In case you hadn't guessed, we love stationery. We also love adorable little cottages snuggled back along cozy little drives. When these cottages become stationery showrooms, our affection quadruples (and is accompanied by a tinge of jealousy--who wouldn't want to work in such a charming setting?). When our products are featured in such houses, we must admit that we are positively giddy.  

We are giddy. Allow us to introduce Leap Frog Papers. Their stationery showroom, not too far from Philadelphia, is housed in the charming building pictured above. In that charming building, they share their passion for stationery with all visitors, showcasing several well-known lines. They showcase our products, too.  

"But not everyone lives near Philadelphia," you say. "I'm not able to visit their cottage showroom, or see your products."  

We realize that not everyone can personally visit Leap Frog Paper. In fact, Leap Frog realized that some of its would-be customers were too busy to come in to the store, or lived too far away, or were simply overwhelmed by the number of products available in the market. They wanted to share stationery with everyone, regardless of location or schedule; they wanted to guide people through the process of choosing stationery. In 2007, Leap Frog decided to expand their business by providing an online market and sending sales reps out across the country. Allow us to introduce Paper Concierge, the product of Leap Frog's expansion. Paper Concierge sales reps are all over the country to assist those too far away to visit the store, and they consider the schedules and needs of their customers while helping them through the selection process. They also provide a level of expertise and guidance to the customer.  It's the accessibility of a website or national chain, with the personal touch and focused attention of a small business. Stationery consultants... paper concierges.  What a marvelous idea!  

We encourage you to look into Leap Frog Paper and its offspring, Paper Concierge.  In fact, some of our products are on an exclusive, limited time sale on their site.  Happy shopping!

If you are a retailer and would like your store to be featured on our blog, please contact us at whitneyenglish@yahoo.com with your store information and a few photographs.  

Happy Friday! Today we have another Noted Retailer to share with you: Pinney Kelly Paper! I'm not sure when and where I actually met Katie and Sarah, the founders of Pinney Kelly Paper, but it was probably at a trade show somewhere, and it is safe to say that we became fast friends! They are known in other circles as being the founders of donovandesigns. As the owners of two bustling businesses, I want to thank Katie and Sarah for taking time out of their day to answer some of our favorite retailer questions.

WE: What inspired you to open a store?

PKP: A friend called out of the blue and said a small retail space had just opened in her neighborhood and wanted to throw out the idea of opening a stationery store.  It was something I had always dreamed of doing but knew with already being so busy with our growing wholesale business it was not something I could do on my own.  Sarah and I met with this friend. Lisa, to chat about it and we all agreed to give it a go.  It made sense because we already had donovandesigns products and it was fun to add other paper and gift items that we love, to give it a nice variety.

WE: How would you describe your store's style?

PKP: Fun, friendly and affordable.  It’s a small store... (About 800 square feet) but we keep it stocked with quick pick up items.  We try to keep the non personalized pick up items between $5-$25 and then we also have many custom albums for people to find the perfect stationery, notepad or invitation.

WE: What is your store's "signature" or specialty?

PKP: This is such a small detail but we always have gumballs on our counter.  People love them, they look super cute and the school kids come in specifically for them and the Mrs. Grossman’s stickers.   Our other signature would be the donovandesigns products since Pinney Kelly Paper is the flagship store for donovandesigns. The customers know we are a local company and they like to support us for that reason.

WE: What is the biggest challenge you face as a retailer, and what do you do to combat it?

PKP: We offer a wide variety of custom products and a big challenge is making sure the employees are well versed on each company’s products and procedures.  In order to combat this we are regularly training the sales associates to ensure they adhere to each company policies.

WE: What is your favorite part of being a retailer?

PKP: As exhausting as they are, I truly love the markets. It’s so fun finding new and unique products and even better when we get to see our customer’s reactions to them once they arrive in the store.

WE: Do you mind sharing a merchandising tip or trick?

PKP:  We shuffle merchandise all the time.  We find that as soon as we move things around some products that may not have sold before start selling.  We also change the window often.  Our store is in a small neighborhood and many people window shop at night so we like to update it all the time.

WE: What trends do you currently see in the gift and/or paper market?

PKP: I love how many of the stationery manufacturers are going beyond paper with fun accessories such as; picture frames, recipe boxes, bag tags, tote bags, desk accessories and lots more.  It’s great how it all coordinates together.

Thank you, Katie and Sarah, and thank you for those gorgeous pictures! For those of you in the Columbus area, run over to Pinney Kelly Paper and say hello. Their address is 1991 Guilford Road, Columbus, Ohio 43221.

There is nothing preppier than a monogram. So, when Julie over at Lemon Tree Paperie sent me this photo of her newborn's nursery, I had to share it with you. Don't you love the green walls? Isn't the striped border crisp and elegant? Check out the Serena and Lily bedding! Are you drooling? Me, too!

When her son was born, Julie selected this note card for his thank you notes. Buzz on over to Lemon Tree Paperie and check out more of our stationery selection. You'll find Julie's customer service far above excellent! Her attention to detail is evident in the execution of this nursery design, isn't it?

For another preppy baby idea, check out this Lacoste stroller by Maclaren at Neiman Marcus. Little alligators, galore!

Hi, Friends! Today marks the first issue of a new type of post for us: Noted Retailers! We asked Heidi Kallett, of The Dandelion Patch in Virginia to tell us a little bit more about what makes her store so unique.

WEK: What inspired you to open a store?

HK: When I was President of the Junior League and my term was expiring, I was trying to figure out what challenge I wanted to take on next. As I thought about the things that really make me who I am: I love to entertain, have a fondness for tradition and respect for the latest fashion trends-- I couldn't think of a better fit than to build The Dandelion Patch empire around fine stationery and personalized gifts.

WEK: How would you describe your store's style?

HK: Comfortable. Preppy-Chic. Fun. Perhaps my customers say it best, that "coming into our store is like going to a girlfriends' home."

WEK: What is your store's "signature" or specialty?

HK: At The Dandelion Patch, it's our goal to help make your wishes come true. So-making things personal is what we're known for. From formal wedding and back yard BBQ invitations to the perfect hostess gift, we are the experts in gracious expressions.    

WEK: What is the biggest challenge you face as a retailer, and what do you do to combat it?

HK: As we continue to grow, we are faced with the challenge of finding enough great people to grow with us. We've created an awesome culture of team work, respect and unparalleled customer service. As a result, we don't just hire anyone. Although our retention rate is impressive, with our 400% growth in 3 years, we are always looking for great employees that are interested in helping us build an empire of goodness and great customer service!   

WEK: What is your favorite part of being a retailer?

HK: I love the fact that in our business we are (mostly) about the good stuff in life: weddings, bar/bat mitzvahs, anniversaries and special celebrations. I always feel special after completing a customer's order-like we'll be part of that event forever. We are lucky to have the best customers in the world!

WEK: Do you mind sharing a merchandising tip or trick?

HK:  We have found that by using our packaging as display items, it helps promote our brand as well as add visual interest to our merchandising. Now, all of our packaging is branded with dandelions, so it's hard to miss....

WEK: What trends do you currently see in the gift and/or paper market?

HK: I believe that monograms rule the world right now... they are everywhere! No longer are the formal monograms relegated to only fine stationery (which everyone still wants, of course) but now we find monograms on handbags, office products, serving pieces, clothing and even shoes!

Thank you, Heidi!! If you are in the Virginia area, try to get by one of The Dandelion Patch's two locations: Vienna at 111 Church Street or Reston at 11923 Market Street. If you can't make it to Virginia any time soon, be sure to check out Heidi's new blog!