What’s on at London Stationery Show 2022?

London Stationery Show is back in just under five weeks’ time as the UK’s only event dedicated to the paper and writing instruments industry returns to its usual spring dateline. The show is set to host its best line-up yet, as 150+ brands ranging from internationally renowned suppliers to independent boutique designers head to the UK capital to meet with over 1,800 stationery and gift buyers.

The London Stationery Show team are delighted to share some of the exciting features taking place at this year’s show. It is incredibly important for independent retailers to not only meet with big stationery brands but also have the opportunity to source unique, original products for their customers. The show is also focused on fostering retailer development; consequently, many of the features are centered on helping business owners enhance their potential through education. Take a look below at what is in store for retailers this May.

Retail Matters

The Retail Matters Live Talks will take place on both Monday and Tuesday and are an opportunity for retailers to learn from the best and brightest in the industry. Aimed specifically at helping stationery retailers enhance their business, the content discussed by our experts is tailored specifically to the needs of stationery business owners. We are delighted to announce the experts confirmed for Retail Matters include Martha Keith of Martha Brook London, Sam Donnachie and Hannah Malein of Colour Hive, Rachel Waring of Rachel Emma Waring, Nerrisa Pratt of Untld Project, Catherine Erdly of The Resilient Retail Club, Therese Oertenblad of Small Business Collaborative, and Elizabeth Stiles. With topics such as creative content strategy, sales techniques for independent retailers, how to sell on Instagram, and mastering PR, to name but a few, retailers will have more than just new stock to take back to their business.

Creative Matters

The Creative Matters workshops are an opportunity for retailers to test new product for themselves. They can try before they buy as a host of exhibiting brands hold interactive demonstrations across the Monday and Tuesday. Retailers can chat with and ask exhibitors questions as they talk them through how to use their latest products. Pre-registered visitors will be given early-bird access to book their Creative Matters Workshops, so make sure you’re registered as soon as possible to be the first to know when bookings open.

Indie Matters Business Advice Clinics

The Indie Matters Business Advice Clinics give retailers the opportunity to sit down with an industry expert in a one-to-one session. Catherine Erdly of The Resilient Retail Club, Rachel Waring of Rachel Emma Waring, Nerrisa Pratt of Untld Project, and Therese Oertenblad of Small Business Collaborative alongside Elizabeth Stiles will be taking appointment bookings throughout the show and are ready to answer retailers’ questions. Whether needing advice on marketing, social media, sales strategy, or financial planning, these clinics are a chance to take away actionable steps to boost your business.

Boutique Collection

The Boutique Collection allows retailers the chance to discover something original for their shop. This carefully curated section of the show is centred around innovation, as quirky, independent suppliers present their product offerings. If looking for something new to wow customers with, the Boutique Collection is designed with retailers in mind.

Sustainability Matters

It has never been more important for independent retailers and business owners to think about their environmental impact. London Stationery Show will be championing innovative products that are focused on working towards a greener planet. As they arrive, visitors can view products from London Stationery Show exhibitors’ eco-friendly ranges whilst also being able to make a sustainability pledge. Whether deciding to walk to work or only stock notebooks with recycled paper, making a pledge is about realising that small changes aid the collective effort towards a more sustainable future.

Stationery Matters Awards Showcase

Located on the Mezzanine level, visitors will be able to browse through the products that made it to the final of the Stationery Matters Awards 2022. The top five products from each category will be displayed so retailers can see and feel what could be their next best-selling product. Awards categories encompass various sectors including arts and crafts, children’s stationery, sustainable stationery, gift packing and wrap, notebooks and journals, filing and storage, writing instruments, licensed stationery, novelty stationery, social stationery, diaries and calendars, working from home products, and the LaunchPad category which celebrates new stationery suppliers hoping to break into the stationery market. Winners for the awards will be announced on 17^th May.

London Stationery Show is a trade-only event taking place on the 17-18^th May at the Business Design Centre. All stationery retailers are welcome and can register here.