A recent development at Widdop & Co has been a £250,000 investment into the introduction of the Now Or Never Studios facility, based at Widdop’s Manchester HQ, enabling companies to personalise their own products, thereby ensuring that they are exclusive. “We leased our first machine a year ago and now have eight,” ceo Stephen Illingworth confirms.
From this Autumn, customers will be able to select from some 2000 different blank formats, choosing artwork from Widdop’s partnered artists as well as the company’s brands and licenses. “We can provide retailers with three different artwork packs which are licensed to us,” explains Stephen. “Alternatively, companies can supply us with their own artwork.”
He says that one of the many benefits is that companies can have products finished in the UK, cutting out the need for international product suppliers and long shipping times. “Innovation in technology has allowed us to rapidly expand this exciting new side to the business. With very low order quantities, retailers can have an exclusive item for 20-30 pieces. Ultimately, it comes down to having product that is commercially successful or not doing it at all.”
To read the full version of this article, click through to pages 36-37 in the September issue of Progressive Gifts & Home.
Top: Widdop’s Now or Never Studios gives retailers the opportunity to personalise product. GiftsandHome.net’s Sue Marks (right) is shown with ceo Stephen Illingworth and Catherine Paul, head of marketing, eCommerce and content.
