Postmark enters travel retail sector
Network Rail is welcoming greeting cards retailer Postmark to five of its 20 managed stations across the UK.
Taking a total of over 3,755 square feet of retail space, the move means the family-run brand has entered the travel retail sector for the first time.
Postmark is replacing Paperchase at the stations following the stationery retailer’s entry into administration earlier this year.
The first store to open was London King’s Cross which is being followed by London Bridge, London Waterloo, Birmingham New Street, and London Victoria this summer.
To enable the stores to reopen in record time and minimise shop fitting wastage, the original store fixtures have initially been recycled.
Specialising in British-designed products, Postmark opened in London’s Balham in 2004 and grew its portfolio to six stores in the capital ahead of the signing with Network Rail. The brand has recently been crowned as the ‘Best Greeting Card Retailer’ 2023 and ‘Best Small Multiple’ 2023 in the “Retas” Greeting card retail awards.
Mark Janson-Smith, director at Postmark, said: “Opening five retail units in six weeks was always going to be an ambitious plan, particularly given it was our first time working within a station environment, so we feel incredibly proud of our team and all the hard work they have put into achieving this goal.
“Throughout the process, from pitching to inducting our colleagues, the support and guidance we’ve received from the Network Rail team has been instrumental in achieving a successful launch and initial trading period. We have been pleased by the reaction from customers, especially in Birmingham, outside of our London home catchment.”
Network Rail owns and manage 500,000 square feet of prime retail space within major city centre stations.
Hamish Kiernan, commercial director, property for Network Rail said: “There is still strong customer appetite for a premium card and stationery operator and Postmark has been an excellent addition to our retail mix. With Postmark making its debut in travel hubs, the opportunity to work with a successful independent brand ensures our destinations continue to deliver a refreshed and engaging offer for customers. This is an essential part of our retail strategy.”
