The past few weeks have been a busy time for award winning American artist Jim Shore who was welcomed back to the UK by Enesco, before embarking on a 17-day tour of signing events here and in Europe during September and October. Retailers reported record sales on the day, strengthening bonds with their customers.
The global event exclusive figurine, Here Together, Friends Forever, was available at all events, many pre-ordered, with each one an opportunity to introduce and showcase Jim, the artist behind much loved brands including Jim’s own Heartwood Creek, as well as recognised collaborations such as Disney Traditions, Peanuts, The Grinch and the Wizard of Oz.
Armed with his signing Sharpie, Jim opened his tour with two events in the UK hosted by F.Hinds the jewellers in Merry Hill in Brierley Hill, and Meadowhall in Sheffield. Super-fans travelled from all over the UK, happy to queue to meet Jim and enjoy his undivided attention. The rest of the tour included signing events in Germany, The Netherlands and Belgium, finishing in Disneyland Paris.
“It was a busy 17 days, but one Jim was determined to fulfil and to meet as many fans as possible,” says Enesco’s trade marketing manager Aylish Ellwood.
Enesco, Jim Shore’s team and the ten hosting retailers had spent weeks communicating and engaging with Jim’s fans through social media, websites, mailings and in-store advertising. Hosting retailers organised a full day Jim Shore experience for loyal customers, many of whom had travelled for hours. Activities include quizzes, Disney sing-alongs, treasure hunts and character cut-outs for photo opportunities, as well as a visit and songs from Joke de Kruijf, a Dutch musical theatre performer, best known for her Dutch voiceover on Walt Disney productions.
“Throughout the tour, what became very clear was the power of wonderful, compelling storytelling,” continued Aylish. “The partnership between Enesco and Jim Shore is not just about creating beautiful figurines but much more that. The figurines are a form of escapism for many people, bringing pleasure to the lives and homes of Jim’s fans all over the UK and Europe.
“We also witnessed much laughter and many tears – albeit happy ones – as stories and special moments were shared,” continued Aylish. “Friendships were formed and online communities are growing as they all have one thing in common – the love of Jim Shore and his artwork through figurines.”
Top: Fans queued for hours to meet artist Jim Shore at event signings in both the UK and Europe.
