And it’s time to vote for Best Service To The Independent Retailer
Aaaaaannnnndddd they’re off! The fabulous 70-plus retailer judges are getting down to business for the initial online round in The Henries Awards 2024, playing close attention to all the fantastic greeting cards that have been entered.
The panel is made up of leading card retailers and buyers from right across the board – Asda, Barkers, Bazaar, Blue Diamond, Cardfactory, Cardzone, Dzodzo, Etcetera, First Class Greetings, Fortnum & Mason, Highworth Emporium, House Of Cards, Jo Amor, John Lewis & Partners, Kingfisher Cards, Lark London, Longacres, Medici Gallery, Moonpig, National Trust, Nor, Oliver Bonas, Paper Tiger, Postmark, Pretty Shiny Shop, Ryman, Sainsbury’s, Scribbler, Tesco, Threads, and Waterstones, to name just a few.
And they’ve a busy fortnight ahead checking out the immense creativity in the industry, to whittle entries down to arrive at the shortlist which will be put on show for the in-person judging session on 30 July, at which the finalists and winners will be chosen, and all will be revealed at a lavish ancient Rome-themed evening awards event on 3 October.
Meanwhile, every indie across the country is now being asked to help choose the winners in one of the most sought-after categories – The Best Service To The Independent Retailer.
“These are among the most coveted trophies,” said Jakki Brown, md of Max publishing which owns and organises The Henries. “There are Bronze, Silver, and Gold trophies which will be awarded to those greeting card suppliers who have provided our fabulous indies with great service over the past year.
“In these testing times, small stores have become masters at providing good service to their customers, so it really means a lot to them as they feel incredibly valued when publishers help their business with good, consistent service, and we want to reward those companies.”
To take part in the Best Service To The Independent Retailer vote, please click here to start the survey, and nominate your top three suppliers in first, second and third place. It should only take a couple of minutes, and all nominations will remain fully confidential.
While Cardgains is the sponsor of this category, retailers nominating do not need to be a member of the buying group, and voting closes on Thursday, 25 July.
There is still time to enter the Lynn Tait Best Young Designer Or Artist category, sponsored by Postmark, will is only judged physically, with all designers and artists encouraged to submit their entry boards showing their creative prowess and inspirations by the later closing date of Thursday, 25 July. The boards should be sent to The Henries, Max Publishing, United House, North Road, London, N7 9DP.
And nominations are also open for the Honorary Achievement award for individuals who have made a major contribution to the industry.
For the big awards night, there’s a full roster of generous sponsors without whom The Henries Awards would not be such a fabulous event for the industry. This year’s sponsors’ roster includes Alpha Colour Printers, Cardgains, Cardfactory, Cardzone, Designer Greetings, EBB Paper, Fedrigoni UK, GF Smith, Gould Paper Sales, Graphite Creative, The Imaging Centre, Loxleys, PG Live, Postmark, Scribbler, Sherwood Group, Skylight Media, Spring & Autumn Fair, UK Envelope Centre and Windles Group.
Taking place at The Royal Lancaster Hotel in London on Thursday, 3 October, 2024, The Henries 2024 awards will be an all-singing all-dancing event, with its colourful and vibrant ancient Rome theme!
To book tickets for the champagne drinks reception, sumptuous three-course meal, celebrity host, awards ceremony and after-party fun, click here.
