NEWS
Retail recovery on hold
The Synovate Retail Traffic Index (RTI) figures for February 2009 show no
signs of green shoots for retail recovery yet they do manage to stay out of
the minus 4% year-on-year ‘drop-zone’.
The number of shopping trips made to non-food stores in February was
down by 3.4% against the same month a year ago and down by 6.7% on
January. This compares with a year on year drop of 3.7% in January against Cutting
that same month a year ago.
Synovate retail psychologist Dr Tim Denison said, “we are not seeing
shopper numbers fall into the minus 4% or more year-on-year ‘drop-zone’, a
figure which we consider to indicate a serious change in shopper behaviour
requiring something of a big fix. I think therefore that retailers generally, even
in the sectors most hit by the downturn such as furniture, white goods and
Edge
other big ticket items, should be encouraged by this. I believe that the ball
is very much in the retailers’ court. The message is that the shoppers are still
Edging out from stands all over Spring Fair were sharp designs featuring the very
coming into your stores, but how can you persuade them to buy from you
best of the laser and die-cutter’s art.
rather than from anywhere else?”
Perhaps the greatest exponent was to be found at Roger la Borde with the
release of new designs from the king of cutting edge, Rob Ryan.
Ryan has been described as the ‘maestro of paper couture’ for the way he
marries quirky, romantic poetry to naïve paper-cut designs of almost lace-like
FABric deal for WH Smith
delicacy. The popularity of the laser-cut cards is growing steadily among design-
led buyers who appreciate the cool, craftiness of the ideas and the cutting edge
Designers, Bang on the Door is launching its new brand FABric Animals™ with an
techniques.
exclusive stationery range in WH Smith. The range will be stocked in WH Smith’s
Over at Caroline Gardner the die-cut edges of its Fret range has brought the
top 240 stores.
colourful designs to life and highlights the delicate illustration.
FABric Animals™ is based on the original animal designs, created 21
The Artfile meanwhile was showing new laser cut designs in its Opera d’ arte
years ago for t.shirts on Camden Market. This collection of characters utilises
range by Ally Gore and Robert Reader.
photography and three-dimensional depictions of the original animals. The fabrics
But it was the sheer intricacy of the
used are recycled and reclaimed giving the look a unique style.
designs from Danish greeting card developer,
The product range is set to expand in 2009 to include gaming cases, apparel,
Ducklingcards on the Veb stand that really
plush and calendars.
caught our eye.
The stationery range, manufactured under license by Blueprint Collections
The cards are inspired by the world of
Ltd, consists of 30 items including lever arch files, pencil cases, pens, notebooks
H.C. Andersen and the proud traditions
and door hangers. Wherever possible and appropriate, products are made from
of Danish design and crafts. All of
sustainable materials and includes messages such as “turn your TV off at the
Ducklincards creations are based on
wall” and “recycle your old clothes” to encourage environmental awareness.
original paintings including a beautiful line
“We are delighted to have WH Smith’s supporting the launch of our new
of cards for Royal Copenhagen and their
FABric Animals brand says Karen Duncan, Director at Bang on the Door Ltd.
world famous Flora Danica porcelain.
“As a major high street retailer and a key destination store for school children
The die-cut designs are formed into intricate,
purchasing stationery, WHSmith’s is the perfect store to launch our FAB new
three-dimensional greetings cards featuring
range.”
subjects like trees with the base carrying
the message or sentiment. Thirteen
Christmas designs are available and six
Following the launch of ‘Piece of Cake’, Clare Maddicott’s first ever card occasions.
range exclusively for children, Contact www.ducklingcards.com or tel +45 70
five gift wrap designs have been 278 377 for details.
introduced into the collection.
“These five wraps really are the
icing on the ‘Piece of Cake’
range,” says Maddicott marketing
Caroline Gardner - Frets
director, Bev Cunningham.
The recently launched range
‘They’re printed on quality matt
now has a total of 39
paper the delightful illustrations
designs, covering birthday,
by artist Linda Edwards have a
ages and occasions. The
yesteryear charm whilst managing
cards are all die-cut along
to look fresh and contemporary.
the sides to work with
“The designs offer something for
and highlight the design
both older and younger boys and
on the front. The cards
girls covering favourite subject
also fold upwards and
matter such as football, pirates,
are printed on crisp
fairies and princesses.”
white board and thick
white envelope.
10 Greetings Today
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