Retailers Fess Up About Their Fave Finds From the NSS

"WE WERE LOOKING for a couple good lines of gentle-humor greeting cards. I loved a card from Nouvelle Images that featured a photo of the Eiffel Tower and a Gertrude Stein quote inside that says, 'America is my country and Paris is my hometown.' I had to have it and then we were delighted to see that the rest of its line is strong. It was hard to cull it down to the 42 dozen we have room for. I also loved Murphy's Musings, especially the card that says 'Aromatherapy' inside."

Hannah Rodewald, Owner

The Pleasure of Your Company, Lutherville, MD

"I have to admit I had a few favorites at the NSS this year. Like everyone else, I was totally enamored with Wooster & Prince's footed desktop notes. So clever! Galison's new decorative list pads -- a small pad and a large pad both on the same magnetic backer -- were another favorite. Now you don't have to tear off the bottom of your list pad for just a short note. These will be great teacher and babysitter gifts. Stevie Streck's "wedding gown with buttons" die-cut invitation is absolutely gorgeous! Recently many lines have stopped producing higher price point imprintables with embellishments and die-cuts. My customers expect a unique and special selection and I am thankful Stevie continues to wow us. I returned from New York so jazzed about our industry; we completely rearranged the store in anticipation of the show orders. My customers just love it!"

Gentry O'Neill, Owner

Paper on the Avenue, Richmond, VA

"I'm happy to share my finds from the show. The first was Rifle Paper Co. from Winter Park, Florida. I also found a wonderful line of wrap and bags from the UK called Vivid Paper. All in all, it was a good show. I'm looking forward to next year already!"

Harriet Malmon

Francis-Orr, Corona del Mar, CA

"I was so excited to pick up a new line, Designers Fine Press, at this year's NSS. This company offers letterpress at a very reasonable price for the cost-conscious customer and rounds out our letterpress offerings. We love our higher-end lines but it's nice to offer an alternative for the bride whose budget calls for a lower price point and yet who still loves letterpress. It was a fabulous show all the way around!"

Beth Buchanan, Owner

Buchanan Ink, Nashville, TN

My favorite new product(s) at the National Stationery Show included LyziWraps banner bags. They take banners from business and municipal events and convert them into fabulous and unique tote bags. I think this showed the ideas of reusing and repurposing at their best! I also really like Jennifer Carroll Designs stationery line. The scalloped shape note cards and the classically elegant designs are beautiful and different and Jennifer herself is a ray of sunshine!"

Holly Bretschneider,

Chief Style Officer Salutations,
Charlotte and Chapel Hill, NC

BEST SELLER LIST

A delegate reveals what items are flying off shelves. "My number one best-selling custom item last month was Smock
wedding invitations and my best-selling stocked item was the '5' book
from Compendium."

Holly Bretschneider, Chief Style Officer

Salutations, Charlotte and Chapel Hill, NC