PG January 2024 issue out now

Magazine’s physical and digital editions are ready to read

 

The new year is underway good and proper now that Progressive Greetings’ January 2024 edition landed a fair few days ago, and the digital version of the magazine has been uploaded too!

Bursting with industry news and views, retailer perspectives, cracking articles and tons of product newness, it makes for a good read as we embrace 2024.

Above: A scene from the Asda mini video that promoted Christmas card sending
Above: A scene from the Asda mini video that promoted Christmas card sending

From Woodmansterne’s significant launch into gift packaging and the sad death of industry stalwart Derek Hanley to Cardfactory’s Christmas marketing campaign and Asda’s card-centric commissioned video, the news pages cover lots of happenings. Click here to see them.

Above: Charisma in Sheffield really got into festive trading, even selling real Christmas trees!
Above: Charisma in Sheffield really got into festive trading, even selling real Christmas trees!

With Christmas being such a crucial trading period, which came good in the end for many, Viewpoints covers the jitters and the encouraging signs from indies. Click here to get a feel.

There’s more indie insights from Stationery Supplies’ Sarah Laker, who relives some of the inventive initiatives that she instigated for her two shops over the last year. To be inspired, click here.

Above: Priya, Dom and baby Celine outside Lark’s new East Sheen store
Above: Priya, Dom and baby Celine outside Lark’s new East Sheen store

Having been on a growth spurt on two counts, both with Lark’s store openings as well as their family, the indie retail chain’s co-founding couple Priya and Dom Crowe have certainly been busy. Click here to read their story.

Above: Mel Robins and her book The 5 Second Rule has inspired millions, including David Robertson
Above: Mel Robins and her book The 5 Second Rule has inspired millions, including David Robertson

The new year is a time of reflection and looking forward to possibilities. As the Year Of The Dragon gets fully underway columnist David Robertson unleashes his musings, highlighting how people born in this year typically symbolise authority, prosperity, and good luck. Click here to read his thoughts.

And there are more takes on what the coming year is likely to bring for our industry, both challenges and opportunities, as several members of the GCA council share their views, with more to follow in the upcoming February edition of the mag. Click here to see what their views are.

Above: Cardsharp’s column in December 2015 was all about the new British Empire and how the UK became supreme in culture and arts, citing 70s heavy metal band Black Sabbath’s rise as well as greeting cards as examples
Above: Cardsharp’s column in December 2015 was all about the new British Empire and how the UK became supreme in culture and arts, citing 70s heavy metal band Black Sabbath’s rise as well as greeting cards as examples

“Nostalgia ain’t what it used to be” is the witty headline of Cardsharp’s column which sees him indulge in a few reflections covering the last 33 years – from burning business issues to what Black Sabbath has in common with the UK greeting card industry. Click here to read his musings.

With a career passport crammed with 25 years of stamps from FMCG brands, having worked for Coca-Cola, Premier Foods and Tata, last spring Graeme Karavis moved into the sentiment lane, becoming group managing director of Hallmark and taking on the challenge to make a difference to the UK and Australia arm of the world’s largest privately-owned greeting card company. To read about his take on the trade so far click here.

Above: Having worked for Tata Graeme Karavis knows a lot about tea, but is learning fast about cards too
Above: Having worked for Tata Graeme Karavis knows a lot about tea, but is learning fast about cards too

Another relative newbie in a big chair is Akhtar Zahid, ceo of BGC Wholesale, who’s heading up a total overhaul of its product portfolio to release more margin for customers, significant investment in ecommerce and a rebrand to broaden retailers’ perceptions of what it offers. To read more about the plans click here.

Above: Iain Hamilton’s dad, a working farmer, also knows the importance of having fun
Above: Iain Hamilton’s dad, a working farmer, also knows the importance of having fun

With a job title of chief nitwit, a dog called Captain Ajax and a dedication to create proudly absurd greeting cards, Iain Hamilton stands out from the crowd – well, he is 6’ 8” – with his Bewilderbeest business. To enjoy a ride on a slide with his dad, click here.

Above: Soula Zavacopoulos (left) in one of the new Ryman Design with two of the retailer’s team
Above: Soula Zavacopoulos (left) in one of the new Ryman Design with two of the retailer’s team

Someone else who has very much forged their own path in the industry is Soula Zavacopoulos, founder of The London Studio. “Community over competition” is the mantra for this artistic entrepreneur, which she has brought to life in the new Ryman Design concept stores and the launch of The London Studio Artists’ Collective-dedicated greeting card display which features the work of 38 artists and publishers. To find out more, click here.

The start of the year has seen a wealth of new products blasting on to the scene, and the Innovations section is burgeoning with newness, showcasing loads of lovely stuff, including those launching at this month’s Top Drawer show. To feast your eyes, click here.

And to see what top sellers they’re up against take a look at the What’s Hot? section in which some leading retailers reveal what’s been flying off their shelves, just click here.

Above: This Stormy Knight new Christmas card is a double dose of added extras and appealing to dog owners
Above: This Stormy Knight new Christmas card is a double dose of added extras and appealing to dog owners

While we’ve just got over Christmas 2023, publishers and retailers are already preparing for the 2024 festive season. PG caught up with publishers who shared some of the design and caption nuances that feature in their brand-new festive collections. Click here to jump right back into Christmas.

Ending on a trendy treat, the Art Source section this month sees leading design soothsayers reveal what will be driving our aesthetic tastes in the coming year. Just feast your eyes, by clicking here.

Above: Kate Heiss’ oranges design echoes the Zest For Life trend predicted by Jehane Boden Spiers, founder of the Jehane artists and licensing company
Above: Kate Heiss’ oranges design echoes the Zest For Life trend predicted by Jehane Boden Spiers, founder of the Jehane artists and licensing company

All this and more in the pages of our lovely magazine. Wouldn’t you like to hold it in your hands so you can flick through and read it wherever it takes your fancy? To SUBSCRIBE NOW go to www.max-subscriptions.net

However, if you can’t wait, to read the whole PG January 2024 edition online you can click here.

MORE NEWS
SWan Mill gifted Feature Image
 
David Byk adds stationery and calendar firm to Ling, GBCC and Penny Kennedy group...
Budget 2024 Feature Image
 
Labour’s tax raid condemned as ‘anti-High Street’ and ‘betrayal’ of indie retailers...
Don L TRibute Feature Imagen
 
Industry stalwart John Charlton pays tribute to Don Lewin...
Loxleys 170 Feature Image
 
Loxleys wraps up big birthday celebrations and looks to the future...
Adam jollyes Feature Image
 
Cardfactory top dog makes the move to pet retailer Jollyes in January...
LF call Feature Image
 
Cardies have a week for charities to apply to The Light Fund...
Get the latest news sent to your inbox
Subscribe to our daily newsletter

The list doesn't exist! Make sure you have imported the list on the 'Manage List Forms' page.