As it has now been three and a half months since card and gift shops re-openned, PG Buzz canvasses consumers to ask how this strange period in our lives has affected their own card buying habits.
In the second of a series, Manchester-based primary school deputy head, Jenny and Debbie, a marketing exec who lives in Hungerford, Berkshire share their respective card sending behaviours, as well as their views on the role greeting cards place in current society.
Jenny, aged 56, deputy head of a primary school
How would you describe yourself as a card buyer pre-lockdown?
“I am definitely an avid card buyer – and above average card sender. My favourite place to buy cards is Harriet & Dee, close to where I live in Didsbury. Going there is always enjoyable and the selection is great. I tend to buy art or humorous cards, always blank. I see the invention of the card clasp as a step forward as I see no need for cards to be bought wrapped.”
What were your card sending habits during lockdown?
“I sent fewer cards during lockdown, delving into my card box to see if I had something suitable, if not, I bought them from supermarkets, especially M&S.”
What recent card buying experience comes to mind?
“While on holiday in Cornwall I popped into Whistlefish in Padstow with the initial intention just to buy a tea towel for my neighbour. However, I ended up buying 12 cards (to replenish my card box at home). The designs were lovely and there was a great promotion on – 12 cards, a tin to keep them in and a giftbag for £12!”
What is your view of greeting cards generally?
“I am very happy that all the card shops are open again. Sending cards is a lovely thing to do. I enjoy choosing them, writing them and receiving them. I also like the fact that it enables a lot of talented artists to have their work seen.”
Debbie, aged 56, marketing executive
How would you describe yourself as a card buyer pre-lockdown?
“I would say I have always been a fairly active card sender – and am also the gatekeeper on the card front for my two daughters (aged 18 and 20) and husband. I have been furloughed, but prior to lockdown used to buy the majority of my cards from Occasions in Swindon during my lunchbreak. It not only has a great selection of cards and gifts but a very friendly service. My card tastes span from the pretty to the Prosecco-orientated and humorous. I go for less glittery ones these days.”
What were your card sending habits during lockdown?
“Working from home and with no independents open, we used up some of the cards we have in reserve (ours are kept in a large giftbag) while I bought others from supermarkets (Tesco and M&S). I reckon I sent about the same number of cards as I would have normally over the three months of lockdown.”
What recent card buying experience comes to mind?
“I use a birthday calendar so seeing what events are coming up, I visited our local independent, Inklings in Hungerford, knowing that I would find a great selection. I bought a 21st design (Belly Button), one for a 50th (Dandelion Stationery ) and a general one (Caroline Gardner). The whole experience felt very safe, with hand sanitiser at the entrance of the shop.
I realise that I am now more reluctant to touch the cards on display unless I think there is a good chance I will want to buy it. I would rather buy an unwrapped card, especially as the virus is likely to survive longer on plastic than cardboard.”
What is your view of greeting cards generally?
“Greeting cards are super important in our lives – receiving one signifies that someone has really thought about you, in the design they have selected through to the message they have written inside. I keep all the cards we receive on show for ages!”
To see a few more consumer comments, click here.
