After a soft launch a year ago, BrownTrout is relaunching the Graphique de France everyday stationery brand into the European market, debuting at Top Drawer (Jan 14-16).with over 100 new products.
Last year BrownTrout branched out into the world of everyday stationery in conjunction with Graphique de France, this month it is ramping up the plans with a relaunch, kicking off at Top Drawer, which opens its doors for business this Sunday (January 14-16), followed by exhibiting at Paperworld in Frankfurt and then Spring Fair in Birmingham next month. More commonly known as ‘Graphique’, the brand has an enviable worldwide reputation in the art of stationery and gifts achieved by bringing innovative design in to the daily lives of people everywhere, through quality products, modern charm and nods to pop culture.
“In the initial meeting with Graphique in the States, we talked about BrownTrout taking over the European distribution of calendars and diaries,” says BrownTrout’s managing director, Jack Straw. “But at the same meeting it became apparent that Graphique’s current distribution arrangement for its stationery lines was not working out for the company and we were asked if we would be prepared to take that over as well. The answer was a resounding ‘yes’. Knowing the strength of the product line, particularly in the US, it was an easy decision to make.”
Having tested the water at last year’s Top Drawer and Spring Fair, which confirmed an appetite for the Graphique stationery collection, BrownTrout is upping its commitment. Graphique is already a known brand in the UK and in key European markets such as Germany, France, Holland and Slovenia. “At the end of 2017 a major order was placed by one of the UK’s leading retailers for a spring launch and we expect more to follow,” says Jack.
At the imminent Top Drawer (14-16 January), BrownTrout will relaunch Graphique with an increased range comprising over 250 items, including fashion journals, tumblers, glitter pens, list pads and a Christmas collection of tags and gift bags. There will be a follow up injection of new product in the second half of 2018 and regular releases thereafter.
“We’ll also be increasing our presence at trade fairs bother here in the UK and in mainland Europe to give the product line far greater exposure,” says Jack. “In addition, a team of top agents has been recruited to carry the line, in conjunction with the already well-established BrownTrout calendar programme.”
See the new Graphique range at Top Drawer (14-16 January) on BrownTrout’s stand X33.
