It’s Show Time! After nearly a year of careful planning and preparation, the 2018 National Stationery Show^® is upon us. We are SO excited about this year’s Show – from the quality and breadth of our fabulous exhibitors, to the international makeup of our wonderful attendees, to the informative and unique content of our numerous buyer-education seminars and workshops.

Beyond the important business of buying and selling that takes place on the Show floor, this is also our industry’s one and only time of year to come together to network and socialize – and there are ample opportunities to do so during NSS 2018: at the Broadway Bound show night, at the Greeting Card Association’s LOUIE Awards Bash, and on the Retail Bus Tour visiting some of NYC’s best stationery shops.

We hope you will take advantage of all that this year’s NSS has to offer. I look forward to seeing you at the Show!

The Paperbag

The Paperbag, located in Allentown, PA, is a social-stationery boutique specializing in custom invitations for all occasions, unique greeting cards, social stationery and notes, custom stationery and, perhaps most important, customer service, according to the shop’s owner, Liz Richmond. Here, she shares more about what has made The Paperbag a success for 36 years:

1. We’ve been in business since 1982 and in the same location – long before computers and the internet – but we still handwrite all personalized orders with customers.

2. We’ve been in business so long we are able to work with three generations of customers.

3. We are still going strong despite surviving three major store disasters in seven years, including several floods – one of which ruined a custom order for a wedding taking place the next day. Yet, thanks to a helpful landlord and an employee, we were able to reprint the order and deliver it to the bridal coordinator in time!

4. I started working at the store at the age of 20 with the notion that one day I wanted my own store. The former owner taught me everything I know, and then sold it to me in 1997.

5. Customers think I’m a daredevil! I love skiing, car racing, and bike riding, dancing, and have gone skydiving. I’ve even sponsored a juniors cycling team from which two of the kids are now riding semi-pro.

What is your best advice for first-time NSS attendees?

“Take the time to really look around at all of the talented people and businesses. There is some amazing work here, and you can miss it easily in the buzz of the show.”

– Lindsey Hernstrom, Foreign Accounts Specialist, Cody Foster & Co., a family-owned business located in the Sandhills of Nebraska that sells Christmas ornaments and home décor.

“When you walk through these aisles filled with creativity, color and ideas, walk slowly so you can see both sides of the aisle. There is so much goodness to take in. A fast walker might miss that one booth that is a find and perfect for their shop. Some buyers hand me a card that already has their shipping and billing addresses on it. It saves time when placing an order. Wear your most comfortable shoes or bring them along as a change if needed. Bring more business cards than you think you will need.”

– Colleen Attara, Owner/Artist, Colleen Attara Studio, based in Yardley, PA, whose line is created through torn photographs embellished with paint, thread, ephemera and original words.

“Be respectful to vendors when checking out their booths. If you don’t have anything positive to say, just don’t say it. Despite your taste vs. their style, remember that someone worked very hard to get those products to the NSS.”

– Beth Salvini, Owner/Buyer, Greenwich Letterpress, which specializes in custom letterpress greeting cards and fun gifts, both as a wholesale operation and with retail stores in NYC and Philadelphia.

Rainbows

Consumers are definitely not over the rainbow trend! This smile-inducing symbol of hope and friendship is still appearing on many gift and stationery items, such as these that you’ll see from exhibitors at the NSS in 10 short days!

Donate to Writes for Women When Registering for the NSS

When registering for your NSS buyer or exhibitor badge, please consider making a donation to Writes for Women, benefitting the Ms. Foundation for Women. Writes for Women is comprised of stationery industry professionals who aim to engage, motivate, empower, and educate themselves and others on economic and social justice for women while raising funds for efforts for social, economic and equality nonprofit programs. Your donation of $15, $10, or $5 will help cover the costs for empowerment programs for young girls and women impacted by school and community violence.

Mohawk Fine Papers Purchases Crane Stationery

Mohawk has purchased Crane Stationery Corporation of North Adams, MA, for an undisclosed amount. This acquisition includes all three premium Crane brands – Crane & Co., William Arthur and Vera Wang. This marks the latest expansion for Mohawk and is a natural evolution for this fourth-generation, family-owned paper company. Be sure to stop by booth #1762 at the NSS to view the Mohawk and Crane Stationery lines.

kikki.K Partners With Gartner Studios

Global Swedish design brand kikki.K has partnered with Gartner Studios to accelerate the distribution of its unique collections of stationery, homewares and gifts across the U.S. and Canada. After quickly growing a cult-like international following soon after its launch in 2001, kikki.K already has a loyal U.S. following online. Entering kikki.K into new doors will give existing and new kikki.K lovers the opportunity for a more tangible experience with the brand. Gartner Studios, together with kikki.K Founder Kristina Karlsson, will be showcasing kikki.K at the NSS in booth #2006.

NSS Goes “Broadway Bound”

The NSS will have its first “Broadway Bound” event at the upcoming Show. A limited number of discounted tickets are available to the popular Broadway hit, “BEAUTIFUL: The Carole King Musical,” for Sunday, May 20, 7 p.m. Tickets can be purchased at a discounted rate by adding them to your registration here.