Ecomdigest Stationery - 09.19.2024

PLUS: Hello Kitty's 50th anniversary stationery and Schneider tops pen performance survey

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Ecomdigest
September 19, 2024 • Estimated Reading Time: 6 minutes

Specialty Bites 🍪

In the 19th century, around three quarters of the world’s nibs and pens were made in Birmingham. At its peak, the city was exporting writing implements at a rate of billions of nibs a year, with factory workers expected to turn out 18,000 a day.

Then came the ballpoint pen, signalling the decline of British pen-making: more than 100 billion have been sold since the introduction of the Bic in 1950. Add in the impact of computers and other tech, and the number of pen makers in Birmingham has dwindled from hundreds to just one. 

Now that maker, Yard O Led, is staging a revival.

2024 marks the 50th anniversary of our beloved feline friend, and Sanrio U.S. is pulling out all the stops. In collaboration with Studio Oh!, they've unveiled a new stationery collection that's as cute as it is celebratory. Think spiral notebooks, mini note cards, stickers, gel pens, and even a wax seal set. Yes, you read that right—a wax seal set.

This collection isn't just about writing; it's about partying. Dessert plates, napkins, and gift bags round out the lineup, all decked out in pastel pinks and blues. Hello Kitty herself is the star of the show, outlined in white and striking various adorable poses. And in place of her iconic red bow? A big, bold "50," because, you know, milestones.

If you're thinking, "This sounds like a lot," you're not wrong. But hey, it's Hello Kitty's 50th, and she deserves to go all out. From glamorous clothing and accessories to giant plushies and kitchenware, 2024 is shaping up to be a year-long celebration. And with Halloween around the corner, expect even more kawaii goodness, like cookie stamps featuring Hello Kitty as a ghost, zombie, and jack-o-lantern.

Schneider tops the marktintern performance survey for the third time in 2024, excelling in all criteria. Recognized for its price-performance ratio, service, and sales support, Schneider's success is highlighted by the popular Slider Rave ballpoint pen. This achievement fuels future innovations and solidifies Schneider as a reliable partner.

Over 2,000 students in St. Kitts will receive school supplies worth $80,000 through the Denton Program. Delivered by a U.S. military aircraft, the supplies include backpacks and stationery. The ATime4Us Foundation will distribute them to primary, secondary, special education, post-secondary, and pre-school students, easing financial burdens for families.

Overconsumption in stationery is rampant, with items like washi tape, stickers, and multicoloured pens often adding clutter rather than value. While fun, these products are largely unnecessary. A minimalist approach with essential tools can enhance productivity and organisation, proving that less is indeed more in the stationery world.

Performance Platters 🍽️

Fospha's latest report, "The State of E-Commerce H2 2024", reveals crucial trends that will shape your marketing strategy. What's inside:

📱 How the major platforms' KPIs have trended in 2024, and where you should be investing. 

🚀 How to access Paid Social's huge scaling potential. 

✨ The most effective Google channel of 2024.

🎯 Full-funnel strategies for Meta, TikTok and Snapchat

Let's break down the platform-specific insights: 

  • TikTok: Emerging as a powerhouse for efficient new customer acquisition 

  • Meta: Maintaining strong performance with competitive CAC 

  • Snapchat: Experiencing rapid growth, particularly effective during peak shopping periods 

"These findings underscore how impactful platforms like Meta, TikTok and Snapchat continue to be for driving sales - yet how underinvested they remain. It's incredible to see that brands can triple spend in Paid Social before becoming unprofitable. Success now lies in diversifying across the entire funnel, understanding the nuances of each platform, and continuously optimizing to unlock more scaling potential." 

Jamie Bolton, VP Growth at Fospha

WPP and Coca-Cola topped the 2024 Cannes Lions creative charts, with Coca-Cola winning 17 awards. WPP was named Creative Company of the Year. Heineken and Apple followed in the rankings. The United States was the most creative country. The LIONS Creativity Report highlights impactful creativity driving growth.

We Are Social's new study highlights five trends reshaping brand-creator collaborations: creators reinventing themselves, relatable realism, influential allies, credible creativity, and extreme influence. Brands should adapt to these shifts, partnering with creators through lifestyle changes and focusing on relevant, stable content over aspirational luxury.

Ecomdigest is a Contentive publication in the DTC Ecommerce division