A Manchester card shop based in a shipping container at Pollard Yard in Ancoats was recently named the Best Greeting Card Retailer Newcomer at this year’s greeting card retailing awards - affectionately known as The Retas - at a sumptuous awards event at The Grosvenor House Hotel in Mayfair.
The Letter Arty sells greeting cards, stationery, prints and wrapping paper from some of the UK’s best independent artists, illustrators, publishers, printers and makers, including many local to Manchester.
The Retas awards, launched in 2005 by Progressive Greetings Worldwide magazine, recognise excellence across the whole greeting card retailing spectrum, from independents on the high street, to the small groups, national multiples, garden centres, department stores, supermarkets and bookshops. The lavish event, that this year took on a Country & Western theme, was hosted by comedian Ignacio Lopez and attended by 400 people.
Far from being in decline, the UK public spent over £1.5 billion on greeting cards last year, so to win such a prestigious national industry award is quite a coup.
Commenting on the win, owner of The Letter Arty, Matt Simpson, said, “It’s great to have my little shop recognised in this way. I pride myself in selecting only the best sustainably produced cards, so I’ll always have the perfect card for any occasion.”
“The UK leads the world in greeting cards, which continue to form a vital role in social communication, tangible proof to show you care, in the good and the tough times. The passion the winners of The Retas 2025 have shown towards maintaininga wonderful selection of greeting cards, covering all occasions and sending needs, as well as commitment to their communities at large, makes them very special indeed,” commented Jakki Brown, managing director of Max Publishing, which owns and organises The Retas.
The Letter Arty is online at theletterarty.co.uk and at Pollard Yard in Ancoats. Shop opening times vary so please check the website or instagram @theletterartyshop for current hours.