Progressive Greetings November 2020

November 2020 Front Page A4.pdf

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A big THANK YOU

customers

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01423 563740

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From The Editor

ON THE CARDS As someone who writes at least several thousand words every day, and has done so for over 30 years, stringing a few sentences together should really not be a problem for me. Other people are good at baking cakes, keepy uppy, telling jokes (three talents that are not in my repertoire), while I have always had a passion for the written word - and even better if those words are inside a greeting card.

That said, when, as part of the posse of greeting card retailers, publishers and the GCA looking to push for a U-turn to allow specialist card retailers to re-open it fell to me to make a stab at the letter we, as an industry, sent (via the GCA) to Business Secretary Alok Sharma, I was all of a quiver. It felt such a privilege and a responsibility in equal measure to draft something that would purport to come from the thousands in our wonderful industry who have/are being so adversely affected by the fact that non-essential retailers have not been allowed to trade, especially given Sage’s conclusion that they have not contributed to the spread of virus, due largely to their diligent efforts in store. With such strong backing from the community for the campaign (which, initiated by Rumit Shah of Cards Galore, soon gathered speed bringing endorsement from Cardzone, Card Factory, Scribbler, Cardgains, as well as indies and publishers), Amanda Fergusson (ceo of the GCA) and I did our level best to represent the industry’s plight. Here it is…

‘Dear Alok Sharma The greeting card industry is a great British success story but it is a sector that is being unfairly penalised as a result of the current closure of non-essential shops. We strongly urge that you allow specialist card retailers to be allowed to reopen during this lockdown.

The Greeting Card Association (GCA) members represent the interests of the entire greeting card industry - from the retailers who sell the cards and the greeting card publishers who create them, to the printers and trade suppliers who manufacture them.

We believe that greeting cards are an essential product, more so now than ever before, providing a meaningful way for people to communicate with those they care about, at a time when they are not able to meet in person. We have seen a huge upturn in general card sending this year as people keep in touch with loved ones, the receiving of greeting cards have been proven to stave off the feeling of loneliness and improve mental health, vitally important in today’s climate.

Therefore, the retailers who specialise in their sale should have ‘essential retailer’ status. While greeting cards are available from the some of the retailers deemed as ‘essential’ by the latest

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Left: Alok Sharma Business Secretary had better send lots of Christmas cards. While safety is important, the hope is that the Govt lifts the lockdown for card retailers on December 2 at the very least.

Below: Look out for your invite to The Henries award event (in this issue) on December 10. It’s free!

rulings, by their nature they are generalists and do not offer the selection that a specialist card shop can in facilitating these all-important relationships. Christmas card sales are already significantly up on last year - people will continue to buy cards so allowing card shops to open will allow shoppers to spread out and shop safely. More than 90% of cards are bought in a bricks and mortar store.

Recent findings from Sage have indicated that ‘non-essential retailers’ have not contributed to the spread of the pandemic. Indeed, our retailer members have all been incredibly stringent in ensuring they create COVID-19-safe shopping environments. The majority operate from small shop units, who are easily able to keep an eye on their customers ensuring that safety guidelines are adhered.

The British sent nearly 1 billion Christmas cards in 2019. We send more cards per capita than any other nation and last year spent £1.7 billion on them, providing an income for many of our artists, publishers, printers as well as the retailers.

From the small independently-owned card shop in your local community to Card Factory, our largest specialist which employs up to 15,000 people, these are all retailers who are helping to spread joy, provide comfort and reinforce relationships by their selection of cards.

We, as an industry, urge you to make this a happy Christmas and allow greeting card shops to reopen without delay so that the nation can keep in touch.’

As PG went to press (in mid November), while the much hoped-for U-turn has not materialised, the media has got on board to help tell our story and Amanda (Fergusson) has secured a meeting with Under Secretary Paul Scully on December 1. She is not very good at keepy uppy either, but has certainly scored highly on making the industry’s voice heard. Here’s hoping the Government is all ears and we can safeguard as much of this year’s Christmas sales as possible.

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What’s Inside?

CONTENTS 21

27

33

7-19 News

28-29

All the latest happenings and developments in the trade.

The £1.7 Billion Question And Answers

20-21

Insights from the recently published GCA UK Greeting Card Market Report.

Industry Insights

Over The Counter

Stay Alert - Read PG - Save Christmas David Robertson, co-owner of JP Pozzi in Scotland draws an uncanny similarity between now and the events of 1993.

31-33 It’s Only Words The role of traditional words and sentiments cards in today’s society.

22-23 35-39 Innovations

Cardsharp

Thanks A Lot Boris PG columnist cannot contain his disappointment at the Government’s decision for the non-essential retail lockdown.

Publishers’ new ranges and designs.

25-27

Debbie Monson is the ‘artist in focus’ this month.

41 Art Source

Viewpoints

Trading Statements

42-43 What’s Hot?

Leading retailers revealed their trading experiences and hopes for next year during the recent GCA Conference and AGM.

A quad of great retailers reveal their best sellers of the last month.

44-55 Sources of Supply

35-39

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

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

Jakki Brown

Warren Lomax

Ian Hyder

Tracey Arnaud

Editor/Joint Owner

Joint Owner

Joint Owner

Sales Manager

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

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

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NEWS TOP STORY

The Push For Card Shops To Reopen Media and MPs lobbied heavily The greeting card industry pulled together on a united front to put pressure on the Government for a U-turn that would allow specialist card shops to reopen.

Government ministers, MPs, TV channels, radio stations, newspapers and online news streams have been bombarded over the last few weeks by the GCA, retailers, publishers, trade suppliers and agents as part of a campaign to push for specialist greeting card shops to be allowed to reopen during Lockdown 2 in England.

An official petition entitled 'Nonessential' shops should be allowed to stay open during the current lockdown’ has clocked up thousands of signatures, especially as Sage has reported that such retailers have not contributed to the spread of the coronavirus.

The petition forms part of the Greeting Card Shops Are Essential campaign, which, spearheaded by Cards Galore’s Rumit Shah galvanised support from the industry immediately. Fellow specialist multiple retailers (including Cardzone, Clintons, Scribbler and Card Factory), independent buying group Cardgains (which represents 1,000 retailer rooftops) as well as many card publishers joined with GCA and Progressive Greetings in amplifying the rallying call.

The GCA, with support from leading specialist card retailers, sent a letter to Business Minister Alok Sharma, as well as to Under Secretary Paul Scully, to put across the point of view as to how the Lockdown 2 restrictions in England have unfairly penalised greeting card retailers.

The letter, sent by Amanda Fergusson, ceo of the GCA, included the emotive

Independent spirit

Above: Amanda Fergusson, ceo of the GCA speaking on the BBC’s early morning news programme.

Below left: Rumit Shah, director of Cards Galore has instigated the petition in pursuit of non-essential shops being able to reopen in England.

Below middle: Business Minister Alok Sharma received a plea from the greeting card industry.

words: “We believe that greeting cards are an essential product, more so now than ever before, providing a meaningful way for people to communicate with those they care about, at a time when they are not able to meet in person.”

This message was reinforced by Amanda on BBC 1’s early news programme World Business Report; by Eddie Shepherd, ceo of Clintons on BBC Breakfast, Radio 5 Live and in a piece which also featured views from John Procter, co-founder of Scribbler on BBC News online; by Bob Malin, co-owner of Occasions and LisKards in Liskeard on BBC Cornwall and by Jon May, co-owner of Mooch on BBC Hereford & Worcester.

As PG went to press (midNovember) it appeared doubtful that the government would change its mind, but it was deemed important that the pressure was kept up to ensure that stores can open as planned after December 2.

The GCA’s Amanda Fergusson has joined with IRC (Independent Retailer Confederation) to secure a meeting with Paul Scully, Parliamentary Under Secretary on December 1 at which the industry’s concerns will be aired.

Rose raises the thorny issue

“We need to stay open,” was the plea Nigel Williamson, co-owner of the House of Cards, (six shops in the Home Counties) made on BBC’s 6 O’clock news on the eve of the lockdown, his frustration in the Government’s decision being clearly audible.

Fellow Independent retailer Jon May, co-owner of Mooch (with shops in Bewdley and Stourport-on-Severn) appeared on BBC Hereford & Worcester making his thoughts known.

“I detailed that the month’s forced closure will have triple the damage financially of the previous three months in March as we are in now what is known as the 'Golden Quarter' - I stressed that we need to reopen in December or face a severe financial headache,” Jon told PG. Meanwhile down in Cornwall, Pam and Bob Malin, co-owners of Occasions and LisKards (two card shops in Liskeard, Cornwall) made contact with BBC Cornwall radio station submitting a photo of the socially distanced queue outside their shops taken the day before the lockdown as proof of the public’s appetite for specialist card shops.

As Pam told PG: “Just before Lockdown 2 we had triple the usual number of customers stocking up on their 'essential' cards and I am sure if you asked them the question, the answer would be “YES, cards are essential”. I hope everyone’s efforts help to get card and stationery shops classed as 'essential'.”

Above: Nigel Williamson, co-owner of House of Cards greeting card retail group appeared on BBC’s 6 O’clock news.

Below: Indie retailers Pam and Bob Malin of Occasions and LisKards (two card shops in Liskeard, Cornwall) sent an image of customers queuing outside one of their shops to their MP and local media to show the demand for greeting cards.

Left: Rose Trow with Lorraine Brunt, the owner of Issey’s in Mevagissey.

In addition to the members of the media, MPs have been inundated with emails, phone calls and letters from greeting card retailers, publishers and agents in their constituencies.

Putting her argument across to her local MP David Warburton, independent sales agent for the South West Rose Trow stressed: “Greeting cards are essential; they are providing a vital tangible connection between people at a time when we cannot see each other. To continue to penalise card and gift shops who sell them, retailers who have ensured that their stores are safe places to shop, is just wrong - especially at a time that is so crucial to their livelihoods. We all want to fight this pandemic, but forcing shops to close who have played no part in its spread is just not fair, to the retailers, their customers nor their suppliers.”

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NEWS Danilo’s founder marks Minister’s diary

TOP STORY

Lockdown 2 Life Card retailers go full pelt with attempts to maximise sales “OMG!! Our worst nightmares have just come true,” exclaimed Mark Janson-Smith, owner of Postmark, summing up the feelings shared by thousands of greeting card retailers in England when they heard the news that they would be forced to close for a month in what is usually their most financially lucrative part of the year.

“They say don’t get sad get mad - and I am very, very mad! I can’t believe they have done this to retail,” screamed Maggie Wynn, owner of Just Cards in Honiton in frustration of the Government’s decision.

stronger,” was the battle cry of Amanda and Will Oscroft of Love It in Stamford and Bury St Edmunds and virtual shopping services.

Priya and Dominic Aurora-Crowe, co-owners of Lark London (six card, gift and lifestyle stores in London) is one retailer that has come up a different idea, proclaiming it is a way to “help save our shops; to help save our high street.”

Its new ‘pick and go’ service works by customers coming to ‘counter’ in the doorway of the shops, who then tell the assistant what they want, the assistant retrieves the product(s) from the shopfloor, and the customer pays for it and takes it away.

“Simple, like a takeaway coffee,” explains Priya on an explanatory little video that was shared on social media to launch the service.

Meanwhile, Mark Rees, managing director of Penmark (which owns 11 card and gift shops and four home But while unfortunately some orders fragranced stores), has printed 25,000 were cancelled with suppliers (see leaflets/order forms that have been separate story), a great many retailers distributed in the vicinity of his shops, as wasted no time in showing their true well as making them available from mettle, putting measures in place to outside his shops. maximise sales during lockdown “Like so many others, we are making - frantic website uploading of full use of social media. We products, defining their click n have to do what we can to PLEASE collect/delivery strategy, protect our businesses and product showcases on social encourage the public to HALLM ARK media, virtual shopping support us,” he summed up.

Top: Pick and Go is Lark’s take on a services and leafleting for the coffee takeaway service.

CALL & COLLECT 01332 347521 month of November.

Above left: Lark London’s co-owners Priya and Dominic Aurora-Crowe have “We are ‘warriors not been inventive with their different ways worriers’ so we will make the of continuing to trade.

841 Osmaston Road, Allenton Left: The front of a leaflet that Penmark most of lockdown. We’ll is distributing as part of the promotion recharge and come back

Laurence Prince, founder and chairman of Danilo has had dealings with all manner of A list celebrities in the calendar and card company’s 43 years - from Sir Cliff Richard to Kylie - so confronting a Government minister and mainstream media about something he believes in is certainly not something he would shy away from.

In a letter to Business Secretary Alok Sharma as well as to his local MP, Eleanor Laing, Laurence highlighted how the government’s decision to close non-essential retailers is another ‘nail in the coffin’ for high street retailers as well as being incredibly damaging to so many companies supplying them.

As a significant part of Danilo’s business is in dated products (calendars and diaries) the timing of the closure of non-essential retailers hits hard.

“We have produced many of our 2021 ranges of calendars that are sold in all major High Street outlets. These are dated products that have been produced especially, and then there are the Advent calendars that have to be sold in November.

In the last week alone we have had over £500,000 worth of orders cancelled by retail store groups for goods that we have had to pay for,” quantified Laurence. “The Chancellor has instituted plans to help businesses etc, but who is going to compensate us for the costs of goods that we have paid our suppliers for?”

As Laurence reinforces: “The Government and local government are always going on about the decimation of the High Street - this is yet another major nail in that coffin.”

Above: Laurence Prince, founder of Danilo.

Below: In his recent TV interview with Sir Cliff Richard, Piers Morgan highlighted how the last 42 years has seen a Danilo calendar produced for the pop icon, this year included.

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Supportive measures Five Dollar Shake, Ling Design and GBCC are among the publishers to have shown support to their retail customers by devising posters as well as offering other services that they can adapt for their needs during this lockdown.

Henries’ nominated Emma Bryan Design has come up with a way to serve her community of independent retailers by offering a what she is calling, Picture Bonus. “New orders can be accompanied by a flat image of each card ordered if required, plus an editable text description, designed to speed up the listing of products for online shopping that so many retailers are having to do as part of the response to the Covid-19 situation,” explains Emma.

Right: A poster template from Ling/GBCC. Far right: A Picture Bonus from Emma Bryan.

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NEWS TOP STORY

Emotional Rescue x Paper Salad Collaboration Two publishers collaborate on a multi range launch In a significant development for Emotional Rescue and Paper Salad, and a stand-out in industry practice, the two greeting card publishers have collaborated on a huge launch of six card ranges, comprising a total of 150 designs.

The ranges, which will be launched in the first three months of 2021, will combine Emo’s strength in humour and sentiment with Paper Salad’s distinct design prowess. All of the cards will be dual-branded with a backstamp of ‘Emotional Rescue in collaboration with our good friends at Paper Salad.’

Explaining the rationale behind the tieup with Paper Salad, David Greaves, managing director of Emotional Rescue told PG: “Paper Salad’s principal area of

expertise is visual, contemporary/trend, design and I think they are the best in the business. Our principal main skill is in humour/sentiment - editorial/copy and I think we are pretty good at that too. In terms of market product positioning, this is a perfect match. It creates really exciting product from two highly complementary, proven successful publishers.”

As to how the idea for the two companies to work together came about, David’s recollection is that, “it involved

Above: The backs of the cards reference both publishers.

Left and middle: Designs from the ER x PS Senti (top) and MishMash ranges.

Below: Paper Salad’s Claire Williams (left) and Karen Wilson on their stand at Spring Fair in Feb celebrating the company’s 15th anniversary.

being in a bar and champagne! Over time, we got talking about product, we all got really excited and one or two ranges became six!”

Karen Wilson and Claire Williams, co-owners of Paper Salad freely admit that they have really enjoyed working on the product development with Emo. “Humour and sentiment is a route that we never in a million years thought we would ever venture down, but we have been surprised how much we have enjoyed illustrating the fantastic jokes and sentimental poems that Emo produces.”

While Emotional Rescue will take on the distribution of the collaborated ranges into the multiples, the Paper Salad team of independent sales agents will be representing them in the independent channel.

This follows on from Emotional Rescue’s recent agreement with Paper Design Group, for the Nigel Quiney/Paper Rose sales team to represent its existing ranges to independents. David elaborated: “The existing ER portfolio is very substantial, to put the six new Emo-Salad products on top of that would have been just too much. In addition, the Paper Salad sales team is excellent. Karen and Claire were keen for their people to market the product.”

The first three Emo x PS humour ranges, MishMash, Is it Friday Yet? and Ho-Hum! will launch in January, followed by two sentiment ranges, Emosh and Senti and one further humour brand, Mine’s a Pint, which all launch in April.

Digital platform for Top Drawer January Clarion Events has confirmed that January’s Top Drawer exhibition is to be held digitally.

The digital platform - Top Drawer On Demand - will allow the retail community to come together and access new opportunities to connect and trade as well as share expert advice and trend forecasting, along with live product launch sessions and enhanced networking tools.

Major investment by The Imaging Centre Representing a major investment, greeting card printer The Imaging Centre is gearing up to move into a much larger state of the art premises, with a brand new additional press. The move of its HQ and warehouse is to support the company’s ongoing growth and further support its customer base of over 400 publishers in the greeting card industry.

Work has already begun on the new site, which is in Marden (a short distance from its existing base) with the official move due on January 4.

The additional warehousing space will enable The Imaging Centre to accommodate a brand-new press adding to the two it already houses. “Higher order volumes have seen the need for a larger, faster and even more efficient machine. The HP Indigo 12,000 is the fourth series of Indigo press, producing the same professional quality printing, but in higher numbers,” explains Adam Short, md of The Imaging Centre. “This will reduce turnaround times, and get orders direct to retail even faster than before. The new press produces larger B2 prints, which will allow us to offer a host of new products including sheet gift wrapping on demand.”

As part of the key environmental values the company holds, the new warehouse is part powered by renewable energy sources - and is quite literally green.

Above: Adam Short, md of The Imaging Centre outside the new HQ.

Spring Fair 2021 cancelled As expected, Spring Fair will not take place as a physical event in 2021, organiser Hyve Group has confirmed.

The decision was taken following new UK government restrictions on the reopening of business conferences and exhibition halls.

Hyve is now working to deliver an ‘enhanced virtual forum’, Spring Fair @ Home, with product features and exclusive seminar content, designed to educate and inform participants. Spring Fair will return as a physical event from February 6-10, 2022. (www.springfair.com).

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NEWS WJB’s film role

TOP STORY

Everyone’s Invited To The Henries 2020 The industry’s ‘big night’ on Thursday 10 December Left: The beautiful ticket was designed

by The Art File’s Lucie Whitehead and produced by Windles on board from Fedrigoni.

Below: Windles’ Andrea Norcott and Glenn Hayer check The Henries invitations as they come off the press.

It’s time to dust off your posh frock or DJ, or at the very least your best PJs as there are now just days to go until the greeting card industry’s ‘big night’ - The Henries 2020. It’s free to attend and everyone is invited!

Taking place this year as a virtual event - on Thursday 10 December The Henries greeting card awards will be a fabulous opportunity for the whole industry to get together, ‘chat’ to each other, as well as celebrate the wonderful finalists and winners who are up for the awards this year.

“We’re on course to make this the biggest Henries ever, as everyone from anywhere in the world will be able to attend, from the smallest independent retailer to the largest publisher, from distributors in all corners of the world to specialist trade suppliers. It has been a tough year, so let’s make The Henries, a massive industry Christmas party!” enthuses Warren Lomax, joint managing director of Max Publishing, which owns and organises The Henries. “The theme for The Henries this year, California Dreamin’ lends itself to an uplifting vibe and we will be encouraging everyone to don their gladrags or dress up in keeping with the theme, whatever takes your fancy!” he added.

The Henries 2020 is to be hosted on Hopin, an interactive platform which has been developed specifically for events such as this. While The Henries event is completely free to attend, everyone wanting to be there will need to register. Just go to https://hopin.to/events/Henries2020 (If you haven’t previously created a Hopin

account, The Henries’ registration process will prompt you to do so. This is free and very easy to do.)

While this year is very much an ‘open invitation’ to attend The Henries, in keeping with the tradition of the event, a beautiful physical invitation has also been produced.

Exquisitely designed by The Art File’s Lucie Whitehead and superbly produced

by Windles, on board that was kindly donated by Fedrigoni, the lavishly foiled invitation is being inserted in every single copy of this November edition of Progressive Greetings.

The Henries event will start at 6.15pm on Thursday 10 December and will go on until late!

Everyone coming to The Henries will be able to move in and out of areas just like you would do at a physical event. The Henries Hopin Awards platform will include a main stage area (where the pre-awards speeches and awards ceremony will be hosted); a live text-based ‘Chat’ function where all attendees can share messages and Session Rooms (hosted by sponsors as well as those booked by other companies and individuals) which accommodate up to 15 individual attendees/individual screens at any one time. www.thehenriesawards.co.uk

A Wendy Jones-Blackett greeting card plays a starring role in the upcoming major film, Everybody’s Talking About Jamie and is considered such an important element that it features in the official trailer.

The 20th Century Fox film, which is due to be released early in 2021, is based on the musical of the same name which was inspired by the 2011 television documentary Jamie: Drag Queen at 16.

The film follows a 16year-old Sheffield teenager as he overcomes prejudice, rejection from his own father, beats the bullies and fulfils his dream to become a drag queen.

Wendy Jones-Blackett, the creative maestro and namesake of the Chapel Allerton-based greeting card company was contacted by someone who works for a props company with a request to make a 16th birthday card that Jamie’s mum sent to him with an inappropriate design sent from his dad being created by the props company.

“The cards illustrate how while Jamie’s dad just didn’t understand or fully accept him, his mum clearly did,” said Wendy.

The WJB card is a bespoke Cloud Nine design incorporating the ‘chuffing birthday’ message in a nod to his Sheffield home as well as lots of over the top fluff and sparkle. “It was only when we went to see the stage show in the West End that I realised how pivotal the cards are in highlighting the strength of the relationship between Jamie and his mum. It feels a bit like having one of our kids appearing in a movie! Chuffed to bits too that the film picks up on the important role cards play in all of our lives,” added Wendy.

Above: The Wendy Jones-Blackett Cloud Nine card design that was specially created for the film.

Below: At his last careers advice class, 16-yearold Jamie states his intention to become a performer, which he does!

Russell Kirby rejoins Aspin after 24 years

Above: Russell Kirby now and then (with Aspin colleagues).

Not only is Aspin a very well-known company in the greeting card industry, supplying many publishers with bespoke software programmes - and as one of The Henries sponsors - but its latest ‘new recruit’ to the team is a very familiar face to many, including the Aspin crew.

Having left Romsey-based Aspin Management Systems in the early 1990s, at a time when the company was trailblazing systems for greeting card publishers to use to keep track of their stock and orders, Russell Kirby is now back in the fold.

“Having spent almost 30 years in the gift, card, home and allied products sector (as man and boy obviously), I am delighted to be re-joining Aspin,” says Russell. “It goes without saying that I’ve continued to follow the company as they’ve gone from strength to strength over the last three decades.”

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NEWS TOP STORY

The Industry’s Beating Heart GCA Conference and AGM brings issues, insights and the community together “2020 has turned into the year none of us could have imagined, and we still have some challenging months ahead. However, again the resilience of the greeting card industry has shone through,” began Amanda Fergusson, ceo of the GCA in her opening speech at the association’s recent Conference and AGM. Hosted digitally, the event brought together hundreds of retailers, publishers and suppliers, both from the UK and overseas.

It over delivered, not just on the content of the presentations and discussions, but also in the sense of camaraderie created by seeing so many familiar faces on the screen as well as the continuous interaction of attendees in the Chat feed.

‘Thank you to everyone today for making this GCA AGM happen. It’s been so nice to watch and hear how the industry is pulling us all through these tricky times together,’ wrote Steve Baker, sales and marketing director of Pigment summing up the sentiment felt by so many others attending.

From its representation of the sector to Government, Royal Mail and the media to its consumer-facing initiatives, such as Thinking of You Week and co-ordinating the Market Report which tracks the health and wealth of the industry (see pages 2829), the GCA has done its members and the whole greeting card trade proud.

Rachel Hare, president of the GCA and founder of Belly Button Designs shared her company’s commitment to progress on the environmental front, transitioning to make all of its products plastic-free. “Reducing plastic is not new to Belly Button as over the past few years we have gradually begun to reduce waste across the business - but the new ‘space’ we found ourselves in [due to the pandemic] highlighted that there was more to do,” said Rachel. While she accepts that there are still improvements to be made, her mantra is “that it is about doing

what you can, small steps are OK and can be the beginning of change.”

One of the highlights on the agenda delved into another important area where change has been needed - that of diversity in the greeting card industry.

Expertly hosted by Mark Callaby, managing director of Ohh Deer, retailers (Hazel Walker of Waterstones, Jo Bennett of Card Factory, Pollyanna Bell of Paperchase) joined with new

GCA council members Tineka Smith (of Huetribe), Adriana Lovesy (of Mrs Lovesy) and Rachel Hare (of Belly Button) to discuss how while some much needed progress has been made on this front over the last six months, there is plenty more to do.

“It’s not about making a token gesture.

Less novelty, more permanent,” implored Jo Bennett, who feels hopeful that just as there is now greater availability of card designs aimed at the LGBTQ+ community that it should also become “seamless” that cards that better reflect diversity will be more widely available.

Retail expert, Michael Weedon, md of Exp2, chair of the Federation of Small Business’ Retail and High Street Policy Unit and head of the High Street Advisory Board for the Save The High Street campaign fronted the two retail panel discussions (one on online retailing, the other on bricks and mortar), giving an insightful overview of the health and wealth of the changing retail landscape.

(See pages 25-27).

Amanda urges anyone involved in the greeting card industry who is not a member to join the GCA. “As the last year has shown, there is much to be gained by having a collective voice. For this voice to be louder, we need everybody on board.

So come on retailers, publishers, suppliers, join up and get involved!”

Logging on The Conference also marked the launch of the much-anticipated brand new ‘whistles and bows’ GCA website (www.gca.cards).

Bringing the site to life, Raj Arora, GCA Council member who owns Davora greeting card company as well as Nettl, the web design company that developed it, shares some of highlights… l The new website makes it easier than ever for members to find the content they are looking for. With its Googleesque search feature the GCA Library is now the hub of information for members. l The new Members Directory is an invaluable marketing resource, and a great way for our members to attract new customers. And members have full control over the information they put out on the directory. l The Jobs board supports members who are looking for artists, agents or to grow their team. l Members can now invite their colleagues to use the website too without separate subscriptions. That means multiple people in an organisation can access the tools and resources they need to help them.

Top: The new GCA website is full of resources as Raj Arora demonstrated at the recent GCA Conference.

Above left: Amanda Fergusson, ceo of the GCA shared just some of the media coverage the association has achieved of late.

Left: Second Nature’s Chris Bryan (centre top) hosted the discussion about online card selling with panellists being (left-right) Priya AuroraCrowe (Lark London), Jo Barber (No.14), Francis Jardine (The Bottom Drawer), Jeremy Lune (Cards for Good Causes) and Rachel Dickson (Zaquarella).

New Councillors The recent meeting saw the appointment of four new members to the GCA Council. These are David Byk, ceo of Swan Mill Group; Adriana Lovesy, founder of Mrs Lovesy; Tineka Smith owner of Huetribe and Carolyn Verderame, head of sales at Caroline Gardner.

In addition, Daniel Prince, md of Danilo has taken over as treasurer of the association.

Top: Carolyn Verderame.

Middle: David Byk. Right: Adriana Lovesy.

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NEWS TOP STORY

Megan Claire’s Lockdown ‘12 Days Of Christmas’ Goes Viral Publisher urges for greater awareness of original creativity Greeting card publisher, Megan Claire is experiencing some bittersweet success with its new Christmas lockdown collection, which highlights a wider issue that needs to be addressed.

When Megan Purdie, founder of the Northamptonshire-based greeting card company set out to create some topical humorous Christmas cards that would provide some light relief during this pandemic, she didn’t expect that it would result in one design in particular, her take on the ’12 days of Christmas’, going viral.

However, unfortunately in the vast majority of cases, from Facebook and Buzzfeed posts to TikTok videos, no credit at all has been given to Megan Claire as the originator of the idea.

The design in question, which really hit the spot with its topical-take on the age-old verse, proposes that gifts from your ‘true love’ this Christmas will include ’12 sanitisers, 11 plastic visors, 10pm curfew’ counting down to ‘3 tier system, 2 metre distancing… and a useless track and trace app too.’

As Megan told PG: “While it’s humbling and flattering to know so many people loved our original idea and that it has been shared so widely, it’s also disheartening and frustrating that we have not been acknowledged for it.”

Megan designed the collection and launched it last month. “One of the first shops to order was the lovely Jo Barber from No.14 Ampthill.

She took a photo of the 12 Days of Christmas card and shared it on her Facebook

page, and it started to get shares across social media. Luckily the card had a card clasp label on with our name ‘Megan Claire’ on it,” explains Megan.

“A few days later a friend messaged me to say the photo of the card had been featured on Buzzfeed. Since then, the original idea has gone viral. On a local Facebook page someone had typed out the wording on our card, and everyone was copy and pasting it, and quite openly saying ‘I’ve nicked that, thanks’, 'I’ve stolen that to put on my page’ etc.,” added Megan.

It has spiralled further, being featured on various TikTok videos. The most recent has had 1.1m views, 160K shares, almost 3K comments and not a single credit to Megan Claire.

Recognising the injustice, independent retailer Tabi Marsh, co-owner of Papilio at Heritage in Thornbury has made sure that her customers at least are aware of the issue. In a recent Facebook Live video, Tabi explained the turn of events.

She makes a plea to her viewers that if they see something on social media to “share the original post” in order to give credit to the originator.

As Megan added, “I am so grateful to Tabi as this isn’t really about Megan Claire, it is about raising awareness of this issue with the general public, so that they maybe think twice about how they are sharing images on social media.”

Top right: Megan Claire’s 12 days of lockdown Christmas, which was initially shared in good faith by No.14 giving full credit to the originator.

Left: Megan Purdie, founder of Megan Claire

House of Cards’ faces up with a smile Home Counties group, House of Cards put an uplifting spin on the regulations for all retail staff to wear face coverings with a fun Pimp My Visor competition for all of its team.

The competition, which was open to all in House of Cards’ warehouse and retail teams, set an open brief to decorate their visors to add a bit of fun to a serious requirement.

The entries ranged from pretty florals to the rainbow-centric, Halloween-themed to one, in a nod to the retailer’s name, based on a house.

The first prize, selected by Amanda Fergusson, ceo of the GCA was created

by Deborah Barbour, who works in the Thatcham branch for her hearts and flowers creation. Coming second with her glamorous 1920s incarnation was Lisa Gilbert of the Tring branch while the NHS thank you rainbow themed entry from Sonia Corrall, who works in the Wallingford branch came third. They each received delicious treats from Betty’s as their prizes.

“We are moving to House of Cards branded face masks for our team so thought the Pimp My Visor competition would be a nice swansong for the visors,” commented Miles Robinson, coowner of House of Cards.

Top: Deborah Barbour, of the Thatcham branch was the winner of the competition.

Words ‘n’ Wishes shares out the thank yous Words ‘n’ Wishes is going a step further this year with its Thank You Reward Voucher scheme for its independent retail customers, by extending the show of gratitude to ‘local heroes’.

As Rod Brown, joint md of Words ‘n’ Wishes explained, “This year we wanted to increase the awareness of local independents as well as those people making a difference to their town or village community, thus giving them the opportunity to say their very own ‘Thank You’,” he added.

The Thank You All Round programme will see all of its independent retailer customers who place an order (of at least £300) for everyday products from the Words ‘n’ Wishes and Danilo portfolios (that will be invoiced and delivered by December 21) receiving M&S vouchers of increasing increments. A £300 order Above: The Thank You All Round initiative rewards will see them receiving a £30 M&S voucher up to £300 of M&S vouchers for a £2,500 everyday order in indies as well as their local heroes. the period. The retailer will be allocated a ticket/tickets which will go into a draw that will take place in January 2021 with 14 winning retailer names (one for each geographical region) being invited to nominate an outstanding member of their community that deserves recognition. Words ‘n’ Wishes will then provide £100 of M&S vouchers for the winning retailers to present to their respective local heroes as a thank you.

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A Sustainable Christmas?

Eco gains for Waitrose, Morrisons, Asda, John Lewis and Sainsbury’s ‘Morrisons and Waitrose ditch glitter for Christmas’ was the headline of a sizeable news story from the BBC recently, which championed how Morrisons, Asda, Sainsbury’s as well as John Lewis and Boots have all made environmental claims about their respective Christmas offering, with Christmas cards, wrappings and crackers coming in for some special praise for their plastic reduction.

The coverage was sparked by recent press statements issued by Morrisons and Asda, which have been echoed by recent marketing from Dunelm with regards to its Christmas card and wrap selection as well as from John Lewis’ chairman Sharon White in her five year strategy for the retail group.

While somewhat behind the other grocers, last month Morrisons fanfared how it has removed glitter entirely from its own-brand ranges of greeting cards, giftwrap, seasonal items and horticulture in stores.

The grocer stressed how the majority of Morrisons Christmas cards will come boxed in recyclable cardboard and 100% of packaging on cards and decorations can be easily recycled by local authorities while it has also removed all plastic toys from its Christmas crackers this year.

Its moves to ban glitter and reduce plastic in its Christmas ranges means that Morrisons will be removing more than 50 tonnes of plastic from its shelves during

Sherwood Group helps fight Covid

the festive period, and more across nonseasonal products all year round.

Christine Bryce, director of Morrisons’ Home division said: “Every time a cracker is pulled, or a card is opened, plastics have been used…but just the once. So, we’ve taken glitter and plastic out of our festive ranges this year.”

Sainsbury’s senior buyer Carly Pearson confirmed to PG that the grocer has “no glitter on any of our Christmas cards, bags or crackers this year. Also, our everyday range will be glitter-free

by March. It would be sooner, but we want to sell through the remining stock rather than waste it.”

This year, Asda has launched its first sustainable Christmas range, which it says will save 66 tonnes of plastic this year - the equivalent of nearly 3,000 real Christmas trees.

Continuing its commitments to helping customers to reduce, re-use and recycle more, the range features glitter-free cards, wrap and gift-bags, which would in previous years have contained small particles of plastic.

Above: A Morrisons’ festive shopping basket.

Above middle: A giftbag from Asda’s first sustainable Christmas selection.

‘Guilt-free glitter’ breakthrough Known and respected for their innovative finishes for greeting cards, Rye-based Abbotprint has made a breakthrough with a solution for publishers to offer ‘guilt-free glitter’. While biodegradable glitter has been available for some time, the challenge has been finding a biodegradable ‘glue’ (thermographic powder) that is suitable to attach it to the cards.

The breakthrough has come with a biodegradable product, the main component of which, is vegetable oil. Five Dollar Shake, which has been working with Abbotprint for years, has been the first to feature the ‘guilt-free glitter’ combo of biodegradable glitter as well as the new ‘eco-glue’ on its cards.

“We have spent many months trialling all manner of natural products, from pine sap to sugar, in the drive to find an effective and colourless fixative, but also one that cools down quickly enough to make it logistically viable,” explains Brian Frost, managing director of Abbotprint.

As Beth Genower, who co-owns Five Dollar Shake/Counting Stars with her husband Matt adds: “We all so badly need a bit of sparkle and magic in our lives and I think this process will allow Five Dollar Shake to offer glitter and yet feel really proud to be able to back up our eco beliefs”.

Above: Abbotprint is well respected for its inventive solutions.

Greeting card printer to many (and loyal Henries sponsor), the Sherwood Group has joined the fight against coronavirus, by investing into a new production line to make 250,000 protective face coverings a week in its Nottingham factory.

Richard Bacon, managing director of the Sherwood Group commented: “As a Group, we pride ourselves on innovation, being proactive and our ability to quickly respond to market needs. We are delighted to be able to support the fight against Covid-19, producing high quality British made face coverings. It is so important for the country during this pandemic and I am proud of the team in getting this up and running”.

The Group has invested £200,000 in the new machinery in response to the country’s increasing demand for protective face coverings.

Above: The Sherwood Group is producing 250,000 protective face coverings every week in its Nottingham factory.

Art agency Creative Sparrow ‘Fledges’ Well-known and respected by many greeting card publishers and artists alike, Hannah Curtis has launched her own art licensing agency, Creative Sparrow which is now representing a dozen different artists, designers and photographers.

Having worked in the art licensing world for the last 15 years (latterly with Bright and prior to that Image Source), Hannah is experienced in both spotting the potential in artists as well as understanding the aesthetic needs of greeting card publishers and other companies, looking for suitable artwork that will chime with the tastes of the buying public.

The artists in Creative Sparrow’s inaugural ‘stable’ are a mix of designers who have experience of the greeting card world, as well as some who are totally new to the sector.

“It is lovely to have Andrew Thornton, formerly a designer for Pigment, on board as well as Bev Cunningham [of Ginger Bee Studios], formerly creative director of Abacus, plus Imogen Joy and Susse Linton who have never had their work published on cards before,” says Hannah.

Above: Her 15 years’ industry experience stands Hannah Curtis in good stead to launch Creative Sparrow.

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OVER THE

COUNTER

BY DAVID ROBERTSON OF JP POZZI, ELGIN AND BUCKIE.

Stay Alert - Read PG Save Christmas This is the year that doesn’t seem to want to end. It’s been the year that royalty walked away from the Crown; the year unemployment soared and interest rates crashed; the year that a Conservative government failed to judge the feeling of a nation… and the year of a global pandemic. Looking back at the history books, minus the global pandemic, so much of what has/is happening in 2020 feels very reminiscent of 1993.

I was 19 years old back in 1993. I was starting University with no real idea where I would go or what I would end up doing.

Funnily enough that feels a bit like a lot of us are feeling now in 2020.

As comedian Ben Elton said in his stand-up routine back then: “A little bit of politics…”, seriously, I don’t want to get into politics, but there are so many comparisons to 1993 it’s scary.

Wind back 27 years and John Major was leading a deeply unpopular government; Princess Diana was withdrawing from public life; unemployment was nearing 4 million and there was a lack of trust in the government.

Labour was surging in the polls and even the Lib Dems were gaining support.

Cue Major’s infamous rally cry of “Back to Basics”. On 8 October 1993 he spoke of: “The old values neighbourliness, decency, courtesy - they're still alive, they're still the best of Britain. They haven't changed, and yet somehow people feel embarrassed by them.”

Well I would argue that in 2020 we have seen more of those values than ever before.

We have seen the public try to support one another. We have seen them unite in praise of 20

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the NHS. We have seen communities try to look after one another and more recently we have seen a 22-year old footballer (Marcus Rashford) show more leadership and unite more people than our Prime Minister.

We have seen members of the public young and old galvanise their communities; seen ‘normal human beings’ become extraordinary in fundraising incredible sums of money, but now eight months into the most testing of times we are seeing problems occur.

We are now seeing deep divisions in our counties and countries. The ‘Brexit’ word is creeping back into daily use and there are many other issues on the horizon.

Again, in some scary premonition John Major in his famous speech spoke of: “Disunity leads to opposition. Not just opposition in Westminster, but in the European Parliament and in town halls and county halls up and down this country”. As he continued…"A world that sometimes

Far left: John Major making his Back to Basics speech in 1993.

Left: A Boris Johnson design from Emotional Rescue’s new Spitting Image collection.

Below: David Robertson two decades ago!

seems to be changing too fast for comfort" As we rocket through November we can all identify with that. We have lost the freedoms we took for granted. Live music, mixing with friends, eating out, going on holiday, giving someone a cuddle. In truth I resent these losses but there is nothing I can do about it - no-one can.

All in all the realisation is that we have all, in effect, lost a year of our lives so far and counting…Most of us have spent the year trying to live by the many different rules which have and are engulfing the UK. The endless succession of ministers who can’t tell us if gyms are opened or closed, if you can have a drink with close friends or not is summed up best by the new Spitting Image Bojo card from Emotional Rescue. They used to say that you couldn’t make Spitting Image anymore as there were no characters left in politics.

Now the question is who do you leave out?

It does feel like we have seen Bojo & Co more than Ant & Dec this year though, which is worrying in itself.

As I wrote the first draft of this article the debate was raging in Wales about its circuit breaker lockdown, which initially

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OVER THE COUNTER Left: A festive window in one of David’s shops.

Below: A topical Megan Claire Christmas card.

going to be virtual. The friendly “hello” cannot be overstated. We maybe can’t smile at people in the same way as before (lockdown and masks not withstanding) but your eyes can still be welcoming and your opening words are so important to make customers feel at ease and relaxed in store.

It can still work on email, text, social media, Zoom and through the window.

Personal touch

penalised greeting cards, not allowing them to be sold by the grocers.

The inaugural message was: “By reducing the items that supermarkets can sell, First Minister Mark Drakeford said it will help to create an ‘equal playing field’ for independent businesses forced to close.”

While on first thought this may have made sense, in the hope that purchases would wait until the non-essential stores reopened, alternatively it would drive them headlong into the welcoming land of online sales, thereby adding to Amazon founder Jeff Bezos’ $Billions!

I watched with horror at those first media shots, of the card displays taped up.

Thankfully our sector was given a reprieve and, in a show of faith to us all, greeting cards were deemed as ‘essential’ and allowed to be sold in supermarkets in Wales during the lockdown.

And then came the ‘hokey cokey’ of the English lockdown with specialist card shops being forced to close while garden centres managed to be granted the right to continue to trade!

If my personal experience in the lockdown is anything to go by, letting the public buy their cards in supermarkets or garden centres will only serve to strengthen their love of a good indie card shop.

In keeping with John Major’s 1993 ‘Back to Basics’ speech I came up with what I feel will be the basics that will help us indies in the run to this Christmas.

Customer Interaction Admittedly in England the lockdown until Dec 2 means a lot of communication is

Personal suggestions - taking the time to suggest and show cards and gifts is still a crucial part of what we do. I can give daily examples of how that little chat and suggestion can result in a first or repeat sale. On Saturday just gone, my mum spoke to a male customer acknowledging that he liked lovely familycaptioned Christmas cards and how, shopping late last year meant he was frustrated by the lack of choice. He was amazed that she could recall this and, as a result bought all of his close relative cards on the spot so everyone wins.

I really believe that indies give an unparalleled choice of specialist cards. We will have designs covering all tastes and price points and I think that the more specialist captioned cards have never been more important than this year. Make sure you have them in stock.

Up-sell Now if ever there was a ‘greed is good’ 1990’s word, ‘up-sell’ is it, but you can do it easily without problems and actually help those in your store. Make it easy for them to buy the wrap with their gift or suggest quirky things like tie-ing one of the History and Heraldry named elves onto a parcel. We need to ‘add value’ to the purchase, not just Above: It’s the little touches that can upsell such as suggesting adding a personalised History and Heraldry elf.

Right: It feels a bit like a real life Groundhog Day at the moment.

monetary wise. When you add value and the giver is excited to pass it on, we know we have done our job.

Tidy displays Basic - insulting? Well it is not meant to be, but being tidy is a must, especially as the supermarket displays are usually a mess.

People buy more when they find things easily and customers tend to browse for longer. With Covid you also want to make it as easy as possible for customers to browse without too much handling.

Feeling of safety More control, more signage, but not nuclear bunkers. Twice in the last week I have seen shop owners shriek at customers. People will make mistakes, but we have to be patient and encourage them to come to you. We are introducing private appointment shopping and also retail evenings for those who are nervous about coming back in store. We really need to innovate and be as accommodating as possible to hopefully squeeze out every last sale.

Attention to detail Christmas is important as I do think people will want to spend but don’t forget there are other key card events going on. I think more than ever we have to be able to offer as large a choice of core product as ever.

UKG, Cherry Orchard, ICG, Words ‘n’ Wishes are among the card publishers that have impressed me of late with their fantastic everyday product, as well as the related deals and incentives to take them early.

So, you never realised that there was so much in common between 1993 and 2020?

Well I want to leave you with this thought... one of the top grossing films of 1993, Groundhog Day, that stars comedy genius Bill Murray. In it he gets to live the same day time after time and in truth I feel we have all been in the 2020 remake since the 23 March!

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

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cardsharp

Thanks A Lot

Boris!

Saturday 31 October 2020 will remain forever etched in Cardsharp’s memory and not because it was Halloween, but because it was the start of the nightmare for UK card retailers and publishers. Although, there was obviously a realisation that there were going to be more restrictions with regard to hospitality and social gathering, Cardsharp was reasonably confident, especially after Boris’ statements that another total lockdown was unthinkable, that the retail sector would remain trading on the same conditions as in the previous few months, especially as retailers had gone to huge expense and effort to make sure their shops were Covid-safe.

Cardsharp’s hunch was wrong, but not as wrong, in his mind, as the UK’s Government’s decision.

Even when the rumours were circulating of lockdown Cardsharp felt certain that the Westminster government would not repeat the debacle of the devolved Welsh Government’s discredited decision over the sales of non-food products.

On the very morning of the announcement, Cardsharp was exchanging jocular messages with some of his retail buddies, basically telling them not to worry.

Even this government, would not be that stupid and close down ‘non-essential’ retail in the second most important trading month of the year? How wrong he was… as then the bomb dropped! So, on the basis of some ‘Dodgy Science’ (which went against Sage’s conclusion that retailers had not contributed to the spread of the virus), comparable to Tony Blair’s ‘Dodgy Dossier’, all non-essential retail (outside Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland who had their own restrictions) was ordered to close for four weeks, from the following

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Thursday. The ‘Essential retailers’ were deemed to be supermarkets, convenience stores, chemists, and oddly (given the time of year), garden centres, plus for some strange reason WHSmith branches, even if they were not a sub post-office.

By 10.30am on that first day of the new retail restrictions coming into place, Cardsharp was shocked to hear how the ‘Rozzers‘ were banging on the doors of a Cardgains’ independent retail member, ordering the owners to shut the doors immediately. To Cardsharp’s mind, surely our police force have more pressing crimes

Below: Prime Minister Boris Johnson as depicted on a Politically Incorrect card, published by Really Wild and now distributed by Second Nature.

Bottom: Cards Galore it has not been! The retailer’s director Rumit Shah has spearheaded the ‘Greeting card shops are essential’ campaign.

to prioritise than taking issue over a few greeting card sales!

To this day Cardsharp still can’t believe the imbecility of the decision, especially given the lengths retailers have gone to in order to ensure a Covid-safe environment.

Bricks and mortar retail had been reviving nicely up to then. Many retailers and publishers were reporting that early trading for Christmas was encouraging. The hope was that with a good Christmas much of the damage done in the Spring and early Summer could be rectified. True, London and inner-city chains like Paperchase, Scribbler and Cards Galore were still struggling badly with lack of footfall, but even these guys were hopeful of a preChristmas pick up.

Full credit to the GCA and members of the greeting card industry to react so quickly with a response, to fight what was effectively a fait accompli. Cardsharp was also particularly impressed by the words of retail legend Lord (formerly Stuart) Rose, Chairman of Ocado, and managing director of Marks and Spencer from 20042011, writing recently in The

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Sunday Times. Most of the supposedly ‘Corporate Titans’ had remained rather subdued in their criticism of the government’s decisions, but Lord Rose did not hold back or mince his words.

He claimed the government’s retail lockdown was an “abhorrent use of shutdown”. This was based on out of date modelling and that the government diktat was incompetent and rude. And he added: “What about the stiff upper lip? We have become pathetic!” In his view, the government had been incompetent and rude to retail businesses. “We have been sitting here meek and mild,” he said.

He added that we can’t just turn business on and off again and that companies have got to be ready, goods have to be ordered, factories have to be warmed up or cooled down. “We need that money in the economy. That money pays VAT, pays wages and keeps stores open” And this comes from a hugely successful business guru, who is now 71 years old and is chairman of Ocado, a company which has seen the sales rise by 50% this year as a result of retail restrictions, and who himself experienced a bout of Covid back in April. No one could accuse Lord Rose of just furthering his own interests.

And in a sentence with which so many publishers and suppliers will identify, in his damning conclusion he pointed out: “If we start breaking some of the bits and pieces in the chain, the whole lot starts falling apart”.

While Cardsharp recognises that many sectors have been pleading that they are a

Left: Retailing stalwart Lord Stuart Rose has been vocal with his opinion about the nonessential retail lockdown being a poor decision.

Below middle: Five Dollar Shake has been among the publishers to provide support to retailers forced to close their doors during this lockdown, such as by providing poster artwork.

Bottom: The PM in the House of Commons delivering the official news of Lockdown 2.

special case, he feels the greeting card trade has a stronger argument than most.

Most specialist card shops, whether multiple or independent, as we all know, trade for ten months just breaking even if they are lucky. This year however with Covid, there was precious little luck going, but for many retailers, with relatively good late summer and early Autumn months behind them, Christmas trading in November and December were looking promising.

Now November is effectively a wipe out for specialist card and gift shops.

Even though most card and gift retailers, both large and small, have all dramatically improved their online offering, the income from this source will be a drop in the ocean compared with the loss of sales in the second most profitable trading month of the year.

And it is not just retailers who will suffer. For those publishers that have supplied retailers with Christmas stock sale or return, unsold returns may cripple them. Even for those that have struck firm deals that unsold Christmas stock will be retained until next Christmas 2021.

Cardsharp thinks this will have large negative ramifications down the line.

Publishers and retailers will have less cash to invest in product. That will affect the amount invested in new creative designs and also damage the whole greeting card industry supply chain.

Specialist printers, envelope manufacturers, board suppliers, as well as warehousing and distribution companies will all suffer. Sales forces will be reduced in size. Thousands might lose their jobs and their livelihoods.

While the positive news emerging about a vaccine on the horizon has given a massive boost to morale and hopefully the economy too as we come out of this torrid period, we also have to recognise the huge damage the government’s decisions have inflicted on our industry.

While Cardsharp, like everyone else views the vaccine news as offering real hope of a return to normality, he will never forget that this November, thanks to a decision of huge ineptitude taken at the highest level, hundreds of thousands of people employed in the greeting card industry and its extended supply chain will suffer - financially and mentally. All this unnecessarily, because of a leaked, flawed, discussion document, which panicked a disfunctional cabinet, led by a struggling Prime Minister, to act on the basis of this highly dodgy dossier.

Roll on 2021 and happier times ahead hopes Cardsharp.

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It’s a tough market-place for you right now. Even tougher than usual! Which is why, here at Simon Elvin, we are focussed harder than ever on giving our independent retailers the best value we can! Cards, Gift Wrap & Gift Bags, Social Stationery and Party Goods – all designed to catch the eye of your customers in-store. And all delivering sensible margins for you, and outstanding value-for-money for your customers.

And something else hasn’t changed. Simon Elvin products remain available only through your trusted local wholesaler. So you can get a great selection of our top-value products, whenever you want them... to match your business needs exactly!

And why would you ever want to change that?!

Wooburn Industrial Park • Wooburn Green • Buckinghamshire • HP10 0PE T: (01628) 526711 • F: (01628) 531483 • W: www.simonelvin.com

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VIEWPOINTS

Trading

Above: The ‘bricks and mortar’ retail panel discussion at the GCA Conference and AGM was hosted by PG’s editor Jakki Brown (above top centre). Pictured left-right Paul Taylor (Cardzone), Carly Pearson (Sainsbury’s), Sally Matson (Red Card), Hazel Walker (Waterstones), Mark Janson-Smith (Postmark), Jon May (Mooch) and David Robertson (JP Pozzi).

Statements Mark Janson-Smith managing director of Postmark, a group of four shops in Balham, Greenwich, East Dulwich and Chiswick: State of play: “Since lockdown ended, we’re about 4% down on sales, but the past two months we have been 5% up on last year. Summer sales were badly hit by the lack of weddings (our wedding card sales were down by 66%) and no real end of term card sales, reflected in our thank you cards being down 36%.

Our shops being in the suburbs means we have fared pretty well, but it is tough, certainly not fun retailing and we’ve certainly missed seeing everyone in the industry.”

Christmas and beyond: “I feel there will be a surge in Christmas card sending this year. It is very difficult for anyone to plan how they will be spending Christmas or what they will be allowed to do, but after the year that everyone’s had I think people will be sending joy and happiness to each other through cards. I think our sales of singles and packs will be up, but the restrictions of numbers of people allowed in the store will be a challenge for us.

As to the start of next year, I feel I can’t really plan anything. I am finishing off Spring Seasons and feel positive about them, but due to lots of retailers having stock left over from this year, there is a lack of new designs from publishers and I have had a bit of a struggle to put together Valentine’s and Mother’s Day selections, and have yet to do Father’s Day.” Above: Mark Janson-Smith participating in the recent panel discussion.

Right: A selection of Christmas cards offered by Postmark on its website.

With the enticing title of ‘Trials, Tribulations and Triumphs of Greeting Card Retailing’ and a stellar cast of card retailing superstars (who collectively account for over 2,000 retail rooftops), attendees of the recent GCA Conference and AGM were all ears as to what the cardie head honchos at Cardzone, Sainsbury’s, Waterstones, Postmark, JP Pozzi, Red Card, and Mooch had to say about trade and their predictions for the start of 2021 in the ‘bricks and mortar’ retailing panel discussion.

PG shares some of the insightful nuggets that were aired…

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VIEWPOINTS Hazel Walker senior buyer for Waterstones, which comprises 300 stores: State of play: “It’s been tough, but there have been some positives. When the shops reopened after lockdown, everyday card sales improved, especially in our shops in the suburbs and smaller high streets. Our bookshops have a local and loyal following and those customers who have gone in to buy their books picked up cards and other items while they were there. We actually added more additional spinners of cards into about 20 shops and this has really worked for us.

Another positive has been getting our online act together.

Having started selling single cards online for Valentine’s Day and Mother’s Day, we’ve now got 400-500 everyday cards on the site and they’ve been doing really well.”

Christmas and beyond: “I’d say ‘cautiously optimistic’ is definitely the phrase for how I feel about Christmas. As people will not be able to visit their family and friends, I do feel there will be an upturn in card sending. For this reason, we have backed boxed multipacks as we feel people will be sending more cards so will favour these rather than singles. Our Christmas sales started really strongly before slowing a little, with boxed card sales just tipping our single card sales currently.

Looking to 2021, we have pushed back our dates for when we would normally sign off our Spring Seasons selections and are just finishing Valentine’s. We are hoping that Valentine’s will be like Christmas and that people will want to send cards in a show of love and support, both from a romantic standpoint as well as friendship one.

I feel Mother’s Day and Father’s Day will be much tighter, but still feel cautiously optimistic about them.”

Top: Waterstones’ senior buyer Hazel Walker is feeling ‘cautiously optimistic’ about Christmas.

Above: Current lockdown aside, Waterstones’ local stores have fared better than its city centre ones.

Sally Matson owner of Red Card in Petworth:

Jon May co-owner of Mooch in Bewdley and Stourport-on-Severn: State of play: “We have been trading really well since we re-opened, trading around 15% up year on year, which is really encouraging. Our stores’ greeting card sales are up around 20%. What we are finding is that people were buying in bulk - instead of buying one or two cards at a time, they were buying 10-15 cards at a time.

Policing customers has not been fun, but we feel lucky that we are based in the Shires rather than in cities.

Online for us has grown considerably, especially with cards. We only used to offer 20 cards online, but now we’ve got over 1,000 designs and also offer a free handwriting service.”

Christmas and beyond: “I feel positive about Christmas, mainly because we have seen such a shift to people shopping locally. We launched Christmas a lot earlier this year (on September 25); we don’t normally launch it until November. We have expanded our range of single cards by 25% and early sales were really strong.

We are prepared to open our stores for longer hours and have private shopping nights for ‘family bubbles’ as well as a QVC style online ‘shows’.

I feel a bit more cautious as to what’s going to happen at the start of next year, but fingers crossed things will start improving and there will be a lot of positivity out there in the first quarter.”

Above: Mooch’s Jon May has his fingers crossed for a good start to 2021.

Left: Mooch has increased the selection of single Christmas cards in its stores.

Left: Sally Matson hot-footed it from a doctor’s appointment to be part of the GCA panel discussion.

Below: Red Card’s Sally Matson is already looking forward to the new raft of new ranges to put on display at the start of next year.

State of play: “I think we’ve been really lucky as we are located in a market town that’s away from the Covid hotspots and it feels very safe with everyone diligently wearing masks and hand-sanitising.

We re-opened in July and August, September and October were all markedly up on last year. In October we ended 25% up which is quite extraordinary, especially as we did not put our Christmas out until the end of the month. It was totally down to people shopping locally.”

Christmas and beyond: “I am feeling positive about Christmas. The key to seeing out this pandemic is being able to adapt quickly. Being a small shop, we normally hold back in putting our Christmas selections out, but this year we put it out a bit earlier as our customers were not willing to wait. Early sales saw our average spend go up as did sales of Christmas card packs, while our stamp sales went through the roof.

Due to social distancing we will extend our opening hours by an hour a day as well as offering private shopping appointments so that we can get as many people through our doors as safely as possible in the time left before Christmas.

As for next year we’ve seen lots of lovely new launches, which makes me feel positive about what we are going to be putting out in January.”

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VIEWPOINTS Carly Pearson senior buyer of Sainsbury’s, which sells cards in its 1,600 stores: State of play: “We’ve seen a pretty good performance. The whole ‘events’ [which includes cards] side of things is up single digits year on year, but there has been a mixed performance within the [greeting card] category. While general birthday and female birthday card sales are up about 11%, weddings’ and occasions’ card sales have been down double digits, which has quite a big impact on our sales for the whole category.

We’ve seen an increase in new home cards on the back of the initiatives the Government has put in place. Thinking of You was very strong for us. It was the first time we got behind the event [Thinking of You Week] and will definitely be looking at making more of it next year.

We didn’t put out thank you teacher cards this year, but we’ve seen disappointing sales of general thank you cards, which is a shame seeing as everyone is doing so much for each other. Sales of new baby cards have been flat, but we’re waiting to see if there is a surge if a lockdown clutch is born.”

Christmas and beyond: “I am feeling cautiously optimistic about Christmas sales. We launched a small range in store at the back end of September and our main range went live in the last week of October. Early volume sales were 50% up, which is fantastic, but that is on a small base and we have a long way to go before we’re in the main trading season.

We will have some challenges as we move into the peak weeks, notably ensuring the safety of our merchandisers alongside the number of people in store.

Though I understand the reasons why, planning for 2021 Spring Seasons has been quite difficult, due to the lack of submissions from publishers, particularly for Mother’s Day.”

David Robertson managing director of JP Pozzi and Bijou, Buckie and Elgin: State of play: “We were able to trade right through lockdown in our newsagent shop and experienced a real desire for cards, especially for the special captioned cards that you cannot buy in the supermarkets.

Sales however have been very erratic - you can have a fantastic day when you end up double on the previous year then another day when there is just no footfall.”

Christmas and beyond: “I used to laugh at garden centres putting out their Christmas displays in August, but this year we put ours out at the end of September for the first time ever and saw very positive sales as well as good feedback from customers.

We put in an extra 36’ of Christmas cards, repurposing space in the coffee shop area, in our Buckie store.

What we have seen are good sales of very specific card titles, including ‘sympathy at Christmas’, and ‘new home at Christmas’.

The key publishers, such as Cherry Orchard, Jonny Javelin, IC&G and Words ‘n’ Wishes have the stock of the specific titles and can turn round small orders very quickly. They are really very, very valuable in the run up to Christmas.

As for next year, there’s lots of good everyday product being launched and lots of good deals.”

Above: David Robertson sharing his experiences on the retail panel.

Above right: Specialist captions, such as the Cherry Orchard Publishing design, stand indies in good stead, believes David Robertson.

Left: Sainsbury’s senior buyer Carly Pearson is happy with the early Christmas card sales patterns.

Below: Even prior to the recent lockdown, Sainsbury’s card sales were up double digit, with the grocer happy with its participation in the Thinking of You activities.

Paul Taylor managing director of Cardzone, which has 160+ stores throughout the UK: State of play: “We’ve actually found trade very mixed. Our local neighbourhood stores and those in small market towns have been trading positively, but regrettably our city centre stores and those in shopping centres have been trading appalling badly - some stores are trading 60% down and have been since we re-opened. Our Leicester store, in a shopping centre in the city, has never recovered from the local lockdown there and is 65% down.

We’re finding that footfall across the whole business is about 20% down.

We have however traded better in our stores in Scotland and Northern Ireland, although sales in the latter started to fall off when recent restrictions came into force. Our stores in Wales, even before the lockdown there, were trading 20% down.

The challenge for us has been to mitigate the massive fall off in our city centre and shopping centre sites while trying to perform well in the localised neighbourhood stores.

Christmas and beyond: “The biggest challenges we are going to have with Christmas is going to be footfall and what the stores can deal with in terms of social distancing.

We brought our roll out of Christmas a lot earlier this year as we sensed people would be buying earlier. Certainly our early Christmas sales were very encouraging, but that said they are coming off a very low base. That number will need to significantly Top: With 160+ shops, Paul Taylor has increase in the weeks ahead. Our single experienced some winners and losers on the shop sales front. card sales are performing better than Above: Cardzone’s shops in Scotland, boxes because we’re very much focused on which include its Paper Kisses store in Broughty Ferry, have fared better than the former. those in cities and shopping centres in England and Wales.

In relation to Spring Seasons this year Valentine’s was OK while Mother’s Day was clearly a challenge. Father’s Day did OK in our 50 stores that were open. For 2021 I have found that there are limited new designs from publishers which has meant putting ranges together has been difficult, that said, the Father’s Day offering we have selected is excellent.”

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Industry Issue

A £1.7 billion question -and some answers The British public spent a massive £1.7 billion on greeting cards last year, confirming the industry’s ongoing strength in these times of great uncertainty.

This reassuringly large sum is the topline figure from the latest UK Greeting Card Industry Market Report, undertaken by Echo Research, commissioned by the GCA, to track the health and wealth of our sector.

Having been unveiled at the recent GCA Conference and AGM, PG shares some of the facts, figures and trends from this significant annual survey.

Some 860 million single cards can’t be wrong - this is the impressive number of individual greeting cards that were purchased by the British public last year. Any ill-informed member of the media or city analyst would do well to have a glance at the findings of the latest UK Greeting Card Industry Market Report before they flippantly claim ‘greeting cards are dead’.

Commissioned by the Greeting Card Association, the annual research project was undertaken once again by Echo Research, an award-winning market data company. The Report’s findings are based

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on actual sales data (of single cards sold January-December 2019), submitted confidentially by UK greeting card publishers to Echo, which were then extrapolated to arrive at the final picture.

As to what that ‘picture’ looks like, the job fell to Darren Cave, commercial director of UK Greetings to reveal the findings at the recent GCA Conference and AGM. And while more of a flat ‘landscape’ than soaring mountain tops, it certainly paints a familiar, but reassuring scene. Sure, there are a few gentle dips in the data, but when you consider the monumental changes that there have been in

Above: The public remain fully engaged with greeting cards – as evidenced by the 160,000 cards sent to Sir Captain Tom on his 100th birthday this year.

Left: Darren Cave, commercial director of UK Greetings and GCA Council member presented the findings of the Market Report at the recent Conference and AGM. Below: The market remains robust, but as the findings show there has been a slight dip in value.

the world in the last few years, the statistics don’t lie - the British public remain steadfast in their love of greeting cards.

“Even before the pandemic, it’s been widely accepted that retail footfall has been in decline for some time,” said Darren, providing some context for the figures. “Some reports have shown that footfall in shopping centres and high streets have fallen by as much as 10% in the last seven years pre-Covid, yet during that time our category has remained incredible stable, although there has been a slight softening over the past year, primarily driven by everyday.”

That being said, as Darren stressed, the UK single card market continues to be valued at over £1.5 billion, “which is phenomenal.” Add in Christmas estimates and that takes it up to £1.7 billion, certainly not to be sniffed at!

As the Report confirms, not surprisingly, everyday cards still take the lion’s share of the market share, accounting for almost 76% of the total sector’s value, with Spring Seasons and Christmas representing around 12% each.

Delving a bit deeper, while there has been a slight dip in the birthdays and blank cards segments, it was sales of occasions, ages and relations cards that tracked as having dropped more in the last year. As

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Industry Issue

Great participation Nine out of 10 UK consumers purchased a greeting card in 2019, and this percentage is even higher among the younger generation. As an extra fillip to the official UK Market Report, Darren shared some encouraging socio demographic findings from a piece of research commissioned by UK Greetings.

With the population defined by a colourful histogram, it painted a reassuring picture of the high levels of engagements the UK general public have with greeting cards, across the age groups.

“Very high levels of participation are seen in the younger generations, particularly Gen Z (18-24 year olds), with 96% of respondents saying they had purchased a greeting card in the last year - and this is despite the influences of social media, which has to be very, very positive news for our industry,” underlined Darren.

Above right: Encouragingly engagement with greeting cards is highest among Gen Z.

Darren highlights, this is somewhat in contrast to the findings of the previous Report, which showed an increase in occasions/relations/ages.

While Christmas sales last year, according to Darren, were “fairly stable”, there is some positive light shining on Spring Seasons with the Report showing a notable increase in value year on year across the three main events (Valentine’s, Mother’s Day and Father’s Day), with only Easter (the smallest in value terms by some margin) having shown a marginal decline.

“Valentine’s saw the biggest increase year on year, of approximately 10%, which is incredibly impressive,” highlighted Darren.

The Report’s findings certainly make for reassuring reading, especially given the challenges of retail footfall and little price inflation.

“Our category has continued to perform,” sums up Darren. “Yes, there has been a slight softening, but it is still a very stable, resilient, robust category. The consumer is engaged and willing to pay for good quality greeting cards.”

However, like so many other sectors which are reliant on bricks and mortar retail (some 90% of greeting cards in the UK have up until this year been bought in physical shops), the effects of Covid-19 will shake things up for next year’s Report, but Below: While no soaring peaks, the general shape of the market is reassuring.

work is already underway to ensure that the research will delve into the changing shape of the industry.

“We can’t ignore the many challenges that 2020 has brought us with the onset of the pandemic. We also cannot ignore the growth of online and the role it may play going forwards. That said, many of our members are embracing new technologies and online to enhance their businesses and ensure they are fit for the future,” says Darren, ending on positive note. “It is also reassuring to hear the positive feedback from members of a bounceback after the first reopening - and this further underlines the strength of our industry and the important role social expressions products play in the UK.”

At your fingertips The Market Report has now been uploaded into the members’ area of the GCA’s new website where it is free for them to view. It is also being sold to interested parties (who are not members) at a cost of £750 (+VAT), thereby raising funds for the Association.

“The Report really is an invaluable benchmark for the GCA’s publisher, retailer and trade supplier members. Its findings also provide independently verified facts and figures that we can use when speaking to the press, government and other bodies,” explains Amanda Fergusson, ceo of the GCA. The association has now formed a dedicated sub-committee who are defining what information would be useful to gather for the next report.

Areas being discussed include considering a deeper delve into the impact of online sales, as well as how diversity is being reflected in the greeting card market.

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YEAR OF THE OX!

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NEW DESIGNS for 2020... got to keep laughing or we’ll cry!

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Market Sector Insights

I t ’s Only Words ‘It's only words, and words are all I have, to take your heart away,” sang the Bee Gees in their much covered 1968 hit. Now, half a century on, the power of the written language on greeting cards, helping people to communicate their emotions to others at a time when they cannot do it in person, has never been more potent.

PG sensitively touches on the role so-called ‘traditional words and sentiments’ greeting cards are playing in binding our nation’s relationships, during the pandemic and beyond.

“Words and sentiments cards have been an absolute lifesaver to many during this devastating pandemic,” proclaims Hilda Richardson, co-owner of Cardigan Cards, one of the stalwart publishers of traditional words and sentiments greeting card deigns. “So many people have been self-isolating and not able to be near those they love. Texts and phone calls or Facetime sessions etc are amazing modern ways of keeping in touch, but receiving a card that features thoughtful words is a personal gift from one heart to another that can be kept a lifetime, something that the recipient can hold in their hands and take to their heart,” says Hilda encapsulating the specialness of the traditional words and sentiments segment of the greeting card industry.

“So many more people are feeling lonely, isolated and missing friends and family on a global scale that’s never been seen before. There’s a lot of worry and anxiety surrounding the pandemic and subsequently

Above: Just as ‘words’ said it all for the Bee Gees, and later Boyzone, so they continue to work their magic on traditional words and sentiments greeting cards.

Left: As this Hallmark card signifies, the last year has highlighted the importance of relationships.

Far left: Sentiment has been strengthened over lockdown, as reflected in Wishing Well’s editorial.

fears have arisen with regards to jobs, the economy and the long-term effects on businesses,” highlights Jackie Collins, md of Cherry Orchard Publishing, summing up the feelings of the nation. “Sending a card has and continues to be a timeless way of letting someone know you’re thinking of them and choosing the right words is even more fitting in these testing times,” she adds.

Hilda and Jackie are far from being alone in their thinking, as evidenced by retailers’ increased sales in ‘words and sentiments’ greeting cards of late. Often dismissed as the ‘less trendy’ enclave of the greeting card sector, their true worth as conveyers of feelings at a time when we need it the most, has come into its own over the last six months.

As Jill Alexander, trade marketing director of UK Greetings, sees it: “Everyone is looking to express themselves in different ways and greeting

Climbing the emotional mountain Blue Mountain Arts has been hitting it high on the emotions front for fifty years, both in the US (where the publisher is based) as well as in the UK, with its collections currently distributed by Carte Blanche Greetings). Bob Kurland, Blue Mountain Art’s national sales vp shares his words and sentiments barometer reading: “The pandemic has resulted in a resurgence in card sending, both in the US and the UK, and the Thinking of You captions are an important driver in this increase. This uplift has been in ‘keeper cards’, rather than throw away ‘shaker cards’, because cards have been there to help people to say what they struggle to say themselves during the ‘difficult to go through’ experiences of separation, job loss, insecurity etc. They have been there to help people find the right words for an unimaginable situation.”

Right: After five decades, BMA (distributed in the UK by CBG) has its finger on the pulse of the emotional psyche.

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Market Sector Insights

cards play a vital role in this. The right words are so important whether it’s just to say ‘hello’ or ‘I miss spending time with you’.

More so today than ever before, everyone appreciates the thought that goes into sending a card which expresses this sentiment and how much joy receiving that card brings,” highlighting the important role words and sentiments cards play in societal interaction.

Elaborating on Jill’s points, Jonny Spear, managing director of Jonny Javelin adds that the “limiting of family visits and the restrictions on getting together with friends and colleagues means that we’re all feeling somewhat isolated and lonely.

Social interaction has been so massively reduced since March that other forms of communication have become even more vital in keeping us connected and giving us that feeling of belonging. Greeting cards are still such a huge and important part of ‘keeping in touch’ and saying a few extra words during these awful times can mean so much to so many people.” And having more than proved their worth since the

Left: As this Jonny Javelin card highlights, it is not just the separation which has hurt so much, but the losses that have been endured during this time which add to the pain.

Far left: Not being able to see grandparents has been especially tough as this IC&G acknowledges.

pandemic told hold in March, Jonny highlights how we are on course for a sentimental Christmas, card wise. “The usual large family get-togethers this Christmas will probably be banned, so it could well be that more sentiment will be expressed in the cards that people send this year,” predicts Jonny.

Paul Urban, managing director of Kingfisher Cards concurs with Jonny. Paul’s take is, “the more uncertain the times the more the consumer turns towards the traditional words and sentiments ranges. Particularly with the Covid situation meaning many people aren't able to meet as often as they would normally do, cards with an appropriate sentiment are offering an emotional bridge which the receiver absolutely appreciates.”

Amplifying these views, Emma Bragg, one of Hallmark’s writing directors is another who acknowledges how the current unprecedented pressures, brought on by the coronavirus, have led to an increased send of greeting cards which say the things that society needs to say to one another. “The current situation has been,

We’ll hug again The English language is incredibly rich and extensive, but serving up the right words, in the right order to chime with the exacting tastes of the British public on words and sentiments cards is an incredibly difficult tasks.

Here, a few publishers share their delves into the lexicon… l “We have noticed this year a huge upturn in the amount of titles such as ‘sending you a hug’.

One new phrase on our lips this year has been ‘we'll hug again’. We can be heard singing the words to the tune of “we'll meet again” by Vera Lynn as we run around the warehouse picking orders!”

Hilda Richardson, director of Cardigan Cards l “In a year when sentiment is on everyone’s mind, the population has wanted to convey the ‘Missing You’ thought, as the months go by without being able to see some of the most important people in your life. The largest growth area this year though has been for ‘Thinking of You’ cards when sometimes it may not be for any specific occasion but more that consumers have wanted to ensure family and friends, not seen for a long time or maybe someone living on their own is still in their thoughts during these unprecedented times,” Rod Brown, joint managing director of Words ‘n’ Wishes l “We have ranges which focus on wellness and kindness. The ‘new’ words that have come into their own, include ‘rainbow’, ‘umbrella’, ‘hugs’, ‘aloe’, ‘wash hands’, ‘sanitiser’ and ‘cheers’,” Jackie Collins, md of Cherry Orchard l “We have included many pieces of editorial which address the difficult year that has passed and how time spent with family should be cherished and not taken for granted. We have introduced references to weddings being ‘worth the wait’ and anniversary cards stating ‘we can get through anything’. Through authentic language, we are able to effectively express that while life and relationships aren’t always easy, especially during these extraordinary times, love and happiness endure. Another word which has become part of the vernacular of the pandemic is ‘hero’ and so this has also had an increased usage within our product,” Jonny Spear, founder of Jonny Javelin Above: Hugs have become the ultimate prized joy, as recognised by this design from Cardigan Cards.

Left: A topical reference on this UK Greetings’ design.

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Market Sector Insights

Sentimental journeys

and continues to be, very difficult for people who are unable to see family and close friends. People’s support networks were taken away overnight and celebrations are left uncelebrated due to the restrictions we are experiencing every day. Because of the lack of physical contact and ‘real life’ get-togethers, keeping in touch in other ways has become more important than ever.” Despite the fact that technology has played its part in enabling contact via messaging apps and video calls, as Emma adds, “nothing has come close to the emotional uplift of receiving a greeting card, with traditional words and sentiments designs really coming into their own in helping people to say what they feel, but when words fail them. As more and more time is spent at home, receiving a card in the post has never felt so uplifting. Mental health and emotional well-being are being talked about even more than ever, and cards are being turned to as a way to send a message of support, or a note of encouragement, during this difficult time.”

The generally accepted view is that this terrible pandemic has caused people to feel a heightened sense of Top: Never before have friends powerful emotions, such as separation, been more needed and cherished, as highlighted in this lose, and uncertainty, with the more Words ‘n’ Wishes’ design.

Above: Everyday heroes have wordy greeting cards playing an quite rightly been fanfared, as this invaluable role, just as humorous cards Hallmark card depicts. have too. As Grace Elphinstone, marketing manager of Carte Blanche Greetings (which publishes Wishing Well cards as well as distributing the Blue Mountain Arts collections) elucidates: “What has changed is the appeal of traditional verse and sentiment to the consumer. Now more than ever before they are choosing cards that have real meaning in what they convey and just as we see demand of some of our ruder and observational humour ranges we are also seeing a big demand for traditional cards that allow the sender to send a card that conveys genuine sentiment.”

Summing up, Amanda Miles, creative director of ICG says, the current climate has further encouraged publishers, as well as retailers, “to ‘back words’, as we all understand how important the verse is - probably more so now than ever.”

Among the recent and planned launches in this sphere include… l Cherry Orchard’s friendship package, From the Heart was collated so that people could send simple messages of thank yous and support regardless of a traditional reason to send a card, such as a birthday or anniversary. The publisher’s new Cherished range has six pages of verse inside with poignant words with emphasis on sentiment. l A Sympathy collection from Above: While Cherry Orchard Publishing’s Cherished’s long verse format is traditional, it has a modern Jonny Javelin as part of its twist through references to people traditional words and sentiments sharing supporting texts and phone etc which have been so important Velvet range, which combines calls over the past few months. lovely images with meaningful Below: A more contemporary design style from Words ’n’ Wishes. lines. Also, in late November is Bottom: A design from Kingfisher. a collection of 15 brand new designs (floral designs in pale pastel and neutral shades as well as evocative woodland scenes) in a code 60 card with an illustrated insert and verse.

Launching in January, Jonny Javelin has a series of other new titles coming out in its Velvet and Signature words and sentiments ranges. l Words ‘n’ Wishes has recently launched its ‘little rays of sunshine’ collection, which adds a further string to the publisher’s bow by detailing a younger image with less words than normal but maintaining the ‘aah’ sentiment. l ICG is gearing up to launch Avec Amour, a collection of 28 very traditional relations cards with inserts. Available to order now for delivery January these relations designs will be followed soon after by more occasions titles.

In addition, ICG has also updated its birthday range, ‘Month You Were Born’, maintaining the sentiment, but with new artwork. l Kingfisher has recently expanded its Sealed with a Loving Wish range, which embodies the traditional words and sentiments genre with a full front page of beautiful verse covering many relations and occasions.

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© Sweet Design. www.sweetdesign.co.uk

Poison Dart Frog

Keel Billed Toucan

“Deforestation is the leading cause of extinction in the Amazon Rainforest.

“Deforestation is the leading cause of extinction in the Amazon Rainforest.

Climate change, illegal hunting, and contamination are also playing a role in destroying

Climate change, illegal hunting, and contamination are also playing a role in destroying

habitats and endangering animals.”

habitats and endangering animals.”

This card is left blank for your own message.

This card is left blank for your own message.

We make monthly donations to WWF through animal adoptions.

We make monthly donations to WWF through animal adoptions.

Illustration by

Illustration by

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PRICE CODE: J J

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100% recycled kraft envelopes sweetdesignproducts

BRITISH FROM START TO FINISH

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SUPPORTING WWF

19/10/2020 15:23

Give your business a stylish edge.

Contact your local agent, register online or call our sales team for more information.

E: sales@mgml.co.uk

museumsgalleries.co.uk

T: 01373 462165

Home of the finest arts brands Progressive_Greetings_HPage_Ad_AW_Nov_Issue.indd 1

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18/11/2020 11:58

PG Innovations 35-37-39.qxp_38-39/40-41 17/11/2020 15:26 Page 35

PG showcases a selection of new product launches

Merry Covidmas There is no denying this will be a Christmas like no other. Lucy Maggie Designs’ Covid-themed Christmas range dishes up some topical takes on life in the current time. The humorous designs, measure 120 x 170mm and are available wrapped in cello or naked.

Lucy Maggie Designs 07763 239731 www.lucymaggiedesigns.co.uk

Never too many Kooks

A sunshine feeling

Bug Art has expanded its Kooks collection with 14 new designs. Designed

by Jane Crowther, each card features a quirky animal depicted with bright and colourful collage patterns. Blank inside each card is embossed with either gold or blue foil detailing. They measure 167mm x 118mm and are individually wrapped in a biodegradable bag with a white envelope.

Bug Art 0115 929 4776 www.bugart.co.uk

Always guaranteed to lift the spirits, Paper Salad’s latest range, Sunbeam certainly spreads happiness with its bright designs.

This range comprises 12 designs (including Happy Anniversary and Sorry I missed your Birthday captions) which feature a UV varnish finish printed over neon colours.

The cards measure 155mm x 155mm, come with a patterned envelope and can be supplied wrapped or naked.

Paper Salad 0161 427 0001 www.papersalad.com

Shaping up UKG’s new Kindred ‘The Shape of It’ range comprises some really fun 3D pop-outs.

With their wide appeal, the collection features birthday cakes to pop-out solar systems.

Measuring 140mm x140mm, the designs are enhanced by gold foil and come with a lovely designed bespoke envelope.

UK Greetings 01924 465200 www.ukgreetings.co.uk

Boxing clever Coral and Mint (a sibling company to Redback) has made a sparkling entrance onto the market with its inaugural range of gift boxed greeting cards adorned with contemporary jewellery. The initial collection of over 60 designs includes sentiments and occasions, as well as a little bit of humour! The cards are 85x85mm and come with a gift box, tissue paper and sticker for easy gifting.

Coral and Mint 07739 580975 www.coralandmint.com

Looking both ways Libby Bothway is one of Portfolio’s leading artists and so it has recently augmented the Artfolio card range. The designs feature her trademark ‘little person’ and a wry play on words feature on a kraft coloured background. The cards measure 146x170mm and come with a kraft envelope either wrapped, naked or clasped.

Portfolio Cards 020 8960 3051 www.portfoliocards.com PROGRESSIVE GREETINGS WORLDWIDE

35

AND NOW FOR SOMETHING COMPLETELY DIFFERENT...

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

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

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

ask about our ‘Mr Abbot’ sample pack

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

36_PG_November 2020.indd 1

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

09/11/2020 15:20

PG Innovations 35-37-39.qxp_38-39/40-41 17/11/2020 15:27 Page 37

PG showcases a selection of new product launches

A painterly fashion The new Watercolour collection from Ezen Designs brings together 66 broad reaching designs that span humour, elegant classics, as well as some social distance-themed motifs that chime with the current climate. Printed on quality pearlescent board, the A6 size cards come with hand-finished rounded corners and unique trivia text on the reverse.

Each card, available wrapped or naked, comes with a textured envelope adorned with a silver foil border.

Ezen Designs 0207 354 5000 www.ezen-trade.com

An expanded crew Pink Pig has just added 25 new designs to its Cutie Crew range. Cuddly sloths, adorable giraffes, and pretty baby elephants are among the new cuties.

There are 10 birthday and 15 occasion designs in the newness. All cards are 150mm square and printed on high quality 350gm FSC accredited board, come with recycled eco-Kraft envelopes and are available cellowrapped or naked.

Pink Pig 0779 5574548 www.pinkpigcards.co.uk

It’s a sign Forever Cards is publishing a lovely new range of Chinese Zodiac cards. With 12 in the collection, one for each animal in the Chinese Zodiac, the designs echo the charming traditional folk-art style of Shanxi in China, where the artist – Ge Feng – grew up. Around the animals are gold-foiled Chinese characters that mean ‘Happy Birthday’ and ‘Joy’. There are also fascinating snippets of information (in English) about what character to expect from people born in the year of each animal, and a list of the years presided over by that animal.

Forever Cards 01989 770456 www.forever-cards.com

Love blossoms further Observational titters It takes more than a pandemic to quash the joie de vivre of Camilla & Rose, the namesakes of the humorous card range from Peartree Heybridge by artist Sarah Boddy. The collection has been blessed with a new clutch of Covid-related designs, which take the collection to over 200 cards, each of which comes with a crimson envelope.

Peartree Heybridge 01423 876311 www.peartreeheybridge.co.uk

Rush Design’s female range Blossom Love has been expanded, with a further 37 designs joining the collection. The new designs of vibrant and bold colour combinations, hand-finished with glitter and diamantes cover open birthdays, relations and ages. Printed on quality, sustainable textured board, the 155mm square cards are matched with an ecoKraft envelope.

Rush Design 01788 521745 www.rushdesign.co.uk

All that razzmatazz A celebration of colour and shapes, Lucilla Lavender’s Razzmatazz collection delivers a friendly, hand-written style, embossed in satin gold foil. Smaller illustrative elements surround the central focus, in eye-catching colour combinations, cheerful images, such as hearts, bunting, cakes and balloons cover birthdays, occasions and relations.

Lucilla Lavender 0203 405 1410 www.lucillalavender.com

PROGRESSIVE GREETINGS WORLDWIDE

37

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

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

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

38_PG_November 2020.indd 1

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PG Innovations 35-37-39.qxp_38-39/40-41 17/11/2020 15:28 Page 39

PG showcases a selection of new product launches

Going wild Buoyed by the range’s success, Art Matters has augmented its Shoreline & River series. Among the wintry charms of the collection, based on screenprints by Lizzie Perkins, are Snowy Puffins and Puffin Love-In. There are now 14 card designs in the range, all based on originals (that are also available hand-printed in A3 or A2 size limited edition prints).

Art Matters 01491 671758 www.lizzieprints.com

Somewhere over the rainbow Wendy Jones-Blackett’s new Rainbow Drops range has blasted into the world with 60 designs covering ages, birthdays, relations and occasions. Using a brand new 100% recycled coated board, the designs are cold foiled and embossed with hand-applied gems. Measuring 165x165mm, the cards are supplied with a 100% recycled grey envelope and compostable bags.

Wendy Jones-Blackett 0113 2888468 www.wendyjonesblackett.co.uk

Going nativ(ity) Buddy Fernandez has put together a cheeky little range of funny cards called Naughtivity. They’re basically typical nativity scenes, but with an added element of honesty. They’re daft, and on a couple of occasions, a bit naughty - Jesus would have loved them, right up his street! They measure 184 x 137mm landscape and come with a white envelope with or without cellos.

Buddy Fernandez 0781 654 8820 buddyfernandez.com

A saving grace New from Cherry Orchard is Grace, a stunning range of 14 open female designs with beautiful dazzling images full of gold and sparkle. With its vibrant colours and pretty designs, the Code 60 cards have a real ‘stand out’ quality.

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

Love takes a bow Sense of calmness Tranquility is a new collection comprising of 12 open birthday designs from Noel Tatt. Illustrated by the talented artist Catherine Shaw, each 6”x6” design is enhanced with embossing and foil, accompanied by a crisp white envelope.

Noel Tatt 01227 811600 www.noeltatt.co.uk

Adding to its successful Bow Tie Collection, Apple & Clover has launched 12 new Valentine’s designs for 2021, each one handfinished with a striped ribbon bow. The collection features adorable animals of all shapes and sizes with romantic and witty captions. The cards measure 155mm x 155m and come accompanied by a romantic, red envelope.

Apple & Clover 07790 900976 www.appleandclover.com

PROGRESSIVE GREETINGS WORLDWIDE

39

ART SOURCE

The Lesser-Known Patron Saints

TO APPEAR REGULARLY IN THE

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

40_PG_November 2020.indd 72

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

www.Chiz.ink hello@Chiz.ink

09/11/2020 15:22

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Art Source

Coasting Along

“There is no way to make a career from drawing pretty pictures,” Debbie Monson was told, so she quashed her artistic urges for something a more ‘sensible’ career route. But now she is proving those doubters wrong, with her artwork appearing on all manner of products as well as Hillarys Blinds adverts.

As one of the inaugural artists being represented by new agency Creative Sparrow, Debbie is excited by the future opportunities. PG found out more about the Suffolk-based talented artist.

Debbie tells her story… “I am an illustrator and pattern designer originally from Glasgow but now living on the beautiful Suffolk Coast.

Growing up I loved art. Drawing was the thing I loved to do the most. I drew on everything I could find - from napkins to the back of old scraps of wallpaper. But when I was 16, much to the disapproval of my art teacher, I chose to not continue studying art and instead opted for the more ‘sensible’ option of studying accounting and finance. I was told after all, there was no way to make a career from drawing pretty pictures!

Fast forward 13 years later. After a year-long sabbatical travelling around Europe (in a very unglamorous 22-year old Renault Traffic camper van), my now husband and I decided to settle in Suffolk. It was here that my love of art was reignited and I began to carve out a career in illustration and design.

We moved to the beautiful village of Wenhaston, near the coastal town of Southwold. The amount of artistic talent here is astounding. There are so many creative people which is a constant source of inspiration to me, as is the local area. We have so many glorious walks around the village and have a number of beautiful beaches, forests and heathland, all within ten minutes.

After a life of growing up in the city, I have now completely and utterly fallen in love with the countryside and all that it has to offer. I feel so at home surrounded by nature and all its beauty, it’s incredibly hard to not feel inspired.

I work in a variety of ways and styles. Some days I love to create fun quirky characters, other days I want to create fine detailed, botanical pen drawings. The beauty of what I do is that I can do it all!

WANT TO BE FEATURED?

Far left: Debbie Monson is delighted to be one of the inaugural artists in Creative Sparrow’s stable.

Below: Debbie loves to try out different colour palettes and combine text with her art.

Below middle: Living in a Suffolk village, Debbie is very much influenced by the countryside around her.

Bottom left: Flowers tend to feature in some way in Debbie’s artworks.

Bottom right: Isla, Debbie’s daughter is a constant source of creative inspiration.

But whatever style I work in, it more often than not includes flowers! In the words of Monet, “I must have flowers, always, and always”.

I work digitally, mostly in Photoshop, but I also like to use hand-drawn and painted textures to incorporate into my work. I also love to use fine liner pen. The process of creating a line drawing is very meditative to me and sometimes when I have had too much screen time, I take myself outside in the garden with my sketch pad and just draw. I still process these drawings digitally but with all the hard work already done it means much less time on the computer. I also love to experiment with watercolour, gouache, collage and block print. I often get the paints out with my five year old daughter Isla and we get messy together. I find this process helps me to loosen up and often helps me to generate new ideas (or plagiarise my daughter’s as is often the case - what a wonderful imagination she has).

My work has featured across a variety of products including children’s wear, fabric, home décor and of course greeting cards. I have been very lucky to work with some wonderful clients including American Greetings, Hobby Lobby, Pier 1. One really interesting project I undertook, was to create a lion emblem for the Lilongwe Wildlife Trust. The emblem was the main feature of its Pride of Malawi campaign. Also exciting was having my work featured on television in a Hillarys Blinds advert. It was an incredibly surreal moment to see my design take up the entire television screen. I love the variety that this career brings.

Just recently, I have signed with the most amazing agency, Creative Sparrow. I have been working closely with managing director, Hannah Curtis to update my portfolio and create lots of new, fresh artwork. I am extremely excited to be part of this brand new venture and can’t wait to see what the future will bring.”

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

PROGRESSIVE GREETINGS WORLDWIDE

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WHAT’S HOT? PG ASKED A SELECTION OF CARD RETAILERS FOR THEIR ‘HOT’ CARD SELLERS

Debbie Pritchard, owner of Bookends, Christchurch.

A large book, card and gift shop with a large range of artists’ materials in a coastal Dorset town.

Category

Name of Publisher

Product/Name Range

Comments

Female birthday

Jonny Javelin Woodmansterne

Across the board Espoir

Male birthday

IC&G Woodmansterne

Male relations Mambo

Occasions

Ling Design; Nigel Quiney; Woodmansterne Jonny Javelin

Across the board

“Bright and attractive designs.”

“Subtle designs on beautiful board, embossed and embellished.”

“A strong and extensive selection.”

“A contemporary range which is very different from the usual male cards.”

“All three publishers cover the occasions well.”

Humour

GBCC UK Greetings Woodmansterne

Blank

Berni Parker Paper Rose Ashleigh & Burwood East of India

General General They Can Talk Genius Ladies Who Love Life Spirit The Scented Home reed diffusers Matchbox tokens

Jellycat

Everything!

Gifts Above: A design from Berni Parker’s Ladies Who Love Life range.

Right: An of the moment design from GBCC’s Topikality collection.

Velvet Moments

“Especially strong in weddings, anniversaries, new baby and new home.”

“Our customers love humour! GBCC and UKG’s humour ranges are strong.”

“Woodmansterne gets its animal humour spot on in They Can Talk.”

“This gentle humour sells continually.”

“Very stylish designs.”

“They come in a beautiful box, have a high quality scent and at a great price.”

“These little miniature matchbox size ornaments in boxes with messages are cute and thoughtful gifts.”

“Our bestsellers are the Bashful Bunnies, octopuses and sloths.”

Peter and Jelena Whiteman, co-owners of Dzodzo in Woodbridge.

A popular medium sized card and gift shop in a delightful Suffolk town.

Category

Name of Publisher

Product/Name Range

Comments

Everyday

Nigel Quiney

Pizazz

Paperlink

Lemon Sorbet

Main Relations

Jonny Javelin Noel Tatt

Velvet Across the board

Humour

Pigment

Midget Gems

Abacus/Clare Maddicott Rosie Made A Thing

Harold’s Planet Gin & Frolics

Children’s

Woodmansterne

Quentin Blake

Art Giftwrappings Gifts

Tracks Glick East of India

General Across the board Sentiments

Above: The distinctive art and touch of Harold’s Planet from Abacus/Clare Maddicott.

Right: Elizabeth Blackadder art from Tracks’ collection.

Jellycat

General

“The designs just get better and better.

Our customers buy them up in twos and threes.”

“The contemporary designs appeal to younger and older ladies.”

“These two publishers take the show as both give great value and between them offer a mix of traditional and modern designs.”

“Who could not love a kid with an ice cream.”

“Quirky and fun.”

“Just the right amount of tongue-incheek wit.”

“Always a winner. The colourful designs never seem to age and treat young children as though they are junior adults, not young kids.”

“Great value and classic images.”

“The licensed ranges especially are fab and wonderful quality.”

“The sentiments are great, especially at times like these when we want to let somebody know that we care or are thinking about them.”

“The range keeps getting stronger. Who can resist the softness of a strawberry or the cuteness of a sugar plum fairy mouse?”

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Hazel Small, buyer of RHS Garden Wisley, a recently revamped award-winning card and gift shop in the world famous garden destination.

Category

Name of Publisher

Product/Name Range

Comments

Art

Art Angels

Printmakers

Green Pebble

General

Dry Red Press

General

Children’s

Twizler

Maisie & Milo; Unicorn

Humour

Dandelion

Words of Wisdom

Pigment

Riff Raff

Occasions Photographic

Rosie Made A Thing Caroline Gardner Leonard Smith

Gin & Frolics General Inspire

Adult ages

Pigment

Etched

Christmas

Fays Studio Two Bad Mice Raspberry Blossom

In The Wild Anita Jeram General

Five Dollar Shake

Souvenir D’Noel

Caroline Gardner

Sausage Dogs

Caspari

Tissue paper

Caspari

Mini advents

“Customers especially like those featuring artwork from Niki Bowers and Angie Lewin.”

“A great selection of gardening and nature designs, which fit in so well with our shop.”

“A wide range of cards from contemporary British artists with some beautiful still life and landscape paintings.”

“The Milo designs feature lovely illustrations for little boys depicting them having fun in the great outdoors at picnics, camping and treehouses.”

“Great up to date humour which is suitable for male and female recipients.”

“Laugh out loud humour for those of us growing old disgracefully.”

“The female cards really hit the spot.”

“Gorgeous cards with luxury finishes.”

“Beautiful cards from British photographer Leonard Smith of stunning UK landscapes.”

“Gentle humour that’s suitable for male or female on a lovely quality board and finish.”

“Lovely illustrated cards featuring animals and wildlife in the winter.”

“Super cute mice and bunnies which have appeal across all ages.”

“Contemporary cards with lovely spot varnish and embossed finishes in a modern colour palette.”

“When you want a really special card these are hard to beat. The finishes and little touches are gorgeous and all made in the UK.” “This has leapt into our best-selling wraps for Christmas. It’s fun and brings a smile to your face!”

“We do really well with packs of printed tissue paper and Caspari has some lovely designs.”

“Great for popping in the post and are really popular with our customers.”

Right: Twizler’s Milo designs are great for boys.

Below right: This design from Dandelion Stationery’s Word of Wisdom range is one of the faves at RHS Wisley.

Christmas giftwrappings

Ancillary

Sarah Pringle, co-owner of Spencer Thorn.

A popular card and bookshop in the Cornish town of Bude.

Category

Name of Publisher

Product/Name Range

Comments

Art

Museums and Galleries Art Angels

V&A General

Thinking of You

Lagom

Mini cards

Occasions

Woodmansterne

General

Children’s

Rachel Ellen Designs Woodmansterne Glick

Jigsaw Cards Quentin Blake General

The Art File

Wrap and bags

Jellycat Wrendale Estella Bartlett Joma/Katie Loxton

Across the board General Jewellery and accessories

“Consistently liked and trusted.”

“We are blown away by how quickly we have been needing to reorder.”

“They really offer some fantastic ‘thinking of you’ sentiments for 20-40 year olds. Pertinent one liners for selfaware youngsters.”

“The publisher plans our occasions and it works amazingly, and their designs take the lion’s share of sales.”

“A constant strong seller.”

“An oldie, but a goodie.”

“Offers something for everyone at a sound middle range price point.”

“The flat wrap designs are so intricate, quirky and have such a great colour palette.”

“Jellycat is basically God!” “These are continuing to grow for us.”

“These companies have added a whole new dimension to the gifting side which in turns brings in more customers to buy cards and wrap.”

Giftwrap

Gifts Above: The unmistakable art of Quentin Blake on a children’s card from Woodmansterne.

Right: The Ark Colour quirky leather goods sell well in Spencer Thorn.

PROGRESSIVE GREETINGS WORLDWIDE

43

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PRODUCT DIRECTORY

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

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To appear in the Product Directories contact

Warren Lomax

020 7700 6740

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

Tracey Arnaud

07957 212 062

or email traceya@max-publishing.co.uk

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

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

01565 830 546 | bexyboo.co.uk @BexyBooLtd

BexyBooLtd

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44

PROGRESSIVE GREETINGS WORLDWIDE

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

Classified Complete 2020.qxp 18/11/2020 11:15 Page 45

PRODUCT DIRECTORY

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To appear in the Product Directories email

Warren Lomax

warren@max-publishing.co.uk or

Tracey Arnaud

traceya@max-publishing.co.uk

Witty, gritty, switched on humour.

Cards and gifts with a real difference.

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

LOTTIE COLE Caspari Ltd Linden House, John Dane Player Court

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

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

Method of Sale: Direct to Retail

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

AGENTS WANTED

To appear in the Product Directories email made with great imagination

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Warren Lomax

warren@max-publishing.co.uk or

Tracey Arnaud

traceya@max-publishing.co.uk

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PRODUCT DIRECTORY

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

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

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To appear in the Product Directories simply contact

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

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

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

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

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

Hallmark Cards PLC SUPPLIER

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

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PROGRESSIVE GREETINGS WORLDWIDE

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

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

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

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PRODUCT DIRECTORY

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WIDE RANGE OF PRODUCTS

l PRODUCT DIRECTORY

Marina B Designs from me to you with love

UK

“Art that tells a story…”

Happy Mother’s Dayy D

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

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

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

Love Country

by Sarah Reilly

years

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

e in the U

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

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

ad

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

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

LING DESIGN

originalposter.com

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

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

We replace slow sellers and damaged stock free of charge.

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

THAT’S WHY WE’RE ORIGINAL!

01932 267 300

www.lingdesign.co.uk

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

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

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

PROGRESSIVE GREETINGS WORLDWIDE

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PRODUCT DIRECTORY

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

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

raspber r yblossom.com

@ @paperlinkcards

hello@raspberryblossom.com

Send Love e

020 3723 5405

( all year round )

LUXURY GIFT PACKAGING

t: 0208 6138 085 paperbirdpublishing.co.uk u

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

ICONIC LICENCED BRANDS

greeting cards & contempoRary gifts

01892 838 574 www.pennykennedy.co.uk

PURPLE TREE DESIGNS Awesome cards, stationery & gifts inspired by life

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

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

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

LING DESIGN

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

Tel:: +44 (0)115 986 0115 Te customer ser vices@paperrose.co.uk www.paperrose.co.uk www.ar tgroupcards.co.uk 48 PROGRESSIVE GREETINGS WORLDWIDE

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

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

AGENTS WANTED

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PRODUCT DIRECTORY

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

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

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

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

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

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

DIRECT TO RETAIL & EXPORT

Method of sale: Wholesale Distributors

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

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

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

www.tracksltd.com

WWW.XXPRESSYOURSELFCARDS.CO.UK

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

PRODUCTS: World’s leading publisher of high quality plastic greeting cards. Also an extensive range of quality greeting cards covering Everyday, Occasions, Christmas and Spring seasons.

HUNTINGDON, CAMBS, PE29 6EF

BRANDS: Cherished Thoughts, Sweet Sentiments, Buddies Always, Symphony, Thinking of You, Style, Special Wishes, Special Times, Young Editions, Groove Sensations, Forever Blessed, Grey Skies, Classics.

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

www.tomcat.cards info@tomcat.cards

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

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PRODUCT DIRECTORY

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WHOLESALE

view by rufus designed in thames ditton

We offffer a We COMPREHEN

range of high Greeting Cards f ALL Occasions,

CHRISTMAS an

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

Season f Sale:

topdog@view by rufus.com 020 8972 9706

viewbyrufus.com

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

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

Tel: 01942 233201

Market Leaders in

& entimen

an extensive range of superior quality,

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

A Cards e Art Botanical Fine

Verse

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

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

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

+44(0)1243 792600

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PROGRESSIVE GREETINGS WORLDWIDE

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

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

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

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DIRECTORY OF WHOLESALE

CLASSIFIED

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Polypropylene & biodegradable bag specialists

GREETING CARD

Over 40 years quality service to the trade Hotfoiling also available

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

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

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

BAGS

GIVE E YOUR

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

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

CALL US TODA AY

01773 5378 810

V VIP

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

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

CALL CA CAL C LL US ST TO ODAY OD

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

PROGRESSIVE GREETINGS WORLDWIDE

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PRINTERS

ENVELOPES

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

PAPER

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

ORDER ON LINE AT:

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

01 90 83 78 86 6

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

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

‘we we make Envelopes and Stationery’

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

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

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

T 01274 305832 E info@hellocards.co.uk www.hellocards.co.uk

The simplest way to order your greetings cards

FLITTERING FOR ALL YOUR FLITTER REQUIREMENTS

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

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

Powered by

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

we print 52

PROGRESSIVE GREETINGS WORLDWIDE

we finish

we pack

we deliver

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

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

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

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

Your saf ep ai

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

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

ORYH GLJ LWDO ORYH OLW KR ORYH FDU GV

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

www w..sherwoodgroupuk.com

000510

PROGRESSIVE GREETINGS WORLDWIDE

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Social Sta tationerry Printer of the Year

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

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

WAREHOUSING & DISTRIBUTION

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

THE SPECIALIST GREE ETINGS CARD PRINTE ER

Exclusively Greeting Cards Dedicated Account Managers

Litho Print

Die-cutting

Digital Print

Flittering

Foiling

Packing

Embossing

Distribution

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

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