quieter and calmer space from where I can look through into the garden, with Daisy invariably by my side. (Our cat Jelly has taken up residence with our sons Top left: Tracey English, ever ready for a bit of collaging.

Above: A glimpse into Tracey’s studio.

Left: Philosophy from Tracey English.

WANT TO BE FEATURED?

Above: An artistic trip to Amsterdam!

Left: One of Tracey’s London-orientated designs.

Below right: Daisy relaxing.

as they are now home studying due to Covid-19 and they always provide a warm lap for her to sit on.)

There are many challenges on time when working from home, especially when it is combined with family life. It was always a juggling act, but it was equally important for me to be around for my sons as they grew up, although now as our children are both nearly adults, l definitely have more hours in the day to be creative, which I love.

When I am in my studio I always listen to BBC Radio London, as it has a good mix of music, chat and news. I love the Barking Hour on a Thursday afternoon with Jo Good and Anna Webb - it’s a whimsical look into dogs living in the city.

I am generally a pretty motivated person and I always have a long ‘to do list’ and that keeps me going, I’m also one of those annoying people who isn't very good at sitting around, I always like to be busy.

At the end of the day and especially at the moment, I love to wind down with a cup of tea, a piece of chocolate and various Netflix series that I am watching with my husband.

Recent favourites include Schitt's Creek and The Queen's Gambit.

When I am not working, I love pottering in our tiny city garden, going for long walks with our dog at the weekends and spending time with my family and (as soon as we’re allowed) friends.”

Tracey English is represented by artist agency, Jehane.

Tracey’s artwork has been licensed and created commissioned work for Quarto, Bloomsbury, Deva Designs, Design House Greeting, Pigment Productions, Museums & Galleries, Waterstones and many more.

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.

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WHAT’S HOT? PG ASKED A SELECTION OF CARD RETAILERS FOR THEIR ‘HOT’ CARD SELLERS Emma Paisey, owner of Daisy Park, South Molton, Devon.

Daisy Park is a delectable card and gift shop in the North Devon town of South Molton.

Category

Name of Publisher

Product/Name Range

Comments

Everyday

Woodmansterne Publications

Emma Bridgewater; Quentin Blake

Thinking of You

Corniche Cards

Support titles

Laura Sherratt Designs

Stay Safe

Relations and Occasions

Molly Mae

Across the board

Humour

Woodmansterne Publications

Fred

“Emma Bridgewater designs are my best-selling birthday cards while Quentin Blake’s art says more than words and is suitable for all ages.”

“The designs were perfect for lockdown and keeping in touch with loved ones.”

“These have been very well received during this difficult time.”

“Gorgeous illustrations and styles across the captions. The hug designs tug on the heartstrings - a delightful sentiment to send.”

“A classic that’s returned and has worked so well, especially the lockdown designs.”

“The kids’ age cards are modern and bright.”

“The wrap and bags are great designs and good quality.”

“They say the nicest things and a Top: Emma Bridgewater cards (from nice price point.”

Woodmansterne) and wrappings from

Children’s

Jamboree Paper Salad

Giftwrappings

Emma Bridgewater Penny Kennedy

Gifts East of India

Sentiment pebbles and tokens

Penny Kennedy sell well in Daisy Park.

Above: Two lovely Molly Mae designs.

Louise Baldwin, co-owner of Savannah, Windlesham.

A small independent card and gift shop located in a Surrey village.

Category

Name of Publisher

Product/Name Range

Comments

Everyday

Caroline Gardner Portfolio Rosanna Rossi

Across the board Jaz & Baz Fiori Rosa

Humour

Rosie Made a Thing

Gin & Frolics

Children’s

Rachel Ellen Designs

Across the board

Wendy Jones-Blackett

Quicksilver

Tracey Russell

Devotion

Woodmansterne Publications Globe Enterprises Glick Designs

Across the board

Crumble & Core

Boxed jewellery cards

East of India

Sentiment gifts

“All of the these continue to be brilliant for everyday card needs and have been lovely to deal with during these difficult times.”

“The publisher has been especially good with the isolation and lockdown designs.”

“We have stocked the company since we first opened and it still is our number one for children's cards.”

“The number cards are very popular with all ages!”

“Beautiful designs with wood pieces for that special someone.”

“Just lovely blank cards for your own message.”

“Both do beautiful giftwrap. Globe shines at Christmas with its glitter sheets and gift boxes.”

Top: One of many designs from “Beautiful cards with sterling silver Rachel Ellen’s Chatterbox range. jewellery attached to them.”

Above: A design from Tracey Russell’s Devotion range.

“Lovely sayings on the company’s many products that have been especially popular in the last year.”

Handmade/Handfinished Art/Pho tography Giftwrap

Gifts

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PROGRESSIVE GREETINGS WORLDWIDE

Across the board Across the board

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Faye Thurgood, owner of Sincerely Yours, Shenfield and Hornchurch.

Two popular medium sized card and gift shops in close knit Essex communities.

Category

Name of Publisher

Product/Name Range

Comments

Everyday

Ling Design

Talking Pictures’ More Than Words

Humour

Rosie Made a Thing Hammond Gower

Gin & Frolics Fancy Pants

Children’s

Rachel Ellen Designs

Across the board

Paper Salad

Jamboree

Art

Museums & Galleries

Across the board

Relations and Occasions

UK Greetings

Across the board

Adult ages

Jonny Javelin

Signatures; Velvet

IC&G

Across the board

Five Dollar Shake

Across the board

Belly Button Designs Glick Design Jellycat Peppermint Grove

Bubble Gift dressings Amuseables Candles

“Great value for money for general sends as well as in captions.”

“You just can’t beat it!”

“Funny, completely different and not offensive.”

“Distinctive style that exudes quality.”

“They just fly out!

Wonderful, eye-catching designs.”

“People buy half a dozen cards at a time.”

“Just fabulous, especially in the higher price points for female relations as well as the minor captions.”

“I not only love Jonny’s cards, but also the loyalty and service from the company.”

“So great at the double captions, people come in expecting us to have them.”

“A greatly supportive company that scores on the design front – the new male range looks fab.”

“The latest release is lovely, particularly the bee design.”

“I dedicate a whole wall to it and it looks great.”

“The company’s creativity never ceases to amaze me!”

“The packaging and product design of these soy-based candles is spot on.”

Handmade/Handfinished Giftwrap Gifts

Top: A More Than Words design from Talking Pictures (Ling Design).

Above: Fancy Pants from Hammond Gower hits the spot.

Marilyn Carr, owner of Cards@83, Sidmouth.

A medium sized card and gift shop in a popular East Devon town.

Category

Name of Publisher

Product/Name Range

Comments

Everyday

Blue Eyed Sun

Across the board

Humour

Two Little Monkeys Louise Mulgrew Designs Pigment

Jazz; Rosie’s Garden Across the board Across the board

“The ranges are mostly, touchyfeely, daydream, eye-catching cheerful cards that make you smile.”

“Just great!”

Art

Giftwrap

Lanther Black Art Angels Museums and Galleries Green Pebble

Stickmen Across the board Across the board Across the board

Glick Designs

Across the board

to aensdpec ial fri py hap

“Funny Works, Fleet Street, Animal Antics and Happy Jackson suit our customers’ tastes especially.”

“Great, and not too rude.”

“I choose every card individually according to season, but these three publishers offer great designs of excellent quality at a good price.”

bi rt hday H AV E A FA B U L O U S D AY

Above: A popular design from Two Little Monkeys’ Jazz range.

Right: A Fleet Street design from Pigment.

PROGRESSIVE GREETINGS WORLDWIDE

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PRODUCT DIRECTORY

l PRODUCT DIRECTORY

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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

BEXY BOO bexyboo.co.uk enquiries@bexyboo.co.uk Tel: 01565 830546 @BexyBooLtd

56

PROGRESSIVE GREETINGS WORLDWIDE

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

Classified Complete 2021.qxp 25/03/2021 12:42 Page 57

PRODUCT DIRECTORY

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Granny-safe

HUMOROUS CARDS PRETTY ELEGANT DESIGNS | LONDON

Available online Wholesale & Licensing

E 70% TRAD DISCOUNT*

and posters

P INTED PR IN THE UK

One of the UK’s leading suppliers of Greeting Cards since 19995

75 DES + IGN

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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 * for most onlin ne orders

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

07566 742677 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

01892 838 574

sales@thecuriousinksmith.co.uk

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

Tracey Arnaud traceya@max-publishing.co.uk

PROGRESSIVE GREETINGS WORLDWIDE

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PRODUCT DIRECTORY

l PRODUCT DIRECTORY

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High Quality Greeting Cards, Gift Bags, Gift Wrap & Ta Tags for every occasion.

Hue tribe

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

*GCF 1HƂEG +353 (0)404 20528 Email info@garlanna.com www.garlanna.com

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CHARITY GREETING CARDS One of the UK’s leading publishers of Charity Greeting Cards.

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

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

Including firm favourites and brand new designs

Polissh Po h

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

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

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

Hallmark Cards PLC

• UK Market leaders with humour, art, photographic, contemporary and traditional occasions & relations cards, plus seasonal.

• 2΍HULQJ D IXOO SODQQLQJ VHUYLFH with merchandising and retail development opportunities.

• Specialists in garden centres and the independent trade.

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

Tel:: +44 (0)115 986 0115 Te customer t ser vices@paper i @ rose .co.ukk www.writefromthehear t.co.uk To appear in the Product Directories email Warren Lomax warren@max-publishing.co.uk or Tracey Arnaud traceya@max-publishing.co.uk

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

Find The Great British Card Company on:

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

SUPPLIER

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

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

@glickgiftwrap

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PROGRESSIVE GREETINGS WORLDWIDE

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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

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

years

e in the U

+

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

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

Listan Labels 3 Isis Court, Wyndyke Furlong, Abingdon Business Park, Abingdon, Oxfordshire OX1 5JN

M

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

LING DESIGN

originalposter.com

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

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

We replace slow sellers and damaged stock free of charge.

Te T el 01235 465489 Fax 01235 532118 www.listanpublications.co.uk sales@listanpublications.co.uk

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

THAT’S WHY WE’RE ORIGINAL!

01932 267 300

www.lingdesign.co.uk

01892 838 574 information@lingdesign.co.uk Great brands, Great service Bespoke planning We can help with all your planning l i requir i ements. t From smaller displays to redeveloping complete card departments

@NoelT Ta attGroup 01227 811 600 sales@noeltatt.co.uk

Contact Warren Lomax warren@max-publishing.co.uk or Tracey Arnaud traceya@max-publishing.co.uk for Product Directory enquiries

www.noeltatt.co.uk

PROGRESSIVE GREETINGS WORLDWIDE

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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

ICONIC LICENCED BRANDS

greeting cards & contempoRary gifts

01892 838 574 www.pennykennedy.co.uk

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

PURPLE TREE DESIGNS Exquisite Designs Beautiful Cards

Making card giving a bit more awesome Uk publisher of Greetings Cards with an extensive range of quality Birthday, Relations, Occasions and Seasonal product...

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

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

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PROGRESSIVE GREETINGS WORLDWIDE

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

DIRECT TO RETAIL & EXPORT

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

7RPFDW &DUGV TEL: 01480 435562 FAX: 01480 450599

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.tracksltd.com

WWW.XXPRESSYOURSELFCARDS.CO.UK

UNIT 2, 12 BLACKSTONE RD, STUKELEY MEADOWS IND EST,

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.

HUNTINGDON, CAMBS, PE29 6EF

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

www.tomcat.cards info@tomcat.cards

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

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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

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PROGRESSIVE GREETINGS WORLDWIDE

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

EUROPE’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

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DIRECTORY OF WHOLESALE

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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

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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

PROGRESSIVE GREETINGS WORLDWIDE

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PRINTERS

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:

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

01 90 83 78 86 6

www.regentenvelopes.com 01274 583000 sales@regentenvelopes.com

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

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

The simplest way to order your greetings cards

FLITTERING FOR ALL YOUR FLITTER REQUIREMENTS

ABL Foil Ltd Unit 1, Industrial Estate East Hanningfield Chelmsford Essex, CM3 8AB 64

PROGRESSIVE GREETINGS WORLDWIDE

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

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

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PJ PRINT Celebrating 166 years of service to the printing industry...

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

Over a century and a half of expert printing knowledge, Loxleys are the home of specialist lithographic and digital greeting card production

The Print Works Colville Road, Acton, London, W3 8BL E-mail: sales@pj-print.co.uk Tel: 020 8993 5160 www.pj-print.co.uk

Your saf ep ai

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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

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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

000510

PROGRESSIVE GREETINGS WORLDWIDE

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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

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