“I love a trade fair, but this one was different,” stated Sarah Kelleher, owner of the eponymous card publishing business about PG Live 2021. “So much love for all of my wonderful customers, fellow publishers and the amazing zest and enthusiasm of the PG Live team, absolutely brilliant. We all held together, took a risk and it was amazing!!” Sarah posted on her Instagram page.
After such a long period of being apart, Progressive Greetings Live 2021 was an emotionally uplifting bringing together of the UK greeting card community at the two day show, which took place at London’s Business Design Centre.
“It was so wonderful to see real smiles on the faces on retailers, publishers and suppliers, enjoying the shared kickstart back to normality,” said Warren Lomax, co-owner of PG Live. “Publishers really had pulled out the stops with their new products and retailers large and small were there, delighted by all the newness. We cannot thank everyone enough for the huge support and belief in PG Live 2021,” added Warren.
Buyers from the many leading retailers, including John Lewis & Partners, Tesco, Cardzone, House of Cards, Scribbler, Postmark, Clintons, Oliver Bonas, Fenwick, Blue Diamond, Card Factory, TK Maxx, Morleys, Selfridges and Fortnum & Mason joined a vast array of independent retailers, who came the length and breadth of the UK to appreciate the thousands and thousands of new designs that were launched at the show.
One indie who went the extra mile to be at the show – well 8,000 extra miles – was Alison Howe, co-owner of The Falkland Islands Gift Shop who made the journey from the South Atlantic for a very good reason: “I’m here because this is where the best cards are. It was well worth the journey!” she exclaimed.
Penny Bailey, co-owner of Baileys in Ainsdale, Crosby and Maghull admitted that any doubts she had about being at the show was quickly replaced with joy. “I wasn’t sure how I’d feel being in a busy place again, but seeing friendly faces, meeting new people and seeing fabulous new product all made for a great day. I am always in awe of the talent in our industry and how designers keep coming up with new and exciting product.”
Equally delighted at being at the show was Andrea Pinder, owner of Presentation in Barrowford: “I’m just coming down from being on cloud nine, PG Live brought me so much pleasure. What a show, so much better than I ever had expected. I placed my first order within 10 minutes of entering the show. Everyone made such an effort being upbeat, friendly and Covid-safe – the laughter and banter was brilliant. I’m so glad I saved my buying for PG Live.”
Hear what some others had to say about the show…
Sarah Laker, owner of Stationery Supplies, Marple and Wilmslow and Dean Morris, owner of Dean Morris Cards on the second day of the show.
Karen Wilson, co-owner of Paper Salad.
David Byk, ceo of Ling Design, GBCC and Penny Kennedy
Matt Genower, md of Five Dollar Shake and Wendy Jones-Blackett, co-owner of Wendy Jones-Blackett at the Opening Night Party.
Kay Patel, co-owner of The Seed Card Company.
Ged Mace, managing director of The Art File, back at the office after the show.
PG Live 2022 will take place June 7-8 2022 at the Business Design Centre, London.
Top: Over 50 retailers and publishers shared the joy in officially opening PG Live 2021 this week.
