John Lewis & Partners has just finalised the greeting card selection for its next replan, which will see “around 65% of newness,” according to Lisa Rutherford, John Lewis & Partners’ buyer of cards, stationery and seasonal events. The replanned displays, will be installed in the department store group’s shops in February.
“The biggest changes in our new selection are in humour and photographic,” Lisa revealed to PG Buzz. “We are bringing in several publishers who we have not stocked before, including those we discovered at PG Live and the GCA’s Speed-dating with Dragons event,” Lisa added.
Of these she highlights Lottie Murphy and Wendy Bell that were both sourced from PG Live’s Springboard section while Penguin Ink came about as a result of Lisa’s participation in the GCA’s Speed-dating with Dragons event in February.
Brainbox Candy and Sooshichacha designs are also joining the JL&P line-up for first time in the refreshed selection.
The grand overhaul – for which Lisa and her team worked closely with Woodmansterne on the card design planning – covers JL&P’s entire everyday, occasions and relations selection as well as tweaks to the online portfolio.
“One occasion where we have seen massive growth is in sympathy. The choice now for this important sending occasion is stunning, which made our selection very challenging,” admitted Lisa.
JL&P’s online offer is being bolstered at the higher price points, with Tache developing some special children’s cards that will retail at £3.50-£4.00.
In a change to the buying team, assistant buyer Lizzie Batchelar has moved on from cards, giftwrap and seasonal events to her new role as assistant buyer for gift food. Lily Starling joins Lisa’s team as the new assistant buyer for cards, giftwrap and seasonal events on November 11. Previous to this, Lily was buying assistant in JL&P’s beauty team.
Top: John Lewis & Partners’ Lisa Rutherford at The Calies judging last Friday (October 18).
