Top UK retailers press the publicity button and making the most of it
Now in their 13th year, The Retas awards (organised by Progressive Greetings) are the dedicated annual awards that recognise and reward UK greeting card retailers right across the spectrum for their activities in the last year. And after the finalists were announced last week, many emailed and tweeted about their delight at being shortlisted.
“The Retas have risen immeasurably in status since their formation and are now universally acknowledged as being true accolades of excellence,” says Jakki Brown, editor and co-owner of PG and The Retas. “We know retailers are genuinely excited at making the shortlist, and so they should be – we had hundreds of nominations this year, so all retailers who have made it into the finals have ever right to feel be extremely proud about being one of the best greeting card retailers in the UK.”
Here is some of the feedback received from happy finalists:
“WOW finalists for the fourth time, we must be doing something right! Both of us are really thrilled, thank you.” Nicky Stephenson and Claire Jarvis, co-owners of The Tutbury Present Company, Burton on Trent
“OMG I can’t believe we have been nominated again. Thank you so much I’m so excited, proud and thrilled to get this far. I’ve rung all the staff as they have helped the shop all the way.” Nicky Goodman, owner, Paddock Wood Cards, Tonbridge
“Der der der der da der! Just me blowing my own trumpet at the fabulous news of our nomination for best card shop. Can’t wait to join you all at PG Live and at The Dorchester.” Amanda and Will Oscroft, owners of Love It in Stamford and Bury St Edmunds
“Oh my word…… WHOOP WHOOP…… from the highest tower….. Fantastic news, we are over the moon.” Jayne and Trevor Griffiths, owners of Sentiments, Whitchurch
“I was parking the car at the time (when I heard) but went straight to the PGBuzz website to see if it was true! It was and we were delighted, even my daughter, who was in the passenger seat looked excited! The team were immediately told and everyone is very much looking forward to the 12th July!” Mark Janson-Smith, co-owner of Postmark, London.
“Wow what a surprise!!!! Both Michelle and I are so excited and proud to have been selected as finalists. It is fantastic that all the hard work the two of us along with all our valuable staff members has been rewarded in this way. As I said we were very surprised as it came completely out of the blue.” Rak Vasani, owner, Hallmark – Hornchurch
This year The Retas Awards will take on an ‘Enchanted Tails’ animal and woodland beasts-themed ball event at The Dorchester Hotel in London on Wednesday July 12, when this year’s winners will be unveiled.
For more information on The Retas Awards and to book tickets, please see www.theretasawards.co.uk.