Gemma International is to reinstate an independent sales force to represent the company’s core Gemma portfolio as well as others for its new Studio by Gemma brand, that was launched at PG Live two weeks ago.
This news coincides with the announcement that Is It Art (who previously represented Gemma International for the independent sector) is to be integrated into Carte Blanche Greetings.
Amanda Parkin, managing director of the licensed greeting card publisher reinforces the importance of its independent customers and explains that the company has been investing in ensuring that its in-house distribution and logistics facilities at its Andover HQ is fully prepared to provide a swift and efficient service for indies.
“We have never taken our focus away from our independent customers and with the very positive response we have had to Studio By Gemma, we feel the time is right to bring sales and distribution to the independent sector back into the heart of Gemma,” states Amanda.
“We are a business that originated from my parents’ vision some 30 years ago to offer outstanding products to the independent specialist sector and we understand what independents require in terms of exceptional differentiated product and great customer service.”
Studio by Gemma is a new standalone sibling brand with its portfolio developed specifically for independents, premium gift shops and upmarket non-specialists.
This new brand is separate from Gemma’s core portfolio, and is available packed in 3s, not 6s.
“We are looking to build on our long heritage in licensed products but with a curated offer for retailers who may not currently have considered our main Gemma line,” Amanda told PG just in advance of the launch.
Both Gemma International and Studio by Gemma products will be distributed from the in-house facilities, with the handover from Is It Art being completed by the end of the month.
Amanda reinforces that the company is “in the enviable position of having our complete operations under one roof. This, coupled with our new growing independent sales team and Gemma webshop; due to go live imminently, means we are confident that we can continue supply direct to any customer within 48 hours of placing an order.“
In the meantime, Gemma’s Customer Service team is on hand to help with any queries via email in the first instance at orders@gemma-international.co.uk or by telephone on 01264 388403.
