Between the Lines

Between The Lines Limited has its roots in a partnership, founded in 1964 by Norman Brine. He opened a shop in Midhurst, Sussex, selling Gifts, Books, Cards and Stationery. The shop has been trading successfully ever since, providing a friendly and efficient service to the local community.

In 1985 Lindsey Brine joined the firm as a partner and opened a second branch, this time in Godalming, Surrey. The shop was initially called ‘Pepperpot Cards’, named after the Market Hall opposite.

During 1989 the present Managing Director, Florian Kleinlercher joined the Company, which was incorporated that year. Nine more outlets have since been opened, in Alton, Haslemere, Chichester, Sevenoaks, Horsham, Petersfield, Oxted, Reigate and Canterbury. All branches are situated in prime trading locations and are very popular locally.

November 1999 saw the successful opening of the Online Web Store, a fully transactional e-commerce solution to take advantage of the increasing interest of the public to purchase over the Internet. Links to the site have been placed in most UK virtual shopping directories and e-malls and its steady sales growth has shown that this channel will play an ever-increasing role in driving the business forward.

May 2004 saw the Company win the accolade of ‘Independent Gift Retailer of the Year – South & South East’. This prestigious industry award is organised by Progressive Gifts & Home Worldwide Magazine and sponsored by TPS, organisers of the biggest annual trade exhibition in Europe.

In June 2011 the Company won ‘Best Small UK Multiple Card Retailer’ in the RETAS Awards, another valued industry award, celebrating excellence in Greeting Card retailing.

In 2012 the business has been nominated as a Finalist for both awards once again and the result will be known later in the year.