ZEBRA PENS T: +44 (0)20 8974 2202 www.zebrapen.co.uk How do you keep your designs fresh and current? Although we share various global market insights with our Zebra Pen colleagues from other regions, we also maintain a close eye on current UK trends across all of the sales channels that we operate within. Benefitting from such a broad overview enables us to more accurately predict upcoming demand for different fashions and brand licences. What sets you apart from your competitors? Combined with our personalised approach to building solid relationships with our trade partners, we have always prided ourselves on supplying premium products that offer everyday value. The utilisation of Japanese expertise and innovative manufacturing technologies in conjunction with our commitment to empowering people to fully capture and express life’s moments enables us to do this and has allowed us to stand out of the crowd. What are some stand-out moments since the company launch? There’s been a number of milestones with the recent move to Cheshire and continued expansion of the UK team over the past 18 months of particular note. In terms of product development, the recently launched bLen range is an exciting highlight. These not only feature an emulsion ink technology that offers the user a richer colour and smoother flow, but their innovative design with a low centre of gravity and direct touch tip ensures a vibration-free writing experience. How are you finding the current climate in the UK? Is it affecting business? The retail environment continues to face many challenges but the gifting industry is predicted to grow further with personalised and sustainable product innovations driving the sector in conjunction with the rise of subscription boxes and more premium products, including within the stationery sector. How do you view the future of independent retail? In addition to keeping abreast of current consumer trends, the key for any independent retailer is to engage with the local community and explore ways to differentiate your product offering. This may include aspects such as personalised gift wrapping services, partnering with artists for live workshops events, or offering themed collections that are not available in larger chains. The independent channel has been an area of substantial growth for us over the past year and we are focused on boosting this further throughout 2026. With increased innovation in product and packaging development and the continuation of extra investments in new point of sale and marketing support, which includes the imminent launch of our new merchandising displays. Are you active on social media? How is this important for the business? As well as a growing LinkedIn presence for our trade communications, we have highly active Instagram, TikTok and Facebook accounts. For these, we’ve been developing an effective ambassador programme that has supported growth in relation to both consumer awareness and brand loyalty. Do you have any advice for new businesses starting out? Quite simply, make sure you understand and connect with your customers in order to maximise sales potential, and ensure you get support from suppliers in this process. What can we expect in the future from the company? Alongside the new in-store POS initiatives, we’ve been improving our operational processes and are also currently working on a refresh of our website, which is scheduled to be launched later in the year. There’s plenty of exciting new range extensions planned over the coming months too, including a scented version of our bestselling Mildliner highlighters. Additionally, we’ll be showcasing our latest product innovations at the upcoming London Stationery Show, which is being held at the Business Design Centre in Islington during May. 47 COMPANY PROFILE
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