With the first month of 2021 now firmly behind us, we thought it was about time to start catching up with some of our favourite party suppliers. First up; Sergio Battaner, sales and marketing director for Palmer Agencies.
Hi Sergio! How’s the first part of 2021 been treating you?
“Keeping safe, trying to keep sane (!) but most importantly, keeping positive about the year ahead! 2021 may be a much better year than what we are feeling right now. A lot of this hope rides on the vaccine roll out and keeping our most vulnerable away from this nasty, nasty virus. There will be a time to celebrate; there will be a time to party! We all will be there, leading the country in celebrating!”
It’s been harder than usual to get things off the ground this year for a number of reasons. How has Palmer Agencies dealt with the inevitable delays?
“No trade shows, lockdowns and other factors have delayed our new products for 2021 but we certainly have had more time to look into the quality products and offer even better value to our customers all over the world. We may be offering new lines a few weeks later than usual but it’s been time well spent fine tuning what I would consider, the most audacious, daring and impressive offering in the market… Good things come to those who wait – we’re proof of that!”
What are your hopes for the party industry in 2021? Do you think consumers will ’shop local’ when retail opens up again?
“It is early days to be committing to anything and my crystal ball would not give any hints yet. I think it’s a case of wait till April/May and see how we evolve in the fight against the virus. The national efforts are outstanding and people are working and behaving as requested. Results will not be too far behind.
The whole ‘local’ element to buying will be incredibly important this year. Communities are now looking at themselves and looking out to keep it local Smaller independents need to fly the flag as community party specialists and engage with their customers to let them know that no-one knows more about how to celebrate than them. And trust me when I say, we’re pending some great celebrations come this summer!”
Tell us a little about your new launches – what’s in store for retailers?
“For 2021, we will produce a new product brochure that can be used alongside our 2020 catalogue so, I will ask our customers to hold on to last year’s Carnival, Halloween and Party catalogue when they receive the new products selection booklet. If anyone needs a new copy of the 2020 catalogue, please contact us on the phone/email/social media and we will get it sorted for you.
Following market trends, our décor range will be unrivalled for 2021 with special attention to animated props, home décor as well as masks and accessories. We’re now the go-to-company when it comes to good Halloween products and for decades have learned what works and what delivers value to our customers. Expect some big quantity, top quality, huge size and tremendous value surprises from our offering in 2021.”
Do you have any personal favourites?
“Which child do you love the most? No no no no no… be ready for some out-stand-ding animated props! Too good to miss, too big to go unnoticed, too awesome not to be in the limelight. 2021 will be a big, animated prop year! And with Scream 5 (including original cast) coming soon, GhostFace will be central to Halloween this year. We will be including special anniversary editions and masks to celebrate!”
And finally?
“Just a very quick but, incredibly necessary mention to everyone who’s placed orders with us through the pandemic. We at Palmer Agencies don’t take our friends and customers for granted and, in the midst of a very difficult and uphill year, we were ever so grateful for the support shown, orders placed, feedback received and warmth towards everyone in the Palmer Agencies family including our office staff, warehouse operatives, sales force…
A very big, heartfelt and sincere thank you to all of you who in whatever shape, form or means reached out to us and helped us get through 2020. We promise not to disappoint in 2021.”
