We’ve taken the leap… all new designs, including our January 2020 launches will no longer be wrapped in cello bags, but instead the card and envelope will be held together with a branded easy-peel label that is fully recyclable.
I recently spent some time consolidating our Brand Values, and four of the current six are environmentally oriented:
- To celebrate the natural world through illustration.
- To be constantly striving to improve our environmental impact.
- To inspire others to love, respect and look after our planet.
- To give back more than we take.
It was with these values in mind that we have decided to go FULLY naked on all new designs this year, rather than offering the packaging option of either naked or cello-wrapped. It wasn’t an easy decision to make; it took me about 9 months to be sure, as I know we are likely to lose some customers, which is genuinely quite scary for me as a business owner. Having said this, I do hope that we might gain some customers too, whose eco values are similar to ours 🌱 In light of the knowledge that there will be more plastic in the ocean than fish by 2050, I am choosing to take the risk and hope that the more card companies that do the same, the more normal it will become within the industry to expect cards to be unwrapped.
We did consider giving the option of naked or wrapped, but for me that just wouldn’t feel like we’re giving it our best effort 😐 Lots of independent shops are understandably apprehensive about giving naked cards a go, and so would still choose cello-wrapped if given the option. My hope is that as customers can now only have our new designs cello-free, they’ll give it a go, and be very pleasantly surprised by how few cards actually get damaged 🤞🏻😁
If you’re an independent shop considering stocking naked cards, but are a bit worried about potential damage and wastage, have a read of the feedback from some of our customers below which I hope you’ll find super reassuring!
What do our stockists have to say?
Books Paper Scissors, Belfast
Linda at Books Paper Scissors in Belfast did our Naked Trial back in August 2019 and has since made two more orders specifically requesting cello-free!
When asked what her biggest concerns were before buying naked cards, Linda said: “We were worried about finger marks, about cards looking grubby etc, but really this doesn’t happen. People look without touching most of the time!” And her happy conclusion: “I think buying a naked card gives the customer a ‘feel good’ moment about doing something for the environment (that they perhaps hadn’t even considered possible) and the typical card buyer is someone who clearly likes to make small gestures for other people .😊”
Beezes, Wiltshire
Beth, from Beezes in Wiltshire has had our new 2020 launches in store for a couple of weeks. So far she said she’s found customers don’t seem to notice one way or another and is glad to be reducing waste without any impact on sales: “Lots (of people) on social media are really in to it, but no one has mentioned anything in the shop… We have had no issue at all, and while people may not be rushing out to buy naked cards, if they do whilst they’re out, it’s still a great step for minimising waste and the environment."
Pretty Shiny Shop, London
Georgina at Pretty Shiny Shop in London did our naked trial back in the summer too, and has ordered naked cards from us multiple times since. She says: “Initially I was very concerned that I would lose stock through damage to cards but I have not had one incident of damage happen and it has been months now. I have only received positive feedback around the change.”
To prevent potential damage, Georgina suggests: “I put a little less out when in a rack to protect against any ‘rough handling’ from someone jamming the cards back into place. A very small adjustment to make for such an important change.” She also stores her overstock cards in drawers to keep them clean.
Blightys, Cranbrook
Camilla from Blightys has been one of our biggest cheerleaders since she opened her beautiful shop in August 2017. Committed to stocking product by independent companies and made solely in Britain, the nakedness didn’t phase Camilla at all.
Copper & Grey, Banchory
Katherine at Copper & Grey was also worried cards would get “marked and dog-eared quickly.” But says “That hasn’t happened. My Louise Mulgrew cards turn over fairly quickly, so they’re not sitting on the shelves for too long anyway, and they don’t seem to be handled as much as I thought they might be.” (Thanks Katherine 😍) She finds as well that the acrylic displays are a really good option for naked cards as the entire card can be seen which hopefully reduces handling and they also fit easily and don’t get bent.
And her advice to other hesitant retailers: "I think customers like that their independent, High Street shops are doing their bit for the environment… perhaps start with your best-selling lines. If they turn over quickly, they won’t be sitting out for too long. Use it as a talking point on social media and see what your customers think, and take into account the added value to your business as it takes steps to be more environmentally responsible."
