http://stationerytrendsmagazine.com/index.php/news en aheugel@greatamericanpublish.com Copyright 2012 Thu, 03 May 2012 13:56:10 GMT http://stationerytrendsmagazine.com/index.php/news/release/usps-launches-mothers-day-postmarks/ http://stationerytrendsmagazine.com/index.php/news/release/usps-launches-mothers-day-postmarks/#id:17050#date:13:56 The Greeting Card Association (GCA) has announced that the U.S. Postal Service (USPS) will be processing all first-class mail in the next two weeks with special Mother's Day postmarks - two of which specifically call out greeting cards. This series of special postmarks, also known as stamp "cancellations," will feature four different designs that will be randomly alternated through Mother's Day on Sunday, May 13.
The designs complement first-class mail greeting cards and also serve as a call to action. "In this age of texting, emailing and phone calling, moms everywhere appreciate getting a card in… Party and Paper, Stationery Trends Thu, 03 May 2012 13:56 GMT http://stationerytrendsmagazine.com/index.php/news/release/gift-for-life-nss-team-up-for-aids-walk/ http://stationerytrendsmagazine.com/index.php/news/release/gift-for-life-nss-team-up-for-aids-walk/#id:17006#date:12:49 Gift for Life, the gift, stationery and home decor industries' leading charitable organization, has partnered with the National Stationery Show (NSS) to participate in AIDS Walk New York, a charity fundraiser in New York City's Central Park on Sunday, May 20 (opening day of the Show). The Gift For Life/NSS team will recruit walkers and raise funds for the fight against HIV/AIDS. The Gift For Life/NSS team will walk 10 kilometers (6.2 miles) through Central Park and across New York City's Upper West Side. At the conclusion of the official route, the team will "go… Stationery Trends Tue, 01 May 2012 12:49 GMT http://stationerytrendsmagazine.com/index.php/news/release/panel-picks-trendy-stationer-winners/ http://stationerytrendsmagazine.com/index.php/news/release/panel-picks-trendy-stationer-winners/#id:16930#date:15:11 The results are in, and the winners of the second annual Stationery Trends Trendy Stationer of the Year and Trendy Online Stationer of the Year have been determined. These awards recognize retailers for their commitment to and excellence in the stationery industry, and retailers were self-nominated, peer-nominated or manufacturer-nominated. Trendy Stationer of the Year honors went to Daniel Mulhern of M Milestones in New Canaan, Conn., while runner-up honors went to Heidi Campbell of Stationery Loft & Gift Boutique in Lakeland, Fla. and Joan Flax and Philip Clark of Flax to Pen Paper in Los… Stationery Trends Tue, 24 Apr 2012 15:11 GMT http://stationerytrendsmagazine.com/index.php/news/release/trendy-award-winners-announced/ http://stationerytrendsmagazine.com/index.php/news/release/trendy-award-winners-announced/#id:16827#date:14:45 Stationery Trends is pleased to announce the winners in the third annual Stationery Trends Awards ("The Trendys"). After being narrowed down by the stationery industry to the top 10 in each category, industry members returned by the hundreds to vote for their favorite overall Baby, Bridal, Green, Greeting Card, Holiday and Office products. And the winners are:   Baby: Three Designing Women   Bridal: Birchcraft Studios   Green: Elum   Greeting Card: Hungry Dog Designs   Holiday: Flying Wish Paper   Office: Three Designing Women All of the top 10 finalists from each category will… Stationery Trends Wed, 18 Apr 2012 14:45 GMT http://stationerytrendsmagazine.com/index.php/news/release/trendy-award-finalists-announced/ http://stationerytrendsmagazine.com/index.php/news/release/trendy-award-finalists-announced/#id:16787#date:12:46 The staff at Stationery Trends magazine is pleased to announce the top 10 finalists in each category in the third annual Stationery Trend Awards - The Trendys. Note: Some categories have fewer than 10 finalists listed, as a company may have had multiple entries selected as a finalist. And the winners are: Baby - (listed in alphabetical order) Bonnie Marcus Collection www.bonniemarcus.com, Galison www.galison.com, Envelopments, Inc. www.envelopments.com, May Books www.maybooks.com, RPI (Reischling Press Inc.) www.rpiprint.com, s.e. hagarman DESIGNS, LLC www.sehagarmandesigns.com, Sugarcube Press www.sugarcubepress.com, Three Designing Women www.threedesigningwomen.com, Vistaprint www.vistaprint.com Bridal - (listed in alphabetical order)… Stationery Trends Fri, 13 Apr 2012 12:46 GMT http://stationerytrendsmagazine.com/index.php/news/release/american-greetings-partners-with-marty-engelbreit/ http://stationerytrendsmagazine.com/index.php/news/release/american-greetings-partners-with-marty-engelbreit/#id:16777#date:12:40 American Greetings has announced that it will be featuring designs from noted artist Mary Engelbreit later this year as part of an ongoing collaboration. The greetings, known for interesting characters, vibrant color schemes and subtle design touches that make each a unique and enjoyable experience, will be included in seasonal programs beginning this Halloween and sprinkled across everyday programs by the end of the year. "To continue to meet the diverse needs of the shoppers who visit our card aisle, we are always looking for fresh voices and unique styles we can introduce, and the… Stationery Trends Thu, 12 Apr 2012 12:40 GMT http://stationerytrendsmagazine.com/index.php/news/release/louis-awards-tickets-now-available/ http://stationerytrendsmagazine.com/index.php/news/release/louis-awards-tickets-now-available/#id:16776#date:12:18 Tickets for the 24th Annual LOUIE Awards are now on sale through the Greeting Card Association's (GCA) website. Members of the industry interested in attending the Awards can purchase tickets online by visiting www.greetingcard.org and clicking on the gala information button below the LOUIE logo. Ticket prices are $185 per person or $1,850 for a table of 10. The event, which celebrates the "Greatest Cards on Earth," will take place from 6:30 - 10:30 p.m. on a new night, Sunday, May 20, at Espace, located at 635 W. 42nd St. in New York City. Complimentary… Stationery Trends Thu, 12 Apr 2012 12:18 GMT http://stationerytrendsmagazine.com/index.php/news/release/spring-apparel-candy-to-send-easter-sales-past-16-billion/ http://stationerytrendsmagazine.com/index.php/news/release/spring-apparel-candy-to-send-easter-sales-past-16-billion/#id:16650#date:13:50 According to NRF's Easter spending survey, conducted by BIGinsight, Americans will spend an average of $145.28 on everything from apparel and candy to food and decorations this year, up 11 percent from $131.04 last year. Total spending is expected to reach $16.8 billion. "Though the price of gas is on everyone's mind, Easter is one of the few holidays some consumers are willing to stretch their budgets, especially because many children look forward to treats and new outfits on Easter morning," said NRF President and CEO Matthew Shay. "Retailers will make sure to offer plenty… Museums and More, Party and Paper, Stationery Trends Thu, 29 Mar 2012 13:50 GMT http://stationerytrendsmagazine.com/index.php/news/release/24th-annual-louie-awards-finalists-announced/ http://stationerytrendsmagazine.com/index.php/news/release/24th-annual-louie-awards-finalists-announced/#id:16569#date:13:55 The Greeting Card Association (GCA) has announced the finalists of the 24th Annual LOUIE Awards. Among the thousands of cards and invitations published each year, three cards from each of the 54 categories reached the final round of the 2011 Awards. The competition drew approximately 900 entries from 180 companies worldwide, and all entries were marketed and sold in the United States during the 2011 calendar year. Many of the companies were first-time LOUIE entrants as well as smaller companies and manufacturers, with almost 30 percent becoming finalists. Responding to a Call for Entries sent… Party and Paper, Stationery Trends Thu, 22 Mar 2012 13:55 GMT http://stationerytrendsmagazine.com/index.php/news/release/nss-future-conference-to-explore-social-stationery/ http://stationerytrendsmagazine.com/index.php/news/release/nss-future-conference-to-explore-social-stationery/#id:16082#date:15:02 The National Stationery Show (NSS), a comprehensive showcase of all things paper - from greeting cards, custom invitations, gift wrap and partyware, to journals, frames, writing instruments, decorative desktop and complementary lifestyle gift - will return with the latest trend-setting products from nearly 800 exhibiting companies, May 20-23, at New York City's Jacob K. Javits Convention Center. The 3rd annual Future Conference will be held on Sunday, May 20, from 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. and will explore: "Social Stationery: What's New, What's Next?" Speakers include: Kelly Ricker, executive director of product development for American… Party and Paper, Stationery Trends Fri, 17 Feb 2012 15:02 GMT http://stationerytrendsmagazine.com/index.php/news/release/papyrus-recycled-greetings-inc.-introduces-new-website/ http://stationerytrendsmagazine.com/index.php/news/release/papyrus-recycled-greetings-inc.-introduces-new-website/#id:16065#date:14:58 Papyrus-Recycled Greetings has introduced a new website, along with a Facebook page and Twitter account, to help connect with consumers, retailers and prospective artists. The website highlights the company's two brands, Papyrus and Recycled Paper Greetings, their products and talented artists, and takes visitors "behind the card" to see exactly what goes into the original greetings. Special sections on the site include features on specific artists and different trends and techniques that inspire designs across the breadth of Papyrus-Recycled Greetings products. Along with the sections for consumers, there is also information for artists interested in… Stationery Trends Thu, 16 Feb 2012 14:58 GMT http://stationerytrendsmagazine.com/index.php/news/release/valentines-day-card-sales-hold-steady-for-2012/ http://stationerytrendsmagazine.com/index.php/news/release/valentines-day-card-sales-hold-steady-for-2012/#id:15795#date:16:04 The Greeting Card Association (GCA) estimates that approximately 150 million greeting cards will be purchased for Valentine's Day this year in the U.S. This figure is based on member company sales and does not include children's packaged valentines for classroom exchanges. Valentine's Day is the second-largest holiday for giving greeting cards, behind Christmas. The GCA expects that the number of greeting cards purchased for Valentine's Day will hold relatively steady from last year's estimate of approximately 160 million valentines purchased as, historically, more valentines tend to be exchanged when the holiday occurs on a weekday… Party and Paper, Stationery Trends Tue, 24 Jan 2012 16:04 GMT http://stationerytrendsmagazine.com/index.php/news/release/lynn-white-named-national-stationery-show-manager/ http://stationerytrendsmagazine.com/index.php/news/release/lynn-white-named-national-stationery-show-manager/#id:15783#date:15:35 Lynn White, a 30-year trade show industry veteran, has been named Show Manager of the National Stationery Show (NSS), North America's leading source for greeting cards, social stationery and related lifestyle products. Patti Stracher - recently appointed Executive Vice President of the Greeting Card Association - will assume the role of NSS General Manager, providing strategic and creative direction for the show that she has led for 18 years. "Patti's vast industry knowledge and long-standing history with the NSS, combined with Lynn's strong trade show management background, is a powerful combination of expertise and experience… Museums and More, Party and Paper, Stationery Trends Mon, 23 Jan 2012 15:35 GMT http://stationerytrendsmagazine.com/index.php/news/release/judges-announced-for-24th-annual-louie-awards/ http://stationerytrendsmagazine.com/index.php/news/release/judges-announced-for-24th-annual-louie-awards/#id:15513#date:15:55 The 24th Annual LOUIE Awards committee has announced the judges for this year's LOUIE Awards. The panel of judges consists of 16 well-respected retailers, sales representatives, editors and members of the industry who will evaluate this year's LOUIE entries to determine the finalists and winners in each category. The LOUIEs welcome a high caliber of new and returning judges to this year's Awards, including retailers such as Paper Source, Kate's Paperie and Barnes & Noble; industry professionals from Hallmark, American Greetings and Mohawk Paper; and editors from Oh So Beautiful Paper, HOW Magazine and Stationery… Museums and More, Party and Paper, Stationery Trends Thu, 05 Jan 2012 15:55 GMT http://stationerytrendsmagazine.com/index.php/news/release/urban-expositions-acquires-trade-shows-from-western-exhibitors/ http://stationerytrendsmagazine.com/index.php/news/release/urban-expositions-acquires-trade-shows-from-western-exhibitors/#id:15418#date:12:39 Urban Expositions has acquired the Portland Gift & Accessories Show, San Francisco Cash & Carry Show, Seattle Cash & Carry Show and Portland Cash & Carry Show from Western Exhibitors. The latest acquisitions are part of the continued western region growth strategy for Atlanta-based Urban Expositions, which purchased the San Francisco International Gift Fair and Seattle Gift Show from dmg world media in 2009 and launched the Las Vegas Souvenir & Resort Gift Show in 2007. As part of the transition plan, Kelly McLoughlin, long-time manager for all four shows under Western Exhibitors' management, now… Museums and More, Stationery Trends Wed, 28 Dec 2011 12:39 GMT http://stationerytrendsmagazine.com/index.php/news/release/party-partners-joins-the-madison-park-group/ http://stationerytrendsmagazine.com/index.php/news/release/party-partners-joins-the-madison-park-group/#id:15293#date:14:55 Party Partners, designer of time-tested, classic party supplies, has teamed up with The Madison Park Group, a leading stationery and gift manufacturer, to manufacture and distribute its products. Party Partners' vintage-inspired collection of party favors, birthday candles and seasonal party products - including their signature tiaras-n-tooters, itty-bitty banners, candid candles and festive party picks and straws - have been around since 1999. "Our products are kid friendly, inexpensive, mostly recyclable and fun," said Timothy Siciliano, company founder and president. "Our simple, retro flavor of party goods is missing in the bigger party market. We fill… Stationery Trends Fri, 16 Dec 2011 14:55 GMT http://stationerytrendsmagazine.com/index.php/news/release/according-to-nrf-black-friday-weekend-spent-record-52-billion/ http://stationerytrendsmagazine.com/index.php/news/release/according-to-nrf-black-friday-weekend-spent-record-52-billion/#id:14996#date:13:30 According to a National Retail Federation survey conducted by BIGresearch over the weekend, traffic and spending were up both online and in stores, reaching historic highs. According to the survey, a record 226 million shoppers visited stores and websites over Black Friday weekend, up from 212 million last year. Digging deep into their holiday budgets, the average holiday shopper spent $398.62 this weekend, up from $365.34 last year. Total spending reached an estimated $52.4 billion. Additionally, shoppers also checked out retailers' deals online, spending an average of $150.53 on the web - 37.8 percent of… Museums and More, Party and Paper, Stationery Trends Mon, 28 Nov 2011 13:30 GMT http://stationerytrendsmagazine.com/index.php/news/release/design-design-inc.-announces-a-brand-new-look/ http://stationerytrendsmagazine.com/index.php/news/release/design-design-inc.-announces-a-brand-new-look/#id:14980#date:15:43 Grand Rapids, Mich.- based personal expression company Design Design has launched a new brand look and marketing direction a year in the making at their annual sales conference at the Amway Grand Plaza Hotel. The company has rebranded their logo design to reflect more trend and sophistication, and developed a butterfly focal point. This transformation, coupled with a reconfiguration of their sales team leadership and product offerings, ushers in new way of doing business with a fresh face for the company. "Our mission is to be the ‘just right' choice for personal expression products," said… Stationery Trends Wed, 23 Nov 2011 15:43 GMT http://stationerytrendsmagazine.com/index.php/news/release/sanrio-announces-licensing-agreement-with-up-with-paper/ http://stationerytrendsmagazine.com/index.php/news/release/sanrio-announces-licensing-agreement-with-up-with-paper/#id:14970#date:16:58 Sanrio has announced a licensing agreement with Up With Paper, the world's leading marketer of innovative three-dimensional greeting cards. Up With Paper will develop a new line of pop-up stationery products featuring pop icon Hello Kitty. The collection will be launched at winter gift shows and at Toy Fair; the agreement is effective immediately. This new licensing partnership will make Hello Kitty available in a variety of pop-up formats. Produced under the new UWP Kids brand, and featuring the top quality mix of design and paper engineering that Up With Paper fans have come to… Stationery Trends Tue, 22 Nov 2011 16:58 GMT http://stationerytrendsmagazine.com/index.php/news/release/americasmart-atlanta-debuts-new-website/ http://stationerytrendsmagazine.com/index.php/news/release/americasmart-atlanta-debuts-new-website/#id:14657#date:16:06 AmericasMart Atlanta has announced the next step in its comprehensive digital marketing strategy with the launch of a new website-www.americasmart.com. It features improved navigation, dynamic content showcasing AmericasMart through video and photography and exclusive online tools designed to optimize the Market experience for users. "We have an ongoing mission to provide the ultimate Market experience for our buyers and exhibitors," said Jeffrey L. Portman, Sr., president and chief operating officer of AmericasMart. "That includes advancing their businesses by providing leading resources and services. Our new website incorporates a wealth of innovative tools to help plan… Museums and More, Stationery Trends Thu, 03 Nov 2011 16:06 GMT