At a time when the greetings card industry is in need of some good cheer, a giant (6 ft x 4 ft) greeting card has been personally delivered to Buckingham Palace in honour of Her Majesty The Queen’s Diamond Jubilee.
The card was commissioned by the national industry buying group Cardgains, which supports 1000’s of independent retailers around the UK. The unique design was produced by the creative team at one of the UK’s largest publishers of greetings cards.
The design and sentiment of the card signify the strength of the market in the UK throughout the various challenges posed by recessionary economic conditions over the past few years. Over £1.2 billion is spent on greeting cards each year in this country, where the British people send more cards per person than any other nation.
The uniqueness of the card also demonstrates the creativity of the industry, while the positive comments and ‘well wishes’ – many gleaned during Spring Fair in February 2012 (above), where the card was unveiled – indicate how highly Her Majesty is thought of by so many.
The card had been signed by hundreds of people, including independent retailers, artists, designers, verse writers, card printers and publishers and many other friends of the greeting card industry.
Marketing director Penny Shaw and Chris Dyson, joint managing director, of Cardgains (pictured above and right) delivered the card to Buckingham Palace themselves and hope it will now feature alongside the many cards and gifts that Her Majesty will no doubt receive in this Diamond Jubilee year.
Chris commented: “The nice thing about watching people sign the card was the genuine thought behind their comments, and the interest as to whether the card would actually be delivered. It was never in doubt – we wouldn’t let everyone down!”
Penny added: “Obviously a very special occasion deserves a very special card and it has been a great pleasure being involved with the project from concept to actually handing over the card at the Palace. It certainly has captured the imagination of the Greeting Card Industry; from artists to retailers, everyone wanted to be involved and have their signature included.
“Hopefully the card will create interest on a national level in this Jubilee year and help remind consumers the positive emotion behind greeting card sending, whatever the occasion.”
