Progressive Greetings August 2018 Issue Out Now

Cooling off in the pool or standing by the fan in the shop? Why not take your August issue of Progressive Greetings with you unbelievably this hot summer season! It’s out now, delivering all the views and news, industry stories and new greeting card launches, and much, much more!

The Retas 2018 were a wonderfully uplifting afternoon – especially for Kairds of Kirkwall in Orkney whose trip hauled a great catch!

Over 400 members of the greeting card community attended The Retas 2018 greeting card retailer awards to hear the announcement of this year’s winners at The Dorchester Hotel in London on July 11, which this year took on an Into The Blue oceanic theme and was compered by comedian Tania Edwards.

In her welcome speech at the event, PG’s co-owner Jakki Brown said: “This year’s Into The Blue oceanic theme for The Retas embraces the commitment our industry is making to further improve its high environmental credentials and safeguard this wonderful trade and our beautiful planet.” Paying tribute to The Retas winners and finalists, she added that: “Although there are plenty of fish in the retailing sea, it takes courage, determination and fortitude to maintain a steady course given the turbulent waters in retail and life.”

See all the winners within the August issue of Progressive Greetings (click to pages 33 to 43) as well as ‘wave’ of Retas party pictures (click to pages 29 to 31).

The Wooden Postcard Company has created bespoke designs for Snape Maltings.

Snape Maltings arts complex is known the world over for hitting the high notes on the musical front, but its win at The Retas amplified its greeting card score. Find out more from its greeting card supremo buyer Jane Hall (click to pages 52 to 53).

For Karen Wilson, co-founder of Paper Salad, one of her many football highlights has been meeting Pogba (right) with her husband Mike (left).

While The Retas’ winners success was not replicated on the pitch by our UK squad, there were learnings to be had from manager Gareth Southgate’s approach. Members of ‘team greetings’ shared their views as well as their cherished football memories in the Viewpoints section. (click to pages 25-27).

In their celebratory decade, Brainbox Candy is in the finals of The Henries with its David Shrigley range.

With a decade under their belts, the ‘Brainbox Boys’ have added so much to this industry and the ranges they have created (under both Brainbox Candy and Unknown Ink) continue to add colour to the card racks. (click to pages 44 to 45).

And, of course, August PG also includes, Innovations (click to pages 47-51); wise words from regular columnist David Robertson of Scottish retailer JP Pozzi, who this month discusses taking care of your mental health (click to pages 20 to 21); and publisher Blue Eyed-Sun’s Jeremy Corner, who is taking about facing your fears (click to pages 54-55).