Paperweight and The Pug And The Pussycat reveal what’s hot
Keeping tabs on customer favourites and good sellers is an important part of being a great greeting card retailer, and there are differences depending on location, shop type and clientele.
Independent design-led card and gift shop Paperweight is run by Deb and Paul Crane in Cardiff, who won Best Independent Greeting Card Retailer in Wales award in The Retas this year.
At The Pug And The Pussycat in Aldeburgh, owner Martyn Howard has clocked up 10 years at the store on the seaside town’s High Street that’s named after his pets Nancy and Maisie, and notices a welcome difference in trade on a sunny Saturday with no sport on the telly.
Through it all, the cards have kept selling, here Deb and Martyn reveal what’s hot in their respective corners of the UK.
Deb Crane, Paperweight
Everyday – “Belle by Rachel Ellen, bright and vibrant and the Daffodil card is very popular here in Wales.”
Relations & Occasions – “Our relations choice is Paper Chain by Stephanie Dyment from Woodmansterne, the strong colours and design stand out on our stands. For occasions it’s Caroline Gardner’s wedding cards that are classy, modern and fun. Something to suit all kinds of weddings.”
Humour – “Gin & Frolics from Rosie Made A Thing just hits the nail on the head with its relatable humour, it’s all so true!”
Children’s – “Sunshine from Paper Salad. So relatable to children with bright colours and fun characters.”
Adult Ages – “Mambo by Amy Eastland from Woodmansterne. Perfect for the male birthday with strong design covering many sports and male interests.”
Art – “Essoldo Design by Kate Rebecca Leach from Woodmansterne. Love, love, love! and so do our customers. Rich with gold inlay and striking images.”
Photographic – “Say Cheese from Ohh Deer, these are amusing snapshots to keep us smiling.”
Giftwrappings – “Summer Collection by Kate McFarlane from Glick. The designs are cute and quirky, perfect for all ages. Who doesn’t love a happy doughnut!”
Gifts – “Artisan Candles from Wild Olive. Beautifully finished with dried flowers and delightful scents.”
Martyn Howard, The Pug And The Pussycat
Everyday – “Woodmansterne, Emma Bridgewater.”
Relations & Occasions – “Belly Button’s designs are bestsellers!”
Humour – “Emotional Rescue’s Is It Friday Yet? range with Paper Salad.”
Children’s – “James Ellis, all of them.
Adult Ages – “Museums & Galleries, all of them!”
Art – “Green Pebble, amazing artist cards that sell very well all year.”
Cute – “Raspberry Blossom”
3D/Pop-Ups – “Alljoy Design, Message In A bottle. They created a bespoke card for us that just flies out.”
Giftwrappings – “Glick.”
Gifts – “Peace Of Mind (POM) for ladies and Best Years knitted toys for children.”
These views also appeared in the July and September editions of Progressive Greetings magazine which can be read online here and here, or you can subscribe here to receive the magazine by post each month.
