This week sees Gemma ship its first Studio By Gemma orders to independent retailers as a result of the publisher taking back the responsibility of servicing the indie sector following the changes with Is It Art (which represented Gemma in the independent sector for several years prior to it being absorbed into Carte Blanche Greetings).
“Independent retailing is at the very root of our business,” states Amanda Parkin, md of Gemma who co-owns the company with her brother Tim Rudd-Clarke. “Gemma evolved from our parents owning independent toy shops, so it feels really good to have a more direct relationship with indies again.
The Andover-based publisher launched its Studio by Gemma brand at the recent PG Live with a portfolio of products curated for independent card, gift and lifestyle stores. It also went live recently on a brand new trade store for its independent retailer customers (trade.store@gemma-international.co.uk) – image above.
“We are delighted by the calibre of sales agents who were keen to carry the Studio by Gemma range – and now have the whole of the UK almost fully covered,” reveals Amanda.
Director Tim Rudd-Clarke has even ‘gone back on the road’ as part of the company’s commitment to building relationships with indies.
“It has been 30 years since I made a sales call, but I have really enjoyed ‘cold calling’ on some great independent retailers, hearing their feedback – and taking a few orders to boot! I do thank them for their patience!” admitted Tim.
Among the recent licensing signings for the Studio by Gemma division are Watership Down and Simon’s Cat.
