Spreading some extra festive cheer and engendering an uplifting feeling of solidarity, over 20 greeting card publishers star in a video film in which they show their love and support for greeting card retailers – as well showcasing a fine array of Christmas jumpers, baubles, tinsel and Christmas trees galore!
The collaborative film is the brainchild of Gale Astley, who was deputy editor of Progressive Greetings for 17 years, and now heads up her own promo film company, Gale Astley Film.
Feeling that the recent Lockdown 2 closure of independent card and gift shops was particularly unfair at such an important sales time for stores, Gale wrote a poem for card retailers in the hope that a number of greeting card publishers would come on-board and join her in creating a festive film of encouragement for their retail stockists.
“It’s been a difficult year for everyone, but 2020 has been a particularly hard year for those in retail, and with no face to face trade fairs this spring, I felt some familiar faces from retailers’ greetings suppliers would convey a show of solidarity,” said Gale, who was delighted that so many card publishers were eager to demonstrate their support and take part in the film.
The greeting card cast who star in the film include: Dean Morris (Dean Morris); Jo Wilson (Dandelion Stationery); Sabina Kovacheva (Sabivo Designs); Mabel Forsyth (Pink Pig Cards); Kali Stileman (Kali Stileman); Laura and John Higgins (Go La La); Jill White (Rocket68); Thea Musslewhite (Bold & Bright); Emma Ball and team (Emma Ball); Lorraine and Ian Bradley (Rush Design); Amanda and Frank Mountain (Lola Design); Kate and Ella Stanley (Redback Cards); Nick Carey (Abacus Cards); Janna and Arianna Cossettini (Deckled Edge); Kathy Slatter and Erin Taylor and team (Stop the Clock Design); Sarah Hopkins (Holy Mackerel) and Wendy Jones-Blackett and team (Wendy Jones-Blackett), with Ulla Klopf (Pabuku) in Austria, and Dan and Freya Kane (Think of Me Designs) in California bringing some global greetings to the party.
The publishers filmed themselves, each relaying one line of Gale’s poem, then sent their footage to her to edit and create the final video.
“Ultimately, the aim of the video is to encourage, champion, boost and connect with all the card retailers we know and love,” summed up Gale.
Check out the lovely film by clicking below:
Here is Gale’s poem which kickstarted the idea…
Ode To Greeting Card Retailers – Gale Astley
This has been a tough year for all of us.
But some have had it tougher than most.
Especially many retailers.
Who have had to unhappily close.
Their doors during lockdowns.
Or still can’t open up.
And we’re sure you’ve had enough.
So, enjoy this little catch-up.
We all would like to wish.
All our wonderful retail customers.
A merry little Christmas.
Where your tills jingle.
And your sales sing.
And you can hug your family.
And do your normal thing.
So from us, your greeting card and giftwrap chums.
Our hand extends.
Have a great festive season.
From us to you, our retail friends.
Merry Christmas.
Gale, who has recently also created greetings industry promotional films for card publishers Deckled Edge and Sabivio Designs can be contacted on astleygale@gmail.com
Top: Wendy Jones-Blackett and team in festive mode in the film.
