The London Stationery Show – now in its 12th iteration – offered a buzzy vibe for exhibitors, retailers, buyers and dealers in the stationery and gift sector. Held at the Business Design Centre in London, this year’s show marked a notable milestone as the first under the ownership of Max Publishing, and it certainly injected fresh energy and enthusiasm into the proceedings.
From the moment the doors opened, the show was humming with activity. Buyers from major retailers such as Tesco, John Lewis and WHSmith explored the array of art, crafts, writing and paper products presented by over 100 exhibitors representing more than 300 brands.
Exhibitors included companies from the workplace supplies industry such as ExaClair, Nemo Office Club, Victor Stationery, Sinclairs, edding and Pukka Pads; alongside leading brands from the world of writing instruments, such as Crayola, Pentel, Zebra Pen, Staedtler, Stabilo and Pilot Pen UK.
A highlight of the event was the special appearance by Ryman’s Theo Paphitis [Ed’s note: Paphitis is next issue’s In conversation with], whose talk during the lunchtime slot drew a large crowd. Offering insights into his love of stationery, the state of the high street and his disdain for business rate taxes, his engaging 30-minute talk was both entertaining and informative.
The Workplace360 team do, however, miss the talk by trend forecasting agency Scarlet Opus which used to take place when Chris Leonard-Morgan owned the event. Interestingly, Leonard-Morgan is back on board at the London Stationery Show as a special advisor.
Attendees also had the opportunity to participate in a series of workshops and talks covering a wide range of topics, from bullet journalling and clay modelling to handwriting analysis, sustainability and brand building.
On the ground floor, the boutique collection featured independent retailers with unique and innovative product offerings, adding a touch of creativity and quirkiness to the show. There was something to capture the imagination of every attendee.
Feedback from exhibitors and visitors alike that Workplace360 chatted with at the show was overwhelmingly positive, with many praising the show’s vibrant atmosphere.
The opening day of the London Stationery Show featured the Stationery Awards. Judged by an independent panel of leading retailers across 12 distinct product categories, the awards recognise outstanding product innovations in the stationery sector. There were over 70 products nominated from 40 different brands. The winners were:
- Novelty Stationery Product of the Year: Stone Marketing – Legami Erasable Pens
- Arts & Crafts Product of the Year: Brainstorm – Eugy 3D Model Kit
- Writing Instrument of the Year: Andhand – Aspect Retractable Pen
- Children’s Stationery Product of the Year: Stone Marketing – Faber-Castell 20 x Connector Fibre-Tip Pens in Dinosaur Tin
- Working From Home Product of the Year: Coffeenotes – Organiser Set
- Sustainable Stationery Product of the Year: Exacompta Clairefontaine (ExaClair) – Clairefontaine Bamboo Watercolour Pads
- Diary or Organiser of the Year: LEUCHTTURM1917 – Weekly Planner and Notebook with Dotted Pages
- Licensed Stationery Product of the Year: Manuscript Brands – LEGO Harry Potter Box Set with Diary, Broomstick Pen & Accessories
- Notebook or Journal of the Year: LEUCHTTURM1917 – Bullet Journal Pocket Edition
- Filing or Storage Product of the Year: Mann Inc – Endless Stationery Five Pen Companion
- Social Stationery Product of the Year: Huunuu – Big Conversations Before I Die Journal
- The Icon Award: Studio Pens: Kaweco Classic Sport Fountain Pen
