Craft Focus - Oct/Nov (Issue 63)

reputable brand database makes Personal Impressions stand out. More and more of our competitors are manufacturing their own-brand products while we continue to represent some of the more recognised ‘labels’ within the industry. There are many benefits for the UK and European retailers in dealing with one business: • Instant access to stock. • Access to B2B web-shop 24/7. • Ability to buy in smaller quantities. • A great product choice – our range of 30,000+ products offers variety from both high to low value. • A one-stop-shop with access to a number of brands (and therefore avoiding multiple delivery charges and import duties). • Access to staff with product and geographical knowledge. • An easy returns process. Tell us about the brands you work with. Are there any new ones in the pipeline? There are too many brands to list – around 70! However, the most popular brands are Mod Podge (by Plaid), Tsukineko, Spellbinders, Fiskars, We R Memory Keepers, Simple Stories, Viva Décor and Ranger. New to our portfolio for 2017 have been Glue Dots – an international brand of adhesives that are a safe and clean alternative to traditional liquid glues and tapes; Magnum Magnetics – an international brand of retail packaged, inkjet printable and specialty magnets for arts and crafts projects; Die Cuts With A View – international brand of beautiful sets of die cut shapes in themes, colours and varieties; and Florartistry – a new and exciting range of innovative craft dies, embossing folders, craft papers and craft tools that create stunning flowers and floral displays. There’s also one other distributorship in the pipeline. Are there any new product developments that you would like to tell us about? There are some exciting new products from We R Memory Keepers and Gelli Arts. News of these products can be found on our website at personalimpressions.com . Also, there are some more great innovations coming to market but unfortunately we can’t share information due to confidentiality agreements. Watch our social media pages and sign up to our e-newsletter for further announcements. Is keeping up with the craft trends important? Yes certainly, it’s so important as it increases your company’s competitive position as well as staying informed and navigating your business to be positioned as a resource of knowledge can significantly increase credibility, relevancy and value with consumers. Are there any trends that retailers should keep an eye out for or have you noticed any in decline? We’ve noticed that scrapbooking paper sales have declined. However, there are now some inspiring posts on social media sites showing different ways to use papers (including a great light up fairy house from Fiskars) and as a result, we can see demand increasing. How can retailers get to see the products that Personal Impressions manage? Retailers can either call us on the telephone number below or register to trade with us on our website. Retailers can also register for our e-newsletter through our website or Facebook page. Personal Impressions +44 (0)1787 375 241 pisales@personalimpressions.com personalimpressions.com craft focus 39 company profile