Greeting card retail group, Scribbler is planning to expand the reach of its own brand greeting cards, the majority of which are created by its in-house studio, by exploring the options of supplying a select number of other retailers on a wholesale basis.
The retailer, which trades from 37 shops as well as from a very active online platform, has been publishing in-house designed card ranges for over six years, with increasing success.
“Having a strong online platform where we can test reaction to designs gives us an immediate gauge as to how successful the cards are likely to be if we introduce them into the shops,” explains John Procter, co-founder of the company.
As he points out, “We have a great number of designs that have only seen the light of day in our shops and on our webshop. As so many have been very successful we feel it is logical to explore sharing them with a wider audience by supplying select retailers,” said John explaining the rationale behind the planned expansion into wholesale.
The retailer started exploring this option a couple of years ago, but stalled its plans while it concentrated on perfecting a print direct-to-store mechanism, further developing its web presence as well as building on the strong consumer following for the Scribbler brand.
Scribbler has developed hundreds of own brand designs over the last six years, which it has released on a continuous basis.
While Scribbler’s physical shops are currently closed due to lockdown, sales from the company’s webshop are “phenomenal; up five-fold,” reveals John. “There is certainly no dampening of the consumer’s appetite for greeting cards.”
The company’s in-house design studio is continuing to work flat out to create new designs to feed the demand.
The retailer has found great success in its ability to create designs that combine topical themes with contemporary graphic styles. While not shying away from its reputation for ‘edgy’ and ‘risque’ designs, John says that some of the best sellers are just “fun or downright ridiculous – just what people need in the present time.”
While the Scribbler team would consider supplying independents, providing the quantities were large enough, it is felt that the specialist retailer’s branded offer would also be a good addition to a multiple grocer’s card selection. Enquiries from international retailers are also being considered.
Any retailer interested should contact Andrew Webb on Andrew@scribbler.co.uk.
Top: Scribbler’s newest store, in Leeds, which opened in January was trading well until lockdown happened.
