Writer: Sarah Schwartz
Valentine’s: Lucky in Love
These Valentine’s, Galentine’s and St. Patrick’s finds set an enticing first-quarter stage. Help your customers express themselves with a broad array of romantic finds.
PS: Book Lovers’ Delights
As more and more stores realize the power of books in merchandise mixes, they also discover the add-on potential of these pieces.
Summer #ATLMKT Report
Walking through Atlanta is a stimulating survey of trends to come. Here’s a selection of standouts.
Town & Country
A troll attack renews one retailer’s love of America — and her community. What began as a regular summer day for Suzanne Loesch, owner of the Ithaca, New York, store Mockingbird Paperie, quickly went awry. At that point, she was still unaware that a member of a pro-Trump Facebook page had posted a photograph of one of the Sapling Press anti-Trump cards in her shop — and her business was in its 30,000+ followers’ sights.
An Event to Remember
Eventually I began planning the actual Bat Mitzvah of my real daughter, Veronica. And while the invitation was important, this was just one element among many!
Simply Captivating
When it comes to stationery, authenticity immediately sets offerings apart. Clean designs echo our desire for organized spaces, yet the air of retro still exhibits appeal. Keep reading for more design insights into the current consumer mindset.
Editor’s Letter Fall 2019: Stationery Shop Talk
Welcome to our annual Design Issue! Long-time readers know this is my favorite issue to edit since with this, I get to dissect not just current visual trends, but why we may be seeing them at this moment in time.
State of Paper: A Maker’s Market
This past May, in the State of Paper series, we surveyed vendors to see what they produce, how they sell it, and what their challenges are. We found a thriving, diverse industry — and better yet, one with a social conscience.
Party Product to Help Beguile Customers
Forget everything you’ve ever thought or learned about the party category! There are some must-haves for customers and retailers have an opportunity to create a total party package solution.
Industry Profile: Jennifer and Ron Rich
Oblation Papers & Press is a stationery shop, urban paper mill, letterpress printer all combined into one commonality; a passion for paper. Stationery Trends discussed some fun topics with Jennifer and Ron Rich, founders of Oblation Papers & Press.
What’s in the Cards: Hanukkah 2019
In 2019, Hanukkah falls from December 22 to 30, so set aside a spot for greeting card offerings that celebrate the miracle of the season!
Planners Make Great Gifts
Planners have done so much more than give new attention to the stationeryand gift categories. In the glow of their popularity, complementary product categories such as agendas, list pads and notepads have been completely revitalized and reinvigorated.
What’s in the Cards: The Gratitude Mood
Get customers primed for the last Thursday in November with these tasty Thanksgiving and gratitude-filled greeting card selections.
Stationery & Gifts Beyond the Summertime Blues
Who said this shade of blue — as well as those that complement it — was a bad thing? Stationery and gifts go beyond the summertime blues in a very positive way.
Kineticards Transforms Card Sending
The concept of linking the stationery and digital card worlds isn’t new, but Kineticards has blended the two into one cohesive, colorful package and has transformed card sending with animated greetings. Chrissy Eckman, founder and CEO, developed her approach while attending the Savannah College and Design (SCAD).
Pictura’s Newest Collection
What makes for a successful stationery release in 2019? Well, imagery and sentiments must be compelling and clever, with just the right amount of edge. The paper stock should be of supreme quality, with enhancements like foil, letterpress-effect debossing and soft touch varnish. No detail, down to the envelope interior, should be overlooked. Finally, it should have a charitable component. Oh — and it should still be affordable. If that sounds nearly impossible, it isn’t: Those are all elements of Pictura’s From Me To You collection of greeting cards, notepads and soft cover notebooks.
What’s in the Cards: Scary Sales
While this holiday is not known for its card-sending, it does offer the opportunity to reach out to loved ones, especially far-off loved ones. These 2019 Halloween card finds encourage the creepiest of correspondence and may help you pump up retail sales!
Thinking of You Week 2019
Thinking of You week is not just a card-sending challenge, it’s a feel-good initiative with the power to nurture relationships and make someone’s day. Now in its second year, September 23 to 29, 2019, offers a slew of ways for card publishers, retailers and consumers to promote card-sending as we recognize those we cherish.