Progressive Greetings Worldwide May 2017

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On The Cards Calling all industry brains, we have an important collective quest to solve... to come up with a tagline that crystalises, in a short snappy phrase, what greeting cards do. The GCA Tagline Challenge that went live recently has got off to a full gusto start with submissions flooding in from all directions. There are loads of great ideas already, such as ‘One splash of ink makes a million think’, ‘No computers needed for this card’, ‘My paper hug is in the post’, ‘My paper hug loves you the most’ and ‘No better way to say it’.

The deadline isn’t until May 19 so you still have time to get your thinking caps on. It will be great to have them all on display at PG Live (not long now!) on June Tuesday 6 and Wednesday 7, at which you will be able vote for your fave phrase. While the springboard for the whole idea was to promote Thinking of You Week, I have no doubt that the winning entry (or entries if it is joint winner) will be able to be used on PoS, in press activity, on sign offs, brochures and digital media.

And talking of the digital world, just as I totally believe that greeting cards will never be replaced by texts, emails or temporary Snapchat messages, I would like to think that Progressive Greetings magazine will maintain its place in tangible form, having its editorial pages flicked through, pages turned over at interesting adverts, Post-it notes applied to highlight snippets of interest. That said, the physical does co-exist with the virtual, hence the reason we’ve launched PGBuzz.net, our brand new twice weekly e-newsletter that lands in over 9,000 inboxes of cardies all over the world every Tuesday and Thursday to keep you up to date with news and comment in the period between the magazine itself being

Above: The PG Buzz team (left-right) Jakki Brown,Michelle Board, Gale Astley, Warren Lomax, Rob Willis, Ian Hyder and Samantha Loveday (Tracey Arnaud is very much part of the team, but not in this photo!)

Right: PG’s Warren Lomax and a happy bunny in Paperchase in front of the Easter card display.

Below: Beside the impressive art installation in GF Smith’s London Show Space where the judging of the On The Cards competition took place. (Left to right) Mark Jessett (GF Smith), PG’s Jakki Brown, GCA’s Sharon Little, Hazel Williams and Emma Clooney (both of Paperchase), Reggie Pugh, Phillippa Phipps, Nigel Willcock (all of The Art Group/Paper Rose), Lisa Stickley (illustrator, author) and Michael Czerwinskai (House of Illustration).

published. If you haven’t received PGBuzz.net and would like to (it’s free) then go to www.pgbuzz.net. Let me know what you think or if you have any comments or news you want to share.

And there is lots of industry news around at the moment. Easter trade was great; The Art File was awarded a Queen’s Award for export; WHSmith is flying the flag for British greeting card design in its new PoS; Asda is installing a whole new greeting card approach (more on this next month!) and best of all... the finalist of The Retas 2017 greeting card retailing awards have bene announced! (see pages 33-34).

Life is for living – enjoy every minute!

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Contents

What’s Inside With This Issue:

37

FOCUS ON HUMOUR CARDS

15

39 8-23

36-37

55-57

News

In Conversation With... Lagom Design

Art Source

24-25

Lagom Design celebrates its 10th anniversary.

A Decade Of Balance

Over The Counter

Heart & Soul Independent card and gift retailer, David Robertson, co-owner of JP Pozzi in Scotland, discusses how indie retailers’ stores are their heart and soul.

26-27

Lynn’s Lines

Disruption

39-41 Industry Issue

Political leanings Why, in this politically charged climate, is there a lack of politically-themed card designs?

Cardsharp

The Good, The Bad And The Ugly

59-61

62-74

Classified 75

Appointments

43-47

Innovations

Cardsharp muses over topical events happening in the industry.

Showcasing some of the new card launches at Pulse.

29-31

49-51

57

Jeremy’s Journal

Viewpoints

How’s It Going?

PG discovers how the first quarter of trading this year has shaped up for indies.

33-34

The Numbers Blue Eyed Sun’s Jeremy Corner admits his distraction regarding the number of views and shares of his Greeting Card Project.

52-53

The Retas Rollcall

The Retas 2017 Finalists

What’s Hot? Progressive Greetings is a monthly business magazine.

SUBSCRIPTIONS: UK subscription: One year £50 Two year £85 Three year £110 Overseas subscription: One year £75

Jakki Brown

Warren Lomax

Gale Astley

Editor

Advertisement Director

Deputy Editor

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galea@max-publishing.co.uk

SUBSCRIPTIONS ENQUIRES: maxsubscriptions@marketingreinforcements.co.uk Tel: 020 8943 9541

PG is the official magazine for the Greeting Card Association GCA: Sharon Little 020 7619 0396 Email: gca@max-publishing.co.uk www.greetingcardassociation.org.uk Use your smartphone app to scan the QR code to visit our website.

Copyright© 2017. While every effort has been made to ensure the information in this magazine was correct at the time of publication, the publishers cannot accept legal liability for any errors or omissions, nor can they accept responsibility for the standing of advertisers nor any organisation mentioned in the text. Views of contributors do not necessarily reflect those of the publishers.

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NEWS TOP STORY

Cracking Easter Card retailers ‘hoppy’ about third Spring Season The mild weather and a later Easter date pushed up sales for card and gift retailers for this year’s third spring seasonal event, with demand exceeding supply in many cases.

Strong window displays and instore graphics from specialist multiples such as Paperchase, Scribbler, Clintons, Card Factory and John Lewis served to prompt consumers to stock up on their Easter cards, while indies were also able to make the most of the new ‘free to download’ Easter PoS from the GCA website (created by UK Greetings) to promote the event.

“Easter this year caught a few retailers out, who underestimated the demand for Easter cards,” commented South-West sales agent Rosie Trow. “This is the one season that favours the independent card and gift shop, as the more mature purchasers will gravitate there first to look for their cards rather than when they are at the supermarket. In addition, we now have a more established ‘family’ send of people wanting to keep it touch.”

These words were echoed by Fiona Fabian, owner of Papyrus in Glasgow: “We just about ran out of single Easter cards, with a few days to go, so I had to rummage around to find some old stock we keep in case of emergencies!”

Rachael Barnes, co-owner of Dragonfly Cards and Gifts in

Below: Part of the Easter display of Dragonfly Cards and Gifts.

Below middle: Easter PoS available for indies to use from the GCA.

Find a new tagline for greeting cards

Knaresborough, confirmed a cracking Easter trade too.

“Easter is now bigger for us than Father’s Day. The trend in recent years for Easter decorations has helped, as we now sell as many Easter gifts as we do cards. We had an Easter tree decorated in the window of the shop and that drew people in.”

Another Retas award winning retailer, Pete Whiteman co-owner of DzoDzo, Woodbridge, told PG that his sales of Easter cards were up around 8% on last year. “It is the one season that’s getting bigger and more important every year. We have introduced many smaller publishers to enhance the range from the larger companies to provide us with something that sets us apart from the crowd.”

Clintons’ VP marketing and eCommerce Tim Fairs said the specialist multiple was “really pleased” with its Easter sales. “We’ve had significant growth versus last year, and seen a massive demand for cello card packs, confectionery and plush.”

Sign of the Times ‘Christmas comes twice a year with Easter trees and gifts’ was the attention grabbing headline of an article in the Times newspaper, which proclaimed that Easter is fast becoming the second biggest retail event after Christmas, worth an estimated £550 million in 2016, according to research firm Mintel.

The Times celebrated that one of the biggest trends is Easter gifting, with sales of gift bags up 125% on 2016. Sales of Easter products have doubled at John Lewis. Greeting card and seasonal buyer Lisa Rutherford is quoted: “A lot of families take time out to come together to celebrate, and Easter is no longer simply about chocolate eggs, but making your whole home feel special in the same way that you would at Christmas.”

It’s a trend Sarah Barker, head of UK creative at IG Design Group, has noticed becoming bigger and bigger in the UK with a growing market for crackers, bunting and small trinkets. “Decorating the home at Easter has always been big in Europe, but not so much in the UK,” says Sarah. “But we are definitely seeing that changing.”

There’s been a significant shift in Easter greeting cards over the years with single cards now much more prevalent. “There hasn’t been a huge shift in style, with religious cards and cute/spring cards still taking the bulk of the market,” says Sarah. “But this year we’re seeing simpler design, bringing in the feeling of hygge with watercolours and natural tones, but also a more editorial approach to design with feel-good quotes such as ‘somebody loves you’.”

Above: An Easter display at John Lewis in Oxford Street.

Left: Sales of Easter gift bags are up this year.

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PROGRESSIVE GREETINGS WORLDWIDE

The GCA is on the search for a new tagline that can be used across the industry – by retailers, designers and publishers – something short and sweet that sums up the importance of the emotional connection that greeting cards make. While the initial plan is for the phrase to be used to promote Thinking of You Week, the tagline will be used to promote card sending generally.

The GCA has already been inundated with some great ideas, but the more the merrier. “I had every faith in the creativity of our members, and have been blown away by the wonderful phrases they have come up with so far. Keep them coming – the deadline is May 19. The best ones will be put on show at PG Live for people to vote on and then ratified by the council in mid-July,” said Sharon Little, ceo of the GCA. Please send any ideas of a new tagline to Sharon Little at gca@max-publishing.co.uk.

Above: A card means so much.

Rhymes With Orange continues to trade One of the central London’s core independent card retailers, which owns New Frames and Rhymes With Orange, went into liquidation recently, but both stores continue to trade, having been bought back by a new company headed up by former owner Brent Milburn. Cards and New Frames Limited - trading as Rhymes With Orange on Great Portland Street and New Frames on Beak Street – went into liquidation. However, keen to continue to trade and protect jobs, Brent continues to trade as a new company (RWO London Limited) and business continues at Rhymes With Orange and New Frames.

“It was with great regret that we had to liquidate the company, but we were left with no option,” says Brent. “I cannot thank our suppliers enough for standing by us and being so understanding. At least now we have a chance to continue and remain as one of the few independent card retailers in the centre of London.”

Above: Business continues at Rhymes With Orange.

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NEWS TOP STORY

Queen’s Award For Art File Nottingham publisher flies the flag for the card industry The Art File, the Nottingham-based publisher of contemporary greeting cards, wrap and stationery has won the 2017 Queen’s Award for International Trade.

“Naturally, we’re absolutely thrilled with the news, and it is also good news for the whole greeting card sector,” commented Ged Mace, managing director of The Art File, who worked with his son James on the application, which not only had to be considered by an exacting panel, but was approved by the Prime Minister.

"As a company we’ve always recognised the opportunity to export our award-winning products to as many overseas territories as possible. With all of our products being designed here in the UK, it’s also a fantastic feeling to be showcasing the exceptional quality and creative talents of British designers to the world.”

James adds: “With the added challenges, due to recent events in the UK such as Brexit, this shows that British products are still attractive to export markets.”

The Queen’s Awards for Enterprise are the UK’s most prestigious business awards, celebrating and encouraging business excellence in the UK. As winners, The Art File has demonstrated outstanding results in international trade, successfully exporting British-made products to around countries around the world, working with many “supportive distributors and retailers,” according to Ged. This is the second year in succession that the UK greeting card industry has been feted with this prestigious export award as Blue Eyed Sun was recognised in 2016 for its success overseas.

The Art File is able to show the Queen’s Award emblem on its product for the next five years, giving added kudos and weight to its brand, both domestically and overseas. “We are also able to have a flag, but I don’t think we will be taking up that option,” said Ged. There were over 1,700 entries from businesses throughout the UK, all of which are vetted by the Queen’s Awards Board, with the finalists passed onto Her Majesty The Queen for approval. Both Ged and James will be going to Buckingham Palace later this year to collect the award from Her Majesty.

Above: Part of a design from The Art File’s Ink Press range.

Left: James (left) and Ged (right) Mace of The Art File.

Next Episode carries on David Worrall’s legacy Greeting card publisher Next Episode has acquired the stock and full reprint rights of David Worrall’s Little England Gallery following the death of David.

Dennis Woodruff, managing director of Next Episode Greetings, said: “Animal illustrations are timeless as a new breed of consumer arrives year after year. These particular illustrations are exceptional and will probably still sell 25 years from now.”

The Little England Gallery was founded in 1993 by artist David, an accomplished painter, to sell both limited editions of his paintings as well as greeting cards across nautical, floral, and animals - the latter attracting an especially strong following.

This acquisition comes as Next Episode continues to grow its greeting card business, which also includes Cardworks (sold via agents) and its online division, Card Ovation.

Left: David Worrall’s illustrations are timeless.

Above: Dennis Woodruff.

Ohh Deer opens second store in Ipswich

Visitors to Pulse, the boutique trade event for new gifts, modern living and fashion accessories, taking place on 14-16 May at Olympia London, will have a chance to see first-hand the new trends coming out for 2017/18. The organisers of Pulse are working with trend agency Unique Style Platform and have come up with four trend stories. These are: l Botanical: Botanical prints cover every surface, combining scattered florals with illustrated herbs and leafy greenery. l DIY: Scribbles, doodles, paint drips and hand markings combine with hyper-real digital artwork. l Functional: A simple and focused mood, where flat colour and bold shapes play a starring role. l Retro pop: Print and pattern is key, taking inspiration from retro gaming, futuristic worlds, neon lighting and computer graphics.

Ohh Deer, the publisher known for its ranges of quirky cards and stationery, has opened its second store, this time in Ipswich. The store is a fabulous showcase for the company’s products, which features designs by over 100 different designers, artists and illustrators.

The new store, which follows on the company’s retail debut in Loughborough at the end of last year, is especially poignant for Mark Callaby, Ohh Deer managing director and co-founder, as Ipswich is his hometown. This provides a perfect balance as Loughborough, where its first store is based, is the hometown of fellow cofounder Jamie Mitchell!

Right: A card from Brie Harrison taking in the botanical theme

Above: Inside the new Ohh Deer store in Ipswich.

Trends at Pulse

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NEWS TOP STORY

Backing Britain New signage from WHS/Funky Pigeon celebrates UK publishers Banging the drum for British card publishing, a fresh new display concept has been unveiled in WHSmith Travel’s flagship store in London’s Victoria station on April 21.

The new concept, which is anchored by prominent Point of Sale emblazoned with Designed in Britain, also boldly displays the names of the card publishers whose designs feature on the new units.

Among the publishers who are involved in this new section are Five Dollar Shake, Wendy Jones-Blackett, Belly Button Designs and Tache, while other publishers (such as Portfolio, The Art Group, Star Editions, The Art File and Camden Graphics) are included in an Hello London display.

Raising the profile of cards with sub-postmasters

This new approach is also evident in Harrods’ concession store, which was installed last month. The publishers included in the Harrods display are: Caroline Gardner, Five Dollar Shake, Velvet Olive, Belly Button Design, Ezen Designs and Hammond Gower.

Commenting on Hammond Gower's involvement in the new display initiative, Nicci Hammond, co-owner said: "Considering how many publishers there are in the UK we feel very flattered that we’ve been chosen as one of the few Best of British. We produce 100% of our cards here in the UK and are very proud of being able to say this."

Above: The new look in WHSmith’s Travel store in Victoria Station, London.

Left: Part of the display in the WHSmith Harrods concession in Harrods.

Stationery increases at WHS Business is looking strong for the WHSmith group, with the interim results for the six months to 28 February, released earlier in April, showing a good first half performance with earning per share up 7%. Stationery sales were singled out in the statement from Stephen Clarke, group chief executive, who stated: “In High Street, profit was in line with expectations, matching a very strong performance from last year. Stationery performed particularly well over the Christmas period driven by strong sales from our new seasonal product ranges.”

(See Cardsharp pages 26-27)

Rachel Ellen celebrates 20 years in business It’s celebration time for Rachel Ellen Designs who is looking to mark the company’s 20th anniversary in a whole programme of ways this year.

Designer and former ballet dancer Rachel Church set up Rachel Ellen Designs in 1997, creating hand-drawn characters on the kitchen table in her London apartment. A year later her future husband Justin, also a former ballet dancer, joined the company and they haven’t looked back.

“It was all the great unknown when we started,” says Rachel. “Coming from a completely different background there was literally everything to learn, all I wanted to do was find something else I could actually do and enjoy doing without retraining!”

Rachel has seen a lot of changes in the industry over the past 20 years. “Looking back, there weren’t so many greeting card companies and the industry seemed to be dominated by a few big players. There was no internet, which has probably had the most effect in so many ways.”

The company recently moved to newer, bigger premises in Nottingham as the business keeps expanding.

Left: The Rachel Ellen Designs team in its new premises.

The GCA’s ceo Sharon Little has met with top executives of the National Federation of SubPostmasters (NFSP) recently to talk about how it can get involved with more GCA initiatives.

As David Gold, retail consultant on the NFSP Retail Engagement team, said: “Greeting cards are ideal products for subpost offices to stock, but so many of our 9,500 independent members are not fully aware of the potential they offer. Through working with the GCA we are able to better advise and inspire our members to improve their greeting card offer.”

The NFSP is keen to promote GCA retailer membership to its members, as well as get involved with GCA events and initiatives such as Thinking of You Week, Festive Friday and the Spring Seasons PoS Toolkit.

Above: The NFSP Retail Engagement Team with Sharon Little (back row, left) and David Gold (back row, second from left).

Clintons tongue-in-cheek PR Clintons is on a roll with its PR campaign, its latest activity promises ‘A new social network for the age of emotion’ that requires ‘no batteries or power’. It is in fact the launch of a new greeting card range called Letter, the designs of which make fun of social media.

The release includes a quirky quote from Tim Fairs, VP of marketing at Clintons: “We wanted to build the foundation and DNA of the new and secure one-to-one social network in line with the ongoing trend and evolution of social towards dynamically generated and authentic Above: One of the new social user-generated and non- media inspired cards from the Letter range. syndicable content through technologies like liquidink, paper, PEN, postBOX and manTELpiece. This trend essentially abstracts the content from its presentation and distribution, atomizing content into a feed-based universe. Letter leverages real-world assets and integrates seamlessly with authentic 3-D real-world lives.”

There is a serious message behind the fun activity according to Tim: “To reinforce the value of sending greeting cards and how their tangibility far outshines anything that a fleeting image on Snapchat or hastily sent Twitter post can do. The designs are a gentle dig at those who are addicted to social media that there are more important things in life.”

PROGRESSIVE GREETINGS WORLDWIDE

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NEWS Coining it for Pots of Dreams?

TOP STORY

Political Triumph Below: The judging panel for On The Cards.

Below left: Joe’s winning designs.

Industry experts vote for On The Cards Paperchase, Paper Rose and GF Smith reward students’ card ideas following the judging of this year’s of the On The Cards competition a few weeks ago.

Joe Cox of Leeds College of Art was awarded first prize in the On The Cards student greeting card design competition for his Political Pals range. His designs featuring Donald Trump, Teresa May, Nigel Farage and Barack Obama, coupled with witty puns, caused industry experts to go “wow” during the judging of the competition that was open to creative undergraduates. He not only receives a cash prize, as well as paid work placement, but will also see his designs made into actual greeting cards and stocked in Paperchase.

“We introduced the On The Cards competition to both raise the awareness greeting cards among creative undergraduates and their tutors as a credible career choice as well as reward and encourage fresh new ideas to become a reality in the marketplace,” commented Reggie Pugh, creative director of Paper Rose and The Art Group, who together with GF Smith, Paperchase and The

Sherwood Group have spearheaded this important initiative.

Undergraduates from six leading art colleges submitted greeting card ideas, all of which went under the scrutiny of an extensive judging panel (pictured above, right-left) included Lisa Stickley (artist and author), Sharon Little (GCA), Jakki Brown (PG), Michael Czerwinski (House of Illustration), Hazel Walker (Paperchase), Mark Jessett (GF Smith), Emma Clooney (Paperchase), Philippa Phipps (Paper Rose/The Art Group), Reggie Pugh (Paper Rose/The Art Group), Gale Astley (PG) and Nigel Willcock (Paper Rose/The Art Group).

Second place went to Xian Lin of Camberwell School of Art for her Cheer Fruit range, while Lucy Ryder Howard of Leeds College of Art was awarded third prize for her Zoomorphic Harmony range (which are based on puns of celebrities).

(See Political Leanings pages 39-41)

John Lewis puts weight behind Sara Miller Sara Miller, the artist herself and the products that fanfare her stunning designs, are being celebrated by John Lewis flagship Oxford Street store through a dedicated window display as well as an ‘artist in residence’ event in the stationery and card department.

Sara Miller, who won The Henries Most Promising Artist/Young Designer award last October, first started in greeting cards, but through a growing licensing programme her designs now appear on stationery, kitchen textiles, home fragrance and tableware.

It’s hard to believe that this time two years ago Sara Miller was preparing for her first ever PG Live; fast forward to 2017 and she has just installed her first window display in John Lewis in Oxford Street showcasing the recently launched home fragrance range produced under licence by Canova.

The Sara Miller London brand is also prominent in the store’s card and stationery department, with greeting cards from The Art File, giftwrappings from Penny Kennedy and stationery from Blueprint.

In addition, the Jaz&Baz card range from Portfolio, also features Sara’s work (and named after her parents) and is also doing well.

“No matter how many other products I do, cards will always be special to me,” says Sara. “It’s where I learnt so much of what I know and I am so grateful I had the opportunity to exhibit at PG Live in 2015 which was the very beginning of this crazy journey.”

Left: Sara Miller’s window at John Lewis Oxford Street will be in place through until around the end of May.

While the new 12-sided £1 coin is causing headaches for many businesses that rely on vending or ticketing machines, giftware and party specialist Xpressions 4 U is anticipating it will boost business for many card and gift retailers who stock its Pots of Dreams products. These are ceramic money boxes that need to be broken in order to get to the savings inside – and this is where the opportunity lies!

“We know a lot of customers will be breaking their Pots of Dreams open over the next few months in order to either spend or hand the old £1 coins into the bank,” says Christine Harrison, independent sales director for Xpressions 4 U. “And then all those broken Pots of Dreams will need to be replaced, how wonderful for retailers! We are encouraging all our stockists of Pots of Dreams to plan ahead to replenish stock for summer/autumn. Maybe there’s even a chance to do a spot of promotion about the coin change, for instance, if a retailer put their business card into each Pots of Dreams they sell, then anyone receiving the pot as a gift will know where to go and buy a replacement.

We are also launching a new personalised pot Above and below: Sales stand for the summer of Pots of Dreams could which we expect to be increase with the change in £1 coinage. very popular with children in particular.”

Steve Davies is owner of RSVP Greetings in Porthcawl and has been selling Pots of Dreams for many years now, and the money boxes show no sign of slowing down. “It seems, in the current economic climate, it is now more important than ever for us all to save for those extra treats,” says Steve. “The consumer will need to bank their old pound coins by October so I expect people will be replacing their pots once they break into them. The Pots of Dreams concept of not being able to access the savings without breaking the pot really does work well.”

The public has until 15 October 2017 to bank (or spend) any old £1 coins.

PROGRESSIVE GREETINGS WORLDWIDE

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NEWS TOP STORY

Adding to the fizz

The Countdown Begins Only weeks to go until PG Live 2017 With PG Live just around the corner now (Tuesday 6 and Wednesday 7 June), the countdown really has begun with both exhibitors and show organisers putting the final touches on plans. Retailers and overseas distributors are being urged to register now to ensure they receive their free tickets and glossy Show Preview publication that will give a taster of what will be on offer at this year’s bumper greeting card exhibition.

The show, which takes place Tuesday 6 June and Wednesday 7 June at London’s Business Design Centre “will be a celebration of everything that makes the greeting card industry so fabulous – thousands of new innovative designs from over 280 companies and great camaraderie between publishers and retailers. It will be a wonderful opportunity for us all to be together at an event where business and pleasure really do meet,” commented Warren Lomax, show director of PG Live.

Abacus Cards has a very tempting PG Live show offer – three bottles of Prosecco for every retailer placing an order of £350 or over!

Right: Prosecco card from the new batch of Happy as Larry cards from Abacus.

Cracking cards

As PG was going to press, The Imaging Centre was printing the much-coveted Gold and Silver tickets that are sent to last year's Retas winners and finalists to spend at the show. The gold tickets for Retas winners are worth £150 each and the silver tickets (for finalists) are this year worth £75 each (up from £50 previously). In addition, for the first time this year, The Retas finalists for the 2017 awards (announced on pages 33-34) will also receive a £75 voucher to spend at the show.

“The Gold and Silver tickets are a great bonus for retailers and exhibitors. They can only be spent at PG Live so they are an added incentive for retailers to visit,” says PG Live’s marketing manager Jacqui Parr.

To register to attend the UK’s only dedicated greeting card show go to www.progressivegreetingslive.com.

Above: PG Live is the place to see and be seen!

Left: Bob Short, md of The Imaging Centre, in Willy Wonka mode as the digital printer pressed the button to produce the 2017 Gold and Silver tickets for PG Live.

In the picture

Stormy Knight is to launch a new kids’ age range that will make a real difference at PG Live. Some 10% of the profits of the new kids cards range, which comprises ten cheeky animal characters, is being donated to Wallace and Gromit's Grand Appeal, the Bristol Children's Hospital Charity.

Stormy Knight founder, Sarah Knight, says: “I've wanted to develop a charity range for some time, so with my kids’ age range planned for launch this spring/summer I thought that a children's charity would be perfect. There are so many great ones out there, but being based in Bristol (and having grown up here) I've always been aware of the amazing work that The Grand Appeal does, so it just seemed the perfect charity to work with.”

Below: Some 10% of the profit of the sale of these Stormy Knight cards, which are printed onto recycled ‘hairy manilla’ board, which will go to the Grand Appeal.

Make America greet again, says NobleWorks

Percy the owl will be making an appearance at PG Live on Jill Hunter’s Owl My Love stand. Percy is a tawny owl from the Kent Owl Academy in Maidstone and his job is to attend educational events and offsite visits. Jill says: “Percy works on photography shoots, experience days and therapy visits and is a very busy owl. He is very docile as he is imprinted (hand reared) and is not fazed about being around large groups of people. Due to my love of owls and animals alike I decided for every order made at PG Live a £2 donation will be made towards the care of the animals kept and rescued at the centre.”

After eight years of not publishing political designs, American card publisher NobleWorks, has gone for it with new over-the-top Trump-inspired cards.

“NobleWorks has always published political cards, but we're finding we've hit the mother lode with Trump being president. It's comic gold!” says Ron Kanfi, founder of NobleWorks. “Given the horrifically hilarious warming political climate of our great nation, in addition to our Trump cards, we've also released several timely new birthday and holiday cards for Hillary and Bernie fans, plus some female-empowerment cards.”

(See our feature on political cards on page 39-41).

Left: Percy will be making an appearance at the show.

Above: One of the new Donald Trump cards from NobleWorks.

ArtPress will launch its annual Summer Exhibition collection from the Royal Academy Exhibition at PG Live. As the exclusive publishers of the Royal Academy notecard range, ArtPress has about a week or two to select, approve and print the cards for the 2017 Royal Academy Exhibition before the show opens on June 13!

Right: An image from Mark Rochester from the 2016 Royal Academy Exhibition.

Owl’s this for fun?

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NEWS TOP STORY

Almost A Full House UKG research shows only 5% of UK households do not buy cards An astonishing 95% of all households in the UK have bought a greeting card in the last 12 months. Equally encouraging, some 88% of card buyers are adamant that paper greeting cards cannot be replaced by social media with even the youngest consumers seeing the unique value of greeting cards over social media.

These were some of the valuable insights that UKG has shared with its retail customers during a two-day independent retailer event involving a panel of eight indies held at UKG’s Dewsbury HQ at the end of March.

“Over the past five years, our research programme has encompassed speaking to over 60,000 consumers, enabling us to analyse purchasing behaviours, communication trends and shopper insights,” Jayne Myers, UKG’s commercial director commented. The retailers at the event were given an indepth overview of the research which UKG undertakes to support product development, as well as participating in a tour of the recently revamped creative studios and product showrooms.

The retailers who participated at what is the first of many such events were: Mark Franklin (House of Cards, ThorntonCleveleys and Clitheroe), Paul Heath (Days to Remember, Sheffield), Sonya and Tanya Haandrikman (Celebrations, Carlisle), Chandra and Urmila Khatri (Just Write, London), Kirstie Mogg (Sincerely Yours, Warrington) and Cathy Parker (Del’s Convenience Store, Sheffield).

“The independent sector is really important to UKG we very much value their business,” says Jayne Myers. “We

wanted to do something out of the ordinary, share our insight with them, to help drive their business forward as part of our ongoing commitment to them.”

As Tanya Haandrikman, Celebrations, Carlisle, commented of the event: “It was really interesting to see how the business operates and in future when I’m selecting cards will remember this experience and be more appreciative of the hard work that goes into the process.”

UKG research insights, at a glance: l 95% of all households in the UK have bought a greeting card in the last 12 months. l 88% of card buyers say that paper greeting cards cannot be replaced by social media with even the youngest consumers seeing the unique value of greeting cards over social media. l Some 1 in 4 people would buy into non-occasion card giving (and actually nearly 1 in 3 people in the 28-37 year age group – Gen Y).

Above: Back row, from left to right: Kirstie Mogg, Sincerely Yours; Tanya Haandrikman, Celebrations Carlisle; Emma Harrison, UKG; Sonya Haandrikman-Sibbald, Celebrations, Carlisle, and Mark Franklin, House of Cards, Thornton Cleveleys and Clitheroe.

UKG appoints new director of field sales UKG has appointed Darren Cave (below) as director of field sales, replacing Tony Roberts who is leaving UKG to take up the role of sales director at IC&G in June. After completing a Tesco Retail Graduate scheme, Darren joined the industry in 2005 with Watermark Publishing, where he was promoted to associate commercial director and involved in many aspects of the business. Darren joined UKG in 2014 when he took over as director of merchandising following on from the retirement of industry stalwart, Martyn Hammond.

Commenting about his new role, Darren said: “I’m really looking forward to working with our independent customers to ensure that we maximise every sales opportunity in this extremely challenging retail environment. It’s important to me that we continue to develop the strength of our service proposition in order to complement the outstanding product offer we have available. I expect challenging yet fun times ahead and I really can’t wait to get started!”

Alive and buzzing The greeting card world revolves on making connections, now it is going to be easier to keep in touch with everything that is happening in the industry with the new Progressive Greetings website – PGBuzz.net.

Progressive Greetings has been at the heart of the greeting card sector for over 25 years – and PG Buzz.net quickens that heartbeat. The magazine brings card retailers, publishers, suppliers, agents, wholesalers, overseas distributors and designers all they need to know on a monthly basis. And now it has a brand new online presence that will work in tandem with the publication to augment the knowledge, amplify the advice and encourage the camaraderie in the community.

Launched on 4 April, PGBuzz.net is the new digital portal for Progressive Greetings magazine, including online issues, photo galleries of industry gatherings, jobs, as well as all you need to know about PG Live, The Ladder Club, The Henries awards and The Retas awards – and up to the minute news and views from the industry.

Alongside the new website, the PG team will be sending out a twice-weekly e-newsletter (every Tuesday and Thursday) featuring hot-off-the-press news, interviews, commentary, trend analysis and much more – all delivered directly to over 9,100 inboxes. And the buzz will broaden its reach further through social media, such as its Twitter channel (@Prog_Greetings).

Jakki Brown, editor and co-owner of Progressive Greetings, says: ”I absolutely love the tangibility of greeting cards and ‘ink on paper magazines’, ‘bricks and mortar’ retailers and all things ‘real’, but the addition of PGBuzz.net will provide an additional quick and easy way of keeping up with the news and views wherever you may be. PGBuzz.net is just part of our ongoing commitment to the global greeting card community.”

Michelle Board (above), who has been part of the Max Publishing editorial team for several years, has been appointed news editor of PGBuzz.net as well as Progressive Greetings. Michelle will be working with PG editor Jakki Brown and deputy editor Gale Astley to scour for news, cracking good columnists and anything that will make readers go ‘wow, that’s interesting’ from the greeting card publishing and retailing worlds.

To make sure you don’t miss out on any of the industry news – sign up to the PGBuzz.net.

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NEWS NEWS IN BRIEF

TOP STORY

Brotherly Love Brainbox Candy launches new sibling company The company name Unknown Ink may be unknown in the card trade, but the two owners of this new publisher are certainly well-known.

Brainbox Candy’s co-founders Ben Hickman and Mark Williams are launching a brand new card company - Unknown Ink - with a distinctly different style to Brainbox Candy.

Explaining the rationale behind the launch of this new sibling brand, which debuts at PG Live in June, director Mark Williams said: “We have lots of great ideas for new ranges that don't necessarily fit the Brainbox Candy style, maybe because they are a different style of humour to our core ranges or are non-humour concepts.”

He also explained that they also regularly receive great submissions from other artists keen to license their work. “We have, in the past, had to turn down designs that we have

absolutely loved, because again, they don’t fit with our core style.

We certainly don’t want to dilute the Brainbox Candy brand identity that we have painstakingly built over the last eight years, but some ideas are too good to ignore!”

Mark and Ben feel that while some of the existing Brainbox Candy retailers will stock Unknown Ink, the new company’s designs will also appeal to retailers that currently do not deal with Brainbox.

The initial Unknown Ink portfolio will comprise 150 designs across 11 ranges.

Retailers will be able to order via the dedicated website www.unknownink.co.uk and Ben and Mark are in the process of setting up a sales team.

Left: A new design from Unknown Ink.

Wishing Well Studios moves in with Carte Blanche It is end of an era for Wishing Well Studios - and the beginning of a new chapter - as the Lancashirebased studio for the traditional sentiment brand has been closed, with its creative development now being directed from Carte Blanche Greetings’ head office in Chichester.

As Gerard O’Mahoney, commercial director of Carte Blanche Greetings, of which Wishing Well has been a part of since 2011, said: “Wishing Well remains extremely important part of our portfolio and will remain very much a separate brand with its own identity.”

Paying tribute to the Wishing Well creative team and explaining the rationale behind the move, he said: “We can’t thank Nicky Harrison and her team enough for what they have done to nurture the brand over the last six years since CBG bought the company. This decision, which has not been taken lightly, is part of our ongoing commitment to controlling costs while meeting our customers’ needs. It makes sense that the creative side of the business is closer to the commercial hub.”

Although all six of the Wishing Well studio team were offered new positions based in Chichester, these have not been taken up due to the geographical distance, so all members of the team have been made redundant.

The company is now recruiting for a new team to work specifically on the Wishing Well brand, including a “brand manager, who will be a real champion for the brand and who has a natural affinity with the sentiment and verse which has made Wishing Well so successful over the years,” says Gerard.

He is under no illusion as to the importance of getting the right team in place. “Traditional greeting cards represent the largest sector – accounting for 27% of everyday cards. Our intention is to put Wishing Well back up where it belongs at the top of the traditional sentiment market.”

l As reported in last month’s Progressive Greetings, the winners of the House of Cards Ladder Club Competition have had their sympathy cards on sale in House of Cards stores since March.

Director of House of Cards, Miles Robinson, reports that “sales of all three cards are going well and are pretty close.”

Right: Miles Robinson and Lynsey Pearson from Pearl of a Girl, one of the winning Ladder Club entries.

l New wholesale publisher, Regal Publishing has appointed Paul Yates (right) as sales director. Paul has an extensive background in greeting cards, having been at Hambledon Studios for 23 years, including 14 years as sales director.

Regal Publishing launched 100+ everyday designs along with 65 Christmas designs at the beginning of April with strong take up. l Artist Ge Feng, who coowns Forever Cards with his wife Suzanne, has applied for a patent to protect the innovative format of its new Magic Box range. The unique format for these laser-cut cards is an ingenious patented structure combining pictures on three levels to create an intricate 3D miniature world.

Above: A Magic Box 3D card from Forever Cards

l Family-owned shop, Ruddocks of Lincoln, has closed down after about 150 years of trading. The retailer of stationery, games, toys and gifts opened in the 1870s and moved to its present site on the high street in 1904. Owner, Henry Ruddock, told the BBC: “Costs are going up and business is declining.”

Below: Ruddocks of Lincoln is closing after 150 years in business.

Left: Nicky Harrison and Gerard O’Mahoney.

General election may bring relief to business rates The British Independent Retailers Association (bira) is hoping that independent retailers will not be forgotten when the political parties come to setting out their manifesto pledges. In a press release issued the day after Teresa May called the snap election, bira stated: ‘We believe business rates are fundamentally unjust for independent retailers, and that political parties should commit to implementing a business rates threshold. This would not only benefit businesses but would also mean that the government would not have to spend valuable time rolling out schemes like the £300m discretionary fund, which will have minimal effect overall.

It was a comfort to the sector when the Department for Communities and Local Government Minister Marcus Jones said that the UK needed “thriving high streets, strong independent retailers and local economies that match the exceptional growth that UK plc has experienced since 2010”.

Right: Will there be relief for indie retailers after the 8 June general election?

l Design studio, Cutture Collective, is a growing stationery company, offering some of its Fulham office facilities for use on a daily, weekly or monthly basis to other like-minded creatives. It is a light, airy open plan design studio, with a private 8-10 person meeting room, photography studio and a large 1,500sq ft manufacturing facility. See cutturecollective.com for more. l Department store retailer Morleys has opened its ninth store at a site previously occupied by collapsed retailer BHS in Bexleyheath. The department store opened just before Easter weekend.

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OVER THE COUNTER

Heart & Soul Independent card and gift retailer, David Robertson, co-owner of JP Pozzi in Scotland, back after several months’ ‘PG sabbatical’ while he totally revamped his retail business, explains that indies’ businesses are more than just shops, they are their heart and soul.

Heart It is love and loved ones, with Valentine’s, Anniversary, Wedding card sending occasions being the cornerstones of the card world.

It is the organ that pumps the blood, keeps the rhythm and gives us life.

It is a feeling - my new business filled my heart with joy.

It is the centre of something, the middle, the absolute core.

It is courage. It is determination.

It is what every self-employed business person needs and must show, especially in these challenging times.

The word ‘heart’ has many meanings and can be interpreted in many different ways. All of these can be related to you and your business - not in some superficial way, but with a very true and relevant meaning.

You are the driving force. You are the pulse that keeps the day to day working no matter what. You are the love for what you do and what you sell. You show determination, courage and drive. Heart is what every single person needs to survive and thrive.

I have picked up my pen properly for the first time in five months to write this column, and there is further news of small retail chains going under and continuing stories of others, including many indies, in freefall.

The high street continues to take a pounding from increases in core costs over which we have no control, such as the Living Wage (a further rise came into effect on April 1), Business Rates increases and of course the increase on self-employed National Insurance (NI). Successive governments just keep putting sticking plasters over the problem and in the case of NI simply rip them off again.

Other ‘plasters’ range from ‘this survey’ or ‘that business group’ putting in a new initiative or some funding. But are they 24

PROGRESSIVE GREETINGS WORLDWIDE

Top: Retailers invest their heart and soul into their businesses.

Above: David with his mum and dad in the fresh and modern newsagents, with strongly identified product areas.

Below: Retailers have to have the heart of a lion to survive business in today’s climate. A card from Lisa Jones.

treating nothing more than the superficial skin of the problem.

These rising core costs are further compounded with other things that no one can control. Decreases in footfall, customer loyalty and perhaps even a general desire from the public for having less ‘stuff’ are all clearly in evidence and these are much more complicated to solve.

We hear about these gurus who are going to fix the high street who come with a fanfare and leave with a whimper, and really no one has yet had the answer. On our local news last night (April 7) there were strong indications that by 2025 the amount of high street shops would have significantly shrunk further. A local shop owner was interviewed and was in tears practically as she described how her life was tied up in her building.

This is the problem, our businesses are personal to us. They are reflections of our tastes, of our beliefs, of what and how we like

to be treated. They aren't simply vessels to sell from, they are much more than that.

Indies, I believe, have always been better placed to ride out any issues. They are usually hugely involved, have lower costs and can adapt and change quickly, often thinking on their feet to make things a success.

Herein lies the problem.

Many of the stores that fail are often resistant to change. They may have been very successful, they may have worked for years and they may still be making money, but I really believe that a huge amount of what we do as indie retailers will need to change and improve to ensure our survival.

Small retail chains too are really just indies that maybe don't benefit as much from a local link or loyalty. Their real problem is that they can struggle for an identity and are stuck in that middle-ground where they are no longer niche, yet not quite national level. The public will accept a certain level of look and shopfit from an indie, yet if the store is in a main street or a shopping centre the public expect the shop to look a certain way, adding more pressure to store owners. So small chains, I believe, are perhaps under the most scrutiny.

And the middle players can’t play the numbers game as effectively as the larger businesses do. They don’t have the larger margin that allow for middle level management, Epos systems, and other life-savers.

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OVER THE COUNTER This was highlighted recently when I bought a gift product which came in prepriced. When I looked at the margin it was between 4 to 4.5 mark-up, and when I queried this with the company they said that when they sell the product to a certain high street chain that is what it demands.

Indeed as indies we can’t get that level of margin and yet we have as many, if not all, of the difficulties faced by the large players staff issues, cash flow, footfall etc.

So this, in my opinion, is why so many small chains have perished in the last few years. Thoughts and Cardbar, to name but two, have tried and failed. Terry Harvey, founder of M&P Cards/Occasions (which went into receivership recently) proclaimed when he opened his Occasions store in Fareham, that it was the UK’s largest indie card store, but sadly that does not guarantee success or even profit.

The pressure of costs of the Fareham shopping centre location (and indeed the other shopping centre sites he went for) were probably too much and this was despite Terry benefitting from Pay on Scan and a significant refurb investment. The bottom line is these businesses are built on sand. The money is invested in a building that is not owned and if the model fails there is no get out clause.

Believe me I don’t like saying it, but it’s true. I believe only skilled operators who understand fully the workings of these types of retail chains should even consider starting a business in this way. I am fortunate to count two of these types of guys as pals of mine, and the level of thinking and dissecting of the numbers that they do is in a different league.

There is no sentiment with them and they will quickly close a store if it is affecting the overall business. Brutal as that may sound it is essential for the overall health of their business.

So what am I saying? Small chains are very difficult to make successful – well, many of you reading my column won’t be affected.

Are indies are going to have to up their game? – well, that is true, but how? This paints a bleak picture and yet the majority of indies I speak to don’t want to just give up.

My ambition to grow my business any further has perhaps waned. I am, and will be,

Left: A design by cartoonist Oliver Preston of Beverston Press.

Below: David and his mum’s newsagents before it was revamped was looking tired and dated.

happy running successful shops (hopefully) from my own buildings where I can invest and make them how I want, but even that, in terms of pure retail, it will not be enough. Now that does not mean I am not ambitious, and it sure as hell does not mean I don’t want to be the best operator I can be. It just means that my desire to have a Pozzi or Bijou everywhere has gone.

I don’t suffer from self-doubt often, but I bet there is no indie retailer in this country who has not questioned their thinking, planning or business to some extent in the last few years. You simply would not

be normal if you hadn’t.

Business at the minute feels like that little Dutch boy plugging as many holes as possible to stop the water rushing in... as a retailer you just have to keep on plugging!

In next month’s column I’m going to explain the challenge to get my existing business from where I wanted it to be to where it is now. It is a process that started well over two years ago, before Brexit, Trump and the general crazy situation that we find in the modern day world today. It is a process that is being done against a backdrop where shops are closing more than they are opening and that the general perception is that the high street is slowly disappearing.

I’m not resistant to change. We have taken our old store and ripped up the rulebook.

I’m not going to be writing about our shop’s changes because I don’t want a pat on the back or even a wow. It is because I want to let you see that you can do it too. I want to show at least one retailer that they can, rather than they can’t.

Our original store was starting to date badly (in my opinion), especially the front newsagents/magazine and stationery part.

My mum’s (and partner in the business) card and gift end was not too bad, but the lighting was not great and it had all become a bit ‘Blue Peter’ with stands being reused/painted and adapted.

It was also obvious that the existing branding was not clear enough for the web/ social media world that we live in. So many retailers don’t understand the importance of this. Brand development can be done properly and effectively, you just need to find the right guys to work with; in my case it was CP&Co. I have had a long-list of changes to my stores, but the ambition was to plan all this within one year and then execute it in the next financial year. This way I would take the hit this investment would bring at once rather than find that these improvements would drag over a number of years.

Now I know that most of you are thinking, how can he say that the high street is slowly on its way out yet he is prepared to

invest more into his shops? Two reasons. I don’t have an option, as what else can I do?

And, in my heart, I feel it is the only way I can continue to make my business succeed.

American minister and author of The Power of Positive Thinking, Norman Vincent Peale, stated: “Empty pockets never held anyone back. Only empty heads and empty hearts can do that.”

But your heart can't always rule your business, so in next month's column I discuss finding the funding for your store.

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

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CARDSHARP

While idly trawling the TV with his remote control, Cardsharp came across the classic 1966 Spaghetti Western ‘The Good, the Bad and the Ugly’, starring a young Clint Eastwood and two long late forgotten stars of the time, Eli Wallach and Lee van Cleef. Putting to one side the appalling dubbing, the gratuitous violence and the fact the movie itself is an hour too long, Cardsharp, in a strange sort of way, enjoyed it, and for some strange reason it got him thinking about the first third of the year for our industry.

The first four months of 2017 have been interesting for the greeting card industry to say the least, reflected Cardsharp. A bit good, a bit bad and a bit ugly! Three of our major retail greeting card retailers have attracted positive media coverage as a result of their financial figures, yet almost simultaneously, there have been some nasty retail casualties this year already that those in the trade could all well do without.

We, in the greeting card industry don’t exist in a vacuum, mused Cardsharp, and however strong the card sending habit is holding up we are still just so reliant on footfall in the shops to sell our wares. So

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although post-Brexit decision the general UK economy seems to be holding up okay, conditions at retail are becoming a lot tougher. The UK consumer, whose spending has kept the wheels of the retail economy turning, is starting to max out on Joe and Joanna Public’s borrowing, while creeping inflation, as a result of the fall in the value of the £pound, is also having a negative effect on his or her spending power.

Stir into that the increase in the Minimum Wage, the burden on employees from the introduction of the stakeholder pension, and, certainly in London and the south, the big increase in business rates for

Above: The classic 1966 film.

Below: This year WHSmiths’ celebrates its 125th anniversary.

Bottom: Joy is experiencing business trouble.

most retailers, and you can see why many indies and chains are finding it tough - and increasingly this year, Cardsharp has heard it has become harder and harder for sales agents to make appointments.

This has been reflected in quite a few casualties already this year, leaving card publishers not only nursing bad debts, but loss of turnover from ongoing business.

The primarily Scottish retail chain, Greetings International, that traded as Card Land from 21 retail outlets, was one of the first casualties this year. Regil Kent, a London-based acquisitions company, bought the business last October, only to see it fail recently, leaving many publishers with a headache.

Further to the south, February saw M&P Cards, who traded as Occasions, go into voluntary administration, although eight of its 16 stores were subsequently saved by Paul Taylor of

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CARDSHARP Cardzone. M&P had bravely opened some really impressive greeting card stores, so the business failure here was a bit of a blow to anyone hoping to see another independent retail greeting card chain grow and develop.

And then just recently, Cardsharp heard rumours that Louche Limited, who trade as Joy from 21 stores (the same amount as Card Land. What is it about that number?) had appointed the KSA Group to explore preparing a proposal for a company voluntary arrangement (CVA) who was gauging reactions from publishers that supply the retail group as PG went to press.

Although Joy is primarily a fashion chain, and far removed from the likes of Card Land and M&P, in recent years it has become quite a major retailer of cards and gifts, and Cardsharp is aware of many publishers who are bracing themselves to catch a cold. This is not the first time that Joy has experienced

business troubles having succumbed to administration around a decade ago.

And then there is the trickle like effect of various indies going into liquidation or choosing to close down when their shop’s leases come up for renewal. One of the most recent of the former in London is New Frames and Rhymes with Orange, although this prominent indie player continues to trade under a new company.

But then, reflected Cardsharp, before we all start panicking, there is some positive financial news coming out in the media.

Cardsharp covered Card Factory’s impressive figures extensively in last month’s column and was also interested to read that the value chain’s long-standing and wellrespected finance director, Darren Bryant, is stepping down after eight years. A new finance director, Kris Lee, has been appointed as his replacement, and like the incumbent ceo, Karen Hubbard, Kris has cut her teeth in the retail value sector, having

Left: Card Factory’s finance director Darren Bryant is stepping down.

Below left: Card Land was a casualty of 2017.

Bottom: Paperchase’s chief executive, Timothy Melgund.

previously been financial director of Edinburgh Woollen Mill, owner of the Peacocks chain, among others.

By Cardsharp’s reckoning of the original ‘Dean Hoyle Brigade’ there is only Stuart Middleton, the long-standing creative director and industry veteran, left in a senior executive position at the plc, and understandably he is not working anything like the hours he once did.

Cardsharp was also intrigued to see the design-led Paperchase chain appear recently in the Sunday Times Profit Track 100. This league table, which shows the 100 fastest growing companies in the UK, put the card, stationery and gift retailer at number 55 in its list, reporting an impressive 75% increase in profits, up to nearly £5 million in 2016. Quite an achievement thought Cardsharp, when you consider that up until recently Paperchase struggled to make a profit and was nearly fatally hamstrung a few years ago by the collapse of the US-owned book chain Borders, where the group had many concessions. And Paperchase is now

operating from 130 stores in the UK with a further 30 international concessions and franchise sites.

Long-term chief executive Timothy Melgund (who has been there for 25 years, since it was a tiny acorn) and his team have obviously done an amazing job there.

And then there is old favourite, the venerable WHSmith plc, which this year celebrates its 125th anniversary. Not really a specialist greeting card retailer Cardsharp knows, but still a considerably important player on the greeting card front. It’s specially relevant these days with the halving in the last few years of the amount of Clinton’s outlets in our malls and high streets.

Cardsharp is never ceased to be amazed how in every financial reporting period, WHSmith manages to increase its profit on the back of decreasing sales, at least with regard to its high street chain. Meanwhile, its travel division continues to expand its sales and outlets at a rate of knots.

Cardsharp is still amazed that WHS’ High Street division’s sales were down likefor-like by 3%, but it still managed to maintain profits of £53 million. Interestingly, the retailer attributes moving stationery (into which it bundles greeting cards) to more front of store as a contributing factor in its continued success.

Funkypigeon.com, WHSmith’s digital greeting card retail division gets an honourable mention in the financials, although no figures are reported. But intriguingly for Cardsharp there is no mention in the financials of its Cardmarket value card shop chain, WHSmith’s attempt to ‘do a Card Factory’, or its up market Paper & Script brand.

Cardsharp is unsure what, if anything, can be read into the silence on these fronts, especially as when Cardmarket was launched there was talk about it growing to a 100 stores in a year, but that didn’t happen.

So there you are! The first third of the year has gone and we have already experienced the good, the bad and the downright ugly! We just could all in the industry do with a little bit more Clint (The Good!) and a little less of the bad (Lee van Cleef ) and the ugly (Eli Wallach).

As Clint would memorably say in another classic movie of his, ‘Dirty Harry’, a bit more of the good would ‘Make my Day’!

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H U G E B R A N D S , G R E AT Q U A L I T Y. EXHIBITING AT PG LIVE, 6 - 7 JUNE, STAND 318 BUSINESS DESIGN CENTRE, LONDON.

hello@pennykennedy.co.uk

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VIEWPOINTS

How’s It Going With three out of the four Spring Seasons now ticked off the calendar, PG checked in with some notable greeting card retailers to find out how the first quarter trading of 2017 has shaped up.

Overall Verdict: “Very encouraging.”

Rachael Barnes, co-owner of Dragonfly Cards and Gifts, Knaresborough: First quarter report: “The first quarter of this year has been very encouraging. Sales have been strong for us for all of the Spring Seasons so far, the rates review went in our favour, and increasing prices don't seem to be deterring customers.

While we never do a comparison until the end of April, as the varying dates for Easter skews the data, we know that we are definitely on par with last year, hopefully slightly up, but we will know for sure in a couple of weeks.”

The boons: “We have been more active with social media in 2017, and been involved in new opportunities, such as writing a blog for the giftshophub, which has been great for exposure.”

The bugbears: “The worst things in the first quarter have been the rising costs - both from suppliers and the increase in Minimum Wage at the start of the month. Thankfully, the rate review went in our favour, as we now qualify for small business relief, so the savings there will offset some of the increases.”

Buying patterns: “Customers’ buying patterns don't seem to have changed much; they still leave it to the last minute as always for the seasons, with three quarters of sales coming in the last three days!

They do however seem willing to spend a bit more for the right card; some of the cautiousness we've seen in the past is going.”

Above: The Easter display in in Dragonfly Cards & Gifts.

Left: Rachael Barnes (far right) with her mum and business partner Rita Knibbs (second left) with Paper Salad co-founders Karen Wilson (far left) and Clare Williams on the publisher’s stand at PG Live.

Overall Verdict: “Challenging, but positive.”

Pete Whiteman, co-owner of Dzodzo, Woodbridge: First quarter report: “The first quarter of 2017 has been challenging, but positive.

Allowing for the movement, Mother's Day and Easter sales have been encouragingly up by around 4% on the previous year. The first quarter was always going to be a tough time as the public became aware of price increases coming through on the back of the weaker £pound.

Would they continue to buy in the same quantity, or cut back with the tightening of the purse strings?”

The boons: “The best event to happen to us in the first quarter was the late rush for Mother's Day, when, on the Saturday prior to the event takings were up by 21% like-for-like on the same day last year. It was an impressive effort by all the ladies in the shop!

We have found that as retailers we have had to up our game, present a sharper range of cards and other products, and go the extra mile (in addition to the one we normally go), to help keep the regulars returning to enjoy their experience of shopping in the store.

We have introduced many smaller publishers to enhance the range from the larger companies to provide us with something that sets us apart from the crowd.”

The bugbears: “The hardest event to hit us in the first quarter was undoubtedly Storm Doris. The week of the storm really hit the number of people on the high street, and caused a hard few days.”

Buying patterns: “Interestingly, with everything going on so far this year - Brexit talks, weak £Pound and anything else that the media wishes to scare the public with - we have found little change in consumer patterns. The public still have the confidence to treat each other to an extra card or that extra little gift without too much thought going into the cost.”

Top: Pete and Jelena Whiteman at last year’s Retas awards.

Above: The effects of Storm Doris dampened Dzodzo’s sales.

PROGRESSIVE GREETINGS WORLDWIDE

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VIEWPOINTS Overall Verdict: “Fab.” Pete Hall, co-owner of Halls, Cardiff:

Overall Verdict: “Better than expected.”

Fiona Fabien, director of Papyrus, Glasgow: First quarter report: “Trade in the first quarter of 2017 was better than expected despite Brexit.

Although many of our gift companies have had to increase prices we have been delighted that many of our card suppliers haven’t followed suit.

Our card sales have been up 6% in the first quarter.

Although Valentine’s sales were only slightly up on last year, we had excellent Mother’s Day trading figures this year, finishing 9% up on last year overall. I do believe this was down to a good long run up to Mother’s Day, with Valentine’s cards not having to compete for space. Likewise, a late Easter has reflected on good card sales.”

The boons: “We’ve had beautiful weather this spring. The sunshine and warm temperatures brought Glaswegians out in droves and unusually for Glasgow the pavement cafes have enjoyed an early surge of customers, all helping to drive footfall up in the West End. Byres Road, where one of our shops is based, became a Business Improvement District in 2016, and we are seeing the benefits of excellent marketing for our high street.

We are in the midst of the ‘Spring Celebration’ event with lots of family events and promotions over 10 days. We have joined in on an offer from participating businesses, offering 10% discount vouchers, which is proving very popular.

We had some unexpected good news in March that our rates Top: The Papyrus shop in Byres Road has benefitted from it payable were reduced by 25% being in a Business Improvement District.

Above: The good weather brought shoppers out in Glasgow. £24K to £18K. This will help to absorb increased costs, such as increasing Minimum Wage over the coming years and Stakeholder’s Pension contributions.”

The bugbears: “On the downside, like many retailers, we’ve had new parking restrictions, which came into effect on April 1. After a fairly quiet first week we think the customers are getting used to the new restrictions, finding places to park nearby or are willing to pay £1.20 an hour - we will have to wait to see if it’s going to have a long-term effect on footfall.”

Buying patterns: “Sales of occasion cards are still increasing, with demand for more specific occasions, ie ‘Daughter’s 21st’ or ‘Father’s 50th’. I see our suppliers are responding to this trend by offering more specific occasions in their ranges.

The Spring Seasons have always been very important to us (next to Christmas). I am hoping that the momentum will keep going; however we can’t take anything for granted. I know that as the holiday season approaches customers may well tighten their belt in view of poor exchange rates, and other financial pressures mentioned in the press.”

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First quarter report: “Our first quarter has been fab. It's greeting cards all the way in our shop. We would be in big trouble if we had to rely on the sales of the gifts side of the shop.

Our Spring Season trade has been similar to previous years, which is fine.”

The boons: “The good news is that we are very much up on card sales, mainly due to adding a ‘Welsh card shop’ within our card shop. We have increased the designs of Welsh language cards enormously thanks to the help of Hammond Gower, Lucilla Lavender, Tracks, Holy Mackerel and Two Little Monkeys - all English publishers with a Welsh dictionary and access to a digital printer no doubt. The only downside to increasing the number of designs in the shop is that customers expect you to have every eventuality like ‘Get well Granny’, ‘Aunty on her 40th’, ‘Wedding wishes to a Niece’.”

Buying patterns: “We have noticed a few changes in customer buying, the main one being that as we are a destination shop our customers now tend to plan ahead more and organise themselves better so they expect to see certain occasions out earlier and very much buy more than one card at a time.

We are always thinking about promoting the cards, especially as there are so few card shops in the Cardiff area.

We have been very active on Twitter @hallsofllandaff, such as with our #card-of-the-day posts, and we have a little giggle on Facebook as well.

In addition, there is a unique quality quarterly publication in Cardiff called City Life and we try and pop an advert in there whenever we can to promote us.”

Top: Halls, Cardiff.

Above: One of Halls’ many posts on Twitter.

Left: Advertising in quality Cardiff-based publication City Life is part of Halls’ marketing.

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VIEWPOINTS Overall Verdict: "Modest."

Paul Hobbs, co-owner of Fresh, Witney:

Overall Verdict: “Stable, solid, positive and encouraging.”

Katy Sales, owner of Supersales, Belvedere: First quarter report: “The first quarter for us has sped past in a blur! But overall it has been a stable, solid, positive and encouraging start to the year. We are slightly up on last year, which we are happy about. Although we all moan about how disruptive three seasonal displays are to manage on the shop floor in a small space of time, it all helps to create interest from the consumer’s point of view. New shop layouts, new stock, fresh window displays all drive interest and sales. Keeping on top of the layout of the shop and displays really make a difference to our sales, even though it is hard work, it is totally worth it for the sales and the positive comments from our customers!”

The boons: “The best things about this year as opposed to last year are that the seasonal dates for Mother’s Day and Easter have been better placed on the calendar. It gave us more time to sell and display Mother’s Day and Easter, rather than rushing and cramming the shop with all the seasons at once like last year. The early warm weather we had in March was a real bonus and we definitely saw a larger footfall on those days because of it.

I think the early disruption from Brexit, regarding customer confidence, seems to have subsided, which is good to see.

We have recently up-graded our website and try and post on Facebook and Instagram as much as possible, which also helps business.”

The bugbears: “Valentine’s Day falling in the school holidays didn’t have a positive impact, neither did Mother’s Day falling a week before pay day for most people, but overall these seasons were good for us.

The worst side to the first quarter is the same as the last few years - that most customers now leave everything to the last minute, more or less the last weekend before the event, which leaves a nerve-wrecking few weeks beforehand, despite the fact that we were asked for Easter cards in February!”

Buying patterns: “We have seen different trends between younger and older customers develop. Younger customers definitely shop on the day they need a card or gift, on the way to the event, party, baby shower etc. Older customers we have found tend to come in and bulk buy for the week/month, and we have a few customers who now bulk buy for 6-12 months!”

Top: Katy Sales, owner of Supersales, Belvedere with the trophy the shop won in last year’s Retas awards.

First quarter report: "After a very poor January and disappointing Valentine's Day, March produced an improving picture, eventually turning the first quarter's sales around to a modest 1% increase.

While the doom and gloom merchants forecast economic oblivion for the UK after the vote for Brexit, trade has remained loyal and steady and is on a par with previous years if not producing outstanding gains. Footfall into high streets and shopping centres appears to be the biggest challenge."

Bugbears: "Valentine's Day provided little uplift through January or early February and was later than ever with a much bigger proportion of the business coming on the actual day."

Boons: "The later date for Mother's Day this year provided more sustained growth and and overall increase of 10% on card sales.

We did more online support through our social media platforms to highlight promotions and new ranges."

Above: Paul Hobbs judging the Henries awards.

Left: Cards galore inside Fresh.

Overall Verdict: “Really positive.”

Emma Gillett, partner of Special Occasions, Castle Bromwich: First quarter report: “We have had a really positive start to the year. Valentine’s was on a par with last year, while Mother’s Day and Easter were up on 2016. We always do well with Easter, I think it is an area where independents like us really score over the supermarkets.”

The boons: “It has helped that our rates bill has gone down, which has been a bit of a bonus. We are also seeing the benefits of us taking on the next-door unit and turning it in to a florists, trading as Flowers & Home. It was a way of protecting our business as last thing we wanted was another estate agent or, worse still, a boarded up shop unit. It is hard work having the two shops, but it was a good decision.”

Buying patterns: “Customers still come to us for our selection of cards, especially the traditional ranges. I was a bit worried that our customers would baulk at some of the price rises, but thankfully they haven’t.

It was good to see that customers were happy to spend £2 on individual Easter cards rather than sticking to the packs. It is definitely a growing occasion for us.”

Above: Emma Gillett (right) with her mum and business partner Pauline at last year’s PG Live writing a card for the Queen.

Left: The opening of the Flowers & Home shop next to Special Occasions has proved a boon to business.

PROGRESSIVE GREETINGS WORLDWIDE

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The Retas Rollcall

The Retas 2017

Finalists

The UK’s greeting card retail ‘forest’ comprises of many courageous, wise and very friendly creatures who are aficionados in the field of card retailing, and The Retas 2017 are dedicated annual awards that recognise and reward these UK greeting card retailers right across the spectrum for their activities in the last year.

This year The Retas Awards will take on an ‘Enchanted Tails’ animal and woodland beasts themed ball event at The Dorchester Hotel in London on Wednesday July 12, when this year’s winners will be unveiled.

Here are the official finalists of The Retas 2017.

Best Independent Greeting Card Retailer - London (inside the M25) l The Cherry Tree - East Finchley l Hallmark - Hornchurch l Nor - West Norwood l Northwood Cards & Gifts - Northwood l Postmark - Greenwich, Balham, Dulwich and Chiswick l With Best Wishes - Petts Wood

Best Independent Greeting Card Retailer - Home Counties l The Card Hall - Maidstone l Dee’s Cards - Leighton Buzzard l Paddock Wood Cards - Paddock Wood l SWALK - Lindfield l Threads - Harpenden l Zest - Crowborough

Best Independent Greeting Card Retailer - East Anglia l First Class Greetings and Plum Green - Hadleigh l Love It! - Stamford and Bury St Edmunds l Pedlar’s Gold - Fakenham l Mackenzies Cards - Gainsborough l Snape Maltings - Aldeburgh l Spots - Southwold

Best Independent Greeting Card Retailer - South West l By The Way - Bradford On Avon l The Card Collection - Bath l Celebrations - Waterlooville and Eastleigh l Coles Of Sidmouth - Sidmouth l Expressions - Swindon l Paper Gangsta - Bristol

Best Independent Greeting Card Retailer - Wales and the Midlands l Celebrations - Stourbridge l Doodlebug - Cwmbran l Sentiments - Whitchurch

l Something Special - Kingswinford l Special Occasions - Castle Bromwich l The Tutbury Present Company - Tutbury

Best Independent Greeting Card Retailer - North and Northern Ireland l Belly Button - West Didsbury and Heaton Moor l Blue Rose Gifts - Heywood l Cards & Candles - Lancaster l On Church Hill - Knutsford l Mantons Cards - Port Erin l Wishes Hallmark - Cockermouth

Best Independent Greeting Card Retailer - Scotland l Blueberry - Musselburgh l CloudyBlue - Aberdeen l JP Pozzi and Bijou - Buckie and Elgin l Kairds - Kirkwall l Papyrus - Glasgow l Polka Dot - Dumfries

Best Greeting Card Retailer Newcomer or New Branch - South l Ceri Jam - Warwick l Expressions - Broadstairs l Ohh Deer - Ipswich and Loughborough l Paper Turtle - Lewes l Peppertrees - Northampton l Sweet Autumn - Buckingham

Best Greeting Card Retailer Newcomer or New Branch - North l Baileys Cards & Gifts (Hallmark) - Ainsdale l Card Heaven - Mexborough l Celebrations - Kirkham l The Hummingbird at Shrewsbury - Shrewsbury l Joy! - Heswall l Zo & Co - Knutsford

PROGRESSIVE GREETINGS WORLDWIDE

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The Retas Rollcall

Best Independent Bookstore Retailer of Greeting Cards

Best Specialist Multiple Retailer of Greeting Cards (20+ stores)

l Aldeburgh Bookshop - Aldeburgh l Daunt Books - London, Saffron Walden and Marlow l The Guisborough Bookshop - Guisborough l Gerrards Cross & Chorleywood Bookshops

l Card Factory - 850+ stores l Cards Galore - 46 stores l Cardzone - 100+ stores l Clintons - 400+ stores l Paperchase - 130+ stores l Scribbler - 34 stores

- Gerrards Cross and Chorleywood l J&G Innes - St Andrews l Simply Books - Bramhall

Best Garden Centre Retailer of Greeting Cards Best - Non Specialist Independent Retailer of Greeting Cards - North l Cloud 9 - Edinburgh l Gee Tees - Wigan l Give the Dog a Bone - York l The Hollies Farm Shop - Tarporley l Paper Moon - Dore l Proudfoots - Scarborough

Best Non-Specialist Independent Retailer of Greeting Cards - South l The Alphabet Gift Shop - Burton-On-Trent and Mickleover l Berts Homestores - Brighton l Darts Farm Shop - Topsham l Farrants - Cobham l Little Boat Gifts - Brightlingsea l Loveone - Ipswich

Best Greeting Card Small Multiple (4-20 stores) l Bentleys - four stores in the Midlands l Between The Lines - 13 stores in the South l House of Cards - six stores in the Home Counties l Mayther - seven stores in the South l Paper & Script/ Funky Pigeon - 10+ stores nationwide l Three Wishes - Ferndown, Lymington, Ringwood

and Verwood

Best Department Store Retailer of Greeting Cards l Barkers - Northallerton l Bentalls - Kingston l Fenwicks Of Colchester - Colchester l Harrods - London l John Lewis - 29 stores nationwide l Selfridges - Oxford Street, Manchester and Birmingham

l Bents - Glazebury l Frosts - Brampton, Millets Farm, Willington and Woburn Sands l Klondyke Strikes - 22 garden centres l Longacres - Bagshot l The Mains Of Drum - Banchory l Thurrock Garden Centre - Ockenden

Best Greeting Card Retailer Initiative (for a specific project or initiative undertaken by a retailer to promote card sales) l Clintons - for its Thinking of You Week activity l House of Cards, six shops in the Home Counties - for its Sympathy Card initiative with The Ladder Club l The Lynn Tait Gallery, Old Leigh - for its Queen’s 90th Birthday Card Competition l Nor, Norwood - for its community Okido mask-making workshop and poetry balloon day l Ohh Deer, Loughborough - for its Gemma Correll instore charity event l Postmark, four shops in London - for its Feel Good Friday initiative l The Secret Garden, Borough Green - for its ‘Win Kylie for Valentine’s Day’, Beany Boo and Pots of Dreams initiatives

Best Greeting Card Service Based Wholesaler l Archway Cards - Norwich l Budget Greeting Cards - eight branches UK and Eire l Crosswear Trading - Enfield l Jacksons - Sheffield l Merseyside Greeting Cards - Liverpool l WJ Nigh - Isle Of Wight

Greeting Card Retail Employee of the Year l Carol Budd, manager of The Card Hall, Maidstone, Kent l Heather Clarke, senior merchandiser/sales of Ivad Gifts,

Paisley, Renfrewshire

Best Supermarket Retailer of Greeting Cards l Asda l Co-Op l Morrisons l Sainsbury’s l Tesco l Waitrose

l Lisa Dean, manager of Feathering Your Nest, Rayleigh, Essex l Hilary Hayes, senior sales assistant of Coles of Sidmouth,

Sidmouth, Devon l Denise Keers, sales person of Cards 2 Confetti, Brixham, Devon l Tim Reynolds, shop manager of the Medici Gallery,

South Kensington, London l Susan Robertson, greeting cards & wrap supervisor of The

Mains of Drum, Banchory, Aberdeenshire

Best Non-Specialist Multiple Retailer of Greeting Cards (20+ stores) l Marks & Spencer - 914 stores nationwide l National Trust - 200+ stores nationwide l Next - 400 stores in the UK and Eire l Oliver Bonas - 42 stores nationwide l Waterstones - 275 stores nationwide l WHSmiths - 612 stores nationwide

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l Sue Williams, retail assistant/buyer of The Hollies Farm Shop,

Lower Stretton, Cheshire

Greeting Card Retailer of the Year To be announced at The Retas Awards. The winners of the other categories are finalists in this category.

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In Conversation With... Lagom Design

A Decade Of Balance For the last decade Lagom Design has done things in its own quiet, stylish way, ploughing its own furrow.

Now, at the time when it is to mark the company’s 10th anniversary, it bizarrely finds itself in the middle of a ‘lagom’ craze, with the company’s name being bandied around as the new Scandi lifestyle buzzword.

PG met up with Lagom founder Kelly Hyatt and his partner in love and business, Paula Mearns, to talk about how they have got the balance just right for 10 years.

The very day that PG met up with Lagom Design’s Kelly Hyatt and Paula Mearns the Times newspaper carried an article entitled ‘Pack away the candles and the cocoa for the latest Scandi lifestyle craze... lagom’.

The article in question, one of many gracing the pages of newspapers and magazines at the moment, extolls the virtues of what it describes as a ‘new craze’, the Swedish concept of lagom, a philosophy based on moderation and balance with everything in ‘just the right amount.’ The lagom ethos, proclaims journalist Kaya Burgess, is usurping the cosiness of Danish hygge, with books galore about to hit the shelves to further enlighten those inspired by the uncluttered, moderate and considered approach.

Above middle: One of the designs by Swedish illustrator Monika Forsberg from Lagom.

Right: In addition to the myriad of illustrators’ work that features in Lagom’s portfolio, are the paired back text-based collections, such as Cherished and PostCo. Below: One of the remarkable designs by Yago Partal from Lagom’s Zoo Portraits range.

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PROGRESSIVE GREETINGS WORLDWIDE

Considering, as Lagom Design’s Collection Directory explains, that the word ‘lagom’ is thought to date back to the Vikings, it is hardly ‘a new craze’, but it is very much being talked about as the zeitgeist.

“We were contacted by a consumer lifestyle magazine the other day asking for a comment on the lagom trend. We really do not see it as a trend, more as a total belief, an ethos of our company since the day it started 10 years ago,” explains Paula, Kelly’s ‘wife’ in life and business, who oversees the operations and business development, allowing Kelly to concentrate on the creative aspect. “To call

something a ‘trend’ likens it to a fashion. Fashions come and go, but style stays,” Paula adds.

And Lagom Design is living proof of the latter, as its sea-facing Hove studio epitomises.

“I do feel proud to be celebrating our 10th anniversary of the business. We have worked on collaborations with some of the most talented illustrators in the world and our cards and wrap are sold in many of the leading independent retailers, department stores, galleries and museums in the globe,” says Kelly, reflecting on the company he started “on the kitchen table” back in 2007.

“Lagom was built on £6,000. I never wanted to borrow any money and was happy to grow the business organically, which we have, I am happy to say.”

Last year Lagom had a turnover of £1.3 million, this year it is set to reach £2 million, with some exciting plans and collaborations in the pipeline. But first there is a milestone to mark, in the best possible lagom taste of course! “We really wanted to say ‘thank you’ to those who have been a part of Lagom’s growth, from the artists we work with, to the many stores we supply that we respect so much, to our production partners for going the extra mile, be it sourcing the perfect board and paper or achieving the perfect finishes on the cards,” says Kelly.

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In Conversation With... Lagom Design

Life Before Lagom Far left: A 10th anniversary logo will appear on the company’s literature and some special products this year.

Left: The Ryan Chapman illustration of (centre) Kelly, Paula and the Lagom Design team that is being produced as a limited edition to be given to customers and visitors to PG Live.

Right: Kelly Hyatt has always had a passion for cards and print.

Below: The Lagom Design studio in Hove.

Below right: One of the few remaining samples of cards that Kelly Hyatt created as a student and sold in Covent Garden from a sheet on the ground!

Bottom: One of Lagom’s many stylised shots to promote its products.

Kelly Hyatt has always had a passion for greeting cards. As an art student, he paid his way by selling his own hand-painted designs in Covent Garden, from a sheet on the floor.

From there he began a career as a freelance artist before joining forces in 1991 with businessman Mark Carter to form Beaumonde, whose contemporary fashion graphical cards brought something fresh to the industry.

While Beaumonde provided Kelly with a “good footing”, the company was disbanded several years later after which Kelly decided to start Lagom. In the early years the company was run from a bijou apartment in the 16th arrondissement in Paris, where Paula was working at the time, but it is now fully ensconced on the British coast in Hove, where the sea view provides wonderful calming inspiration.

Part of the ‘thank you’ will be evident at PG Live. Lagom Design’s stylish touches will be apparent in the Gallery Hall where the lunch will be served at the show.

Other elements of the anniversary ‘thank yous’ are more tactile. In addition to a limited edition notebook, that is being specially produced, is a rather special limited edition print by renowned graphic artist Ryan Chapman, whose impressive client list includes working with Google, Lego, Microsoft, AirBnB and Victorinox, as well as a long list of media commissions.

“I have always really admired Ryan’s style and use of colour and so contacted him to ask if he would create some special artwork to mark our anniversary,” explains Kelly about the specially commissioned artwork (which features members of the Lagom team, including the two office Daschunds, Hugo and Florie) which are being printed for Lagom customers and as a keepsake for all those coming to PG Live.

“We are now also working with Ryan on a range of cards featuring his work for later in the year,” adds Kelly.

Ryan will join a heady clutch of artists, illustrators and photographers, hailing from all over the world, that Lagom has and is collaborating with on cards and wrap to

create the company’s ever evolving portfolio of 25 card and wrap collections.

While these artists’ work are incredibly diverse in style, from Swedish designer Hanna Werning’s distinctive floral depictions to Spanish designer and photographer Yago Partal’s Zoo Portraits of quirky animals, there is a curated feel to the collection which is down to Kelly’s commitment to keeping the spirit of print alive.

“I have always had a passion for greeting cards and feel that their role is, in many ways,

more important now than they have ever been,” he says. “I have noticed a real change in people and their emotions since 2008 when the crash happened in the economy and people were reminded of the importance of relationships, which cards help to cement.”

Kelly cites the positive response to the Cherished card range, based on an idea he came up many, many years before it was published by Lagom, as a case in point.

“I loved the idea of a card range where the focus was on a simple word or phrase set against a plain coloured background. Back then, well over 10 years ago, I didn’t think anyone would buy a card with just a word in the middle of it, but the now they will as it goes right to the heart of the emotional connection cards can make.”

While Kelly and Paula maintain a total belief in cards and are steadfast that there is more growth potential for Lagom on greeting cards and wrap, they also see a threat that should be countered.

“It’s laziness. Digital communication is so easy and instant, but so transient,” says Paula.

“We have a responsibility, together with our fellow publishers, to produce cards that people will want to buy, to give and be put on show and that will outweigh the lazy option.”

It is this well-balanced view that looks set to take Lagom Design well into its next decade and beyond.

What’s In A Word?

Like many words we use today, lagom is derived from Latin, but has evolved through the centuries, changing both its pronunciation and meaning. One theory is that the word originates from the time of the Vikings. Myth has it that they would hare a drinking horn of mjord “Laget om” (around the team) following the custom that no one should guzzle too much, just sip enough so that everyone gets their fair share.

Today lagom means getting the ‘right balance’, not too much, not too little, things being ‘just right’.

“That’s why we chose the name Lagom Design, we like things that are a perfect balance; design that is just right.

Lagom is the ethos of our company, from the biggest decisions to the smallest detail,” says Kelly.

These are no hollow words. Aside from its products, the company website encompasses ‘The Journal’, a series of beautifully designed pieces on design and lifestyle themes by writer Michelle Porter; the company uses a respected stylist as well as leading photographers for its catalogue and this year further investment is being expended to ensure that everything from the order forms to the envelopes they are sent out in are the best they could possibly be.

PROGRESSIVE GREETINGS WORLDWIDE

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Industry Issue

Political leanings Part of the brief for the On The Cards student greeting card design competition (instigated by Paper Rose, GF Smith and Paperchase) was for undergraduates to come up with a card concept that was unlike anything on the market. The winning entry was Political Pals, created by Leeds College of Art student Joe Cox, depicting goggle-eyed political figures coupled with witty puns.

PG questions why, in this highly politicised époque, set to reach new heights now a General Election has been called, is there such a paucity of politically-themed greeting card designs?

The industry experts who formed the judging panel for the On The Cards competition surprised themselves by their involuntary “wow” reaction to Joe Cox’s innovative entry – Political Pals. But then ‘surprise’ has been the name of the game recently on the political front, Brexit and Donald Trump for starters. These two democratic decisions taken by the nations either side of the Atlantic have been

enough to wake up the hitherto largely politically-apathetic UK population and propel political leaders’ actions into everyday parlance. And what with Teresa May's surprise announcement of a general election on June 8, there is no 'May-be' that politics will be on the lips of all in the coming months.

‘Don’t be down in the Trumps’ is the message atop a ‘pop art’ treatment of the US president on one of Joe Cox’s designs in his Political Pals range, while on another, a ‘You are aMay-zing’ caption heads a funky graphical treatment of the UK’s own PM’s visage on another, with

Above and inset: The political agenda has just hotted up again with Teresa May calling for a June 8 General Election.

Below left: The winning entry to the On The Cards competition. Paper Rose and Paperchase are now working with Joe Cox, the art student who created it, to translate its essence into a card range that will be sold in Paperchase.

Boris Johnson, Nigel Farage, Barack Obama and Hilary Clinton also starring in this winning ‘manifesto’ of card designs.

After last year’s On The Cards’ feted concepts, which included a ‘sew it yourself’ card kit that tapped into the craft zeitgeist, and another which marked the selfie obsession of 2016, this 2017 winner represents something of a step change, but arguably is an even more significant bellwether of what is making people tick.

As Spectator columnist Lara Prendergast summed up in an article published recently: ‘The vote for Brexit will no doubt be a defining political moment for my age group. I sense that more people now feel politically engaged than ever before.’

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Industry Issue

Far left: Henries award winning Have I Got News for You range from CardMix is one of the few greeting card ranges that does give a nod to political happenings.

Middle left: A UKIP quip in Woodmansterne’s Irene and Gladys range that pre-dates Brexit.

Left: Donald Trump knows a thing or two about blowing his own trumpet! A design from Brainbox Candy.

It is often flouted and justified that greeting card designs reflect society in their design style, editorial, captions and tone, yet it does appear as though the current card racks have largely voted ‘leave’ on the political front.

There are some exceptions to the rule.

CardMix’s licensed Have I Got News for You range has won a few Henries awards for its take on the political happenings, plus there is a smattering of Brexit mentions. It is Donald Trump though who has been given the widest airing. Two Dean Morris Cards’ designs featuring the US press have made it into Scribbler’s ‘best sellers’ showcase on its website, while Emotional Rescue has also come up ‘Trumps’ with ‘the Donald’.

As Jennie Rutter, creative director of Emotional Rescue commented: “We find that any topical subjects work well for us, not just political news. Big-hitting, long-lasting news items, whether they be political or just about popular culture, films, etc, have often given us strong material for our ranges, it’s just a matter of a quick turn-around to get them on the shelves before it’s yesterday’s news. It just so happens that at the moment most of the big stories are political. I don’t think there’s a single person out there who isn’t familiar with a Trump joke at the moment!”.

40

PROGRESSIVE GREETINGS WORLDWIDE

Graduated Tints Art student Joe Cox reveals the rhyme and reasons behind the Political Pals card concept, which was awarded first prize in the On The Cards greeting card design competition: “During the briefing I had to really think about what is current and what people of my age are talking about. At the moment, due to recent events, young people, old people and everyone in-between are talking about politics. I guess the current politicians are so recognisable, maybe more for their celebrity status (and often peculiar looks), than their actual policies.

Creating the designs was really fun. I decided on using famous current political icons. I thought that this would be best because it would reach the widest audience. However, in hindsight, the range could be developed further by looking at other politicians and heads of state, dead or alive. My other aim was to not slate the icons. The range isn't about mocking them, but about realising them as comical characters. I guess you could call them cartoons.

To come up with the slogans it involved a bottle of wine and a few friends! By brainstorming I was able to get loads of different ideas, fortunately some didn't make the cut!

When designing I find it useful to consult others, because sometimes you can miss things that are glaringly obvious.

I see the cards being aimed at anyone and everyone. When I design I always try and design for a unisex audience, but definitely people with a sense of humour.

I have never considered greeting cards as a possible career. I have also won a week’s paid internship at Paper Rose so I'm sure this will be a helpful insight whether I'd enjoy it or not.”

Eric the Penguin (from GBCC) is another one that has been ‘Trumped’, while Brainbox Candy and Tracks both couldn’t resist picking up on the US President’s coiffeur on a design each!

Mark Williams, director of Brainbox Candy, predicts though that “with the rise of the populists that we

Left: Telegraph cartoonist Matt gives daily visual observations from which Woodmansterne selects from those whose relevance is sustained.

Below left: (Far left-right) GF Smith’s Mark Jessett and Paperchase’s Emma Clooney hold the winning On The Cards competition entry, while Paper Rose’ Reggie Pugh and Paperchase’s Hazel Walker hold the second and third place entries.

Below: Tracks’ inaugural Trump cards from its Fluff range.

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Industry Issue

Left: Oh no, Eric (GBCC) has been mistaken for Donald Trump!

Right: Brexit cropped up in Brainbox Candy’s portfolio!

Below: Cartoonist Oliver Preston is up for covering politics, but when it comes to publishing his artwork on his cards he goes for cartoons with a broad stroke rather than specific politicians or time-specific issues.

Below right: One of the Dean Morris cards that is feted as one of Scribbler’s best sellers.

will see an increasing amount of satire in the form of greeting cards aimed towards the leading populist protagonists, after all let’s face it, they are somewhat of an easy target!”

On the cartoon front, a few of Matt’s observations have made their way out of the Telegraph and into the licensed Woodmansterne range, while Oliver Preston (of Beverston Press) has also made mention of parliamentary happenings on a few of his card designs.

Currently working on a new set of political playing cards, Oliver points out that while politics provide a rich territory for cartoonists looking to supply newspapers, products with a longer shelf-life, such as greeting cards, can come a cropper.“Our last political playing cards for 2010, made a small profit (not large) due to the fact that a large number of the people in the packs lost their seats (Balls, Miliband, Cable, in fact most of the Liberals) which curtailed their saleability. I am not going to make that mistake again, so with Brexit we have two years, and maybe I will steer clear of politicians who may not be around in a few months (what with the French and German elections!) So, politics is good fertile ground, but it has to be done with a broad stroke.”

Lee Keeper, creative director of Woodmansterne and CardMix agrees that while the Have I Got News for You range is a very successful range for CardMix, “it was always a gamble staying ahead of the curve and keeping designs relevant.” A case in point in a card design shows David Cameron with Angela Merkel, which is now hopelessly out of date post Brexit. “Brexit may mean Brexit, hard or soft, but the best performing designs always had rude food or comical pets at the heart of the ranges’ success, proving that enduring cards are enduring cards sticking to classic themes!” Rude food and comical pets?

Isn’t that politics by any other name?!

Onwards to the hustings!

A Historical Spoonerism Tony Spooner, founder of Emotional Rescue (who sold his shares in the publisher several years ago) ‘fondly’ recalls the days in the mid 1980s when it was de rigeur to buy a Dope on a Rope card/Christmas decoration which was a die-cut card that depicted PM Margaret Thatcher, Labour leader Neil Kinnock and US President Ronald Reagan, among others, with a rope around their necks.

“In addition to the Dope on a Rope range we also had great success with our Spoof range which featured politicians and trade union leader Arthur Scargill.

“One reason we did these design was that I personally was happy to politicise our products in a way that many larger publishers would not be.”

Some 30 years on and as Tony points out, “Once again there are some ‘larger than life’ political characters” on the stage, yet the market is rather conservative, with a small ‘c’!

“Every Tory leader post Thatcher has been rather dull, but now politics have become interesting again,” believes Tony. Drawing on the benefit of his experience in co-running one of the most successful humorous greeting card publishers of all time, Tony added: “Good greeting card designs are those that touch people and connect one with another. Politics are once again being talked about openly and so as such I predict that we will be seeing more designs that touch on the political side of life.”

Above and right: Blasts from the past from Emotional Rescue’s archives.

PROGRESSIVE GREETINGS WORLDWIDE

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Innovations

Pulse

A selection of cards launching at Pulse, 14-16 May 2017, Olympia, London.

Feathered Fancies

Found In Translation Launching at Pulse is Definition, a new range from Card Nest in collaboration with Brave the Woods. This series of children’s cards includes a tiger, a robot and a T-rex, shouting ‘Happy Birthday’ in their own language (for example the T-rex shouts ‘ROARRRR!’) with a helpful translation below. The cards are all sized 105mm x 150mm and sold wrapped with complementing envelopes.

Card Nest 0117 325 03 69 www.cardnest.com Stand L19

Bird Brain London is launching One Colour, a range of 20 cards featuring humorous designs of re-imagined Victorian wood engravings, printed on simple and harmonious one colour backgrounds. Lots of occasions are covered, including Mother’s and Father’s Day, Happy Birthday Mum and Dad, get well soon, general birthday and blank designs.

Bird Brain London 07891 384820 www.birdbrainlondon.com Stand E37

Just Call Me Woofus English Graphics is expanding its very cute and popular Glitter Dogs range with six new designs for Pulse, all designed by Heather Marten. Proud to be a British brand, the company designs, prints, hand-glitters and despatches everything from its studio in the New Forest.

English Graphics 01590 672778 www.englishgraphics.co.uk Stand L50

A Wry Smile

London Calling The wonderfully wonky new London Buildings card range is a must see on Katie Cardew’s stand at Pulse. All hand-drawn in Katie’s inimitable style, this range features well-known buildings, including Liberty of London, the Palace of Westminster, Buckingham Palace and Harrods. Each illustration is printed on a different but complementing colour background, making for a range that works brilliantly displayed together. The cards are 5” x 7” in size and sold wrapped with recycled brown ribbed envelopes.

Katie Cardew Illustrations 07825333136 www.kcillustrations.co.uk Stand K45

Absence Makes… is one of eight new additions to Poet and Painter’s general humour range at Pulse. Based on misquoted quotes these designs continue the theme of gentle, wry humour and wordplay that runs throughout Poet and Painter’s designs. All the cards are sized 150mm square and sold wrapped with coordinating envelopes.

Poet and Painter 0777 9064894 www.poetandpainter.co.uk Stand K66

Tip Top East End Prints sources the very best UK and international art and illustration talent for its curated card collections. One of its latest ranges on display at Pulse is Premium, a collection of 60 cards featuring the works of Supermundane, Ian Stevenson, Zakee Shariff, David Bray and Ruben Ireland, all outstanding artists of the moment.

East End Prints 020 7241 1118 www.eastendprints.co.uk Stand K11 PROGRESSIVE GREETINGS WORLDWIDE

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Innovations

Pulse

A selection of cards launching at Pulse, 14-16 May 2017, Olympia, London.

Golden Tongue The new Petite range from Old English Company features elegant foiled typography set against a stylish colour palette of whites, greys, blacks and gold. There are 15 designs covering birthday and everyday occasions, all sized a dinky 90mm x 120mm and sold with an accompanying light grey envelope.

Old English Company 07850990908 www.oldenglishprints.com Stand L40

Calligraphic Fantasy Launching at Pulse, the Botanical range from norma&dorothy features beautifully illustrated A6 greeting cards with a modern calligraphy style font and on-trend green shades. All 21 cards in this range are printed with full colour inside, embellished with gold gems and sold wrapped with kraft envelopes. norma&dorothy 07906432823 www.normadorothy.com Stand M55

Yule Laugh Forever Funny is launching a quirky new humorous Christmas range called Merry And Bright. This adorable range features pets at Christmas time in different fun situations – cats tangled in fairy lights, a sausage dog stuck in a Christmas jumper and many more. There are 10 114mm x 105mm in this range sold wrapped with bright red envelopes.

Forever Funny 07512 304391 www.forever-funny.com Stand L20

All In A Tessell Due to popular demand Lizzie Chancellor is excited to be expanding the Tessellation range with 12 bright foiled designs, bringing this range to 18 cards. The geometric patterns are bang on trend and when combined with a bold palette will be hard to miss! All the cards are 150mm square in size and accompanied by a crisp white envelope.

Lizzie Chancellor 07913 921282 www.lizziechancellor.com Stand E18

Artistic Crucible Making A Splash The most colourful collection yet from Ohh Deer, Splash is a new gift stationery range available for this Spring/Summer. Featuring hardback notebooks, fluoro blocked covers and exercise books, it will certainly get you ready for the summer!

Ohh Deer 01509 812 075 ohhdeertrade.com Stand K28 44

PROGRESSIVE GREETINGS WORLDWIDE

ARTHOUSE Meath is adding new designs into its humorous ranges of cards all designed by its collective of artists living with complex epilepsy and learning disabilities. Over 70 artists work alongside instructors to create artworks which are developed into cards and other designer products, with 100% of the sales revenue sustaining the enterprise, enabling it to grow and evolve.

ARTHOUSE Meath 01483 425273 www.thearthouse@meath.org.uk Stand K59

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Innovations PG Showcases A Collection Of New Product Launches

Cute As Pie Horace & Nim is an eponymous range of cute greeting cards for all occasions, featuring Horace, Nim and their animal friends. The cards are beautifully designed and illustrated in pen, ink and watercolours by Chantal Bourgonje. These enchanting 150mm square cards are printed on responsibly sourced, high quality card and sold wrapped with a crisp, white envelope.

Horace & Nim 01380 816004 www.horaceandnim.co.uk

Positive Strokes The Brushstroke Collection from Dear to Me Studio is a series 10 cards featuring brushstrokes, motifs and modern sentiment for any occasion. With gorgeous board, matt foiling techniques and punchy colour, these A6 cards reflect beauty and elegance in simple forms, resulting in strong yet subtle design.

Dear to Me Studio 07515 554549 www.deartomestudio.com

Too Cute!

Rebecca Harrison’s collection of Contemporary Cute Animal Illustrations comprises 27 animal designs ranging from farm to woodland, safari to Arctic - all with adorable expressions! All the cards are presented in an A6 format and sold wrapped with a brown kraft envelope, all packaged with twine for that rustic, country feel!

Rebecca Harrison Designs 07590 882083 www.rebeccamharrison.wixsite.com/portfolio

Cuddling Up Gemma is celebrating the Care Bears’ 35th anniversary with a range of cards, gift packaging and party products. With an added sprinkle of rainbows, hearts and stars, there are bright and colourful designs for girls aged 3-6 covering ages and relations - including daughter, granddaughter, niece and sister, all with a sparkly glitter finish.

Gemma International 01264 388407 www.gemma-international.co.uk

Sweet Treat Something Fishy New from Yoojoo is the Tails for Tales range, which follows on from its award winning Birdies range. We now dive under the sea to take a close-up look at eight quirky fish characters, all with a handmade origami tail which transforms into a corner bookmark, set against the backdrop of a page from a book.

Yoojoo 01274 621419 www.yoojoo.co.uk

Think sweet words and even sweeter images as the enchanting Flower Fairies get a magical makeover by UKG. With bold numbers sparkling with glitter and gorgeous birthday wishes, this is a range that’s set to flutter in and make everyone smile! There are five cards, one with a ‘birthday girl’ caption and ages 5, 6, 7 and 8. All the cards are sized 137mm x 210mm and are finished with glitter and spot UV. UK Greetings 01924 465200 www.ukgreetings.co.uk PROGRESSIVE GREETINGS WORLDWIDE

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Innovations PG Showcases A Collection Of New Product Launches

Away With The Fairies

World Of Wonder

Alphabeti Yeti is a range of modern illuminated alphabet letters based on traditional fairy tales from illustrator and publisher Shelli Graham. The 26 cards feature all our best-loved fairy tales, including The Princess and the Pea, Sleeping Beauty and The Frog Prince. All the cards measure 6" square and are sold wrapped recycled kraft envelopes.

Shelli Graham 07905 224248 www.shelligraham.com

Illustrations, a new range from Tilia Publishing, features images from the natural history travel book Is No Problem, with designs by Amanda Davey. This mainly monochrome range is designed using layered digital block fill on original photographs. There are 14 185mm x 137mm designs, comprising landscapes, birds, flowers and animals from all around the world.

Tilia Publishing UK 0871 226 2107 www.tiliapublishinguk.co.uk

Bar Chutzpa?

Social Whirl Café Society is A Made Hand’s stunning new range of cards featuring Mary Kirkham’s exquisite pencil sketches with pops of bright beautiful colour. All the 18 cards are subtly foiled with matt gold and hand-finished with a sparkling diamanté. Sized 120mm x 170mm, this range is sold with a fashionable grey envelope.

A Made Hand 01756 748972 www.amadehand.com

Bella Jacob Designs is proud to introduce two rather funny Jewish card collections. Oy Vey is a bright eye-catching range of 20 cards with foiled lettering, and the Classic Collection (with 24 cards) is elegantly styled in black, white and gold foil. Both ranges cover birthdays, Bar & Batmitzvah, special occasions and holidays and are peppered with nostalgic Jewish humour.

Bella Jacob Design 07787 564 324 www.bellajacob.com

Take Me To The Tropics The world can't get enough of pineapples, flamingos and big tropical florals, they are all over the catwalk! And Caroline Gardner is all over this trend with Totally Tropical - its summer party themed range of cards mixing fabulous florals with fabulous neon pink writing and matching neon envelopes! It’s perfect to brighten up your shop display for the coming months of holidays, festivals and sunshine (fingers crossed!).

Caroline Gardner 020 8288 9696 www.carolinegardner.com

A Do(o)r To Door Elevations is a new range of designs from 1790 Cards, inspired by architecture - a passion of designer Belinda Morris. There are eight cards in the range, showing features from buildings as far off as Venice and as close to home as Belinda’s next door neighbour’s house. The cards are all sized 150mm square and come wrapped with a grey envelope.

1790 Cards 01904 448130 www.1790creative.co.uk/cards PROGRESSIVE GREETINGS WORLDWIDE

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JEREMY’S JOURNAL Business blogging by publisher Jeremy Corner of Blue Eyed Sun.

The

Numbers Jeremy Corner, owner of greeting card publisher Blue Eyed Sun, looks at the numbers on his YouTube channel.

Despite my best efforts to focus on the journey rather than the outcome of my YouTube channel (The Greeting Card Project), I have found myself distracted by the numbers of late.

Whether you set up a Facebook page, Twitter account, YouTube channel or add Google Analytics to your website, those cunning geeks from Silicon Valley provide you with a raft of information on how your particular digital poison of choice is performing. In the case of YouTube, you get to see the number of views, minutes watched, average view duration, likes, dislikes, shares and subscribers. The list goes on.

I guess the idea of this is to have some KPI’s (key performance indicators) that will help you measure the success or failure of your channel. Which is fine, so long as you define the success or failure of your particular project in those terms. This month, my dashboard is full of red downward pointing arrows (with the exception of my dislikes which has a perky little green arrow pointing upwards). As a result, I have been doing some real soul searching with regards to my project.

Here are things I’ve learned personally while producing The Greeting Card Project so far this year: 1. My fears have indeed been realised: A weekly video visiting different card shops is time consuming to make, load up to YouTube and share on social media (48hrs per video on average even if it’s all done on the

mobile phone). Don’t do it. Seriously. You have to be nuts to add this to your workload.

Especially when the jury is still out on adoption rates of new tech by our industry (I still cannot get over how many business don’t have a simple web page).

2. Your friends will only watch so many of your videos to support you. I have been ‘paying it forward’ in our industry for a number of years now and have helped a lot of people. I’ve been speaking at The Ladder Club since 2004 and serve on committees for the GCA and the Giftware Association. Even Above: Because of time, your friends can only support you so much - a card from The Alternative Image Company (An American in Paris c. Topfoto).

Left: It’s been time consuming for Jeremy, traveling around the UK, making and uploading the videos for his project - A card showing Jim on a Real & Exciting Designs’ card.

with an army of support you cannot expect people to stay and engage without quality content that’s relevant to them or their friends and followers.

3. Going into shops and choosing cards and talking about who you are sending them to might not be interesting enough to get more than 200 views per video on average. I need to accept this or evolve.

It’s enough that I personally find it interesting visiting different retailers, selecting and buying different greeting cards, and working on my relationships. Numbers are not the only thing that matter to me.

4. Weekly watching is as much of an ask for people as weekly video making. People’s time is more precious than ever. The videos must be really good as they compete with so many other things vying for attention (content that’s funny, cute, weird or emotional). Note to self: I must get more kittens into my videos.

5. I need to truly understand my 'why?' on this initiative and project it even more clearly than I do. I believe card sending can help us to feel closer to one another. I do feel that the message I am broadcasting is important.

6. Let’s face it, card sending is a pain in the backside compared with the ease of social media and texting. Honestly. If you don’t believe me, join me and send more greeting cards every week. You’ll see. Don’t PROGRESSIVE GREETINGS WORLDWIDE

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JEREMY’S JOURNAL be cheating with franking machines either.

Buy stamps every time. Multiple card sending is time consuming, expensive and laborious and you often don't even know if your card arrived safely through the post.

7. When the card does arrive, it can feel really wonderful for the recipient, perhaps because we all know it's not easy to choose, buy, write and post a card (the feeling the recipient has keeps me going).

8. Expecting positive reactions to a card, gift or video makes it all about me. The true purpose of a gift is that it is about the recipient, not the sender. You need to let yourself go and focus purely on the other to truly give. True love is a love of giving.

9. I'm stubbornly sticking to my New Year's Resolution to do one video a week for the project this year. This is despite my better judgment at this stage. I feel that quitting this goal is a bigger personal failure for me.

Discipline is key to success.

10. It is unhelpful to me to measure the success of The Greeting Card Project in terms of views. If views plummet to next to nothing then it can seem like failure. Having said that, failure can be an important part of what

builds our experience.

Experience helps us make better judgments in the future.

11. I'm seriously doubting the concept of being Open, Random and Supportive (ORS) at this stage. This is a driving principle for me in doing my project and something I am testing. The project is not about my business. Every week I promote my competitors’ cards by choosing them in the shops I visit. I’m also giving my competitors a free sales lead by promoting my favourite shops to them each week. It might seem a little crazy, but it also feels incredibly liberating not worrying about this. Control is fear based. I have to let it go.

12. Interestingly, people I promote in my videos won't necessarily share the videos online.

I don't understand why this is... yet. So far I’ve been assuming it's because they are just too busy or haven’t seen them (despite my emails and tagging on social media). It may be that they don’t trust my intentions, they don’t understand what I’m doing or they don't see the bigger picture - ie we are all in this together.

13. Up to half of the shops I visit have zero web presence. Not even a simple website, never mind social media profiles (ie free websites). This is making each video harder to share to the niche greeting card audience

Video Strategies My friend, Jay Shetty, has had over 200 million views on his videos in the last year. He believes that there is a science to creating viral videos. He had a few interesting points to add in response to the above: 1. Is video the best way to communicate the particular message you are attempting to share? Sometimes it is and sometimes it isn’t.

2. There’s a science to viral videos, if that’s what you are aiming for. Length of video, editing style and messaging are all key parts. Intros are not needed on a platform like Facebook - whereas on YouTube they are more natural sometimes.

3. Are you serving your audience or is it the other way around? Is it about you or the people?

4. Every ‘share’ counts. Every single ‘like’ matters.

Left: Letterbox love – a letterpress design from Archivist Cards.

Below left: Just like Bruce Lee, discipline and hard work are the key to success.

Below right: The ‘numbers’ are out of your control so learn to let go.

that might be most interested. Websites and digital marketing are a must for small businesses.

14. I'm becoming obsessed with post boxes.

I love them. I love their bright red colour and the variety of types of them.

What’s that all about? I'm working on a special post box episode for later in the year. A love of something so mundane is a source of genuine surprise and amusement to me. It’ll be postage stamps next!

This month, the numbers on my YouTube analytics have really been challenging my reasons for doing this project. Yet the numbers are arbitrary in many respects. They don’t really matter. For some strange reason The Greeting Card Project is all I want to do right now. Making these little videos about cards. I feel it in every part of me, compelling me forward.

Like it’s bigger than my company, bigger than myself.

I’m so grateful to you for reading my column. If you’ve watched even one of my videos or taken the time to offer feedback thank you so much. I love what I’m doing. It really is the journey and the interaction with people along the way that makes all the difference to me. Do watch the videos though. Seriously. I’d be lying if I said the number of views didn’t matter at all.

Watch the videos on Jeremy’s blog at www.blueeyedsun.co.uk/blog/tgcp.

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

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PG asked a selection of card retailers for their ‘hot’ card sellers.

Amy Singer, manager of CloudyBlue, Aberdeen A medium card shop in a city with a loyal locals and destination visitors customer base.

Category

Name of Publisher

Product/Name Range

Comments

Cute

Roger la Borde

Petit Sauvage

Humour

Brainbox Candy

General

Pigment

Etched

Photographic Art

U Studio Amy Singer Art

1000 Words General

Contemporary

Stop The Clock

General

Giftwrappings

Hammond Gower Lagom

Across The Board Across The Board

Really quirky, beautifully illustrated designs on quality board.

The bright and contemporary collections are new to us but are going down very well and appeal to younger customers.

We are a family orientated shop so we choose the designs that are cheeky but not rude.

Small, etched drawings with a funny punchline that’s a play on words; favourites with older people.

Very minimal and unusual modern images; their simplicity is the appeal.

My own pen and ink illustrations made locally that can be personalised. I’ve recently drawn four characters from the film Labyrinth which are going well, and the Bennachie design, a local hill range, is really popular.

Lovely designs with simple blocks of colour, enhanced with floral prints, hand-finished, with unique captions: and the male ranges are fantastic too.

Just amazing! So many different designs and always something new.

Beautiful designs with punchy fresh colours on high quality paper.

Right: Ludo, the lovable character from the 80s film Labyrinth, by Amy Singer Art.

Megan Eyles, owner of Peppertrees, Northampton A small card and gift shop in a town centre with a locals and tourists customer base.

Category

Name of Publisher

Product/Name Range

Comments

Everyday

Blue Eyed Sun

Crochet Critters

Contemporary

Megan Claire

Pink Champagne

Always Sparkle

Sparkle

Wendy Jones-Blackett

Cloud Nine

Counting Stars

Crazy Stupid Life

Wendy Jones– Blackett

Quicksilver

Rachel Ellen Unique Paper Co

Wonky World Glitter

Such fun designs in this range – the adults love them just as much as the kids!

Simple designs with rose gold foiled text. I struggle to keep these cards in stock, you just can’t go wrong with this range.

Great cards for anyone who loves a bit of sparkle – one of my personal favourites.

My best-selling range of large cards; they get more and more popular by the day.

Soooo popular! They are so simple and amazing that people just forget about the price!

I can guarantee you would sell a number of this range a day. Great designs, lots to choose from and a great mark-up too.

Fun and colourful age cards.

This wrap is so popular with all ages and it looks amazing when used!

The collection has the best range of colours I have found by a mile.

Handmade/ HandFinished

Top right: Twinkling with glitter, an Always design from Always Sparkle.

Right: A Crazy Stupid Life design from Counting Stars.

Children’s Giftwrappings

52

PROGRESSIVE GREETINGS WORLDWIDE

52-53_46-47 21/04/2017 13:04 Page 53

Kirstie Mogg, owner of Sincerely Yours, Warrington, Cheshire A medium card and gift shop in a town with a loyal locals customer base.

Category

Name of Publisher

Product/Name Range

Comments

Everyday

UK Greetings

Across The Board

Humour

Paperlink

Wrinklies

Contemporary

Hammond Gower

Piano

Traditional Handmade/ HandFinished

Nigel Quiney Second Nature

Pizazz Champagne

Five Dollar Shake Noel Tatt

General General

Peppermint Grove Australia

Scented candles

I like to have a UKG stock control and keep on top of what designs are selling by updating and swapping designs that may not be working for me. I love to do this with UKG because they have such a diverse range of cards.

We all love this range. It is updated regularly and is always designed to make us laugh out loud.

Wow! These cards are so bang on trend, I absolutely love them.

Using this season’s Pantone colours of blush and gold, there’s a caption to suit everyone.

Probably our best selling standalone card range!

Customers can't get enough of them - they are great for both male and female occasions.

These designs have an avid following of customers.

The publisher is always updating its young age cards and its price points are excellent too.

Soy candles made and shipped from Australia, and the quality is excellent. They are packaged in different pastel coloured boxes and have a range of divine and sophisticated scents. The jars are beautiful and all come with a metal lid.

Right: Delicious scents and beautiful packaging - Peppermint Grove candles.

Children’s Ancillary

Alison Whalley, manager of On Church Hill, Knutsford, Cheshire A large shop in a town with a loyal locals and tourists customer base.

Category

Name of Publisher

Product/Name Range

Comments

Cute

Pippi & Me

Little Creatures

Humour

Rosie Made A Thing

General

Art

Dry Red Press

General

Contemporary

Five Dollar Shake

Gold Dust, Moonbeams And Butterflies Ink and Bloom, Bright New Things

A range of photographic designs using felt animals, they appeal to both children and adults, and they sell very quickly!

Quirky humour that makes customers laugh out loud. The age cards are particularly popular. The Christmas and Spring seasons were a big hit too.

Designs which cover virtually every subject - they are popular with everyone and are often used as occasion cards.

Always popular, especially the larger cards, and one of the publishers that customers request by name.

Lots of contemporary, blank cards, but the publisher also offer a great choice of cards for occasions and relations. New ranges have been added every time I see the agent.

Just beautiful. Enough said!

A Henries award winning local company whose designs fly off the shelves. The designs, using hand-stamped wooden tiles, cover birthdays, occasions, ages and relations. There's a children's range too which always sells well.

Beautiful designs finished with Swarovski crystals. Its baby cards are always good sellers.

A vibrant display of matching wrap, bags, boxes and ribbon which follows up to the minute trends. It always takes pride of place in our giftwrap section.

Handmade cocoa butter soap that is beautifully wrapped in pretty fabrics: A great counter-top gift display.

Top: A gorgeous wedding design from Bexy Boo’s The Ink Alphabets range.

Above: Special delivery! A New Baby card from Clear Creations’ Marcy Lavender collection.

The Art File

Handmade/ Hand-Finished

Belly Button Designs Bexy Boo

Across The Board The Inky Alphabets

Giftwrappings

Clear Creations

General

ArteBene

General

HuncaMunka

Handmade luxury soaps

Ancillary

PROGRESSIVE GREETINGS WORLDWIDE

53

54_56_PG_May 2017_Art Source 21/04/2017 16:02 Page 54

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55_57 - May_49/51 21/04/2017 13:12 Page 55

ART SOURCE Visual Feast At Syrtex

Taking place in New York, concurrent with the National Stationery Show (May 21 - 23) is Surtex, an exhibition where card publishers can source original art and design from the 200 exhibtors. PG shares a snapshot of some the talent that will be there.

More than 200 artists from around the world will be exhibiting at Surtex and are split into three areas, making it easy for visitors to find their way around. The largest section by far, and the heart of Surtex, is the art and brand licensing area, with artists, designers, agencies and brands exhibiting over 1,000 creative works available to license.

The Atelier section is where textile design studios from around the world sell their most trend-forward surface designs and Design District is for first-time exhibitors.

What Kate Did Next

One For The Kids

Last year Kate Mawdsley celebrated 25 years at Surtex with a really successful show. In addition to continued licenses with wellestablished customers such as Caspari and MBS Publications, Kate’s images were much in demand by new customers from quilting to handbag manufacturers. Kate will be showing many new images including Christmas, cats and dogs, birds and feminine themes.

Booth 2740.

British design studio Lemon Ribbon creates commercial artwork for boys and girls, baby to teen. The contemporary graphics, cute characters and designfocused print concepts Lemon Ribbon offer are ideal for use in craft, home, apparel, toys, publishing, gift and stationery.

Booth 3310.

Right: Bright and fun graphics feature in Lemon Ribbon’s artwork.

Moon Gazing

Above: Cats feature in Kate Mawdsley’s work.

Valentina’s Day With over 25 years of licensing experience, British-based MGL will showcase some exciting new designs from Valentina and new work from Sharon Turner, featuring wonderful geometric and floral patterns. MGL will also introduce new artist Laura Thompson.

Laura’s work is heavily influenced by nature, inspiring her to create stylish motifs, using both hand painted watercolour and digitally derived designs. Booth 2916.

Above: New designs on the MGL booth from Valentina.

Something For Everyone Suzan Lind Art Licensing and Design (SZL) is a boutique art licensing company dedicated to helping manufacturers and retailers elevate their brand and broaden their customer base with unique, eye-catching surface designs. Showcasing a diverse portfolio of highly marketable images well-suited for a wide range of products, SZL will be exhibiting at Surtex for the third consecutive year. On the SZL booth, customers will be able to see photo-realistic florals and embroidery, glitch, wovens, butterflies, animal prints, abstracts and more. In addition, SZL will premiere the works of three, talented artists to include mendhi, character-based, abstract and painterly florals.

Booth 3027.

After 10 years working in fashion and home product development, Meredith Lawson is making her debut at Surtex under her own label, Magpie Moon. Meredith’s captivating patterns have graced countless products, from COACH handbags and scarves to bedding and home decor. The prints begin with a variety of handcrafted processes creating bold and textural patterns that are at once playful and sophisticated.

She is also known for her fun and fresh hand lettering and calligraphy bringing life to quotes, placed graphics and some prints. Booth 3336.

Above: Fresh and bold prints from Magpie Moon.

Working In Wood Based out of Denver, Colorado with deep roots in Texas, Lauren Larkin Art is a one woman show who specialises in colourful, vibrant, woodburned illustration. As a veteran Etsy seller, Lauren is always keeping up with the trends of this magical industry.

This is her first time to Surtex, but it has been a long-time dream to make it here. Lauren will be exhibiting some original wood-burned work that makes for lovely paper products, home/wall décor and would work great for children's clothing and wall art. Booth 2945.

Right: Wood-burned illustrations from Lauren Larkin.

Right: Florals will feature on the Suzan Lind booth.

PROGRESSIVE GREETINGS WORLDWIDE

55

54_56_PG_May 2017_Art Source 21/04/2017 16:02 Page 56

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ART SOURCE Fun For The Family

Who’s Your Muse?

Designastration is a Boston-based design studio specialising in creating original artwork for children, tweens, and the whole family. Designastration blends elements of popular illustration and classic design into graphics and patterns that are undeniably fun, yet diverse enough for a wide variety of product application.

Having been both a product development designer, as well as a classically trained illustrator, studio founder, Tiffany Laurencio is known for infusing products with delightful characters and engaging colour schemes. Booth 3325.

Making its debut at Surtex this year is London-based Gift of Muse exhibiting a range of patterns that channel commercial design and suitable for greetings cards, stationary, apparel, homewares and gifts (including wedding and seasonal): Very much for the female Muse, whatever her age and taste. Booth 2947.

Above: Fun patterns from Gift of Muse.

Left: Mellissa’s artwork appears on a bakeware range.

Above: Original artwork from Designastration.

All Corners Of The World The artists from Four Corners Art Collective are coming back to Surtex for a second time with hundreds of fresh, new illustrations and patterns for all markets. For Beth Schneider (US), Emma McGowan (UK), Jocelyn Proust (Australia), and Pippa Shaw (France) clients include Hallmark, Dashwood Studio, Harrods, Wayfair and Quarto Publishing.

Booth 2723.

Left: Each artist has their own style at Four Corners.

Village Jim Heads To NY Painted Planet Licensing Group has been exhibiting at Surtex for over a decade, showing the work of its diverse group of artists and photographers. This year Painted Planet will debut a multitude of new talent, including renowned UK photographer Villager Jim (published on cards by GBCC) and Massachusetts-based artist Emily Cromwell. Villager Jim’s keen eye for the world around him is evident in his stunning photography, and his wildlife and landscape images are available for a variety of products. Emily Cromwell creates colorful, happy patterns and illustrations perfect for greeting cards, stationery, fabric and more. Booth 2822.

Left: Award-winning Villager Jim photo, ‘The Button Nose Gang.’

Want to be featured?: If you are an artist, photographer or verse writer and would like to be considered to appear in Art Source, please contact PG’s Emma Cain on emmac@max-publishing.co.uk.

This is an editorial feature and as such is free of charge.

All About Mee Artist, muralist and surface designer, Mellissa Meeks from MellMee Company premieres at Surtex this year with fresh organic artwork.

Her hand-painted style invokes nostalgia and whimsy with each design. Booth 3132.

Art For All Moments Tatyana Starikova returns to Surtex for her fourth consecutive year. Her vibrant and joyful Art for Little and Big Moments comes alive in new holiday and everyday prints and patterns along with watercolour florals, bird imagery and hand lettering designs. It has been a great year for Tatyana, designing new collections and signing new deals with companies in the home decor, fabric, stationery and tableware industries. Her designs have been sold nationwide in stores and online. Booth 3034.

Above: Greeting card design from Tatyana Starikova.

Scandi-Style Artwork This year Jilly P Studio returns to Surtex after a long break, to show brand new prints for kids apparel, fabric, bedding, stationery and greeting cards and much more. Her modern style takes inspiration from her trips to Japan and Scandinavia, offering fresh, colourful, trendinspiring, fun prints and artwork.

Booth 3238.

Above: Fresh, colourful and fun prints for kids from Jilly P.

PROGRESSIVE GREETINGS WORLDWIDE

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LYNN’S LINES

L

L

On the ball comments by retailer and publisher Lynn Tait of The Lynn Tait Gallery.

Disruption

hand, patiently waiting for them to arrive, ah the joy of a letter from a loved one dropping through the letterbox. Don't tell me an email would have had the same impact.

I now have to sort through 100,000 old postcards - a collectors business that I started in 1975, run by mail order and by visiting auctions at Christie's and Sotheby's.

In the 1990s, being an avid postcard collector, I wanted to leave something for the next generation. I published over three million postcards of my town, Leigh On Sea and nearby Southend in Essex, in 30 different series: The hurricane, the pier being ripped in two by a ship, Arctic weather, royal visits, the rock industry, the pier fire, the cockle trade, a barge race, regattas etc. Today we have ‘all this sort of thing’ on Instagram and Facebook, and it disappears in a flash; if you blink you’ll miss it: so much for keeping it for the next generation!

Nobody likes change, but we cannot evolve without disruption. With the age of the www. and technology there have been big changes and upheaval, but is it all bad, and how has it affected our industry?

Firstly, let's look at the biggest disruptions and upheavals in the last few years in other industries. In 1994 an entrepreneur named Jeff Bezons founded an online bookstore from his garage in Seattle called Amazon.

The business went on to reinvent the concept of shopping.

In 1997 low cost airline carriers like Ryanair and Easy Jet disrupted the commercial air space as the deregulation of Europe's domestic travel markets paved the way for a 'no frills' style of air travel. Then there is the world's largest accommodation agency, Air BnB. It doesn't own any hotels, but it is now worth more than some of the largest hotel chains. Hotels meanwhile, have gained from another change, being able to have a visual presence online and from websites such as Trip Advisor and Booking.com, allowing customers ease of booking.

On the entertainment front Netflix, which doesn't own any cinemas, along with Amazon Prime, have disrupted terrestrial and cable TV and the rental video industry.

While, YouTube, Facebook and Spotify have eaten into illegal downloads and disrupted TV viewing.

Skype, What's App and Facebook Messenger are taking a large slice of the cake from the telecom companies. While iPhone and the other smartphone players have not just disrupted the landline phone market but the conventional camera trade too.

And digital photography has eclipsed film, making it look like something from the dark ages.

I have been making some changes myself.

I have a year-long project to declutter my shop/life. I’ve spent three weeks going through 600 packs of photos and five boxes of family photos, and I’ve disposed of seven pink bin bags of photographs. I’ve had to go through every pack of photos in order to keep the ones that are priceless; the keepsakes I hope my family will treasure and be their custodians.

I have cherished the photos of my grandparents with my mother aged two, when, two months later, my grandfather was killed in the First World War. Then two months after that my granny gave birth to a son who was later killed in World War Two. And I have 150 love letters sent between my grandparents during the war, my most precious possession of all. Each written by

Top: Ryanair and Easy Jet were just two of the low cost airlines that changed the way we travelled.

Above: Edwardian times in Chalkwell, Essex - a unique pictorial record of how Lynn’s local towns and villages looked.

So if you are lucky you may get a printed photo of your child from the school photographer. Of course you take photos, it's never been easier, but how many of these little gems that you proudly parade on your Facebook page have you printed out?

Disruption in photographic terms is a mixed blessing. I'm so pleased I have photos of my trade stands 30 years ago, those of the opening of my shop and how my town looked. Already my 1990’s photos of the town are collectors’ items.

Over the last few years there has also been disruption in the taxi industry. The world’s largest taxi company Uber (who doesn't own any taxis) has certainly caused massive problems with London Black Cabs.

PROGRESSIVE GREETINGS WORLDWIDE

59

Immerse yourself in the greeting card world PG Live 2017 is the UK’s leading launchpad for thousands of original designs and fantastic new card collections.

With over 280 major greeting card publishers, new start- ups and creative artists and designers, the must-visit show is essential for everyone who is part of the vibrant greetings sector.

“PG Live is certainly our favourite trade show of the whole year and we wouldn’t want to ever miss it! The show really is a fantastic showcase of brilliant publishers. The attention to detail, the atmosphere and the way we are all looked after is second to none among trade shows.”

Miles Robinson, partner, House of Cards

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LYNN’S LINES Left: Lynn’s trade stand in the 1990s.

Bottom left: In 2000 paper supplier GF Smith and print company Sherwood Group litho printed some of Lynn’s designs on about six different textured boards to see how differently colour reacted.

Below right: The anticipation of a written card in the post – a letterpress design from Hunter Paper Co. Bottom right: There’s no one in the world that would prefer a text message to a card.

However, from last October all London Black Cabs will take card payments. Certainly this is a step in the right direction. I go everywhere in London by cabs, sometimes my fares in a day were £50, so I always had to check I had lots of cash. Sometimes a shake-up is needed, and as a lot of my rides are business-related it's good to get a proper receipt.

Smart companies recognise disruption is inevitable and adopt it as an active business strategy. The challenge is deciding how to manage it.

I could go on, but let's look at disruption in our industry, some interesting things have happened. Firstly, digital printing versus litho.

Less than ten years ago litho printing was the biggest barrier to those talented card publishers first entering into the industry. We lost hundreds of innovative artists because of the cost of printing large runs. Then along came digital printing and it shook everything up for the better. Even five years ago it was difficult for newbies to make publishing sustainable. Now, in a fast moving industry, responding to retailers' cries to publishers of "what's new?" is now easier with small digital print runs.

Now with many more card publishers becoming successful (and growing), they are in fact, actually moving into litho printing (and larger print runs) in order to be more economically viable as they grow.

With independent shops’ insatiable thirst for cutting-edge original cards, the Springboard area at PG Live is perfect for canny retailers who want to be ahead of the game with the very newest ‘hot off the press’ product, and this section of the show is their first port of call. In fact, this trade show is now renowned the world over for supporting and hand-holding new publishers and for export as well.

There is however, a new phenomenon that the larger card publishers are engaging in, and that is taking very small stands at the show, with a different name purporting to be a small, new kid on the block.

The stand is manned not by the company’s founder/publisher, but by a member of their staff. However good a salesperson they are they do not have the passion or charisma that the owner/designer of the company have, the one who has put their heart and soul into their business and possibly their last penny into their dream.

These larger publishers are trying to mimic the new innovative publishers, but they are easy to spot because they don't have the same rapport that small publishers have with independent retailers who also have put their heart and soul into their shops. I found this out recently at Top Drawer, when my manageress tried to order from one of these mimicking companies. What a long way we have come as an industry when the new publishers are leading the field in so many ways.

Additionally, large retailers are no longer waiting a couple of years to see how new publishers are progressing before they snap them up before others do.

So will greeting card survive in this fast moving world? Of course they will, because it's an area of our British culture where the product is invested in our emotions. There isn't one person in the world who would rather receive an email, text or message on Facebook rather than a card… whatever the

occasion. I think people appreciate it even more now, realising that someone has taken the time to choose a card, write it with a personal message, find a stamp and then remember to send it in time.

I've recently found lots of greeting cards from different eras and it's so interesting to see how the graphic styles/designs have changed and who they are from; some dear people long gone.

One good thing about Facebook is that you do get birthday messages from people who wouldn't normally even know it's your

birthday. However, I have found that people who would normally send me a card haven't resorted to Facebook instead.

I’ve had hundreds of Get Well cards since I was poorly and they have been immense help in lifting my spirits. I don't think an email would have had the same impact.

I think greeting cards will be one of the least affected industries by ‘disruption’, and with such an amazing wealth of publishers’ talent and creativity to tempt us to send a card for one of the numerous occasions in our lives, we can continue to celebrate with a card for our life’s occasions... and have something momentous to remember them by.

PROGRESSIVE GREETINGS WORLDWIDE

61

Product Directory May 2017_v2 21/04/2017 18:17 Page 62

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Product Directory May 2017_v2 21/04/2017 18:17 Page 64

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Warren Lomax on:

020 7700 6740 The UK No. No. 1 in The Licensed Greetings Greetings etings Licensed

Lovely greetings cards & other paper stuff dandelionstationery.co.uk info@dandelionstationery.co.uk

Over Overr 30 licenses Ov licens nses ses including: includin ng g: g: D Disne y, Peppa Peppa Pig Pig, Disney, Kitty, He Kitty Hello Kitty, Mr Men Men a d Angry A Birdss and Birds t: +44 + (0)1264 388400 e: enquiries@gemma-international.co.uk enquiries@gemma-interna national. ti co.uk w: gemma-international.co.uk gemma-international. ona co.uk

CARDS CARDS â&#x20AC;˘ WRAP â&#x20AC;˘ PARTY PARTY â&#x20AC;˘ GIFTS GIFTS

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

Tracey Arnaud on:

07957 212 062 or email on tarnaud@btinternet.com

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

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

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

Eye catching, luxurious Gift Wraps, Gift Tags, Gift Bags, Roll Wrap, Tissue Papers & Ribbons for all occasions

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

Glick, Unit 1 Allenby House, European Industrial Park, Knowles Lane, Bradford BD4 9AB Tel: 01274 655980 email: sales@glick.co.uk www.glick.co.uk

ARTISTS AR RT TISTS C CARDS ARDS g glebecottage.co.uk lebecottage.co.uk 01626 369269 E Established stablished 1993

Market leaders in Humour, Art, Photographic, Occasions and Relations cards offering a full planning service with merchandising and retail development opportunities.

H OTC H P OTC H PUBLISHING

To appear in the Product Directories simply contact

Warren Lomax on:

020 7700 6740

or email on warren@max-publishing.co.uk or contact L U X U RY C A R D S P R O U D LY M A D E I N T H E U K

www.greatbritishcards.co.uk WATERWELLS DRIVE, GLOUCESTER GL2 2PH UK TEL: 01452 888999

PHO PHOTOGRAPHY TOGRAPHY g glebecottage.co.uk lebecottage.co.uk 01626 369269

Order s can be placed on our trader site

w w w. c b g t r a d e r. c o. u k or call our customer ser vice team on

+44(0)1243 792600

Tracey Arnaud on:

07957 212 062

or email on tarnaud@btinternet.com

E Established stablished 1993 PROGRESSIVE GREETINGS WORLDWIDE

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Silk Screened Retro, Pop & Classic Cards Inspired by Music and 1960’s American Advertising.For all Vinyl & Rock n’Roll lovers

L E T U S TA K E YOU BAC K

For further details please get in touch.

info@vincentmcevoy.com

+44 (0)7779 578340

LING DESIGN

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The UK’s leading privately owned publisher of Greetings Cards and Stationery. ...The home for Products

years

Yo our N Number b O One S Supplier li off Numerals, Name, Relation & Age Labels for Greetings Cards.

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

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

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

Pizazz Gifts.

and

Products: Greetings cards for all occasions, Christmas and Spring Seasons cards, gift wrap and bags, charity cards, social stationery.

Bespoke service for charities and other fundraisers.

Ling Design Ltd 14-20 Eldon Way, Paddock Wood, Kent TN12 6BE Tel: 01892 838574 enquiries@lingdesign.co.uk www.lingdesign.co.uk

Brand Names Pizazz, Pizazz Gallery, Pizazz Jewell, Pizazz for Men, What a Picture, Time Out, Bon Bon, Marshmallow

Agents wanted

Cloudesley House • Shire Hill • Saffron Walden • CB11 3FB T: 01799 520200 F: 01799 520100 www.nigelquiney.com

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Design-led Stationery, Gifts, Calendars, Diaries and Cards Brands Laura Ashley, Roald Dahl, Lily & Val, Vintage Ladybird, Caroline Gardner, Monsoon, Born to Shop, Flash Gordon, Boofle and many more.

Our In-house design studio and established supply chain enables us to offer bespoke services. tel: +44 (0) 1225 329494 email: sales@porticodesigns.com website: www.porticodesigns.com

originalposter.com

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

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

We replace slow sellers and damaged stock free of charge.

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

THAT’S WHY WE’RE ORIGINAL!

01932 267 300

paperlink... pap erlink... the home of fa fabulous bulous cards!

Exquisite Design, Beautiful Cards Key brands include Marzipan, Portobello, Mosaic, Daisy Patch, Aquarupella and Designers Guild, plus many more.

Tel: T el: +44 (0)115 986 0115 Email: info@paperrose.co.uk www.paperrose.co.uk www.paperrose.co.uk www.artgroupcards.co.uk www.artgroupcards.co.uk PaperRoseCards TheArtGroupCards The_Art_Group

356 56 Kennington Rd London SE11 4LD T 020 7582 8244 @paperlink.co.uk info@paperlink.co.uk www.paperlink.co.uk

Suppliers of humorous & contemporary Birthday, Christmas, Spring Seasons, Occasions & Relations cards Brands include: Bottomline, Bestie, Wrinklies, Hat Trick, Route 69, Bangers & Flash, Humdingers, Lacie, Sassy, Stay Wonky, Patisserie, Tinklers, Made With Love, and many many more!

Method of Sale: Direct P Paperlinkcards aperlinkcards @paperlinkcards @ paperlinkcards PROGRESSIVE GREETINGS WORLDWIDE

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To appear in the Product Directories simply contact

Warren Lomax on:

020 7700 6740

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

Tracey Arnaud on:

07957 212 062

or email on tarnaud@btinternet.com greeting cards & contempoRary gifts www.redbackcards.com e: info@redbackcards.com t: 01803 712793

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

LING DESIGN

TM

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

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

Greeting Cards that are unique & special with creative wit.

Looking for top-notch agents to join our expanding team.

rosierobins.com 01992 536461

Products: Greetings Cards, Gift Wrap, Social Stationery, Gift Bags, Keepsakes, Partyware.

Brands: Designer Collection, Feelings, Impressions, Inspirations, In Touch, Isabel’s Garden, Paper Wishes, Planet Happy.

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

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Sensations International Ltd Unit 6, Quad Road,East Lane Business Park,East lane, Wembley,MIDDLESEX HA9 7NE Tel. 0208 3854470 Fax: 0208 385 4471 Email: sales@sensationsinternational.com 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: Direct to retail.

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The UKâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s leading publisher of highest quality handmade Greetings Cards.

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

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

UNIQUE UNIQ QUE U PERSONALISED PERSONALISED CARDS

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

Wee of W offer ffer f a COMPRE COMPREHENSIVE HENS

range of high quality qua Gr eeting Car ds ffor o Greeting Cards ALL Occasions Occasions,, CHRISTMAS HRISTMAS and Spring Seasons.

Seasons Method of Sale: D Direct to Retail

&DUGV & DUGV &DOHQGDUV & DOHQGDUV &RDVWHUV &RDVWHUV 1RWHERRNV 1 RWHERRNV

Market Leaders in

Verse

& entimen

Email: info@words-n-wishes.co.uk inffo@w o ords-n-wishes.

Web: W eb: e www.words-n-wishes.co.uk www w.w . ords-n-wishes.co

Tel: T e el: 01942 01942 233201 233201

an extensive range of superior quality,

w: www .tomcatcards.co.uk www.tomcatcards.co.uk e: tomcat@tomcatcards.co.uk t: 01243 837300

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

DIRECT TO RETAIL & EXPORT

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

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

+44(0)1243 792600

TEL: 01480 435562 FAX: 01480 450599 www.tracksltd.com

Top-notch British Greeting Cards for Thoughts that Count

UNIT 2, 12 BLACKSTONE RD, STUKELEY MEADOWS IND EST, HUNTINGDON, CAMBS, PE29 6EF

01923 200600 | www.woodmansterne.co.uk PROGRESSIVE GREETINGS WORLDWIDE

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MERSEYSIDE

WALES

UNIT 4, THE ARGENT CENTRE, SILVERDALE ROAD, HAYES, MIDDLESEX, UB3 3BS TEL: 020 8573 2975 / 1768 FAX: 020 8561 2349

MERSEYSIDE GREETING CARDS LTD

Merseysideâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Largest Greeting Card Distributor

Email: info@abbeycards.com

Due to our massive buyer power, we are able to offer you the best prices and also take a pride in our friendly service.

LONDONâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S NO 1 GREETING CARDS STATIONERY PARTY AND BALLOON CASH & CARRY

Greeting cards â&#x20AC;¢ Gift ranges â&#x20AC;¢ Pocket money toys â&#x20AC;¢ Balloons â&#x20AC;¢ Badges â&#x20AC;¢ Banners â&#x20AC;¢ Soft toys â&#x20AC;¢ Stationery â&#x20AC;¢ Collectables , including dolls â&#x20AC;¢ Photo frames

Trading Hours Our Opening Hours are: MON, TUES,WED & FRI 9.00 - 5.30pm THURSDAY 9.00 - 8.30pm

Always something different Check us out now!!!

Mon, Tues, Wed and Fri 9.30 till 4.30pm Thursday 9.00 till 7.30pm Sunday 10 till 1.00pm Tel: 0151 227 2555 Fax: 0151 227 2556 mgconline@hotmail.com

To appear in the Wholesale Directory simply call Warren Lomax on

25 Dickson Street, Liverpool L3 7EB

HERTS & LONDON

SUMAN BROS

Stationery and greeting card wholesaler

020 7700 6740

Crown House Otterspool Way Watford WD25 8HL

magnus RUPERT

T: 01923 200 900 F: 01923 200 909

Just off the M1 Junction 5

EUR EUROPEâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S ROPEâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S LEADING LEADING G GREETINGS REETINGS CARD CARDS, S, PAR ART TY PRODUCTS, PRODUCTS, G PARTY GIFTS, IFTS, CANDLES, CANDLES, TOYS, TOYS, STATIONERY STAT TIIONER RY AND FLORIST S UNDRIES FLORIST SUNDRIES DISTRIBUTIO ON CENTRE DISTRIBUTION 75000 SQ FT

TRADING

LONDONâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S NO 1

Great deals Great location Plentiful parking

WEST MIDLANDS

GREETING CARDS STATIONERY PARTY AND BALLOON CASH & CARRY

Trading Hours Our Opening Hours are: MON, TUES,WED & FRI 9.00 - 5.30pm THURSDAY 9.00 - 8.30pm SAT CLOSED SUN 10.00 - 4.00pm UNIT 4, THE ARGENT CENTRE, SILVERDALE ROAD, HAYES, MIDDLESEX, UB3 3BS TEL: 020 8573 2975 / 1768 FAX: 020 8561 2349 Email: info@abbeycards.com

Crown House Otterspool Way Watford WD25 8HL Tel: 020 8993 2231 www.rupertmagnus.co.uk

BESCOT CRESCENT CRESCENT, T, WALSALL, W ALSALL, WEST MIDLANDS. WS1 4NG

Wholesale and direct-to-retail greeting cards, gift wrap, gift bags, social stationery, partyware and gifts.

01922-646666 www www.greetingshouse.co.uk .greetingshouse.co.uk info@gr info@greetingshouse.co.uk eetingshouse.co.uk

Great range, competitive prices, excellent service.

MON,WED,FRI 8.00am-4.45pm TUES,THURS 8.00am-7.45pm SA AT,SUN , SAT,SUN 8.00am-1.45pm

NORTH WEST

& $ 3 6 &DUG 3DUW\ 6WRUH /WG ZZZ FDUG SDUW\ FR XN 1(: ,03529(' ZHEVLWH IRU DOO \RXU (YHU\GD\ 6HDVRQDO &DUGV DQG 3DUW\ 3URGXFWV 6DYH 7LPH 2UGHU 2QOLQH ,W V 6R (DV\

Your One Stop Shop 0DQFKHVWHU 5RDG %XU\ %/ 6: 70

PROGRESSIVE GREETINGS WORLDWIDE

BLACK COUNTRY GREETINGS LTD â&#x20AC;¢

â&#x20AC;¢

â&#x20AC;¢ â&#x20AC;¢

Unit 16 Maple Leaf Industrial Estate, Bloxwich Lane , Walsall WS2 8TF.

â&#x20AC;¢ â&#x20AC;¢

Wholesale Greeting cards Gift wrap Gift bags Stationery Banners Badges Balloons Helium cylinders

â&#x20AC;¢

â&#x20AC;¢

E: bcgreetings@outlook.com T: 01922 610190 www.blackcountrygreetings.co.uk Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 9am to 5pm Wednesday â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 9am to 8pm Sunday â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 8am to 1pm TRADE ONLY

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Polypropylene & biodegradable bag specialists

GREETING CARD

Over 40 years quality service to the trade Hotfoiling also available

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

GIVE Y YOUR OUR

BAGS

Manufacturers Manuf facturers of hi high igh qua quality lity fflexible l xible pac le packaging kaging 30 YEARS EXP EXPERIENCE PERIENCE - Q QUALITY UALIT A T Y SER SERVICE VICE EXTENSIVE EXT TENSIVE STOCK STOCK RANGE R - QUIC QUICK KD DELIVERY E ELIVE RY ASSURED

- HEADER BAGS WALLET -W A ALLET BAGS - ZIPPER BAGS THERMAL PRINTING PRINTING - FLEXOGRAPHIC, HOTFOIL & THERMAL www.transrappackaging.co.uk www.transrappackaging.co.uk sales@transrap.co.uk sales@transrap.co.uk

VIP

CALL ALL US TODA TODAY AY

TREATMENT TREA ATMENT T

01773 0 1773 7 537810 5378 810

HIGH CLARITY BAGS FOR GREETING CARDS, CALENDARS AND ARTWORK

ENVELOPES

ŏ ŏđŏ ŏ ŏ ŏ ŏ ŏ FOIL BLOCKING EXTENSIVE RANGE OF STOCK SIZES AND BESPOKE MANUFACTURE WRAPPING SERVICE AUTOMA ATED T WRA PPING SER VICE NEW AUTOMATED

CALL US TODAY

01228 560526 www.fulcrumfilms.co.uk

FOR FOR ALL A LL Y YOUR OU R ENVELOPE EN V ELOPE N NEEDS! EEDS! L argest range range of Largest iin-stock n- stock ccolours olours Over 400 Bespoke Envelope Sizes 8 Sizes Permanently in Stock RECYCLED

Available v 100% Recycled Paper Available

PAPER

Stock & Bespoke Cello Bags Peel & Stick Envelopes Bespoke Service on Request

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

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

01274 220 220 www w.wrapid.co.uk www.wrapid.co.uk sales@wrapid. sales@wrapid.co.uk co.uk PROGRESSIVE GREETINGS WORLDWIDE

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Quality Bespoke Envelopes!

From 5,000 quantity to many millions we can produce excellent quality envelopes for you.

Plain, printed, coloured & textured finish.

100% recycled & FSC available.

Please call us on 0843 5066684 with your enquiry or visit our website

www.ukenvelopecentre.co.uk We will be delighted to help!

FLITTERING

LITHO OR DIGIT DIGITAL, DIGITA GIT TAL, LES GROUP GR ROUP R O WINDLES ALWAYS MAKES AL LWAY AYS M AKES THE RIGHT GHT HT PRINT IMPRESSION. RESSION. RE

FOR ALL YOUR FLITTER REQUIREMENTS

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

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

WWW.WINDLESGROUP.CO.UK WWW W.WINDLESGR W OUP P.C . O.UK

PRINTERS

PJ Print (London) The Capitals only Greetings card printer You name it what ?

We can do it.

With probably the most comprehensive range of card

Specialist UK and Global manufacturer for the greeting card industry

finishing in the UK card market PJ Print The answer to all your card production needs

PJ - PRINT

To discuss how we could work with you contact Simon King Tel: 0115 928 7766 Email: sales@sherwoodgroupuk.com

www.sherwoodgroupuk.com

E-mail: sales@pj-print.co.uk The Print Works Colville Road, Acton London W3 8BL tel 020 8993 5160 www.pj-print.co.uk Hadden Court, Glaisdale Parkway, Glaisdale Drive West, Nottingham, NG8 4GP

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Introducing a joint venture from

The home of greeting cards eting e r g adinugrer e l s ’ K ct The Umanufa card

Following new investments estm in our digital printing facility we can help you with short run prints, rapid stock replenishment, market testing, design sampling and promotional products.

Our expert digital printing, finishing and packing facilities allow us to provide

150 50 1 .uk

Our specialist services include:

• high quality • fast turnaround • competitive pricing

Digital and personalised greeting cards Short-run print Flitter, foil, emboss, die-cut finishes Bespoke gifts including mugs, coasters, notepads and much more

2 .co 011es4@loxleys

Promotional items Marketing literature

sal

Exhibition graphics /stands Stationery any more ribution

If y you ou w would ould li like ke to disc discover over h how ow w wee could help y you, ou, please contact our sales team:

0114 250 1150 •

07974 133735 • sales@digitalhubuk.com

YOUR MANUFACTURING PARTNER FOR VALUE ADDED PRODUCTS English speaking production team, prices quoted in sterling... and only 3 days delivery to THE UK...

Really... and there s no VAT to pay or customs procedures either...that's a great deal!

• Hand made and hand finished greeting cards • Boxed sets and acetate packs of cards / envelopes • Giftwrap and tag packs • Individually open and closed wrapped cards • 'Pop up' and cardboard engineered products • Notelets and social stationery • Specialised printing on plastics & lenticular For production enquiries, estimates etc., please contact our UK Agent:

Rob Pearson 07710 132 232 rob@solutions-polska.com FSC accredited (BV-COC-002485). Audited member of SMETA. Printing to ISO12674-2 standard.

PROGRESSIVE GREETINGS WORLDWIDE

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WAREHOUSING & DISTRIBUTION

The Professional and Caring Approach..

... to 3rd Party Warehouse, Distribution and Hand Finishing needs.

With over 25 years experience in the Greeting Card and Gift Industry, we specialise in providing a very fast yet efficient and friendly service to all of our customers.

Our close links to the port of Felixstowe allowing excellent access for both UK and overseas business.

We specialise in providing high quality print for short to medium runs, incorporating multiple images. Go to our website for prices, alternatively call or email us for a bespoke quote.

T

01274 305832

E

info@hellocards.co.uk

W

www.hellocards.co.uk

We would be happy to talk to you and provide further information please contact either: James Smithies on 01449 778360 e: james@setinhand.com Tracy Davies on 01449 778363 e: tracy@setinhand.com Please visit our website at www.setinhand.com for further information.

Your Success Is Our Success

LB Warehousing (Women in Transport & Logistics Finalist) • LITHO PRINT • DIGITAL PRINT • FOILING • EMBOSSING • FLOWRAPPING

• DIE-CUTTING • FLITTERING • PACKING • DISTRIBUTION • INSERTING

S AME DAY order turnaround A CCURATE fulfilment and same day turn round V ALUE ADDED only as you sell the product E XCLUSIVELY Greeting Cards D EDICATED Account Managers With an excellent reputation we work as an integral part of your TEAM bringing much more than fulfilment.

Our costing structure is SIMPLE and TRANSPARENT. We carry out ALL aspects of hand finishing and assembly and provide whatever ADDITIONAL services YOU need Our select team of outworkers carefully hand wrap any size or format of cards urgently, OVERNIGHT! We CARE about your product as much as you do. Attention to detail, QC Issues and IT supported by a comprehensive paper trail for all stock movements are our hallmarks.

Our CAN DO approach means that WE solve your problems.

Outsourcing your warehousing operation releases your time to CREATE/MARKET/SELL/ MANAGE/GROW THE BUSINESS

Tel: 01274 531828 Contact Chris Sharman. Email: chriss@herbertwalkers.co.uk

YOUR BUSINESS IS OUR BUSINESS, please visit our web site and see what OUR customers say, then to find out more call Lynda Raymond and perhaps we can

www.herbertwalkers.co.uk

arrange to meet and discuss your needs I am sure that we can help.

LB Warehousing, Units 1, 2 &3 Wayside Warehouses, Toseland, Near St. Neots, Cambridgeshire. PE19 6RX Tel 01480 880800 Fax 01480880900 Mobile 07889 399341 lynda@lb-warehousing.co.uk

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Tel: 01929 550085 Email: sales@westminsterwire.com Web: www.westminsterwire.com

Home of the Wire Spinner Stand

CALLING PROFESSIONAL GREETING CARDS DISTRIBUTORS Our constant stream of new products continues to present outstanding oppo unities for well-established distributors.

This is a superb oppo unity to link with a quality publisher of greeting cards and allied products.

For fu her information please email us and we will respond immediately.

The Wire Spinner is proven to be the most cost effective method to display and enhance products.

We also offer sheet metal, wood, acrylic and cardboard solutions or a combination of materials.

To appear in the Classified pages simply contact

Warren Lomax 020 7700 6740

NEXT EPISODE PUBLISHING, CAMBRIDGE Email: cardworkstrading@btconnect.com

Immerse yourself in the greeting card world

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

APPOINTMENTS

BRAINBOX CANDY NEEDS YOU! Hello! We are looking for a Sales Manager and also additional Agents to work with our ever-growing award winning ranges and customer base in the UK. Candidates must have a proven track record in the greeting card industry.

Sales Manager position will ideally be based DW RXU KHDG RIæFH LQ /HLJK RQ 6HD (VVH[ Contact: mark@brainboxcandy.com

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