Having won a Retas’ award in July, Bailey’s Cards and Gifts (in Ainsdale and Crosby) now has another trophy to add to the collection as owners Penny and Simon Bailey have been pronounced Hallmark Gold Crown Retailer of the Year.
The Baileys were presented with their award at the Gala Dinner in the evening of the annual Gold Crown Owners Seminar, which took place at Leeds’ Oulton Hall recently.
The Outstanding Store Development Award went to Hallmark QLM, in Leeds, owned by Maurice Esofsky and Debbie Zoltie while the Outstanding New Gold Crown Retailer Award was presented to Laura Houlston who owns Hallmark Gold Crown stores in West Kirby and Prestatyn.
The Outstanding Loyalty to Hallmark Gold Crown Award was given to Aidan Masterson of Hallmark Card Gallery, Dublin.
As well as the retailer awards, the event also saw the Hallmark Gold Crown Outstanding Area Sales Manager of the Year Award be presented to Sue Strong who manages the North West and Cheshire Territory.
Bob McGhee of Hallmark Newark was the lucky winner of the ‘Big Prize Draw’, his prize being a Hallmark-funded store refurbishment in 2020.
As Graeme Francis, Gold Crown business manager told PG Buzz: “This year’s Gold Crown seminar and gala dinner had a very uplifting feel. The theme was very much Future Focused with Hallmark totally committed to supporting our Gold Crown store owners, partnering together to ensure their businesses are stronger.”
The seminar included interactive sessions on how to better connect with consumers through social media, maximising an online presence, making the in-store consumer experience really special, the launch of one of the largest 4th quarter product releases, including Gold Crown exclusives as well as an open forum Q&A panel hosted by Hallmark managing director Amanda Del Prete and customer and category director, Matt Critchlow.
“The Gold Crown programme re-launch last year and commitment from Hallmark has given confidence for many members to look to expand and grow their business and invest in new stores as testified by Laura Houlston recently opening a store in Prestatyn to add to her store in West Kirby as well as Simon and Penny Bailey having opened their Crosby Gold Crown store, with a 3rd due to open in January 2020,” said Graeme.
Top: (second right-left) Penny and Simon Bailey of Bailey’s Cards & Gifts with their Gold Crown award that was presented to them by Hallmark’s Amanda Del Prete, Ciaran Leonard and (far right) Graeme Francis.
