Progressive Greetings November 2022

ON THE CARDS

“Underground, overground, Wombling free The Wombles of Wimbledon Common are we Making good use of the things that we find Things that the everyday folks leave behind…”

If you were a child in 1973 the chances are you will not only know this first verse of The Wombling Song, but will now probably have it as an earworm for the rest of the day. Sorry about that!

The reason for this nostalgic reverie is that I surprised even myself at how happy I felt when I met two ‘real live Wombles’, Orinoco and Uncle Bulgaria at the recent Products of Change Sustainability Conference (SiLC), which took place a few weeks ago at the auspicious Royal Geographical Society.

Now I was no Greta Thunberg, but my artistic nadir was my collage of Wellington Womble (chosen as my subject matter as he wore National Health glasses like nine-year-old me at the time) together with a strong message about the importance of recycling did clinch me first prize in the school art competition.

Almost 50 years on, it is taking more than a catchy ditty from some furry characters to fight climate change while still continuing to run commercial businesses, but it was so inspiring to listen and learn from the amazing speakers at the conference - from Asda, Tesco and Primark, to Teemill, author Alan Moore, LEGO, Mattel and Retail Economics’ Richard Lim - at just what has and is being achieved.

Acting collectively and freely sharing best practices, putting competition to one side and thinking about the greater good, is key in this. As one sage speaker said at the conference, “There will be no prize for the person who saves the planet first.”

Of course, there are other serious issues and challenges that we are currently facing, it was ever thus, but we really do need to keep the great momentum going in our industry on the sustainability front for all our sakes. There are some great examples of how extraordinary things are happening on this front. A case in point, Warren and I were lucky enough to visit Woodmansterne’s super impressive Magna Park hub recently which very much has sustainability at its heart, even the toilets are flushed with rainwater collected from the roof!

And from one highlight to another…The Henries 2022. Goodness me what a special night that was. The room pulsated with happiness, putting competitiveness to one side and relishing the feeling of being part of a community that cares. Just a shame The Wombles didn’t make it to that one!

With the countdown to the Christmas season now well underway, good luck to all in this all important trading period. May the force of the festive frenzy be with you.

020 7607 6411 www.progressivegreetings.co.uk

Above: PG’s Warren Lomax and Jakki Brown with Orinoco and Uncle Bulgaria at the recent Products of Change conference.

Left: (right) Alan Harnik of Notes & Queries was presented with the Honorary Achievement award at The Henries. Seen here at the event with The Art File’s Ged Mace (which won three awards) and PG’s Jakki Brown.

Below: PG columnist David Robertson is going for it, having just opened a beautiful dedicated Christmas shop.

By

Tracey

Tracey Arnaud

TOP STORY

Festive Feelings

Card retailers hold their nerves on Christmas trade

“We remain confident that Christmas will happen!” stated Nigel Williamson, coowner of House of Cards, the Home Counties-based greeting card and gift group, willing the tills to be jingling a bit more with festive sales. “This year we have a backdrop of economic crisis and a government in meltdown so Christmas has had a slow start,” he adds accepting that the cost-of-living squeeze and postal strikes have not helped matters.

Up in Paper Tiger’s two shops in Edinburgh, despite some customers shopping earlier, commenting at the end of October, owner Michael Apter said: “The next few weeks are going to be really tough trading, but I think we have the shops, the stock, the staff and the support from our customers to succeed.”

Another indie who is “cautiously optimistic” is Kaye Thurgood of Sincerely Yours in Shenfield and Hornchurch. “We are currently significantly up on sales of single cards and slightly down on sales of boxes and charity packs. Our sales of gifts are substantially higher than this time in previous years.”

Russell Payne, owner of Best Wishes in Bishop’s Waltham feels hopeful that people will get into the Christmas spirit during November, but feels the slight dip in October sales is a signal “that people are starting to receive their increased energy

bills and increased mortgage costs, together with the general inflationary costs of everyday items, and therefore are thinking a little bit more about their expenditure.”

In Malvern, Sean Austin of Austin and Co feels staying positive is a key to a good Christmas. “Customers are fully aware of this current 'crisis' and they don't need me to add the gloom and doom they see daily in the media. Tell them about the good times and successes and they'll want to be part of the journey,” says Sean.

l See Viewpoints on pages 20-23 for more festive reports.

A Mary Christmas?

Revving up for Festive Friday

With the final weeks being ticked off to Christmas Day and the overhang of postal strikes, persuading people to join in Festive Friday is more important than ever this year.

The GCA’s annual event to get everyone writing and sending their Christmas missives in plenty of time is on Friday 2 December, and it’s a chance for the whole greetings industry, and card lovers everywhere, to kick off the annual festive exchange.

“As well as the inherent benefits of sending cards, receiving Christmas cards reminds people to send theirs,” GCA ceo Amanda Fergusson said. “Festive Friday is a great opportunity to start the annual exchange of Christmas cards!”

With the new branding and toolkit now available to download thanks to some great design work by Mrs Best Paper Co’s founder Sarah Best , in collaboration with The London Studio , retailers, publishers, and suppliers have the chance to flag up their fabulous Festive Friday events and activities to promote card sending.

Amanda is now urging those in the greeting card industry to get involved. “Encourage your business, school or local community to take part in creating this first wave of Christmas card sending and help to generate a Christmas card-sending mood - maybe organise a Festive Friday event at work, or local charity or school.

“Encourage people to get together for an hour or two to write their Christmas cards, perhaps provide the cards and postage and send them all out on the day - remember, the more cards people receive the more they send! So, join in with the first wave of Christmas card sending.”

Above: Sarah Best’s design is this year’s Festive Friday branding.

The Seasonal Shopping Snapshot, new research undertaken by the Ankorstore marketplace with support from Mary Portas, purports that 69% of British indies remain optimistic that consumers will continue to support their store in the period leading up to Christmas.

The report delves into likely consumer spending this Black Friday and festive shopping season - with 83% of shoppers believe it’s more important than ever to support their local High Street.

The Snapshot is taken from the Future of Independent British Retail report commissioned by Ankorstore and industry expert Mary Portas, who said: “People know how critical it is to shop local - a whopping 83% of them. Independent retail has been through the wringer in recent years but most of us know we’ve got to do our bit to support it.

“Thriving retail helps us all. Busy local High Streets provide community and connection. Online retail provides employment, inspiration - and a whole heap of products that you don’t get in brands with a thousand stores. Let’s spend our money wisely this Christmas.”

Ankorstore conducted research with 570 independent retailers in the UK, France, Germany, and Italy in August and September, as well as using Vitreous World to carry out a two-week British online survey in August including 2,200 consumer respondents and 200 UK SME business owners in retail - including Priya and Dominic Aurora-Crowe, owners of London greeting card and gift chain Lark

While retailers are optimistic following the recent upturn in bricks-and-mortar shopping, the data suggests many Brits should expect fewer presents under the tree this year, as 41% of consumers are planning on buying fewer gifts for Christmas than they did last year, and 6% are planning to buy none at all.

In the Snapshot over half of Brits (55%) cited quality is the most important attribute when it comes to finding the right gift, with other notable considerations being sustainability (30%), locally-sourced (18%) and cruelty-free (14%).

Above: Mary Portas is working with Ankorstore.

Below: Part of the festive display in a House of Cards store. Below middle: A run of Christmas cards in Sincerely Yours.

Hooray For The Henries

The Henries 2022 awards event hit the high notes, the uptempo 1950s theme adding to the fun and flamboyance of the event which saw over 500 members of the greeting card community flock to the Royal Lancaster Hotel, overlooking Hyde Park in London, to share in the joy as the publishers of the UK’s most innovative greeting card ranges and suppliers who had gone the extra mile on the service front for indies made their way to the stage to be crowned as winners.

Over a sumptuous dinner, guests were serenaded by the star of the West End’s Rat Pack stage show Gary Williams as he kept the Sinatra flame alive with his cabaret crooning, the awards ceremony was hosted by

have never had it so good”. Well, certainly when it comes to The Henries, we really never have had it so good. This year saw a record number of entries, submitted by 283 publishers and we had more retailer judges than we have ever had before involved in the judging process. And the sheer quality of entrants was off the scale, a few octaves higher than even Frank Sinatra could’ve reached!”

Mugging up

Joe Davies has just launched a range of mugs based on a licensing agreement with greeting card publisher Paper Shed Design. The deal, which came about as a result of Paper Shed exhibiting at PG Live sees several of its Absolutely Barking designs being translated onto china mugs, with coasters and notebooks to follow soon.

Above: Paper Shed’s designs now on mugs from Joe Davies.

Maybugs’ parking promo

Independent card and gift retailer Maybugs is confronting the parking charges bugbear by covering these charges for customers at its Bexhill and Eastbourne stores in the run up to Christmas.

From 1 November until Christmas Eve, the retailer is offering to pay for customers’ parking charges in these two locations and is supporting the move with a major advertising campaign on Sussex’s More Radio.

“For anyone spending at least £50 in one transaction at Maybugs,” co-owner and managing director Greg Rose explained, “all

comedian and TV personality Patrick Kielty, the charity raffle saw over £7,000 being raised for The Light Fund, while the after-party fun was kept in full flow until the early hours with live casino tables and airbrush tattoos, thanks to the continued, generous support from House of Cards’ Miles Robinson and Nigel Williamson as well as plenty of dancing and networking.

In his opening speech Warren Lomax, director of Max Publishing, which owns and organises The Henries said: “In 1958 Prime Minister Harold Macmillan was telling everyone, “We

Providing a fitting finale, after the fiercely contested product and service categories was the highly coveted Honorary Achievement Award, which was presented to Alan Harnik, founder and president of leading US distributor of UK publishers, Notes & Queries, who travelled from Baltimore without a hint of knowledge that his 42 years of supporting over 200 UK publishers would be crowned by the industry he loves so much.

l See pages 24-63 for more Henries pics and winners.

they’ll need to do is to show their parking ticket and at least £5 will be discounted off their purchase, and up to £8.40 to cover seven hours parking in the most expensive of the local car parks in Eastbourne.

Greg elaborated: “With the current costof-living crisis, we recognise so many families haven’t got a spare £8.40 to pay for the privilege of going to the shops once, let alone several times. We know this money is something they’d much rather spend on their loved ones’ presents, therefore, we thought there has got to be another way to get people back into the town.”

Coffee to cards

Hallmark greeting cards are starring in McDonald’s ads as the fast-food giant has re-released its campaign showing the company’s commitment to sustainability. The Change A Little, Change A Lot ad focuses on the small changes McDonald’s has made for positive impact on the planet, people and farming. And it puts cards front and centre showing how its McCafé disposable cups are recycled into board that’s used by card publishers, including Hallmark for their respective eco-friendly ranges.

Citing the experience in Hailsham, where Maybugs has its oldest shop, Greg said: “If you look at Hailsham, where Wealden District Council offers free parking, the town has one of the lowest vacant shop rates in the UK, the High Street is full of independent shops.”

As he adds: “We hope this promotion will help drive footfall, not just for us but for all the independent shops in these towns.”

Above: Patrick Kielty was a great host of The Henries. Above left: The Brainbox Candy Boys Ben Hickman (left) and Mark Williams with Five Dollar Shake’s Beth Genower.

Left: The Art File’s Alice Tillotson and Martin Parks with two of the three Henries trophies the publisher was presented with at the event last month.

The industry’s big night was jumpin’

Left: Hallmark’s design that features in the ad campaign.

Above: Maybugs’ co-owner Greg Rose at his Eastbourne store with the parking poster.

GCA In Westminster

In what has been a period of political mayhem and madness, GCA’s head honcho ensured some sense prevailed in Westminster, highlighting the “huge negative impact” that Royal Mail strikes have been having on the greeting card industry.

Amanda Fergusson, ceo of the GCA was invited to the Genesis Senate at the House of Commons recently to ensure that MPs and government have a greater understanding of issues and challenges being faced by SMEs.

At the high profile meeting, hosted by Craig Williams MP for Montgomeryshire, Amanda was joined by representatives from other trade associations and other bodies, including the GA, which have a high proportion of SMEs as members in order that common concerns and areas for improvement reach the right ears.

“It is really important that the GCA has its place at the bigger table,” stressed Amanda. “On behalf of our industry with Craig Williams I raised the Royal Mail strikes, the ongoing challenges of exporting and the need for government support to

enable small and micro-businesses to export into the EU,” she explained.

Amanda stressed that the timings of the ongoing Royal Mail strikes as well as those at Felixstowe docks were especially damaging to the those involved in greeting cards and calendars at such a key time of year.

Amanda also contributed to the other topics of discussion which included the ramifications of the minibudget, support for entrepreneurs starting out, navigating international trade (especially the complexities of B2C trade into Europe), support to grow talent, challenges of paperwork/red tape and IR35 (off-payroll working).

Above: The Houses of Parliament as the GCA’s Amanda Fergusson made her way to the recent meeting.

Left: The GCA’s ceo Amanda Fergusson (centre) with (left) Tina Knight, chairman of Woman in Business and Karen Finegold, head of the Engineering Industries Association in Westminster Hall just after the Genesis Senate.

UKG and Sainsbury’s progress on diversity

UK Greetings joined forces with Sainsbury’s to develop a card range celebrating diverse designers to mark last month’s Black History Month.

The range was on display in 100 selected Sainsbury’s stores across the UK, featuring cards from black-owned brands and artists.

“It was very important to both Sainsbury’s and UK Greetings that the display included cards from existing ranges where we celebrate diverse culture all year round,” said Zoe Callister, Sainsbury’s customer and product manager at UKG.

The selection of cards spanned a selection of in-house designs as well as those from AfroTouch, Eastern Print Studio, which UKG has forged relationships with as part of its Kindred offer as well as those from Kendra Dandy’s Bouffants & Broken Hearts brand which UKG produces under licence. These were joined by designs from other publishers which UKG brokers into Sainsbury’s.

UKG has also launched its collaboration with Streetgreets, launched in 2017 by sisters Siobhan Wauchope and Naomi Nicholas, who established the online card and gift brand to champion Black-British and popular culture, and were among the winners of the GCA x Sainsbury’s Black History Month competition last year.

Zoe said: “We’re looking forward to developing this exciting collaboration within the main range over the coming months. Our commitment is to continue to drive naturally-inclusive all-year-round product into each and every one of our card activities.”

Above: The BHM card range on display in store at Sainsbury’s.

Claire Giles’ card helps comic Dara ‘retire’

After nearly two decades of taking the mickey out of the news, BBC’s Mock the Week series hung up its comic capers recently - with a little help from the greeting card industry.

Over the five episodes in the final series there have been plenty of jibes at host Dara ó Briain’s impending unemployment status and it was capped in the last outing, when panellist Rhys James presented him with a leaving card and gift.

With two million viewers watching, Dara opened the envelope to reveal a Claire Giles Enjoy Your Retirement card from its Sherbet Sundaes range.

Above: Dara ó Briain opened his retirement

Cardgains is right on target

Stepping out has put Cardgains right on target as the buying group’s Ultimate Ullswater charity challenge has now hit its £22,000 goal.

“It was an epic year in 2022 for the challenge,” Cardgains marketing director Penny Shaw told PG. “For our 22nd event, we chose to walk 22 miles and set an ambitious fundraising target of £22,000 for our charity Alzheimer’s Society.

“But, with a fantastic fundraising effort from all participants, we have now passed our target - a huge thank you to everyone who took part, donated, sponsored and supported through the event.”

It was back in June that 37 walkers from Cardgains, the industry, and family and friends donned their walking books on a beautifully sunny day and set off for what sounded like a lovely stroll around Ullswater.

“But it certainly wasn’t!” Penny added, “it was uphill and down dale, through tricky terrain and some very steep climbs. However, the views of Ullswater were stunning and you have to get to the top to really appreciate the stunning Lake District scenery, and everyone completed the walk in magnificent stylesome more magnificent than others!”

Above: All 37 walkers completed the Ultimate Ullswater challenge, though some needed a lie down!

Impact of Royal Mail strikes and upheaval at docks

Earning Eco Stripes

Paper Tiger gets its claws into sustainability

Carbon neutral deliveries and fullycompostable potato starch carrier bags are the latest ways Edinburghbased indie card and gift retailer Paper Tiger is ensuring it’s hitting its sustainable target.

“We want our customers to shop with a clear conscience,” explained owner Michael Apter. “Over the summer we added carbon neutral deliveries to our website. In practice this means we make a donation for every delivery we make towards carbon removal projects that make an immediate impact.

All of our web packaging is recycled and/or recyclable. Wherever possible we’ve removed plastic from the processdeliveries are in a recycled paper envelope, padded with corrugated card and secured with Paper Tiger paper tape,” Michael relayed.

And earlier in the year Michael introduced the potato starch bags at his two Retas and Greats-winning Edinburgh stores. Made from the same material people use at home in food-recycling bins - which disintegrates to carbon dioxide, water and biomass in just under three months.

Paper Tiger is also committed to a Trees For Life scheme, with 56 trees

already planted in its grove in protected sites in the Scottish Highlands by offsetting website emissions and business travel, and running promotions with customers to encourage planting.

Michael explained that Paper Tiger uses Planet, the carbon-neutral shipping option from Shopify, to help support the most-promising climate solutions on Earth where a carbon removal payment is made on behalf of our customers for every order shipped.

And the retailer’s environmental policy means it minimises its own impact by targeting waste reduction each year, and uses Changeworks UK who works with British facilities to recycle waste, while all the paper in Paper Tiger’s own-brand products is recycled with notebook covers in ecofriendly recycled kraft boards and printed using vegetable inks.

B Corp certificate for Talking Tables

The party and tableware products and games company Talking Tables is partying like there is a tomorrow having improved its eco-credentials by being certified as a B Corp, joining a growing group of companies reinventing business by pursuing purpose as well as profit.

The B Corp certification involves an assessment of the social and environmental impact of a business through more than 200 questions concerning governance, employees, communities and the environment, with applicants required to meet a score of over 80 - Talking Tables achieved a score of 87.5.

“We’re honoured to be an early receiver of the B Corp certification within our industry and within the UK,” said Claire Harris, Talking Table’s founder.

Known for innovating to provide customers with sustainable choices so people can enjoy their parties knowing they’re eco-friendly, the company produced the world’s first totally plastic-free and recyclable paper cup, has removed plastic from napkin packaging with more improvements planned for its 2023 launches.

l Talking Tables is a member of Products of Change, the membership hub for those on a sustainable journey. Other members include Danilo, Hallmark, Out of the Blue Studios, Into the Green Publishing, Carousel Calendars, Cath Tate Cards and Belly Button Designs

Above: Eco-taining is a watchword at Talking Tables.

Top trophy for Sincerely Yours’ Kaye Thurgood

A “shrewd businesswoman” is how Brentwood Business Awards judges described Kaye Thurgood, and she’s very happy with that as it’s earned her and Sincerely Yours card and gift indie store in Shenfield a top trophy. Sincerely Yours also has another store in nearby Hornchurch.

Kaye is even more chuffed because she was nominated anonymously for the Best Business Person Of The Year in the borough - although she did have to sit through a pretty stiff interview to win!

“The judges interviewed each of the nominees in this category and I had a grilling for over an hour with them!” Kaye told PG. “But I found the experience very useful in taking time to reflect on my business and its performance this year, which has seen us achieve record turnover in our 14 years of trading.”

Above: Sincerely Yours’ Kaye and daughter Emma Thurgood celebrate the award.

Online product expansion at Card Factory

Card Factory has significantly expanded its online portfolio beyond cards to offer customers flowers, chocolates, gift vouchers, experiences, food, drink, and alcohol, spanning over 1,500 products,

This is part of the specialist card and gifting retailer’s wider strategy to increase its online offering as part of its omnichannel ambitions.

Chief commercial officer Adam Dury said: “This online range expansion is part of a wider programme of activity focused on bringing our omnichannel ambitions to life. Everything is centred around helping our customers celebrate life’s moments with great value for money across a range of products and price points.”

Below: Card Factory has expanded its online gifting portfolio.

Below: Compostable carriers are an eco addition for Paper Tiger owner Michael Apter.

Royal Greetings

King Charles restarts 100th birthday tradition

King Charles III’s ascension has led to a change of look for the traditional 100th birthday cards from the monarch, with the first greeting cards now delivered.

Several veterans of the Second World War were recipients of the first milestone cards from The King and The Queen Consort, following suspension of the practice after the death of the Late Queen Elizabeth II in September.

The greeting cards were not able to be sent during the official mourning period between 9 September and the late monarch's state funeral on 19 September, as well as for some weeks following while new cards were being designed and printed with a photograph of Charles and Camilla.

And one of the first recipients of the new card was Glasgow-born Ruth ParkPearson who served in the Wrens (Women's Royal Naval Service) and celebrated her 100th birthday on Friday 21 October, at her North Yorkshire home surrounded by family from her six children, 13 grandchildren and 25 great-grandchildren, as well as plenty of other greeting cards marking the big occasion.

The personalised royal greeting card arrived the following day and stated: “My wife and I are so pleased to know that you celebrated your 100th birthday on 21 October 2022. This brings our warmest congratulations and heartfelt good wishes on such a special occasion.”

Ruth told the BBC she was delighted with the "lovely" card, and spoke of how she had served in the Forces under the

IG Design’s cracking summer

King’s grandfather George VI and was now being congratulated by the fifth monarch of her lifetime.

The monarch’s sending of tangible messages to mark significant birthdays and anniversaries is a tradition that dates back to 1917 and the reign of King George V, when those celebrating their 100th birthday or 60th wedding anniversary were sent a telegram of good wishes from His Majesty.

It has since expanded significantly in scale, with thousands of cards sent to mark people's 100th and 105th birthdays, as well as for couples celebrating their 60th, 65th and 70th wedding anniversaries, plus messages to celebrate every subsequent milestone.

During Queen Elizabeth II's reign, around 1.3million cards were sent from Buckingham Palace to mark birthdays and anniversaries across the UK, Commonwealth and British Overseas Territories.

With an ageing population, the number of recipients has grown - in 1917 King George V sent out 24 telegrams to centenarians and 273 were sent in 1952 when Elizabeth II became monarch. By 2014, the office responsible for sending out the cards had to hire extra staff as the annual tally topped 7,500.

Early seasonal orders have helped greeting card, giftwrap and cracker giant and Royal Warrant holder, has seen IG Design Group report “strong trading” between April and September.

The main sales driver was cited as supermarkets and shops placing orders for crackers, wrapping paper and greeting cards earlier than usual. Last year was blighted by Covid-related factory closures in Asia and a shortage of cargo ships, which hit deliveries.

A recent trading statement read: “As a result, the group's sales, profits, margins and cash flow are expected to be significantly improved on the same period last year, and also ahead of the board's expectation for the period.”

Full-year profits are likely to stay around the £3.87million ($4.3m) previously suggested, up on last year’s £3.42m ($3.8m).

Mountain climbing

Amanda Mountain, co-founder and creative maestro of Lola Design, the greeting card and gift company has reached the finals of the Great British Businesswoman Awards in the Consumer Businesswoman Of The Year category.

The Great British Businesswoman Series encompasses an awards programme, forum and series of webinar sessions, with the mission of providing a platform to recognise, celebrate and support women in business and help foster the next generation of female business leaders.

Right: Lola Design’s Amanda Mountain with husband Frank.

Heritage move for Lagom

Lagom Design has teamed up with heritage brand Warner House for a greeting card and gift wrap collaboration that’s completely different to the publisher’s usual designs.

Lagom’s founder and creative director Kelly Hyatt said: “Partnering with Warner House is a great opportunity for us at Lagom to offer something different, and to work with a brand with such a rich and exciting history. It's a true heritage brand that has retained its values since it began, which is something we admire and are excited to honour. Fashions may change, but people will always appreciate good, classic design.”

The opulent and intricate Warner House designs have a heritage dating to the Protestant Huguenots who fled France to escape persecution during the 17th century, and settled in Spitalfields, East London, with their sought-after skills, including silk weaving and dyeing.

Having watched his parents busy at their trade, Benjamin Warner became a jacquard maker himself then, in 1870 he bought a client list and design book and set up his own business.

Warner House and Warner Fabrics were purveyors of highquality woven silks, used to refurbish the White House, provide fabric for the Titanic, and exhibited at the Festival of Britaintheir status as a distinguished heritage brand was sealed when they wove the cloth of gold for Edward 7th, providing fabrics for every Coronation since.

Above left and above right: Two of the Warner House cards from Lagom Design.

Below: Royal greetings for centenarian Ruth Park-Pearson. Below middle: A close up of the new Royal card.

Above: IG Design’s Tom Smith crackers has held the Royal Warrant since 1906.

Get Your Head Up!

The shout “Get your head up!” echoed round an emptyish playing field as I watched my 14-year-old godson play centre half for Caley Thistle under 16s.

Having been involved in football as player (not great), assistant manager (OK), chairman (more my strength) for many, many years it was interesting to see the Pep effect!

Even on this blustery morning it was all about split centre backs, playing from the back, keeping the ball moving and yes, knowing what was around you, rather than looking down at the ball - just what us retailers need to do in this World Cup Christmas!

Left:

Below: The Art File’s Christmas FSDU is in all three of David’s shops.

It feels like you can’t get your head up at all. It feels like you are concentrating so hard on controlling the ball (business) yet in reality you can’t control any of the things mentioned. It doesn’t matter how good that first touch is, things keep getting away from us.

with Strictly Come Dancing the only true distraction, but this year we also have another major knock out event with the football World Cup just a matter of weeks away.

Football is a huge part of my life as it was my dad’s. He lived his life around football, work and family and I am not sure in what order!

The reason I start with this is that shout on Saturday morning - Get your head uphas never been more important for us as business owners. We simply have to be aware of everything around us.

In the last few weeks we have all felt the burden of poor decisions made by others that will affect all our lives and businesses. Whether it be increased interest rates on our bank/business loans or mortgages, confusion over PAYE and corporation tax or just that feeling of a heavy fog hanging over us it has not been an easy time.

As I write this Liz Truss has just resigned as PM and the price of the $Dollar has rallied a little. This matters of course as most of the stock we buy will have been priced in $dollars and with prices already rising steeply we can’t afford to see this trend continue. You knew that though, in the same way that we know that this Christmas will be more challenging than even the last few.

Certainty and consistency are the two key words which allow us to do anything in life and sadly neither of those apply right now. With customers’ rent/mortgages increasing and every sector passing on higher prices everyone is getting squeezed. No one is exempt from this and even people who don’t usually worry are thinking about it as we are bombarded by every news source.

There will of course be some type of Christmas lift/rush but we are without doubt in unprecedented territory. Normally at this this time it is a case of work, work, work

The slogan for this year’s World Cup is One World One Home and this perhaps is appropriate as it feels like the whole world is in this mess.

It is of course easy to focus on the negative. It is easy to discuss the issues we all face, but this month I think it is important to focus on what we are doing that is positive and the things in our industry that will set us apart.

Right: David Robertson (front far right) in his Bonnie Earl player days.

Prepare for World Cup fever!

OVER THE COUNTER

BY DAVID ROBERTSON OF JP POZZI, ELGIN AND BUCKIE.

So, who will be the stars of our retail World Cup this year? Christmas cards in recent years have been a little maligned. No longer does that new friend from holiday get a card but still, thankfully many of us send or give to close friends and family using this as an opportunity to let them know that we care.

Sustainability and supporting charity are still important to many and while charity cards receive a lot of unfair criticism most packs give a minimum of 10% to the charities, collectively raising a fantastic amount.

My personal favourite this year is The Art File’s collection. The display stand is eye-catching, the cards are of fantastic quality and the charities are ones that are universally supported.

Alongside The Art File we have Woodmansterne and Ling charity stands so our mix has never been better. I was also delighted with the box selections from Five Dollar Shake, Belly Button Designs, Noel Tatt and Peter Pauper Press.

In some respects this year it is like the World Cup group of death with so many good companies all vying for the top spot.

In terms of general cards across our three stores we deal with nearly all the

Another range that continues to warm the heart is Jellycat. Plush we always say is cyclical, but Jellycat has been built in a different way. There are ranges within ranges and the quality is simply superb. It fills the baby section for us cardies, but it appeals across all ages and with its limited runs and retirals of designs it is both quirky and collectable.

Gonks are simply everywhere as they were last year. Hopefully they will continue to be a Christmas favourite or I am in big trouble but the H&H named gonk stand is already turning good money.

Jewellery has been a difficult place for gift retailers in the last two years with nights out limited and working from home all having an impact. I have the conversation with lots of retailers asking what is different and working. You have sentiment gift jewellery such as Joma and Life Charms which is crucial to sales but proper jewellery is different.

One company that is worth checking out is Anartxy. This Spanish company is not that well known on these shores, but it is different, well priced and beautiful packaged. Using a football analogy, it is like a Spanish midfielder that plays with seeming effortless ease.

Stoneglow, in my opinion is without doubt the leader in luxury fragranced products. So many of us relied on Yankee at one time for our candles/diffusers but with the continued confusion over pricing and its focus on multinationals again the indies have been searching for options. Stoneglow is the classy centre forward that continues perform at a high level, think Ronaldo for Portugal, but if you are looking for a younger more colourful striker have a look at Mr&Mrs Fragrance UK’s Queen’s diffusers. This range has such a beautiful strong scent it is almost an oud. A £60 retail point is not for everyone but again if you can sell it then it is a beautiful product to have. With the World Cup situated in one of the most opulent and mysterious middle Eastern countries this fits right in.

major publishers and again the product offer is very strong. We are so blessed to work in an industry that even where fat robins and snowy churches are a must that the innovation in design is still there.

So the cards are sorted - think of them as Brazil, Spain, France and Belgiumcontinually challenging and quality but what about the others?

Well warm products are without doubt going to be a hit. From oversized onesies and long hot water bottles, to snoozie slippers, gloves and scarves. Well priced practical useable gifts will be key.

It is also interesting to note that the bargain boys are doing their versions of all of the above which again is an indication that they feel this is where the money will be spent.

Personal care products such as hair turbans, hand lotions are again affordable gifts that can give the customer that little luxury at an affordable price. In my opinion, Upper Canada arguably has the broadest selection of these types of products and while Erase Your Face cloths may not be something you see fitting in your store they do sell. Trust me they have worked for us for years.

Arran Aromatics is best known for the scent After the Rain which is a perennial favourite. A bit like Kevin De Bruyne for Belgium, it always delivers but what really caught my eye with them this year is its £70 advent calendar which may be a luxury but is actually great value when you look at what you get. It is also simply stunning and ties in well with one of the Christmas design trend of deep navy and gold.

In these next two crucial months of trading adaptability will be key. The deep winter months are going to be challenging so we really need a decent Christmas harvest or Golden Quarter. Looking at different sectors such as those I have mentionedjewellery, clothing, toiletriesmakes total sense and nobody moves through the trends better than a card and gift store other than perhaps a Brazilian centre forward attacking that defence…

Like the World Cup there will be many surprises. The favourites may not get out of the group stage and there will always be a dark horse that none of us will expect to be the best seller.

Every one of us will need to fight like an Argentine defender showing passionate belief and a will to keep going right to the end to make the money needed to see us through the winter. To contact David email: jppozzi@btconnect.com

Above: It’s looking like a Gonk Christmas in JP Pozzi.

Below left: Upper Canada’s Erase Your Face is more than washing its face saleswise in Pozzis.

Below right: Only David Robertson could compare Belgium’s Kevin De Bruyne to Arran Aromatics After the Rain collection.

cardsharp

Game The Generation

Has there ever been a more uncertain time in business wondered Cardsharp? And for us in the greeting card industry, being an analogue product, mainly reliant on retail bricks ‘n’ mortar and consumer spending, we are certainly at the coalface.

Cardsharp diverted his mind to some other issues, not necessarily problems, but challenges that our greeting card industry will have to deal with in years to come, that of changing demographics and how best to play the generation game.

Above: Bruce Forsyth doing his signature stance for The Generation Game TV programme many moons ago.

Left: The lure of living by the coast has attracted lots of retirees to Eastbourne.

Below: The recent census figures confirm that while the UK has an ageing population, London is bucking this trend.

Where do we start? We have pestilence (Covid), drought (climate change) war (Ukraine) hereditary change (a new king) and political turmoil (Don’t go there!).

Then add to that the highest inflation for 40 years, huge cost increases for business (and not just on energy) and counter intuitively a shortage of skilled labour. And the threat of a looming recession.

Added to this, a recent essay in The Times by the brilliant young writer, James Marriott, set Cardsharp thinking.

Some 30 years ago, just as the greeting card industry was really starting to boom in the UK, towns, cities, villages around the nation, were a demographic mix. Think and look around you now. How things have changed. These days generations are defined by geographical areas. And this has a real impact on the way greeting card publishers and retailers approach the market.

Cardsharp sees this all the time. Anyone travelling in London cannot fail to notice that a high percentage of people seems pretty young. Not only is it incredibly diverse racially but the vast majority of the population on the move in the capital do not even seem middle aged yet. Take the borough of Hackney in East London as an example, where the median age is only 30 years old. Cities are getting younger, and the largest ten cities in the UK are witnessing an exodus of the elderly. Contrast that with non-metropolitan areas. Even by his own experiences

Cardsharp can’t help noticing that the

population seems to be predominantly senior. At its most extreme, you have areas like Devon and the Lake District where over 10% of residents are aged between 75 and 84 years. Conversely, more young people are increasingly heading to the cities. London and Manchester in particular.

This is one of the most dramatic demographic changes of recent history. So, three decades ago in the UK, when the greeting card market was going through its period of massive expansion, the young, middle aged and old all lived side by side, working, pubbing and socialising. These days there are few environments where young and old meet socially. The internet has accelerated this trend. With so much social life going online, even this has been segregated. Tik Tok for the young and Facebook for the middle class middle-aged. Television was once an age unifying force, but now the average age of a BBC viewer is over 60 years old.

Age segregation has developed within communities. There has been a sharp decline in the collective institutions that bring people together such as social clubs, sports teams, churches and pubs. In fact, these days there

are very few environments where the young and old mix socially. People have fewer and fewer friends from different demographics.

This age segregation is relatively recent. In the olden days generations were interwoven. Even older people were aware of The Beatles even if they did not like them. They were unavoidable. These days they would not have a clue who the latest music star is, or who has the most Tik Tok views.

And the United Kingdom has become segregated in another way too. Not just geographically segregated demographically, but economically. We used to be amazed at the difference in wealth between Northern and Southern Italy. But now look at the UK and we are just as unbalanced. Output per worker in London is around 70% higher than in the North East of England. A notable economist concluded that Britain was the most geographically unequal large advanced country. More so than even Italy.

In retail, the economic divide is quite striking. Our largest specialist retailer, Card Factory, has around 1,000 outlets, yet London is largely a Card Factory-free zone. The fact that it only recently opened its first central London stores as a trial speaks volumes and has introduced designs from several publishers that it does not stock in any other stores within its estate.

One of our other major specialist retail chains, Cardzone has also recognised that London is different both demographically and economically. In order to attack this particular market, it has teamed up with Postmark, a skilled London retailer, who understands what works on the greeting card front for the demographic in the south and west London suburbs where it has stores.

It also explains why chains like Scribbler and Paperchase with their respective contemporary offering only tend to be successful in metropolitan areas. You won’t find either of these chains’ outlets in the likes of Totnes or Keswick.

Below left: Card Factory’s new central London stores include card publishers’ designs that do not feature elsewhere in its store estate.

Bottom: Greeting cards have long reflected society, but Cardsharp ponders on how this snapshot in time of changing demographics will pan out on card buying habits in different parts of the UK.

While it is widely accepted that sales of cards featuring coastal scenes sell better in stores close to the sea, Cardsharp wonders to what extent the appetite for other different subject matters on cards differ depending on the demographic of the locality. While accepting that people buy cards to send to others not necessarily in their areas, traditional verse and sentiment cards still remain much more in demand in non-metropolitan areas while meme-based designs score more highly in areas where people know what memes are!

Taking all these factors into account is a nightmare for both the publishers and retailers of greeting cards. The one size fits all model no longer works. Everyone in the industry needs to work out their own microsolutions for these challenges.

Back in the nineties, Cardsharp recalls, the Forever Friends bears cards were a huge phenomenon. They sold everywhere and to every generation. Such a universal success would be unthinkable now, such is the regional and generational divide.

In the nineties and noughties, there was a Clintons in virtually every town and city and sometimes two, and from Aberdeen to Aldershot, the offering on greeting cards was the same. There was a massive outlet in Oxford Street, yet smaller versions of the same model in Oldham or Oswestry. A one format suits all, would be unthinkable these days.

In these circumstances it makes sense for the central buying team to play close attention to the views of individual managers who will be closer to their particular customer base.

Even for independent retailers, the subject matter for its card selection will, to a greater or lesser extent be affected by these factors. Cardsharp bets his bottom dollar that 60th birthday cards are much better sellers than those for 30th birthdays in Tiverton for example. That said, Cardsharp has never been a particularly good gambler!

Cardsharp accepts that there is a danger of making sweeping generalisations, and certainly does not hold with the view that it is all pipe and slippers once you reach 60 or that the fun stops happening but is just curious about whether the migration pattern will have more of a knock-on effect on card purchasing and retailers’ selections.

Cardsharp does expect that, backed up by data, the future will see a greater curating of the card selection for the major grocers with the metropolitan branches having a different product slant to their provincial counterparts.

One thing is for certain, concludes Cardsharp, finding solutions to regional economic and demographic disparities is going to be a challenge to everyone in our £1.5 billion greeting card industry. Add to this all the other stormy waters we will be experiencing in retail, as a result of the coming economic downturn, and the next few years will be interesting to say the least, but despite its ripe old age, the UK greeting industry always manages to stay relevant. It is an age old problem to which there are always solutions. As Brucie sang “Life is the name of the game, and I wanna play the game with you.”

Left: Card retailers hope that this Camilla & Rose design, based on the two middleaged chums’ life and loves from Peartree Heybridge extends to card buying.

Turkey Talking

There is no denying that this should be the ‘golden quarter’

this festive season all set to be one

Sean Austin

owner of Austin & Co, Malvern

Christmas hunch: “Christmas started much earlier in store than usual; a lesson learned from 2021. And customers have been buying from the get go.

We're doing OK and we're up month on month this year compared to last, but the figures may be skewed slightly as there's evidence of Christmas buying being earlier than last year; so, will await the impact of people spreading out the cost until I get to the end of December.

It’s all about being positive. I am a firm believer that positivity breeds positivity. I'm fully aware of what's going on in the economy and I haven't buried my head in the sand, but I'm ensuring that all social media connections with my customers are positive - it's about the shop and product. Customers are fully aware of this current 'crisis' and they don't need me to add to the gloom and doom they see daily in the media. Tell them about the good times and successes and they'll want to be part of the journey. Tell them you've had a bad day or you're struggling and they'll be waiting for the sale.”

Your approach: “I had all my Christmas stock delivered much earlier this year. Greeting cards are and will always be my number one focus, and customers recognise this. The selection in terms of range and price the best it has ever been because when it comes to the decision of whether or not to buy someone a gift this year, a well-designed and crafted card is an affordable alternative.”

Affecting factors: “I started a debate among shopkeepers that Dave Ward (the Communication Workers Union leader), through the number of Royal Mail strikes, has unwittingly become the saviour of bricks 'n' mortar shops on the High Street.

I'm certainly playing on the fact to customers that if you want certainty of getting a product in your hands, it's best to avoid buying online. However, on the flipside there is the issue with cards being sent by post. Being prepared and sending earlier than usual is the message, and as regards the cost, I've only ever quoted the cost of a 2nd class stamp and the fact that for only 68p, you are still able to send a card and deliver a smile from one end of the country to the other.”

Above: Sean Austin takes pride in everything he does.

Right: Ever engaging with the local community.

Chris Bryant

co-owner

of Expressions in

Swindon, The Cats Whiskers in Bishops Cleeve and Polkadot in Keynsham

Christmas hunch: “Early Christmas trading is good. Boxed assortments, charity packs and special caption singles are selling very well.”

Your approach: “As last year, we put our Christmas card displays out from September 1 as this seemed popular with customers. New for this year we decided to display Christmas gifts much earlier than we have previously.”

Buying trends: “Sales have been very promising with gonks of all shapes and sizes selling particularly well while an early uptake of winter scarves, gloves, socks has been noticeable. Card sales too are ahead of last year.”

Affecting factors: “The upcoming postal strikes are a major concern, especially those slated for December, that could dissuade late purchasers - mainly men - from sending cards.

In Expressions Swindon, for many years we have helped the local Scouts by selling Scout stamps, which are priced at just 35p.

for greeting card retailers, but with

unlike all others, PG asked some leading greeting card retail stockists for their hunch for how their Christmas trade was going to pan out.

Right: There is a lot riding on the coming season not being a ‘turkey’ for UK greeting card retailers.

Above: Chris Bryant and his wife and business partner Tracey.

The stamped cards are then collected and distributed by Scouts groups throughout Swindon and the surrounding villages. I imagine we will be selling more than last year’s total of 2,500 stamps, helping to raise much needed funds for our local Scout groups.

The cost-of-living crisis is a big concern. Having bought heavily into both Christmas cards and gifts back in January when the economy seemed a lot more stable, I guess we are now - to quote Sir Alex Ferguson - “in squeaky bum time”!

I am however still fairly optimistic that, come what may, our customers will find the money to fund Christmas. However, this may have a detrimental effect on early 2023 sales as credit card statements arrive.

I think there will be an element perhaps of choosing an expensive card only, or

alternatively a cheaper card and gift. Having said that currently we are selling Christmas gifts up to £60/70. I think if a customer falls in love with the gift they will find the money.

Online sales have been challenging for most of this year. With the planned postal strikes I feel online will remain challenging. However, as our three shops serve local communities, I am very positive footfall will be good as customers continue the trend towards shopping local.”

Sustainability check-in: “Sustainability is becoming more and more important. Hats off to all our publishers for the strides already taken in reducing waste and plastic. I am impressed in particular with the presentation of charity packs we have received from Woodmansterne, Museums and Galleries, GBCC and Noel Tatt in the way they have managed to ‘go naked’.

Personally, I would love to see even more UK based printing and less reliance on China.”

Nigel Williamson

co-owner of House of Cards, seven shops based in the Home Counties

Christmas hunch: “This time last year Christmas product was selling well. Back then there was a real fear that the Omicron strain of Covid would cause another lockdown so customers were spending earlier than normal. This year we have a backdrop of economic crisis and a government in meltdown so Christmas has had a slow start. We remain confident that Christmas will happen!”

Your approach: “We have planned as normal, buying lots of lovely product that we hope customers cannot resist. Our buying budgets have all been based on last year’s good figures so we may find these to be a bit ambitious, but you need to have a positive head on when placing orders so far in advance.”

Affecting factors: “The postal strikes are causing lots of issues with the online sales and all we can hope for is a resolution very soon because without everyone working together, we are all losers. High street retailers however may well benefit if the postal dispute continues much longer.

The cost-of-living squeeze will make it harder for us to get the tills ringing, but we have a great range of affordable gifts so maybe people trading down from higher priced gifts will help us. Soft toy sales have been very high in the past year and we have high hopes for sales of home fragranced products and candles, especially if the lights go out!”

Sustainability check-in: “Suppliers are changing products to make them more sustainable and this year the Christmas offering has less glitter and the plastic packaging has been reduced and this trend looks set to continue.”

Top: House of Cards has assured it has a good selection of affordable gifts for this Christmas.

Right: Nigel Williamson (left) with Mark Janson-Smith of Postmark at The Henries judging in August.

Michael Apter

managing

Christmas hunch: “Christmas is definitely in the air at Paper Tiger with increasingly prominent displays in the stores and in our window displays.

Customers are responding, and shopping early. It will be interesting to see if these are 'additional' sales, or whether customers who would normally shop later in the season are buying earlier than usual.

There could be various factors involved, such as the Royal Mail strikes, household budgeting, cost of living and our national politics, but I would like to think it is our enticing displays and exquisite stock selection!

The next few weeks are going to be really tough trading, but I think we have the shops, the stock, the staff and the support from our customers to succeed.”

Your approach and buying patterns: “Our range covers classic and contemporary designs, but the indications are that people are looking for less traditional images so far this season.

Customers are definitely looking for quality. Even in the current climate I would still expect to see people treating themselves, their families and their friends to some everyday luxury.”

Above: A Paper Tiger festive window.

Right: The Scandal Escape Room Puzzle is just one of the many quirky gifts from Paper Tiger.

director of Paper Tiger, two stores in Edinburgh

VIEWPOINTS

Russell Payne

co-owner of Best Wishes of Bishop’s Waltham

Christmas hunch: “It would appear that early Christmas trade has been affected by the various things going on abroad and at home. Not a significant downturn at this point, but definitely signs that people are starting to receive their increased energy bills and increased mortgage costs, together with the general inflationary costs of everyday items, and therefore are thinking a little bit more about their expenditure.

Overall, I do think that some people will reduce the number of cards they send this year due to the cost-of-living crisis, but I think it will be more the boxed cards that people generally send to friends that will take a hit rather than the individual cards to close family that people display on their mantelpiece. With regards to gifts I think that people will still be buying them, but will be looking to purchase gifts in line with their more limited budget.

Trade in November is a much more significant period for us so we expect trade to really start taking off within the next few weeks and we are confident that with everything in place we can meet the challenges ahead.”

Your approach: “Our full Christmas card range was available in our shop from 26 September, with the sales having been a little slower than in previous years. Our Christmas bags and rollwrap have only been in store since 20 October so it’s a little too early to see the buying pattern for these items, although we would generally expect to see this area of Christmas sales really take off over the next few weeks. Our Christmas gifts and novelties will be available in store from w/c 31/10 so again we await in anticipation of gift purchases in November.

We installed our cards a week earlier this year with the thought that people might start purchasing earlier for budgeting reasons, but I think with the lovely summer weather continuing well into October, together with all the political upheavals and uncertainties, people didn’t appear to be in the early Christmas buying mode that we had hoped for. For our gift offering we have gone for more traditional things this year such as old children’s toys; marbles, pick up sticks etc. which we are hoping will be very popular with our customers and perhaps more affordable to fill a stocking.”

Affecting factors: “I do think that the Royal Mail strikes will get people posting earlier this year particularly cards to send abroad and if the strikes continue much nearer to Christmas then those people who usually leave their card purchasing to the last minute will hopefully purchase earlier in December.

Following on from the pandemic which affected Christmas 2020 shop purchases but increased online sales, I very much hope that the trend continues from last year where shop purchases returned back to 2019 levels as the general public shopped more locally. We have been particularly well supported in Bishop’s Waltham and we very much hope that our local residents will continue to support the local town throughout another challenging economic period.”

Sustainability check-in: “With regards to sustainability I think that the ever increasing awareness and promotion from the suppliers of plastic-free packaging and recyclable paper etc. will continue to attract people more to these products if they think that they are helping the planet.”

Top: Russell Payne and his wife and business partner, Yvonne.

Above: Best Wishes has a wide selection of individual Christmas cards.

Kaye and Emma Thurgood owner and manager of Sincerely Yours, Shenfield and Hornchurch

Christmas hunch: “As we head into November, we are cautiously optimistic about Christmas trade.

We are currently significantly up on sales of single cards and slightly down on sales of boxes and charity packs. Our sales of gifts are substantially higher than this time in previous years, and more people than ever are buying early Christmas presents. However, we still anticipate a late rush the week before Christmas, when customers have not received their online deliveries and panic buy locally!!”

Your approach: “We put our Christmas cards out slightly earlier this year, at the beginning of September, mainly in response to customer requests.

We are concentrating a lot of effort on visual displays and social media, both of which are manifesting in extremely good sales.

The last few years have seen our sales of high end single cards increase year on year and that trend is continuing, customers are happy to pay the price for the perceived value in large and hand-finished cards.”

Affecting factors: “Both of our shops never really get into their Christmas stride until after Halloween, however, we believe this is a direct reflection of the uncertainty of postage due to the strike action.

The cost-of-living crisis is not currently affecting our sales. The mild weather is clearly in our favour at the moment, as energy bills are yet to seriously impact disposable income in our area. We do feel however that a harsh winter will make a difference to the amount customers will spend.”

Above: Emma Thurgood modelling some of the new Katie Loxton bags.

Below: Some of the Jellycat Christmas on offer from Sincerely Yours.

Philip Nield

co-owner of Reflections, Nantwich and Rugeley

Christmas hunch: “Though the early signs are encouraging, we are approaching Christmas trading with some trepidation, but keep reminding ourselves that it will happen as it always does!

We have been very encouraged by our trading levels all year, including on Spring Seasons, but appreciate that we are fortunate to have shops that are both in rural locations and so have not suffered like those in the major conurbations from the severe drop in footfall. Our greeting card sales have been extremely strong and are up considerably on 2019 levels.

That said, as we had a truly spectacular Christmas in 2021, we do not expect to match that, but we would be more than happy if it ends up on a ‘normal’ level.

Customers have been shopping early for the specialist titles that are not widely available, notably godparents, godchild captions.”

Your approach: “We asked for all of our orders to arrive early as we had anticipated some delivery issues, but thankfully all our suppliers were able to deliver their stock in time so we could put everything out on display by the end of October. This includes our selection of single boxed cards (supplied by IC&G and Carte Blanche), for which we have quite a following as well as some fabulous boxed selections from Woodmansterne, Second Nature, Nigel Quiney and an exclusive charity range from UKG’s Special Edition.

It looks like it will be a big year for people giving picture frames as gifts as well as socks, we ordered two 5’ wooden stands of socks from Smiling Faces so I hope so!”

Affecting factors: “I don’t think the Royal Mail strikes have really had an impact. The vast majority of the special cards are given by hand while, if the post is delayed by a few days people will still want to send a card to show they care.

I believe that people will cut back on other things, such as meals out and white goods well before they decide not to buy a Christmas card or a gift for their nearest and dearest.”

Sustainability check-in: “I really do not think the public nor I are missing the glitter on the cards nor the cellowrapping, especially as it used to glare in the lights.”

Jo Marwaha

co-owner of Penny Black, two shops in Glasgow

Christmas hunch: “We’ve seen a reasonable amount of Christmas sales online and instore over the past month but every day’s a school day post-pandemic!”

Your approach: “Our approach this year, much like many others, was to make product available as soon as possible to make it as easy for customers to buy early to spread the cost of Christmas. The trend we’ve picked up on across the industry was to focus on value for money eg reusability of items, a card and gift in one and perhaps lower price point options as well as themes that evoke feelings of tradition, warmth and magic.”

Affecting factors: “I think undoubtedly, the current climate will influence how people spend this Christmas. We predict customers may choose a card over a card-plus-gift this year so that presented an opportunity to curate some really special and unique card selections. Gift-wise, I think warmth-related products may feature more predominantly but they aren’t a million miles away from trends from the past few years around self-care/wellness and home and comfort.

We have post offices in each of our stores so we’ve felt the impact of the Royal Mail strikes very pointedly. Time will tell if it changes how people connect with loved ones this Christmas but certainly it made customers think twice about posting on strike days.”

Online sales: “We hope the draw of local neighbourhood stores remains strong this year but there is potential for customer buying to be much more focused, by which I mean searching for something specific online and buying only that rather than the traditional browsing High Streets and shopping centres.”

Sustainability check-in: “Sadly, I think we’re already seeing concern for sustainability slipping down the agenda for customers, particularly when those products may have a higher price point. It appears to be seen more as a nice-to-have at the moment, but we’re hopeful the tide may turn once customers are feeling more comfortable.”

Above: Penny Black’s West End store.

Left: Jo and Natalie Marwaha

Above: Philip Nield is encouraged by the Christmas trade so far. Right: Some of the Special Editions charity packs from UKG. Left: A Sock Therapy stand from Smiling Faces.

collecting their 2022 Retas award for Best Independent Retailer of Greeting CardsScotland, with host Sara Barron (left) and Rachel Hare (right) of category sponsor Belly Button Designs.

Rockin’ n Rollin’

The greeting card community made the most of the chance to celebrate with their peers, customers and suppliers at The Henries 2022 awards event last month, that was superbly hosted by Patrick Kielty.

PG captures the flavour of the rock n roll 1950s’ themed industry ‘big night’.

Above

Left: The Windles team, as ever, got the proceeding off to a great start with its pre-reception drinks party.

Right: Danilo did the honours with the Grease-themed menu.

left: Words ‘n’ Wishes’ Jill and Carl Salt (centre) with Danilo’s Daniel Prince.

Above: All of The Henries 2022 winners with their trophies, joined by PG’s Warren Lomax, Jakki Brown and Tracey Bearton and host Patrick Kielty.

Below left: John Lewis’ Claire Taylor (right) and Emily Lewis took a spin in the 1950s motor that was ‘parked’ in the reception foyer.

Inset: (left-right) Postmark’s Emma Cole, Mark & Leona Janson-Smith and Graham Leese.

Right: UKG’s Ceri Stirland having her air tattoo applied.

Left: Graphite Creative’s Dave Parry hasn’t realised it is a left-hand drive car!

Right: (far left and far right)

Paper Salad’s Ellie Woodcock and Rosie Bennett with Stop the Clock Design’s Erin James (second left) and Kathy Harrington at the Windles party.

Below right: The ‘Higher or Lower’ game underway.

Below left: A thumbs-up that it was a great night!

The Henries 2022 In Pictures

Left: All dressed up with somewhere to go! (Left-right) UKG’s Zoe Proctor; Shar Grothier and Abi Wilson from Sainsbury’s; Rachel Wood and Jamie Smith from UKG; Becky Bell, Steve Battershill and Hannah Mallett, all from Sainsbury’s.

Below: Ling Design’s David Byk and Christina Milstead (second left) with Toasted Crumpet’s Jo Clarke (far right) and Stephanie Butcher.

Below left: Patrick Kielty hit just the right note as the host of The Henries with his quick repartee and observational wit.

Left: Never knowingly undressed, agent Ian Bradley with his wife Lorraine of Rush Design (far right) and GCA’s Amanda Fergusson.

Right: Even Elvis was there to shake his hips on the dancefloor.

Left: Never ones to disappoint, The Brainbox Candy boys, Ben Hickman and Mark Williams came in full Pink Ladies garb in keeping with the 1950s theme.

Right: Hannah Marchant (centre) is delighted to see her card on the finalists display boards (produced by The Sherwood Group).

Left: The Smiffy’s donated ‘pink ladies’ glasses were put to good use.

Right: Paperlink’s Emma Young with House of Cards’ Miles Robinson.

Below right: Woodmansterne’s Ian Blake placing his bets in the House of Cards’ sponsored casino area, under the watchful eye of Danilo’s Laurence Prince.

Below left: Morgan Lewis’ Sandra Butler (left) won the Higher or Lower ice-breaker elimination quiz, that was sponsored by Pigment, whose md Linsey Burbidge presented the prize of a hotel stayover, magnum of champagne, 1950s sundae glasses and retro sweets hamper.

Bottom left: Five Dollar Shake’s Beth and (left) Matt Genower with Stripey Cats’ Jonathan Crosby.

Below: It was a double win in The Light Fund charity raffle for Abacus’ md Nick Carey and studio manager, Liz Ellis, who were presented with their respective prizes by Jackie Lomax (centre).

Below right: IC&G’s Claire Wagstaff (right) and Ursula Wagstaff hit the dancefloor.

The Lynn Tait Most Promising

Young Designer Or Artist Award

Open to: This special award category recognises and rewards the wealth of young creative talent that we have in the UK. This award was open to all designers and artists (employed by a publisher or freelance) aged 35 years or under on 1 July 2022.

Initial Reaction: “I was more than a little shocked to hear my name read out, and my (ridiculously long) legs went a bit wobbly on the way up to the stage, but I got there in one piece. Seeing a 10ft photo of me in my underwear on the big screen was a highlight and will no doubt make my Mum very proud…It was a very exciting moment and great to have my wife Maddy there on the night, as she was the one who convinced me to give up my day job to draw nonsense for a living. Turns out it was a great decision!”

WinnerIain Hamilton founder of Bewilderbeest

Above: A fun start to the ceremony! Iain Hamilton of Bewilderbeest was presented with his trophy by Leona Janson-Smith, director of Postmark, sponsor of this category.

Above: Leona Janson-Smith, director of Postmark, sponsor of this category was delighted to present the first trophy of the evening.

Below: Iain Hamilton was super happy even by his optimistic standards.

Iain Hamilton, chief nitwit of Bewilderbeest

Initial Reaction: “We were thrilled to hear Hallmark’s name read out for Best Diversity & Inclusion range. We’re all very passionate about our Feel the Love braille range, so receiving the award was fantastic recognition of our work. Everyone should be able to enjoy sending and receiving cards, and we’re proud that this range brings more accessible options to the greetings market. We were even happier to share the awards night with our guest from the Royal National Institute of Blind People (RNIB). We all had such a great evening celebrating the win.”

Best Diversity and Inclusion Range Winner

Open to:All greeting card ranges (humorous and non-humorous) that had been launched into UK retail (bricks and mortar and/or online) between 15 June 2021 and 15 June 2022 that reflect diversity and inclusivity could have been entered. In the case of an ongoing range, only designs that had been launched during the aforementioned dates could be entered.

Feel the Love from Hallmark Cards

Below: All smiles from Hallmark Cards’ design director Kelly Wyman (right) and Ruth TurnerBlood, the publisher’s head of writing.

Ruth Turner-Blood, head of writing of Hallmark Cards UK

Above: (second left-right) Hallmark’s head of writing Ruth Turner-Blood and design director Kelly Wyman were presented with the trophy by Amanda Fergusson, ceo of the GCA, which sponsors this award as part of its commitment to diversity and inclusion in the greeting card industry.

Below: The GCA’s ceo Amanda Fergusson at the ready with the gold envelope to reveal the winner.

Open to: All humorous greeting card ranges that had been launched into UK retail (bricks and mortar and/or online) between 15 June 2021 and 15 June 2022 could be entered. In the case of an ongoing range, only designs that had been launched during the aforementioned dates could be entered.

Best Humorous Range

Winner Zeppelinmoon

director Chris Stanley was presented with the winning trophy by Daniel Mayhew, event director of Spring & Autumn Fair, sponsor of this award category.

from Redback Cards

Chris Stanley, managing director of Redback Cards

Below A proud Chris Stanley, managing director of Redback Cards.

Below left: Daniel Mayhew, event director of category sponsor Spring & Autumn Fair at the lectern about to announce the winner.

Best Licensed Card Range

Open to: All greeting card ranges that are published under licence (eg entertainment properties, brands or named artists) that had been launched into UK retail (bricks and mortar and/or online) between 15 June 2021 and 15 June 2022 could be entered. In the case of an ongoing range, only designs that had been launched during the aforementioned dates could be entered.

Initial Reaction: “WOW! When we heard our name called out, I think Pennie and I were a bit stunned! Having recently walked away with a Licensing Award and a Louie earlier in the year, we were sure our luck had run out... but somehow, we managed to win the treble. What a wonderful evening it was, and what an incredible year it has been for Tache!”

Frank Nicholls, co-owner of Tache

Left: (second left-right) Tache’s founder and creative director Frank Nicholls; Chris May, head of sales and marketing; Pennie Bryant, director; Danielle Harwood, Chris’ fiancée and John Skeet, director of Skeet Print, sponsor of this award category who presented the trophy.

Right: John Skeet, director of Skeet Print at the ready to announce the winner.

Best Christmas Counter Cards Range

Open to: All single Christmas card ranges that had been launched into UK retail (bricks and mortar and/or online) between 15 June 2021 and 15 June 2022. In the case of an ongoing range, only designs that had been launched during the aforementioned dates could be entered.

Initial Reaction: “I couldn't believe it when Stormy Knight was announced as the winner - I was genuinely so surprised! We were just saying how great all the designs were that had been shortlisted in that category so it feels such an honour to have won. It's my first Henries award and I'm completely over the moon to have won one - and I love the new look trophy! I am currently working deciding the best spot for it in the new office that we are soon moving into.”

Jackson beamed with happiness, having been presented with the trophy by Michelle Mills, business development manager of Windles Group, sponsor of this award category.

Below: Michelle Mills, business development manager of Windles Group, sponsor of this award category did the honours with the gold envelope.

Sarah Knight, director of Stormy Knight

WinnerBloom from Stormy Knight

Open to: All Christmas boxes or packs that had been launched to UK retail (bricks and mortar and/or online) for Christmas 2022 could be entered. These could be branded, own brand or charity products.

Best Christmas

Box or pack

Winner

Initial Reaction: “To say we were delighted to win this award is an understatement. The fact that this means we have won this award category for a fourth year in succession is testament to our very talented design team as well as our retail customers for supporting us.”

Ged Mace, managing director of The Art File

Above: Nick Henry, managing director of Gould Paper presented the trophy to Alice Tillotson, head of product for The Art File.

Above left: Alice Tillotson, head of product for The Art File with the trophy.

Below: Loyal Henries’ sponsor Nick Henry, md of Gould Paper readies to announce the winner.

Initial Reaction: "Wow! What a night! Jakki and Warren always put on the best show and Henries 2022 was no exception. Both Mark and I initially felt a wave of shock when it was announced Raspberry Blossom won the Best Cute Range category, then a huge sense of pride. The love that we both put into our business and the sacrifices we have made honestly make all the difference when that hard work and determination is acknowledged by winning such a prestigious award. The room was full of extremely talented publishers and companies and to be even a finalist in such an amazing industry fills us both with so much joy. We can’t thank the industry and also everyone that has supported our business by buying a card or sharing our business enough :)”

Best Cute Range Winner

Open to: All cute greeting card ranges that had been launched into UK retail (bricks and mortar and/or online) between 15 June 2021 and 15 June 2022 were able to be entered. In the case of an ongoing range, only designs which had been launched during the aforementioned dates could be entered.

Pawsome from Raspberry Blossom

Above: (second left) Rebecca Green, founder and creative director of Raspberry Blossom accepted the trophy from sponsor (far right and second right) Alpha Colour Printers’ managing director Amy Muldrew and its reprographic director, Luke Ostle.

Below: A triumphant Rebecca Green, the creative maestro of Raspberry Blossom.

Below: Amy Muldrew and Luke Ostle, managing director and reprographic director of Alpha Colour Printers respectively shared the responsibility of revealing the winner.

Rebecca Green, creative director of Raspberry Blossom

Best Contemporary Words & Sentiments Range

Open to: All contemporary ‘words and sentiments’ greeting card ranges that had been launched into UK retail (bricks and mortar and/or online) between 15 June 2021 and 15 June 2022 were able to be entered. In the case of an ongoing range, only designs that had been launched during the aforementioned dates could be entered.

Winner

Words of Wisdom from Dandelion Stationery

Above:

Below:

Below

Initial Reaction: “I honestly didn’t expect to win, up against such tough competition. I was absolutely over the moon when our name was read out, it really is the most amazing feeling. The whole team had a fabulous evening celebrating (though there were some very sore heads the next day!).”

left: The Henries 2022 came up roses for Dandelion Stationery’s Jo Wilson.

(centre) Jo Wilson, co-owner and creative director of Dandelion Stationery was delighted to be presented with the trophy by Adam Dury, chief operating officer of Card Factory, sponsor of this award category.

Adam Dury, coo of Card Factory, which was a Henries’ sponsor for the first time this year.

Jo Wilson, co-owner and creative director of Dandelion Stationery

Open to: All traditional ‘words and sentiments’ greeting card ranges that had been launched into UK retail (bricks and mortar and/or online) between 15 June 2021 and 15 June 2022 were able to be entered. In the case of an ongoing range, only designs that had been launched during the aforementioned dates could be entered.

Best Traditional Words & Sentiments Range

Initial Reaction: “Wow, Wow, Wow. I was so chuffed when I heard our name called out. We were up against some strong contenders but, as I tell my very competitive kids, it’s all about winning….and we did!! FANTASTIC. Great job Ling Team and thanks to everyone who voted for us.”

David Byk, ceo of Swan Mill Group

Above: (second right) Simon Pryce, md of Skylight Media, as sponsor of this award category presented the trophy to Clare Twigger, Ling Design’s head of creative while ceo David Byk was happy to be pointed out by host Patrick Kielty.

Above: Simon Pryce, md of Skylight Media, sponsor of this award category looked very comfortable at the lectern announcing the winner.

Best Art Range

Open to: All art (fine art, contemporary and illustrative, but not photographic) greeting card ranges that had been launched into UK retail (bricks and mortar and/or online) between 15 June 2021 and 15 June 2022 could be entered. In the case of an ongoing range, only designs that had been launched during the aforementioned dates could be entered

Winner

Natural Phenomenon from The Art File

Initial Reaction: “We were so chuffed to win Best Art Collection with Natural Phenomenon. It means so much to us as most of our designers in the studio have contributed to this collection over time.”

Ged Mace, managing director of The Art File

Top: (centre) Ged Mace, managing director of The Art File collected the publisher’s second trophy from Dave Parry, studio manager of Graphite Creative, sponsor of this award category.

Above: Dave Parry, studio manager of Graphite Creative, sponsor of this award category revealed the winner.

Right: The Art File’s md Ged Mace holds the trophy tight.

Best Photographic Range

Open to: All photographic greeting card ranges that had been launched into UK retail (bricks and mortar and/or online) between 15 June 2021 and 15 June 2022 could be entered. In the case of an ongoing range, only designs that had been launched during the aforementioned dates could be entered.

Winner

Say Cheese from Ohh Deer

Below:

Right:

co-sponsors

Initial Reaction: “I was really chuffed to win this award and wasn't expecting it. Because David Byk took so long getting to the stage when he won an award shortly before ours, I decided that I'd jog to the stage to try and build back some of the time we all lost. I always love going to The Henries as it's more than just the awards - it's a chance for the whole industry to let their hair down and just enjoy each other’s company with too much alcohol!”

Mark Callaby, managing director of Ohh Deer

Above: (second left) Ohh Deer’s managing director Mark Callaby was more than happy to be presented with the trophy by (second right) Chris Chater, head of commerical development of FujiFilm and John Procter, director of Scribbler, the co-sponsors of this award category.

As

of this award category, (left) John Procter, director of Scribbler and Chris Chater, head of commerical development of FujiFilm did the honours at the lectern.

More ‘Ohh yeah’ than ‘Ohh Deer’ for Mark Callaby at The Henries.

Best Children’s Range

Open to: All greeting card ranges aimed at children that had been launched into UK retail (bricks and mortar and/or online) between 15 June 2021 and 15 June 2022 could be entered. In the case of an ongoing range, only designs that had been launched during the aforementioned dates could be entered.

Initial Reaction: “Yippee! Having won this award for several years running, the pressure was on, so we were absolutely delighted when our name was called out as the winner. We just couldn’t stop smiling as we made our way to the stage.”

Claire Williams, co-owner and director of Paper Salad

Above: Paper Salad’s directors and co-founders (second right) Claire Williams and Karen Wilson were very happy to collect the trophy from Tony Lorriman, managing director of Loxleys, sponsor of this award category.

Below right: Tony Lorriman, managing director of Loxleys, sponsor of this award category preparing to announce the winner.

Below: All smiles from Paper Salad’s co-founders (left) Karen Wilson and Claire Williams.

Open to: All greeting card ranges which demonstrate a current trend, be it in subject matter, terminology or production technique, that had been launched into UK retail (bricks and mortar and/or online) between 15 June 2021 and 15 June 2022 could be entered. In the case of an ongoing range, only designs that had been launched during the aforementioned dates could be entered.

Best Contemporary Trend Range

Initial Reaction: “We had only just got back to our table with our Best Children’s Range trophy when our name was called out again…yay, a double win! The fact that this category is always very competitive and attracts so many entries makes our win, two years in a row, all the sweeter. Thank you to all the judges who voted for us.”

Karen Wilson, co-owner and director of Paper Salad

Above: It was a quick turnaround for Paper Salad directors and co-founders, (second right) Karen Wilson and Claire Williams who hot footed back to the stage to collect their second trophy from Simon Davis, sales manager of category sponsor, The Imaging Centre. Below: The ever alert Simon Davis, sales manager of The Imaging Centre, sponsor of this award category.

Best Handmade or Hand-finished Range

Open to: All greeting card ranges which are either completely handmade or include a hand-finished element, that had been launched into UK retail (bricks and mortar and/or online) between 15 June 2021 and 15 June 2022 could be entered. In the case of an ongoing range, only designs that had been launched during the aforementioned dates could be entered.

Initial Reaction: “I definitely had a spring in my step today despite the late night.  I never forget seeing Patrick Kielty the last time he hosted the Henries 12 years ago.  Early on it became apparent that he had prepared a one liner to describe every award winner. I was expecting the same thing last night but luckily it turned out he was in a more restrained mood but very funny nevertheless.  It was great to get up on stage and an honour to win the award despite the competition from the other very good finalists.  I'm looking forward to next year’s already!”

Winner

Paper Shakies Adult Ages from James Ellis

Top left: (second left) James Stevens, director of James Ellis Stevens didn’t mind a bit of bow tie tweaking from Patrick Kielty, having received the trophy from Simon Woolridge, divisional sales manager of EBB Board, the sponsor of this award category.

Left: Simon Woolridge, divisional sales manager of category sponsor EBB Board readies to open the gold envelope and announce the winner.

James Stevens, managing director of James Ellis Stevens

Open to: All non-humorous greeting card ranges aimed at male recipients that had been launched into UK retail (bricks and mortar and/or online) between 15 June 2021 and 15 June 2022 could be entered. In the case of an ongoing range, only designs that had been launched during the aforementioned dates could be entered.

Winner

Graphic Form from Rocket68

Best Male Range

Initial Reaction: “Having been a Henries’ finalist four times previously you can imagine how my heart leapt when I heard the announcement that Rocket68 had won a Henry! I'm so pleased to have won that category (Best Male Range) as it's a personal favourite of mine as I adore bold colour. It's been a very special year for Rocket68 having also won a Gift of the Year award earlier in 2022. It was a real joy to be part of the prestigious Henries celebrations at the Royal Lancaster Hotel.”

Above right: A very happy Jill White, founder of Rocket68 as she holds the trophy that had been presented to her by Martyn Train, managing director of Duplo UK, who was a sponsor of The Henries for the first time this year.

Below: Martyn Train, managing director of Duplo UK at the lectern about to announce the winner.

Below right: All smiles from Jill White, founder of Rocket68.

Jill White, founder of Rocket68

Open to: All relations and/or occasions greeting card ranges that had been launched into UK retail (bricks and mortar and/or online) between 15 June 2021 and 15 June 2022 could be entered. In the case of an ongoing range, only designs that had been launched during the aforementioned dates could be entered.

Best Relations and/or Occasions Range

Winner

Elle

Initial Reaction: “We’re thrilled and truly humbled to have won such a prestigious award in this year’s Henries – the ultimate accolade! With so many entries each year, you can never assume that yours will have caught the imagination of the judges, so to have succeeded in the Relations and Occasions category with one of our best-sellers, Elle, is just fantastic! It is all about partnerships too – we would like to thank our retailers for their support in what has been a tough few years and we look forward continuing to put the heart into our art with each and every one of them! Thanks also to the wonderful Max Publishing team for another amazing event, bringing us all together to share the experience.”

Rachel Hare, creative director and boss lady at Belly Button Designs

Right: A shiny happy Rachel Hare!

from Belly Button Designs

Above: Rachel Hare, creative director and founder of Belly Button Designs who was delighted to receive the trophy from Pete Stevens, southern UK sales manager of Fedrigoni UK, the sponsor of this award category.

Below: Pete Stevens, southern UK sales manager of award category sponsor Fedrigoni UK at the lectern.

Best Spring Seasons Range

Open to: For this year only, and just in this category, due to the knock-on effects of the pandemic, all Valentine’s Day, Mother’s Day, Easter and Father’s Day greeting card ranges that had been launched into UK retail (bricks and mortar and/or online) between 15 June 2020 and 15 June 2022 could be entered. This two year window accommodated those publishers who carried forward Spring Seasons ranges. Entries had to be event-specific, ie Publishers submitted a separate entry for Valentine’s Day, a separate entry for Mother’s Day etc.

Initial Reaction: “An amazing night! We couldn’t believe it when we heard us announced as the winners of this category, we were absolutely over the moon!! We’d already been having a great night but this really was the cherry on the cake. We can’t remember much about collecting it, it was all a blur! It’s our third award for our

Drops range and we love it so much,

Winner

Rainbow Drops

Day

Mother’s

from Wendy Jones-Blackett

Above: (second left-right) Steve and Wendy Jones-Blackett, coowners of Wendy Jones-Blackett were delighted to be presented with the trophy by Abbie Ross, director of product management for GF Smith, the sponsor of this award category.

Right: A winning couple, Wendy and Steve Jones-Blackett.

Rainbow

the award trophy now takes pride of place at the office.”

Wendy and Steve Jones-Blackett, co-owners of Wendy Jones-Blackett

Best Wholesale Range

Open to: All greeting card ranges sold via the wholesale distributor/cash & carry channel that had been launched into UK retail (bricks and mortar and/or online) between 15 June 2021 and 15 June 2022 could be entered. In the case of an ongoing range, only designs that had been launched during the aforementioned dates could be entered.

Initial Reaction: “Woohoooo! Absolutely delighted!!! So, so proud to receive this award on behalf of such an amazing team at Simon Elvin. Big smiles all round!  What a fantastic night! Thank you Henries.”  Sarah

Vockins, art director of Simon Elvin

Above: (Far left-right) Tony Raymond, co-owner of LB Warehousing, sponsor of this award category presented the trophy to Simon Elvin’s art director Sarah Vockins and business development manager, Mike Coster.

Below right: LB Warehousing’s co-owner Tony Raymond gets ready to announce the winner.

WinnerIsabel’s Garden from Simon Elvin

Below: Blooming great! Simon Elvin’s Sarah Vockins and Mike Coster.

Best Giftwrappings Range

Open to: All giftwrappings ranges (either ranges of sheet wrap or collections of co-ordinated wrappings such as boxes, bags, ribbons etc) that had been launched into UK retail (bricks and mortar and/or online) between 15 June 2021 and 15 June 2022 could be entered. In the case of an ongoing range, only designs that had been launched during the aforementioned dates could be entered.

Winner

Paper Salad Collection from Glick

Initial Reaction: “Shocked, elated and grateful are the words that spring to mind on hearing that we had won! It doesn’t matter how many times you win an award, it is always special, and made even more special by the unbelievably talented Claire and Karen from Paper Salad joining me on stage to collect the award. It really was a wonderful evening, with the award being the cherry on top.”

Above: (second left-right) Glick’s managing director Becky Dobson with Paper Salad’s co-owners Karen Wilson and Claire Williams, who were presented with the trophy by Jim Bullough, operations director of PG Live, the sponsor of this award category.

Below: Jim Bullough, operations director of award category sponsor, PG Live at the lectern.

Right: Glick’s md Becky Dobson with the shiny trophy.

Becky Dobson, managing director of Glick

Camilla & &Rose would like to say a big THANK YOU to everyone that voted for us in the Henry Cole Classic Award.

It’s an honour to be part of such an illustrious group of previous winners.

Open to: This award is for greeting card ranges that have stood the test of time, having been published for at least the last eight years. The range had to currently be on sale in some shape or form to be entered. Ranges can only win a Henry Cole Classic award once and then join the Henry Cole Classic ‘Hall of Fame’. Previous winners include: Bestie from Paperlink, The Bright Side from Really Good;  The Country Set from Wrendale Designs; Eric the Penguin from GBCC; Forever Friends from Hallmark; Giggles from UKG; Ink Press  from The Art File; Me to You from Carte Blanche;  Medici Cards Blue Label from GBCC; On The Ceiling from Emotional Rescue; Pizazz from Nigel Quiney Publications; Pop-Ups from Second Nature; Quentin Blake from Woodmansterne Publications, Rainbow from Ling Design and Virtual Safari from Emotional Rescue.

The Henry Cole Classic Award

Initial Reaction: “When we were announced as winners I was stunned and it didn’t register at first. It was the loud clapping and cheering, especially from our table, that caused me to turn round and once I saw Louise (Martin) and our fabulous artist, Sarah Boddy, embracing it hit home. The walk to the stage made me feel so pleased and proud, for all concerned, to be recognised and to win this prestigious award. The celebrations continue…”

Winner

Camilla & Rose from Peartree Heybridge

John Partridge, director of Peartree Heybridge

Above: (centre) John Partridge, director of Peartree Heybridge collected the trophy from Richard Bacon, managing director of The Sherwood Group, sponsor of this award category.

Left: Richard Bacon, managing director of The Sherwood Group about to announce the winner. Below: A very happy John Partridge!

Best Service to the Independent Retailer

This award category recognises the pivotal role publishers play in providing a good service to independent retailers. There are three awards in this category – a Bronze, Silver and ultimate Gold. The finalists and trio of winners in this category were arrived at as a result of an exhaustive poll, involving 1,750 independent greeting card retailers.

Bronze Winner

Initial Reaction: “As I went up to the stage to collect the Best Art Range award I thought ‘the evening can’t get any better’, having already won Best Christmas Box for the 4th year in succession. Then, lo and behold, we were then awarded the bronze in the Best Service category. This award means everything to team Art File and I’d like to thank all those customers who voted for us. I felt so proud of our team, I was humbled and grateful and merry at the end of a fabulous night.”

Ged Mace, managing director of The Art File

Below:

silver Winner

Initial Reaction: “Phew! It’s been a challenging couple of years and to keep in the top three for customer service is a huge achievement for the business! We are humbled and very grateful to all of our customers that take the time to vote for us. We’re only a small business so to be in the top two on the service front is a great accolade and testament to all of our staff that work so hard to make this happen. Roll on next year and we’ll try even harder to get the top spot!”

Simon Wagstaff, managing director of IC&G

Top right: (far right-left) Mike Lammas, managing director of Herbert Walkers, sponsor of the Best Service awards presented the Bronze trophy to The Art File’s Ged Mace, Karen Mace, Martin Parks and Alice Tillotson.

Left: Karen Mace, co-founder and director of The Art File with the company’s Bronze trophy.

Left: (second left-right) Ian and Simon Wagstaff, co-owners of IC&G were presented with the shiny silver trophy by Mike Lammas, managing director of Herbert Walkers, the sponsor of the trio of Best Service awards.

As sponsor of the trio of awards in this category, Herbert Walkers’ managing director Mike Lammas had three gold envelopes to open.

Best Service to the Independent Retailer

GOLD Winner

Initial Reaction: “This is amazing news! This award really means a lot to us as it's voted by those that matter most...our customers. We're absolutely thrilled. I want to thank all of those involved at UKG who serve our retailers so well. And the biggest thank you goes to our wonderful customers who voted for us this year, thank you!”

Darren Cave, commercial director of UK Greetings

Above: (centre) Darren Cave, commercial director of UK Greetings was delighted to be presented with the ultimate Gold trophy by Mike Lammas, managing director of award category sponsor Herbert Walkers.

Right: A super proud Darren Cave!

Honorary Achievement Award

The Honorary Achievement Award is a very special accolade that is awarded to an individual in recognition of the contribution they have made to the UK greeting card industry. Nominees could be involved in any aspect of the industry, thereby including retailers, publishers, designers, distributors and suppliers.

Recipient

Alan Harnik

Founder and president of Notes & Queries

Right: Alan Harnik, founder and president of Notes & Queries was presented with the trophy by Joanne Davis, director of UK Envelope Centre, the sponsor of this prestigious award category. Below: The one and only Big Al!

An excerpt of the speech made by Jakki Brown, editor of Progressive Greetings and md of Max Publishing at the awards event:

“The recipient of this year’s Honorary Achievement Award is a true one off, and has been a huge ambassador for the British greeting card industry for over four decades.

From humble beginnings, selling cards on a market stall, this individual has navigated the company they founded through four recessions and numerous international crises and has made a real difference to hundreds of UK greeting card companies.

Tonight’s winner has not only championed British greeting card design and creativity but has been passionate in their support of young designers and emerging publishers, forever willing to share their wealth of knowledge and experience, while never losing their sense of wonderment and enthusiasm for new winning concepts, finishes and design styles.

This individual has gone where no others have gone before in promoting the interests of over 200 British greeting card publishers, achieving impressive sales and attaining distribution levels than would have been out of reach otherwise.

While an innate entrepreneur, always with a keen eye for commercial opportunity they are also a true gentleman of absolute integrity, as testified by so many of his publisher suppliers becoming lifelong friends.

He has trailblazed British greeting cards all over the United States and Canada. And while after 42 years, he has decided to hand over the day-to-day reins of the business to his very capable daughter Vanessa, he assured me that one reason is that it will free up more time to explore further opportunities with UK publishers. Love it!

I felt very privileged to be invited to a dinner held on the eve of PG Live this year that they hosted and organised as a thank you for the 42 years of support they have received.

Well tonight we can return that favour. By now you may well have guessed the recipient. He is a larger than life character, delighting in his affectionate nickname of ’Big Al’, and with an even larger in heart!”

Initial Reaction: “Let me again thank everyone for this prestigious award honouring my 42 years in the trade spent committed to bringing in the best of UK design in greeting cards/wrap/bags and stationery to the States.  Probably halfway through Jakki’s speech of who was to receive the award I realised it was me. I was shocked and walking up to the stage I felt rather numb. When asked to give a short impromptu acceptance speech I think I said the following…I am rarely at a loss for words, but this honour has left me so. I want to thank you all for this wonderful award. I said that some 42 years ago I stayed at the Corus Hotel on Hyde Park with Lou Hartman from Hartman Cards in a small bedroom with two single beds with no space for suitcases which we stored under the beds.  And here I am 42 years later at the Royal Lancaster Hotel receiving this award. I went on to thank the companies that we have been fortunate to represent in the US and the UK greeting card industry as a whole. I said that this award should really be given to greeting card companies for producing the best of the best in design. I ended by saying that my quest over these many years has been to bring the best of the best in design to the US and we have done so.  Postscript…the day after The Henries I took a walk in Hyde Park and suddenly tears flowed down my cheeks as I realised that this award was so, so very special, especially as over half of my life has been spent counting cards. I will never forget the evening.”

Alan Harnik

Designed and made in Britain. Design © Museums & Galleries Ltd 2021. ecoBand patent applied for: GB1807894.9.

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Catherine Rowe is British designer inspired by her love of nature and wildlife.

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ZERO PLASTIC

Designed and made in Britain. Design © Museums & Galleries Ltd 2021.

This ecoBand aims to reduce plastic waste –please recycle it

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Catherine Rowe is a British designer inspired by her love of nature and wildlife. Catherine’s designs are luxurious, traditional, and classy with a contemporary and playful twist. All her artwork is drawn using scraperboard, a highly unusual medium evocative of a Victorian etching.

Design © Museums & Galleries Ltd 2021. ecoBand patent applied for: GB1807894.9. This ecoBand aims to reduce plastic waste please recycle it

Wildlife Photographer of the Year is owned by the Natural History Museum.

photography from the archives of the Wildlife Photographer of the Year competition.

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ROH

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A selection of delectable new launches and additions.

Nature’s Beauty

New to the greeting card scene, Paint & Whiskers combines founder Amy Fairclough’s love of wildlife with a commitment to sustainability. The inaugural collection features Amy’s cute hand drawn illustrations of British wildlife, from foxes to dormice in their natural habitat.

Paint & Whiskers 07891079088 www.paintandwhiskers.co.uk

Party Time

Fiesta-Val is the latest addition to Noel Tatt’s Boutique collection. The range comprises 18 open and birthday designs featuring playful photos and bright colours, enhanced with silver foil and embossing. Printed on 300gsm textured board in a 5”x5” format, each card comes with a luxury graphite grey envelope.

Noel Tatt 01227 811600 www.noeltatt.co.uk

Youthful Action

Glick has just unveiled a new Juniors range of bags, flat wrap, roll wrap, tissue and tags which is being pre-sold for delivery in Jan 2023. The collection includes a trio of designs from Paper Salad – Suprheroes, Under the Sea and Pink Shores - all with neon pinks and oranges. Also included is an Around the World design which features a world map design in bags and a matching flat wrap (that can be used as a poster).

Glick 01274 655980 Trade.glick.co.uk

Spring In The Air

Molly Mae has launched a clutch of brand new cards for Spring Seasons 2023. Following the success of its Snap Shot collection, contemporary illustrative hand-finished designs have been added for Valentine’s Day, Mother’s Day, Easter and Father’s Day. Also new are Mother’s Day cards in the Applause and Grand Centre Piece collections, with fine metallic detailing and embossing for added texture. For Easter there are card packs from the Here Comes The Sun collection. All cards can be supplied either clasped, nested or cello wrapped upon request. Molly Mae +(44)1455 557115 www.mollymaetrade.co.uk

Years Ahead

Hot on the heels of having reached the finals of The Henries, Bexy Boo has expanded its This Card Is For You Because… collection by including female ages from 18 to 70. This ever popular bright, colourful and quirky range is printed on FSC 300gsm board, comes with an alabaster white envelope and is eco stickered as standard. Bexy Boo 01565 830 546 www.bexyboo.co.uk

How Love-ly

Love Lines is Stormy Knight’s new Valentine’s collection, based on artwork by the talented Eleonora Arosio. Following on from the everyday Eleonora collection, Love Lines comprises nine designs with boobs, bottoms, best friends, and some fun nods to nineties and noughties pop culture. Each card is hot foiled with a different bright colour and comes with a GF Smith Callisto Pearl envelope.

Stormy Knight 0117 9098684 www.stormyknight.co.uk

Sweetness Personified

Poet and Painter’s latest hand-painted and illustrated designs bring both positive and sweet (literally!) design to the forefront in these continually troubled days. Both the Happy Birthday Treacle and She needed a Hero cards have run right up to the front of the publisher’s new design bestsellers list. The new additions are 150mm square, are printed on matt FSC-accredited board and are supplied with a white envelope either naked, eco cellowrapped or with an eco clasp.

Poet and Painter 07779 064894 www.poetandpainter.co.uk

Going Wild

Wonderfully Wild is a fabulous new range from Paper Shed Design. As the range name suggests, this new collection features super cute illustrations of wild animals from all over the world. Monkeys, pandas, tigers, parrots and meerkats are just some of nature’s beasts in this new menagerie. Paper Shed Design 0118 9744283 www.papersheddesign.com

Picture This

In addition to 220 new cards joining its existing collections, Wendy JonesBlackett is also venturing into the blank art card field. There are 24 designs in Pretty As A Picture, based on original artworks created digitally to resemble oil paintings, featuring mainly floral imagery with a few landscapes thrown in. The cards are 165mm square and printed onto recycled board.

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

Hello Petal

Herding Instinct

Being based in Kendal on the edge of the stunning Lake District, the inspiration for Felltarn’s designs is close to home - the smiling Herdwick, a local breed of sheep. The numbered range covering 50 to 80 offers something different for those milestone years. Printed in Kendal on fully recyclable card, the publisher’s printer is a member of the Carbon Capture Scheme which works with the Woodland Trust to offset production with the planting of trees throughout the UK. The cards are supplied naked with a recyclable envelope with a percentage of profits from the sale of each Felltarn card being donated to Animal Rescue Cumbria.

Felltarn +44 (0)7846 805602 www.felltarn.co.uk

Shed Loads

Following the success of the new male designs launched at Autumn Fair, Sabivo Design has released female additions and re-named the range to Man Cave/She Shed. The initial 15 designs incorporate birthday celebratory icons with popular female hobbies, like gardening, yoga, socialising etc. The female characters within the range reflect body inclusivity. The cards are 145 mm square, finished with gold foil, supplied with white envelopes and wrapped in biodegradable cello bags or bands. Sabivo Design 01858 683 278 www.sabivo.co.uk

North Yorkshire greeting card publisher Umbellifer has launched a new Winter Flowers collection which celebrates the beauty to be found in the hardy plants that light up our winter gardens. Snowdrops, cyclamen, witch hazel and hellebores feature in these floral delights. All are printed on responsibly sourced and carbon offset board blank inside, supplied in in plastic-free cello bags or with a card clasp.

Umbellifer 07510 874363 www.umbellifer.co.uk

A selection of delectable new launches and additions.

Paws for thought

Greeting cards reflect our life and lovesby keeping up with fashion trends, pop culture phrases and those closest to us, including our furry and feathered friends.

PG looks at how the card industry is keeping its tail wagging on the pets and animal front.

Everyone loves a bit of love, and the unconditional affection offered by animals and pets continues to be life-affirming. Walking the dog, cuddling the cat, mucking out the horse - all these activities took on even greater importance during Covid times when people found their lives constrained by the restrictions, as reflected in the boom in pet ownership.

As one of the most well-known rescue centres, helping both dogs and cats find their forever homes is Battersea’s priority so how to bring in much-needed funds while raising awareness of how important it is to adopt not shop is a concern.

And it’s one which cards and the public’s love for animal designs generate a happy synergy, as Battersea’s licensing manager Warren Traeger explained: “We have a long history of working with greeting card publishers - currently we have two fantastic licensees, Cardology and UK Greetings, both producing different ranges and servicing different parts of the sector.”

Above: A design from GBCC’s Dog House From Christian Vieler, a range based on the photographer’s pictures of people’s dogs that has become an internet sensation.

Left: A new Quicksilver design from Wendy JonesBlackett featuring dogs of all shapes and sizes.

Ling/GBCC ceo David Byk highlighted: “Since lockdown we know there are over three million more pets now owned and everyone loves their animals. In a separate part of our business we run dog and cat crackers which contain toys for your favourite pet so they don’t feel left outgifting and including your pet as part of the family celebrations has become a big part of people’s lives over recent years.”

Wendy Jones-Blackett is one who loves all breeds of dog, something that extends into her card ranges: “We’ve always included dogs in our ranges as they’re such a massive part of our lives and the cards are hugely popular. We’re a nation of dog lovers - I love that the Queen always had dogs by her side.”

Molly Mae’s founders Stacey Barthorpe and Jude Kenney are both

Right:

dog owners and this has had a significant influence on their designs, with animals in both their recent Grand Centrepiece and Here Comes The Sun ranges. They said: “We’ve found animal, specifically pet, designs very popular over the years and these continue to be some of our most popular.”

With the doggie theme so strong, Louise Tiler aims to please customers with the total p-awww factor in the Mini Paws birthday collection, and a Valentine’s Mini Paws range, both new for 2023. Finished with gold foil, Louise said: “It’s super cute and colourful, featuring fluffy hand-painted designs perfect for dog lovers, and we loved the everyday range so much we expanded it.”

While dogs and cats rule the roost at home, different types of fauna are also popular in the Eco-friendly Card Company’s portfolio, with ranges such as the graphic linocuts from Manda Beeching, and the British Wildlife Trusts photographic

Below: James Ellis’ Flynn Amesbury with his trio of guinea pigs.

Left: UKG’s licensed range with Battersea based on photos of the home’s former residents.

Molly Mae’s Grand Centrepiece showcases pets.

collections with “a selection of notecard wallets which include a pack on the theme of insects,” according to co-owner Sue Morrish.

“We’ve had hoverflies, soldier beetles and sloe-bugs - insects look amazing closeup! But the most unusual is a little hermit crab that features on one of our New Home cards,” adds Sue. “Going super-small, artwork featuring bees has done incredibly well for us this year. There’s been a lot of campaigning and awareness of the importance of bees as pollinators and how we can help support them in the way people garden, and I think that’s influenced products people have been buying.”

Comedic antics

Coming at greetings from a humour angle, Comedy Card Company also finds sales have a connection between people and pets, as co-owner Alan Auld said: “We sell lots of dog and cat cards on our retail site, from lots of different publishers as well as our own. In term of humour, I think both dog and cat cards have an equal appeal - both are funny in their own way. We find the joke is often on their longsuffering owners!”

Left: Mini Paws is Louise Tiler’s new range.

Right: Evolution of design with English Graphics’ ladybird.

Below left: Dandelion’s Four Legged Friends includes horses.

Below right: A hermit crab and bees from the Eco-friendly Card Co.

“Our most popular animals at present are a giraffe, dogs and cats of course, squirrels, hares and pheasants, and we do have a koala card, turtle and chameleon.”

Known for its hand-finished eco-glitter, English Graphics started out featuring just dogs, but has evolved to include many other animals including its British Museum bug cards, and director Peter England said: “With a tweak on our original design it then resulted in a new design of our ladybird - strange how inspiration gets you. We’ve also done black swan cards for a gift shop in Dawlish, Devon, and of course get customer requests such as ‘you don’t have a pony card’.

A celebration of furry friends was the intent behind Dandelion Stationery’s Four Legged Friends collection last summer and it’s proved so popular the initial hand-drawn dog and cat illustrations with a quirky caption have been expanded to include horses, hamsters and guinea pig, with rabbits ready to launch in January.

While animals also feature heavily in her bestselling Words of Wisdom range, Jo admits dogs are still the most popular furry, although she added: “We always try to bring in a few cat designs otherwise we get emails from cat lovers who feel they’re excluded!”

Two of the top cards in James Ellis’ Paintworks blank art range feature cats, while other bestsellers include a dog (of course!), whale, polar bear, and puffin, but the company’s Louise Amesbury admitted: “After our greyhound card Blue Dog was published earlier in the year, we had lots of requests from customers and friends asking for particular breeds so we have an artist working on another dog-themed card as we speak, as cats and dogs seem to always be the most popular - but my son Flynn constantly asks us to design a guinea pig card!”

Cardology is regularly asked for new animal designs in its pop-up ranges with an unexpectedly-popular cockerel the most unusual. Co-owner

Above: UKG’s Alice Cass with Mabel.Above: Cardology’s David Falkner with Lucky.Above: Molly Mae’s Stacey Barthorpe and Stan.

Above: Wendy Jones-Blackett with Flora.

David Falkner said: “We tend to do well with equestrian-focused designs, and receive our fair share of requests for bespoke commissions, which aren’t just limited to particular breeds - two of our most exciting recent commissions were for designs featuring a much-loved horse-owner’s top horses, and a festive design for one of the world’s top horsebox companies.”

Horses are very important at Go La La! too, where co-founder Laura Kavanagh admitted: “We have two cats and they’ve both been integral to our cat cards but we

That’s entertainment

Well known for its broad range of licensed collections, Danilo has been expanding its menagerie in a number of directions. As well as growing the number of From The Cat and From The Dog captioned designs, Claire Bates, Danilo’s marketing manager elaborated: “Following on from movie-themed ranges such as The Secret Life Of Pets, we’ve now developed more animalthemed ranges - most notably our Animal Planet range from the TV channel owned and broadcast by the Discovery Channel featuring documentaries and shows about wild animals and domestic pets.”

Right: A Danilo From The Cat design from its Animal Planet range, based on the show watched by 60% of 4-11 year olds.

Left: The British love of wildlife influences Cardology.

Right: Mixing it up at Thirty Mussels.

Below left: James Ellis’ Blue Dog has inspired requests. Below right: A Cassiowary bird from UKG.

character and licence, explained: “It’s probably the most unusual creature in our range at present with its startled OMG! expression.

also have a horse who belongs to our daughter Robyn. His name is Alex, official name Prince Zander, and is a typical Welsh Cob - headstrong, wilful and feisty, but he’s the absolute apple of Robyn’s eye, and it’s because of them that we’ve incorporated some relatable equine designs into our Trollied Dollies range.”

UK Greetings is up there on the unusual fauna front with a cassiowary bird in its Say Cheese! Range, and Ben Whittington, the publisher’s creative director of humour,

“With our Comedy Wildlife Photography Awards range, part of the proceeds goes towards global wildlife conservation

projects. We’ve recently refreshed the range to feature the photography full out on the cards to really showcase the stunning imagery.”

Thirty Mussels’ latest trick is combining animals to make a whole new species - a peacock and cat become a Peacat, a rabbit and frog is a Bunny Ribbit, and koala and lama turn into a Koallama.

“It’s just a funny, slightly different concept for animal lovers,” said owner Lee Thomas. Keeping up with trends, Nigel Quiney’s design team latched on to social media, as marketing coordinator Mel Pollitt explained: “Hey Homan is based on the TikTok trend where you featured a photo of your own pet and added text explaining what you thought their opinion was so, if your pet could talk, this is exactly what they’d say to their hoomans!”

Above: James Stevens and Paddy.Above: Poet And Painter’s Lucy Creed with Sydney.

Above: Emma Ball’s Lucy Howard with Marmite (RIP).

Above: Go La La!’s Robyn and Alex.

Sympathetic ear

With Covid making people realise just how much their pet means to them, the need for specific sympathy cards skyrocketed too, as Dandelion Stationery co-owner Jo Wilson explained: “Having lost pets myself in the past I know full well the importance of these. Our pets are a huge part of family life, and the loss can sometimes be as upsetting as a human family member. We have four pet sympathy designs, with two more due to be introduced in January 2023.”

At Cardigan Cards, director Hilda Richardson has extended the publisher’s words and sentiment genre to cater for this sector, as the new A Loving Soul Flies Onward Bound sympathy title can be sent for any loss be it human or otherwise and, she said: “Over The Bridge is a lovely loss of pet card that can be sent for anything, from a dog, horses, snakes, parrots, and rabbit to a gecko - and, as I’ve been reminded on many occasions by our sales team ‘even goldfish die you know’, so yes, I did include some goldfish!”

At Emma Ball, the Kittens In Mittens range joins owner and artist Emma’s two passions of cats and knitting and it’s been extended across the workforce, as sales manager Lucy Howard explained: “While it’s mostly Emma’s cats, it features all of our workers’ cats including my Marmite who sadly passed away a few months ago.

We don’t do condolence cards yet, but it’s definitely something to consider as they’re such a huge part of our lives. I certainly appreciated receiving them.”

Top right: Cardigan Over The Bridge even includes goldfish.

Left Loss of a pet is important at Dandelion Stationery.

Right: Kittens In Mittens marries Emma Ball’s love of cats and knitting.

At Redback Cards animal popularity is highlighted in Henries-award winning Zeppelinmoon range based on designs by artist Amber Fossey, who recently appeared on the Art Horse podcast exploring the influence animals have on her art.

Turning to the natural world for inspiration, she finds herself drawing animal characters and pondering what funny stories they might have to tell, or what baddass poetry they might utter if they could. As Redback’s md Chris Stanley said: “Her artistry encourages us to consider what we can learn from the

Right: Nigel Quiney looks at if pets could talk.

Middle: Redback’s Zepplinmoon offers baddass poetry.

Far right: At Poet and Painter they’re inspired by their pets.

mindfulness of a snoozing cat basking in the sunlight, or the wisdom of a warbler who flies south for winter.”

While it’s doggy daycare time at Poet And Painter, with at least one always getting under everyone’s feet, no animal is offlimits, as designer Bryn Dineen explained:

“We love a wise old owl, giraffes, tigers and we’ve recently been asked to work on some alpaca designs which involves a field trip to an alpaca farm, a definite perk of the job.”

And Bryn summed up many greeting designers’ thoughts as he admitted: “Our pets regularly provide inspiration and feature on our cards - mainly because they make us laugh so much.” Woof Woof to all that!

Above: Thirty Mussels’ Lee Thomas with Mr Meowgi.Above: Dandelion’s Paul Wilson with Toby and Ted.

Above: Redback’s Sharon Murdoch with Ginny.

Art Source

Claire Thinking

As a very young child Claire Wilson was never far from her paints and pens, creating her own production line of handmade greeting cards, something that has stood her in good stead in the ensuing years. Here she shares her life loves and inspirations that feed through into her illustrations.

“I’m a freelance illustrator and surface pattern designer, working from a little studio in my home in Cumbria, on the western edge of the Yorkshire Dales. I moved up here two years ago from Northamptonshire with my partner Henry to set up a small micro bar and begin a new adventure together. My working week is a little different to how it used to be as I now work in the evenings, but it turns out I’m a bit of a night owl and my creativity seems to come alive at night!

After studying a Design Crafts degree and graduating from De Montfort University in 2007, I began my creative career working for Next as a homeware product designer. I left in 2012 to set up my own design business, focusing on surface pattern design so this year sees me celebrating a whole decade of working for myself. During that time, I have worked as a freelance designer for a number of companies with my designs being used across a wide variety of products, including cards, stationery, gifting, nursery and children’s bedding, home textiles, dinnerware, as well as nightwear apparel.

I’ve always been creative and enjoyed drawing from a young age. I could often be found surrounded by pens and paper, drawing pictures to make into cards for people so I absolutely love that I now get to do this for a living - 5 year old Claire would never have believed she would actually grow up and do this for a job! I think there’s something very special about sending and receiving a handwritten card, it means so much more than a quick text or email.

I joined the Bright agency in 2017 and the world of art licensing has given me so many

Above left:

Right: A piece of artwork in the making that Claire shared on her colourful Instagram feed.

Above middle: A delicate loose style features on this design.

Far left: Claire Wilson in her studio.

Below: A fine floral ‘bouquet’ from Claire in several senses!

Below left: A sophisticated colour palette works well on this design.

incredible opportunities. Being part of Bright has boosted my confidence, encouraged me to push myself and allowed me to focus on what I’m good at.

The feeling of seeing my work on physical products is one I’ll never get tired of and I’d like to see my designs used on more homeware products and fabric.

I’m drawn to illustrative styles and bright colours, and I enjoy creating designs with lots of lovely little details. My creative process starts with a very quick scribble, before drawing up motifs or lettering in pen or pencil and scanning them into the computer to add colour digitally.

When I’m not in my studio, you’ll find me out walking up the fells with Henry in the beautiful Yorkshire Dales National Park or knitting chunky jumpers on the sofa with a mug of tea by my side.

I love to travel, especially around South East Asia but obviously haven’t managed much of this over the last couple of years. I enjoy swimming and am just starting to adventure into the world of wild swimming and paddle boarding which is ideal with the Lake District being on my doorstep. We’ve also just finished converting Henry’s old work van into a camper van so we have lots of plans for many mini adventures around the Lake District and beyond, hopefully with a little crazy springer spaniel on board with us sometime soon.”

l Claire is represented by The Bright Agency.

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

Some festive jollity Claire Wilson style.

“Quite

“These do well for us on the quirky front.”

“Stunning zoological images. Not a day goes by that I do not sell one.”

“This range says on a card what everybody thinks but really wants to say out loud!”

“Utterly hilarious without being too rude.”

“We have the spinner by the door and hear laughter all day from customers.”

“A classic style that everyone loves, especially with the National Trust collaboration.”

“I love the funky colours, the embossing and the great envelopes.”

“I love her mad animal designs as well as the zero plastic paper eco band she uses.”

“These sell endlessly as they appeal to all.”

Debbie Oakes, owner of Snapdragon in Oakham. A pretty independent shop selling cards, gifts, homeware, clothes, handbags, jewellery and accessories in a Rutland market town.

Angela Mungham, owner of Nickery Nook in Bedale. A favourite locals card and gift shop in the Yorkshire Dales.

Top: A Love Country by Sarah Reilly design. Right: A personalised bottle opener from Boxer.

Right: A beautiful card from Lola Design.

Name of Publisher Product/Name Range Comments

Dandelion Stationery

Word of Wisdom

“Does amazingly well with a strong identity.”

Lagom Design

Generally Jeffrey and Janice Generally Cherished Generally Nature Trail

Generally Generally Generally

Message in a Bottle; Children’s Pop-ups

Generally Generally Generally Beach hut chopping boards, mugs, coasters Pottery houses

“A consistent seller from its own spinner.”

“My fastest selling card range.” “Humour like no other.”

“People buy more than one card at a time.”

“Customers love her black and white drawings of animals.”

“A bright and sunny range by Norfolk artist, Kate Heiss.”

“All four publishers offer a strong selection.”

“Great sellers. It amazes me how many people buy them.”

“Glick is my main wrap and bags supplier.”

“Wells next the sea has beautiful beach huts so gifts that feature them do welll.”

“We sell fairy lights to go inside them too!”

“These cheery cards have charmed our customers.”

“Cheeky, sweet and very popular.”

“First class puns and quite frankly hilarious designs.”

“The whole array of LOL designs have been big sellers.”

“Simple black and white text and a dose of dark humour.”

“Our customers especially enjoy the UB40 design.”

“Cute critters and balloons.” “Bold, bright and eye catching.”

“The one featuring our beloved Suspension Bridge sells really well.” “The scene from the marina captures the essence of Bristol Harbourside.”

Alex Clarke

Bold & Bright Bewilderbeest

Katherine Sheard Art

The Art File

Caroline Gardner Ling Design Woodmansterne Dandelion Stationery

Alljoy Design Glick Penny Kennedy Joe Davies Jessica Hogarth Joe Davies

Category

Michelle Kingscott, owner and Sarah Osborne, creative director of Card Shack, Bristol. A popular card and gift shop in The Arcade in the Broadmead area of the city.

Jayne Beeson, owner of Lekker, a greeting card and a gift shop in Wells next the Sea in Norfolk. Jayne also owns four other shops in Norfolk and one in Anstey, Leicestershire.

Above: A fave Whale and Bird design from the Toby Cooke collection.

Right: LOL from Studio Boketta.

Top: Beautiful art from Katherine Sheard. Above: Some Joe Davies’ pottery houses in Lekker.

CHARITY GREETING CARDS