Publishers really did pull out the stops with their product launches at the recent PG Live, the first dedicated greeting card show in two years, and all the newness was lapped up by the many retailers who attended.
Here a trio of leading card retailers share their views on the show and what specific ranges and companies caught their eye…
Miles Robinson, co-owner of House of Cards, seven shops in the Home Counties
“Well, that has to be the best come back show of all time! We have definitely missed the excitement of PG Live and it seems ages since the previous one.
Certainly, many publishers have been busy creating new collections/designs and nice to see some new faces too.
Lunch was brilliantly done, drinks reception felt perfectly safe and the whole event was managed really well. We are thrilled to have been part of it! Onwards and upwards to the next one.”
What ranges and companies stood out for you at the show?
“We took on a couple of new suppliers, The Illustrated Saying and Paper Shed Design. Emotional Rescue, Paper Salad, Five Dollar Shake and Wendy Jones-Blackett also really stood out, each offering with some fabulous new product.”
Caroline Ranwell, owner of Hugs and Kisses, Tettenhall
“We had a wonderful time at PG Live, it has to the best one ever! It’s great to have so many fabulous card companies under one roof, it makes buying so much easier.
We had lots of fun but also worked hard too, I placed quite a few orders, some with my existing suppliers (Wendy Jones-Blackett, Rush Design, Paper Salad, Hearts Designs, Abacus) and also some new ones (Ginger Betty, Dean Morris, Brainbox Candy) so eight in total.
I also found the show great for networking. I met lots of other lovely retailers and it was so helpful to catch up, swap ideas and discuss any problems.
We had a lovely lunch both days and we had great fun at the opening night party too, it’s a lovely touch, I think after lockdown and all the problems that go with it, PG Live was just what we all needed!”
What ranges and companies stood out for you at the show?
“I absolutely loved Wendy Jones-Blackett’s new Cloud Nine designs and Rush Design’s new large adult age cards, particularly the male ones, the colours are stunning.
I also loved Ginger Betty’s range of cards, it’s so nice to see something that’s a bit different, I loved its little credit cards too, so pretty.”
Sean Austin, owner of Austin & Co, Malvern
“Well, just wow! To be back at a show with all the buzz, excitement and anticipation that matched the first show I ever attended some 10 years ago. I know virtual wholesale marketplaces have popped up over the past year, but they can’t really compare. What made it? People. And seeing their passion. When you sell a card, you need to have the evidence to tell your customers why it’s more than just a card.”
What ranges and companies stood out for you at the show?
“I loved the new ranges from current suppliers such as Snowtap (from The Art File), Sarah Kelleher, Ricicle Cards and Megan Claire.
A number of new companies also stood out for me, including Max Rocks and East End Prints.”
To relive the show and see all the photos from PG Live 2021 (all of which are downloadable) click here.
Top: Hugs and Kisses’ Caroline Ranwell (centre) with Rush Design’s Lorraine Bradley (left) with Wendy Jones-Blackett at the show.
