“Cardgains has come a long way in its 30 year history, but with today’s membership representing 1,000 independent retail rooftops its successful continuing evolution is a real cause for celebration,” Chris Dyson, joint managing director of Cardgains told PG Buzz. “We have an exciting programme of initiatives and promotions for our milestone year – and a new motivated and experienced salesteam to support our existing members and encourage other retailers to join us,” he added.
With last week’s Spring Fair officially kicking off the 30th anniversary celebrations, Cardgains new sales team made their trade debut, but they are certainly not strangers to many in the industry.
Joining Jim Girvan, Cardgains’ general sales manager (who also covers Scotland) are Jane Rodgers (who is to cover the north), Alan Harwood (who will cover the south) and Ron Ritchie, who is responsible for the Midlands. The trio are all formerly of UKG (and Jane is also a former retail member of Cardgains).
Penny Shaw, marketing director of Cardgains told PG Buzz how the next eight months will see a flurry of innovative promotions and competitions from 21 suppliers, offering Cardgains members the chance to win various prizes, collectively worth well over £5,000.
“There will be two of three promotions each month, starting with H&H’s incentive which will see a member winning a £200 Premier Inn voucher, but other great prizes including televisions, theatre tickets and experience days are all being lined up,” she explained.
Among the suppliers to have committed to participating in this promotions bonanza are Abacus, Carte Blanche, Cherry Orchard, Enesco, GBCC, Glick, Grassroots, House of Sarunds, IC&G, Jacksons, Ling, Nigel Quiney, Paper Rose, Pioneer, Second Nature, UKG, Wax Lyrical, Widdop and Co, Words ‘n’ Wishes and Xytos.
In addition, in order to encourage Cardgains’ members to try new suppliers’ products within the buying group’s portfolio, some 13 companies are putting together a ‘taster’ offer that will be available to members for only £30.00 each. The Cardgains’ rep force will be introducing these as part of their service calls to members.
“With a retail value of between £100-£140, comprising some 18 cards, this will allow a member who has not dealt with that supplier ever before or not for a long time, to fill two rows on their card racks, or create two blocks of nine cards, and add some newness to their offer,” said Chris.
Top: The Cardgains’ sales team (left-right) Jane Rodgers who covers the north; general sales manager Jim Girvan, also responsible for Scotland; Alan Harwood who covers the south and Ron Ritchie, who is responsible for the Midlands.
