Celebrations galore as hard-won industry awards success sinks in
Following last week’s glittering event at London’s Dorchester Hotel to mark the 13th annual Retas greeting card retail awards ceremony, the winners have been buzzing on the back of their success.
Frenetic social media activity, party planning, publicity and window dressing inspiration have just been just some of the ways Retas winners are making the most of their triumphs.
Tim Reynolds, manager of South Kensington’s Medici Gallery, who was announced as Retail Employee of the Year has been busy celebrating with his proud team.
“We had such a great day and are so very proud of being winners,” Medici’s assistant manager Charlie Wheatley told PG Buzz. “Tim was overwhelmed with joy and really deserves it too. The event really was something special and we got a lot of inspiration from it for our window – so much so that we’re planning a tropical theme next.”
The theme of the sell-out event, organised by Max Publishing – owners of Progressive Greetings, was an ‘Enchanted Tails’ forest and animal one, and a fabulous time was had by all.
Mum and daughter team Fiona and Victoria Robinson, who own Wishes card and gift shop in Cockermouth, took home the award for Best Greeting Card Retailer for the North and Northern Ireland. They are busy planning big celebrations for this week and have also appeared in their local paper, the Times & Star.
“Our initial reaction was to look at each other and scream!” Victoria says. “Shock, amazement and tears swiftly followed. We just couldn’t believe it, we’re absolutely over the moon!”
Mark Janson-Smith, managing director of double winners and London-based card retailer Postmark, says the team behind the company’s four shops is still coming to terms with their incredible success. Postmark took home the awards for Best Greeting Card Retailer Initiative, for its ‘Feel Good Friday’ scheme, as well as the coveted Greeting Card Retailer of the Year.
“Hearing our name called out for ‘the big one’ was just incredible – something we’ll never forget,” Mark says. “The awards are such a great motivation and inspiration for us and the whole team – and to be recognised by the industry that we love is such an honour.
“The reaction we have had since the ceremony, from the trade and customers alike has been overwhelming and will take a few days to sink in.
“Winning this award is easily my biggest achievement to date and for me to pick up the award with mu mum there was just amazing. Every award we have ever won has always motivated and inspired us onto bigger and better things. So we’ll take a few weeks to enjoy this and then it’s heads down and back to the drawing board to make sure we keep things fresh and exciting at Postmark!”
