Catch up on all the latest news and views in the May issue of Progressive Greetings, which is out now, both in physical form and digitally online.
With the UK soon set to vote again in another General Election, the forthcoming French and Italian elections and the political surprises across the globe last year, in particular Brexit and President Trump, why in this highly charged political climate are we not awash with politically-themed card designs? The question arose when the winning entry to the On The Cards student greeting card competition was a submission created by Leeds College of Art student Joe Cox. His Political Pals range depicts goggle-eyed political figures coupled with witty puns, and it created quite a stir among the industry experts who judged the On The Cards entries (instigated by Paper Rose, GF Smith and Paperchase). So PG knocked on some doors to ‘canvas’ some views from a party of card publishers as to why this topical and political hotbed is difficult to reflect on cards. (see pages 39-41).
The cream of the UK’s best greeting card retailers are recognised and rewarded within The Retas Awards, dedicated annual awards that celebrate UK greeting card retailers right across the spectrum for their activities in the last year. This year The Retas Awards will take on an ‘Enchanted Tails’ animal and woodland beasts themed lavish afternoon event at The Dorchester Hotel in London on Wednesday July 12, when this year’s winners will be unveiled. (see pages 33-34).
Progressive Greetings May shares how greeting card retailers fared this Easter (see page 8). And broadening the gaze wider, a line up of distinguished greeting card retailers share how their first quarter trading of 2017 has performed, revealing the boons, the bugbears and the buying patterns that have unfurled. (see pages 29-31). Cardsharp too has his own take on how the first four months have panned out (see pages 27-28).
This whole year will be one to remember for Lagom Design as the design-led card and wrap company looks set to mark its 10th anniversary. Lagom Design’s founder Kelly Hyatt and partner Paula Mearns want to relay a ‘big thanks’ on its milestone and part of that appreciation will be evident at PG Live next month when Lagom Design’s stylish touches will be apparent in the Gallery Hall where the lunch will be served at the show. (see pages 36-37).
Accompanying PG May is the Focus On Humour Cards publication which takes (a laughing) stock of the news, views and fresh card launches in this sector of the market.
Next month, the bumper June issue of Progressive Greetings makes you go ‘ahh’ with its spotlight on Cute Cards and a plethora of PG Live show news and lovely new product launching at the mega greeting card trade fair.
