South Australian designer Lynne Kooij has teamed up with Gibson Importing to develop The Journeys Collection of journals, planners and gift stationery.
Products in the range include the I Want You to Know series, birthday and baby books, and wedding planners. They are supplied under the wholesaler’s Unity Gifts arm.
The company liked the inspirational messages promoted by the products and thought it would provide a new dimension to Unity Gifts’ product portfolio. It is also part of Gibson Importing’s drive to support Australian artists through exclusive ranges.
“We see Journey’s products as a gift to share love around the world through the words and designs,” says Monique Cheung, product and marketing manager at Gibson Importing.
“We want others to be encouraged, to record their experiences through our journals and tell those they love – through the I Want You to Know gift books – what their relationship means to them. We believe this range helps you find the words when you just don’t quite know what to say.”
Kooij had been looking for a company to help grow her brand when fate intervened while opening a bottle of wine as she discussed the topic with friends. The cork had the name Gibson on it.
“What I loved from the beginning was the ‘family’ ambience when I walked into Gibson HQ on my first visit,” she says. “I was taken by the beautiful showrooms and felt it would be a privilege to have my range displayed alongside the product they sell. I also spoke to Lisa Pollock and she gave such a positive and exciting insight to Jamie, Monique and the Gibson team. Lisa spoke of their professionalism and the way her business and brand has expanded and developed in such abundance – I wanted in.
“What Journeys by Lynne Kooij needs to move forward is a manufacturer/distributor with the knowledge, infrastructure and expertise to help Journeys further develop and expand its range and to increase its presence in the marketplace, this I believe is Gibson Importing.”
The Journeys Collection has already had a positive reaction with a few major retail groups placing orders and considering them for their Christmas catalogues.
Gibson Importing believes that while the retail market is getting more challenging it has a strong product range to offer buyers.
“Sales have been steady for us in the last couple of months,” Cheung adds. “We all know that the economy will be getting tough and tougher out there. However, we have confidence that through our collaboration with Australian artists – Lisa Pollock, Lynne Kooij and Sharon Hindle for Friends 4 Ever – working with our distribution partners in the US and UK and a few new ranges of Slumbies, Gibson and Unity Gifts will unveil unique fresh designer giftware that will generate plenty of interest.”
