Frosts to launch new display of its finds while the video of the event goes live
Leading garden centre retailer, Frosts of Woburn Sands is to introduce a new greeting card display feature as a direct result of the recent GCA Speed-dating with Dragons initiative incorporating cards from 12 publishers who participated in the event.
Alexis Hayward, head of group buying for Frosts Garden Centre and her colleague Karen Verrell, card buyer were two of the ‘dragons’ at the GCA event, which took place at the end of February. They were so impressed with some of the publishers’ ranges that they saw (both in person and also from the samples in the goody bag they were given) that they will be introduced into the garden centre’s flagship Woburn Sands centre.
“We are so excited about the opportunity for us to showcase new suppliers within the range of cards offered at Woburn Sands,” says Alexis. “We have just re-planned our Woburn Sands store layout to allow us to install additional fixtures on which to house a ‘new’ card offering which means customers can see that there are some new designs on offer. We will select a small number of SKUs to start with and if the new supplier is successful we will roll out to the other three shops and add SKUs to the range.”
Sharon Little, ceo of the GCA said: “It is such great news to hear that Frosts will be trying some new publishers, all thanks to the connections made at the Speed-dating with Dragons event. We’ve had some fantastic feedback from both retailers and publishers who attended the event and I hope we’ll hear a few more success stories like the Frosts one!”
Jeremy Corner, treasurer of the GCA and co-owner of Blue-Eyed Sun (and former film maker) was on-hand at the event filming the proceedings. He has masterfully managed to condense the afternoon’s events into a short video featuring interviews with publishers and retailers. To get a flavour of the event, view the video below:
The event, held at the London Design Centre saw 60 lucky publishers pitching their products to a trio of 18 retail buyers in quickfire 10 minute feedback sessions. Buyers participating were from multiples, small chains and independent stores and included representatives from Clintons, Cardzone, Scribbler, House Of Cards, Frosts Garden Centres, Belly Button Designs, Calliope Gifts, Forget Me Not Stubbington, Little Paperie and Unit 7.
SAVE THE DATE
Those keen for another great networking event, should save the date for the GCA AGM and Conference. This this popular meeting of minds will take place on Tuesday 24 October 2017 at Birmingham Council House in central Birmingham. Details to follow.
