Providing a good PR story for the sector, AIM-listed IG Design Group reported impressive results in its Trading Update that was released today (22 January).
The broad-based global business, which supplies bespoke everyday card collections to Poundland, B&M, Wilko and Aldi has reported its revenues for the nine months to 31 December 2018 were up 36%, with like-for-like sales up 9%.
The group is a major supplier of gift packaging, greeting cards, stationery, creative play products and giftware, active all over the world. Non-UK based customer revenues now accounting for over 70% of the group.
Making reference to the trial that is underway in select Aldi store, Paul Fineman, ceo confirmed that the group has “secured new business in everyday cards in the UK.” He also highlighted how the company has also renewed card contracts in Australia.
With licensing an important aspect of the group, he stressed that the company has “concluded new licensing deals including Disney’s Frozen 2 and Toy Story 4 in the UK and Australia.”
Inspiring thoughts
All of the group’s various greeting card collections are developed in IG Design Group’s studio in Wales. Here Esther Young, head of creative for IG Design Group reveals some of her artistic drivers:
Creative drivers: “Aside from print, pattern and design, my main inspiration comes from homeware and lifestyle. Homeware and interior design is a huge passion of mine, and as a self-confessed Instagram addict I love having a window into people’s lives and passions, captured and confidently shared via squares and grids! I find ‘people’ and their lifestyles fascinating, and I am an avid people watcher! I believe to truly understand product, you need to understand people. In our industry that means understanding our buyers, customers, consumers and ultimately the recipients of our product – products that are gifted and delivered with emotion, be it love, gratitude, sympathy, kindness and good wishes.”
Inspirational event: “Retail inspires me every day and has been the focus of my career since graduating from university. I love the variety that retail offers and the opportunities that it brings to creatives. It’s inspiring to see designers and makers establishing their careers as individuals and small businesses, or, as our design team, becoming part of a manufacturing business servicing a cross section of the mass market retailers.
As a head of creative for Design Group ‘Insight’ drives inspiration, whereby I can then guide the creative team and channel their own inspirations and influences with context and relativity.”
Admired enterprise: “I really admire the value retailers that are remaining strong on the high street and bringing aspirational, on-trend product to consumers. I find Primark fascinating as a store, specifically the current homeware and Disney ranges are looking fabulous and affordable.
Equally, I continue to admire the supermarkets who all have identity, but have individually become destinations for all manner of products.
From a homeware point of view, I love Kelly Hoppen. I love her limited colour palette of taupe and black, and her East Meets West philosophy.”
Top: Paul Fineman, ceo of IG Design Group.
