Stokey card shop crowned best in London
- Jenna Fansa
- Jul 22
- 2 min read
Earlybird Cards in Stoke Newington has been crowned London’s Best Independent Greetings Card Retailer.
The Reta Awards, run by Progressive Greetings, celebrates the industry’s best retailers and Earlybird was one 64 stores nominated in the capital. It’s the second time they’ve won, having scooped the prize in 2021.
Store Manager Hannah Sharman was at London’s Grosvenor House Hotel to collect it.
Heidi Early, who runs Earlybird with her husband Dom, said: “We reach the finals each year but didn’t think we would win! Industry suppliers, shops and publishers all have a vote so it’s a real honour they chose us!
“It feels very fitting that Hannah was there to collect it. She has been front of house here for the past five years, is responsible for our brilliant window displays and she designs some of our cards.
“As an independent store working with more than 100 suppliers, we’re able to respond to trends very quickly and to what customers ask for.”
Earlybird Cards has been running for more than 20 years and is heavily involved in community life in Stokey, their team help run the area’s Christmas shopping events and the Trick or Eat trail at Halloween.
The store has good green credentials. All their cards are printed on sustainable FSC board (produced from managed forests), their printers are carbon balanced, most cards don’t have plastic packaging and customers can hire party decorations made from recycled helium balloons.
As well as designing and commissioning cards for their own shop on Stoke Newington Church Street, they supply Waterstones, Scribbler and Oliver Bonas.
The trophy will have pride of place in store.
Heidi added: “Last time we won the award people travelled especially from South London to come and see the shop so I hope this award will be good for Stoke Newington.
“I want to thank everyone who voted and the customers who help to make us who we are. We are really grateful people keep coming and supporting us and buying cards because cards make people happy!”
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