Romans’ achievements take indulgent turn as The Henries’ judges channel inner gladiator
As the retailer judges entered the Colosseum to battle the contending ranges for The Henries recently, they were put on the spot to channel their inner gladiator self and keep with this year’s awards’ ancient Rome theme by answering three probing questions.
And there seemed to be quite a lot of indulgence on many minds as plenty of the 40-plus retailers from indies, small chains and the multiples who gathered at London’s Business Design Centre talked about the Romans’ penchant for orgies and wine, while the postal service was also a popular topic.
As they got busy whittling down the hefty shortlist picked during the online judging round to the finalists’ list PG kept them in fighting form by asking:
Roman triumph: “What have the Romans ever done for us?” is a phrase from Monty Python’s Life of Brian film. Revered for their many achievements from roads to sanitation, trademarks to fast food, what do you think is the best thing the Romans have done for us?
Mother of invention: The Romans were acclaimed for their inventions, but what do see as the best innovation in the greeting card industry?
Fighting talk: Roman gladiators fought against beasts, criminals and other gladiators. What fight would you like to see gladiators take on for the benefit of the greeting card industry?
Here, in the first of a series, we feature the responses from House of Cards, Hugs & Kisses, Scribbler, Waterstones, Jo Amor, George’s, Headrow Gallery, and Cards ’N’ Things…
Nigel Williamson, partner of House of Cards, seven shops in the Home Counties
Roman triumph: “Wine…no contest!”
Mother of invention: “The stock control ticket with the re-order history printed on it.”
Fighting talk: “I’d like the gladiators to ensure there are only happy customers who never say cards are too expensive, plus free parking in towns, rateable values re-assessed as well as lower postal costs and a first-class service.”
Caroline Ranwell, owner of Hugs & Kisses, Tettenhall
Roman triumph: “The Ancient Romans’ greatest claims to fame have to be road construction as well as plumbing and sanitation systems.”
Mother of invention: “The development of charity Christmas cards and the introduction of personalised cards.”
Fighting talk: “Free parking in villages and towns. Better rates and rents for those in town and city centres. Sort out the Royal Mail please, don’t let it die…we need a better service and better prices.”
Laura Clarke, buyer of Scribbler
Roman triumph: “Wine and book binding.”
Mother of invention: “The evolution of more sustainable production, formats and packaging.”
Fighting talk: “Reduce stamp prices.”
Lauren Clarke, assistant buyer of Waterstones
Roman triumph: “My biggest thanks to the Romans are for underfloor heating, irrigation systems, boundary marking and foundations that have stood the test of time, plus our calendar which allows for monthly tracking.”
Mother of invention: “Seed paper which has enabled publishers to create a more sustainable way of sending cards and that gives recipients a way of further spreading the enjoyment with others.”
Fighting talk: “Please, please stop the prices of stamps rising any higher.”
Jo Webber, owner of Jo Amor, Tiverton
Roman triumph: “I thank the Romans for spaghetti carbonara, the four seasons pizza, tiramisu and many bottles of Montepulciano!”
Mother of invention: “For unwrapped cards becoming the norm so we have cards that do not cost the planet.”
Fighting talk: “The end of roadworks and introduction of free parking in towns.”
Lucy Eason, owner of George’s, Whitstable
Roman triumph: “Orgies and grand feasts!”
Mother of invention: “The continuing drive for sustainability in cards and their packaging, plus the development of the community support within the greeting card industry.”
Fighting talk: “Stop multi-nationals pushing up the rents.”
Maxwell Roberts, owner of Headrow Gallery, Leeds
Roman triumph: “The Three Tenors concert?! The Romans’ invention of the first-class stamps and Moonpig have been slightly damaging…I bet they wished they’d invented the cream scone!”
Mother of invention: “The improvements in the distribution of greeting cards meaning faster delivery for retailers while, for publishers, it has to be the advent of quality digital printing which has made card publishing viable for smaller businesses.”
Fighting talk: “All those on Facebook who are proud to say they won’t buy cards any more and just give a charitable contribution…but do they?”
Helen Southgate, co-owner of Cards ’N’ Things, Hellesdon
Roman triumph: “Clocks…I like to be organised and on time.”
Mother of invention: “The sheer choice of captions, such as ‘Your 100th park run’ and titles that combine an age and relation.”
Fighting talk: “Better support for local shops in general.”
Paul Southgate, co-owner of Cards ’N’ Things, Hellesdon
Roman triumph: “The font, Times New Roman.”
Mother of invention: “The sheer wealth of beautiful designs from upcoming artists, designers and publishers.”
Fighting talk: “Business rate relief for life.”
All winners of The Henries 2024 will be announced from the list of finalists and Best Service To The Independent Retailer shortlist on Thursday, October 3, in the Nine Kings Suite at London’s Royal Lancaster Hotel, at what is the greeting card industry’s big night, which this year will take on an Ancient Roman theme.
There’s a cocktail reception at 6.45pm, dinner and the awards ceremony from 7.20pm, then from 11pm it’s time to schmooze and dance the night away in your toga or gladiator’s kilt and sandals – or black tie and posh frock, if you prefer.
To book tickets click here. It will be a fabulous opportunity for the greeting card community to get together and celebrate its creative excellence as well as its strong sense of camaraderie.
These views also appeared in the September edition of Progressive Greetings magazine which can be read online here or you can subscribe here to receive the magazine by post each month.
