Notes from McMillan Cards & Paper md on the greeting card scene Down Under
The BBC’s recent Around The World In 80 Days series of Phileas Fogg’s adventures hit a chord with PG Buzz, prompting it to head off in its balloon to check in with some of the leading greeting card distributors and publishers in various parts of the globe to find out how trade has been in their corner of the world.
Today’s stop-off is in Sydney, Australia, catching up with Jenny Cummins, md of McMillan Cards & Paper.
“Looking back, I have to admit that I approached the last year with trepidation but it turned out to be a record one for McMillan,” reveals Jenny, whose McMillan Cards & Paper business distributes many UK greeting card companies in Australia, including The Art File, Berni Parker Designs, Dandelion Stationery, Madame Treacle, Rosie Made A Thing, Sooshichacha, Wendy Jones-Blackett and Wrendale Designs among others.
As she adds: “There are changes due to retail situations but, generally, our market is buoyant and resilient, officially it is doing remarkably well. The changes relate to the sad disappearance of some chains, the closure of so many stores, and our largely empty central business districts due to most office staff working from home, which is shifting business into the suburbs and regional towns.”
What have been some of the recent challenges and positives?
“The challenges can be summed up in one word – logistics! On the positives it’s overcoming the freight issues and being able to supply; working more closely with our retailers and helping them with ranges which will work well for them; appreciating the really lovely and even more exciting new ranges coming from our British publishers who have all been amazing and great.”
Have you clocked any changes in card-buying habits from the consumer in Australia?
“The most obvious change has been the gradual acceptance of unwrapped cards in our market. There is also a noticeable decline of glitter and attachments, and big changes – for the better – in board, all mindful of producing a more planet-friendly product. This goes with strong themes for botanics, green themes and animals and at the same time more complex design. More buying is being done via our website so supplier images of product need to be upgraded to better show off the assets of their cards.”
“I find myself again stressing about what this year will bring, the curves it will throw at us, can we do as well as we did in the remarkable past 12 months? I hope we will continue to cope with the logistical nightmare of bringing card stock in via sea freight as it becomes even more difficult to even find a vessel ex-Tilbury. Thank heavens for the strong team who surround me and take up so much of the load. So glad we are returning to trade fairs, I have really missed the interaction with people and also the opportunities they bring.”
Are you coming to PG Live in June?
“Of course! Not only is it in the diary, but it’s booked!”
PG Live takes place 7-8 June at London’s Business Design Centre, bringing the whole greeting card world under one airy roof. To register to attend, click here. To find out more about exhibiting, contact Warren Lomax on warren@max-publishing.co.uk or call on 07977 572086.
Top: Jenny Cummins during a recent trip to London from Sydney
