While Clinton Cards have gone into administration, this year has seen a 3% rise in the sale of greetings cards. O.K, so that doesn't sound like much, but when you consider the phrase "the internet is killing..", it's a wonder how cards are survivng this world full of technology, emails and texts. Designing cards ourselves and selecting appropriate cards for Nook & Cranny customers from our artists, we're aware of current greeting trends and the rise in sending a card for no reason at all! 'Thinking of you' style cards seem popular while stereotypical 'Happy Birthday' cards are declining. It seems a blank card with a great design or sense of humour trumps them all.
While websites are offering deals on personalised cards, e-cards and buying online for next day delivery - message included, there still seems to be a stigma surrounding these avenues of sending and receiving greeting cards.
"They just seem so impersonal, they're not even hand written which looses any sentiment the sender might try to show", discuss Jen and I, head buyers and designers for Nook & Cranny.
"Even if a customer isn't necessarily artistic, they seem to really appreciate the idea of hand illustrated and hand printed cards. Even when cards seem so neutral - no jokes about getting old or any mention of 'thank you' or 'best mum', a beautiful drawing appears most popular, even for signifcant birthdays like 30ths or events like wedding anniversaries."
It actually seems now that cards are being given for events not normally associated with a greeting card. 'Happy Divorce' and '^@#! the cancer' are new to shelves, while Easter and Halloween cards, which are usually associated with America, are making regular features each year. Multi-cultural events and passing your driving test are all themed cards that are now available in larger greeting card chain shops.
Here at Nook & Cranny we're sure you can find a card for any event. Blank cards allow for any message inside and to be sent on any occasion. Any of our 'rude' cards are subtle and used with humour. Specific birthday cards, thank you cards, mothers day, fathers day, new baby, new home, sorry cards, hello, goodbye, 'I love you' cards are all off set with a beautiful illustration or colourful unique design. With customers appreciating the handmade nature of the cards, they're also investing in a unique greeting that just isn't available on the High Street. Here we revel in the new and emerging artists and we're so pleased to notice the growing recognition from regular customers and suprising compliments.
Shop handmade, shop British, shop unique.
