Company hosts retailers and JPS Stationers collects fab NSW prize
Pentel has hosted a group of independent stationery retailers at its Swindon HQ – and also taken the opportunity to hand over a fab competition prize.
The first ever informal visit was designed to facilitate communication between the company and the indie stationery retail community, and enabled retailers to see the Pentel showroom with its full range of products and merchandising.
“Pentel is fully committed to supporting independent retailers,” marketing manager Wendy Vickery said, “with a dedicated field sales force fully equipped with regular promotions and able to offer face-to-face expert advice.
“We wanted to cement our understanding of the challenges and opportunities faced by customers on a day-to-day basis, and create an environment in which we could listen, share ideas and suggest ways in which we could all grow our business together.”
Stationery Supplies’ owner Sarah Laker, who has stores in Marple and Wilmslow, was among the small party of guests and commented: “It was such a great day, really invigorating to spend time thinking and talking about ways to grow our businesses.”
All set to run similar events in future, Wendy said everyone chatted about the company’s comprehensive programme of social media activity running throughout the year, designed to drive end-user awareness.
And part of that programme was the #PassionForPens campaign, launched during National Stationery Week where retailers had special giveaway sample packs of Pentel’s new Mattehop gel pens, a quick-drying EnerGel pen, a photo and a piece of blank paper.
Ray Williams, who runs JPS Stationers in Chesham, was one of those who promoted the free packs on social media and customers who took one were able to enter a consumer comp to defacing the photo with a bundle of Pentel products worth £100 for the best.
And his customer Lauren Crick’s creative The King And His Jester effort was picked as the winner – also earning the store a merchandising package featuring an EnerGel floor-standing display unit and a Mattehop counter display.
After collecting the prize from his Pentel rep territory manager John Cotterell during the visit last week, Ray said: “I’m thrilled to win the units containing products which are sure to be popular with my customers. We had a fantastic response to the #PassionForPens campaign, and I’m really pleased that Lauren’s entry was considered the most creative by the judges.”
Wendy added: “Once again, our customers embraced our National Stationery Week activity with enthusiasm and we’re so grateful for their support – not only during this important time, but throughout the year.
“By working together, we can deliver successful campaigns that enhance end-user awareness and provide new business opportunities for retailers. Congratulations to Ray, whose customers produced some fantastic and entertaining entries!”
