Strongest Ever Retail Uptake For Thinking of You Week

With a fortnight still to go, this year’s Thinking of You Week (September 20-26) is to be supported by more retailers than ever in its history. Meanwhile, the final cuts are being made to two distinct ‘mini films’ – one commissioned by Royal Mail, the other being created by Lanther Black on behalf of the GCA – to promote the event and celebrate the importance of greeting card sending and receiving.

Above: As well as making a special film, Royal Mail is also promoting the Week on social media channels plus through a special postmark on millions of items of stamped post. — **Above:** As well as making a special film, Royal Mail is also promoting the Week on social media channels plus through a special postmark on millions of items of stamped post.

From Asda to Clintons, B&M to Cardzone, Sainsbury’s to House of Cards as well as many other indies, are all really going for it with Thinking of You Week this year, with special displays and initiatives all lined up to champion the week.

“The last year and a half have really rammed home the importance of our relationships and showing you care, with the sending of greeting cards very much at the heart of this. It is wonderful that so many retailers, publishers and suppliers are already on board to make this year’s Thinking of You Week the best ever,” Amanda Fergusson, ceo of the GCA told PG Buzz. “And there is still plenty of time for others to get involved, with a host of ideas, downloadable assets for everyone to use on our website and on our dedicated blog.”

One publisher who has turned her Thinking of You Week thoughts into words is Helen Walters, owner of card publisher Schmunki Verse, who has crafted a special poem specifically to promote the week. The four verse poem encapsulates the power of sending a card, especially in these ‘instant’ times.

Above: The special ToYW verse that was created by Schmunki’s Helen Walters. — **Above:** The special ToYW verse that was created by Schmunki’s Helen Walters.

“Thinking of You Week is a lovely reminder to connect, and a card is such a lovely way to do that,” sums up Helen who wrote the poem “as a little reminder to do just that, so pop a thoughtful word in the post this week – it’s very likely going to make someone’s day!”

Above: Helen Walters with Amanda Fergusson at the recent Harrogate Home & Gift where the idea for the poem came about. — **Above:** Helen Walters with Amanda Fergusson at the recent Harrogate Home & Gift where the idea for the poem came about.

This poem, which includes the 2021 Thinking of You branding is free for all GCA members to share and support their own activity, downloadable from the association’s website.