Michael Apter, owner of Paper Tiger, two card and gift shops in Edinburgh spoke out on BBC News not so long ago astutely highlighted how retailers relied on a well-balanced ‘eco-system’. He made the point that shops such as Paper Tiger benefitted from the footfall of people visiting nearby hair salons, meeting for drinks after work, popping to the banks.
This week Michael has taken to social media to champion something even closer to his heart, his belief in paying employees the ‘Living Wage.’
With this being #LivingWageWeek and the @livingwagefoundation announcing the new Real Living Wage rates, Michael is keen to encourage fellow retailers and his suppliers to sign up too.
“I can’t do what I want to do with my business without the help, support and properly remunerated efforts of the Paper Tiger team,” says Michael.
Paper Tiger has been a #LivingWage employer for many years and was one of the first independent retailers in Scotland to sign up.
“I have again committed to raise the salaries of my whole team to match the percentage increase. I’m doing that in the middle of a global pandemic because I trust them to help me get my business through this, together,” adds Michael.
He is pleased that several of the retailer’s suppliers have also signed up to pay the Living Wage. “It’s great to see that commitment spread through our sector of business. I’d encourage any of my suppliers who haven’t signed up to take a good look what it can do for their teams and their business,” urges Michael.
Being located in Scotland (where there is no non-essential retail lockdown), Paper Tiger is still open for business and is going to town with its window displays, instore selection and marketing its Christmas selection.
Here Michael shares some of the best selling collections in the two Paper Tiger shops….
Everyday
Caroline Gardner, Woodmansterne, Raspberry Blossom and Hype
“We have 500 everyday cards on display at any one time.”
Thinking of You
Quote Cards from Archivist Press
“The editorial, design and letterpress printing hit the right notes.”
Sympathy from Woodmansterne
“This is a tricky send to design, but Woodmansterne gets it perfectly.”
Art
Hofer Prints
“Great bright colours.”
Art Angels
“They sell repeatedly.”
Lucy Jones
“This local artist’s architectural collages sell well.”
Humour
Liz Climo from Redback
“Great fun observations.”
World of Moose from Woodmansterne
“The ‘jigsaw’ design really resonated during lockdown.”
Adult ages
Quentin Blake from Woodmansterne
Children’s
Smartie Pants from Two Little Monkeys
“Great daft animal illustrations.”
Spec-tacular from Hotchpotch
“Haven’t bought from this company for years, but I love these.”
Giftwrappings
Roger la Borde
“Just beautiful paper.”
Gifts and self-purchases
Journals and notebooks
“There is a definite upturn in people’s appreciation of ‘keeping it real’ as reflected in our sales of journals and notebooks.”
Top: Paper Tiger’s current window display features some exclusive Christmas cards from Morag Hood and a cool penguin painted by her on the window!
