This time last year some 46% of independent card retailers were predicting growth in 2019. Will this come good? All will be revealed in the findings of the PG Independent Retail Barometer, the only annual survey into the health and wealth of independent greeting card stockists.
The survey went live last month, and with a deadline of December 15, indies are being urged to participate to ensure that the picture their collective experiences paint is as credible as possible.
What are your expectations for your business in 2019?
If you are an independent retailer, to participate in this significant survey (with all individual submissions remaining confidential), click here.
The survey can be completed (in 12 minutes) in sections so retailers can stop and start when needed. Respondents just need to be sure to access the link using the same device, however all answers are final once they click ‘done’.
As a thank you for their time, three lucky winners will be drawn at random by an impartial team member to receive a hamper full of treats from M&S!
“As the recent news from Clintons testifies, this year is proving a pivotal one on so many levels, with so much change and significant happenings within the greeting card industry, the UK and in the world at large,” stated Jakki Brown, editor of Progressive Greetings. “Within this is the continuing and important role of independent retailers. The PG Retail Barometer shines a light on the trials, tribulations and triumphs of the independent greeting card retailer, providing invaluable insights and annual benchmarks as to how business is going for these greeting card champions,” she added.
“Tough” was the one word that most independent card stockists felt summed up trade last year – but what will be the magic word for 2019?
It was supermarkets who were seen as the retailers posing the biggest threat to an indies trade in 2018, due to their enviable footfall, invariably free parking and improvements in their greeting card selection and display, although Card Factory was a smidge behind the grocers.
Humorous cards were feted as the category, which showed the greatest growth while social media, shop improvements and loyalty building initiatives were highlighted as having been boons to their business.
The survey is open until December 15.
Top: The PG Independent Retailer Barometer will reveal how trade has been in 2019 for indie card stockists.
