Stationery Trends Magazine

State of the Industry

If you're looking for doom and gloom, you can go ahead and stop reading because you're not going to find it here. Call me crazy — and you wouldn't be the first — but I think the stationery industry is thriving. I base this on two conclusions I've reached about the nature of our market and the modern consumer. Once upon a time, when someone wanted to express herself, she might play a piano sonata, stitch a needlepoint or even paint a still life. That was before the industrial revolution - and before the birth of the modern consumer. This species has been carefully encouraged over several generations to express and even define itself by what it buys. Any and all retail selections — from pen to china pattern — reflect both who she is and who she'd like to be. She identifies with brands,…  » Read more

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The Ever-Shifting Mirror

  Since they constantly change, trends are fascinating creatures. It's easy to watch them as one would a spectator sport - but that's a mistake, since we all play an active role in their development, expression and life spans. "Trends don't happen in a vacuum," emphasized Sarah Sheffer, owner/designer, Doc Milo. "They're a reflection of our entire culture. When you think about where we've been these past few years, (our) population is almost desperate for some good news, so our celebrations need to pull harder in the direction of pure bliss than ever before." Statistics apparently back up this perspective. In February, consumer confidence reached 70.4, a peak not reached since February 2008, and a steep rise from January's 64.8. "The consumer believes growth is picking up pace," said Jonathan Basile, senior economist, Credit Suisse. "The ducks are in a row for stronger consumer spending…  » Read more

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Designer Profile: Anna Bond

The Rifle Paper Co. has exhibited at National Stationery Show (NSS) just once, but that fact doesn't seem to be standing in the way of its triumphs. The line is distinguished by its sweetly whimsical imagery, as well as its signature illustrated couple scene invitations, all fashioned by Creative Director and Co-owner Anna Bond. The radical idea of putting the engaged pair on their wedding invitation, coupled with the unmistakable uniqueness of all the company's output, established Rifle as an instant favorite amongst nearly anyone who encountered it, be they blogger, magazine editor, stationer or most importantly, end consumer. As a result, the growing company has partnered with Chronicle Books to create a notebook collection and stationery set, to be introduced at NSS this year. Meanwhile, Anna - sometimes in the company of husband and co-owner Nathan, sometimes solo - has received priceless publicity everywhere…  » Read more

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The Giving Tree

"I've always had a knack for finding and giving thoughtful gifts, so I created a place where people feel inspired to ‘love, gift and smile,'" explained Grace Kang, founder and chief buyer of Pink Olive, two New York City lifestyle boutiques specializing in whimsical gifts for happiness and home. Pink Olive opened its first shop in May 2007. Located in New York City's hip East Village, the cozy 500-square-foot store is nestled in a friendly block that houses an eclectic mix of shops. Inviting and enticing, the space's exposed brick walls cast a vintage, yet warm, home-like feel. The second Pink Olive came to life in Park Slope, Brooklyn, less than a year later. "We chose Park Slope for its family-friendly, artistic vibe," Kang noted. "While still retaining our roots in baby, stationery, gifts and vintage, our Park Slope store spotlights the arts, indie designers…  » Read more

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Sweet Treats

With Lilly Pulitzer, Jonathan Adler and Susan Barnes playing starring roles in its roster, Lifeguard Press has unveiled enough licenses to establish itself as an upscale lifestyle brand. Anything the company releases is certain to raise the eyebrows, if not knock the proverbial socks off. So it's not really a surprise that their latest license, Dylan's Candy Bar, being officially unveiled at National Stationery Show, is a bit of surprise. The new line represents not a traditional brand, but rather a boutique that evolved into a brand. To enter one of the five Dylan's Candy Bar locations - especially its flagship and first location in New York City, which, at 15,000 square feet, is the largest candy store in the world - is to enter a colorful, wacky, lip-smacking ode to all things sweet. Here candy achieves its rightful status as a fashion, art and…  » Read more

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Meet the Bloggers

2011 marks the fifth year I've covered the National Stationery Show (NSS) for my blog, MyMomShops. Back in 2007, I was one of just a handful of bloggers walking the show. Since then, the number of bloggers there has increased exponentially. Bloggers have become a major force within the NSS aisles - not to mention the stationery industry itself - and coverage of the exhibitors' booths on bloggers' sites has skyrocketed. Perhaps never before have small companies had such a direct link to their consumer audience. It is therefore in an exhibitor's best interest to establish and sustain positive relationships with the bloggers who visit. Here are five tips to help you maximize these interactions: Make a good first impression. Have press kits ready and waiting in the press room. Many bloggers make this room their first stop. A neat, well-organized press kit that includes…  » Read more

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Spring Issue Corrections

Unfortunately, some of the vendors were misidentified in our Spring NSS Issue. Stationery Trends sincerely regrets the errors. Please see the corrected information below.  Page 47 The following products were switched, and the proper information appears below: Foxy Blunt   Quiplip   Page 77 The Darling Press & Stationers image misidentified Jason, left, and Alia Hoffman.   Page 77 Oblation Papers & Press was launched in 1989. Page 133 Natalie Wargin's image was incorrectly credited to Crane & Co.

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