Writer: Sarah Schwartz
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.
Stationery Trends’ First Annual Creative Display Contest
The finalists and winners of Stationery Trends’ In-Store Creative Display contest are in — and these shops are rich with merchandising expertise. The contest, held this year in conjunction with Noted, invited attending retailers to share their display savvy, and then share it with their colleagues also attending Noted. Winners and finalists were determined by a public vote amongst 451 Stationery Trends subscribers.
Greeting Card Association Launches Noted, Celebrates LOUIEs
The inaugural Noted: The Greeting Card Expo kicked off May 18 at the Brooklyn Expo Center, and on May 19, the GCA announced the winners of its 2019 LOUIE Awards, the international greeting card awards competition.
Summer Show Preview: Destination Design!
These stationery and gift finds are ripe for the picking for jet setters hitting summer trade shows around the country.
Oblation Papers & Press: A Paper Passion Project
Oblation Papers & Press is part stationery shop, part urban paper mill, part letterpress print shop, the sprawling Portland, Oregon. Born on a honeymoon, Oblation has blossomed into a couple’s labor of love.
Summer 2019 Editor’s Letter: Modern Card Politics
Stationery Trends Summer 2019 Editor’s Letter: Modern Card Politics discusses the content of the latest magazine issue. As I write this, I’m recovering from not one but two quick jaunts to the Big Apple: first to the inaugural Noted at the Brooklyn Expo Center, then to UnBound at Book Expo at Manhattan’s Jacob Javits Center.
Spring 2019 Fresh Picks: Course of Action
Seasonal planners, gifts, stationery and DIY options elevate retail space. With a new season comes a new day and a fresh outlook. Nothing encapsulates this idea like brand new planners, brought to life here in the featured photo with vivid color by Designworks Ink.