Retail buyers reveal which sales blasts got through at GCA’s DSD event
Pitching was in full flow at the recent GCA Dragon Speed Dating event where retail buyer Dragons were firing on all cylinders.
The 19 retailers were inspired by the 72 publishers, who made the most of the opportunity of these fast-paced face-to-face sales blasts to get their cards in front of the buyers who matter – as well as giving out goodie bags to everyone.
Once the dragons had considered their thoughts on who they met on the day and also had the chance to check out all goodies, PG caught up with some to discover which publishers had slayed them. In the last of this series, we finish with the musings from John Lewis, Lark London and Stationery Supplies…
Jason Billings-Cray, card buyer of John Lewis & Partners
Dragon flying: “There was a real buzz to the event and I really enjoyed the opportunity to sit down and chat with all the different publishers, taking great enjoyment in hearing their journeys, what they are working on, and what they thought would suit the John Lewis customer.
“In our conversations I also shared my opinions and advice with them that I hope was helpful in their developments.”
Den delights: “I was really impressed by the variety of publishers, the different styles, handwriting, and points of view; all building differentiation and uniqueness to the publishers. This made for an exciting day, as no two publishers were the same, and every conversation was unique.
“As for placing any orders as a result of the event, I won’t be making my next round of selections until September. However, there is plenty of food-for-thought, and I’m excited to review the samples.”
Priya Aurora-Crowe, co-owner of Lark, 19 stores in London and the south of England
Dragon flying: “It felt amazing having face to face meetings with the designers of the cards and hearing their respective stories of why they decided to start their business, feeling their passion for what they are doing. It was so very inspiring.”
Den delights: “I especially liked Mifkins’ lovely die-cut designs and Sharon King-Chai’s unique designs which showcased an amazing foiling techniques.
“I wasted no time and have placed plenty of orders already and will continue to do so!”
Sarah Laker, owner of Stationery Supplies, Wilmslow & Marple
Dragon flying: “This was my third time being a Dragon, and it was so rewarding to be greeted within a few minutes of arriving by Nikki Brown from The Silver Hen who was bursting to show me her cards and how she’d taken on board my comments from last year’s event.
“It was also great to see Arrthi again as I’ve been following her journey. I love her quirky, funny and unique designs.”
Den delights: “I was really impressed with the breadth of creativity and design from the 12 publishers I saw, three of whom I will definitely be looking at in more detail with a view to ordering as I loved their cards. These were Grace Jackson Design, Laura Darrington Design, Libra Fine Arts. Of The Latter, Katherine and Skip Khangurra’s pitch was so passionate and honest, I loved it.
“Two days after the event my two daughters arrived for a roast dinner on Mother’s Day and couldn’t wait to get stuck into the 72 packs of sample cards I’d brought home.
“Between us we made a shortlist of 22 publishers, not including the six from which we already buy. These include Lil Wabbit, Molly Mae, Paperlink, Penguin Ink, Ricicle Cards and Stormy Knight – I think I need bigger shops!”
