PG Buzz looks back over a busy and eventful greetings industry year
It’s been a momentous year for the greeting card industry with all the Royal Mail changes and stamp price increases, the fightback against copycats, and the big news of Clintons’ takeover by Cardzone.
As retailers tot up their festive till takings and we get ready to wave goodbye to the final days of 2024, PG Buzz takes the opportunity to look back at some of the most-read stories from the email newsletters galore of the last 12 months, and the team of Jakki, Warren, Tracey A and Tracey B wish everyone a very healthy, happy, and prosperous new year.
January
Woodmansterne’s gift packaging debut – Stewo partnership sees Woodmansterne announce its plans to make a significant move into gift packaging.
Bring it on 2024! – card retailers report festive hopes are realised as inflation drops to a two-year low
Goodbye to Chris Holmes – sad loss of popular industry veteran.
LSS founder back on board – Chris Leonard-Morgan rejoins the London Stationery Show under Max Publishing’s new stewardship.
Frida’s a record breaker! – there’s a new world record in town as Origamo clinches the biggest pop-up card title with 9sq m 3D Frida Kahlo design.
Cardfactory’s positive Christmas – the UK’s biggest greeting card retailer sees double-digit sales growth with single festive cards up 37%
Jerry Brown v The Post Office – greeting card retailer and postmaster speaks out about the PO Horizon scandal.
Sad loss of Louise Young – the greetings industry pays tributes to “inspiring” former Spring & Autumn Fair managing director.
Sponsors flood in with NSW support – Maped Helix, Pentel, Staedtler and Zebra Pen delight National Stationery Week ambassador Sarah Laker.
GCA battles hard to save Saturday deliveries – Ofcom’s plan to outline options for reforming Royal Mail’s universal service obligations goes mainstream.
Brave move aids mental health – brand-new publisher Brilliantly Brave takes the benefits of cards to the next level by using all profits to fund wellbeing resources.
Ofcom under more pressure over RM reforms – the public rallies to keep six-day deliveries and the GCA works behind the scenes to ensure the industry’s voice is heard.
February
Shop local delivers for indies – independent greeting card retailers started 2024 feeling a lot more optimistic than a year previous, according to the findings of the latest PG Retail Barometer.
The Art File takes note on new products – upping its commitment to stationery as a NSW sponsor The Art File went to the week’s ambassador, retailer, and self-confessed notebook geek Sarah Laker to make sure the company’s plans for its jounals met her exacting requirements.
Cardgains is busy village – there was plenty going on for at the buying group at Spring Fair as it marked its 35th anniversary, revealed the Look Out London charity challenge total, introduced the latest raft of new suppliers, and officially welcomed its new finance director and sales manager.
Ryman aims at disruption – disrupting the print-on-demand greeting card industry is the aim behind Ryman owner Theo Paphitis’ latest launch of an app linked to his UK-wide chain of stationery stores.
Theo Paphitis reveals cards ‘passion project’ – his personal love of greeting cards, plans to disrupt the online greetings sector, a rally call to revise business rates, and how AI has “thrown a massive bomb into the melting pot of retail” were just some of the topics retail entrepreneur and former TV Dragon Theo Paphitis covered from the Inspiring Retail Stage at Spring Fair.
Marking 40 years with Paperworld – the Maltese distributor’s MD Suzanne Mizzi reveals huge strides over four decades in business.
Indie push to keep USO – Creative Cove owner Sandra Jervis appeared on BBC Wales twice over fears of Royal Mail delivery cuts.
TV dragon scoffs up greetings idea – Gemma Connolly’s Scoff Paper firm and its edible cards for dogs clinched a £50,000 investment from Sara Davies.
Cards for art’s sake – customers guessed artist Julia Crossland was top of The Eco-friendly Card Company’s bestsellers’ list in a social media competition.
March
Indies help the cause – indie retailers and small publishers step up with charity initiatives.
Stamp prices rise – Royal Mail adds 10p to both first and second class from 2 April.
Clintons acquired by Cardzone group – CEO Paul Taylor said: “We’re now the only national specialist chain selling quality cards”, as Clintons was acquired by Cardzone parent company Pillarbox Designs, in by far the most read story of the year.
Positive reactions to Cardzone-Clintons deal – the greeting card industry saw the buyout of 163-store estate as “great news”.
Lamy pen company acquired by Mitsubishi Pencil – the German family firm’s high-end products become part of the Japanese business’ portfolio.
They came, they pitched, they slayed – GCA Dragons Speed Dating surpassed expectations.
Mums are the best! – indies’ increased sales show Mother’s Day is still the biggest date
John Lewis returns to profit – the store’s greetings department reveals a strong start to year as the retailer reveals good results.
Cardies’ strong showing at Ofcom London meeting – the UK greeting card industry was well represented at the Ofcom meeting convened to discuss the present and future of Royal Mail.
BGC has acquired Paul White – the deal saw the greetings, balloon, party and stationery wholesalers join together.
Doing the Thortful thing – the online marketplace put its money where its principles are and turned down a £400,000 income stream from helium balloons.
‘Fake’ stamps row kicks off – Royal Mail and the Post Office sparked a row over charges for so-called counterfeit stamps and the increased £5 penalty for recipients of mis-stamped mail.
April
IC&G collabs with Sabina – taking her art in a different direction led Sabivo Designs’ Sabina Kovacheva into a collaboration with International Cards & Gifts, all thanks to PG Live!
Successful succession – Deva Designs keeps the family vibe going as Jenny Williams becomes sales director.
GCA sends Ofcom review response – as stamp prices rise again, with an estimated £100million increase in income for Royal Mail, the GCA submitted a greeting card industry response to Ofcom’s proposals to water down the postal delivery giant’s universal service obligations.
Meg’s a woman who achieves – artist Meg Hawkins notched up another accolade for her brand of greeting cards, stationery and homeware as a finalist in the 2024 Woman Who Achieves Awards.
RM proposes every other day 2nd-class delivery – The greeting card industry, largely through the GCA, has been a prominent voice in the mainstream media over the last few days very effectively pushing for a reliable and affordable postal service.
I Drew This celebrates National Pet Day – the greeting card industry loves its furred, finned and feathered friends so marked National Pet Day with publisher and retailer I Drew This going all out for a fabulous day.
Ben’s a real hair-o – Brainbox Candy’s co-founder and buffoon Ben Hickman is a cut above the rest with his shear genius charity fundraising bid.
Seven prizes for seven Brits – Louie Awards wins for Paper Salad, Pigeon Loft, Rosie Made A Thing, Ohh Deer, Roger La Borde and The Art File.
Czech out the post – Royal Mail’s parent company rejected the £3.2bn takeover from billionaire Daniel Křetínský for what he termed “an important national asset”.
Cardie runners raise £21,000 – impressive London Marathon results posted by greetings industry quartet.
Yarnton Home & Garden x Ohh Deer – garden centre and publisher collaborate on new greeting card and stationery department.
Cardfactory’s 25% profits surge – pre-tax figures hit £65.5m as the retail giant’s CEO toasts a “much stronger business”.
May
Carousel has date with world – acquiring Gladstone Media is deemed a “significant step” towards Carousel Calendars’ aim of becoming “the largest calendar publishing business in the world”.
Scribbler Studio’s PG Live lunch launch – PG Live marks the official launch of the specialist retailer’s new Scribbler Studio arm extending its design capabilities and consumer card-buying knowledge to other retailers.
Czech Sphinx bids £3.5bn for Royal Mail takeover – as an upgraded takeover bid was mulled over by Royal Mail’s parent company, the GCA called for members’ interests to be seriously considered.
A Weiss move – the Cardzone group beefed up its board with Jeff Weiss and strengthened its shareholder line-up as part of its futureproofing of the enlarged business.
Stationery dreams come true – Sarah Laker wrapped up National Stationery Week by having a chat on national radio with presenter Sara Cox and picking a special song request.
Cards bloom at Chelsea – a living window display, plantable cards, a chat with the King, and floral inspiration marked the greeting card industry’s interaction with this year’s Chelsea Flower Show.
GCA’s deep concerns as Royal Mail accepts takeover bid – “The Czech’s in the post” was the glib headline in the media at the news the board of RM owner IDS had agreed in principle to EP Group’s takeover deal at a total £5billion.
June
Back to Camden’s roots – PG Live saw UK Greetings go back to the roots of its Camden Graphics brand with the significant launch of the new Camden Signature brand.
Picture this at PG Live – two days of fun, laughter, catching up with greeting card industry pals and, of course, doing business are over for another year, with positive vibes from the many who attended and exhibited at PG Live 2024.
Last minute magic for dads – despite all the advance planning for Father’s Day, retailers say the Saturday before is always where the magic happens but the spend is still way behind that for mums.
Amscan owner responds to insolvency claims – owner Wonder Group clarified its “strategic review” position after news reports broke.
Honest talk about Clintons from the Taylors – the greetings chain’s new owners reveal their grand plan for the future.
Moving and shaking going on – staff changes at Cardfactory, Woodmansterne, Ohh Deer and Rainbow Designs.
Cardfactory ceo re-elected – the retailer’s AGM saw CEO Darcy Willson-Rymer re-elected as a director with 99.93% of the votes cast but there were questions over Paul Moody’s continued chairmanship.
Noel Tatt wraps up bags and tissue – the family-owned publisher turns top card designs into its first giftbag range at customers’ request.
Sun shines on Cardgains’ challengers – a lovely sunny day greeted the buying group contingent as they put their best feet forward in Sheffield for the annual charity challenge aiming to raise £35,000 for MIND.
July
Publishers confront shipping crisis – the perfect storm of issues, including piracy, conflict, bad weather, a shortage of containers and greedy shipping companies, pushed container rates over $10k
Marchers take pride in cards – 25,000 greeting cards were handed out along the Pride In London route.
The Retas 2024 winners revealed – 400 retailers, publishers and trade suppliers celebrated as the UK’s very best greeting card retailers were officially recognised.
Jellycat’s agents given notice – the plush company announced changes to operations, with all independent sales agents being replaced by an in-house team from the end of the year.
Boof-tastic retirement – Boofle fan Joanne Holland headed off for new adventures with her favourite snugglesome pup as she retired after an amazing 47 years as a production operative at UK Greetings.
Karen Wilson now Paper Salad’s sole owner – in an amicable agreement, Claire Williams decided for positive personal reasons to sell her shares in Paper Salad to longstanding business partner and friend Karen Wilson.
Fifth Ryman Design store offers expansive card selection – the retailer laid on the glitz to celebrate the brand’s new outlet in City Of London
Amscan bought from administrators – the future of Amscan International and associated companies was secured following the sale of the business and assets to Baaj Capital.
Belly Button giftware debuts at Home & Gift – the publisher marked its 30th anniversary with a significant entry into the gifting sector.
Indies step up climate campaign – from getting rid of plastic bags to selling naked cards, indie retailers are doing their bit on the eco-friendly front, and a trio of greeting card and gift stores really earned their stripes.
Sad death of Abigail Mill – textile artist Abigail Mill, well known for her work in the greeting card and gift world and widely loved for her gentle, kind nature, died following a brain tumour diagnosis earlier this year.
Wrendale’s date with king – it was a busy time for Wrendale Designs with head of sales Lisa Marcuccio off to meet the monarch, and the business celebrated becoming a certified B Corporation.
August
Teaspoons fly again! – Laura Clamp’s collage designs settled into a new home at Natural Partners Art.
UKG brings eco rollwrap home to Yorkshire – the publishing giant upped its commitment to sustainability by investing in equipment to convert plastic-free rolls in Britain.
Folke off from Folkestone! – normally known for their wacky humour, Objectables’ Tim and Annie Gould got to grips with folk art.
Bereaved children chare insights on greeting card failings – charity Winston’s Wish collaborated with GCA, Moonpig and publishers to create guidelines for cards to send to bereaved young people.
Billionaire’s 8% CF stake boosts share price – Aussie retail expert Brett Blundy’s investment saw the Cardfactory share price rise to 124.60p
Thortful pays creators £12m – the online platform reveals its “monumental milestone” royalties pay-out to the creatives who supply the designs.
BGC rebrands as Tiger Feet – the award-winning wholesaler’s rebrand stepped up its offer for independent sector.
Dominique gets back into retail – US greeting card name and former Clintons boss Dominique Schurman returned to the retail side of the industry by opening the first store under her personal Niquea.D brand.
Card industry’s power of love – the “powerful little gems” greetings handout brought tears of joy at Manchester Pride thanks to a heart-warming gesture from one youngster.
MiMi rises from flood – the indie retailer’s pop-up store opened after deluge damaged shop and £40,000 worth of stock.
September
Trouva’s financial issues – the online selling platform issued an apology to its independent retailer members for failing to make payments for sales, and told PG Buzz it “is certainly not the case” that it has gone bust.
Ofcom proposes cutting 2nd class Saturday delivery – the watchdog takes on board the GCA’s tenacious representations as it revealed its proposed overhaul of the postal service which suggests keeping six-day-a-week first-class deliveries.
Fury at 22% first-class stamp hike – the greeting card industry erupted with fury at Royal Mail’s announcement of a 22% increase in the price of a first-class stamp to £1.65.
Cardfactory’s licensed to win – increased activity on the licensed cards front has earned Cardfactory the honour of winning The Radar Award at this week’s Licensing Awards.
GCA conference reveals card sales growth to £1.51bn – but Royal Mail refused any discounted festive stamps and insisted the USO needs changing.
Cardfactory to supply all Aldi stores with everyday cards – extra costs knocked the retail giant’s profits, but its interim results showed card sales were up, and revealed the new deal doubling its Aldi business, the acquisition of Irish publisher Garlanna, and expansion into the US confirmed.
Sad death of Toni Cresswell – well-loved and respected Emotional Rescue stalwart and long-time product manager Toni Cresswell died having been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer just two months previously.
October
The Henries 2024 winners revealed – this year’s greeting card industry awards were announced at a fabulous awards event, hosted by comedian George Zacharopoulos.
House of Cards founders feted – the irrepressible Miles Robinson, co-owner of House of Cards, isn’t often speechless but The Henries Honorary Achievement for him and longtime business partner Nigel Williamson took his breath away.
Jellycat owners’ £58m payday – demand for the plush toys has seen a “rapid growth” as revenues rise 37% to £200m with the owners due a huge payout.
Band together to beat copycats – Publishers rally to fight the onslaught of card copying on the Chinese-owned Temu online marketplace without permission.
Wrendale’s Hannah Dale in 10 Downing Street – the publisher’s founder made the most of the invitation to tell the Chancellor and top politicians of the impact business rates have on retailers.
McDaniels take on Temu case for publishers – the lawyers have stepped in to fight copying as GCA brings the issue to government attention.
Adam Dury to leave Cardfactory – the retail multiple’s chief commercial officer has been headhunted for an “incredible opportunity” with Jollyes.
Clintons founder Don Lewin has died – the cardfather of specialist greeting card multiple retailing died peacefully at home aged 91.
Thortful steps in on Temu copycat row – the online platform offers advice and support for designers hit by the Chinese site’s plagiarism.
Greetings industry blasts budget – Labour’s £40billion tax raid was condemned as “anti-High Street” and a “betrayal” of indie retailers.
Swan Mill acquires The Gifted Stationery Company – David Byk has added the stationery and calendar company to his Ling, GBCC and Penny Kennedy group.
November
Chris Bryan to join Glick – the popular greeting card stalwart is joining the giftwrap specialist as the head of UK sales, after 24 years working for Second Nature.
Sports Direct wins cardies’ Christmas choice – the retailer’s festive advert tops the table for Christmas card prominence.
Stamp prices take flight – taking a cheap flight abroad could be the answer to sending Christmas cards for less due to the soaring cost of first-class stamps.
‘Use it or lose it’ direct action by GCA – the association took the fight to parliament to make everyone fully aware of the threat to the affordable postal service.
Daniel Kretinsky closes in on RM – the sale of Royal Mail to the Czech’s EP Group is close to being finalised and could be confirmed in the next two weeks, the BBC revealed.
December
BBC Breakfast at Paper Salad – cards made the news big time as BBC Breakfast filmed at Paper Salad’s Stockport HQ to highlight how much people still love festive greetings.
Cardfactory expands to America – the retailer’s £25m acquisition of gifts and celebrations company Garven Holdings marks its physical entry into its biggest global market.
Dazed and confused over GPSR – the latest EU rules on General Product Safety Regulation kicked in on Friday the 13th, but a lack of clarity threatens greetings exports.
Window wonderland – at a wonderful time of year there was plenty of wonder in the creative window displays that greeting card retailers came up with to show off their Christmas goodies.
John Lewis blow to Christmas – the nation’s favourite department store dealt a blow to the greeting card industry by declaring Christmas cards “Products we left behind” in its latest retail Shop-Live-Look-Report.
Czech gets the post – the government greenlights the Royal Mail takeover but the greetings industry questions the “weak” obligations place on buyer Daniel Křetínský.
Death of Christmas cards is greatly exaggerated – Sky News gave platform for the GCA to support sending, as greetings featured across the media.
Max-imum merriment – the festive elf antics of PG’s Jakki Brown, Warren Lomax, Tracey Arnaud and Tracey Bearton raised a good few smiles.
