Getting into Waterstones, Foyles and Hatchards book stores!
Way back in January 2021 I attended my first Top Drawer, a trade show in London for cards, gifts, stationary and one of the largest in the UK. I didn't really know what I was doing and had only a handful of designs but somehow, someone from Waterstones noticed me, stopped by my stall and showed an interest in my designs. Fast forward to Autumn 2024 and I had finally got my Wholesale act together and was able to get back in touch with a professional approach. Why it took me so long, full time job and laziness? Anyway, it worked out ok in the end because as of February 2025...
My cards are now in my favourite large bookstores!
I am very chuffed to be able to say my cards are on the shelves in Waterstones stores around England and Foyles and Hatchards book stores in London. It's extremely gratifying to see my designs on their shelves 🙂
Waterstones has nearly 300 stores around the UK and my cards are currently in around 50 of them. Let me know if you spot one!
This feels like a great step in my development as a full time artist and I'm excited to see what happens in the rest of 2025!
Hatchards London
It was actually my first time walking into this store when I visited to see my cards. Founded in 1797, Hatchards is London’s oldest bookshop and supplies the royal family (will Charles receive one of my cards? 😄). Its such a beautiful store to look around, I felt like I wanted to do lots of Christmas shopping there (when the time comes). If you’ve never been and love a good bookstore its well worth popping into next time you are in London’s Piccadilly.
🗺️ Hatchards Piccadilly location
and Foyles stores too!
A few tips on how to get into a large wholesale retailer after they show interest...
- Follow up, if you don't hear back follow up again! I made the mistake of not following up a second time for 3 years 🤦♂️
- Don't be afraid to negotiate on price, they probably expect it but be reasonable in your expectations.
- Large retailers can be slow, a lot slower than independents as buyers often have hoops to jump through and people to confirm with before getting back to you. Having said that don't be afraid to follow up if its been a week or so since you heard from them.