Indie owner Sue Miller knows what customers want after 25 years in business
One way to find out what’s selling well in the greeting card industry is to ask the retailers on the front line – so PG goes straight to the source each month, putting the “what’s hot?” question out there to find exactly what ranges customers are responding to.
Sue Miller owns Joyce’s With Best Wishes in Lingfield which is a delightful greeting card and gift shop with an adjoining café in a popular Surrey village.
Celebrating the shop’s 25th year, Sue was over the moon to be nominated in The Retas awards and, although she didn’t win the Home Counties & South East category, just to be picked as one of the six finalists was “a true testament to all of the hard work, dedication, and passion that we have put into our shop – it’s a moment to celebrate”.
Here Sue reveals her What’s Hot picks…
Everyday
Rosanna Rossi’s Novella range, and the general ranges from Sabivo Design and Two Little Monkeys – “All offer strong general birthday cards across a range of genres.”
Relations & Occasions
Rush Design and Lucilla Lavender’s general ranges – “Great ranges covering many captions.”
Humour
Rosie Made A Thing’s Gin & Frolics and Babble, and Dandelion Stationery’s Words Of Wisdom collection – “I couldn’t run the shop without these two companies’ brilliant humour cards.”
Cute
Paper Shed’s Wonderfully Wild range and Love Country’s general collections – “They are so cute.”
Art
ArtPress and Catch Publishing general ranges – “They cover the art masters as well as general art cards.”
Licensed
All Hype’s designs – “Great retro TV memories.”
Children’s
Janie Wilson’s Milkshake, Rosanna Rossi’s Confetti and Stripey Cats’ Wobbly Eyes – “They all offer bright and fun designs to cover all children’s ages.”
Keeping In Touch
Hearts Designs’ Mad Dots collection – “Beautifully classy.”
Louise Mulgrew’s general collections – “An eclectic range of designs.”
3d/Pop-ups
Paper D’Art’s complete collection – “Fabulously intricate.”
Pets
Scoffs’ Dog Edible Cards – “A wonderful idea.”
Dandelion Stationery designs – “Great for pets to give to their fave humans.”
Gifts
Blade & Rose baby and toddler wear – “Fabulous quality.”
Indulgence costume jewellery – “Lovely range.”
Eat Sleep Doodle placemats and pillowcases – “Pure fun.”
These views also appeared in the June edition of Progressive Greetings magazine which can be read online here, or you can subscribe here to receive the magazine by post each month.