Hello all!
Fresh back from walking the show floor and have lots to share. First, what a wonderful city! NYC truly is the city that never sleeps. I am a die hard born and raised Californian and must say I'll return to NY in a heartbeat.
It did rain on and off which slowed me down a bit and forced me to buy not one but two umbrellas over the period of 4 days.
Ok, about the show...it was tremendous. A great showing of all things stationery and beyond representing both big and small exhibitors. Estimate 1,300 exhibitors and 15,000 buyer attendees. My best guess is approx 20% were greeting card exhibitors.
Impressive booths. It was quite clear that decking out your booth is a must (which can get expense of course). Many booths were "homey" literally - walls, windows, couches, bookshelves. One booth actually had a mini waterfall and real flower window boxes.
The top 10 show trends:
1. Rock Products - rock n roll imagery especially guitars
2. Bolder Folders - stylish folders in fashion colors and fun wording
3. Talk Bubbles - popular design element used for fun and clever designs
4. Colorful Novelties - bright hues & whimsical designs for funky yet functional novelty products
5. Fab Tags - decorative tags to help personalize items from gift bags to luggage
6. Wood Works - textures showing up in greeting cards and journals
7. Match Makers - personalized matchbooks w/ illustrations or quotes selling well
8. Branch Designs - sprigs, delicate limbs & tree designs, nature inspired
9. Dragonfly Designs - design elements
10. Owls Everywhere - owl and bird design elements
Going green of course continues to be a growing trend. I spoke with many artists that were using soy based inks, post consumer fiber papers, and eco friendly printers (one even 100% wind powered).
The 20th annual Louie Awards finalists were on display and winners announced. Many were embellished cards; popouts, 3d elements, glitter, etc. and die cut shapes. There were several funny animal photos with clever verses.
See article on winners:
http://www.giftsanddec.com/article/CA6562412.html?industryid=47337 A notable quote:
Fern Gimbelman, Co-President and Art Director, Designer Greetings, Inc. and chair of this year’s International Greeting Card Awards. “The LOUIEs recognize excellence by honoring imagery that captures our eyes and words that speak to our hearts. It's about creating products that are meaningful and offer a way for people to bond with one another."
Another show tip which our GCU community is way ahead of is focusing on the "lesser occasions" to bring in new greeting card buyers. For example, New Year's, Chinese New Year, Admin Professionals Day, Nurses' Day, Bosses Day, etc.
Some interesting Bridal Trends for wedding related stationery:
1. Feminine Chic - bridal shower invitations are going all out girly, with motifs like high heels, a gown or fashionista holding a stack of gifts.
2. Getting Specific - cards to ask friends to be in their wedding party (GCU is all over this)
3. Natural Selections - focused on the great outdoors, tree branches, birds, shells & coral are popular design elements
4. Color Code - color is hot as ever but many are opting for stark schemes of black and white. The color combo comes up in swirly art-nouveau-like designs, damask and stripes.
Overall, lots of humorous and clever greeting cards. The best eye catching lines and booths were those that had a clear identity and style.
We would consider exhibiting next year with a cooperative group of participating artist.
I hope my trip summary helps sum up the event for you!
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