Objectables, Dandelion Stationery, and Earlybird Designs work out pips from opening chunk
There were a few troublesome pips in the first quarter of 2023 which was otherwise fairly juicy for the greetings industry.
So, with the coronation and bonus bank holiday on the horizon, PG asked around some of those in card community to find out what would put a spring in their step right now following on from how the first chunk of the year panned out for them and what their expectations are for the second quarter.
In the last in this series, we hear from Objectables’ Tim Gould, Jo Wilson of Dandelion Stationery, and Earlybird Designs’ Heidi Early…
Tim Gould, co-owner of Objectables publishing and retail business in Folkestone
First quarter
“Publishing: Tough. Paperchase was our biggest customer. We lost a lot during the first administration, but chose to keep supplying them, it seemed like the right decision then it happened again and we got hit even worse. It was tough seeing some of the shops still open selling our cards and knowing we aren’t going to see any money. However, we had a good Spring Fair and we are in a good place going forward. Luckily, we have a lot of other great customers and brilliant suppliers so we are feeling pretty positive right now.
“Shop: Amazing. We had our best Christmas yet in the shop and a pop-up on the Harbour Arm that did really well. We expected things to get tough due to the economic climate, but it’s been great. Every month has been record-breaking with both Valentine’s and Mother’s Day being the best yet. The low point has been seeing other shops we love struggling and shutting.”
Next quarter hunch
“Publishing: Hopefully it’s going to be OK – positive hey! It feels OK though, we’ve got some great new customers and we have some new ideas and projects for the next few months.
“Shop: Easter is a non-event in our shop, we sell the odd ‘happy chocolate day you fat f#¢ker’ card but it’s not a focus for us, same as the coronation. It will mean more holiday-makers and weekend visitors though so, hopefully, we’ll be busy. Father’s Day is usually good and the summer is coming so footfall will gradually increase, no more dank Mondays, well, not so many!”
What would put a spring in your step?
“Publishing: Oh, for Paperchase’s administrators to pop round with the bag full of cash we’re owed or a van full of our cards that they haven’t paid for – sorry to be so fantastical in my wishes.
“Shop: Just to continue as we are. People are always saying how great the shop is. It’s so nice. Just more of that.”
Your happy business news
“Publishing: We bought a Hoover and also we’ve just started eating cruffins – muffin-shaped croissants filled with lemon cream fried and covered in sugar like a doughnut – on a Friday. Both of these things have been very good for staff morale.”
“Shop: The big aim this year is to get a bigger store and to try to bring publishing and the shop under one roof again, but nothing planned as yet.
“I’d enjoy work a lot more if I could pop into the shop more regularly to discuss work and annoy/distract my wife. It’s a bit of a walk at the moment so I only get to do it once or twice a day. Oh, and, obviously, if I managed to get our Retas’ application in we’d love to win the most prestigious award in the world! I hear the judges are all beautiful and lovely so I’m sure everything will go very well.”
Jo Wilson, owner of Dandelion Stationery
First quarter
“The first quarter of 2023 for Dandelion has been pretty good, and we’re seeing some similar feedback from our stockists. Most customers we’ve spoken with have had positive feedback on Valentine’s and Mother’s Day sales.
“High points are that new designs in our 2023 brochure had some great feedback. From an industry perspective I think Spring Fair was a success – most publishers I spoke with had a pretty decent show, us included. It’s always great to get to see customers face to face.
“The low point is Royal Mail’s price increases are another blow for the industry that we could really have done without. We’re also still seeing price increases on raw materials which is challenging for small publishers. Unfortunately, over the last few months we’ve also seen a number of businesses we have worked with close due to struggles on the High Street with footfall.”
Next quarter hunch
“I’m feeling positive for the months ahead. Hopefully inflation will go down a little to ease the pressure on prices – fingers crossed.
“I think the coronation will be a great feel-good event for the country, and we’re really looking forward to PG Live on 6-7 June, which has always been our favourite show of the year.”
What would put a spring in your step?
“We’re currently in discussions with a couple of very interesting potential new customers – it’s very early days but we’re staying optimistic. On a personal level we are planning a family holiday for later in the year, so once that gets booked and organised it will be fabulous to have a family break to look forward to.”
Your happy business news
“We are very excited to have just embarked on a partnership with a fabulous lady called Sarah who created a wonderful Facebook page called Middle Age Madness where she shares her many hilarious experiences of middle age. We have worked together to create a new collection of cards which we will launch at PG Live.
“In addition to that, we have recently recruited two new people to our HQ team who will support me with some of the design work. So exciting times ahead.”
Heidi Early, co-owner of Earlybird Designs publisher and shop in London’s Stoke Newington
First quarter
“Our Valentine’s and Mother’s Day sales were up by 8% which was incredible, but trade in between occasions has been a really hard slog and we’re actually just slightly down on overall sales compared to last year.”
Next quarter hunch
“I think the trend of Q1 will continue. Easter is a much more popular occasion than it used to be and we were selling cards and decs for the previous month. I don’t think the Coronation will be big for us as our Stokey customer base aren’t big monarchy fans but, hopefully, the bank holidays will help an uptick in sales.”
What would put a spring in your step right now?
“If Royal Mail slashed postage costs.”
Your happy business news
“We’re just launching the Earlybird card box online and click-and-collect. We’re pricing them at £15 for six cards, £25 for 10 cards or £35 for 20 cards. We’re including best sellers, changing the selection each month, not charging a subscription required, and those doing click-and-collect can pop old cards back in the box and drop it back to us and we’ll upcycle them into postcards, bookmarks, or gift tags to give as freebies in future boxes.”
These Viewpoints also appeared in the April edition of Progressive Greetings magazine which can be read online here, or you can subscribe here to receive the magazine by post each month.
Top: Jo Wilson, Tim Gould, and Heidi Early speak up
