Greetings Today caught up with retailers and suppliers to find out what their Spring Fair plans are:
Sarah Laker, Stationery Supplies, Wilmslow and Marple
What will you be looking for in particular?
I’m always on the lookout for strong male ranges alongside UK-based cards with good eco credentials. I also like wandering the aisles, spotting trends and seeing what catches my eye.
Any must-see stands for you?
Heyyy Ltd is definitely on my list: I love looking at new publishers, especially when it’s my friends, so I can’t wait to see their new cards, and I’ll have a look at all the other new publishers in the debut area including Ginger Betty. The Art File, Dandelion and Earlybird Design are always on my ‘go-to’ list.
Sally Wilde, Planet Sal, Honiton, Devon
What will you be looking for in particular?
I have really missed Spring Fair, so I think I will be massively excited just to be in the Greetings Hall and loving all of it! Seeing everyone again will be a real treat. Once I have calmed down, I will be topping up Spring Seasons with new lines and looking for more cheeky humour. It is such a seller for me.
Witty Male cards are always on my agenda, along with imaginative Age cards.
I have also been asked recently for humorous cards that are not alcohol-based. This also applies to 18 and 21 age cards. It wasn’t until a few customers pointed out how many I have that are booze-themed that I noticed. Not sure what that says about my choices!
I’m also on the look-out for small packs of cards, some new wrap and some pretty gift boxes, which are also eco-friendly.
Any must-see stands for you – and why?
I always look forward to seeing Dean Morris and Brainbox Candy as I know them very well and their humour is spot-on for my cheeky corner. Rosie Made A Thing, Hype, Sooshichacha, Bold & Bright and Go La La are next must-visits for the fun areas.
For more general cards, I always visit Cinnamon Aitch, The Art File, Louise Mulgrew and Rachel Ellen, plus my ‘secret’ small new suppliers this year, who have done really well…
Jonny at Jonny Javelin
What are you most looking forward to at Spring Fair?
What will be nice is to get to meet our customers and fellow exhibitors once again and do a bit of greeting card socialising… it’s been a long time!
Wendy at Wendy Jones Blackett
What are you most looking forward to at Spring Fair?
We’re very much looking forward to seeing our UK indie customers who’ve made it through the storm! It’s going to be like the day after the wedding, the morning after the night before; seeing who’s still standing and has made it, albeit with a slight hangover!
What’s the standout item/range on your Spring Fair stand?
We’re launching ALL of our Christmas 2022 collections at the show, which is very exciting! We won ‘Best Christmas Range 2021’ at the Henries awards with our Rainbow Drops range last year and have new versions of those ready to show, as well as new Christmas designs in our Alchemy, Quicksilver, Paper Diamonds and ART ranges. That’s 168 new Christmas designs in total so absolutely loads to choose from!
What does being at Spring Fair mean to you and your company?
Traditionally, Spring Fair has been a world leader in trade fairs and although things will be different this year, everything’s different currently so showing support to the industry and our customers by making the effort and taking a risk, just like they do on a daily basis, is important to us as a company. Let’s just hope some of our customers visit too!
We always want to hear your news and views at Greetings Today. We’d love to get in touch with even more retailers and suppliers. Please email naomi@lemapublishing.co.uk if you want to get involved!
