There was an upbeat and optimistic mood at last month’s Stationery Show in London which took place alongside National Stationery Week’s Get Britain Writing campaign, and saw a significant increase in both visitor and exhibitor numbers over the previous year.
There were more than 150 different brands on 109 stands at this year’s exhibition, a 30% increase on last year. Major brands included Letts Filofax, Parker, Peter Pauper Press (pictured), Lamy, Knock Knock, Moleskine, Faber Castell, Piccadilly, Caran d’Ache, Leuchtturm1917 and Stabilo.
“This was the biggest and buzziest show by far and attracted the UK’s leading stationery buyers and retailers, big and small, from every retail sector” says organiser Chris Leonard-Morgan. “Visitors included John Lewis, Sainsbury’s, WHSmith, Bentalls, Accessorize, Selfridges, Tesco, Urban Outfitters, Staples, Waterstones, Websters, The Pen Shop, Hamleys and Harrods.
“Congratulations on a great Stationery Show” commented Louise Chapman, Brand Development Manager of The Pen Shop. “It was very useful to us for both sourcing and networking.” Jo Irons, director of online retailer Bureau Direct was also very enthusiastic about the exhibition, saying: “This is our favourite show of the year, and has an excellent range of suppliers”.
The Stationery Show is moving into the bigger Main Hall at the Business Design Centre next year following this year’s successful event, to meet the growing demand for exhibitor space. It will take place on Tuesday 1 – Wednesday 2 April 2014, during National Stationery Week.
