Welcome to the first ever edition of Stationery Matters magazine under Max Publishing’s ownership.
I’m Tracey Bearton, the editor of Stationery Matters magazine which we will be publishing three times a year, at least. Meanwhile my colleague Michelle Urquhart, the talented editor of our sibling enewsletter, StationeryNews.net will continue to keep you and 13,318 others up to date with news and views three times a week dropping in to your inbox.
Let me tell you a little bit more about myself. I’m a freeman of the Worshipful Company Of Stationers & Newspaper Makers, which covers both parts of my working life as much was spent on local, regional and national newspapers as a reporter and production journalist before moving into trade magazines where I can now immerse myself in all that’s lovely about the stationery world.
Having started work as a trainee journalist on a sit-up-and-beg typewriter, with two spikes sitting on my desk – one for papers to keep, the other for stuff that was spiked – I remember all the predictions of the paperless office.
Given that the local newspapers where I trained were still on hot metal Linotype printing until almost the 1990s, with the paragraph per sheet copy so the comps could share articles around for typesetting depending on the font required, you can imagine the sheer disbelief.
I still have the original laptop of a portable typewriter knocking around, in my case it’s a neat grey Olympia Traveller that I really should rescue from the loft – and for Christmas my daughter’s favourite gift was the keyboard that looks like a typewriter.
As emails have taken over, we’re definitely significantly down on paper levels but, while laptops are incredibly quick and convenient – I’m typing this with my MacBook on my knee sitting snug in my comfy lounge chair with lurchers Collin and Rocky contentedly snoring – it’s so hard to keep flicking between files on the relatively small screen that printing out pages is the only way to go, especially for proof-reading, which means a nice red pen is needed, and highlighters, and folders, and staplers, and all the traditional office stationery accoutrements.
Even more importantly, no matter how hard the techies try, you simply can’t beat a good hardbacked reporters’ ruled pad and pen to take down notes in my appalling Pitman 2000 shorthand – I’m too heavy handed to get on with pencils, the lead keeps breaking!
Some way north of 45 years on, I’m still doing that. You’ll see me wandering the aisles of any
trade show brandishing my notepad and pen, and often doing a performing seal impersonation by reading back to prove that my squiggles do actually mean something.
I do have a recording app on my phone, which I’ll use for longer interviews but it’s more of a back-up as, while the online transcription programme I use is pretty good, it struggles with accents and transcribing myself takes hours with all the flicking back and forth to check I’ve heard it correctly.
So I generally take notes too to ram it into my brain and, for that, I need a good notebook.
I’m lucky enough to often be given nice notebooks but, because I do prefer hardbacked, ruled, hinged at the top versions, they’re usually passed on to my darling daughter, who currently has a stash of 33 ruled notebooks just waiting for the right reason to be written in – that may seem a lot but it’s way down from the 85 she counted in the wardrobe when she finally moved out a couple of years ago!
Proving that handwriting and stationery really do transcend the generations, she has at least three on the go at any one time, for work notes, daily journal, to do lists, and there are pens to go with each.
Her favourites are fountain pens and the lovely inks that go with them – she spent her lunch hour recently trekking out to Choosing Keeping in Seven Dials to look at the new Lamy Safari range, and came back with lovely weight paper and envelopes, gold wax and a skull and crossbones seal, then got to work sending a handwritten note from Cap’n Jack Sparrow to her eight-year-old pirate-mad nephew.
I bought her a gorgeous sterling silver engraved fountain pen through Write Here in Shrewsbury as her graduation gift but she actually loves the make-your-own Kaweco I got at the London Stationery Show a few years back.
And there we finally get to a major reason for this issue of Stationery Matters – the upcoming London Stationery Show (now under Max Publishing ownership too) where I’m so looking forward to seeing all the lovely new products, and trying to persuade someone to hinge their fabulous ruled notebooks at the top. It really is so much easier to hold the book and take notes that way, and doesn’t matter if you’re a left-hooker either.
I may even try tracking down a modern version of the spike as I do miss it.
It was never the same once hooked safety spikes became the norm as slamming down yet another badly-written, misinformed press release from a self-serving local councillor was incredibly satisfying and definitely worth the occasional stabbing injury!
Enjoy the read and the show!
Tracey Bearton, editor
Never one to hold back on his views, retail entrepreneur and former TV Dragon Theo Paphitis will be sure to draw a crowd when he speaks in the keynote slot at the London Stationery Show at 12.30pm on Tuesday 14 May.
“Anyone who has ever heard Theo speak before will know how passionate he is about business and in particular the High Street,” says Rob Willis, coo of Max Publishing, new owners of the London Stationery Show. “He’s a leading voice in the push for government to overhaul of the business rates system and a champion of small businesses – as evidenced by his long running Small Business Sunday initiative. This really will be one talk you don’t want to miss.”
Theo leads an impressive programme of talks, workshops and demonstrations over the two-day show. Visitors can participate in workshops on bulleting and journaling, clay modelling and sustainability; listen to talks from Crayola, Martha Brook and Manuscript Brands and attend an indie retailer panel session with Sandra Jervis, Creative Cove; Sarah Laker, Stationery
Supplies; David Worsfold, Farrants; Sally Stephenson, The Pencil Case and Ray Williams, JPS Stationers.
Over 100 exhibitors will bring over 300 leading brands for retailers and distributors to discover across arts, crafts, writing, and paper products.
Gemma Bassett is the brand development manager for Sinclairs which will have three exhibits at the show for Artgecko, Pink Pig and Silvine, the first time the company has had separate exhibits. “We’ve exhibited at London Stationery Show for the past 17 years and it’s always been a highlight of our year,” says Gemma. “We love to use the show as a launch for new products, meet with customers while building new relationships too. We’re bringing Pink Pig to the show this year in the Boutique collection. It’ll be the brand’s first ever time exhibiting at the show in its 30-year history.”
Another long-time exhibitor is Pentel, with marketing manager Wendy Vickery explaining why she’s looking forward to the show: “Pentel has been an enthusiastic participant at the London Stationery Show for 11 years and we’re
really excited to be attending the 2024 event, which looks set to be even bigger and better than ever. The acquisition of the show by Max Publishing, who have a natural affinity for all things stationery is a positive step in the evolution of this well-established event, which has become the showcase for new initiatives and trends in our industry.”
Turn to page 24 for more about the London Stationery Show, including the workshop and talks timetable.
The London Stationery Show, runs over 14-15 May at the Business Design Centre. Visitor registration is now open at www.stationeryshowlondon.co.uk and is free for retailers, buyers, dealers and other resellers of stationery. It is not open to the general public.
Bullet Journal® users tend to take their book with them so this pocket version makes it even easier for them to do this.
The Bullet Journal ® Pocket fits in any pocket, is easily accessible and offers smart features for a total journaling experience. Together with Ryder Carroll, who originated the Bullet Journal ® method, LEUCHTTURM1917 has developed this special format – a compact and mobile solution for the global bullet journalling community.
The Bullet Journal® Pocket has been designed down to the last detail for daily journaling: when unfolded vertically, its compact format offers the space of an entire A5 page. The dotted ruling is designed so that up to 31 days of a month
can be listed vertically. With 46 numbered pages, each journal offers enough space for a whole month. They are available in sets of three.
Although it’s a space-saver, the Bullet Journal® Pocket has many functional details and features such as dotted ruling for individual structuring and maximum creativity, page dividers for quick page organisation, a sticker set with days of the week, months and symbols, as well as a pocket on the back cover for cards or receipts. The design elements in copper embossing also add to its premium quality and appeal.
See the new Bullet Journal® Pocket on the LEUCHTTURM1917 stand (M200) at the London Stationery Show.
Manuscript will show a whole raft of newness on its stand at London Stationery Show, including shimmer inks, extensions to the Manuscript Clarity collection and updates to the Victoriana Heritage sets. With the London Stationery Show just around the corner, Manuscript Brands is gearing up to show its newest products in its extensive calligraphy ranges, as Alex Beaman, head of marketing explains: “Manuscript stands out for its commitment to innovation. We are always looking to develop our range and understand the importance of supplying those core lines while also pushing the boundaries and
supplying newness which we know works well for our retail partners.
Visitors to the show will see our plastic-free packaging gift sets, newness in the Modern calligraphy range, developments to our heritage gifting range and a very, very new product, not yet presented at any show. Come and visit our stand to see it for yourself.”
Manuscript will be launching mini shimmer inks in the Modern range, which give the customer the option to try more themed colours with smaller bottles before
As well as all the regulars, visitors to the London Stationery Show can expect to see 57 new exhibitors showing off their wares. Blueprint Collections is no stranger to stationery, but has never exhibited at the show. The company has been in business for 25 supplying licensed stationery and gifts to the UK retail sector. “We are excited to see the reaction to our products from all retail sectors and meeting potential new customers,” says Lisa Shand, managing director. “We’ll be showing Van Gogh and MissPrint for gift and adult stationery, and brands such as Hello Kitty, Pokemon, Pusheen, Squishmallows, Barbie and Bluey for younger consumers.”
the investment of a bigger ink bottle. This accessible range includes four different variations on a theme of the natural world including; forest, ocean, rainbow and sunset. New to the Modern collection is also a mini Modern Set featuring a shorter dip pen holder, with gold and silver ink; perfect for calligraphy on-the-go.
See what’s new for Manuscript on stand M110 and M212 at the London Stationery Show.
Making the trip from India is Mansha Kaur Anand, founder and creative director of Patrika Lifestyle, with its range of mindful journals, notebooks and planners. London Stationery Show will be Patrika’s first foray into the international market, and Mansha is excited to be showcasing a series of new products, including a collection of wellness workbooks. “We have always created products with a global audience and appeal in mind, so we are eager to see how individuals and
businesses attending the show receive our products and brand story.”
Read our show preview on pages 29-47 to find out who else will be at the show.
To celebrate 20 years of the Lamy Safari, Lamy took to the roads, with a touring exhibition in February and March, stopping at Choosing Keeping in London, Jarrolds department store in Norwich, Pens Plus of Oxford and Shrewsbury’s Write Here.
The exhibition drew in the crowds at Write Here, as owner Cherie Jerrard explained: “The buzz online has been huge, and it’s great to see Lamy using this initiative to get people instore to see the special editions. Everyone can relate to Lamy, it’s evocative, it’s not just a pen. The feelings associated with their
first fountain pen bring back something simpler, less complicated.”
The special editions tour has been a huge success for Lamy, with UK sales manager Hollie Bottrill commenting: “It’s been fantastic to hear people’s stories about the Lamy Safari, whether it’s their favourite special colour from the past 20 years or fond memories of buying their first Lamy. It’s remarkable to witness how this exceptional product is cherished and embraced across the UK. It really is #NotJustaPen.”
Read more about Lamy in our company profile on pages 22-23.
Stationery lovers are in for a real treat over National Stationery Week (13-19 May) with the headline sponsors – Maped Helix, Pentel, Staedtler, Zebra and Ohh Deer – all geared up to spread the love at both retail and consumer level about all things stationery.
There are different themes each day during the week, starting on Monday 13 May. The sponsors will have competitions on social media for the public, as well as plenty of ideas and prizes for independent stationery shops too.
Here’s how the week looks: Monday: Maped Helix #MindfulMonday
Tuesday: Pentel #PassionForPens
Wednesday: Staedtler #MultiCreative Thursday: NSW #LoveStationery
Friday: Zebra #ItFeelsGood
Saturday: Ohh Deer #StationeryTakeaway
For the second year running, Sarah Laker, owner of Stationery Supplies in Marple and Wilmslow is heading up the programme, which encompasses a seven-
week countdown to the actual week and then daily activities during it.
“I’m so excited to see how the campaign unfolds on social media and in shops up and down the UK as everyone interprets the hashtags in their own creative way,” says Sarah. “A lot of people will do their own take on National Stationery Week (NSW) and will use the daily hashtags as prompts for their own activities.”
Zebra Pen is back as a sponsor of Friday with #ItFeelsGood after a successful 2023 campaign. “Zebra Pen is all about building a community of like-minded individuals who can support, encourage, and inspire creativity. And National Stationary Week is the perfect place for growing that community” said Dave Alton, Zebra Pen UK, national accounts manager. “Our 2023 #ItFeelsGood campaign went straight to the heart of our beloved stationery community. It was a time of togetherness and feelgood fun.”
Over the past several weeks, retailers and the general public have been getting ready for NSW with a series of competitions and giveaways on social media from the countdown sponsors: The Art File, ExaClair, Lamy, Manuscript, Pilot Pen and Silvine.
The seven-week countdown started off with a bang, at the end of March, with Lamy sponsoring the first week. “The countdown has been extremely popular, with hundreds of people entering the competitions on social media” explains Sarah, “Brands have
been using the countdown to promote new products and create a buzz leading up to the event itself.”
The Mark Your Mark campaign will see artwork designed by KS2 children displayed on digital billboards across London during May.
In the lead up to the campaign, Pilot is running a competition for all KS2 students across the UK. The competition is designed to help teachers and their pupils explore all the benefits of handwriting and the different ways we make our mark, on the page and in the world.
The winners will get to see their creations displayed from as part of Pilot’s Make your Mark campaign,
appearing on digital billboards across London (including Charing Cross, Bethnal Green & Chiswick High St) and on Pilot social media platforms.
“The Make Your Mark campaign is a celebration of our brand values and commitment to providing exceptional writing experiences for generations to come” said Adam Smith, marketing manager of Pilot Pen UK. “Today, screens and smartphones are an integral part of our everyday lives, but the act of writing challenges the brain on many different levels and is a key expression of our
own individuality, which is why we’re so excited about the launch of our Make Your Mark Campaign.”
“PG Live was SO very good and we came away completely inspired. Everyone we saw brought their A game to the show. There was lots of inspiration, newness and clear points of difference between the stands. We came en masse as it’s such a great show and we see it as important for everyone to come along to see the publishers and all the new product they have been developing and are on working on.”
Sam Ody,
lead buying manager of everyday cards for Tescoabsolutely the heart of our industry. It’s our absolute favourite show from both a publisher and retailer perspective. There’s everyone there who I love and want to talk to. We really feel looked after - the free tea and coffee, the free lunch, the drinks in the evening - all of these really make it stand out as a show. This kind of connection and community is absolutely priceless.”
Heidi
Early, co-owner of Earlybird Designs in Stoke NewingtonTuesday 4 June – Wednesday 5 June Business Design Centre, London +44 (0) 7734 111633 www.progressivegreetingslive.com @PGLiveLondon #pglive2024
PG Live, as it always has such a great atmosphere – and this year’s event felt particularly inspiring and there really seemed to be excitement in the air! It was lovely to see so many card publishers under one roof, existing suppliers, as well as discovering some new ones. We came away excited and inspired, with a very long list of highlights – the product standard was so high!”
Hazel
Walker, senior buyer of Waterstones
The third wave of Stabilo’s #HighlightWhatMatters campaign has kicked off and is targeting 16-26 year olds who are revising for their exams.
The #HighlightWhatMatters campaign allows people to submit a statement that is important to them via the Stabilo website, which is then turned into a visual that people can share on their socials.
The campaign showcases real people’s comments, giving it a true and authentic feel. It’s been advertised on YouTube,
social media channels including TikTok and Instagram and been promoted in London on Digivans – reaching over 55 million consumers.
Vanya Hunter, UK marketing manager for Stabilo, said: “We are just starting our third wave of the campaign and by the end of this wave – which is lasting for six weeks and targeting 16-26 year olds who are revising for their exams – we are expected to have reached 83 million impressions. We have a fourth wave planned for BTC in September.”
Customers can’t get enough of Legami erasable pens, and the two new designs –bee and hippo – have gone down a treat with fans.
Legami erasable gel pens have captured the hearts and imaginations of countless individuals, with each new release sending waves of excitement through the stationery-loving community, and the newest releases – the bee and hippo – are no different.
“Our customers just can’t get enough of the Legami erasable pens,” said Sarah Laker, owner of Stationery Supplies in Marple and Wilmslow. “Our first order of the new bee and hippo sold out quickly.”
It is not just kids who love the pens, as Ray Williams, owner of JPS Stationers in Chesham explains: “I have never known a product that has consistently created such a buzz. It’s not just school age children, plenty of adults like them too.”
To tap into the appeal of the pens, and encourage people to keep returning to the shop, Ray has started the Legami Pen Club. “For every pen they buy, they get a stamp. Once they have 10, they get a free pen. The pens are great, and they bring new customers into the shop. I’m also selling lots of other Legami products on the back
of it. For instance the pencil cases are £10.99 which would be a big sell, but there doesn’t seem to be any reluctance to buy.”
The pens are also a best seller for Tessa Sowry-Osborne, owner of The Stationer, an online shop, especially after a TikTok video she made went semi-viral. “I think there are several things that make them appealing to both kids and adults,” says Tessa. “Firstly, they are super cute! And as there are so many designs, people love to collect them all. Secondly, the erasable feature is genuinely very clever and useful. And thirdly, I love that they’re refillable. I also sell the refills and think customers appreciate that they can keep their pens going longer by refilling them.”
Hayley White, marketing manager for Stone Marketing, the UK distributor for Legami believes it is a combination of “the innovative erasable ink, affordable price, and irresistible collectability” that sets the pens apart. “Legami create quality products, always different, colourful, positive, and fun, perfect for everyone and every mood.”
Welsh indie retailer takes top honours in the National Stationery Week Shelfie competition, sponsored by Silvine.
Creative Cove, in Lampeter, south west Wales, won the #Shelfie competition on Facebook, where retailers had to post a photo of their stationery offering, and the one with the most votes from customers won a bundle of goodies from Silvine. It was the first competition in the lead up to this year’s National Stationery Week.
Sandra Jervis, owner of Creative Cove said: “I’m absolutely delighted with my win. Anyone who knows me knows how competitive I am; so customers and friends were right behind me to try and help me win. I’m very much looking to seeing what new products land in the shop, I mean, who doesn’t like opening up a new box of goodies!”
Sandra is a big supporter of National Stationery Week and is busy with her team planning what they’ll be doing for the week itself now that the themes and hashtags have been announced. “And of course I’ll be in London that week, ready to spend big at the London Stationery Show!” exclaims Sandra.
Sandra and her Silvine prize haul
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The Stamp Caravan visited four retailers over March, where TRC fans got a chance to personalise their notebooks with 16 exclusive Traveler’s Company stamps.
Born in Japan in 2006, the iconic Traveler’s Company notebook has captivated global journal enthusiasts. Known for its Japanese charm, limited releases, and timeless appeal, it remains a coveted companion that ages gracefully with each adventure.
Hayley White, head of marketing for Stone Marketing, the UK agent for Traveler’s Company said: “The Traveler’s Company Stamp Caravan is a series of exclusive events held in retail stores, that enable its cult fanbase to come along and personalise their notebook with special stamps and embossing.”
The first stop for the Stamp Caravan was Art From The Heart in Harrogate, where Ben Reaveley commented: “We
loved hosting the event and it was great to see so many TRC followers in the shop. Lots of customers travelled from all over the north of England, so we had a great mix of new and previous customers. We had a lot of comments about our display and the space everyone had to stamp, so many people could stamp at the same time, rather than queuing and waiting. We also set up two different display areas for customers to purchase away from the stamp display to avoid congestion – this also worked really well.”
The Stamp Caravan also went to Hunter Paper Co. in Belfast, Draw Art Store in Glasgow and Berylune in Leamington Spa.
The Mattehop has been selected for the ‘Bunbouguya Taishou’ (Stationery Store Grand Prix) an annual award event held in Japan.
The Stationery Store Grand Prix is organised by Fusosha Publishing, a Japanese publishing company. The event invites stationery stores from all over Japan to serve as judges and vote for their favourite new stationery products released in the past year.
This year marks the 12th edition of the event, and the Pentel Mattehop has been chosen by the stationery professionals at the forefront of the industry to receive the highest award, the Grand Prix.
Graham Craik, director of sales (UK and Ireland), said: “Mattehop is Pentel’s latest, original and unique addition to our gel pen family, really taking gel ink to the next level. Its
design is similar to that of the Hybrid Gel Pen, but the ink is very different. Its smooth, high opacity ink provides excellent coverage even on photographic and coated paper. Since we launched this product in mid2023, Mattehop has proved to be hugely popular, especially through our independent stationery and art and craft retailers, with our vibrant and exciting POS displays.”
Smiggle’s Australian owners, Premier Investments, is planning to demerge the successful stationery business from January 2025.
Premier Investments, a retail group in Australia which owns and operates a selection of retail, consumer products and wholesale businesses, revealed its intentions to demerge Smiggle at the same time it announced a net profit of A$177.2 million for the six months to 27 January this year, up 1.65% from a year earlier.
A demerger means that Smiggle will be listed on the Australian Stock Exchange (ASX) which according to chairman of Premier Investments, Solomon Lew “is likely to maximise and accelerate the growth opportunities.”
Smiggle currently has 305 stores in five countries beyond Australia including New Zealand, the UK, Ireland, Singapore and Malaysia. Expansion into the Middle East via a wholesale partner started last year, with seven new stores opened in 2023. Smiggle expects to have over 17 standalone stores trading by July 2024 in the Middle East. A similar agreement in Indonesia will see the opening of over 100 standalone Smiggle stores over the next 10 years.
Several indie retailers have taken the opportunity to host a Kaweco DIY Sport event, allowing customers to assemble their own fountain pen by hand.
Kaweco Sport fountain pens are assembled by hand in Kaweco’s Nuremberg factory, and now Kaweco fans can go through the same process to make their
Kaweco’s UK distributor,
And
managing director, Sandra Tesar and Kaweco’s head of sales Olga Yakavenka will be joining the team on the Wednesday.
own Kaweco fountain pen. The Kaweco DIY Sport events give consumers the opportunity to experience the Kaweco manufacturing process first-hand and personally assemble their own Kaweco fountain pen.
In a show of support by Kaweco to bricks and mortar retailers, the Kaweco DIY Sport is only available for purchase exclusively in retailers running a Kaweco DIY event.
The DIY events are promoted by Kaweco on its website, and participating retailers also have access to promotional graphics for social media and in-store displays provided by Studio Pens. Pens Plus of Oxford, Art From The Heart in Harrogate, Berylune in Leamington Spa and Penfax in Hexham all ran events over March and April. Pen to Paper in Brighton and Hunter Paper Co in Belfast will both have events in May and visitors to StationeryFest in June will have a chance to make their own fountain pen.
Paul Major, owner of Pens Plus of Oxford said: “That a leading brand like Kaweco recognises the need to support bricks and mortar stores is excellent news. We took the presses to the London Pen Show, and many people visited especially to make their own Kaweco DIY Sport pen after
After eight editions, the trade fair for stationery, office, bags and more is closing its doors, with Spielwarenmesse deciding to instead concentrate more heavily on its core markets.
“Although Insights-X regained significant momentum after the pandemic and the major exhibitors returned, ultimately the required result was not achieved,” stated Christian Ulrich,
spokesperson of the executive board at Spielwarenmesse eG.
The company is concentrating its future efforts more heavily on the elements of its portfolio that produce results including Spielwarenmesse and SPIEL. A number of stationery companies will be heading to Nuremberg from 28 January to 1 February 2025 as part of the Creative and Back to School sections of the show.
seeing it advertised on social media. The Kaweco pen presses are definitely a point of interest in store and are a great talking point. Anyone can have a go at making their own pen no matter what their age or ability, and our customers felt a great sense of achievement with what they had made. It’s a win-win situation for retailers and consumers alike!”
Kaweco plan to introduce a new colour to the Kaweco DIY Sport range every year. Each colour will be produced for 12 months. The colour for 2024 is Berry.
Insights-X launched in 2015 and gained a strong reputation.
With Q1 now done and dusted, Stationery Matters catches up with several retailers and suppliers to get the low down on business so far and what they’re looking forward to for the rest of the year. Starting with, of course, the London Stationery Show.
Charlie Stockbridge MANAGING DIRECTOR, MANUSCRIPT BRANDS
GENERAL TRADE: “We’ve had a good start to 2024. In January, we added A.T. Cross Company to our brand portfolio which brought about lots of opportunities and we’re delighted with the results so far. We’ve also seen a flurry of welcome newness across our fine writing portfolio, Sheaffer, Visconti, Diplomat, Monteverde, Conklin and more – all creating momentum with our extensive customer base.”
TOP SELLERS: “LEGO stationery continues to be huge. We’ve seen placement in retailers big and small, with a product range that embodies write, build, play.”
ON THE LONDON STATIONERY SHOW:
“The LEGO brand is sure to capture the imagination of retailers at the London Stationery Show. As will Tom’s Studio, which will be showcasing its incredible designs which are the brainchild of Tom’s Studio’s founder, Tom Gyr. And for Manuscript there is a plethora of newness as the brand continues to offer the most extensive range of calligraphy supplies to the UK and across the world.”
Nish Kanabar DIRECTOR, CASTLEGATE STATIONERY ART AND
GENERAL TRADE: “Business in 2024 so far has been positive. Wins for us have been introducing new lines, offering a wider service, including home visits to customers to install new equipment, and also the rise in the increase in visits from customers shopping back on the high street. Yes, it’s definitely a trend; certainly in our area.”
TOP SELLERS: “For us pens are always really high up on the list. We are known for the range that we carry and also the knowledge and experience advising customers to the model or range that would suit their needs.”
MY STATIONERY MUST-HAVE: “It has to be my pens and pencils, I simply cannot do without them, as I use them on a daily basis.”
GENERAL TRADE: “My shop is pretty new and I have only been open since November last year. I’ve had some really good days but it’s too early to be celebrating any wins. Mainly I’m just hoping to get the word out that I am here and to increase footfall into my shop.”
TOP SELLERS: I sell a mixture of basic stationery, craft materials, toys, games and I also sell locally made crafts, from various work from home crafters based in my area. I think my biggest seller has been acrylic paint pens.
ON THE LONDON STATIONERY SHOW: “I am definitely attending the London Stationery Show. As a very small, new business, I only have limited purchasing power at the moment. But I’m hoping to get some more ideas of what I’d like to stock.”
Wendy Vickery MARKETING MANAGER, PENTEL
HIGHLIGHT OF 2024 SO FAR: “While the market remains as challenging as ever, corroborated by GfK, Pentel has had good reason to celebrate. Our most satisfying and exciting achievement to date came when we were informed in March that our new and unique Mattehop gel pen had been selected for the Bunbouguya Taishou (Stationery Store Grand Prix) an annual award event held in Japan. Mattehop was chosen by stationery professionals at the forefront of the industry to receive the highest award, the Grand Prix. It’s always great to receive industry recognition, especially
Nikki Devine & Lizzie Atkins DIRECTOR AND SALES AND MARKETING ASSISTANT, STUDIO PENS
GENERAL TRADE: “Studio Pens has had a great start to 2024, with some new customers joining the Kaweco family and several exciting new Kaweco products driving strong sales. Kaweco launched its long-awaited piston Sport fountain pen, which has been very well received by Kaweco fans. The latest Kaweco Collection colour (apricot pearl)
Lucy Stone BRAND AND COMMUNICATIONS DIRECTOR, STONE MARKETING
GENERAL TRADE: “The first quarter of
so when the award goes to an original and unique product, which is Mattehop.”
TOP SELLERS: “Last year we launched our new iZee 4 Colour ballpoint pen, and after a year of continuous promotion and packaging development demand is extremely high. Sure, the multi-colour pen market is well-established, but Pentel is able to offer excellent quality at an affordable price and customers report strong demand for this product.”
ON THE LONDON STATIONERY SHOW: We love the London Stationery Show and have been taking part for over 10 years. It’s one of the highlights in the stationery calendar and we always look forward to meeting existing and new customers on our stand. Without doubt, visitors need to try our Mattehop range. Why? Because it’s a totally different writing experience to any other gel pen. Gel ink is great, the colours are vivid and the ink writes smoothly, but until now it’s been impossible to write properly on coated paper or photos with a gel pen. Mattehop allows you to do just that, it really has
is proving very popular, and we have launched the Kaweco DIY Sport range for bricks-and-mortar retailers with in-store events in Oxford, Leamington, The London Pen Show, Hexham and Harrogate so far, with more to come in other locations over the coming months.”
COMING UP: “We’re excited to see what new products Kaweco will launch in summer and autumn.”
TOP SELLERS: “Our current bestsellers are the Kaweco piston Sport fountain pens, and the Kaweco Collection apricot pearl. We’re struggling to keep up with demand for the acrylic Kaweco Art Sport pens launched at the end of 2023.”
ON THE LONDON STATIONERY SHOW: “Come and see the Kaweco piston Sport. It’s a modern take on an old design which is coming in to its own again as we all try to reduce waste. Piston-fillers also open
the year is always challenging, but, thanks to our brilliant team and a successful Spring Fair, we have seen some positive brand growth. Highlights include the eagerly anticipated TRC Stamp Caravan event and the strengthening of our online trade portal. Let’s not forget the celebration of our 35 years in the business.”
TOP SELLERS: “The Faber-Castell Graphite Grip 2001 pencil is an all-time classic and is a consistent strong seller for us. Legami erasable pens and refills continue to fly out of our warehouse.”
re-written the rules as far as gel ink is concerned.”
MY STATIONERY MUST-HAVE: “Working for Pentel, it’s great to have the pick of the crop when it comes to pens. But, don’t think that deters colleagues from ‘inadvertently’ walking off with your favourite pen when stopping by your desk for a chat. Personally, I get very miffed when my favourite turquoise EnerGel pen disappears, only to turn up on a colleague’s desk a day later!”
the door to the vast world of bottled inks, but without the associated mess. Do also come and make your own Kaweco Sport fountain pen on our stand. Sandra and Olga, respectively the managing director and head of sales for Kaweco, will be with us on the Wednesday afternoon and would love to meet you too.”
ON THE LONDON STATIONERY SHOW: “We will be unveiling the new Caran d’Ache Claim Your Style collection, new erasable pen designs from Legami and the FaberCastell black edition metallic range.”
MY STATIONERY MUST-HAVE: “I would Lucy would be lost without her Caran d’Ache ball-point pen
GENERAL TRADE: “I haven’t seen the growth I saw in 2023, but I am grateful to have had steady sales during a time that I know people are being careful with their spending.”
COMING UP: “I am terrible at planning, but I’m hoping to release more of my own products, and to do another pop-up shop. I did one in November last year and absolutely loved it.”
TOP SELLERS: “Legami erasable pens, Blackwing pencils, Le Pen fineliners, and also I have created ‘The Stationer Starter Kit’, which is a set of my favourite items/ bestsellers, including a mesh pouch, a planner pad, sticker set and a selection of pens and pencils. I haven’t been able to keep these in stock.”
ON LONDON STATIONERY SHOW: “Of course I will be there! I’m not hunting for anything in particular but it will be nice, as always, to see my suppliers in person and hunt out cool new stuff that catches my eye.”
MY STATIONERY MUST-HAVE: “I think this is the hardest question you could ask a stationery seller - how on earth am I supposed to choose! But if I think about the item I use most consistently, and have been using for the longest time, I’d say Kaweco fountain pens. I have a few and swap between as I feel like it. Writing with a fountain pen always makes me feel like a grown up.”
GENERAL TRADE: “January and February were good for us, retail sales were steady and our custom printed pencils service was super busy for wholesale customers. Post Mother’s Day we always have a lull until May, so we used the time to update photography on our website, install new card displays, and gave the shop a good spring clean.”
COMING UP: “We are looking to expanding the range of Scottish and local cards and small gifts we stock to provide more choice for our tourist market that hots up from May onwards. I have been focusing on marketing this year, using email, social media and in-person networking to promote both Pencil Me In and our sister store Seasgair (homeware and gifts).
TOP SELLERS: “Surely everyone’s answer will be Legami erasable pens! Aside from them, Blackwing pencils are a constant for us, the new Ohto GS02 that came in last month has been super popular too.”
ON LONDON STATIONERY SHOW: “I am working on a new section of our shop that involves notebooks so I am hoping to source any missing pieces, new pens, pencils and accessories; little unusual things that stationery geeks won’t be able to resist.”
MY STATIONERY MUST-HAVE: “I recently bought the Silvine bullet notebook to house all my business ideas so it goes everywhere with me, alongside my Midori black mesh pen case - which obviously has a Pencil Me In pencil but also my two go-to pens: Andhand’s black Method pen and a brass Ajoto pen.”
HIGHLIGHT OF 2024 SO FAR: “Business in 2024 has been incredibly exciting for Crayola UK. We’ve celebrated significant wins, particularly with our upcoming debut at the London Stationery Show, marking a milestone in our journey. The opportunity to showcase our colourful history and merge core products with licensed brand extensions has been met with enthusiasm from the UK retail market.”
COMING UP: “As for the rest of 2024, we’re shaping up for continued growth and innovation. With a focus on shopper activation, product flow and seasonal activations, we’re dedicated to building upon our success and further engaging shoppers with our deeply loved and trusted brand.”
TOP SELLERS: “Currently, stationery items flying off the shelves include the wellknown and loved core range of pencils, crayons and markers, Colour Wonder licensed character ranges as well as our latest and greatest innovations. These items resonate with consumers seeking age appropriate functionality and expression in their creative tool choices.”
MY STATIONERY MUST-HAVE: “Without a doubt, it’s a trusty set of Crayola Pastel SuperTips markers. They’re versatile tools that bring ideas to life, whether it’s sketching, colouring, doodling, or highlighting important notes. You can’t help but love the variable shaped conical tip.”
HIGHLIGHT OF 2024 SO FAR: “In the first quarter we were delighted to welcome Keeley Shepherd as our head of commercial sales and are focusing on expanding our product portfolio further across the office and educational supplies sectors.”
COMING UP: “The latest additions to our Exacompta range of Skandi filing and desktop accessories and Clairefontaine PastelGrain art pads are among several new innovative products that we’re excited about and we’re eager to see how these will impact the market. Our H Dupont and Darwi art and craft brands have also been refreshed, and we’ll be seeing a transition of their new logo designs into stock as we move further into the summer.”
TOP SELLERS: “With almost a third of UK employees still utilising a hybrid working
Sarah Laker OWNER, STATIONERY SUPPLIES, MARPLE AND WILMSLOW
GENERAL TRADE: “2024 is calling upon my every reserve of resilience and adaptability as we continue to face the cost of living crisis, political uncertainty, increasing staff costs and the slow economy. Sending out a strong message to increase customer confidence in our shops is currently my priority.”
HIGHLIGHT OF 2024 SO FAR: “Wins so far this year have included re-introducing Lamy pens to my shops, a successful giveaway where we asked customer to write or draw something inspirational for a window display in return for a pink sparkly highlighter, donating £300 to a local charity from the sale of our 2024 calendar, and being recognised as one of the 30 most influential women in the UK workplace supplies industry.”
schedule, our versatile modular office storage and filing products should be a key offering for any commercial dealer. This also branches out to include our new ranges of laptop cases and luggage. Items that carry strong environmental messages continue to influence purchasing decisions, so we’re seeing strengthening demand for our sustainable desktop accessories and notebooks, which an obvious choice for the ecologically aware user.”
ON THE LONDON STATIONERY SHOW: “We’ll be profiling a wide selection of eye-catching new products. Our latest
TOP SELLERS: “We’re still riding the high of Legami erasable pens, it seems our customers just can’t get enough of them. Other good sellers during March were the new Art File notebooks, they are beautifully made with great designs at a great price.”
ON THE LONDON STATIONERY SHOW:
“The show is one of the highlights of my year, it’s a great place to catch up with suppliers and fellow retailers, as well as seeing the very latest in stationery products
range of Opak recycled display books are the first on the market to be Blue Angel certified. Additionally, our recently launched Clairefontaine Tulip stationery collection, which features stationery items that incorporate fragments of discarded tulip bulbs within their make-up, is one to look out for.”
MY STATIONERY MUST-HAVE: “I love our Rhodia collections and always carry a softcover notebook. They are filled with our premium 90gsm brushed vellum Clairefontaine paper that’s world renown among journalling enthusiasts.”
and trends. I’m always on the lookout for great stationery, preferable design-led with good eco credentials. Pencils cases that are not only practical but also appeal to teenagers are always on my hit list, along with A5 spiral diaries.”
MY STATIONERY MUST-HAVE: “Can I only choose one? I think it would have to be my A5 Leuchtturm diary and Drehgriffel pen, I’m an avid list maker, and write everything down, without my diary nothing would get done.”
As retail celebrities go, Theo Paphitis is right up there as a top A lister. He not only talks a good game, but still gets his hands dirty, driving developments within his emporium of retailing brands which include Ryman, London Graphic Centre, Robert Dyas, and Boux Avenue. And through his Small Business Sunday initiative has provided a lifeline of contacts to hundreds of budding businesses.
How would you describe yourself on a stationery barometer?
I’ve owned Ryman the Stationer for nearly 30 years and it’s something I am very passionate about. So, you might say I’m a staple enthusiast.
Take us back to your early personal relationship with stationery…
Back in the day, when I got my first ‘proper job’ at the tender age of 16, I had to write a lot as there were no computers - something that certainly proved a challenge for a dyslexic!
Ahead of Theo’s keynote talk at the imminent London Stationery Show (May 14-15), Stationery Matters enjoyed a fast-paced question and answer session with this born entrepreneur and philanthropist.
NAG Communications - a mobile phone retailer.
I managed to strike a deal with Ryman at the time, giving NAG concessions to sell phones in their stores, which was great because we were soon selling phones quicker than we could get them into stores!
TOP: Retailing and business champion, Theo Paphitis continues to build on his stationery interests, with Ryman, Ryman Design and London Graphic Centre.
ABOVE LEFT: Having bought Ryman almost 30 years ago, Theo remains very much involved in its running.
ABOVE RIGHT: A Ryman Reward programme launched last summer.
So, Mrs P bought me a pocket dictionary a stationery store nearby called Ryman, and a few weeks later, I went in and bought a calligraphy pen.
I made sure I had both in my pocket at all times, and that’s a habit that’s kept me in good stead over the years.
What are your three favourite stationery products?
It would have to be the 3 Ps - pen, pad and paper.
What made you buy Ryman all those years ago?
Many aeons ago, I was a major shareholder in a company called
However, not too long after this, I heard that Ryman was facing cashflow problems. One thing led to another, and Ryman was put into administration. A friend of mine, Malcolm Cooke, who at the time was the marketing director of Ryman, had previously said to me: “You seem to have all the answers. Why don’t you buy Ryman?”
Although it was a flippant remark, the thought stuck with me. I could see the potential in Ryman and knew that by changing some things it could be a viable and profitable business. Before I knew it, I had devised a business plan demonstrating that Ryman could be brought back to profitability. The purchase process was tricky, but eventually, my offer was accepted and the rest is history!
You have become a lot more involved in the running of Ryman in the last couple of years, what changes have you instigated?
One of the business principles I live by is getting the right products to the right people at the right time and of course, for the right price.
So since I stepped back into the driver’s seat of running Ryman’s day-to-day operations, I’ve launched Ryman Design, our new design-led store brand, introduced a Ryman Rewards loyalty scheme offering exclusive pricing and deals and also developed the Ryman app - allowing our customers to personalise and order a greeting card ready to be collected from any of our UK-wide stores, or of course, posted straight to the recipient.
I’ve enjoyed being back in the driver’s seat, and I’m also lucky enough to have an incredible team around me to implement and drive through these changes.
What are the plans for expanding Ryman Design?
Next on the list for the Ryman
Design stores is an Edinburgh store. I know the team and I are looking forward to being a part of the Edinburgh High Street community!
What are the plans to develop your personalised greeting card side?
We had a fantastic launch just before Valentine’s Day, enabling us to offer personalised greeting cards to more people than ever before. The plan is to combine bricks and clicks, enabling us to offer customers the ultimate convenience of being able to personalise, order and collect their card from any of our 198 UK stores in under an hour.
You have always been a visionary, where do you see Ryman going in the next five years?
As much as I’d like to be able to, I can’t gaze into a crystal ball and predict the future - no one can. So, whether it be further embracing the omnichannel model, implementing AI into the business, or just looking for new ways to get customers in-store - I’m focused on making sure that we are adapting to changing customer behaviour in whatever form that may be.
How has the working-from-home trend affected stationery product purchasing?
Working from home has led to a change in purchasing patterns.
For example, one thing we’ve noticed is that more people are opting to kit out their own ‘home offices’, resulting in customers purchasing office equipment like desks and printers in addition to their usual needs.
Did you ever invest in a stationeryrelated product when you were a Dragon?
One of my most memorable stationery-related investments was in a company called Magic Whiteboard. At its
product is an A1 whiteboard sheet that sticks on anything due to static - an ingenious solution that has enabled whiteboards to be that bit more portable! It’s still on sale in Ryman now.
I know that #SBS has brought you into contact with a lot of great designers. What advice would you give to young designers?
Follow your passion. Don’t be afraid to be bold and try something new, because if you can pull it off, that’s what will really shine through to customers.
On retailing, you have been a huge advocate of brick-and-mortar retailing and have quite rightly been calling for more sense from the government on business rates. What would be two more key developments that could improve the high street health for retailers?
Plugging the ludicrous £11 billion hole the government created by scrapping tax-free shopping and fixing the broken Apprenticeship Levy, which has seen half of retail’s £250 million contribution go unspent. It would go a long way in improving the health of the High Street.
What do you see as your biggest achievement in life?
I have been privileged enough to have some truly brilliant experiences in my career, and I like to think that I have taken away highlights from virtually all my experiences. Working at Watches of Switzerland, purchasing Ryman and Robert Dyas, launching a brand from scratch in Boux Avenue and becoming a dragon in the den are all up there.
That being said, one of the most memorable achievements of my career has to be when Millwall made the FA Cup final – a truly unforgettable moment!
What makes you happiest?
Spending time with family and friends and doing what I love.
What makes you the most unhappy?
People not doing their homework. In football, or
any other sport for that matter, if you turn up to a match and haven’t done any training, you’re more than likely going to get stuffed by the opponent. It’s the same principle in business.
To have a shot at success in life you need to tilt the balance in your favour, and in business you do your homework by putting in the graft, being prepared and asking yourself basic questions like who, what, when and why.
What are your guilty pleasures? I do like a spot of racing cars.
What do you wish you had/did more of?
Time.
Reveal one thing that few people know about you… I have done long-bow archery.
If you had a magical power for a day, how would you use it?
I’d go back to the 1500s and stop them from setting in motion a chain of events that’s led to the not fit-forpurpose business rates taxation system we have today!
What advice would you give to teenage Theo P?
Don’t stop dreaming! Dreaming is an integral ingredient for success because it can spark that fire in your belly, giving you a sense of purpose and direction.
And lastly…You officially opened the very first London Stationery Show back in 2010, do you have a message for exhibitors and visitors to the show?
Stationery isn’t stationary. It’s continually evolving and is in the hearts and minds of people across the world, and it’s up to us to innovate and find those staple products of tomorrow!
ABOVE: Theo said he was hoping to “disrupt” the print on demand personalised greeting card sector with its app, which gives consumers the option of ordering online and then picking up the card from a Ryman store an hour later.
FAR LEFT & LEFT: The new Ryman Design retail concept offers a more designled product selection. A fourth store is due to open in Edinburgh
RIGHT: Lamy writing instruments are instantly recognisable with their distinctive, timeless design.
INSET RIGHT:
The
Lamy is widely recognised around the world for its high-quality designer writing instruments with a timelessly modern aesthetic and perfect functionality. Since February this year, the company has been part of Mitsubishi Pencil, a partnership that brings investment and market development to the brand. Stationery Matters finds out more.
EEstablished in 1930 in Heidelberg, Germany, the real success story began in 1966 with the launch of the Lamy 2000. This model established the clear, unmistakable design language that still characterises the style of all the brand’s products today. Each year, special editions continue to set trends and inspire handwriting fans around the world with innovative colours and finishes.
Lamy has its headquarters and production facilities in Heidelberg, employing more than 340 people. With an annual production of over eight million writing instruments, Lamy is not only the market leader in Germany, it has also developed to become a sought-after lifestyle brand around the world. Lamy generates a good half of its turnover abroad. The brand is now represented in more than 80 countries with over 15,600 sales outlets worldwide, including around 200 mono-brand stores.
At the end February this year, Lamy became part of the Mitsubishi Pencil family, a partnership that Steffen Rübke, ceo, says will “strengthen the company and the Lamy brand with Mitsubishi Pencil’s focus on innovation, its large
distribution network and its strong e-commerce expertise as exemplified by the success of the business with Amazon in the US market.”
Mitsubishi Pencil and Lamy are no strangers to each other, and the partnership brings together a number of synergies. Mitsubishi Pencil is a strong partner to develop the growth area of digital writing, expand international sales, and will also contribute its ecommerce expertise. The Lamy brand products complement the Mitsubishi Pencil range in the premium segment.
The new partnership ensures that the headquarters and production facilities in Heidelberg will be maintained and that investments will be made in the further development of the company and the brand. How these potentials will be specifically utilised by Lamy in the markets is currently being developed through a collaborative dialogue between the teams in Heidelberg and Tokyo.
It’s been a busy start to 2024 for Lamy, alongside the news about Mitsubishi Pencil, the company has been celebrating 20 years of
Over 95% of Lamy products are made at its production site in Heidelberg, guaranteeing consistently outstanding quality which is ‘Made in Germany’. Furthermore, collaboration with regional suppliers leads to short supply chains, which not only is more economic, but also more environmentally friendly. Packaging and communication materials are produced with adhesivefree packaging and a high percentage of this also comes from regional suppliers.
special editions of its iconic Lamy safari. Although the Lamy safari was first released in 1980 as a sturdy, affordable and functional pen to take anywhere, for ‘the safari of everyday life’, it wasn’t until 2004 that the first special edition was launched. The Lamy safari has gone on to be Lamy’s best seller, now coming as a fountain pen, ballpoint and rollerball, with new special edition colours launched each year. For the 20th anniversary year, the two original colours - savannah green and terra red - have been rereleased, alongside the 2024 colours of pink cliff and violet blackberry.
To celebrate 20 years of this design icon, Lamy took to the roads in the UK, with a touring exhibition in February and March, stopping at Choosing Keeping in London, Jarrolds department store in Norwich, Pens Plus in Oxford and Shrewsbury’s Write Here.
The special editions tour has been a huge success for Lamy, with UK sales
manager Hollie Bottrill commenting: “It’s been fantastic to hear people’s stories about the Lamy safari, whether it’s their favourite special colour from the past 20 years or fond memories of buying their first Lamy. It’s remarkable to witness how this exceptional product is cherished and embraced across the UK. The Lamy safari tour was such a success, we are planning to move it to other countries in the near future.”
Hot on the heels of the special edition Lamy safari, came the Lamy AL-star with two new colours: fiery and aquatic. This summer Lamy will launch a new colour, piano red, for the studio and scala ranges.
Over summer the company will introduce its first Lamy for the iPad; the LAMY safari note+. This new digital writing device combines the qualities of ergonomic writing with the possibilities of a digital environment.
Finally, for the second half of the year, there will be a special edition inspired by a legend from British literature: Harry Potter. Fans worldwide can look forward to the first exclusive Lamy edition featuring the world’s most beloved entertainment brand license. The collaboration with Warner Bros. Discovery marks Lamy’s first international brand partnership of this scale.
“It’s such an exciting time for Lamy,” says Hollie. “Despite the numerous advancements in the digital realm, fountain pens have witnessed a remarkable resurgence. There’s a growing appreciation for their craftsmanship and the intimate connection they offer between ink
BEHIND THE BRAND: LAMY
As part of the 20th anniversary celebrations of the Lamy safari special editions, Jarrolds in Nowich hosted the touring exhibition. Benjamin Filby, branch manager of Jarrolds Art Supplies & Office Stationery comments:
“It was great to have the opportunity to see and showcase the last 20 years of safari special editions. As an art supplies and stationery shop, we love to celebrate creativity and design in all its forms. Being able to share that and curate an experiential event that drew in both existing and new customers really enriched the atmosphere of the store. It was wonderful to see what everyone’s favourite special edition was.”
Lamy safari special edition stand out as our first duo-colour special editions, adding an extra layer of excitement to
FAR LEFT
BOTTOM: Steffen
ceo of Lamy; Shigehiko Suhara, president and ceo of Mitsubishi Pencil and Peter Utsch, coo/cfo of Lamy
INSET LEFT TOP:
INSET LEFT BOTTOM: The exhibition showcased all the special edition releases since 2004.
London Stationery Show is back! Bigger and even better, under new ownership, the UK’s only dedicated exhibition covering stationery, writing instruments, arts and crafts returns May 14-15. With over 300 brands on show, an enticing programme of talks, demos and workshops – with Ryman’s Theo Paphitis giving a keynote – Stationery Awards and networking opportunities galore, it is the place to be for anyone and everyone who doesn’t want to miss out on this lucrative and ever-evolving product area.
If you love stationery, Islington’s Business Design Centre is the place to be on Tuesday and Wednesday, 14-15 May, as the UK’s only dedicated exhibition for the industry opens its doors.
And there will be plenty to write home about as the London Stationery Show has more than 100 exhibitors
lined up bringing over 300 leading brands for retailers and distributors to discover across arts, crafts, writing, and paper products – and there are talks and workshops too.
With show and National Stationery Week founder Chris Leonard-Morgan, who is also a Liveryman of The Stationers’
Company, back on board under new owners Max Publishing, for the first London Stationery Show’s first outing since being acquired from Ocean Media Group at the end of last year.
Everything is well underway for the event which attracts buyers from grocers and large multiples
“I really love the niche element of London Stationery Show, and that I’m among my people. It’s a great opportunity to catch up with stationery pals and test out new pens and pencils and call it work!
“The show isn’t overwhelming and easily done in a day, but last year and this I will be doing two days so I can take my time and socialise a bit more too – my favourite Turkish restaurant is also just up the road and well worth a lunchtime visit.
“We’ve found loads of great products at the show over the years, Artline pen range, M+R pencil sharpeners, and the Kaweco pen range. I’m working on a new section of our
such as Ryman, Hobbycraft, WHSmith, Sainsbury’s, Tesco, Harrods and TK Maxx, as well as plenty of indie retailers.
From the biggest UK and international brands, through to exciting new designers and innovative start-ups, they’re all under one roof giving visitors the chance to explore an exciting edit of new products and names alongside recognised bestsellers, making the London Stationery Show the place to discover the hundreds of additional items that work perfectly with a retailer’s core ranges.
Among the wealth of many leading brands on board are Artgecko Sketchbooks, Blueprint Stationery, Crayola, Daler Rowney, Edding, ExaClair, Hahnemuehle, Hooli Mooli Trading Company, IG Design Group, Jakar International, Kaweco, Leuchtturm1917, Manuscript Brands, Nu:notebooks, Paperblanks, Pentel, Portico
shop that involves notebooks so am hoping to source any missing pieces, new pens and pencils. I really love stationery accessories, little unusual things that stationery geeks won’t be able to resist.
“We have also exhibited at the show in 2022, which was a great experience, really lovely fellow exhibitors and such a great vibe of buyers and visitors to the show. The location I also really love, easy to get to and great independent shops and eateries right on the doorstep.”
Designs, Puckator, Pukka Pads, Royal Talens, Sinclairs, Stone Marketing, Studio Pens, Snopake, Stabilo, Staedtler, Tallon International, The Pilot Pen Co, Ultratape, and Zebra Pen.
With global and consumer trends quickly reflected in the stationery industry, the show’s Boutique Collection allows retailers to find something original as this carefullycurated section is centred around innovation, with quirky, independent suppliers presenting their product offerings, including Amy Britton, Andhand, Another Studio, BossBooks, Brilliant Adventurer, Coffeenotes, Custom Works, Elena O’Neill illustrations, Emily May, Evy Benita, Forma House, Gilded Words, Hamide, House Of Tula, Huunuu, Isabella Maria, Jaffe Feathers, Kiriori, Oh Laura, Once Upon A Tuesday, Patrika, Pink Pig, Pop-Up Frames, Rebel Stationery, Storigraphic, SunStar Stationery, The Inspired Stories, and Toscana Book.
WHEN: Tuesday and Wednesday, 14-15 May 2024
WHERE: Business Design Centre, 52 Upper Street, London, N1 0QH
OPENING HOURS: 9.30am-5pm Tuesday, 9.30am-4pm Wednesday
WEBSITE: stationeryshowlondon.co.uk
Entry is FREE for bona fide stationery buyers, retailers, wholesalers, licensors and licensees.
To find out more about stands and sponsorship opportunities contact Chantelle White on chantellew@max-publishing.co.uk or +44(0)7795 951244.
In addition to the exhibitor delights on the show floor, the finalists of the 12 categories in the Stationery Awards will also be showcased with the winners announced at a free-to-attend event sponsored by The Stationers’ Company at the end of the first day. Rewarding product excellence and innovation in the stationery industry, the votes from the judging panel (made up entirely of retailers) will be reflected in the strong line-up of finalists in the 2024 Icon Award and 11 product categories – Art & Craft, Children’s Stationery, Diary/Organiser, Filing
& Storage, Notebook/Journal, Licensed Stationery, Novelty Stationery, Sustainable Stationery, Working From Home, and Writing Instruments.
Graphologist Christine Strang is among the names appearing at the varied workshops, demos, and talks, where visitors can get their hands on the latest product innovations, and hear opinions from experts in the special education and creativity area on the mezzanine level
Christine will revealing what handwriting says about us, how analysis can give insights into attitude, motivations and behaviour and may also indicate untapped skills and abilities, and will offering oneon-one readings on the first day.
There’s also an independent retailer panel session hosted by Sarah Laker, owner of Stationery
“I have some great recollections of the original Stationery & Office Products Show. The London Stationery Show is always a fantastic event, has a fantastic buzz and really shows what makes the stationery industry tick!”
THE STATIONER ONLINE RETAILER
“The show is a must-see for me and, while I’m not hunting for anything in particular, it will be nice, as always, to see my suppliers in person and hunt out cool new stuff that catches my eye.”
Supplies in Marple and Wilmslow and the ambassador for National Stationery Week, who will be giving insights along with industry pals Sandra Jervis of Lampeter’s Creative Cove, Ray Williams of JPS Stationers in Chesham, Sally Stephenson of The Pencil Case in Cowbridge and David Worsfold of Farrants in Cobham.
Looking forward to this year’s show, event manager Chantelle White summed up: “We’re really excited about bringing the London Stationery Show 2024 to life. With the wealth of new product launches, the programme of workshops and talks and the Stationery Awards event at the end of the first day of the show, the activity will be full on stationery, and certainly not be stationary!”
The Pens For Kids UK charity aims to make sure every child has that chance – and London Stationery Show has teamed up with the Berkhamsted-based family-run not-for-profit orgnaisation to help with its aim of distributing pens and pencils to kids who need them around the world. There will be specially-designed dump bins around the show where exhibitors and visitors are invited to donate any pens or pencils – new or old! – to add to the 1.3 million so far that have already been sent off to new homes.
Pens For Kids helps youngsters whose dream of an education often falls down for some as simple as the cost of a pen.
If you’d like to help, please drop pens, pencils, and colouring pens and pencils – not wax crayons – into the special bins you’ll find around the Business Design Centre.
TUESDAY, 14 MAY
10.00-10.30: Workshop - Lou Sims, Royal Talens, Joys of Bullet Journaling & Doodling
10.45-11.15: Talk - Kayleigh Milton, Stabilo, HandLettering with Kayleigh
11.30-12.00: Workshop - Nikki Killinger, ExaClair, Joys of Clay Modelling with Cernit
12.30-13.00: Theo Paphitis, owner of Ryman and London Graphic Centre
13.30-14.30: Talk/Workshop - Christina Strang, Ghost Tree, Writing Revelations
15.00-15.30pm: Workshop - Rob Hutchins, Products of Change, Pushing the Envelope on Sustainability
15.45-16.15pm: Workshop - Lou Sims, Royal Talens, Joys Of Watercolour Markers & Inks
WEDNESDAY, 15 MAY
10.00-10.30: Workshop - Nikki Killinger, ExaClair, Joys of Clay Modelling with Cernit
10.30-11am: Workshop - Martin Duffy and Rob Spindley, Crayola, Category Thought Leadership and Building Your Brand
11:15-11.45am: Talk - Manuscript Brands, Lego Stationery Insight
12:15-12:45pm: Talk – Martha Brook, 13.00-13.30pm: Workshop - Craft Buddies
14.00-14.30pm: Indie retailer panel session –including Sandra Jervis, Creative Cove; Sarah Laker, Stationery Supplies; David Worsfold, Farrants; Sally Stephenson, The Pencil Case; Ray Williams, JPS Stationers
15.00-15.30pm: Talk - Manuscript Brands, Cross Pens An Introduction
RETAILER BYTES INSET
TOP: Tessa Sowry-Osborne.
RETAILER BYTES INSET
BOTTOM: Theo Pathitis
WORKSHOPS & TALKS INSET: Christine Strang will be getting hands on with handwriting on Tuesday at 13:30
INSET: Pens are key to an education.
Find out more about just some of the exhibitors who will be attending the show over the next few pages. For the full list of exhibitors, please visit www.stationeryshowlondon.co.uk.
Akdademi Cocuk launch the Funny Mat, a table top and surface protection cover that can be used in many activities including painting, shaping clay and play dough.
Stand M106
Andhand is introducing the new Aspect Pen, which has possibly the most satisfying click mechanism yet for the pen, being more like a piston than a traditional movement. The company is also expanding its colour palette and offering a forest green and blush pink anodized finish along with some of the more usual colours it is known for.
Stand G120
A plant-loving, conscientious, design company, founded in London in 2009. Its inspiration comes from ephemera, architecture and the botanics. Over the years Another Studio has added to its range to include stationery, novelty gifts, architectural model kits and even signature homeware pieces.
Stand G250
Antalis is a brand leader in sustainable papers, packaging and visual communication materials and solutions. It has an extensive range of paper and packaging available to the retail and reseller market.
Stand M419
The Artgecko fan-favourite will be on display and available to try; Freestyle which is perfect for paint markers. With its own cult following, Freestyle contains hybrid paper, a mix of Bristol board and bleed-proof marker paper. This makes it ideal to layer paint marker without the papers pilling or making the second side unusable which makes the product truly unique.
Stand M208
Artmate Co. exports an amazing range of quality art materials, including paint, brushes, canvas, easels and paper. It is one of top three art materials exporters in China.
Stand M530
Be Creative Arts & Crafts is a professional manufacturer that specialises in OEM and ODM and custom branding services of arts and crafts supplies.
Stand M506
Bigso AB, founded in 1963, is a family-owned Swedish company specialising in sustainable storage solutions for home and office. Known for innovation and quality, Bigso’s products are sold worldwide, reflecting their commitment to environmental responsibility and functional design.
Stand M304
Blueprint was established 25 years ago to supply quality licensed stationery and gifts to the UK retail sector. All its product ranges are licensed and cover stationery, school bags and associated gifts. It has licenses such as Van Gogh and MissPrint for gift and adult gift stationery, brands such as Hello Kitty, Pokemon, Pusheen, Squishmallows, Barbie and Bluey for younger consumers.
Stand M426
Offering vegan leather journals with a variety of relatable, and some sentimental quotes that really to get in the right place for journalling. The journals are paired with matching ink or biro pens that have gold embellishments for that continued aesthetic of beauty. Bossbooksco also offers high quality metal bookmarks with different designs in Arabic.
Stand G251
The Brilliant Adventurer motivational journal is not just an ordinary journal for kids. It is a well-designed tool for parents who want to inspire their young children to develop a positive outlook and a can-do attitude. The journal provides a space to record successes, good times, best friends, and things to be grateful for.
Stand G252
Cardgains is the premier buying group supporting independent retailers for 35 years. It offers all catrgories of products withing the greeting card, gift and stationery sectors.
Stand M608
Coach House Publishing specialises in creating men’s gifts for those awkward dads, grandads and uncles. Focussing on transport, military history, sport and hobbies it designs fantastic construction model kits, jigsaw puzzles, books, notebooks, greetings cards and many other great gifts.
Stand G314
Coffeenotes is launching its brand new two layflat notebooks which are made from luxury recycled coffee cup papers, with covers made from seaweed and grass. They are completely sustainable, plastic free and come in lined or plain. Once used they can be composed or recycled in with household waste.
Stand G200
Known for innovative and affordable brands like Crystal Art, Crystal Art Buddies, Paint By Numb3rs and Forever Flowerz, Craft Buddy excels in delivering engaging crafting experiences. It partners with giants like Disney, Marvel, and Warner Bros. bringing beloved characters to life. New this year is a line featuring Harry Potter and DC characters.
Stand G308
Join the team at Crayola’s debut at the London Stationery Show to see core Crayola products with licensed brand extensions, offering a kaleidoscope of creativity to the UK retail market. From product flow to seasonal activations, Crayola can elevate the shopping experience and ignite imaginations.
Stand M340
Cre8 Direct is a China-based printer and manufacturer, specialising in office and stationery products. With three factories across Ningbo, Anhui and Vietnam its experienced team can help with all aspects of your collections. From concept ideas to original designs, we help every step of the way. We even have a UK based support team to ensure you are fully taken care of.
Stand M404
Custom Works’ product range includes notebooks, journals, pens, pencils, notecards, stationery sets, and more. At the show see the new Modern Morris range; a fresh take on the timeless designs of William Morris in four beautiful pastel colourways.
Stand G122
First founded as a pigment company for wigs in the UK, Daler-Rowney has grown into an internationally renowned fine arts manufacturing company with colours and pigments still at its core. From paint, brushes and surfaces to accessories, luggage and easels, Daler-Rowney produces and sells products for artists of all experience levels.
Stand M402
Kodak has an impressive product range that caters to all printing needs. It offers a wide range of printers known for exceptional print quality and reliability. It also provide a range of quality ink cartridges and toner packages, including remanufactured options that promote sustainability.
Stand M424
Depesche’s passion is to make children’s eyes light up with colourful creative products with brands like TOPModel, Dino World and Miss Melody. Its imaginative children’s brands invite young enthusiasts to dream up and discover colourful worlds and be creative.
Stand M325
Simple but never dull, and with its minimalist yet unmistakable design, the Ciak notebook is named for the sound made by the horizontal elastic used to open and close its cover. Its simplicity of form is enriched by powerful colours: with eight shades for eight different styles.
Stand M224
The Digi Pen is a fun and innovative take on the traditional pen. A pen like no other, the Digi Pen fits onto the end of a user’s finger to give them the complete freedom of ‘writing with their fingertips’. Made from recyclable material, in the UK with interchangeable cartridges.
Stand M502
Explore Edding’s sustainable and seasonal stationery collections and get hands-on with its high-quality creative markers and pens, perfect for bringing any idea to life and be among the first to discover the brand’s groundbreaking innovations in the field of sustainable stationery.
Stand M310
Elena O’Neill is a watercolour artist using her designs on a range of handmade pencil cases, notebooks, list pads, gift wrap, bookmarks, postcards, greeting cards, handmade soaps, reusable wipes, baby clothes, baby shoes, reusable giftwrap, pregnancy milestone cards and more.
Stand G216
This year see’s the launch of the Endless Alchemy fountain pen ink. Each stunning 60ml bottle is handmade and designed to stand on a cork base that will decorate any desk. The ink itself is formulated to be gentle on nibs, preserving the delicate components of fountain pens.
Stand M313
Each Eugy Model is created by following a simple number sequence and modified with the Eugy trademark ‘spoonful of cuteness’ resulting in a collection of 3D animal models that are instantly recognisable as a one-of-a-kind Eugy model. What also sets the brand apart is the use of eco-friendly materials throughout from the product and packaging through to POS.
Stand M323
Evy Benita’s designs feature unique animals and characters you won’t find anywhere else. She creates art that celebrates lesser-known and under-represented animals, such as the pangolin, the echidna, and a range of reptiles and amphibians.
Stand G107
The Exacompta NeoDeco collection is a chic range that combines trendy colours with a touch of gold, bringing the classic 1920’s spirit to the workspace. Featuring a selection of eye-catching and eco-friendly filing products and desktop accessories, the range is inspired by the geometric characteristics of the Art Deco movement.
Stand M400
Design, practicality and combinations of colours and materials are key features of all Milan products. Innovation has been a feature of the company since its beginnings and as a result of this dedication to innovation, each year Milan launches products which are unique in their category.
Stand M526
First International is based in Hong Kong with sales and marketing in Poland and US and is a specialist in school and office stationery products. It deals mainly in OEM for a brands in Europe. With strong sourcing and quality control team, First International takes care of client orders from sourcing to final shipment.
Stand M503
Established for over 50 years, Forma House exclusively manages and distributes a diverse portfolio of designled home and giftware across the UK, supplying an incredible mix of both independent and national retailers. Its brands are sourced across the world.
Stand G100
Artcoe manufactures one of the largest ranges of artist pads in Britain today. Its Frisk fine art creative and graphic paper ranges include over 40 individual paper surfaces. Developed and created for professionals, hobbyists and children. Artcoe will be showing new Frisk creative markers, fineliners and pens.
Stand M104
Genvana Stationery Company has been focusing on the research, development and innovation of writing instruments for the over 32 years. It has a wide range of writing instrument including: ballpoint pens, gel pens, roller balls, whiteboard markets, permanent markers, highlighters, water colour pens, felt tip pens, correction pens, correction tape, wooden pencils, mechanical pencils, pencil sharpeners and rulers.
Stand M418
Gilded Words’ latest natural notebook is made from discarded Areca palm leaf sheaths and was nominated this year for the EarthSHOT prize, for the positive impact this design has on resolving the earths problems of waste and pollution through its innovative design and development.
Stand G124
Hahnemühle is launching its most recent addition to its Natural Line range: Sugar Cane Watercolour Blocks. This remarkable 290 gsm paper is crafted from 70% fast-growing sugar cane fibres, known as bagasse, a by-product of sugar extraction, and 30% high-quality cotton. Available in a range of sizes in block and sheet format.
Stand G318
Established 40 years ago, Hainenko are Europe’s leading manufacturer of private label and first priced stationery lines. Hainenko’s single UK warehouse has the largest stock of writing instruments in Europe with over 100,000,000 writing instruments plus ancillary products, and over 6,000 pallet spaces. Hainenko deliver to 24 countries weekly.
Stand G302
Creating postcards, notebooks, notepads, stickers, gift wraps, and cardholders, Hamide is a Danish design studio. Its Leftovers line of handmade notebooks are made out of leftover papers.
Stand G204
Since Hawthorn was last at the show, it has launched more than 15 brand new craft kits, including a stunning range of felt craft pennants which have quickly become best-sellers, plus an adorable felted lion, breathtaking landscape embroideries and retro inspired cross stitch.
Stand G306
The New & Reusable Display Pocket Double-Sided Window View
Hooli Mooli Trading Co has just launched a new licensed range of stationery by Emma Lawrence Designs. From the popular 4x4 vehicles and country farm inspired illustrations, there is a weekly planner, to do list or notebook to suit everyone. All made in the UK and featuring the detailed and unique style of hand drawn illustrations by Emma.
Stand M508
At this year’s London Stationery Show, House of Tula is excited to unveil its Tropic collection journals. It will also show stunning handmade diaries for 2025 and a range of luxurious wrapping paper.
Stand G214
Huunuu will be showcasing its exceptional range of journals and books designed to inspire reflection on life and legacy, creating a sense of wellbeing and purpose. Designed with unique purposeful prompts and thoughtful design elements, all its products offer a creatively appealing experience.
Stand G106
IG Design will showcase over 25 new and exciting formats in its Kids Create brand including colouring books and pocket money activity crafting kits. For its Edge brand, IG Design will launch its exciting new Cross My Heart stationery range.
Stand M112
Inspire Education is on a mission to captivate, motivate and educate young people to achieve their potential in school. Its unique stationery resources help students plan, prepare and perform in assessments and exams. All resources have an accompanying video tutorial.
Stand G303
Isabella Maria Bourne is a 24-year old textile designer, illustrator, and owner of stationery brand Isabella Maria. After graduating from the Fashion Institute of Technology in New York Isabella moved to a little hilltop town in the Italian countryside where she illustrates and designs all of her stationery products.
Stand G114
Embrace the future of paper crafting with the GLD410, a groundbreaking innovation in the world of paper cutters. With its unique 5-in-1 functionality, the GLD410 is not just a cutter but a complete crafting station, enabling you to cut, score, and more, all with unparalleled ease and accuracy.
Stand M322
A UK feather company based in Axminster, Devon, manufacturing a standard range of pens from turkey, goose, pheasant and peacock feathers.
Stand G126
Jakar are distributors of Caran d’Ache artists material and colour products, Rosa watercolours, Stifflex artwork pads and books and M+R stationery.
Stand M514
JPT is a distributor of a wide range well-designed stationery and traditional gifts directly imported from Japan.
Stand M414
Kiri stands for Kirigami. Ori stands for Origami. Kiriori is a combination of Kirigami and Origami paper art.
Stand G118
Introducing My Story Begins baby book; a treasure trove of memories awaiting your baby’s journey. Imbued with elegance through its foil-stamped fabric cover, this baby book is available in four enchanting colors: blush pink, khaki, sunshine yellow and sky blue.
Stand M317
In collaboration with Ryder Carroll, the LEUCHTTURM1917 Bullet Journal® is THE official Bullet Journal® LEUCHTTURM1917 will be launching the pocket size Bullet Journal® together with the Bullet Journal® edition of the Drehgriffel Nr.2 Mechanical pencil.
Stand M200
Established In 1961, we are one among the largest manufacturers of printed goods in India with a factory area of 400,000 sq.ft .We employ 800 full time workers. We have been exporting for over two decades to 50+ countries. We are situated 90km away from the port of Tuticorin which makes it easy for exports.
Stand M118
Luxor is embracing the zero-waste revolution with its Eco-write range made from 70% post-consumer wastes (PCW) plastic.
Stand M417
Manuscript has exciting new launches in its Modern range, including shimmer mini inks which give customers the option to try before investing in a bigger ink bottle. Also look out for the LEGO Stationery range and the incredible designs from Tom’s Studio.
Stand M212 and M110
On the Moxon London stand will be the Karst woodless artist pencils. Made without a wood barrel, these pencils have a full lead body, offering five times more usable pigment and material than any standard pencil.
Stand G254
N Smith Box are experts in the design, development, print, manufacture and fulfilment of corrugated cardboard temporary displays, FSDUs, CDUs and printed packaging.
Stand M408
A stationery and office supplies dealer group using the power of collaboration to improve purchasing and marketing for independent resellers through extensive marketing programmes for retail, traditional B2B and online selling. Instigators of an industry renowned Keep It Local campaign and trading relationships with over 100 suppliers.
Stand M222
Come and see the latest addition to the Nu:Evolve range called Nu:Evolve Tropical. There’s a full range of product but with a tropical rain forest design against a pink or green background. The range is fully recycled and recyclable.
Stand M600
Discover the Octopus by Univerzal School collection with over 2000 meticulously selected products available for prompt delivery, including pens, pencils, notebooks, sharpeners, scissors and much more.
Stand M228
In an industry that has barely changed in centuries, Pop-up FramesTM make it easier, quicker and eco-friendlier to fill your walls with the things you love. Each frame comes flat-packed in 4 pieces made from FSC certified 350gsm Italian paper. The frame can easily be cut to different sizes and assembled to make a lightweight box edge tray frame in a few minutes with just a pair of scissors.
Our Small kits come in a variety of colours and can be cut to 6 different sizes from 15cm to 30cm, whereas our Poster kits can be cut to 28 different sizes from 30cm up to an impressive 92cm.
Founded in 2014 and based in Sheffield, Oh, Laura is on a mission to make being organised more fun. Bursting with colour, humour, and just a dash of sarcasm, Oh, Laura’s range of notepads, memo pads, notebooks, and planners offer brain-friendly ways to tackle to-do lists with ease.
Stand G218
Once Upon a Tuesday is a UK based startup and certified BCorp. It will be launching its complete 2025 collection of diaries, planners and calendars. Plus lots of new notebooks and planner pads, as well as the first collection of 12” x 12” calendars and magnetic planners.
Stand G210
PanArt has a whole host of new and unique products at the show including handmade artist papers, travel brush set and soft touch painting knives.
Stand M316
Patrika will be showcasing a series of new products, including its collection of wellness workbooks, for the first time, at the London Stationery Show. These have been meticulously designed to enhance mindfulness and well-being.
Stand G112
Pentel is looking forward to giving visitors to the London Stationery Show the chance to try the latest additions to its Brush Sign Pen family. Brush Sign Pen fluoro colours are exceptionally vivid, enabling users to produce distinctive lettering or artwork that really stands out on the page.
Stand M300
This is Pink Pig’s first London Stationery Show. All its books are handmade to order in Yorkshire and have been for the last 30 years.
Stand G108
Pocket Mountains publish accessible and inspiring pocket-sized guidebooks for anyone who likes a bit of an adventure.
Stand M416
Pop-up Frames are unique patented and FSC certified 350gsm paper frames. They can be easily be cut and self-assembled in to a lightweight box edge tray frame to a size that suits in a few minutes - with just a pair of scissors.
Stand G206
Portico Designs are thrilled to be back exhibiting at the London Stationery Show and will be showcasing its latest stationery additions for its Sara Miller London collection. Featuring her vivid colour palette and gold accents, this brand elevates the everyday.
Stand M226
Cards against Procrastination provides study skills at your fingertips. Cards for Mental Help are a new product launching at the show. A follow up to Cards Against Procrastination they provide tools to help with boundaries, decision making, motivation and resources.
Stand G212
One of Puckator’s standout offerings is its range of Everlasting pencils, crafted from isostatic pressure graphite. These pencils feature a super hard graphite that deposits only a small amount onto the paper at a time, ensuring they last a lifetime without needing sharpening.
Stand M318
Pukka Pads will be showing its latest designs and innovations, including loads of newness’ for 2024. The Haze collection is a whole new range for 2024, with over 10 new sku’s in gorgeous holographic designs.
Stand M218
Pukka Party aims to bring friends and family together with fun and innovative party pieces, at a premium quality but affordable price. With over 20 years of experience in the party sector, it has created trend-led designs in a range of games, party decorations and balloons that really pack a punch.
Stand M220
R.K.Burt & Company is a leading London based importer and wholesale distributor of fine art and digital inkjet papers. We offer a wide range of products including Notebooks, Pads and Sketchbooks. We have lots of new and exciting products for 2024 and look forward to presenting our Bespoke Pad Service.
Stand M516
Rebel Stationery is the luxury diary and notebook brand that gives back. Designed, printed and bound in London, it supports the women of the global textile industry by shining a light on their talents, championing a different region every year.
Stand G208
Retro 51 is proud to partner with the Astronaut Scholarship Foundation to launch the Mercury 7 commemorative rollerball pen. In celebration of ASF’s 40th Anniversary, the limited edition Tornado is designed after the futuristic space suits that captured the public’s attention.
Stand M312
Robert Frederick offers children’s licensed stationery, arts and crafts activities, notebooks, markers, crayons, paint your own kits, colouring sets, fingerprint kits, back to school stationery sets and water bottles. As well as adult crafting kits.
Stand G312
Royal & Langnickel provides art brushes, art sets, art materials, craft materials and art activities to professional artists, hobbyists, crafters, students, schools, and for the creative gift market.
Stand M308
Royal Talens is set to impress in the capital as it visits the London Stationery Show. It will feature brands such as Talens I Pantone, Sakura and Ecoline. Celebrating 125 years’ worth of experience in the industry, the Royal Talens name is recognised globally for quality, premium materials that encourage creativity and inspiration.
Stand M314
Part of the Leuchtturm family, many of the products are designed by Dieter Rams who is considered a design legend and his designs are used daily around the world. This is an established brand found in many top retailers. Come and see the Patch Pockets – the 3 in 1 notebook pocket, elastic closing band and pen holder.
Stand M102
Silvine has been around for decades, supplying everything from exercise books and raffle tickets to notebooks and pads and so much more. It will be showcasing its full SEN learning range as well as other new products launched in 2024.
Stand M210
Come and see the brand new 100% recycled ReBorn filing range. Manufactured from 100% post-consumer waste and certified by the internationally recognised Global Recycled Standard (GRS) these seven new skus are available in five subtle pastel shades.
Stand M504
Stabilo Boss Original NatureColors highlighters will be launching at the show and are an excellent way to add a decorative touch to your writing. The set comes with six different shades, each inspired by a nature colour palette which are perfect for underlining and highlighting text.
Stand M206 and M302
Stackers is excited to unveil a brand-new collection of stationery and office organisers. Thoughtfully considered to combine practical storage and stylish design to blend into your home and create a calming work-space. Alongside these new additions, it will also showcase its bestselling home and travel organisation collections.
Stand M528
Join Staedtler at this year’s London Stationery Show and discover a world of intense, brilliant colours with its brand new Pigment Arts pen range. This range comes with an innovative and outstanding new ink called Multi Ink, which sets new standards with its various creative possibilities.
Stand M422
Stone Marketing is a family-owned UK distributor for fine writing, stationery and gifts. It works with a number of global, award-winning brands specialising in innovative and high-quality products including FaberCastell, Tombow, Legami, Caran d’Ache, Schneider, MIDORI, MD PAPER, TRAVELER’S COMPANY, and mt Masking Tape. Legami Erasable Pens, Caran d’Ache Nespresso, Faber-Castell Unicorn and Dinosaur.
Stand M512
Storigraphic’s London Stationery Show range comprises of an extensive selection of gift wrap and matching greeting cards, bullet journals, notebooks, postcard packs and its new pencil/pen pouches. There will also be a small selection of our fashion and home accessories.
Stand G104
Studio Pens will be showing off all that’s new for Kaweco, including the stunning Kaweco Collection apricot pearl and the new piston-filled Sport fountain pen. Visitors will also have a chance to make their very own Kaweco DIY Sport on the stand.
Stand M510
Sun-Star Stationery is time tested popular Japanese brand. Last year’s multi award-winning series of Metacil metal pencils has an exciting new addition. Re:metacil, is a Metacil pencil made from recycled materials.
Stand G224
Supplying wholesale and retail markets with one of the largest ranges of stationery and seasonal products, Tallon International is thrilled to be back at LSS with some exciting new product launches.
Stand M604
The Pilot Pen Company is renowned for its commitment to new technology and continually develops new and innovative writing instruments. As a market leader, Pilot is best known for class leading products such as the FriXion erasable rollerballs, G2 gel pens, V5 liquid ink rollerball and our Begreen eco-designed product range.
Stand M524
The Stationers’ Company is a membership organisation with over 600 years of heritage. As a livery company of the City of London, its members are drawn from the communications and content industries, including the stationery and greeting cards sectors.
Stand M405
Based in Tuscany, Italy, Toscana Book’s products are all designed and hand-crafted in Italy. Its stationery collection includes notebooks in various sizes, ruled, block-notes, paper envelope cards, bookmarks all inspired by architecture and cities of the world.
Stand G111
As the UK distributor for Moleskine, Mark’s Inc and Paperways, Turnaround will feature several new products on its stand. From Moleskine are the 2024/25 diaries in three formats and a daily or weekly layout. The Mark’s Inc 2025 diaries will be in show with brand new designs and vibrant new colourways. And visitors can also see the Palette Range by Korean stationery brand Paperways.
Stand M214
Ultratape are the one source for all your adhesive, tape and twine requirements. The products are quality, fit for purpose across the following brands: Ultratape, UltraStick, Ultratwine, Ultimate, BioTape and Rhino.
Stand M420
Unikia Concepts proudly presents a diverse collection of sustainable stationery products crafted from unique, eco-friendly materials. Its tree-free paper line utilises upcycled industrial and farm waste, such as coffee husk, black tea leaves, elephant poop, spent barley, and lemongrass, transforming them into high-quality notebooks, planners, shopping bags, envelopes, and greeting cards.
Stand M610
Visible Image will be showcasing a decade’s worth of craft design and inspiration with their best-selling stamps, stencils and dies. Founder and designer, Mark Alexander will be joined on the stand by members of the Gemporia Craft team to discuss how they can work with you on a business to business basis.
Stand M116
Yop & Tom, known for its colourful paper notebooks with abstract patterns and trendy colours, is launching its new collection at the London Stationery Show. It is thrilled to showcase a new series of travel planners, daily planners, notebooks, and pens.
Stand M306
Come and see the new ClickArt retractable felt tip marker, featuring a new ink technology that absorbs moisture from the air to keep the water-based ink from drying out. The fine tip delivers clean, crisp lines and increased control while writing or drawing. A perfect choice for bullet journaling, color-coding, drawing, studying, underlining and everyday writing on the go!
Stand M500
Here’s a handy guide to the layout of London Stationery Show 2024. Whilst this was correct at the time of press, small alterations or additions may have happened - we’re so pleased there is so much for you to see this year.
Company Name Stand
Akademi Cocuk
M106
Alix Creative Co M216
Amy Britton G213
Andhand G120
Anhui Sunrise Stationery Manufacture Co. M533
Another Studio G250
Antalis M419
Artgecko Sketch M208
Artmate Co. M530
Be Creative Arts & Crafts M506
Bigso Box of Sweden M304
Blueprint Stationery M426
Bossbooksco G251
Brilliant Adventurer G252
Cardgains M608
Charfleet Book Bindery M111
Coach House Partners G314
Coffeenotes G200
Collab Cards M406
Composition
Crayola
Cre8 Direct M404
Custom Works G122
Daler Rowney M402
Depesche M325
Diarpell M224
Digi Pens Limited M502
Edding M310
Elena O’Neill Illustrations G216
Emily May G110
Endless Stationery M313
Eugy M323
Evy Benita G107
Exacompta Clairefontaine M400
Factis M526
First International M503
Forma House G100
Hawthorn Handmade
Hooli Mooli Trad Co
JACC
Kiriori G118
Labon Stationery M317
LEUCHTTURM1917 M200
Lovely Offset Printers M118
Luxor M417
Manuscript & Manuscript Brands M212 & M110
Moxon London G254
N Smith Box M408
Nemo Office Club M222
Nu:notebooks M600
Octopus by Univerzal M228
Oh, Laura G218
Once Upon A Tuesday G210
PanArt M316
Paperblanks M108
Patrika G112
Pentel M300
Pink Pig G108
Pocket Mountains M416
Pop-Up Frames G206
Portico Designs M226
Positive Procrastination G212
Private Room M205
Pro Arte M204
Puckator M318
Pukka Pads M218
Pukka Party M220
R.K.Burt & Co M516
Rebel Stationery G208
Retro 51 M312
Robert Frederick G312
Royal & Langnickel M308
Royal Talens M314
Semikolon M102
Silvine M210
Snopake M504
Stabilo
M206 & M302
Stackers M528
Staedtler M422
Stone Marketing M512
Turnaround
Ultratape
Unikia Concepts
Visible image
Xiamen Daqi International Exhibition Co.
& Tom
Zebra Pen
ZhengJiang QingYuan XianFeng Stationery Co.
While many stationery companies are working hard to change their manufacturing and shipping processes to become ever more sustainable, the inherent nature of pencils and notebooks has allowed others to set up with an eco-friendly ethos from the start. Here, Stationery Matters looks at some of the ways the sector is tackling the sustainability issue.
Wood is incredibly important in the stationery industry as it’s the basic ingredient in pencils and crayons as well as the paper and board needed for notebooks.
TOP: As well as the more usual recyclable materials and its Estonia factory achieving both FSC and PEFC certification and Swan label accreditation, Belfast-based Rhino Stationery has another claim to helping preserve the environment –support for the Save The Rhino International..
RIGHT: Sustainability is at the very heart of Vent For Change.
So, it goes without saying that just about all virgin wood and pulp used is Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certified, and many are now looking beyond that to find recycled materials which add eco-credentials and bring about a circular economy.
Evan Lewis founded Vent For Change to supply recycled notebooks and sustainable stationery that helps protect the planet while supporting children’s education projects worldwide.
“Many consumers worry about the credibility of products labelled sustainable as they’re often from suppliers and brands greenwashing a tiny element of their offering to fulfil their expected eco-
obligations,” Evan said.
“At Vent we only supply sustainably-sourced and produced stationery, and all production takes place in the UK or EU to further strengthen the credibility behind the statements we make relating to supply chain and materials.”
Vent’s latest range uses recycled ocean plastic waste and fully recycled paper – and is a finalist in the Gift Of The Year Ethical & Sustainable category – while the matching pencils are manufactured from old cd cases at the company’s factory in Worcestershire.
At Coffeenotes, owners Sarah and Mark Downey kicked off with the unique Cupcycling paper from the James Cropper paper mill in Cumbria that recycles coffee cups into fountain pen-friendly bespoke paper, while repurposed waste from food, drink and textile becomes the cover paper for the carbon-neutral
notebooks, notepads, cards, and planners made in Dorset.
Sarah said: “Most people mistakenly believe you can recycle stationery because it’s made of paper, but many mass-produced notebooks are composite products. They use plastics, laminates, metal, elastic, foil, glue, and excessive ink in their covers making recycling problematic as customers can’t break them apart easily to recycle, the products are not biodegradable, and end up in landfill.
“We want to change the way the world buys stationery so customers can join the sustainable stationery revolution. Be part of the circular economy, repurposing waste to make beautiful stationery that can then be recycled or composted in your household waste, leaving absolutely nothing for landfill.”
Storigraphic has also had a sustainable infrastructure since launch with all products and packaging produced in the UK, no plastics, and using a carbon-neutral print partner which has FSC chain of custody.
Co-founder and creative director Roz Nazerian explained: “Challenges the stationery industry continues to face fall into several key areas, including logistics, production processes, paper stock, binding, lamination and finishing. The focus should be to find the right balance of materials which have been sustainably sourced/ manufactured/certified and then combining to develop an end product that carries the smallest environmental footprint.”
As well as its own-brand products, Jakar distributes Caran d’Ache and M+R which both implement ecofriendly production methods.
“A special focus goes to the choice of products and raw materials used,” Jakar md Paul Sacki said. “Cut from Californian cedar wood, Caran d’Ache pencils have FSC certification and the wood used comes from strictlymanaged forests with reforestation programmes supported by replanting that is not dangerous to the eco system.”
And at M+R, there’s a twopronged approach with renewable materials including natural beech wood that’s free of toxins and recycled products such as plastics for its Green Line range, while production waste is the basis for the Eco products.
Danilo is a keen member of sustainability membership organisation Products Of Change and Sedex, which provides sustainable supply chain solutions, and md Daniel Prince is the sustainability lead on the Greeting Card Association council.
In just five years the licensed calendar, diary and greetings publisher has changed from supplying 75% of its cards cellowrapped to 75% naked, as well as losing the plastic wrap on its huge calendar business, designing products for reuse, and adding clear recycling labels to all products.
LEFT TOP: Pentel is spreading the sustainable word about its EnerGel Eco pen range.
LEFT BOTTOM: Sustainability is a key driver at ExaClair. Its Exacompta eco-friendly laptop cases are Global Recycled
As well as working to improve its carbon footprint, there’s a tree planted through Ecologi for every direct-to-consumer purchase over £10, plus solar panels, led lighting and ev chargers installed at its Waltham Abbey base, and the company is moving towards a closed loop system and circular economy.
Meanwhile, Staedtler senior marketing executive Becka Bell admitted: “We’ve found the demand for sustainable products and packaging is at the forefront of consumer purchasing, and is now largely a requirement to secure retailer listings.”
So “innovative developments” in production have seen a switch to 97% recycled plastic housing for the
Firmly committed on the sustainability front, Carousel Calendars, Otter House and Calendar Club have taken another giant leap by signing up for the Science Based Targets Initiative (SBTI).
A collaboration between global disclosure charity CDP, World Resources Institute (WRI), the Worldwide Fund For Nature (WWF), and the United Nations Global Compact (UNGC), the SBTI champions fact-based target-setting in the transition to the low-carbon economy.
Part of Zebra MTD, the calendar, greeting card and gift group is now among the companies whose targets are published on the SBTI website showing their clearly-defined pathway specifying how much and how quickly they need to reduce their greenhouse gas emissions, in the context of their longer-term business growth.
Zebra MTD has committed to reducing Scope 1 and Scope 2 emissions by 46% by 2030 from a 2019 base year, and to measure and reduce its Scope 3 emissions, and the business aims to encourage 50% of its key product suppliers to sign up to SBTI by next year.
Steve Plackett, Carousel md and Zebra MTD director, said: “We’ve been working on improving our overall environmental performance for several years, mainly by identifying key environmental issues and setting targets to reduce our impact.
“SBTI seemed more direct and structured, and we believe we couldn’t just pay to offset our carbon emissions, we had to take action to reduce those emissions, setting and following science-based targets and making real changes to our processes.”
and using at least 75% recycled materials for packaging.
And Becka added: “Additionally, we have committed to using 100% green energy at our production sites in Germany, and have begun switching to electric vehicles, reinforcing our dedication to environmental sustainability.”
Packaging is the focus at Manuscript Pen where Alex Beaman said the company is “continuing to build on our objective of 100% plastic-free packaging”, as it has undergone a huge project across many of the bestselling core calligraphy lines.
Alex added: “We’ve removed the single-use plastics of old clamstyle packaging and replaced with
INSET BELOW: Carousel has cut plastic in packaging.
ROUND INSET: Steve Plackett leads the group’s green.
TOP RIGHT:
Recycled coffee cups are Coffeenotes’ backbone.
RIGHT:
Everything is UK made at Storigraphic.
100% recyclable board, from largely certified FSC sources.
“At the same time, we have reduced our carbon footprint by replacing our previous overseas plastic supply to a UK packaging company. This year we’re are continuing with our efforts, with product development underway in more collections in our range.”
With the Green Boss highlighter range already made from 83% recycled plastic, while every single Stabilo pencil consists of 100% sustainably-grown wood, the company aims to achieve carbon neutrality by next year.
UK marketing manager Vanya Hunter said: “The stationery industry faces sustainability challenges due to non-recyclable materials and excessive packaging waste. We have taken a significant step with a new machine that produces 100% cardboard packing. By switching the materials for more than 120 different types of packaging, Stabilo will now reduce
plastic waste by around 30tons every year.”
Distributor Stone Marketing has changed the way it imports products, consolidating deliveries and bringing them in by sea while cutting down on air travel as well as offsetting unavoidable carbon emissions at the end of each year.
And switching to paper tape from plastic – 46,000metres compared to 197,964m – all Stone’s packaging is now plasticfree, excluding product packaging from suppliers, with full use being made of a shredder to repurpose cardboard as plastic-free void fill.
Head of marketing Hayley White justifiably boasted: “In the past year, we have achieved an outstanding sustainability milestone. A remarkable 99.8% of our waste was recycled, with a mere 0.2% being sent to landfill!”
The mission statement at Maped Helix is “to empower every child to change the world with their own hands” and it’s achieving this by
Retailers are an important cog in the sustainability wheel and many, like Biddles of Guildford, have been pioneers in the eco-movement.
“We made a decision to cut plastic waste back in the 90s, for example, where possible we would not take pen stock on blister cards, and we’d sell envelopes wrapped with a paper band,” director David Goddard explained.
As the shop proudly displays its latest nature window, showing off the range of recycled products available, David said they’ve always offered these alternatives – although the first five-metre rack didn’t go down too well in the 90s even though it the prices were the same as non-recycled products.
“it wasn’t the success we’d hoped,” he admitted, “but, fast forward to the 2020s, and now recycled products are sold next to the nonrecycled alternative.”
In the early 2000s Biddles started a printer cartridge recycling scheme, and the offer of a small discount off replacement cartridges continues, with 200-plus cartridges that would otherwise have ended up in landfill now recycled each month.
INSET TOP:
The back to nature showcase in Biddles’ window.
INSET
BOTTOM: Pencil
Me In’s greeting card selection has been unwrapped since 2018.
INSET BOTTOM
RIGHT: Ryman has been promoting its sustainability efforts in its windows as well as instore.
And the eco-friendly work continues within the building itself, with the first phase of switching from fluorescent tube lighting to led lighting completed “and within three months the cost benefits have nearly paid for themselves”, while each heating unit now has an individual thermostat so individual zones can be heated.
At the multiple level, Ryman owner Theo Paphitis is also committed to driving forth on the environmental front at his 190-store stationery chain.
As Theo told Stationery Matters: “The sustainability and life cycle of our products are very important considerations when looking at ways to reduce the impact we have on our planet.”
Elaborating and quantifying its sustainable achievements to date, Theo added: “Our customers can return gas canisters, ink cartridges and pens to our stores. We have recycled over 2.5million pens in stores since 2019 – an incredible result from the team and a testament to how much of a difference we can make if we all play our part!”
And up in Elgin, indie retailer Sarah Holmes is very much on the sustainability case at her Pencil Me In stationery and greeting card store where she’s always keen to shout about the eco features on products stocked.
“UK-made is a bonus in the stationery world,” Sarah said, “but there’s also value in European-made products too, especially beautifully-made products that are made to last. Coffee Notes is a leading example in this field that we stock.
“We’ve sold all of our cards without cellophane since 2018, we were one of the first shops to ditch the cellos, and it’s been great to see the wave of change. We’ve also seen a huge change in how stationery is wrapped, a lot of now coming in paper – an order from Ohh Deer can feel like Christmas to unwrap!
“And, as with a lot of our shop pals, we recycle almost all the packaging that comes into the shop back into sending out our own online orders.”
creating sustainable products using recycled plastic, wood powderinfused plastic, certified raw wood and rubber as well as considering the functional and emotional longevity of products and adhering to a “produce only what’s needed” philosophy.
And it is actively contributing to four of the 17 United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (sdgs), aimed at fostering a better, more sustainable future by 2030, focusing on education, sustainable consumption and production, clean energy, and the fight against climate change.
Working towards cutting the group’s carbon footprint by a third by 2026, and carbon neutrality by 2050, the French factory has been powered by 100% green energy since 2020, mainly hydroelectricity.
Maped Helix’s Lianne Fletcher explained the company has dedicated eco-design principles championing sustainable best practices and is retroengineering existing products as well as new ones: “Several measures can be taken to lessen our environmental imprint – ensuring product longevity, creating refillable items, incorporating eco-friendly materials, promoting recyclability, and making thoughtful choices on materials. These principles are woven into our evaluation and design methodologies.”
If even the iconic Oxford Maths Set can be revolutionised so it contains environmentally-friendly equipment made from recycled materials and packaged in plasticfree or recycled card, wooden it be lovely if all stationery products go the same way!
As part of its mission to help transition the stationery industry to a positive and more sustainable future, membership organisation and information hub Products Of Change has established a Paper Goods Workstream to facilitate the connections and conversations that can kick start the positive actions in this voyage of sustainable development.
Products Of Change has over 500 members, which include Amscan, Belly Button Designs, Danilo, Cath Tate Cards, Carousel Calendars, The Eco-friendly Card Company, GCA, Glick, Hallmark Cards, Out Of The Blue Studios, Progressive Greetings and Talking Tables.
Products Of Change’s editor and community manager Rob Hutchins will be hosting a sustainability workshop at London Stationery Show in the afternoon of the first day, Tuesday 14 May. www.productsofchange.com
FAR LEFT: All Staedtler pencils are upcycled.
BOTTOM LEFT: Stabilo’s Green Boss range is 83% recycled.
BOTTOM RIGHT:
Even Maped Helix’s iconic Oxford Maths set has gone green.
INSET LEFT: Product Of Change’s founder and ceo Helena MansellStopher and Rob Hutchins, its editor and community manager.
An incredible story of family, escaping the Nazis and sheer hard work lies behind Jakar International, as it celebrates its 75th anniversary and more than six decades of working with the Caran d’Ache brand. Managing director Paul Sacki sits down for a face-to-face with Stationery Matters.
When Lydia Sacki arrived in England with just five Deutschmarks and a few sticks of furniture to her name, she had no idea that three quarters of a century later her grandson Paul would be celebrating the 75th milestone of the company she founded.
Having set up the business with a fellow refugee in 1949, Lydia, her son Kenneth, and now md Paul have built the business into Jakar International, which sources products from 12 countries worldwide for its customers across the UK and Ireland – and is the longest-serving distributor for Swiss colour and writing manufacturer Caran d’Ache, with the partnership stretching back to 1960.
Born in Britain, Lydia moved to Germany to get married but had to flee when Hitler came to power, escaping with her two sons and MSstricken husband just before war broke out, and she needed to find a way to look after her family.
“Because of her British passport, she managed to get to the UK, but the Nazis took everything, they came here with five marks in their pockets and some furniture they’d managed to send on ahead
– I’ve still got that furniture,” Paul explained. “They had to start from scratch and the Quakers very generously rented her a house in Welwyn Garden City, which Granny opened as a guest house with lodgers, one of whom was a man called Julius Kaufmann who she’d helped get over to the country.
“He had connections in the toy business and they started on the kitchen table in the guest house importing toys, drawing instruments and cuckoo clocks from Germany.”
After Kenneth joined the business in the mid-50s, there was a big change when Jacques Hübscher, then boss of Caran d’Ache, came to Britain in 1959 looking for distributors for the coloured pencils and stationery manufactured in
Geneva since 1915, and sought out the Sacki family.
“He’d heard about us,” Paul said, “and gave us the agency in 1960 which continues to this day. It’s great because they’re a family company, fourth generation with Jacques’ daughter Carole Hübscher now the ceo, and I’m the third generation to run our family business.”
Originally the company was called Julius Kaufmann Ltd and, when Kenneth took over as md in the mid-60s, he modernised it using the initials to create the name Jakar, then continued building on Lydia’s legacy, bringing Paul into the business in 1979 – but he had to start at the bottom!
Paul explained: “After leaving school my father arranged for me to
have work experience at one of our suppliers, M+R based in Germany – they’re still one of our largest suppliers. Then I worked in the stationery department at Harrods.
Once I’d gained experience my father offered me a position in the company as a sales representative and I’ve worked my way through various roles over the years.”
In 1990 Paul was promoted to sales director, then took over as md when Kenneth retired in 2015, and the company recently moved to a state-of-the-art warehouse facility in Elstree having changed bases several times since the days of fulfilling orders from the Welwyn Garden City guest house.
With the 75th anniversary looming, plans are afoot for a family celebration later in the year, and Jakar International will also be marking the occasion at the London Stationery Show, which runs over Tuesday and Wednesday, 14-15 May, at the Business Design Centre in Islington.
At the show all Jakar’s own brand and branded products will
be on its stand, ranging from the original drawing instruments across extensive ranges of art and craft materials, craft knives and blades, cutting mats, pencil sharpeners, portfolios, telescopic tubes, rulers, stationery, templates and stencils.
Paul added: “We started with toys, then we moved into stationery and drawing instruments was one of our first lines which we still do, mainly for students.
“We always do particularly well during the back-to-school, back-to-college times, and then at Christmas. We do promotions all year round, quarterly promotions, but with back to school, in common with a lot of people in the trade, the second half of the year is a lot busier than the first half.”
With a raft of exciting new products being launched at the London Stationery Show, Paul said demand for Jakar’s Rosa brand of watercolours, which are manufactured in the Ukraine, continues to grow, while the Caran d’Ache artists’ materials and
colouring products are a marketleading staple of the business – and he’s incredibly pleased to offer the brand’s latest Keith Haring Collection as the collaboration with the US pop artist’s estate has just won the Best Brand Licensed Gifting Product Or Range category at the 2024 Brand & Lifestyle Licensing Awards.
Having thoroughly enjoyed his time at the heart of the stationery industry, Paul has no plans to slow down yet, while waiting for the next generation to join the business he’s continuing doing the things he’s always loved – building relationships with customers and offering a personal, dedicated service.
He concluded: “My favourite memory is of my first visit at the age of 21 to the Caran d’Ache factory in Geneva. I was overwhelmed with the size of the factory and fascinated by the processes of making a colour pencil and visiting all the various departments and from start to finish.
“I’m third generation and have done 45 years with the company so five more years and hopefully I can say I’ve managed half a century!”
THIS MAGAZINE HAS LANDED ON THE DOORSTEPS AND DESKS OF RETAIL BUYERS ACROSS THE STATIONERY WORLD…
…these include specialist independent retailers, online retailers, right up to major retailers including names at Aldi, Asda, Fortnum & Mason, Nemo, Ryman, Tesco, Viking, WHSmith, Waitrose, Waterstones, and many more.
The next edition will be published in Autumn/Winter and the entire industry is welcome to be included, as Max Publishing has re-crafted Stationery Matters to become an industry-wide title, published several times per year.
To be included, contact Chantelle White – chantellew@max-publishing.co.uk
IN ADDITION TO THIS MAGAZINE, STATIONERYNEWS.NET WAS LAUNCHED IN MARCH AND HAS BEEN HUGELY SUCCESSFUL IN SHARING THE INDUSTRY’S NEWS, VIEWS, ANALYSIS AND EVERYTHING IN-BETWEEN.
Advertisers can enjoy having their visuals land in nearly 15,000 inboxes, three times per week. These adverts can link to wherever you wish… your website, an email address, online catalogue, social media –or anything else.
To be included, contact Chantelle White – chantellew@max-publishing.co.uk
Irecently discovered that I’m a papyrophiliac…until then, I simply thought I was a stationery lover!
Millions of people around the world have the condition and it’s spreading, driven by the growing realisation that writing (and drawing) by hand on paper is a powerful antidote to all things digital.
A lot is being written and spoken on the subject in the media, highlighting the link with wellness and mental wellbeing including memory retention and brain function. It’s good news for everyone, including those involved in the making, buying and selling of stationery products.
Handwriting isn’t a dying art, but these are challenging times, and it is under threat. Habits are changing and people are, unsurprisingly, writing less than they were, before computers, tablets and smartphones. The industry needs to come together to decide how to combat this and ensure it has a place in the future.
The Greeting Card Association has shown what can be achieved with Thinking Of You Week, and National Stationery Week is creating a lot of noise in the stationery space.
The stationery community can also take heart and learn from the
experience of other traditional sectors such as hard copy books, records/vinyl and bicycles which not all that long ago were being written off. They have to an extent been repurposed and as a result are still very much around.
It’s different to technology where the speed of change is so much quicker. Old technology is being replaced daily it seems by new technology, but it’s still surrounded by stylish desk accessories!
What continues to excite me and give me confidence for the future of the stationery market is the imagination and inventiveness of those within it, the ever-growing focus on sustainability and the design and usefulness of the products themselves.
They have come a long way since I entered the market nearly 20 years ago, and can justifiably claim today that they are where fashion meets function. Who would have thought it?
The stationery trade of old was largely to do with the office. Fast forward and stationery today is essentially about personal communication and organisation, and helped by WFH.
It is a vibrant, dynamic and increasingly youth-driven market which is redefining itself and appealing to millennials and Gen Z attracted by fabulous looking tactile lifestyle products.
I read recently that there have been over seven billion views for
“stationery” on TikTok.
Stationery isn’t only the older person’s happy place, not by any means, and it is reaching out to an ever wider audience, ironically with the help of digital media.
Stationery is also embracing technology… Moleskine’s Smart Writing Set is but one example of a growing number of such products out there, and the recent announcement of Mitsubishi Pencil’s takeover of Lamy made particular mention of digital writing.
The look and content of the London Stationery Show has changed hugely since its launch and is today a fantastic smorgasbord of great looking writing, drawing and paper products from around the world.
Buyers can see hundreds of brands including 100+ year old names, such as Faber-Castell, Leathersmith Of London, Kaweco and Caran d’Ache among many others, all in one place alongside numerous start-ups such as Rebel Stationery and Yop & Tom, to mention just a few…I can’t wait for May 14-15 and being back at the show!
Nearly a hundred years ago, in 1929, the famous Guinness advertising line “Guinness is good for you: was penned.
I’d like to think that 2024 will be the year of “Stationery is good for you”!
is one of many stationery brands with a long heritage that will be exhibited at London Stationery Show 2024.
MIDDLE LEFT:
Smart Writing System spans the physical and the digital worlds.
LEFT: A Pentel Instagram post on last year’s Mental Health Day.
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Caran d’Ache Swiss Made Excellence since 1915
carandache.com