Retailers reveal hopes for the industry and acknowledge awards importance
Getting 35 retail buyers together for the recent live Henries Awards judging was a great opportunity to find out what they wish for in the greeting card industry.
As the judges made wishes come true for those reaching the finals in The Henries 2023, PG also asked them to cast their votes on what their three wishes would be for the industry as a whole, as well as sharing their views on the importance of the Henries Awards themselves.
And the buyers from the largest multiples to leading indies used their collective retailing expertise to come up with some great ideas.
In our second tranche of comments today we have views from WHSmith, House of Cards, Red Card, Bailey’s, Cardies, Scribbler and Pencil Me In….
Hannah Arthur, buying assistant of WHSmith
Your three wishes for the industry
“For there to be greater diversity in the industry.
“For more technology-enhanced cards.
“More humour cards.”
Your judge’s verdict on The Henries
“The Henries Awards celebrate the importance of cards to society as a whole, making us all feel more connected to loved ones.
“The ranges that reach the shortlist and the finals are a great reflection of public taste at the time.”
Nigel Williamson, co-owner of House of Cards’ seven Home Counties shops
Your three wishes for the industry
“For our postal service to work at full capacity this Christmas and beyond.
“For the general public to send more Christmas cards this year than they did in 2022.
“For there to be fewer out of stocks and errors on our card deliveries from publishers.”
Your judge’s verdict on The Henries
“It is so very good to have a focal point and The Henries does just this. We are very lucky to have The Henries which brings the whole industry to celebrate together every October.”
Sally Matson, owner of Red Card, Petworth
Your three wishes for the industry
“Lower the stamp prices.
“Make all cards cellowrap-free.
“Further the PR campaign about how sending and receiving cards is good for mental health and wellbeing.”
Your judge’s verdict on The Henries
“The Henries are vital. We all know that recognition is often the only appraisal or feedback that many of us receive – especially as business owners. For designers/publishers, people to have your work acknowledged and appreciated by the industry is hugely motivational.
“The awards are great for PR and marketing, but also the whole awards process, from the judging through to the awards event itself provides a great opportunity to mix with your peers and others in the industry.”
Penny Bailey, owner of Bailey’s, in Ainsdale, Crosby and Maghull
Your three wishes for the industry
“To increase card sending.
“For there to be no further increases in postal costs.
“For the public to understand that card sending supports a huge industry – artists, publishers, printers, retailers and benefits a lot of charities.”
Your judge’s verdict on The Henries
“The Henries keep the profile of the industry raised high. Being a judge provides a great opportunity to meet other retailers and see the best ranges on offer, while the awards event itself is a wonderful opportunity for a great big celebratory party!”
Jo Sorrell, owner of Cardies, Old Stevenage
Your three wishes for the industry
“For there to be more encouragement to send cards to share positivity, thoughtfulness and kindness rather than just for the standard occasions.
“For there to be more consumer awareness about how sustainable the greeting card industry in order to counter any unfair negative consumer perception on environmental grounds.
“For more card designs for sporty women, rather than just flowers. Plus, for more female relations cards featuring dogs.”
Your judge’s verdict on The Henries
“These awards are so very important as we all need positive feedback and some recognition to encourage us.
“Having awards that are open to all, free of charge to enter is vital, meaning that all publishers, from the largest to the smallest, can enter, meaning we as judges get to see them all.”
Ruth Taylor, buying assistant at Scribbler
Your three wishes for the industry
“For there to be even more cards produced in the UK.
“For the industry to become cardon neutral.
“For this to become a plastic-free sector.”
Your judge’s verdict on The Henries
“The Henries give the card designers their just deserts by recognising them for their amazing creations.”
Sarah Holmes, owner of Pencil Me In, Elgin
Your three wishes for the industry
“To create a reduced-cost Christmas card stamp, that is good value for the sender and Royal Mail.
“More support/understanding for smaller independent publishers when dealing with larger retailers on terms.
“It has been wonderful to see the industry more to be more plastic-free/naked. Let’s keep this continuing.”
Your judge’s verdict on The Henries
“I know how much it means to publishers to be recognised in their field. The Henries provide a wonderful opportunity for us to celebrate their creativity and dedication to the wonderful world of greeting cards.”
The full list of Henries Awards finalists can be found here, with the Best Service To The Industry finalists here, and all the winners will be revealed at the industry’s Mardi Gras-themed big night on 5 October, at London’s Royal Lancaster Hotel. Tickets for the event can be bought here.
These views also appeared in the September edition of Progressive Greetings magazine which can be read online here, or you can subscribe here to receive the magazine by post each month.
