Gift Shop Plus Spring 2022
The Medium is the Message By Sarah Schwartz

A stationery lookbook that offers a retailer profile and highlights trends in greeting cards, stationery, stickers and giftwrap

The ties that bind us all together have perhaps never been more important — hence, stationery has received renewed focus these past few years, especially in the speciality gift shop format. Greeting cards don’t only allow consumers to connect; for retailers, they are a quick, easy way to bring in fresh color, modern messaging and a diverse stable of makers that reflects our population. Just ask Victoria Venturi of Paper Epiphanies — her Portland flagship makes all this look like literally a snap! Not only is she a master of merchandising as you can clearly see, she understands the millennial mindset like few others in the business.

My favorite thing about stationery is that it can tell any story you like. Whether it is luxe production processes like letterpress and risograph printing or offbeat or heartfelt messaging, you can tell it well here. Best of all, printed pieces respond quickly to any cultural phenomenon or event.

Everything comes into sharp focus April 28 and 29 when the *Noted Expo comes to vibrant life in San Francisco. Co-located with the brand new SF NOW, this special event promises to be the can’t-miss event of Spring ‘22. I hope to see you there!