After 37 years of trading, Jay Patel, co-owner of Greetings, a card and gift shop in the South London suburb of East Dulwich knows the tastes of his customers.
His customers have rewarded him with their loyalty since the April 12 reopening, by coming through the door with their ‘shopping lists’, especially for occasions.
Here he shares some of his best-selling card ranges and gift products…
Everyday
Across the board from Paper Rose
“Just such a wide variety of styles.”
Humour
Genius from Woodmansterne Publications
“This range works so well for the 10-17 age group that is so difficult to buy for.”
Across the board from Deadpan Cards
“Very funny cards and the company owner personally delivers the cards to us.”
Colourful Mind from Paperlink
Art
Angie Lewin; London scenes from Art Angels
“Angie Lewin is such a brilliant artist for our customers.”
Across the board from Dry Red Press
“We have sold so many since re-opening. The balance of artists and themes just works.”
Colour Crush from Stop the Clock
“Everyone loves them.”
Children’s
Just Animals from Lucilla Lavender
“The watercolour brushstroke art style is a bit different.”
Quentin Blake from Woodmansterne Publications
“They just sell so well.”
Relations and Occasions
Across the board from UK Greetings
“The sheer variety means you can cover everything from the modern to the traditional from one publisher.”
Thinking of You/Support
Blue Mountain Arts from Carte Blanche
“There are some customers who need those deep expressions of sentiment.”
Little Voice from UK Greetings
“Sentiment for the younger generation.”
Giftwrap
Uniqueco from Unique
“Made in the UK, the 3 mtr rolls of recycled Kraft paper is just great.”
Across the board from Lagom
Across the board from Canns Down Press
“While demand has moved from flat wrap to rollwrap, these two publishers offer a lovely selection.”
Gifts
William Morris from Joe Davies
“We do well with Strawberry Thief design from The Leonardo Collection.”
Coasters from Bluebell 33
“Great price point. People buy the letters and make initials or words.”
Mugs from Mclaggan Smith
“Mugs are still an incredibly popular purchase.”
Self-purchase
Candles from Lilyflame
“Over the last year, candles have become the top self-purchase.”
Top: Greetings has been a fixture on East Dulwich’s Lordship Lane for 37 years.
