While The Henries 2018 greeting card awards celebrate the ‘hot hits’ of the current card publishing world, the theme of the awards event (on October 4) will be a blast back to the 1980s.
To get into the spirit of the event, three retailers reveal what they feel were the best things about the 80s and add their picks of what would be good for the industry right now.
Ellie Kleinlercher, buyer of Between the Lines:
Your 80s Hot Hits
- I wasn’t alive in the 80s, but I’ve heard the fashion and hair were very interesting!
- Films – E.T. and Ghostbusters
- Music – Wham! And Michael Jackson.
Industry Boosters?
- Push to use plastic free or recyclable packaging on all products.
- Continue to increase the diversity of designs.
- Continue to support new and upcoming designers.
Tim Reynolds, retail manager of The Medici Gallery:
Your 80s Hot Hits
- The Channel Tunnel, which enabled easier access to the cheap, wine-filled, French hypermarkets.
- Joan Collins in Dynasty – especially when she got into a cat fight with Crystal Carrington.
- Dodgy sexist Athena posters – except the one of Debbie Harry that was genuinely artistic.
Industry Boosters?
- A freeze on postal charges.
- Discounts from suppliers to small independent retails (Rather than for multi-outlet chains).
- Lower business rates.
Natalia Kosterska, assistant buyer of Oliver Bonas:
Your 80s Hot Hits
- The music: Cyndi Lauper, Top of the Pops, The Cure and Bowie.
- Big hair and wild clothing. I am thinking of my mum in the 80’s! She looked an absolute babe.
- Ghostbusters and Top Gun.
Industry Boosters?
- Moving towards more eco-environmentally friendly cellowrapping and more easily recyclable materials.
- More networking events as it’s great to meet new suppliers and fellow retailers which makes you love the industry more.
