Retas-winning indies gain fab publicity thanks to local newspapers
Making the headlines in a positive way helps attract attention and clinch potential new customers for indies – and Retas winners are doing just that with some fab local publicity to mark their awards triumphs.
Dee’s Cards, Hugs & Kisses, HBB Cards, and The Card Centre are among the successful independent greeting card retailers who have found themselves featured in their local newspapers in recent weeks thanks to taking home one of the silver lady trophies.
John Barratt’s Best Card Retailer East Anglia win for The Card Centre in Felixstowe sparked an extra-special story in the East Anglian Daily Times when the reporter realised the store has been in the family for 75 years – and a greeting card shop since 1964!
The newspaper reported how John co-owns the store with his brother, and has worked there for 46 years as the third generation of the family to be in charge. Grandparents Edith and Harry Bailey set up the White House Café in the building in the early 1930s then John’s parents Mercia and Stan bought it from them in 1947 and turned it into a sweet shop and tobacconists, before becoming the card shop it is today.
“The shop means a lot to me,” John told the paper, “which is why I haven’t retired!” and he explained that customers’ tastes have become more discerning over the years, many travelling long distance to the shop to buy specific designs.
He added: “We have several people who travel from a long way away, and buy six months’ worth of cards at a time. Just the other day, we had someone from South London, and then several people from Cambridge and one lady from Guildford comes in regularly.”
Having previously won The Retas award 10 years ago, John said: “This time it meant more to me, because of getting through Covid. Keeping the shop going through the pandemic wasn’t easy, but we managed it.”
John’s dedication also earned a mention in the paper’s arts column where he was featured for his long-service as a volunteer and member of the Trianon Music Group, playing cello, singing in the choir, being the choir master and supervising the sale of tickets for concerts.
The columnist wrote: “All this is done with a smile and unflappability. However, like many of us, John has many other lives including owning a much-valued shop in Felixstowe. At a time when many independent retail outlets have been struggling, John’s Card Centre has won a major award…no wonder he can do many things simultaneously!”
It was the Leighton Buzzard Observer which has been banging the drum for Paul Mordecai and Hannah Rudder, who co-own Dee’s Cards in the town, and collected the Best Greeting Card Retailer Home Counties & South East title at the recent celebration of the best greetings stores of 2022.
Paul said: “This win has given us such a huge buzz – the congratulations from customers has been absolutely delightful. This gives us a real boost to keep doing what we are doing and serve our community who all seem to enjoy shopping with us and being a real part of what we do.”
Celebrating her own birthday this weekend, Hugs & Kisses’ owner Caroline Ranwell has her trophy safely stashed at her Tettenhall store and was very proud to show it off in the Express & Star after the shop won the Wales & The Midlands category.
A card rep herself prior to opening her greeting card and gift store, which she runs with daughter Katie, Caroline also has a clothing selection a few doors down.
Having been a finalist last year, when she won this time around Caroline said: “I didn’t cry when I went up to get the award, but I did for about half an hour when I sat back down! It was such an amazing day, I don’t think it’s one that I will ever forget!
“Ooooh, it’s going mad again here – the story is fabulous publicity for us as it’s started people talking again, which is great.”
Hayley Bastable has had a lot to cope with since opening HBB Cards in Newport Pagnell in November 2020 – three days after welcoming her first customers, the second lockdown hit and, just 18 days after reopening in December, there was a third wave, plus she’s been struck down by Covid no less than five times.
But that’s all behind her now and winning the Best Newcomer Or New Branch trophy was a great fillip with the story in the MK Citizen being the icing on the cake.
“It’s a huge thing to win within the greeting cards industry,” Hayley said. “It was really nice to have this recognition from a very difficult start – I had to remain closed until April 2021, it was a very tricky time. I was nervous and worried but determined to last things out. I must have done something right!
“I was given an amazing trophy which is currently being displayed in my window.”
Top: Dee’s Cards, Hugs & Kisses, HBB Cards and The Card Centre are all in the news
