So, the doors have been slammed on 2020 and have opened up to what will hopefully prove to be a much brighter 2021.
In a series of interviews, PG Buzz asked a selection of greeting card publishers what their wishes are for the industry, what lessons they have learned from the pandemic as well as a sneak peek into what they have planned for their business for the coming year.
Today, it is Chris Bryan, general manager of Second Nature who’s in the hot seat…
What are your wishes for the industry? “My biggest wish for our industry in the coming year is that we capitalise on the rediscovery by the public of the joy and importance of sending and receiving cards. The warmth and celebration of Captain Sir Thomas Moore’s milestone birthday and charity achievement really gave a much-needed feelgood factor at a time when the nation’s morale was at a low and that was exemplified by the volume of cards, somewhere in excess of 150,000 people actually made the effort to send a card, a truly outstanding quantity.”
Business plans for 2021? “We have a number of new exciting and innovative everyday ranges planned for launch this year, which we hope will be received as a celebration of the opening up of retail and restrictions currently in place. In addition, our Christmas 2021 has just launched and its packed with a wide range of exciting genres, including children’s craft packs and exclusive innovation to make Christmas 2021 a real cracker!”
Lessons from the pandemic? “I think the biggest lessons we’ve all learnt form the last year is the need to embrace technology and that working from home, while not being perfect, is a viable option. I think the male members of staff have also learnt the need for hand cream as all that hand sanitiser takes its toll!
We have a tough year ahead with Brexit around the corner but whatever the economy, the love of cards is still strong, so best foot forward and we’ll embrace whatever happens.”
Top: Chris Bryan.
