Visitors to this year’s PG Live were spoilt for choice with over 280 exhibitors showing off the very best in greeting card design. PGBuzz caught up with more retailers on what ranges caught their eye on the show floor.
Lindsey Kleinlercher, product director of Between the Lines:
Fave Raves: “As far as products are concerned, we were really impressed with the beautiful, eye-catching wrap and cards from Kali Stileman. Hammond Gower, as usual, had some stunning new collections. I especially loved its large wedding cards and the box of Positive Love Hearts.
The colourful range of notebooks from Go Stationery were great, as were the more subtle, pretty notebooks and cards from Cinnamon Aitch. We were able to place many orders and look forward to receiving these new ranges into our stores imminently.”
PG Live Notes: “The Business Design Centre is the perfect location for PG Live. This show is vibrant, exciting and on trend, but still able to maintain its friendly and intimate atmosphere. Not only are the exhibitors of great quality, but there is clearly also a huge amount of attention and care going into the show from the organisers. The food was greatly appreciated and the massive balloons in the lunchroom added to the fun ambience. Thank you PG Live team for a really enjoyable day.”
Kirsty Hicks, card buyer of Waitrose:
Fave Raves: “I was very drawn to the Feelgood Cards’ stand due to the great colours and photographic imagery. I also loved Bettie Confetti as the cards expressed what a lot of us feel, but would not necessarily say aloud, and I thought Little Paperie had some beautiful illustrations.
Down in the main body of the show I was impressed by The Art File’s Just Frank and Anthropomorphic ranges. I also really liked The Proper Mail Company’s different approach, including the kraft board.
But OMG – Paper Salad! It is incredible what they do, the effort they put into their designs (from the new kids cards to wedding designs) and the stand is amazing.”
PG Live Notes: “A great show that never disappoints! We started in Springboard as usual and discovered loads of great new, innovative products, but there were lots of fresh new ideas from the main body of the show too. We want our card offering to be ‘unique and different’ and found loads of incredibly fresh designs that fit this bill perfectly.”
Lesley Dunne, owner of Feathering Your Nest, Rayleigh:
Fave Raves: “We saw some fresh new companies and talented artists and placed quite a few orders. Lola Designs, Raspberry Blossom and Counting Stars will be new for us this summer. Some of our best sellers were topped up by Hearts Designs, Megan Claire, Proud Courtier and Wraptious.”
PG Live Notes: “We had a memorable day meeting lots of new suppliers and artists. We were sad to leave at the end as we still had more to see and buy. We left loaded with bags filled to the brim with goodies and catalogues to keep us busy! Next year we will definitely come for both days. We had so much more to see; my request is to make it three days!
The show has a relaxed, chilled vibe and everyone seems happy to be participating. It is a social show, which reflects the extra effort that has been put in for buyers to feel appreciated. Shows are generally hard work, but the delicious free lunch and no long coffee queues helped us stay on track – so everyone’s a winner.”
Fiona and Victoria Robinson, co-owners of Wishes Cockermouth:
Fave Raves: “We love the handwriting approach of Pearl of a Girl, it makes for a very classy look. Other highlights for us are Dandelion Stationery (its use of words has both a humorous and poignant touch) and Amy Louise (we love the colours, format and sentiments such as ‘Proud of You’).”
PG Live Notes: “This was our first trip to PG Live and we loved it as it is cards, cards, cards! As we live, eat and sleep cards, the show celebrates everything we love.”
