Get ready to immerse yourself in the ultimate celebration of stationery and creativity at the upcoming London Stationery Show, at the Business Design Centre over 14-15 May. This event promises to be an unmissable gathering for stationery and gift retailers, featuring the biggest selection of art, crafts, writing and paper products from around the world, all under one roof.
The show attracts buyers from grocers and large multiples such as Ryman, Hobbycraft, WH Smith, Sainsbury’s, Tesco, Harrods and TK Maxx; as well as plenty of indie retailers.
No matter where they come from, everyone is looking for that something a little different, something that will make customers go ‘wow’, as Melanie McKay, owner of Analog in Lancaster explains: “As a relatively new independent stationer, we rely very heavily on the London Stationery Show to source suppliers. We like the fact that even as a small fish in a big pond, we have access to big brands like ExaClair and Kaweco, but also more niche brands like Vent for Change and Coffee Notes. It’s a great sourcing event with fab networking opportunities as well.”
It’s a sentiment echoed by Sean Austin from Austin & Co in Malvern. “The show, like stationery itself, has evolved over the past decade since I first attended, and I’ll be looking for the wow-factor in this age of consumers working from home; and how the form and function of a product fits into a 21st century home rather than just being a commodity.”
Wendy Bottrill, director of The Pen & Paper Stationery Company in Cardiff is looking forward to going to the show this year, especially since she missed it last year. “I am hoping to see new products and ranges, be able to see and follow any upcoming colour predictions and generally hope to get an enthusiastic vibe from suppliers for this coming year for the stationery industry. Hopefully this year will see a resurgence in the number of exhibitors and it will once again be a strong show, as it was before Covid. This year will be challenging for both retailers and suppliers, but then again every year brings its own challenges!”
This year the show is under new ownership, with Max Publishing taking over the helm from Ocean Media Group. “We are absolutely delighted to welcome London Stationery Show into the Max Publishing family and look forward to really getting to know the stationery community,” says Rob Willis, coo of Max Publishing. “Ocean Media Group has done an outstanding job in the last few years, elevating London Stationery Show as the most important event in the stationery industry’s calendar.”
The show already has a very impressive line-up of over 100 exhibitors, covering writing instruments, gift stationery, office supplies and arts and crafts. Among the many leading brands already on board are Crayola, Stone Marketing, ExaClair, Daler Rowney, Royal Talens, Leuchtturm1917, Manuscript Brands, Jakar International, Studio Pens, Pentel, Snopake, Staedtler, Sinclairs, Stabilo, Pukka Pads, Edding, Hahnemuehle, Ultratape, The Pilot Pen Co, Zebra Pen, Nu:notebooks, Tallon International and many more.
Gemma Bassett is the brand development manager for Sinclairs which will have three exhibits at the show for Artgecko, Pink Pig and Silvine, the first time the company has had separate exhibits. “We’ve exhibited at London Stationery Show for the past 17 years and it’s always been a highlight of our year,” says Gemma. “We love to use the show as a launch for new products, meet with customers while building new relationships too. We’re bringing Pink Pig to the show this year in the Boutique collection. It’ll be the brand’s first ever time exhibiting at the show in its 30 year history.”
Another long-time exhibitor is Pentel, with marketing manager Wendy Vickery explaining why she’s looking forward to the show: “Pentel has been an enthusiastic participant at the London Stationery Show for 11 years and we’re really excited to be attending the 2024 event, which looks set to be even bigger and better than ever. The acquisition of the show by Max Publishing, who have a natural affinity for all things stationery is a positive step in the evolution of this well-established event, which has become the showcase for new initiatives and trends in our industry.”
Wendy continues: “We always look forward to seeing so many existing customers, as well as presenting new customers with their first opportunity to see the wide range of products and packaging Pentel can offer them. At this year’s event we’ll be showcasing the full range of EnerGel pens, new products in our creative Pentel Arts family and further expansion of our plastic-free packaging range.”
Not only will visitors have the chance to see all the latest and greatest products and innovations from the exhibitors, there will also be a programme of talks and workshops throughout the event. More details will be announced soon.
Don’t miss your chance to be part of the excitement. Register now to secure your spot at the London Stationery Show.
To find out more about stands and sponsorship opportunities contact Chantelle White on chantellew@max-publishing.co.uk or +44 (0) 7795 951244.
