We caught up with two independent retailers after their visit to London Stationery Show to find out what products they picked up. Sarah Holmes, owner of Pencil Me In, and Lorraine Dixon, owner of Art Scene Sheffield, told us about the exciting new products they discovered at this year’s show.
Pencil Me In – Sarah Holmes
I really enjoyed London Stationery Show this year. It was bigger than previous years, and super busy! I had a really great experience. I picked up a range of different products at the show, which I’m really excited about.
Did you find any new suppliers at London Stationery Show you will be opening an account with?
I have just completed the paperwork to open an account with Pentel. I love their sign and brush pens so I’m looking forward to bringing them to Pencil Me In. We also got a new card supplier, Stay Still. Their cards are beautiful, it’s no surprise they’re already selling very well.
I think we will start working with Jakar shortly. They do M&R pencil sharpeners that we currently stock from a different supplier, but I like the fact that Jakar exhibit at the shows and I can start to build a relationship with them.
We also set up an account with Sun-Star Stationery from Japan. They had an interesting range of products we’re not seeing here from some of the traditional stationery suppliers. They’ve got a nice twin tipped pen. One end of it is a square and I think people that like to bullet journal or those who use pens for studying/ revising will really like that. They also had a range of highlighters in nice pastel shades that were very tactile in the hand and economic to use. We’re currently sorting out the paperwork for that and we’re really looking forward to introducing our customers to their range.
Have you made any orders following London Stationery Show?
We haven’t stocked the Kaweco range in around three years, so we were thrilled to make an order with them and we’re just sorting out the paperwork for that now.
We placed a big order with Stone Marketing for their tom bow pens which we previously used to stock but haven’t for a while. We are currently working on a big pen and pencil wall in our store, so we got a good range of pens from them. The Legami Eraser pens fly out, so we just topped up our range of those and brought in the new ones that have just been launched including the mini highlighters.
Did you find any exciting products at the show which you think are a ‘must have’?
We caught up with the team from Andhand, who we already stock. We are waiting for their amazing allusion rulers to come back into stock as they have sold super well for us. Their pen is my absolute go to pen that I use daily. I’d really recommend any other stationery fans to treat themselves.
We also placed an order for some Schneider products. We got a nice set of metallic paint markers and some everyday fine liner and rollerball pens from.
Art Scene – Lorraine Dixon
Did you find any new suppliers at London Stationery Show you will be opening an account with?
Yes, I have opened two new accounts so far. The show guide is very useful as a memory jogger and contact details.
Did you find any exciting products at the show which you think are a ‘must have’?
There were so many fabulous things at London Stationery Show it has been hard to choose, but I think I will have some great new products coming in stock very soon.
Have you made any orders following London Stationery Show?
It was great to see some of our existing suppliers as well as new ones that I hadn’t met before. I am a big fan of Kaweco pens so a visit to Studio Pens’ stand was an essential. Jakar are now on my radar and I will be having discussions with Premium Art Brands regarding Pan Art.
Did you find any products which you don’t currently stock but would love to expand in after viewing them at the show?
I have already placed orders with IF for their Bookaroo products. I just love the colours!
I always come back inspired and full of new ideas.
