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As we all know, the Covid-19 pandemic has shaken the entire world. People and businesses worldwide have had to learn and grow to accommodate the 'new normal'. Because of this, we saw lots of different, exciting events get cancelled, postponed or replaced by virtual events or online marketing. A couple of areas that have been affected greatly by this change are exhibitions and trade fairs.

As a way around this, most have taken things digital! You no longer need to worry about travel and the use of public transport to arrive at your desired event, you can simply turn on your computer and access the fair from wherever you are. The question is, will we adapt to this new way of working, with the old ways seeming outdated, or will it simply go back to business as usual? Will virtual events be the new normal?

While, in most cases, the thought of catching a flight for a single meeting is probably a thing of the past and will be replaced by a quick Zoom call, the exhibitions fulfil

Schools are planning to reopen again in September after being closed for the majority of kids for a while now, and introducing online lessons as an alternative.  Many of them are probably looking forward to getting back in the classroom and some face to face interactions. But the kids won’t go back to the schools as we know it, instead there will be some changes to adapt to and new ways of doing things. Life is a big learning curve for all of us!

We want to help you to prepare and stock up your store for when the parents and their kids come hunting for school materials.

First of all we would like to highlight the fact that schools should be a place of, not just learning, but also fun! And one thing that is fun is themes. They are a big YES for children of all ages. So, what’s important to think about is offering a range of different items but in the same or similar designs. Studying for a test will be easier and a lot more fun if they can take notes with a panda pen

Now that many shops are finally allowed to reopen and welcome back customers, we want to help you prepare so you are stocked and ready to go with all your customers needs.

First things first –Now, more than ever your customers will want to enter your store and feel safe.  Below we have put together a quick check list, many of which we are sure you already have in place!

• Social distancing – try to keep 1-2 meters.
• Screens or barriers at the tills.
• A one-way system using clearly visible markings and signs
• A maximum number of customers in your store at any one time
• Hand sanitiser stations at the entrance

When all that has been ticked off, the next question is…  What products to offer?

When reopening it is important to fill your shelves with produ

In these uncertain times, we are trying to find ways to help our customers which include a number of special promotions on the websites and which we are monitoring and adjusting to follow government guidelines as well as the needs of our customers. 

There is a lot of advice online already, but here is some information to make the most out of our special offers and help during this difficult time.

Communication

In this unusual situation we have to find ways to build stronger link with customers and hopefully finding new ones, but as it is not currently possible to engage with them face to face as you usually do, our recommendation is to focus on social media.

Here are 3 recommended topics:

Share your story, who you are, what makes your shop special – it will help you grow your fan base and engaging with followers.

Build stronger relationships by messaging t

The world is coming together in difficult times to fight against the spread of Covid-19.  We are having to quickly change our habits to protect each other and some of that means giving up the freedoms we take for granted. 

In 2018 a team from our Head Office and warehouse battled wind, rain and snow to cycle as many miles as we could in one day along the Camel Trail in Cornwall, raising over £1100 for Sport Relief.  When they contacted us about supporting them again in 2020 we jumped at the chance and added it to our 30 for 30 Charity Challenge List.

Each year after the last stands have been packed away and the Spring trade fair season has wound itself down, we gather together the team members who've had most involvement with the shows to share our thoughts.

It's been a whirlwind couple of weeks for Puckator. Trade show season is one of the busiest times of year for the team, and we had some fantastic news from Spring Fair at the NEC – one of our products had won in the Gift of the Year awards!

If you haven’t heard already, 2020 is a big year for Puckator, we are celebrating our 30th anniversary and we have created the 30 for 30 Charity Challenge! As a company, we have always wanted to make a difference and this year we want to go further than ever by supporting and sponsoring 30 good causes and organisations around the world.

2020 is a big year for Puckator, we are celebrating our 30th anniversary and are planning to do it in style, and not just with a big party!