We are proud to launch our biggest collection to date; an abundance of styles and finishes from our best-selling artists.
PRESENTING
New curated collections and an unprecedented number of new products for the year ahead!
“It always seems impossible, until it is done,” so said the mighty Nelson Mandela. These particular words of wisdom, which ignite the power of determination appositely graced the wall of the meeting room of the recent GCA Council meeting that I attended, held in Hyve’s offices.
A major focus of the meeting was about Royal Mail, safeguarding and protecting a reliable and affordable postal service, it being such a crucial cog in our wondrous greeting card industry.
Now, I would not be so crass as to draw parallels with Nelson Mandela’s long battle to stop apartheid in South Africa, but the threat to Royal Mail really does call on a collective determination and perseverance. Irrespective of the above inflation stamp price increases that come into force at the start of April, the argument Royal Mail is putting forward is that it cannot afford to uphold the USO of six days a week delivery and is proposing a five or even three day a week delivery schedule which Ofcom is considering.
We cannot take for granted that the GCA’s sterling work on this front will sort this out for all of us. This is a time when everyone who has an interest in the buying and sending of greeting cards, and moreover recognises the incredible social benefits that greeting cards bring, should take action.
It would be an absolute travesty to let Royal Mail’s service go down the Swanny without a humongous fight. We as an industry need to be the siren call, especially as sending greeting cards is the main reason people now use the post.
The ever-erudite Matt Genower, coowner of Five Dollar Shake put it superbly well in an email to me last week: “The latest price increase to a service that is not fit, is another slap in our industry’s face. The work the GCA has been doing and in particular, its efforts with Ofcom are so appreciated, but we’re at a crucial crossroad.
I know some publishers and retailers have written to their MPs, but nothing like enough of us. Ultimately, it’s down to government. This is an election year and for once the electorate have a bit of a voice (for a while anyway). This is urgent and I don’t think enough publishers and retailers recognise how urgent it is - we should all be writing letters. The public’s lack of confidence in delivering post will surely have ramifications on the appeal of card sending. You can’t have one without the other.”
So, write to your MP, send a card to Ofcom. Be in the fight. Is it worth it? Yes it is.
Moving to a more joyful matter, I join with the industry in congratulating Paul and his son and co-director James Taylor for finally clinching the deal to acquire Clintons, which now means the Cardzone group is trading from 363 stores. For Paul and James it has been a long time coming with a few false dawns over the years, creating a bolstered force in specialist greeting card retailing.
Such examples of perseverance bring to mind a motivational mantra from another great spokesperson: “A good rabbit never gives up,” so said Peter Rabbit in the hit movie based on Beatrix Potter’s characters. Some bunnies are wise beyond their ears!
Appropriately The Retas 2024 greeting card retailing awards event is taking on a Beatrix Potter theme, so we want all retailers to ‘hop to it’ and enter and for all publishers, reps and agents to nominate who they believe are the shining retailing stars of our industry.
Now is not the time to hold back! It is the Year of the Dragon after all.
10-23 News
All the latest happenings and developments in the greeting card community.
24-25 Talking Shop
Accentuate The Positive
Indie David Robertson touches on the benefits of turning a negative into a positive, trade fairs and Jellycat.
26-27 Cardsharp
Respect Where It’s Due
Cardsharp is narked that the media and City types do not give the greeting card sector due credence.
29-31 Viewpoints
Feeling The Love…
Greeting card indies revealed how the love flowed at Valentine’s Day.
33-35 Passage of Time
Milestone Markers
PG shines the spotlight on some notable company anniversaries.
36-37 Face to Face
The Disruptive Theo-ry
There’s never a dull moment when retail entrepreneur and former Dragon Theo Paphitis is around.
39-43 Focus on…Giftwrappings Roll With It
PG deep dives into the giftwrappings sector, from design trends and rolls versus flat sheets considerations to the sustainability developments.
45-49 Innovations
A host of new ranges and designs.
51-53 Focus on…more than a card
The Card That Keeps On Giving
PG looks at just some of the innovative ‘card and gift in one’ ideas.
55 Art Source Roamin’ Saxton
Artist Ian Saxton’s instinct to draw anything which sparked an interest that started in childhood continues to this day.
56-57 What’s Hot?
A quad of retailers lift the lid on their bestselling ranges.
58-67
DIARY DATES: London Stationery Show 14-15 May; The UK Gift Awards 16 May; Progressive Greetings Live 2024 4-5 June; The Retas greeting card retail awards 4 July; GCA Conference and AGM 19 September; The Henries 3 October and The Ladder Club 17 October.
Deal almost doubles the Taylors’ estate to 363 stores
Clintons has been acquired by Pillarbox Designs, the parent company of Cardzone. The deal sees Clintons’ 163 trading stores join with Cardzone’s 180 stores to form what Paul Taylor, founder of the family business is proud to describe as “now the UK’s only national specialist chain selling quality cards.”
Below: All of Clintons’ 163 trading stores have now joined the Cardzone group estate.
Below middle: What a way to celebrate Cardzone’s 20th anniversary!
Clintons has been owned by the Weiss family, founders of American Greetings (the parent company of UK Greetings) since 2012. Cardzone this year celebrates its 20th anniversary, having been set up by industry stalwart Paul Taylor with his son James, daughter Alex and wife Chris also involved in the business.
Pillarbox’s acquisition of Clintons comes after several attempts over the years, with the two parties getting really close to sealing a deal just before Covid.
“We met again last September and have been to-ing and fro-ing ever since then, but yes, it is a relief to get it over the line this time,” admitted
James Taylor, Paul’s son and trading director of the business. Paul confirmed that the plan is to retain the Clintons brand. “Absolutely. The name is still synonymous with quality greeting card retailing,” he summed up, adding that it is highly likely that some Cardzone stores will be converted to Clintons branding in time.
“There will be some changes, but we are very excited to be growing our family business with Clintons joining our portfolio,” added Paul, who has also assumed the role as ceo of Clintons with Eddie Shepard, its former ceo, having now left the business.
The Cardzone group already trades under several brands, including Mooch for its more gifty retail concept, plus it also operates several ‘factory outlet’ stores under the Hallmark brand. It also forged a joint venture with Postmark’s Mark and Leona Janson-Smith in 2021 for future stores under that brand. This really came to the fore last year when the Postmark doubled in size to 15 stores, most notably in station sites that had previously been occupied by Paperchase.
Major supplier to card and gift retailers, Joe Davies is to become a wholly employeeowned business.
The existing management team remains in place, headed up by ceo Steve Davies whose great-grandfather Joe set up the company 105 years ago, while the full 100% of shareholding for the business will be held by the Joe Davies Employee Ownership Trust (EOT) for the benefit of all employees.
“I am very proud to be able to say that the transition of the company to a 100% employeeowned business will see Joe Davies being run,
and owned, by the very people that make Joe Davies what it is,” Steve said.
“While I’m not retiring any time soon, and my dad Peter is still very much involved with Joe Davies, there is no fifth generation of family coming through. For Peter and I, an EOT is the perfect solution to secure our staff’s livelihoods and to look after my grandpa Joe’s legacy. This allows Joe Davies to continue in its
Continuing a strong show of faith from the greeting card retailing sector, Cardfactory, Cards
Direct and Lark have expanded their store portfolios in the last few weeks. These join Scribbler, Postmark, Ryman Design, and of course Cardzone among those to have already stated their growth plans for 2024.
Middle:
London’s Cheapside in the city and Walsall’s Crown Wharf Retail Park are the latest locations for Cardfactory, pushing the UK’s largest specialist greetings retailer near to 1,050 store mark as it continues with its growth plans.
Meanwhile, Hemel Hempsteadheadquartered Cards Direct is also gathering pace with the latest store openings being in Maidenhead’s High Street and Sheffield’s Crystal Peaks Shopping Centre, taking its store portfolio to around 70.
Lark London has also been continuing its retail expansion in Surrey with the recent opening of a new store in Weybridge, bringing its store estate to 19.
In keeping with the other Lark stores, the new Weybridge branch stocks a variety of products ranging from clothing to homeware, beauty, jewellery and children’s gifts and greeting cards. “Cards are bread and butter,” states Priya Aurora-Crowe who co-owns the retail group with her husband Dominic. “Most customers come in to buy a card and then are quickly tempted by everything else that we offer.”
Commenting on the newly opened store, Priya added: “We are so excited to be joining the lovely Weybridge community with our shiny new shop.”
own special way and serve our lovely customers for many years to come.”
And md Paul Hooker added: “The whole team are immensely proud and honoured to be with the company as we transition to being an employee-owned business. Day-to-day this will ensure that there is no change in the way we operate or shift in our values.”
“This is probably the biggest news in greeting card retailing for a long, long time,” fellow retailer Miles Robinson, co-owner of House of Cards, the Home Counties group of seven stores, quite rightly pointed out about Cardzone group’s acquisition of Clintons. “I’m thrilled to bits for Paul and James. Knowing how passionate they are about the industry this will hopefully bode well for the future of greeting card retailing,”: said Miles, adding “It will potentially give publishers access to a much bigger store estate which can only be a good thing for the industry.”
Graeme Karavis, group md of Hallmark UKI and ANZ, commented: “We see this as very good news for the industry. Jobs will be protected, it supports the High Street and, most important of all, it provides access for consumers to great greeting cards!
“Paul and the team have a track record of success and we look forward to supporting him in growing the business and differentiating his proposition from the grocers.”
David Byk, ceo of Ling Design, GBCC, Penny Kennedy and Swan Mill, joked: “My first reaction was ‘****ing hell’, which is what I said to Paul when he called me from the car to tell me!
“My second reaction was to congratulate him and James on something that they have wanted for a long time.
“My third reaction was to reflect on the fact it’s great for the industry that someone is supporting the High Street and the card market as a whole when the sector is under pressure and that Clintons isn’t going into receivership in the way that has been predicted.”
“This is good news in terms of wider optics for everyone, including the public and the existing and prospective card senders.”
A “delighted” Daniel Prince, managing director of Danilo, welcomed the “fantastic news”. He said: “I know how hard Paul has been working to get the deal completed, so it’s great that it finally happened. Clintons is a massive part of UK greeting card history, and a strong brand that’s now in safe hands with Paul and the Cardzone team.”
Allen Taylor, sales director of publisher IC&G, said: “It’s so refreshing to hear good news. This a great acquisition. Paul, James and the team are great operators, and I’m sure they will reinvigorate this sleeping giant of our industry.
“It’s great news for the High Street and will help to keep our public engaged in sending cards, which is key for all publishers.”
Abacus Cards’ md Nick Carey also sees it as “absolutely great news”. He said: “the
Spring Seasons 2024 has got off to a great start with Valentine’s Day hailed a success by many retailers.
In addition to grocers reporting a strong uptake, indies were gushing to spread the love about their Valentine’s Day sales.
Sally Matson, owner of Red Card in Petworth proclaimed: “We definitely felt the love at this year – we saw our biggest Valentine’s Day card sales ever!”
Over in the Swindon area, Aga Marsden, co-owner of Highworth Emporium revealed that while sales were somewhat “last minute” she had a 17% uplift in Valentine’s Day sales with a positive knock-on to her general sales too.
Further north, Carl Dunne of Cards & Gifts trounced that, reporting
growth of an independent retailer on UK High Streets is just what we all need”, adding: “This will cement the card and gift market for years to come. Truly fab news.”
David Greaves, director of Emotional Rescue, enthused: “Wow! What interesting news –Paul and his team are taking on a big retail name and an even bigger retail challenge!
“Having worked with Paul as a retail colleague and supplier for over 25 years and been a Clintons’ supplier for over 30 years, my fellow directors Jen Rutter, Brett Smith and I are confident the two businesses will go from strength to strength and wish everyone involved much success.”
“Congratulations to Paul and the team!” said GCA ceo Amanda Fergusson with her positive endorsement of the Clintons’ purchase, seeing it as a positive reflection on the industry as a whole. “With over 81% of cards bought in a bricks and mortar store, according to the GCA 2023 Market Report in the UK, it's great to see further investment in our wonderful industry.
“The British continue to send more cards per capita than any other country, due both to the wonderful diversity and design innovation in our industry and our High Street retailers, who do such an inspiring job in promoting and selling greeting cards… Cardzone continuing the legacy of Clintons further perpetuates this.”
that his store was “trading up by at least 50%” in the week leading up to Valentine’s Day.
In Scotland, Michael Apter, owner of Paper Tiger, with three stores in Edinburgh said like-for-like, its Valentine’s sales were “well ahead of last year.”
Chris Beards, owner of Mantons, Port Erin on the Isle of Man also “had a fantastic Valentine's with just a handful of returns left on the 15th.
(For more comments see Viewpoints pages 29-31)
Everyone across the greeting card community is being urged to loudly voice their concerns over Royal Mail, by participating in Ofcom’s stakeholder events, writing to their MPs, contacting their local media and responding to the postal regulator’s Future Of The Universal Postal Service review, in a collective effort to safeguard a reliable and affordable postal service.
While a strong battle is being fought on the industry’s behalf by the GCA, the trade association encourages publishers, retailers and suppliers to also make their feelings known, especially in light of the recent announcement of stamp prices increasing on April 2 and the airing of a damning BBC Panorama programme, the latter further dampening consumer confidence in greeting cards being delivered on time.
As PG went to press, the GCA was encouraging as many people as possible to attend various Ofcom roundtable events, either in person or online to make their concerns heard and to protect a six day a week delivery service. The first one took place in Belfast on March 5, with three others scheduled for London, Cardiff, and Edinburgh during March.
Cardology co-owner and GCA council member David Falkner is on the panel for the London event on Thursday, 14 March, 2pm-4.30pm, with a Cardiff meeting on Monday18 March, and Thursday, 21 March in Edinburgh.
As David explained, “With Ofcom telling us 42% of Royal Mail customers now only use the service to send greeting cards, there really isn’t an alternative – securing the optimum conditions for card sending matters as much to our customers as to our own businesses, and we see it as our duty to be there for them.”
Ofcom has posited options, including allowing Royal Mail to slash letter deliveries to just three days a week – which the government has said it will not support, but the postal giant has been agitating for cuts to its legally-binding universal service obligation, where it must deliver letters across the UK six days a week for the same price.
Amanda Fergusson, ceo of the GCA, said: “It is vitally important everyone in the industry makes their voice heard. The GCA recognises that Royal Mail is a business that needs to make money, but consumers and small business owners need a reliable, affordable and national postal service.” As Amanda added: “After a deep and considered analysis of Ofcom’s consultation document, and following the service issues highlighted again by the Panorama TV programme and above-inflation stamp price rises recently announced, the GCA is concerned the Ofcom Review doesn’t properly reflect the support for the USO from consumers, to stabilise the service before change can be properly assessed.
Shocking evidence that Royal Mail is routinely prioritising parcels over letters/cards, forcing people to travel to collect their own post from sorting offices was uncovered by BBC’s Panorama reporters.
The TV documentary that was broadcast recently, included the interviews with a family who missed a vital operation for their sick child after receiving no letters for a month and people having to go to the sorting office to be sure of picking up medical appointments, police letters and birthday cards.
One woman said she went two or three weeks without post then receives a “chunk” of letters so now picks up her mail on Saturdays, and she showed Panorama reporter Zoe Conway a bundle, including a police letter
Indie retailer Sandra Jervis, owner of Creative Cove in Lampeter was interviewed by BBC Wales twice in two days about the possible impact of Ofcom’s suggested reductions in the postal service.
In a push to persuade Ofcom and Royal Mail to keep the current six-daya-week letter delivery Sandra said any cuts would mean “businesses that rely on it, like mine, will be suffering permanently”.
The BBC radio presenter asked how important the Royal Mail is to Creative Cove. Sandra responded: “It's incredibly important. We sell cards, so, a major part of my stock is sold with the intention of putting them in the post, on a daily basis.”
Jerry Brown, of First Class Greetings in Hadleigh, has been keeping up his efforts to bring Post Office Ltd to account, for not paying postmasters a fair remuneration. The ITN news team even followed him to Spring Fair for an interview.
“I’m determined to help bring the current Post Office’s management to account because the situation has been dreadful for postmasters, and it’s still not resolved – the compensation offered is derisory,” stated Jerry, who has also appeared on countless radio programmes, including BBC 2’s Jeremy Vine show several times, speaking on the matter.
and a very late birthday card from her grandmother in Wales who’d been so upset that the greeting card hadn’t arrived that she’d promised to send a second one.
The programme showed over 20 postal workers shuffling almost empty wheeled mail cages down a warehouse. David Byk, ceo of Swan Mill, owner of Ling Design, GBCC and Penny Kennedy, vented his spleen on a LinkedIn post: “No wonder you’re loss making – imagine what happens when the cameras aren’t there. No offence to the 20+ people pushing a trolley from one to the other, but wouldn’t they be better employed as posties delivering our letters?”
The nation’s love of greeting cards starts at the top, with King Charles sharing his appreciation of the thousands of greeting cards has received from members of the public, since his cancer diagnosis was announced.
At the first face-to-face meeting between His Royal Highness and Prime Minister Rishi Sunak since the monarch’s health woes were disclosed, in response to Rishi’s assurance that “the country is behind you” showing the positive power of greeting cards, the king said: “I’ve had so many wonderful messages and cards which reduce me to tears most of the time”.
Buckingham Palace also released a short video entirely focused on the 7,000+ greeting cards that arrived within days of the King Charles’ medical diagnosis being made public, explaining how every day a selection of the cards received are included in the famous red box of state which is presented to the monarch each morning.
Left: Pigment’s humorous dog design made King Charles laugh. Below: The King’s cards story appeared prominently in the media, with the Daily Mail including a photo of Pigment designer Lisa Stalker.
article all about the card, which was ordered via Moonpig by Preston mum Lisa Moffat. The article, written by journalist Natasha Livingstone, described the card that was designed by Pigment designer Lisa Stalker, as showing “irreverent wit and charming illustrations,” building a picture of how Pigment is “a small Yorkshire firm… based in a converted stableblock.”
Designer Lisa, hailed by the Daily Mail in its headline as the “brains behind the card that made King chuckle’ said: “I still get excited when I see my card designs in a shop, so you can imagine I never expected this. I'm so glad the king enjoyed it. That card is meant to make people smile and it's clearly succeeded.”
Pigment’s creative director Martin
Powderly added that he and the team were “absolutely delighted” at cheering up His Royal Highness.
“Seeing the King holding one of our cards on the front pages of the national newspapers was certainly unexpected.
Disrupting the print-on-demand greeting card sector is the aim behind Ryman owner Theo Paphitis’ launch of an app linked to his UK-wide chain of 190 stationery stores.
The new service offers personalised cards which customers can order online and collect within an hour from their nearest High Street Ryman outlet for just £2.99.
“If you’re a last-minute Larry or Lucinda, or just a commuter wanting to save on postage, this is a game changer,” stated Theo.
A percentage of sales will help two charities, the British Dyslexia Association and the Helen Arkell Dyslexia Charity (see pages 36-37)
Left: Theo instore and showing off the new print-ondemand service.
They say every dog has its day. Scoff Paper, which produces edible greeting cards for dogs clinched a £50,000 investment from TV dragon Sara Davies, with the company’s founder Gemma Connolly braving it out on a recent episode of the BBC Dragons’ Den programme. Gemma walked into the den with Guide Dog puppy Leo to illustrate how her idea came about when a previous pub she was fostering had tried to eat a greeting card.
Gemma’s enthusiasm caught the Dragons’ attention with two vying to give her money before Sara’s bid for Gemma’s full £50,000 request and a 25% stake in Scoff Paper won out over Touker Suleyman’s £25,000 offer for 15%.
One greeting card in particular made it into the limelight, a Pigment card depicting a dog with the caption: “At least you don’t have to wear a cone!” which clearly tickled the King as there is footage of him chuckling as soon as he saw it, which the media lapped up.
The Daily Mail included a dedicated
“This is a lovely story which really epitomises all that’s special about our industry – it’s genuinely our mission to help spread a bit of happiness with thoughtful, gentle humour. As card writers and designers we see ourselves as moment catchers and this moment is a particularly memorable one. At the centre of this story was a heartfelt message of support and good humour from the Moffat family sent to someone facing a challenge, albeit, he’s the King!”
The Woodmansterne team were crowned the kings and queens of supplying greeting cards to the garden centre trade winning the Haskins Stewarts Cup for Associate Member Of The Year in the recent Garden Centre Association awards.
“I’m mega chuffed about the outcome,” said Gemma. “Sara Davies is absolutely the right dragon for us at Scoff Paper. She’s genuinely got a good heart and a mighty business brain too, which makes us all feel that she can really help us on our crazy edible dog-card journey.”
Below: Gemma and Leo in full pitch mode.
Peter Burks, ceo of Garden Centre Association said the award was in recognition of Woodmansterne’s “tremendous tenacity, hard work and passion”.
The evening before the awards were announced, the Association
held its annual themed fancy dress dinner for members, with this year’s theme being Kings & Queens with Woody’s head of marketing Kate Leach, Mark Timlett, head of indie sales and Mark Curtis, regional sales manager rising to the occasion as the Queen of Hearts and King of Hearts playing cards.
A recent rush of stand bookings has seen Jolly Awesome, Avanti, Rainbow Designs, Unique Paper Products and Abbot Print, The Crimson Finch, Lydia London and Wildflower Cards, among others, join an already mighty exhibitor line-up for Progressive Greetings Live 2024. This means that there are already 200 companies booked to unveil a host of newness to tantalise visitors at the show, which takes place
Tuesday 4 June and Wednesday 5 June at London’s Business Design Centre.
“After a great Christmas and positive Valentine’s Day, there is no denying the love for greeting cards is strong and PG Live is all set to keep up that positive tempo with some 200 fabulous exhibitors, from well-loved companies to brand new start-ups, planning to unveil thousands of new designs and products to excite and inspire retailers, overseas distributors and licensees alike,” commented Warren Lomax, co-owner of show.
Plans are well underway too on the whistles and bows for the dedicated greeting card and allied products twoday show.
PG Live 2024 will span four key areas. Namely, the Village Green which will welcome visitors on the ground floor (housing many musthave and emerging companies), leading
up to the Mezzanine (where all the leading and established brands will be showcased). A few stairs up to the Gallery level will take visitors to the Upper Village area, a continuation of the Village Green vibe with more enticing newbies and encompassing the Springboard area for brand new, first time exhibitors.
The Upper Village is sponsored by long time supporter, The Imaging Centre. Commenting, Adam Short, managing director of the digital print and fulfilment company, which is a supplier to over 800 publishers said: “We share the vision of our friends at Max Publishing, owners of PG Live that crucial to the show’s evolution is for it to showcase and celebrate all strands of this wonderful industry, from the established players as well as those just starting out. The introduction of the entry level Springboard element last year proved a great solution for those taking their first tentative steps into trade shows and so we are looking forward to further building on this again this year.”
As ever, adding to PG Live convivial atmosphere, there will be a free lunch, free refreshments and free opening night party for visitors and exhibitors alike.
The Springboard area at PG Live is shaping up to be full of bounce, showcasing newbie publishers. Here are views from just a few Sprinboarders…
Kirsty Todd, founder of Kirsty Todd Illustration: “As an illustrator I have tinkered around the edges of greeting cards for a couple of years, but did not understand how the industry works or how to get noticed. I went to an In-Press seminar introduction day at The Imaging Centre and was inspired. After this I decided to dive in with more commitment. I am now brimming with ideas and cannot wait to start my journey at Progressive Greetings Live 2024 in the Springboard area.”
Charlotte Frew Brown, founder of Studio Frew:
“As an emerging greeting card illustrator with a small number of stockists, I have been looking to take the next step with my business and broaden my audience. I have heard nothing but glowing reviews about PG Live, and that unanimously it's the best event at which to start out. I hope to make people smile with my range of punny cards.”
Michelle Jones, founder of Versed-Aid: “As a newcomer to the industry, the conception of the Springboard area enabled me to take the plunge into trade show life sooner than I would have otherwise. The opportunity to network, learn more about the industry and receive immediate feedback from seasoned buyers on my work – all for a modest financial outlay - is an absolute no-brainer.”
Middle: Some
Bottom: A Versed-Aid
Bonding at last June’s PG Live has led to a great new licensing partnership between Paper Rose and House of Turnowsky that has become a reality on a range of greeting cards.
Based in Tel Aviv since 1940, Turnowsky is a global brand and design studio known for a vibrant palette and the deal and initial ranges have just been announced after being put together at PG Live 2023, with Sarah Lawrence at This Is Iris licensing agency.
House of Turnowsky’s managing director Kobi Tadmor said he is immensely proud to partner with Paper Rose: “Both our award-winning companies have proud heritages of many years, and we feel this is the start of a great collaboration.”
And Turnowsky’s creative and marketing director Alice Yonatan added: “We are looking forward to bringing beautiful, new greeting cards and stationery products to the market together.”
For Paper Rose’s creative studio manager Sarah Tanser it was all about the personal connections, as she explained: “We first met Alice and Kobi at PG Live where we bonded over our love for paper, foiling and embossing, from there we explored the new collections from this talented design team,” with the resultant designs unveiled at Spring Fair last month.
Cardgains had 50,000 reasons to thank the greeting card industry recently, as that was the amount on the cheque the buying group handed to the Motor Neurone Disease Association charity on its Village stand at the Spring Fair.
The presentation of £50,000, double the initial target, was the sum total raised by the Cardgains’ Look Out London 2023 charity challenge, which saw 50 cardies complete a 25-mile walk around London last summer, in memory of industry legend David Hicks, founder of Really Good and Soul, whose life was cut short by motor neurone disease.
“Without the support of companies like Cardgains, it wouldn’t be possible for us to deliver our range of care services that
provide essential support for all those affected by MND,” explained Charlotte Taylor, the association’s corporate partnership executive who collected the cheque on the Cardgains Village stand at the NEC show, “or to invest in ground-breaking research that leads to new understanding of the disease, effective treatment and, ultimately, a cure,” she added.
And now it’s all hands on deck for Cardgains’ 35th anniversary challenge, namely an It’s Not Grim Up North 17½ mile route around the buying group’s Sheffield home area, that connects the steel city’s centre with its surrounding countryside. The Challenge will take place on June 27 with the target this year
A cute mucky mark and gold foil have cemented the long-term relationship between Noel Tatt Group and Simson Cards in Australia, thanks to a new licensing deal that came about as a result of last year’s PG Live, with a resultant card range launching at Spring Fair last month.
Smudge is the brainchild of Aussie artist Julie Kluwer, a designer within the creative studio at the publisher and distributor run by John ‘Simo’ and Bindi Simson and was featured on its stand at PG Live last summer.
It’s something of a two way street. “Simson Cards has been buying products from us for a while to distribute in Australia,” Noel
Spotting the Smudge designs on Simson’s stand at PG Live, interest was expressed and a licensing deal was struck.
“It’s been selling well,” said Jarle. “We’ve gone for the foiled envelopes which is a first for us, and the new home card is now one of our top sellers. It’s interesting because they didn’t have a new home design in the range and we asked them to design one – now Simson is looking to take it back to Australia too.”
There are currently 20 designs in the collection plus a trio of Christmas cards, with plans to increase the range already.
being to raise £35,000 for mental health charity Mind.
“It is a hilly one, I’m not going to lie,” admits Penny about the route. “Sheffield is built on seven hills so the walkers will probably visit most of them!”
Explaining the charity of choice for this year’s challenge, Penny said: “We chose Mind because there is a lot about mental health for people day to day and everyone is becoming more aware of the issues in some of the saddest situations.”
Anyone wishing to put their best foot forward and sign up for the It’s Not Grim Up North challenge should email Penny on Penny@bridewelluk.co.uk.
Great customer service to the independents has won International Cards & Gifts a new fan in the shape of IG Design Group –and an agreement to distribute its Eco Nature sustainable products to indies.
“We wanted to expand into offering an eco range,” IC&G sales director Allen Taylor told PG. “IG is one of the biggest companies in the world, but doesn’t have an independent sales team as it sells through wholesale and to bigger customers – we have a 20-strong sales team throughout the UK and Ireland. They approached us to distribute the range after we won gold at The Henries Awards in October 2023 for the Best Service to the Independents.”
The Eco Nature range was officially launched to IC&G retailers at Spring Fair, where the publisher was part of the Cardgains Village.
Alongside the everyday and Christmas products, there is also wrap and giftbags, with Allen explaining the rollwrap has no packaging, only the tear-down strip which is “folded back on itself so there’s no waste”, while the cards sport a rip-off tab with information to highlight recycling and stand out on the shelf.
While wholesalers and multiples like Sainsbury’s also stock the Eco Nature range, they don’t carry every design while IC&G is offering indies the ability to order small volumes, with the wrap and bags available in fives, and orders can also be linked with the publisher’s own products to make up a minimum order. And every customer who buys the full assortment receives the recyclable shipper free of charge.
Put 72 greeting card publishers, 20 top retail buyers and a panel of industry experts together for an afternoon and what do you get?
This being the Year of the Dragon, the recent GCA’s Dragons Speed Dating event left everyone who participated, in what was a fast paced few hours of pitching, learning and networking, all fired up with positivity and potential.
“What an absolutely gem of an afternoon – being able to actually get your cards in the hands of such prestigious buyers and gauge their reactions to your products there and then was invaluable,” commented Micky Calf, founder of Studio Bokette, echoing the views of fellow publishers who attended.
Continuing a successful formula of previous years, the publisher participants were divided into two groups, with one half first going in to face the retailer Dragons in the ‘Den’ while the other half were treated to insights from a panel of publishers and experts, and then they swopped over.
and every one enthusiastically sharing their feedback and giving advice to the publishers who entered the Den.
Kaye Thurgood, owner of Sincerely Yours in Shenfield and Hornchurch said at the end of the day: “I am shattered, but I loved every minute of it. I met such a broad range of people, each with their own fascinating stories and some fabulous products. I was so impressed by all the preparation they had all done.”
Taking place on the eve of International Women’s Day, it was all all-female panel at this year’s Dragons – AfroTouch Designs’ Georgina
“It was a really great afternoon - so lovely to meet lots of new faces,” said Tori Heath-Smith and Laura Clarke, buying manager and card buyer of Scribbler. “We will definitely be following up at PG Live and have made several appointments with publishers to see them at the show.”
Other multiple and small group buyers who were happy to be called ‘Dragons’ for the afternoon included those from Cardfactory, House of Cards, John Lewis & Partners, Lark, Postmark and Sainsbury’s
A strong posse of leading indies completed the horde of Dragons, each
Fihosy, Paper Salad’s Karen Wilson, Raspberry Blossom’s Rebecca Green, Kelly Hudson of McDaniels Law and Nicola Webster of NJW Consulting - who shared their advice and experiences on key industry topics.
Having led the organisation of this year’s event, Adriana Lovesy, GCA membership and marketing manager (and founder of the Mrs Lovesy card company) was delighted by the positive reactions from both participating publishers and buyers alike.
“Dragons is such an invaluable event, not just because it enables publishers to pitch their company oneto-on to fabulous buyers, but also for the opportunity it creates to network and share experiences with other publishers as well as learn so much from the panellists,” said Adriana.
Alljoy Design, Belly Button Designs, Ohh Deer, Rosie Made A Thing, Pigeon Loft, Wendy Jones-Blackett and Wrendale are among companies from the greeting card community who feature in the finalists line-up for the GA’s Gift Of The Year 2024 finalists’ list across many of the 24 categories.
The finalists in the Cards, Wrap & Stationery category are Braille Christmas Cards from Dotty About Braille; Choccy Cards from Rosie Made A Thing; Fuzzy Feelings Handmade Wool Felt Animals In A Matchbox from Marvling Bros, Multi-foiled Notebooks from Wendy Jones-Blackett, Paper Theatre Pop up Card from Alljoy Design and Pigeon Post from Pigeon Loft.
The winners will be revealed at The UK Gift Awards ceremony on Thursday 16 May, at London’s Royal Lancaster Hotel, along with The Greats Awards for gift retailers.
Lucky for some as 13 British greeting card designs have made the grade across the pond, appearing in the 2024 US Louie Awards finalists list that was announced overnight.
Among the 87 publishers who feature in the 57 award categories in the US GCA’s annual greeting card accolades are Paper Salad (which scored a hat trick of nominations), The Art File and Redback Cards (with two apiece) as well as Louise Mulgrew Designs, Ohh Deer, Paper D’Art, The Pigeon Loft, Roger La Borde and Rosie Made A Thing
The winners will be announced at the Louie Awards celebration on 16 April, at the Fort Mason Center For Arts & Culture in San Francisco which kicks off the two-day Noted greeting card expo alongside the Gifted creative gift and home fair on 17-18 April at the venue.
The hunt is on to find the UK’s best greeting card retailers as The Retas 2024 awards are now open for entries, with the entry deadline being Monday 15 April.
“Despite many ongoing challenges, from the concerns over Royal Mail to running cost increases, so many greeting card retailers really have pulled out the stops in the last year with their product selection, customer engagement and marketing initiatives and absolutely deserve to have their prowess recognised – The Retas 2024 awards promise to do just that,” commented Warren Lomax, chairman of Max Publishing, which owns and organises The Retas.
The world’s only dedicated awards for greeting card retailers, winning a Retas’ trophy is recognised as a true accolade of retailing excellence, with award categories covering indies through to multiple chains, department stores to grocers, and everything in between.
Retailers can download an entry form from The Retas website (www.theretasawards.co.uk) while nominations are also being sought from publishers, reps and agents.
Once again, The Retas have attracted a strong roster of committed sponsors which include Abacus, The Art File, Belly Button Designs, Carte Blanche Greetings, Cath Tate Cards, Danilo, GBCC, Hallmark, Ling Design, Lucilla
Left: The Retas 2024 will take on a World of Beatrix Potter theme.
Below: Who will this year’s winners be? Artichoke of Tynemouth won Best Independent Card Retailer – North East last year, with the trophy presented by Wendy Jones-Blackett (right), sponsor of the category.
Lavender, Meraki, Museums & Galleries, Ohh Deer, Paperlink, Paper Salad, Pigment, Progressive Greetings Live, Rosie Made A Thing, Sensations/Express Yourself, Spring Fair/Autumn Fair, UK Greetings, W Select, Wendy Jones-Blackett and Woodmansterne
All Retas 2024 winners will be announced at a fabulous awards lunch and afternoon event to be held on Thursday 4 July in the Ballroom of the Grosvenor House Hotel which this year will take on a World of Beatrix Potter theme, with the full blessing and support of Frederick Warne & Co and Penguin Ventures.
Thomas Merrington, creative director of Penguin Ventures commented: “Beatrix Potter began her prolific career by licensing her beautifully observed artwork to greeting cards companies in the late 1800s. She created the world’s first licensed literary character in Peter Rabbit and such is her legacy as an artist and storyteller that her images are still being licensed today. We are thrilled that The Retas will showcase her incredible characters from The World of Peter Rabbit.”
To be among the UK’s best greeting card retailers as well as some great card publishers, you can book your tickets to The Retas online via Max-Tickets.net or contact The Retas’ awards manager Clare Hollick on 0118 334 0085.
Living up to her Retas 2023 award-winning status, Kaye Thurgood, owner of Sincerely Yours in Shenfield and Hornchurch clinched a meeting with Cabinet Office minister Richard Holden and her local MP Alex Burghart in her shop to discuss issues faced by small businesses, including Royal Mail.
“I gave them a clear picture about the importance of maintaining the letter delivery service.” said the indie retailer who helped
spark the GCA’s #Cardmitment campaign as one of the first to call for action to re-engage the consumer with the joys and importance of sending and receiving cards. “I took the opportunity to talk about Royal Mail. They were very keen to tell me that the Prime Minister is very supportive – and it looks like they’re all on message with this.
“I chatted about the importance of card sending from the loneliness point of view and
Above: Stationery Supplies’ Sarah Laker will be fully embracing London Stationery Show and National Stationery Week.
Retas award-winner, Sarah Laker, owner of Stationery Supplies in Marple and Wilmslow has been juggling running her shops with progressing the plans for National Stationery Week. Celebrating all things stationery, the weeklong event – this year runs over Monday to Sunday, 13-19 May – celebrates all things stationery.
And this year, for the first time, The Art File and Ohh Deer are among the sponsors to have come on board for NSW. They join other leading brands, including ExaClair, Lamy, Maped Helix, Pilot, Pentel, Sinclairs, Staedtler and Zebra as official sponsors and partners.
“There will be lots of ways for retailers to share the stationery love with their customers. There will also be a seven-week countdown to NSW, full of competitions, giveaways and retail fun to get involved with,” assures Sarah. National Stationery Week encompasses London Stationery Show, a two day trade show which will take place 14-15 May at London’s Business Design Centre. Both LSS and NSW are now owned by Max Publishing, owners of Progressive Greetings.
London Stationery Show 2024’s strong roster of exhibitors is a feast of many leading brands as well as new designer names, including Crayola, Leuchtturm1917, Blueprint Stationery, Stone Marketing, Portico Designs, Hooli Mooli, ExaClair, Daler Rowney, IG Design Group, Royal Talens, Manuscript Brands, Jakar International, Studio Pens, Pentel, Snopake, Staedtler, Sinclairs, Stabilo, Pukka Pads, Edding, The Pilot Pen Co, Zebra Pen, Nu:notebooks, Tallon International and many more.
To register go to www.stationeryshowlondon.co.uk
how receiving a card is good for wellbeing. They both said they hadn’t considered it from that point of view but were very interested – may be it resonated.” And, being the wise independent retailer that she is, Kaye also persuaded Richard to buy his Valentine’s card while he was in store!
Being in business can often come down to one thing and that is being able to turn a negative into a positive.
Every day we will be faced with challenges, whether it be a delivery that doesn’t arrive, faulty item, a customer not getting the service that they require or a little staff niggle.
These problems, while annoying, are not the end of the world. The key thing is how you deal with them. Sometimes even with the right phrase, you can turn things around.
Some big brands really clinch it with their marketing. Think of Guinness and its tagline ‘good things come to those who wait…’ Why do they say this? Well, Guinness is a very slow pour so are tempered with your expectations in all their packaging and advertising.
Now I know that us indies are not worldwide brands with advertising budgets of £millions at our disposal, but the words we use in our stores are still effectively marketing. If you are single manned and a customer is waiting, a quick “sorry I am on my own due to staff illness/problem” will make them give you that time that you need to juggle. A simple bit of communication can make all the difference. Giving context can change things right around.
This goes for customers as well as those that work alongside you. Communication, contact and the perception of what you are doing and why is all that is needed.
In the past few weeks I have had all kinds of instances of this, from redeeming way out of
Top: There will always be challenges, but adopting a positive ‘can do’ attitude cuts through a lot.
Above: Guinness’ enduring tagline – the wait is justified! Below right: Jellycat remains big news for many retailers who stock the well-loved brand. Below: Hands up who’s feeling positive?!
date gift vouchers, to trying to get a new service for the business up and running, to a serious problem with a car after it had just tipped out of warranty.
I decided the best thing to do was to tackle them all head on. I am trying to be more decisive as often a pause allows other things to happen. You look at your
phone, someone calls or you get dragged away. It’s back to my ‘5 second rule’ from a few columns ago – take action and move forward. In our newsagent business, another business in the next town was stopping newspaper deliveries. For two weeks we tried to offer delivery to the 30 of their customers who contacted us, but sadly we couldn’t get the logistics to work. I decided the correct way to communicate that we couldn’t continue was by phoning each one personally. I hesitated doing this due to the time involved, but I believe they all came away with a better impression of our business.
Partly what prompted me to think about all of the above was a LinkedIn post targeted at Jellycat after the company was perceived to have been offhand to a prospective new customer at the Spring Fair.
Sitting in the hotel in Birmingham on the Tuesday night of the show my phone pinged quite a few times with people sharing and commenting on the post.
Jellycat is without doubt a major reason that many small indie card and gift shops have been trading pretty well over the last few years.
Indeed, one idea for a column I had was to focus on how we can attract new generations of customers into our store. Well one of the solutions right now, is Jellycat. I witness it first hand, almost on a daily basis, seeing younger people who would’ve perhaps walked past our
stores coming in, engaging and buying. Once we get them in and they have their Jellycat Marshmallows or Ricky the Rain Frog in their hand to buy we can then sell them a card or one of the other many products we stock. They have found us, hopefully like us, enjoy how they are served and then think about us for their next gift, piece of jewellery or greeting card.
Over the last 30 years many of us will have seen products rise meteorically as ‘must haves’, be it Garfield, Sad Sam and Honey, Non Non bunnies, Tatty Teddy, Forever Friends or Ty Beanies on the plush front.
Jellycat is right up there and its management is doing its utmost to ensure it stays there, by elevating the brand to be recognised far and wide as an upmarket design-led almost luxury ‘must want’.
All of the aforementioned at one time would have had prominent stands at Spring Fair. All of them would have had to say no to some people wanting to open accounts and all would have received criticism. The only difference is that in their heyday, they did not have social media to contend with as a place for a disgruntled buyer to air their views.
What irritated me about the recent post was that Jellycat couldn’t reply so the points put across were one sided.
Jellycat’s growth has been at such an exponential rate that it is still getting many of its processes in place. The company wants its brand to sit in certain stores and expects a certain level of space and support.
This is Jellycat’s 25th year and I have been a stockist for years. Its products have always been very well made, and the launch of the Amuseables collection has brought a genuinely new concept into the market which is one reason more retailers are clamouring to stock it.
All of this chatter came from Spring Fair, which brings me onto another matter of popular discussion, that of trade shows.
There is always a huge amount of chat around how busy trade exhibitions are? Was it actual buyers who were there or as one pal of mine refers to them, ‘just tyre kickers’? –and also the number of companies exhibiting.
In the card and gift sector we now have Harrogate Christmas and Gift, Top Drawer, Spring Fair, Harrogate Home & Gift, Autumn Fair and several other regional shows covering the general market. On top of this are a few choice market specific ones, most notable of which for us being PG Live, which really is a must attend for anyone serious about greeting cards, as this
Far left: There are plenty of happy bunnies in David’s stores’ windows. Left: Once inside the shop, customers are enticed by the Mother’s Day displays in David’s shops.
this could be an option on the exhibition front.
This may be blue sky thinking, but imagine a Spring Fair with a PG Live card hall and a Top Drawer hall for new gift companies? It would attract everyone; it would put a big tent pole in the start of the year buying season.
Now this could be tantamount to suggesting Rangers and Celtic ground share, but in reality it could provide one solution.
Show attendances are down because there are too many different options for both buyers and exhibitors alike.
is home to the largest collection of both leading publishers and newbies.
Let’s be blunt though, attending trade shows is expensive, especially for the likes of ourselves in Scotland.
You need to justify and recoup the costs involved. You go looking for newness and seeing what existing suppliers are up to.
More and more we are seeing a splintering of great companies only exhibiting at maybe one or two shows with several companies instead wanting you to attend showrooms. The latter defeats the point for me as you can’t look at multiple company offerings and then make a decision like you can at a good trade show. Showrooms also induce a pressure while again, for the like of ourselves it would be a 6-8 hour trip to get to one.
So where does that leave us buyers? Well, we all agree that we still like a handson experience, but we can’t afford (in money or time) to go to endless shows, so what is the future?
Well, just as we now see Paperchase areas popping-up inside Tesco stores maybe
I know that Spring Fair has been asking opinions while the Scottish Fair has recently put out a questionnaire wanting people to give honest opinions as well, so this is an area clearly open for debate.
Encouragingly though many of my agent pals reported writing strong orders at the recent shows which bodes well for trade in 2024. The key thing I feel though is that us as retailers need to engage with the brands we stock and visiting trade shows is perfect for not only finding them, but for building relationships.
While many of us have been supporting a large number of publishers and brands since their infancy, you always get those who just want to jump on the hottest thing.
I always find it fascinating that rather than curate their own look, some people often simply want to replicate. For me, in the words of Nike, you have to Just Do It! Far better to tread your own path and be true to yourself than simply being a copy of someone else, but you need to put in the footwork and do the talking…
l To contact David email: jppozzi@btconnect.comz
Left: David is a long time Jellycat stockist. Below: David has his proverbial running shoes on for his
Cardsharp has many a bee in his bonnet, but one that particularly irks him is the condescending attitude of the media and City types towards our greeting card industry. Hopefully one positive from the serious debate on the future of the Royal Mail and what is to happen to Universal Service Obligation and six day delivery will see more mentions of the importance of greeting cards, especially given the sterling efforts of the GCA.
Seeing the media bombarded with coverage of The Brits music awards recently, further rammed it home to Cardsharp that there doesn’t seem to be a rightful recognition of the greeting card sector’s contribution to the creative industry in the UK.
There’s no acknowledgment of our role as a world leader when it comes to greeting card design and per capita send and no mention of our contribution towards exports.
Instead, we as an industry get sneered at and patronised on many occasions. Every year prior to
Christmas so many journalists parrot the mantra that ‘Christmas card sending is dead’ only for our industry to surprise all outside expectations. This last year was a particular case in point with many retailers reporting better than expected Christmas card sales, despite a lack lustre festive period for most non-food bricks and mortar retailing sectors.
Cardsharp has been absorbing some of the figures. December saw one of the biggest downturns in retail sales for three years (and remember that was in the height of Covid), with The Times newspaper commenting that this was an “Unhappy Christmas for UK retailers and households”. This has been reflected in a huge increase in profit warnings emanating from UK listed companies, the largest number since 2008. The combination of increased wage, energy and transport costs, higher interest on borrowing and downbeat consumer spending has created a near perfect storm, reflects Cardsharp.
Stir into this mix Cardfactory. Now, Cardsharp knows that our largest specialist bricks and mortar retailer is not universally popular with all of the industry because of its mainly vertical integration strategy which
means it can sell its cards so cheaply.
But Cardsharp thinks certainly since the economic meltdown of 2009-2011 it has served a real benefit to the industry. In the last 15 years, household incomes have remained largely static. Without Cardfactory being able to offer greeting card at affordable prices, it could be argued that a large section of the UK’s population may have been priced out of buying cards and worse still lost the card sending habit altogether.
And indeed PG’s recent Retail Barometer showed only 6% of independent retail respondents cited CF as a ‘serious threat’ indicating that they recognise they each offer something different while still championing greeting cards.
Furthermore, with the shrinking of Clintons’ store numbers (though things will improve under Paul Taylor’s ownership) and the complete collapse and disappearance of Paperchase (living on only as a brand within some Tesco stores), Cardfactory has become the only specialist greeting card retailer in many city shopping centres and high streets.
So, given the unfavourable economic winds, Cardfactory’s recent Christmas trading figures were truly excellent. It delivered double digit like-for-like sales growth to £479 million as store revenue climbed by 7.8% in November and December. It even saw single Christmas card sales increase by an incredible 37% year on year.
And given the strength of this great performance, Cardfactory expects to deliver full year profit at the top of the range of market expectations, between £58million and £62 million.
Now Cardsharp would think given all the doom and gloom around, the City would love these figures and see it as a big thumbs up for the greeting card industry generally, but the response has been less than enthusiastic. Cfs share price, which had remained stubbornly around the £1 market actually dropped a few pence. And any media coverage of these figures, (and there was very little) was very begrudging in its praise. One City analyst even suggested in The Sunday Times, that Moonpig represented a better investment bet, “in that space”. Online retailer, Moonpig’s share price, although having halved since its flotation, still remains around 60p above that of Cardfactory’s. This is despite having never declared a dividend or ever getting near the profit figures of Cardfactory.
The figures stand out like a beacon amid most of the trading figures of non-food retailers. Contrast this with the figures from The Works. Being a value retailer in the arts, stationery and craft sector it could be argued it’s in a similar position in the retail market to Cardfactory, and of course, Dean Hoyle, the legendary founder of Cardfactory, has also been chairman of The Works.
Well Cardsharp noted The Works reported
Right: Is it because greeting cards are still predominantly a bricks and mortar product that the sector is often dismissed as old-fashioned, wonders Cardsharp.
Below right: We need Aretha’s Respect lyrics to ring out, loud and clear about the industry.
a very poor Christmas. The so-called ‘family friendly’ chain reported a doubling of losses from £7million to £14million. The Works blamed market conditions, which had been persistently challenging, putting pressure on sales and profit throughout the festive period. Market conditions that were exactly the same for Cardfactory.
The reaction or lack of it to Cardfactory’s financial results is symptomatic of so many negative attitudes towards our industry. As our sales predominantly still come from bricks and mortar we are seen as a declining sector. We are viewed as an analogue business in a digital age, and when Cardfactory reported a 12.8% drop in its online sales, which represents a small percentage of its overall sales, this fact seemed to count more than its excellent store sales figures.
Admittedly, with 50% of greeting cards sent by post we as an industry are heavily reliant on the Royal Mail, which is obviously under intense scrutiny at the moment with confidence in our national postal provider dwindling by the day, yet Moonpig is even more reliant on Royal Mail, than any greeting card high street retail business, but somehow Moonpig seems to get the benefit of the doubt from analysts and the media whereas the more profitable Cardfactory doesn’t.
Cardsharp is inclined to think part of the
As if we did not have enough to worry, Cardsharp mused, another Far East container problem has reared its ugly head. The Yemeni militant group Houthis’ attacks on Red Sea shipping in solidarity with Hamas in Gaza, is forcing tankers to abandon the traditional Suez Canal route and switch to navigating around the Cape of South Africa, in order to get to Britain. This currently not only adds 15 days to the journey, potentially creating stock shortages of the millions of greeting cards manufactured in China, but also adds approximately £1million in fuel and wages for every trip. Add on the fact that with every journey taking so much longer and
answer to this conundrum is that perhaps most City analysts and media commentators come from a somewhat closeted metropolitan elite and can be rather snobbish about the simple pleasures that greeting card buying and sending can bring. And secondly that the majority of both City types and media types are male, still the underdogs when it comes to greeting card purchasing.
Cardsharp is not asking for special treatment for the greeting card industry, just that our industry receives the respect and recognition it deserves. The City’s antipathy to Cardfactory is just a symptom of this.
Cardsharp recalls the words of the late great Queen of Soul, Aretha Franklin who famously sang: “R-E-S-P-E-C-T…finding out what it means to me!”
boats are on the ocean for longer, there is much less availability of shipping, meaning that at the time of Cardsharp writing the cost of a container has risen from around £2,000 to £6,000.
Admittedly, Cardsharp reflects, this is not as much of a disaster as 2022 when the cost of a container went as high as £22,000, but it is a worrying oncost, given that many publishers have started to move some of production back to China post Covid.
This is certainly something of which we as an industry have to be mindful of, concluded Cardsharp, especially as container demand picks up as the year progresses.
Below: The
Sally Matson, owner of Red Card in Petworth:
Sharing the love: “What a great start to the Spring Seasons, we definitely felt the love at this year – we saw our biggest Valentine’s Day card sales ever!”
Passionate kisses: “Most popular Valentine’s card was the dishwasher design from Ohh Deer that we featured in the window – I’m sure we could have sold 100 of those, it’s obviously very much a thing in relationships. The beautiful Bear designs from The Art File were also very popular.”
David Robertson, co-owner of JP Pozzi and Bijou in Buckie and Elgin:
Sharing the love: “Valentine’s Day for us was actually pretty solid this year. All our card and gifts stores traded up both on the days leading into Valentine’s Day and for the week.
With publishers cutting back on Spring Seasons, either in choice or by supplying cards in threes we mixed in both new small publisher content and reduced carry over stock which resulted in some good sell through. Sometimes a slight adjustment on price or placement is all it needs to move stock through.”
Passionate kisses: “Our sales were bolstered by the brilliant Jellycat Valentine’s characters that were
picked up by young and old.
On a personal front, my wife and I always try to give one another cards I don’t sell but sometimes that’s not possible! My personal fave was the Counting Stars card my wife gave me which is because we are always sending one another dog videos on TikTok – I do stock the wonderful Five Dollar Shake, but this design would have been too niche for me – she customised it by saying ‘We follow’!”
Sharing the love: “We were 17% up on Valentine’s cards sales and our general trade was up as well. As always Valentine’s sales came last-minute, most in the last few days, but the level of demand took us by surprise. It always helps when Valentine’s Day falls later in the week.”
Passionate kisses: “Dandelion Stationery’s Valentine’s cards are my absolute favourite, especially the one with the dog. We printed it as a poster this year and had it in the window, which brought lots of customers in.”
Nigel Williamson, coowner of House of Cards, seven stores in the Home Counties:
Carl Dunne, co-owner of Cards & Gifts, Dronfield:
Sharing the love: “We had a fantastic week leading up to Valentine’s Day when each day we were trading up by at least 50%.
We were asked a lot for humour cards by customers this year, which we were able to deliver as we had a fair few from Dean Morris Cards.”
Passionate kisses:
“Our sales were helped by the closure of the Clintons store just two doors away. We also saw a huge 120% increase on the gifting side for Sarunds loose chocolates as well as the personalised Toblerone bars and other chocolate brands with Valentines messages.”
Sharing the love: “We had a good Valentine’s season. In the three weeks leading up to the event, our sales saw close to a double-digit increase. And we hope the next couple of years will improve sales further as the event will fall on a more romantic day.”
Passionate kisses: “Our top performing Valentine’s cards came from Lucilla Lavender, Wendy Jones-Blackett, Bold & Bright, Tache and Paper Shed.”
Julia Keeling, owner of Wishes of Cudworth, Cudworth:
Sharing the love: “We had a bit of a boost over the weekend before and up to the day. We’re hopeful that, as the sun starts to shine more, people will be more positive about this year and shop local and support their High Street.”
Passionate kisses: “As ever cards by Cardigan Cards and Words ’n’ Wishes sold well. This year we had some funny ones by Emotional Rescue that sold well and a dog design from Abacus Cards that was especially popular.”
Michael Apter, owner of Paper Tiger, three shops in Edinburgh:
Sharing the love: “Our like for like sales were well ahead of last year. Valentine's Day was also a hit online and in Morningside, where we’re enjoying our first Spring Season in our new shop. There was a definite move towards cards with a proper Valentine message and a bit of humour.”
Top: It was ‘chocs away’ for Carl Dunne’s customers.
Sandra Jervis, owner of Creative Cove, Lampeter:
Sharing the love: “As 25 January is the celebration of Santas Dwynwen, Wales’ patron saint of lovers, it makes the 14 February big day a tricky card season, so I took a conscious decision to limit the number of cards saying Valentine’s Day or similar. We went with cards that were love cards – funny ones and sentimental though definitely not wordy - and it seemed to work a treat as we sold more than any year previously.”
Passionate kisses: “Our most sought-after card was Cath Tate's 'I love you very mush!' with The Art File's 'There's so mushroom in my heart for you' coming in second place – mushrooms won hearts! We also had very strong sales from Ohh Deer and Penguin Ink. Ken the cat and blank animal cards were suiting people this year. My hubby snuck in late at night and nabbed me an amusing Redback Card ‘There's no one I'd rather sit in silence & stare at my phone with’ –highly appropriate!”
Sharing the love: “We felt huge amounts of love in Hugs & Kisses this year! As always Valentines is so very last minute, but this year trade was slightly better than last year.”
Passionate kisses: “Our bestsellers were from Wendy JonesBlackett, Five Dollar Shake, Rosie Made a Thing, Woodmansterne and Paperlink. We were asked for a lot more captioned cards this year, such as Fiancé, Fiancée, Mummy and Daddy. Wife and husband captioned cards sold really well – we almost sold out – and larger cards did really well too.”
Kayleigh Hisim, coowner of Milford Cards & Gifts, Milfordon-Sea:
Sharing the love: “We saw a 25% increase on last year despite sales on the actual day being lower. We put our Valentine’s Day cards out a week earlier, meaning they had five weeks on display and we saw a really strong start. We normally don't have high hopes for Valentine’s Day due to our customer base being predominantly elderly. However, we were presently surprised and love was definitely in the air this year. Some people buying up to three cards...who are we to judge!”
Passionate kisses: “Our humour card selection went down very well this year with some people buying one sentimental card and one humour card.”
Sharing the love: “Valentines at Pencil Me In is my favourite seasonal moment – and this year our team created a beautiful LOVE pencil themed display using up our junk pencils from our pencil printing business. We expanded our card section this year as we have a new seasonal corner in the shop. Monday 12th, Tuesday 13th and Valentine’s Day itself were very busy and up on the last few years. The Saturday before we’d expected big sales, but the Scotland rugby game seemed to suck our customers away! The midweek sales made up for it though!”
Being an industry whose very raison d’être is to mark all of life’s moments – not just hatch, match and dispatch – it is fitting to celebrate some of the notable company anniversaries that are happening this year.
Following on from last month’s edition, PG asked another handful of celebrators to share some of the significant moments in their business’ evolution as well as their plans to mark the milestone.
going to start designing greeting cards”.
So, Rush Design was born in March 2014 from the kitchen table and spare bedroom.”
Significant moments: “The successful launch of our Everything Sparkles range in February 2016. This was a game changer. I remember saying: “It now feels like a proper business”.
With the success of Everything Sparkles, which was hand-finished, the need for fulfilment became urgent, which allowed Rush to grow.
Delayed by the pandemic years at the end of 2022 we moved into an office premises and employed some help, which has made such a difference.”
Marking the milestone: for the year is lots…lots of newness. We’ve already completed Watermelon, a brand-new mini card range, a 2024 Christmas collection, a new Wedding & Anniversary range, a
My mother was a fashion designer, so with my understanding of the business side it was time to channel my mother’s creativity. While on holiday in 2013, shop owner friends asked: “so what are you going to do next” to which I replied: “I’m
medium card size launched, plus additions to several existing ranges. And we’ll definitely be making something of the 10th Anniversary at PG Live this year.”
The next chapter: “We are most happy with steady and sustainable growth, always listening to our customers and continually evolving. It would be amazing to win a Henries award at some point too!”
Fave design: “My favourite design that comes to mind instantly is one of the first in the Blossom Collection, which went on to be the inspiration for our New England collection.”
Potted history: “I started Dean Morris Cards in 1999 with the help of the Prince’s Trust and an EUfunded designers start up programme based in Wolverhampton.
The previous year I had walked round Paperchase looking at all the fancy papers and in a moment of uncharacteristic confidence had the idea of starting my own greeting card company, especially as since childhood I always customised and illustrated shop bought cards and envelopes for my family.
My first standalone trade show (at Top Drawer 2000) introduced me to a larger audience and a big order from Paperchase later that year meant I could quit my part-time job working in a building society and push forward with the business.
Dean Morris Cards now has lots of very loyal customers (a couple from 1999) in the UK, Europe and worldwide.”
Significant moments: “My old designs were always comical, but switching from handmade to printed and focusing almost exclusively on humour I found the niche I was comfortable with.
Social media, which scarily wasn’t even a thing when I started, has transformed how I connect with my customer base. While being time-consuming I have found this essential in pushing my brand and also showing the person behind the brand. People buy from people.
Thirdly, and linked to social media
is the buzz, surprise and ego boost I get when I’m recognised by members of the public. I’ve been recognised by cabin crew on several Virgin Atlantic flights, out and about in Benidorm and at the check-in area of British Airways when I was asked: “Are you THE Dean Morris of Dean Morris Cards”. It was a miracle my head could get through the plane door.
The GCA march at Pride last year was an absolute buzz and one of the proudest days of my entire 25 years in the business. The love the crowds showed for all our cards that day was amazing.”
The next chapter: “I don’t set huge goals as I’m just happy that I’m still doing this after 25 years. I am happy to continue to make people laugh, make some decent money doing it and have my eye on retirement.”
Fave design: “I think the design is a bit 2006 nowadays, but our ‘Happy Birthday now F**k off back to Economy’ card will always have a soft spot in my heart as it continues to be a big hit with cabin crew. I don’t believe anyone had done any plane humour up until that point and it was featured in GCA centenary collection.”
Potted history: “With both fine art and a textile design background, my mother Filippa and I joined forces to create Rosanna Rossi in 2009. After spending the Summer putting together capsule greeting card collections, we took the plunge and exhibited at our first ever trade show at Top Drawer Autumn. We spent the first few years heads down in designing, navigating our way and the house was slowly becoming overwhelmed with cards! In 2012 we finally moved to an office environment which allowed us to grow. In 2015 my husband Troy joined the business which took away the stressful job of admin and the never-ending paperwork. Thankfully he loves spreadsheets!
We spent a few years in Australia. Moving abroad really improved my creative thinking ability and we returned to the UK feeling more fired-up to take the next step business wise.
In 2017 we moved into a larger office space nestled in the Cotswolds and knuckled
down building strong relationships with both UK and international customers, and we continue to cherish the relationships we have with all of our customers.”
Significant moments: “One of the big developments for Rosanna Rossi has been
building great relationships with our international distributors.
Troy joining the business in 2015 was a significant moment, as this allowed me to focus more on the creative side of the business, which is what I enjoy the most.
Another development recently was becoming an affiliate of 9Trees. Every one of our cards sold helps go towards planting more trees within the UK.”
Fave design: Anna: “That would be the Flying Cranes design from our Novella Collection. I find Japanese culture and art deeply fascinating.”
Troy: “The Snowy Slopes from our Odyssey Collection. This design was inspired by a trip to the Alps in 2022, when I reignited my love of snowboarding!.”
Marking the milestone: “It’s a privilege to reach any milestones, so let’s celebrate it! We’re launching a milestone age birthday collection entitled Decade which is a little nod to our past.”
The next chapter: “Our ethos has always stayed the same since day one, to create designs that bring joy to people's lives. A little piece of happiness on a card to lift spirits, send love, say thanks and connect in a way that is personable and thoughtful. We will continue
award at the New Designers show in my graduating year and also clinch the top prize at Surtex in New York, while finishing the last weeks of my degree course.
Potted history: “While studying at Leeds College of Art, I started freelancing in greeting cards while still studying. Working in the industry gave me a real insight and I was really inspired to continue in the creative design world.
I was delighted to win an
These awards encouraged me to launch Louise Tiler Designs the following year, debuting at PG Live 2014 with around 60 cards, and things just took off from there.
We were soon taking orders from all over the world and quickly outgrew my home office and conservatory, so moved into a small one-room location in Baildon Mills. In those early days, taking delivery of stock meant we had to create walls of stock boxes from floor to ceiling and navigate between them like some kind of cardboard maze. We ended up having to build a platform above these boxes for my desk as there was simply nowhere else for them to go! This made working at the desk slightly challenging, and the desk got ever higher as more deliveries of cards arrived as the orders increased.
Our evolution has also led to some exciting opportunities in licensing and collaborations with other companies including licensing our designs onto gift packaging with Penny Kennedy.
doing just this for as long as we can. We are hugely grateful for all the support we've had along the way from our agents, customers, suppliers and everyone in between!”
Now supplying so many lovely retailers and distributors in over 20 countries, I feel so proud to have created a product that people love, and being part of a friendly, creative and uplifting industry.”
Significant moments: “Winning two Henries awards, including Most Promising Young Artist or Designer early in the journey of Louise Tiler Designs was a real honour.
Moving into our current premises in Keighley was also significant. The building though was in a dilapidated state and required gutting from top to bottom. The upper floors were renovated by my partner Gavin, who built a wonderful studio, a workshop for designing and building our trade show stands, and also transformed the ground floor into a warehouse and packing rooms.
Another turning point was Gavin joining the business to help push it forward. Also, expanding the team by employing skilled passionate people has enabled me to concentrate on creating the detailed illustrations that our cards have become known for.”
Marking the milestone: “I am sure we will have some bubbles at PG Live to celebrate!”
The next chapter: “We aim to continue to bring our customers beautiful, hand-drawn greeting cards and look towards new opportunities to grow as a brand in new product areas. We will also be going live with a brand new website, redesigned from the ground up.”
Fave design: “There are lots of new favourites in our new Kids Tiny Sparkles range.
Even though our designs have moved forward over the 10 year period, hand-drawing and painting and use of elegant colours still remain at our core.”
As retail celebrities go, Theo Paphitis is right up there.
While no longer one of the TV Dragons on BBC’s Dragons’ Den, he must be one of the most well-known retailing faces, not only that, but through his Small Business Sunday initiative has, over the years, provided a lifeline to hundreds of budding businesses.
Theo not only talks a good game, but still gets his hands dirty, driving developments within his emporium of retailing brands which include Ryman, Robert Dyas, London Graphic Centre and Boux Avenue.
Seemingly greeting cards are one of his current “passion projects”. Following swiftly on the heels of unveiling the new Ryman Design retailing concept, was last month’s launch of its brand new greeting card app, the USP of which is offering the consumer the opportunity to create a personalised card online and then collect the physical card from any Ryman store an hour later.
“I love sending cards,” Theo professed to a packed audience at his keynote talk at Spring Fair. “They are such an important tangible way of showing you care,” he told PG, proud of the commitment he’s making in the sector.
Although the Ryman retail business,
His love of greeting cards, plans to disrupt the online greeting card sector, a rallying call to revise business rates, how AI has “thrown a massive bomb into the melting pot of retail” and that retailers need to have a “reason to exist” to woo the “promiscuous” consumer were just some of the topics retail entrepreneur and former TV ‘Dragon’ Theo Paphitis covered when he took to the Inspiring Retail Stage at Spring Fair last month.
PG was granted a backstage pass to meet this leading light of retail, and get an inkling of his plans for the new Ryman Design retail concept as well as his intention to make waves in the greeting card arena.
which now trades from 190 stores, has been part of Theo’s retail portfolio for 28 years, he explains that he became “back involved with the running” of the stationery retail multiple in October 2022 with the recent development of the Ryman Design retail concept being a step up on the design-led stationery and greeting card front.
With two Ryman Design stores already trading in London (Marble Arch and Bishopsgate) and one in Birmingham’s Grand Central, Theo revealed that growth is on the cards. “We are looking at opening our next store in Scotland in the next few weeks,” he confirmed.
Theo was also personally involved in the launch of The Artists’ Collective by The London Studio greeting card collection, the brainchild of Soula Zavacopoulos, as part of Ryman Design’s Christmas offer, featuring designs by 38 artists which very much chimed with Theo’s mission to support small businesses and designers. The Artists’ Collective was expanded for Valentine’s Day and is to form part of the everyday offer, strengthening the greeting card selection alongside the vast array of stationery.
Soula and Theo have known each other since 2011 when she was a winner of his Small Business Sunday. The relationship has blossomed with Soula now on board in a consultancy role, which has involved her being heavily involved in the development and launch of the Ryman online greeting card app.
Theo proudly states his intention of
“disrupting” the online greeting card sector with “something completely unique” that works in tandem with the high street. He accepts that he is entering “a massively competitive market for personalised cards that was born out of the digital era” but is excited to be “leveraging it through our stores”.
Like other online platforms, the Ryman service works on downloading the app which enables the consumer to personalise one of thousands of cards, “but what makes ours unique is that you can then collect the card in a Ryman store within just 60 minutes. So, if you’re a last-minute Larry or Lucinda, or just a commuter wanting to save on postage, this is a game changer,” believes Theo.
launched, Theo is aiming high: “All the way,” he told PG with a wry smile.
He remains optimistic about the role and relevance of greeting cards, believing they will endure, just in the same way that stationery has.
“I bought Ryman in 1995 when it was all talk of the paperless office. Here we are today and people still like to grab a pad and pen and write things down; creating something. I’m dyslexic and I do it!” says Theo.
As to how far he is intending to go in the greeting card space now the new app has
Having been six months in the development, Theo says the whole premise of the new greeting card app is “to drive people back into the stores, giving them another reason to shop with us. It is all part of our evolution.”
It was standing room only as Theo Paphitis took to the Inspiring Retail Stage at Spring Fair to be interviewed by Natalie Berg, a retail analyst, author and host of podcast NEK Retail, about opportunities and challenges for retail businesses.
Asked by Natalie how he is seeing customer expectations evolve, he stated that the world had changed for retail and is continuing to change. “Customers are far more promiscuous than they ever were,” he pointed out.
“It’s like a one night stand. People move from one brand to another all the time and can shop from anywhere at any time, so retailers have to ensure that customers have to have a reason to come back to them. It’s a lot, lot tougher, and I actually think it will get a lot tougher yet,” he predicted.
Highlighting the importance of bringing online and offline retail together, Theo cited Next as a successful, evolving business that has prospered by adapting to the consumer, changing its business model to marry offline and online. “Failed retailers don’t adapt,” he stated, citing Debenhams as one of the many failures on this front.
Illustrating how Ryman, a 130 year old business, is mixing technology with the company’s physical offering in 190 stores, he highlighted the launch of Ryman’s mobile greeting card app (see main article).
And he acknowledged that sending a greeting card is one of the last bastions of sharing the handwritten message, revealing he is about to teach his 16 year old grandson how to improve his handwriting. “I have told him to get his exams out of the way and then we will work on his handwriting. It is not hard to do and in two weeks I will have taught him how to change it forever.”
This Dragon is still firing on all cylinders, one of which is clearly stationery fuelled.
“As customer behaviour changes, your stores have to have a reason to exist, for customers to shop with you today, tomorrow and the day after that,” Theo stressed.
Sharing his advice for small business start-ups, Theo urged: “Do your homework. Over 50% of businesses fail in the first two years because companies haven’t done their homework. You have to know your numbers. Business is simple as long as you do the simple things right. Everyone gets things wrong and you learn from that. Just don’t bet the farm!”
He also advised that although it wasn’t possible to do anything about the current business rate system – something he passionately believes must change - retailers should take heart that rents generally are decreasing in shopping centres and on the high street.
Asked how different he believes retail will be by 2034, Theo predicted: “In ten years’ time, we will all be using things and products in our everyday lives that haven’t even been invented yet. AI, for example, has thrown a bomb into the retail pot, and after the explosion we are now seeing huge growth, because AI is good if you use it properly and understand what it can do for you. So, my advice is, if you get an advantage take it, because if you don’t, someone else will.”
We’re living in the wrap n roll era baby!
And it’s all about the design where matching cards and wrap are concerned as everyone works to make sure it’s the pattern that matters. Well established in the giftwrap sector, Unique has just made the move into a range of Christmas boxed cards to complement its bestselling wrap ranges in both print and using bioglitter, all fully made in the UK.
“We made the decision as we have proven design sales in our wrap, director Lydia Scamponi explained, “and can forward sell the cards without having to commit to a huge production run.”
Pop is Unique’s new collection taking inspiration from 60s and 70s pop culture and aimed at giving everyone more colour in their lives, it comes as flat and roll wrap with coordinating bags and accessories and is all fully recyclable and designed,
Sales of giftwrap have been mushrooming at Earlybird Designs after its latest foray into fungi designs thanks to a request from Creative Cove’s Sandra Jervis. The Lampeter-based retailer made a plea to Earlybird’s Dom Early: “She kept saying ‘mushrooms please Dom, I just can’t keep anything mushroomrelated in stock’. It was a trend we were happy to embrace and knew the look would work well in our Buddy & Betty range.”
Expanding the theme into cards has worked too, and Dom joked: “Mushrooms are proving they’re magic!”
As the findings of the recent PG Retail Barometer testify retailers’ appetite on the wrappings front is on the rise, with it being cited as one of the areas flagged for expansion this year which is mirrored by a myriad of developments on the publisher side.
PG deep dives into design trends, rolls versus flat sheets considerations, sustainability progress, and a host of other ribbons and bows!
printed and converted in the UK using non-toxic water-based inks. also starts with the wrap, with its latest Festival Series inspired by iconic music festivals such as Monterey Pop Festival and Woodstock, and then add the matching greeting cards, often along with stationery, homeware and accessories.
At Dandelion Stationery, it’s the other way around as the cards come first, with its most popular designs being the dog and cycle wraps taken from the bestselling cards.
“We’re seeing customers becoming more environmentally conscious when buying wrap,” founder Jo Wilson said. “They’re keen to clarify and understand if the wrap is recyclable – all our wrap is produced on FSC paper and fully recyclable. We have tended to move away from any special formats or finishes simply to ensure it’s clear the paper can be recycled.”
As wrap specialists, while Glick doesn’t publish cards, it has strong licensing partnerships with many greeting card publishers or designers, notably Paper Salad, Louise Mulgrew, Think of Me and Stephanie Dyment and so works with them to turn the greeting card designs into giftwrap and bags.
Some fashion trends may be muted for spring and summer 24 but, as Glick md Becky Dobson deadpanned: “Muted is not our bag!” So, the focus has been on bright pops and an eclectic palette in the new Colour Hub collection in collaboration with Paper Salad using the publisher’s signature neons.
There are also new releases from Stephanie Dyment, Think Of Me, and Kate McFarlane licences, with Louise Mulgrew to come in the summer, in double-sided flat wraps, roll wraps, tissue papers and gift bags, as well as plenty of accessories, including new fabric bows and ribbons, plus neon additions.
And Glick is on a sustainability mission, as Becky explained: “During creative decisions we respect the future of our planet and future generations, we act with responsibility and courage even if it’s difficult. We only use water-based inks and FSC papers, and polybags used in our packaging are made from recycled plastic, including the shrink wrap around our roll wrap.
“Some of our bags have innovative paper handles which means they are fully recyclable, and we promote recycling of our gift bags through regifting and have added this message to the base of our gift bags.”
Family company Giftwrap UK has taken the eco vibe to heart with investment in new and innovative substrates including grass and sugar cane paper to provide an alternative to the wood pulp traditionally used in wrapping paper.
“Wherever possible, we have tried to do without plastic,” commented director Matt Allam. “For wrapping paper we recently launched an extensive range of plastic-free rollwrap which features a tear-down strip.
“And, within both our Everyday and Christmas collections, we also have a number of designs which have been printed on grass, sugar cane and recycled papers. The packaging for our gift bags and boxes has also been changed to plastic-free with recyclable belly bands and euro hooks replacing the older plastic versions.”
With Ohh Deer having just introduced its own sustainable rollwrap solution, co-owner Mark Callaby commented: “We’ve been wanting to do rollwrap for ages, but it’s a big investment and bulky product to work with. We've been asked so much we relooked at it and the solution we found was offered to us by our manufacturer and we knew that's what we wanted.
“The nifty little tear strip for easy open is plastic-free and it's much neater than wrap clasps, so we've tested it lots to know that it works a treat.”
Its Go Green ribbons and bows are produced from sustainable raw materials including cotton, linen, paper and jute, again packaged without plastic where possible, and Matt added: “There has definitely been a significant shift in sales towards the more eco-friendly products.
“Feedback from customers in 2023 was that they liked the introduction of new substrates, finishes and style of designs we have achieved, ensuring we satisfy all giving occasions for the consumer.”
Content creator and home renovator Emily Norris has revealed her special indulgence in her latest Instagram post – a home giftwrapping station!
The huge cupboard, complete with poles for rollwrap, and dedicated storage for scissors, ribbons and tape, is a dream for the dedicated gift-giver although the @emilynorrishome social media influencer admitted her partner Matt thinks she’s “bonkers”.
Emily said: “Honestly, although far from a necessity, this space fills me with immense joy. It may say seem sad, but it’s something I’ve dreamed of ever since we were lucky enough to start our home renovation.”
Left: Emily Norris unveils her giftwrap dream.
As a Fair Trade wholesaler of gifts and handicrafts from around the world, Siesta Crafts takes ethical products to the max, as Lucy Barton sustainable giftwrap options to be a very popular addition to our collection – our recycled sari giftwrap has gone down a storm with our handmade paper wrap and gift bags which have all been produced with care – and absolutely no plastic. The handmade route is the only way for Paper Mirchi founder Rani Moochhala where her award-winning wrap is produced using traditional techniques of hand-marbling and block printing, and the paper uses 100% recycled cotton rags which gives it a unique texture.
Rani added: “We also do matching cards and gift bags. For us, the wrap designs come first and the cards and bags are designed around it to either match or complement.”
The cards lead the way at Roger la Borde where Helena Maratheftis explained: “They are our anchor, and from there we design our product and wrap ranges, and we make our gift bags in five sizes with grosgrain ribbon handles and die-cut tags to match the artwork.”
And the company’s double-sided flat sheets can be turned into a decorative feature with a section folded back to reveal the other side as a trim instead of a ribbon, with colourful dinosaurs a kids’ favourite alongside bold, graphic florals for adults.
It's the pattern that matters for Pennychoo’s Sue Lee, who works an idea to create the design before trying it out on wrap, cards and stationery, and is aiming for more matching card and wrap this year.”
Having spent too long working in offices before changing careers to become a designer, Fiona Wilson believes life’s too short to be without colour and has just launched the first Fiona Wilson Prints greeting card range of five collections which
Focus on…giftwrappings
We are now only days away from the first Woodmansterne gift packaging displays being installed in retailers at the beginning of April. Marking a significant move for the publisher as well as the industry, the first phase of the launch sees the publisher offering retailers up to a fivemetre planned display of rollwrap, bags, tissue, ribbons, bows and tags.
In addition to its own 62 skus, the publisher has forged a partnership arrangement with Stewo and its UK distributor Giftwrap UK for a selection of the Swiss-based brand’s products to also be included in the plans, thus broadening the selection.
The launch comes as a logical extension to its W Select greeting card programme.
Andy Paterson, sales director of Woodmansterne, described this wholehearted expansion into gift packaging as a “massively significant step for the company” and something “retail customers have been asking us to do for the last three or four years.”
As he explained, the inaugural range is being pitched as a “premium collection in both look and feel with strong ecocredentials”, and it is completely plastic-free, including the handles, multi-tags string, eurohooks, paper banding, and all outer packaging.
Andy added: “We always strive to cut our own path, rather than following trends. Our collection has been developed with premium
she’s immediately extended into 12 giftwrap designs which all coordinate.
Celebrating 20 years as part of the Swan Mill Group, Penny Kennedy is this year set to combine its gift packaging expertise with the design talents of its sister card company Ling Design by launching collections based on its cards and those from its The Curious Inksmith brand as well as its ongoing licensing collaborations.
Business manager Emma Puzey explained the company’s design-focused approach sees it work with trusted licensing partners Morris & Co, Sara Miller, and Toasted Crumpet, while adding fresh collections from publishers such as Cath Kidson and Raspberry Blossom to its ranges that cover recyclable roll wrap, gift bags, tissue, nests of boxes and tags.
Meanwhile Widdop and Co has refreshed its collaboration with Hotchpotch, part of the Carte Blanche Greetings creative studio, to bring some of its card designs to the gift bag market.
licences, and trusted bestsellers from our card collections, and from the host of talented creatives that Woodmansterne is renowned for.
“In the decades we've been producing greeting cards we’ve learned a lot, and all that knowledge has helped inform the creative direction for our gift packaging. We've looked at bestselling ranges, but we haven’t just recreated the cards, we’ve carefully selected each design to make sure it suits the product each time.”
The products have designs that are a combination of recognisable licences, namely Emma Bridgewater, Quentin Blake and Sanderson, as well as some of Woodmansterne’s key in-house brands, such as Peach & Prosecco and Mambo.
All the Woodmansterne products are 100% paper, and completely plastic-free. The rollwrap is protected by a paper sleeve which can be opened using a pull-down kraft tab, the giftbag handles are made from woven paper, and the tissue paper and gift tag multipacks come in kraft paper packaging with the tags themselves fastened using paper string.
The Woodmansterne launch does not include flat wrap, “as customers seem to prefer the better value in buying rolls and the convenience of gift bags,” Andy explained.
“In a crowded market, keeping things simple is working for our customers,” Widdop’s head of marketing Catherine Paul explained. “The visual simplicity of matching these thoughtfully-designed gift bags with the coordinating gifts, means their customers can buy in to the complete end-to-end purchase experience, maximizing the cross-selling potential.
“Hotchpotch has a firm grip on the greeting card industry with avid consumers and stockists keenly on board so it made sense, with our depth of product experience here at Widdop, that our creative team design gifting collections inspired by the Hotchpotch portfolio of cards.”
While UK Greetings has many of its own images, its hugely successful partnership with the Royal Horticultural Society gives its designers access to the RHS Lindley library of botanical illustrations and has led to a new greeting card and gift dressing collection.
Above: A teardown strip means Ohh Deer now has rollwrap. Left: There’s no plastic at Siesta Crafts. Below: It all starts with art for Wendy Bell. Below left: A beautiful RHS giftbag from UKG.
Having ensured the designs work for both the gift bags and cards, UKG has also kept to the sustainable theme with the whole range being fully recyclable.
Cathy Snow, RHS licensing manager, said: “It is a privilege for the RHS to be working with UK Greetings on this superb new collection. We are immensely proud that eight years since the partnership began, the RHS range continues to perform at retail and promote the charity in such a positive way.
At Caroline Gardner, the card design generally comes first, then inspires the wrap and bag prints, although head of marketing Kyra White added: “Occasionally a wrap comes from an original painting that then inspires a card range. Sometimes we use prints from our gift range on wrap and bags, and vice versa.
“A lot of the design team have been print designers at some point in their career and we’re certainly a print-driven brand, which bags and wrap are a great canvas for.”
This year has seen one of the company’s biggest gift bag releases
for years, with the product having fabric handles, and bold patterns inside and out, and Kyra said:
“They’re nice and thick, so are an important part of a thoughtful gift, that can be used again and passed on as part of a wonderful chain of giving.”
Giftwrap was one of the first products Emily Byrd wanted to create through her Bird & Co business as the majority of wrap back then was laminated or contained microplastics in the glitter so non-recyclable,
the giftbag front, adding three new designs with super deep gussets to fit candles, mugs, and various gifts in the wider cube shape that has a reinforced base.
Having found an eco-conscious printer for her flat wraps and singles folded into biodegradable cello bags, Emily said: “I’m so pleased I can now offer wraps made from 100% recycled FSC paper and printed with vegetable inks, meaning they’re biodegradable and recyclable. They’re also carbon-zero meaning all the carbon generated during the production of our papers is offset by the planting of forests and woodlands in association with Carbon Footprint.”
With her latest Wild Flora range, based on British wild flowers, Emily created the cards and wrap alongside each other.
Nature is also a key trend for The Art File with natural patterns making up a large portion of its giftwrap selection – and the Bees rollwrap was the most popular last year, followed by the Major Oak design and Peacock Feather.
“All our rollwrap, flat wrap and luxury flat wrap is sustainably resourced and fully recyclable. Our rollwrap is wrapped in recycled cello wrap with a recyclable cardboard tube,” said sales and marketing manager James Mace. “We have many matching card and wrap designs! The card design will more often than not come first, with adaptions of giftwrap coming after.”
While peers are now going down the kraft-pack route for sustainability, Deva Designs md Andrew Maddock tried it a decade ago but his customers disliked it so much the company came up with a biodegradable cello pack for its 60plus tissue paper range.
“It wasn’t easy,” Andrew said, “we had lots of trials, but we’re so happy with the new pack. it feels strange to be going in a different direction – but our customers are thrilled with our choice.”
And Deva has gone for it too on
On the trends side, its licensing partnership with Lola is working well, and Deva has also launched a Cheerful Tulips range, as well as a new doublesided and printed in the UK All The Fun Of The Fair collection from in-house designer Reuben Duffy. All Hallmark’s rollwrap is cello free and it has replaced metallicised paper designs with high-lustre metallic inks which give the shiny look while being 100% recyclable, as part of the publisher’s sustainability commitment.
Product and range manager Claire Warren added: “There’s definitely a move away from nonrecyclable polyprop ribbons. Paper raffia, cotton twine and ribbon made from recycled plastic have an increased presence in the market but, because costs are often higher on sustainable accessories, the market changeover is slow. We are actively looking to develop a range of sustainable accessories to coordinate with our giftwrap in the future.”
For matching cards and wrap, Claire said Hallmark’s teams work closely together and highlight strong sellers to each other that may work well.
Seeing a video about how much giftwrap goes to landfill was the inspiration behind Joshua and Charlotte Smith’s eco-wrap business Hansel
She added: “Cards are usually more specific in terms of the recipient, compared with wrap, as generally wrap has a wider job to do. Due to this, simplified elements of a card may be used on wrap designs and then cards may take elements of a wrap to work into the design.
The couple stepped in to continue the legacy of a military wife who started the business aimed at making the planet greener one giftwrap at a time.
After rebranding the company to Hansel, Charlotte said: “We now have a thriving Derbyshire factory with a small team of assistants. We’ve brought more of the making in-house and got an ever-increasing range of giftwrap designs besides accessories. We’ve also teamed up with JCB to produce a licensed range of products featuring its official machines’ image portfolio.
“We take pride in crafting all our products from recycled materials or ensuring they are biodegradable, as we strive to combine sustainability, aesthetics, and functionality in every aspect of our eco-friendly gift wrapping and gifting accessories.”
All Hansel’s gift presentation products are 100% plastic free and 100% recyclable or biodegradable – and it also offers a bespoke brown paper rollwrap printing service.
“We also develop curated collections, like our much-loved Forever Friends collection, where we have cards, gift bags and roll wrap that all sit together for a strong visual solution in store.”
Museums & Galleries has always offered a full spectrum gift packaging solution with flat and rollwrap, plain and foiled, gift tissue packs, gift bags and Christmas gift tags, which is all FSC-certified with recyclable finishes, and licensing manager Eddie Clarke said: “Customers seem to enjoy the freedom they inspire in expressing their own creative wrapping ideas.”
Eddie added that rollwrap is increasingly popular among independents so M&G’s range is growing in this format, while Asianinspired or sourced artwork is a distinct design trend with the V&A’s Kimono Cranes a big hit currently –
along with the Paddington Bear wraps that are popular with both children and adults.
He explained: “Not all best-selling cards translate to good wraps, and not all wraps can make cards, but there is definitely enough crossover to make taking the risk worthwhile! I’d say card-to-wrap is the route most often taken at M&G although, if we have sufficient confidence, we will issue the card and wrap versions simultaneously at launch.”
Scottish-inspired imagery and verses have proved popular for Fife-based Wee Wishes so director and design manager Laura Mysak launched complementary giftwrap at January’s Scotland’s Trade Fair Spring.
Wendy Bell’s work always begins with a piece of her alcohol ink abstract art, which is photographed and used to create a greeting card collection, the original frequently framed and sold, then flat wrap and other coordinating products are created, with everything printed to order to cut wastage and mean it only needs transporting once, from printer to customer.
As the artist explained: “From day one, the ethos for Wendy Bell Designs has been to source suppliers from within the UK in order to try to keep our economy afloat, support small businesses and also reduce our carbon footprint by not having to ship things from far afield. It also helps with quality control.”
The difficulty of getting UK-produced rollwrap is an issue with most product coming in from the Far East so it needs to be bought in huge quantities to make it viable.
That means many small publishers go down the flatwrap-only route, as Unique director Lydia Scamponi explained: “As a manufacturer we’re in complete control of our production process from start to finish, including our own conversion facility, and so are in a fortunate position to be able to offer our wrap in both flat sheet and roll format, although we sell mostly rolls.
“Given the origination costs and minimum order quantities we work to, I can certainly understand the cost implication should smaller publishers wish to launch an extensive range of rolls and why they mostly offer flat sheets only, which are easier and cheaper to produce.
“The same applies for gift bags, as we ourselves must import these from China where a minimum order quantity of 3,000 bags per size applies which, again, is high and limits the number of new bags we can launch each year.”
Storigraphic’s co-founder and creative director Roz Nazerian said: “We started off with flat sheets because it allowed us to print digitally in smaller batches keeping the process as sustainable as it can be with a reduced environmental footprint, manufacture in the UK and keep agile while developing new collections. We have been planning rollwraps and gift bags for a while. They’re both on the horizon.
Flatwrap is currently the only offer from Dandelion Stationery as founder Jo Wilson commented: “We’re really keen to sell items which have been produced in the UK – all of the roll wrap solutions we’ve found can only be produced overseas, and in huge quantities, which makes it difficult for small publishers to offer.
“Flat wrap is popular, though some customers struggle with finding ways to display it, so we’re currently looking into a folded wrap solution which has three to four folded sheets in a pack, with gift tags – watch this space!”
Sue Lee, owner of Pennychoo offers flatwrap, but she actually likes the sheets to then be rolled as she “hates crease folds, and it’s nice for buyers to be able to see the finish”.
With cards that have become wrap and wrap designs turned into cards, navigating the difficulties of producing rolls and bags in the UK, and continuing the sustainability driver, one thing’s for certain – publishers definitely have the gift packaging market all
For Caroline Gardner, flatwrap has historically been its largest wrap category, but head of marketing Kyra White said: “We’re seeing increased demand for rollwraps now they’re cello free, and a longer length with no need for a wasteful cardboard inner tube. We’ve introduced plastic-free packaging for our set of two sheets of flat wrap too for those who don’t need a whole roll.”
Giftwrap UK’s, director Matt Allam sees rollwrap as the dominant format for consumers, especially at Christmas, with the company one of the UK's largest suppliers of in-store gift wrapping rolls: “With over 135 seasonal designs and finishes available in 30cm, 50cm and 70cm widths, counter rolls are a cost-effective way for retailers to offer a giftwrapping service.”
As a larger producer, Hallmark is able to offer its own UKproduced rollwrap as well as folded two flat sheets two tags packs, which product and range manager Claire Warren said “allows in-season rebuys at Christmas if needed and no lengthy shipping time”, and she added: “It has a lower carbon footprint.”
hand-completed printing and packing
∙ offset printing using the latest technologies
∙ processing in our own graphic studio
∙ superior embossing using classic techniques of hand engraving
∙ relief printing, hot printing, microrelief printing, thermography, die-cutting
∙ craftsmanship with many years of experience
WORLDSTAR WINNER 2023 FOR PACKAGING EXCELLENCE
CATEGORY GIFT PACKAGING
www.argus.sk
Leading manufacturer of greeting cards in Slovakia and the Czech Republic. We export to many countries of the current European Union.
Argus spol.s r.o. Slovakia , +421 915 809 919, export@argus-sk.sk
New from ArtPress Publishing is Bloom, a card collection featuring Claudia Lowry’s botanical drawings. Delicate and almost ethereal, the designs encapsulate nature’s wonderful palette and seasonal variations. The range comprises eight everyday blank card designs, all 170mmx120mm, which come with a white envelope.
ArtPress Publishing
020 7231 2923
www.art-press.co.uk
Bex Hassett, owner of Bexy Boo collaborated with her friends Nicholas and Ross from The Children's Illustrator (formerly known as The Grumble and Co) for the new look Mugshots range. Nicholas refreshed the dog-based imagery while Bexy came up with the captions. Printed on FSC 350gsm board, each of the cards are ecostickered as standard and come with a soft mulberry envelope.
Bexy Boo 01565 830546
www.bexyboo.co.uk
Special Delivery Cards has bolstered its collection of distinctive 3D cards, with several new dinosaur designs (including a Velociraptor and Triceratops) and a couple of sporty designs joining the line-up. The publisher has also updated its ‘The Family’ card which features the King and Queen as well as their now famous Jack Russells from Battersea Dogs Home.
Special Delivery Cards
01273 699913
A “fun range of daft celebratory captions” is how publisher Objectables describes its new Fun Fairs range. The inaugural collection, which features lovely illustrations from in-house designer, Jenny Davis, includes 17 designs with more set to launch at PG Live in June.
Objectables Publishing
01303 767240
www.objectablestrade.co.uk
Paper Shed Design has just launched its new Christmas 2024 range. The publisher’s festive portfolio includes Wintery Tails, a charming new collection featuring magical illustrations including both open and relation captioned cards.
Paper Shed Design
0118 9744283
www.papersheddesign.com
Rusty Pencil is at it again with designs that blast out acerbic, sarcastic slants on ageing, love, friendship and life in general. The Suburban Killers range of 22 cards feature a grungy font style that reflects a blunt attitude and a general world-weary annoyance! The cards measure 120mmx170mm and come with a white envelope in biodegradable cellowrapping.
Rusty Pencil 07970 950541
www.rustypencil.com
A selection of wonderful new ranges and designs from a host of different publishers.
Gabrielle Solly Illustration’s new collection of Celebration cards covers many major life events, from engagements to retirement. Based on hand-drawn illustrations created using dip pens and painted in a freeflowing, loose watercolour style, the designs are inspired by the natural world and the decorative arts. The cards come with luxury envelopes and are packed in biodegradable cello bags.
Gabrielle Solly Illustration www.gabriellesollyart.co.uk
Joy is the latest hand-painted range from Heather Trefusis Art. The collection of 10 new birthday designs feature jolly watercolours with a variety of fun images, from fairground rides to sweet treats. All 150mm square, the cards are printed on textured FSC-certified board and come with a recycled kraft brown envelope. They are available naked or in a biodegradable cello bag.
Heather Trefusis Art 07946 605564
www.heathertrefusisart.com
James Ellis has added age designs, covering years 18-80, to its Sunbeams range. Inspired by the great outdoors and nature, the designs encompass teal green gardens, parks and countryside, inky blue skies, colourful flowers and graceful birds with details picked out in gold foil. The cards are printed on 300gsm FSC board and come with white laid envelopes, held together with a peelable clasp label.
James Ellis 0117 927 7667
www.jamesellis.com
Claire Louise has added some cute children’s designs to her popular Cottage Floral range. Featuring the popular Pantone colour of the year, Peach Fuzz and a pastel colour palette, Claire’s illustrations of cute animals feature on floral backgrounds. Each 155mm square card is blank inside and comes cellowrapped with a white envelope..
Claire Louise 07715 373344
www.claire-louise.co.uk
Recently launched at Spring Fair alongside four other brand new ranges from Megan Claire is Polka Dot. This contemporary collection consists of 16 luxury gold foiled cards covering everyday and birthday captions. Each card is accompanied by a branded dotty envelope.
Megan Claire 01536 560345
www.meganclairetrade.co.uk
Cheeky Legends by Arrthi continues to build momentum, with several new ranges joining the brand, plus an extra 16 new designs debuting in the core humour range. The family-friendly ‘naked’ cards, featuring cute mythical wizards, witches, elves and gnomes are not too naughty, just a little cheeky.
Arrthi Little 07735 398457
www.arrthi.com
A selection of wonderful new ranges and designs from a host of different publishers.
Roger la Borde is on a wave of creativity with a host of new ranges. Among these is Sunday Morning, a neon-bright card range, illustrated by Aura Lewis which oozes seventies cool; Holly Jolley, featuring the chic-est cats and dogs and Birdhaven (pictured) which features the opulent artwork by Katie Vernon which is carried over to the rear of the cards.
Roger la Borde
0207 328 0491
www.rogerlaborde.com
Stormy Knight’s ever-growing Holly Maguire collection has expanded again with some gorgeous new additions. Proving to be an instant hit at Top Drawer, the Child of the 80s and 90s designs are triggering some serious nostalgia and are predicted to become bestselling designs in this popular range. There are now 25 designs in the collection, based on illustrations by Bristolbased painter Holly Maguire covering birthdays, new home, baby, retirement, sympathy and many more.
Stormy Knight
0117 9098684
www.stormyknight.co.uk
After a year of designing, making and sewing Jane Buurman Handmade has released two new collections: Summer Breeze and Bouquet, encompassing a total of 80 designs. The Summer Breeze Collection captures the essence of sunkissed days and warm evenings while the Bouquet Collection features beautiful floral bouquets, buzzy bees and bold type which combine to create a modern twist on a traditional theme. All cards come with a brown Kraft envelope.
Jane Buurman Handmade 07703490241
www.janebuurmanhandmade.com
Apple & Clover has launched a new Fiesta collection, with each card handfinished with a rainbow ribbon bow. The cards feature a variety of four legged friends, plus other birthday themed designs and are complemented by a spotted, kraft envelope. There are 20 designs in the collection which include relations and occasions captions.
Apple & Clover
+447790 900976
www.appleandclover.com
Nature and all things spiritual were the inspirations behind Counting Stars’ new Magical collection of 30 intricately hand-painted designs. Magical illustrations and motivating captions depicting love, hope and good fortune combine on a mission to bring light and a little bit of magic into the recipient’s life.
Counting Stars
01424 434062
www.fivedollarshaketrade.com
Strong animal illustrations set against contemporary colour backgrounds with a punchy birthday pun caption are the three main ingredients in Noel Tatt’s new Manomals range. There are 12 birthday designs in the collection, all 160mm square in format. Printed on FSC textured board, the cards come with a luxury graphite grey envelope and are available wrapped or nested with a kard klasp.
Noel Tatt
01227 811600
www.noeltatt.co.uk
What’s better than a fabulous greeting card? A fabulous greeting card with an added extra! And there are so many great products about offering a card and gift in the same small package which can be popped in the post for the price of a stamp – albeit sometimes a large letter one. PG looks at just some of the innovative ideas around.
Is it a card? Is it a gift? No, it’s even more exciting than that – it’s a card with a gift attached!
And the various versions, from bookmarks and jewellery, through coasters and jigsaws to baubles and patches have all come about because publishers want to offer even more value.
For Yoojoo it’s always been about that something extra as owner and designer Julie Ashworth has based her whole business on the
idea since setting up almost a decade ago after the bookmark cards she made for pals went down a storm.
“With the increase in postage costs cards that give that something extra have great appeal,” Julie said. “When I first started making bookmark cards some people tried to warn me off saying ebooks were going to kill off paper books, but I’m glad to say the resurgence of bookshops has proved them so wrong.”
Chocolate’s nigh on always an acceptable gift for any occasion and Rosie Made A Thing has gone one better by incorporating the sweet stuff into a card.
And the move, which has come to fruition in less than six months after the Cambridge Confectionery Co approached the renowned humour publisher with the idea, has only gone and made it into the Gift Of The Year finals already!
“Back in May 2023 they proposed a collaboration of our two favourite things,” product development manager Charlotte Dudley explained, “cards –obviously! – and chocolate. We loved the idea of supersizing card-giving to include a delicious choccy treat.
“After some serious sampling we chose our four favourite flavours – milk chocolate drizzle, salted caramel, dark chocolate with raspberry, and rocky road. Within these flavours we’re pleased to be able to offer vegetarian and vegan options.”
Fully launched at Spring Fair, the Choccy Cards range contains nine of Rosie’s top Gin & Frolics designs printed on cardboard packaging, each with a hefty chocolate bar inside, which can be shown off in store in the cheekily chomped display unit.
Charlotte added: “Early sales have been amazing! Customers have been excited by the innovation,” and the Choccy Cards – which are one of just six finalists in the GOTY 2024 Card, Wrap & Stationery category – can be slipped into an envelope to post a sweetly cheeky greeting.
In addition to an 18-strong bird range which include origami ‘beaks’ as page keepers, her Monsters and Tall Tales range include integral bookmarks which can be popped out using the perforations. She also has her Plectrum range which came about by chance after Julie gave her guitar-maker son a plectrum cutter and ended up playing with it herself, coming up with plectrums made from upcycled gift store cards saved from going to landfill.
Julie added: “Some stockists like to keep them by the till as they’re a great little impulse buy with great eco credentials,” as are her bookmarks which give the cards a much longer life.
Similarly, sustainability is at the forefront for UK Greetings which is always looking for new ways of offering novelty and play value through paper engineering and innovation.
Above: Bookmarks and plectrums from Yoojoo.
Below: Disney features on UKG’s Build Your Own designs.
designs for 2024 along with a spin-off range of different-shaped die-cut baubles in a more graphic style.
Baubles are also a new product for Paper Mirchi where owner Rani Moochhala started with wooden prototypes then moved to recycled rigid boxboard as a more affordable base material for the detachable hand-marbled Christmas ornament with gold hanging string.
It’s Disney Build Your Own designs offer collectable figurines that folks can have lots of fun building themselves from the pop-out pieces that come with the card.
Sticking with the Disney theme, UKG is about to bring to market iron-on patch designs which add value to the cards and make amazing keepsakes that can upcycle a denim jacket or rucksack with a classic cartoon character.
And patches are the key to Redback Cards’ Shine range which was sparked by a reversible sequin top that owner Chris Stanley’s daughter Ella was given.
“Shine isn't just about sending a card,” senior designer Luka Thorp said, “it's about sharing a piece of joy that sticks around long after the card's been opened. Adding these removable and reusable keepsakes adds an extra layer of value that has played a big part in the range’s success.”
Having seen Ella’s top, Luka and the Redback team came up with the detachable flippable sequin patches for Shine and have brought out new
for the 14 different seed varieties, from beefriendly wild flowers to herbs, strawberries and Norwegian spruce for the festive designs, and the latest designs include cocktail recipes.
Owner Sarah Jackson said: “I’d been really keen to design a range of cards that had an added extra gifting element to it for a while and really wanted to launch a first-to-market product. One morning when I was planting some tomato seeds in the garden the idea came to me!
designs to meet trends while the dinosaur, unicorn, Smiley and sausage dog are consistent bestsellers.
Stormy Knight has proved something extra is a winner with a Henries 2023 awards trophy for its Bloom seedstick cards, that really meet the eco vibes of the genre.
Each card comes with five biodegradable and sustainable seedsticks and growing instructions
“Sourcing took a little while – I discovered the seeded papers, which are great but have a more limited product offering and wouldn’t allow me to use gold foiling, which is a core part of the Stormy Knight brand offering.”
And she’s used her experimentation with print processes to expand into a Christmas Bauble collection, threaded with satin ribbon to be popped out and hung on the tree.
Having worked with the Utility store group in Liverpool to create bespoke versions featuring local landmarks, as well as some for the Houses of Parliament gift shop and Curated Cambridge Museums, Sarah has new
Rani explained: “We wanted to develop a range that was a gift and card at the same time. We went through a few rounds of tweaks and finally settled on the boxboard which has worked very well. The Keepsake collection got an excellent response at Spring Fair where we first launched the cards.”
Me To You is all about sharing the moments that matter and Carte Blanche has taken the bauble to new heights with its keepsake cards boasting that extra element of a 3D lenticular design bringing key character Tatty Teddy to life.
The detachable cardboard plaques feature a silk ribbon for hanging with the Christmas designs featuring festive bauble shapes, while there are also everyday captions and key seasons such as Valentine’s Day, Mother’s Day and Father’s Day. A trio of cards with extras links Love Country from the baubles through to jewellery, as director Sarah Reilly really piles on the added value.
Her detachable wooden baubles made the Gift Of The Year 2024 shortlist and feature a festive story on the reverse of the card written by the artist, while the Forever Cards are just that, a wood plaque that doubles as both the card and gift to be hung as a keepsake by the jute string – and there’s an accompanying tale about the design on the reverse.
And Tiny Tales offers silver earrings on a collection of 10 expanding story cards, which extend to tell an illustrated tiny tale complete with a grey embossed gift box that can be used to store the jewellery.
“Crumble & Core began as a card company and we wanted to stay true to that,” co-owner Louise Pike said of the publisher’s journey into
adding that something extra. “Most of our customers are boutique gift shops and we wanted to offer them gifts as well so we combined the two and created really special cards and gifts in one.”
First came the boxed card with silver jewellery which now boasts over 400 designs, then the boxed candle and mini card, and now there’s the recentlylaunched card with a ceramic keepsake attached, which fits the large letter dimensions and covers love, friendship, mum, daughter, and new baby.
Louise added: “Cats and dogs are always popular but trending for us at the moment are our guinea pig and elephant designs! Cards and gifts in one are ever popular as they have that letterbox love factor.”
Talking of Letterbox
Love, that’s the perfect name for Kerry Bilson’s business where she offers sentimental ranges just right for sending through the post with a card, and she’s just launched a new seeded card and bracelet collection so the card can be planted and the gift treasured.
Below:
Head of design Anna Price and the team “wanted to be able to convey a positive message in a meaningful and longlasting way long after the card had been taken off the mantlepiece”. Having decided to do it with “ontrend” alphabet beads and bright abstract artwork with wording including happy, peace, dream, fabulous, magical, mama, and bff, Anna said the difficulty was in figuring out how to attach the bracelet to the card.
“It was a challenge,’ she added, “but we got there in the end with a tent-fold design, and neon pink elastic and a lobster clasp on the bracelets.”
Danilo is always looking at ways to diversify and improve its greetings offer and Coaster Cards are its relatively new format, with licensing director Dan Grant saying they “came about as an innovative way to combine added value and a more sustainable feature”.
He added: “With extras such as hair clips
There’s something special going down at Jen Winnett Art where founder Jen King has come up with a revolutionary idea that she’s keeping tight-lipped about until the official launch at PG Live in June.
Teasing about her “secret project”, Jen promises it will keep “the personal touch of a handwritten card while adding a playful, interactive element that will both preserve and expand the industry. Almost a year in the making, the time is nearly here to launch.”
publisher Pasell is fine-tuning its Animal Friends jigsaw puzzle cards offer.
“It’s affordable, eco-friendly and unique, a gift that keeps on giving,” Kerry said. “The collection was inspired by my mum as the family dog of 20 years passed away and I wanted to give something to bring her comfort.
“I wrote a Sympathy Pet Loss poem complete with an adorable paw bracelet, then the thought came, what if we could plant the card in tribute?”
And just a few months later, Letterbox Love’s first Seeded Card & Wish Bracelet collection was launched, adding to its constantly evolving sentimental ranges.
Wearable gifts are the latest from Hotchpotch with the Lucky Dip range, where each card includes a cute bracelet.
Sales director Pascal Veen said: “Imagine the delight on your loved ones' faces as they receive a beautifully crafted card, only to discover it holds an exciting surprise within – a jigsaw puzzle featuring the same captivating image! It's a gift that keeps on giving, offering both heartfelt sentiments and entertainment.”
female juvenile designs, a coaster is a great item, especially on male adult captioned cards, that provides a sustainable use to the product as well as giving the recipient an extra keepsake.
The range covers adult brands such as Peaky Blinders, Wallace & Gromit and Only Fools And Horses and new designs from licences like The Grinch are already in the mix for the Christmas collection.
Looking at the cards with extras trend from a different angle, Dutch
As retailers are always puzzling about ways to give customers added value this variety of cards with added extras shows publishers are determined to help the pieces fall into place.
Growing up, it was always Ian Saxton’s instinct to draw anything which sparked an interest, be it a passing train, a building or an animal, which he would commit to memory and then re-imagine it on a sketch pad.
Always destined for a career in an artistic field, PG follows his creative pathway which has spanned greeting cards, plush toys, graphics with more to come in his renaissance as a freelance illustrator.
“It was clear at school that I was always going to go down a visual arts or design route. For a while I had a notion that I may become an architect, but the mathematical side of architecture and the length of the courses put me off that option. So, after doing A levels in Art and Printmaking I signed up for a general foundation course at Blackburn college.
I then chose to pursue graphic design at Newcastle Upon Tyne Polytechnic, as it was a very open course.
My first job after leaving poly was, funnily enough, for a large architectural company in Manchester called Building Design Partnership. I was part of a team which produced presentation boards and brochures, logos and sign systems for buildings.
I left BDP in 1991 and decided to try my hand at freelance illustration. I was fortunate that I knew someone at The Chase design group in Manchester and so started doing some work for them. I picked up a few more clients and eventually joined the New Division illustration agency. I would describe my work at New Division as early 20th century poster style with the Cassandra railway posters and Russian constructivism inspirations for me. It was all manual gouache and acrylic artwork back then, with lots of ‘stippling’.
Towards the end of the nineties it was becoming clear that I had been somewhat left behind by the digital revolution that was reshaping the old world of drawing boards and type setting. So, in 2000 I bought an Imac and set about the torturous task of teaching myself Photoshop and Illustrator from a couple of educational DVDs.
It was at this time that I responded to an ad in the local paper which simply read ‘Artists wanted’. It turned out to be for Hambledon Studios, a leading wholesale card publisher and thus I entered the world of greeting cards.
Hambledon was a great place to work. We sometimes had workshops and were encouraged to try out new styles and subject matter. I mainly worked in traditional styles, but also moved into cute.
Above left: Ian Saxton is very happy with the way his freelance work is going.
Above: A traditional wildlife depiction by Ian.
Left: A cute approach from Ian.
Below left: Ian was full of the joys of Spring when he created this design.
Below right: Some contemporary styling and colour palette from Ian.
Bottom middle: A quirky festive design from Ian.
All good things must come to an end and Hambledon closed in 2013. I was then shipped over to the Hallmark ‘mothership’ in Bradford. The wholesale part of Hallmark continued to shrink, and so I moved to the Tesco team within Hallmark and really enjoyed three years with them. I was a general designer for Tesco, but my illustration led me to the ‘ideation’ team, or for non-Hallmark speakers, the illustration studio.
I spent two years with the Hallmark illustration team and looking back, it was like going back to university. As well as working with really brilliant people, we also had special ‘creative days’, when we would go off to Bradford College and make use of its facilities for screen printing, laser etching, wood block typesetting, lino-cutting etc.
I left Hallmark in 2020 and had a three year break from illustration and worked for 8th Wonder, a Wigan-based plush toy design company. I never fully lost touch with the greeting cards world though as I spent a lot of my time working on seasonal plush for Clintons. After three years I decided to leave and dived back into the world of freelance illustration. Within the first couple of weeks I contacted Hannah at Creative Sparrow which has led to a steady flow of sales and commissions.
I am currently developing some more signature looks and a lot of my inspiration at the moment comes from the ‘naive’ painters of the St Ives School, such as Alfred Wallis and Ben Nicholson, and mid 20th century British artists such as Eric Ravilious and Paul Nash.
Being freelance in 2024 is a lot more comfortable than it was back in the 1990s. No more running to the post office to catch the last post or forking out for couriers to send things to London for the next morning. I can now just press a button and off it goes!
I am coming up to my first anniversary of going freelance again and I’m looking forward to another year of creative evolution.”
l Ian Saxton is represented for licensing and commissions by Creative Sparrow.
Liz Stevenson and Jo Parker, owner and assistant of You, Stamford. A popular medium sized card, gift shop and lifestyle shop in a picturesque Lincolnshire market town.
Category Name of Publisher Product/Name Range Comments
Everyday Relations and Occasions
Humour
Children’s
Adult ages
Cute
Giftwrappings
Wendy Jones-Blackett
Louise Mulgrew
Five Dollar Shake
Redback
Rosie Made a Thing
Caroline Gardner
Rush Design
Molly Mae
The Porch Fairies Paper Mirchi
Quicksilver
Bijou
Crystal Curiosities
Holy Flaps
Gin & Frolics
Little Letters
New England Flutter on the Breeze Generally Generally
“Every design is a winner – customers love the bright foiled cards.”
“Simple and beautiful cards – no customer just buys one.”
“Super special hand-embellished cards that are worth every penny.”
“Just hilarious.”
“Rosie gets it right with humour that customers can relate to.”
“A cute new range of children’s ages that is proving popular.”
“Customers love the larger card and the classic designs.”
“The new designs with the bright foiled colours are selling well.”
“Beautiful nostalgic cards that transport customers back to their childhood.”
“Exquisite, hand-marbled designs on 100% recycled cotton paper. The slightly higher price has not put anyone off as it is stunning.”
Daniel Lee, owner of The Card Gallery, Wimborne. A popular shop stocking a large range of cards, accessories and gifts in a Dorset market town.
Everyday Occasions
Sentiment
Cute
Photographic
Humour
Children’s
Spring Seasons
Nigel Quiney
Lucilla Lavender
Cherry Orchard
Nigel Quiney
Abacus Redback
Ling Design
UK Greetings
Ling Design
Nigel Quiney
Pizazz
Charm; Anna Grace Doodle
BBC Countryfile; BBC Gardeners’ World; BBC Springwatch; BBC Wild Isles
Cloud Nine; Holy Flaps
Ziggy Star
Valentine’s: Boofle Mother’s Day/ Easter Mother’s Day
“Mass appeal at a good price point.”
“The fresh styling and handwritten captions work well.”
“Great combination of design and sentiment.”
“Cute, but not overly so.”
“Great images and the branding of the BBC well-loved programmes helps attract attention.”
“These two ranges just hit the button.”
“Wide appeal.”
“These three publishers are the masters of Spring Seasons for our customers.”“
Giftwrappings
You just can’t go wrong with Glick.” Category Name of Publisher Product/Name Range Comments
Glick
Across the board
Everyday
Humour
Children’s
Photographic
3D/Pop-up
Small cards
Giftwrappings
Caroline Gardner
Paperlink
Louise Mulgrew
Bold & Bright
Rosie Made a Thing
Redback
Paper Salad
Rachel Ellen
Woodmansterne
Second Nature
Lagom
Glick
Joyful Notes; Special Celebrations Route 69; Paloma Across the board
Across the board
Babble; Gin & Frolics Holy Flaps
Jamboree; Star Jumps Cherry on Top; Star Jumps
Framed; Loose Leashes
Various
Mini Cards
Across the board
Wax Melts Category Name of Publisher Product/Name Range Comments
“Consistently good.”
“Great for male and female birthdays.” “Fun and quirky designs.”
“Cheeky and fun.”
“Has a huge following.”
“These resonate with people.”
“Bright and lots of choice.”
“The designs are very child-friendly.”
“Wide variety of designs.”
Gifts/self-purchases
Freckleface
Lara Wares and Emma Watson, owner and card buyer of Threads, Harpenden. A well-loved sized card and gift shop in a desirable Hertfordshire town. Category Name of Publisher Product/Name Range Comments
Everyday
Humour
Children’s
Teenagers
Adult ages
Cute Art 3D
Male Giftwrappings
Caroline Gardner
Woodmansterne
Think of Me
Cinnamon Aitch
Redback
Rosie Made a Thing
Dandelion
Cath Tate
Tracks
Kali Stileman
Cinnamon Aitch
Dandelion Stationery
Caroline Gardner
Ruth Jackson Lagom
Museums & Galleries
Canns Down Press
Green Pebble
Dry Red Press
Tracks
Rosie Made a Thing
Glick
The Art File
Penny Kennedy Generally Generally Generally Generally
Cloud Nine; Holy Flaps Gin & Frolics Words of Wisdom Photocaptions
Gogglies; Fluff Generally She; He Kaboom
Across the board
Pencil Shavings Generally Generally Generally Generally Generally Lenticular Male designs Generally Generally Generally
“The spinner makes a very eye-catching display.”
“Great pick-ups, customers buy several at a time.”
“Great designs and well-priced.”
“They smell gorgeous and look very gifty.”
Karen Hardwick and Sally Pope, owner and card buyer of Cranbornes, Shaftsbury and Dorchester. A duo card and gift shops in historic Dorset towns.
“You can’t go wrong with these four publishers and their variety of designs.”
“Customers love the risque ones.”
“Great for everyday and occasions.”
“The words make these so relatable.”
“Our middle-age+ customers love the images.”
“They fly out.”
“Really strong illustrations.”
“Great contemporary designs.”
“A bit of silliness.”
“They cover everything.”
“There’s nothing else like them.”
“Consistent appeal.”
“These four publishers collectively offer such a variety of art styles, I am spoilt for choice to pick what our customers will like.”
“Clever and eye-catching.”
“Male cards are still tricky, but Rosie gets it right.”
“While Glick covers the mainstream buys, The Art File and Penny Kennedy offer something more upmarket.”
G i C d reetting ar s
i
ww info w. o@ pas @pas ell sel pu lpu blis ublis hin shin g. ng com com m info@passel ublisshinng..com
THE GREATEST COLLECTION OF GREETING CARDS IN THE WORLD
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E: info@Xpressyourselfcards.co.uk
WWW.XXPRESSYOURSELFCARDS.CO.UK
PRODUCTS: World’s leading publisher of high quality plastic greeting cards. Also an extensive range of quality greeting cards covering Everyday, Occasions, Christmas and Spring seasons.
BRANDS: Cherished Thoughts, Sweet Sentiments, Buddies Always, Symphony, Thinking of You, Style, Special Wishes, Special Times, Young Editions, Groove Sensations, Forever Blessed, Grey Skies, Classics.
METHOD OF SALE:
SENSATIONS –Direct to retail
XPRESS YOURSELF –Now one of the leading wholesale publisher suppliers in the UK
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
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
