Greetings industry celebrates Her Majesty’s record-breaking 70th anniversary
The celebration starts tomorrow with an extra-long bank holiday weekend so the whole country can mark Her Majesty The Queen’s record-breaking Platinum Jubilee.
And the greetings industry has certainly been embracing the 70th anniversary celebrations – marking the longest-reigning incumbent monarch, the longest-reigning female monarch in history, and the UK’s longest-reigning monarch – with fabulous shop window displays, great product offerings, and some fabulous card designs.
Even the irreverent Scribbler joined in the fun, taking a break from the retailer’s signature green to throw a very red, white and blue-themed indoor picnic at its London HQ yesterday (31 May).
The retail team even had an appearance from the Queen herself – aka head of design Aisling Crosland – and plenty of Scribbler’s own partyware.
At Cards N Gifts Dronfield, they’ve had to get in repeat orders of bunting, Union Jack balloons and partyware to keep up with local demand, and co-owner Carl Dunne is convinced the jubilee has boosted sale generally: “I’ve been so busy! We think it wouldn’t have been as busy without the jubilee.”
News and cards may not be quite by royal appointment at JP Pozzi in Buckie, but owner David Robertson has featured Her Majesty in his window display, along with a trio of cute corgis.
The Queen also appears in the window at Needham Market’s Lilac & Lily’s where co-owner Maria Pring said: “Her Majesty – or Queenie as we fondly like to call her – has made a little visit! Needham Market High Street is looking fabulous with all the jubilee flags and decorated windows.”
Mary Singleton-Jones is really going for it at Panda Cards in St Albans because today, 1 June, is her shop’s 45th anniversary.
Over the moon at the news she’s a Retas Best Independent Greeting Card Retailer Home Counties & South East finalist, Mary has had to stop leaping around in delight to get ready for her Champagne and cupcakes session at the shop today (1 June), between 1pm and 3pm.
Meanwhile up at in Cheshire, Stationery Supplies owner Sarah Laker and her team had to come up with something different for their Wilmslow store display, with a very clever use of product.
“We do windows differently there,” Sarah said, “as we don’t have a dedicated space like in our Marple shop, so we arrange stationery on the bureau. Molly’s made a cracking job of it!”
It’s balloons galore at Highworth Emporium, near Swindon, where co-owner Aga Marsden said: “Here’s what happens when you give three amazing women 1,200 balloons and a bottle of Prosecco – we are jubilee ready!” And they’re asking customers to pop in to the village to take a picture to tag the shop in on social media, with small prizes on offer too.
Finally, sharing their congratulations to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II on social media, Royal Mail said: “Across the country, talented crocheters and knitters are celebrating the Platinum Jubilee with a little help from our postboxes. Here are just a few of our favourites.”
