If only... 'Just a card' campaign

"If everyone who'd complimented our beautiful gallery had bought 'just a card' we'd still be open"

The JUST A CARD campaign aims to encourage people to buy from Designer/Makers and Independent Galleries and Shops by reinforcing the message that all purchases, however small, even 'just a card' are so vital to the prosperity and survival of small businesses.

The campaign came about when Artist & Designer Sarah Hamilton saw the quote "If everyone who'd complimented our beautiful gallery had bought 'just a card' we'd still be open" by store keepers who'd recently closed their gallery. Sad story and over all, too common.

Designer/Makers and independent shops and galleries need a voice. People seldom realise the considerable costs involved in exhibiting at design shows or keeping a shop open. Stand fees, power, materials, wages etc need to be met before even a penny of profit can be realised. Running a shop is often a labour of love. Without dedication and passion, and crucially sales, it would be another boarded up eyesore.

However without this being pointed out people may not recognise the impact their purchasing power makes. As a direct response to our campaign many people have reported, they often feel embarrassed to make a small purchase as they felt this may appear miserly. Something they'd never feel in a large chain store.

Since hearing of our campaign they've changed their opinion.

I have decided to join the campaign, and introduced the idea to the Fountain Gallery at Hampton Court. We sell our artists' cards there, along with original works, and we are all just as happy to sell them, as we are when a bigger work is changing hands. So please, don't be shy to buy!