LOVE YOUR HIGH STREET - this week (and forever!)

The LOVE YOUR HIGH STREET campaign is a week dedicated to shopping with independent retailers designed to rejuvenate and promote local businesses.

As an independent business in the heart of Chapel Allerton, we’re lucky to have an often vibrant high street.

You can walk from one end of Harrogate Road to the other and find everything you need, from the butchers, the fruit and veg shop, clothes, kids shoes, jewellery, gifts and books. We’re spoilt for choice with independent cafes, bars and restaurants and there’s plenty to choose from if you want a bit of pampering or to keep fit.

But that’s not to say we don’t still need your support. Some days are deathly quiet and with the run up to Christmas we rely on our local customers to shop locally in person or even online (yes many of us have great online stores too)

So this week could be the perfect time to start. ‘Love Your High Street’ campaign, is a great reminder that we are here on your doorstep with a great selection of products for you. Perhaps you haven’t popped into Chapel Allerton for a while, then why not visit us this week and see what fantastic choice of gifts we have.

If you’re not local but want to support us from afar, then we’re going you Free Shipping until midnight Sunday 19th November - just use the code LOVEFREESHIPPING

Thanks for your support this week and all the weeks of the year - it means the world!

Thrilled to be a Judge for 2024 Giftware of the Year!

I have some exciting news to share with you. I've been selected as a judge for the highly prestigious 2024 Gift of the Year Awards.

The Gift of the Year Awards is not just any award program; it's the crème de la crème of accolades in the home and giftware industry. It's the ultimate celebration of innovation, talent, and creativity that drives our industry forward. Every year, it shines a brilliant spotlight on the best new products, the brightest emerging talents, and the most inspiring trends. And this year promises to be nothing short of exceptional.

What has me truly thrilled is the prospect of witnessing an array of remarkable entries across numerous categories. Each submission is a glimpse into the creative genius of individuals and teams who are pushing the boundaries of what's possible in our industry. From unique designs to innovative concepts, from what I’ve seen so far, the entries for this year's awards are nothing short of astounding.

 In particular, I am brimming with excitement about the Contemporary Gift category, which, judging by the strength of entries, is set to be an absolute game-changer. I can't wait to see the incredible products and ideas that will compete in this category, as it's bound to be a showcase of extraordinary talent and innovation.

To all the nominees, I wish you the best of luck! Your hard work and dedication to creating remarkable products and ideas deserve all the recognition and success that come your way. And for those who haven't submitted their entries yet, there's still time to seize this golden opportunity.

The Gift of the Year Awards is more than just an accolade; it's a gateway to unparalleled marketing and PR opportunities, connecting businesses with buyers right from the moment they enter. It's a chance to make a mark, gain invaluable exposure, and establish a foothold in the industry.

I'm incredibly thrilled and honoured to be a part of this extraordinary event. Stay tuned for more updates as we navigate through this thrilling journey together. The 2024 Gift of the Year Awards promises to be a celebration of creativity, innovation, and the future of our industry.

Celebrate with us and spread the cost of gifting!

WE ARE 7!

This weekend 3rd- 5th November we’re celebrating our 7th CHIRPYVERSARY & we’ve got lots planned to celebrate…

Buy a card bundle in store or online throughout November & be in with a chance of winning A YEARS SUPPLY OF CARDS WORTH £180!

Shop online to save …
Use the code 7CHIRPYVERSARY10 to get 10% off orders over £30

Use the code 7CHIRPYVERSARY15 to get 15% off orders over £50

Use the code 7CHIRPYVERSARY20 to get 20% off order over £75

Valid until midnight Sunday 8th

There’ll be DOUBLE POINTS this weekend in store & spend over £25 to get a LUCKY DIP PRIZE - someone will with a £35 Chirpy voucher!

Or if you fancy a PARTY then why not join us on Friday 3rd November from 6pm for our 7th CHIRPYVERSARY shopping event

There’ll be discounts, double points, goodie bags & fizz & well be raising money for @breastcancernow

Grab a ticket (redeemable against your purchases on the night HERE

Thank you for all your support over the last 7 years, we really couldn’t have done it without you!

IT'S BACK!! WIN A YEAR'S SUPPLY OF CARDS WORTH £180!

For the 4th year running, to celebrate our #chirpyversary we’re giving you the chance to win a Year’s worth of free cards worth £180!

That's 5 cards a month for a year!

All you need to do is buy a card bundle throughout November in store on online and you’ll be in with a chance of winning - it’s that simple! Every bundle purchased counts as an entry

Every month you’ll even be able to customise your card selection to make sure you have the perfect cards you need

Click here to buy a bundle

Focus on ... Jan & Robert of Pavillion

This month’s Focus on .. is Jan & Robert of Pavillion, a gorgeous range of modern cards we’ve been stocking for a couple of years

Here’s a little interview we did with them both to find out a little more.

Tell me a little bit about yourselves.

We are Jan & Robert, we live/work in Norfolk with our dog Ripley and have been together since 2005. Pavilion was launched in January 2018 after 18 months of designing and forming our first collection of greeting cards.

How did you get into doing what you’re doing

Our backgrounds are in design, Jan’s as a textile print designer and Robert’s as a stylist. We both love fashion and print and had worked together on creating a range of printed scarves and bags which became wall art prints which we sold locally at art craft fairs and markets. We then looked into turning the artwork of the wall art into greeting cards and then it took off from there.

What does a ‘normal’ day look like?

The day starts with walking Ripley in the morning, then as we work from home many mornings will involve a run which is a good start to the day as you get to think about and plan the day ahead as you are jogging and also it gets you out of the house for a while before you get to your desk. We often have a quick sit down together to look over what needs to be done, there’s usually orders to be processed, packed and booked on with couriers. A lot of our time in the studio is spent coming up with new card ranges, designing the prints and overseeing proofs of the new collections for the next season. No two days are the same.

Biggest achievement to date

We have had many big achievements since setting up the business, we both feel very proud when we are approached by major galleries and museums and asked if they can stock Pavilion and affiliate:107 (our partner brand) as these shops are very focussed on design-led products. More often than not we are asked to supply these stores as our products sit in line with upcoming exhibitions that the venues are presenting which is a big compliment.

Where can we find your cards?

Our collection is very varied, ranging from modern, simple through to heavily patterned colourful designs. This means you can find us in a very broad range of stockists from many independents across the UK, US along with other stores around the world as well as the museums and galleries mentioned before. We sell into jewellery stores who love our modern, foiled designs to sit along side there jewellery, as well as many florists who love our floral/illustrative cards. Since launching our notebook collections we have found that we have gained many stockists that are focussed purely on the notebook/journaling side of stationery.

Favourite card you’ve designed  / most popular card design?

That would have to be our Radar Card Wes which is our best seller by far and is also very indicative of our brand, really beautifully coloured, bold and impactful paired with a huge gold foiled star motif. We designed this card to being joy and happiness and our customers love it and always repeat buy when ordering along with new customers who have to have it on their shelves in store.

Have you seen any changing card trends over the last 12 months?

We are not probably the brand to ask about card trends as we draw inspiration for our new ranges from sources that are not trend-led. In fact we find most of our ideas come from artwork, fashion collections and graphics from way back.

Why do you think sending cards is still so important?

Sending a card is a very personal way of letting someone know that you are thinking about them whatever the occasion. Many of our customers keep the cards they are sent as a reminder of a special time and even frame them as a keepsake to have on their wall.

Best thing about running your own business?

There are many good aspects to running Pavilion, the best part is the designing process. So much of our time is spent discussing and then physically creating the artwork for the products. For both Robert and myself as creatives turning our ideas into stationery goods is a massive part of the brand. Customers at trade shows are always surprised that its just Robert and I that put the brand together as there is such a wide array of design styles and themes that are a part of the collection. When we set up Pavilion we had no real business experience so it’s been a massive learning curve to running the brand too and seeing our work out in the wild.

Advice to someone looking to turn their hobby / talent into a business?

Research is key, we spent a lot of time researching and going to look in shops at other brands for all aspects of the greeting card/stationery world before we finally committed to exhibiting at a show. We had to think about where we would sit in the industry and what we had to offer, what was unique about our work and what would draw the customers in. If you want to commit to a trade show its important to visit and look at how you would set your stand out as it is a big financial layout and look at existing brands and how they present themselves to show attendees. It costs a huge amount of money to set up so allow yourself to have the finances to launch, I spent a long time working my regular job freelancing as well as setting up Pavilion to keep a steady income coming in.

Plans for the future?

We are forever talking about the future and what we would like to do with the brand, whether its new card/stationery ranges or discussing new products we would add to the collection. For the immediate future we are focussed on creating new and interesting stationery with our unique point of view and hopefully continuing on gaining more stockists that love our work and who knows what the future holds?

Another trip around the retail block!

On Friday 3rd November we’ll be celebrating our 7th Chirpyversary - we couldn’t have don’t it without you so why not come and help us celebrate!

You know how much we love to party and this year will been exception.

There’ll be offers, discounts, double points and goodie bags. And of course fizz!

We’ll be celebrating from 6pm - 9pm with our wonderful customers and you could be coming. Just grab a ticket HERE - tickets are £10 which you will get back against your purchases on the night.

There’ll be lots going on during November to celebrate too.

There’ll be Double points on Saturday 4th & Sunday 5th November, lucky dip vouchers when you spend over £30 including a £35 Chirpy Gift Voucher, workshop vouchers and free cards.

Throughout November when you buy a card bundle in store or online you’ll be in with a change of winning a years worth of free cards, that’s 5 cards every month for a year worth £180!

We’ll also be using the month too raise money for Breast Cancer Now, with a raffle. There’s some amazing prizes from Chirpy and other local suppliers. Tickets available in store.

We hope you can help us celebrate!

Thank you for being part of the last 7 years

Jo & the Chirpy team x

2024, we're ready for you!

So let’s talk 2023!

Or perhaps let’s not!

It’s been a tough year, with some definite highs snd lots and one that I won’t be that sorry to say goodbye to!

Perhaps that’s why I was so keen to get our new 2024 diaries out on the shop floor.

We’ve got a great selection of diaries and calendars, from page a day, week per view for your pocket or your desk.

Or if you’re a family that needs a bit of organising then our Large Family Calendar is perfect for you, complete with stickers and a pocket for all the important things, lone party invites and receipts.

Be quick though, not they’re out in store (& online) they won’t stay there for long and when they’re gone they’re gone!

Happy 2024 (almost!)

Focus on ... Niccy from Type & Story

This month’s Focus on .. is Niccy the founder of Type & Story, a new card range we’ve just started to stock which is proving very popular in Chirpy

Here’s a little interview we did with Niccy to find out a little more about her.

Tell me a little bit about yourselves & your company

Hello I am Niccy and I am the designer / founder of Type and Story! Its rather cliche but I founded the business after having an identity crisis after having given birth to my son! I didn’t have a job to go back to as I was was a freelance graphic designer and felt completely lost in the patriacle world of demanding projects and inflexible timelines! Type and Story was essentially a passion project whilst my son slept and isn many ways was my personal exploration of desire to creatively explore this new identity that was emerging… it was less about what I was creating, more that I WAS creating.

How did you get into doing what you’re doing?

I had always worked in retail either on the shop floor or as a Visual merchandiser in head office. I grew up in London and worked at ‘aspirational’ department stores such as Liberty, Selfridges, Harrods etc. Despite the diabolical salary, I came out with unbelievable friends who I am still to this day 20 years on very close too. For all the hours I spent in these fashion houses, I developed a taste level for product, good design and colour which was undoubtably shaped by my surroundings.

What does a ‘normal’ day look like?

A normal day consists of 6.30am Yoga / run, school drop off, walking my dog, then 4 hours of working before I do the school run again! 

Biggest achievement to date?

My biggest achievement to date business wise was being awarded a golden certificate at my first ever trade show for my Planet Earth range at PG Live via Paperchase who went on to order 27,000 units. I was so shocked an in awe that my tiny little stand and small collection stood out enough in the crowd. Why this moment stands out for me is that it felt validating that my messaging on my cards that is direct and soulful and that is how I want to be spoken to yet no other cards at the time we’re offering that. So the approach to my cards was being noticed and that felt important.

Where can we find your cards?

Oliver Bonas, Anthropologie, Papersmiths and loads of aspirational independent shops, concept stores, museums and art galleries, florists bookshops and coffee shops!

Have you seen any changing card trends over the last 12 months?

I think there is a move away from the traditional rectangle card with more publishers moving towards die cut cards, mini cards and cards that are inclusive to the LGBTQ+ community.

Advice to someone looking to turn their hobby / talent into a business? 

Just get on with it. Ask your self why you are holding yourself back? Are you making excuses  and if so what are you really hiding from?   

 Check out Niccy’s Instagram here

It's beginning to feel a bit like ... Autumn!

Can you believe that we’re 3/4s of the way through 2023 already, the mornings are getting chillier, the nights are drawing in and everywhere seems to be decorated in pumpkins, including Chirpy!

Time to look back at the summer we almost had!

Best buying decision of July had to be stocking the wonderful Smiley umbrellas for what turned out ot be a very wet month. For those of you who know me well you’ll know it’s a bit ironic that I’m stocking these as I have a thing against emojis (long story!) but I couldn’t resist these, and neither could our customers! The other best buying decision was stocking ROKA bags, which have gone down a treat! Their great designs and vibrant colours fit in perfectly with the Chirpy vibe and they’ve proved very popular. Think they’ll be a best seller this Christmas. Retail really is affected by the weather though and July proved to be a challenging month, much quieter than last year, when we were baking in sunshine. I did also manage a little family trip to Scotland where it didn’t rain all the time and a visit to the Harrogate Trade fair which is great as it’s only a bus ride away & got lots of ideas for new season stock.

August saw a couple of new businesses open in Chapel Allerton, Paria and Bricklebanks. It’s always great to see new businesses pop up and keep our local high street vibrant and thriving. Paria does great coffee and pastries, have to admit I haven’t had a chance to try Bricklebanks yet but it’s on my list.

We launched the new Chirpy Workshop programme this month, with lots of new workshops and a few trusty popular ones too. It was great to get lots of bookings straight away, really helps us plan ahead. Talking of planing ahead we also opened our preorders for lots of new stock, including our Festive Papercut Baubles. The aim of this was also to help you spread the cost of gifting this year, help us manage our orders and cashflow and help our suppliers know what we’re going to order as soon as possible so a win win all round.

On a personal note I had a lovely couple of days beside the seaside with my mum for her 80th birthday followed by her garden party. Hope I’m as sprightly as my mum (with her new hip) when I’m 80! My daughter turned 17 too (don’t worry the roads are safe as she’s not learning to drive) and we had a great trip to London to see Cabaret which was amazing!

September, my favourite month, and the return of summer! The month had a busy start with Chapel Allerton’s annual festival and the monthly market - not particularly good for shop sales but great to see the ‘village’ so busy and what a lovely weekend for it. September also denotes the beginning of the festive season for me in retail with a visit to Top Drawer, my favourite tradeshow, where I order most of my Christmas stock. It was a great show, meeting some existing suppliers and finding some new ones too. We think you’ll love the things we’ve bought and the new pencil sets are already proving very popular.

This September we took part in ‘Thinking of You’ week and raised over £250 for Breast Cancer Now, with personalised cards, a raffle and a bake sale. We’ll continue to raise money over the next couple of months so still time to buy your raffle tickets - there’s some gorgeous prizes.

The workshop programme got off to a great start, having already hosted 5 workshops this month and lots more to come - don’t forget to book your places!

The shop is looking lovely and autumnal as we’re embracing Halloween. We’ll also be welcoming back My New Wardrobe for a pop up shop on 6th October and also planning for the MAGIC TENNER event which starts on 7th October.

We couldn’t do all of this without our wonderful Chirpy customers who continue to support us, buying gifts, booking on workshops or even just popping in for a card.

Now the fun starts … if you see me running around looking a bit stressed then that’s autumn for me!! Coffee always welcome!

Jo x

Focus on ... Liz aka Dicky Bird

This month’s Focus on .. is Liz, one of our favourite card suppliers Dicky Bird. Liz’s cards fly of the shelves in Chirpy and are some of the most popular we stock so we thought it was about time we shone a light on her

Here’s a little interview we did with Liz to find out a little more about her.

Tell me a little bit about yourselves & your company

Dicky Bird is me - Liz - a small studio based in South East London. My aim has always been to create cards which are elegant and classic but also contemporary and fun.

How did you get into doing what you’re doing?

I originally trained as a graphic designer at the London College of Communication but was always a fan of European illustrators such as Dick Bruna and Tove Jansson - as well as Japanese kawaii characters like Hello Kitty! A serial card buyer, I was always searching for simple, understated designs but could rarely find them.

What does a ‘normal’ day look like?

There are lots of different days really. As a one woman show you have to do everything! But I like that. I hop from new designs to accounts, trade fairs to product research, customer service to photography.

Biggest achievement to date?

Seeing my designs for sale in the Parisian boutique Colette, once described as ‘the trendiest store in the world’ by Forbes. What can I say?!

 Where can we find your cards?

Over the years, Dicky Bird cards have graced the shelves of Liberty of London, the Design Museum, The British Museum, Tate Modern & Tate Britain, The Designers Guild and The Conran Shop – but most importantly, many amazing independents – like Chirpy!

Favourite card you’ve designed / most popular card design?

That’s an impossible question! But I do really like the Black Cat design at the moment – it just reminds me of something from my childhood I think.

Have you seen any changing card trends over the last 12 months?

I honestly try not to look at what other card publishers are doing – I just like to keep in my own lane and do the things I like. Things I’ve liked lately though are toadstools, blossom flowers and nail art.

Why do you think sending cards is still so important?

It’s still a hundred times nicer to receive a card in the post than it is to get a text message or digital card. There’s just something a bit magic about it and I don’t think that will ever change.

Best thing about running your own business?

In a nutshell, being your own boss. It gives you freedom.

Advice to someone looking to turn their hobby / talent into a business?

If you think there’s a market for what you do, give it a go. I started off by producing a small collection and selling at fairs and markets – it gives you a good idea of what’s popular and what doesn’t sell. Remember it can be a bit lonely at times – and don’t forget you have to do the boring stuff too, like accounts!

Plans for the future?

I‘ve done some collaborations with other designers and companies in the past and I’d like to do some more of that. It’s nice to work with other people.

 Check out Dicky Bird’s Instagram HERE

And pop into Chirpy to buy Liz’s cards, but be quick as they sell out!