Amazing, buzzy, back to normal – accolades flood in after great event
A great buzz, friendly faces from all over the world, and back to being able to enjoy lots of hugs made for an upbeat two days as PG Live 2022 wrapped up on Tuesday and Wednesday this week.
Sam Ody, Tesco’s lead buying manager everyday cards, emailed show organiser Jakki Brown, director of Max Exhibitions, after her visit to say: “I just wanted to reach out and congratulate you once again on the great show you put on this week. As always really well organised, with amazing new product from established as well as newer publishers.”
And that seemed to be the general consensus as the UK’s only dedicated trade show for greeting cards took centre stage at London’s Business Design Centre, with life almost back to normal following two years of Covid restrictions, and a large number of overseas distributors were in attendance.
On the opening day Caroline Ranwell, owner of Hugs & Kisses in Tettenhall, told PG Buzz: “I intend looking on every stand here as I’m at the show both today and tomorrow. It’s great to be back and, for greeting cards, this is the best show every year without a doubt. It’s very friendly, we mix business with pleasure.”
Dandelion Stationery owner Jo Wilson said: “It’s been fab, the atmosphere is lovely. It’s a real feel-good atmosphere, and it feels back to normal. It’s my favourite show and I think it always will be – and I love the free tea and coffee!”
And, having made it back home to No14 Ampthill after handing over her Golden Ticket to Dandelion Stationery, retailer Jo Barber emailed in to say: “I just wanted to drop you a line to congratulate you on a brilliant show, it has to be your best ever! A great mix of publishers, the usual jolly atmosphere and lots of orders placed – I do hope I’m not in on the day they all land!”
Dean Morris was up to his usual tricks taking selfies with anyone who stood still for long enough on his Dean Morris Cards stand, and added: “It’s always nice to be back at shows, the novelty of it still hasn’t worn off after Covid. We’ve had a few orders and, in general, I’m very pleased, this show is very nice and chatty. It’s so nice to be out and about again.”
Having posed up a storm with Dean at the show, Stationery Supplies Marple and Wilmslow owner Sarah Laker also emailed PG Live’s Jakki: “I’d like to think you’re having a rest today after such a stonking show but I bet you’re not! Your energy is incredible, how you keep up all you do for the industry I just do not know.
“I just wanted to say thank you, it was a triumph – it’s the only trade fair that creates such a feeling of belonging and joy. I was totally spoiled for choice, and wish I had a greeting card superstore for all the lovely publishers that I can’t fit into my shop.”
The special show offers from Abacus Cards and sibling publisher Clare Maddicott brought clients to the two stands and export manager Nicola Nash said: “It’s a buzzing show – buzzing is the key word. Everyone is in very good spirits and happy to be out and mingling again. And we’d given away seven Apple Airpods for orders over £500 net by the end of day one.”
Her colleague and art editor Liz Ellis added: “It’s been great, it’s been busy, we’ve had a lot of interest and great comments here on the Clare Maddicott stand, lots of positive feedback. It’s the first time in a long time we’ve exhibited Clare Maddicott separately and it’s been very good. We’ve already given away three bottles of Champagne for orders over £250 net too!”
On the Paper Salad stand co-owner Karen Wilson was in a buoyant mood, helped by the delicious dark chocolate treats the publisher had for visitors: “Really positive, we’ve seen nearly every big buyer today and had positive reactions to all our new stuff. Everyone seems to be in a good mood – and over Covid.”
Meanwhile Rachel Burt and Anna Price, designs with Carte Blanche brand Hotchpotch, enjoyed their visit. Anna brought along 11-month-old Rupert and said: “It’s a keeping in touch day for me as I’m still on maternity leave. Rachel has been working for the past year on her own. We’ve been walking around and everyone has said how busy it’s been and how buzzy it’s been. It’s really buzzing and like it was before Covid.”
“It’s absolutely buzzing!” said Woodmansterne’s head of marketing Kate Leach. “Last year was good, but this year it’s hugs, kisses, the vibe, the buzz – it’s lovely coming back to normal times. It’s really fun seeing all the friendly faces. There’s a lovely vibe and great to see all my favourite faces at the show.”
Carpe Lumen owner Ed Crispin added: “It’s fun and lively, and is a pretty good show. Everyone is happy, it’s busy and buzzy, there’s a great atmosphere. It’s only the second time I’ve been here, last year I was upstairs at the other end and I really like being down here at the front, it a nice little community.”
And over at Museums & Galleries, licensing manager Eddie Clarke was very excited to be back: “It’s lovely to see all the new ideas and product. It’s been very positive for us with lots of orders.”
The dates for next year’s PG Live are Tuesday and Wednesday, 6-7 June, 2023, once again at London’s BDC.
Top: The hard work paid off as PG Live 2022 opened for business
