One of my constant challenges is - how hard it is to search for pencil stores (I can find fast food, shoes or even tax preparation with nary a blink - but good pen shops seem to fall into a ‘search chasm’ - where they are few and far enough apart that they don’t get their own category). Sometimes I find them under ‘stationary store’ (but rarely) - sometimes comic shops or even find hidden gems in supermarkets!
What apps / resources do people use to find good ‘brick & mortar’ stores? Is there a specific set of online search terms folk use to get good results? Is there an app or website I’m missing?
Do we need to set up some kind of database (much like the users map) where we can create our own database? Do we already have this and this poor old fool doesn’t know about it?
Yes indeed - in my (albeit limited) experience it’s the only place with a decent stock - and employees that understand what you’re asking for (and are willing to go look if they don’t have on display what you’re seeking). Sadly it’s one jewel (so far) in an otherwise unremarkable crown.
Every other place I’ve seemed out and visited have been K-Pop stores or similar - with off-brand Hello Kitty pencils and fruit scented markers. Not that I have a problem with that - but it definitely doesn’t fall under the auspices of ‘specialist drafting supplies outlet’
I’ve started dreaming about finding a shopping mall that is ONLY pencil stores. I think I need help.
There are not many physical stores that I know of here in the US (or at least central US) that carry a variety of Japanese or European pencils.
For US based websites, the only ones I really know of are jetpens.com and tokyopenshop.com. There are probably others, but those are the ones I know of.
It didn’t occur to me to look - I thought the Carrollton store was a one-off! Thank you! I’m sure they have a lot of the same items - but it’s worth a look! Thank you again!
I also know of a good Pen store in Kansas City in Crowne Center, called Pen Place. My wife and I always go there when we are up that way visiting her family.
Last year, when we were in Chicago, we went to a few, but Atlas Stationers was the best of the ones we stopped at.
I believe I was doing searches for Stationery when I was looking for stores, then filtering down from there.
Yoseka Stationery in NYC has always been a great place to deal with. https://yosekastationery.com/ - I bought a CDT Kerry from them that was super cheap- like almost list. They also have a fun YouTube channel.
I have to second Jimmy - JetPens and Tokoyo Pen Shop are also fanstastic.
The pencil and paper store in Chicago carries and collects rare mechanical pencil brands from japan and other countries. I have been many times and they carry the orenz pental zero retractable mechanical pencils, the uni, and more. They rare mechanical pencils they carry are all non-retractable though . Their inventory changes every now and then, but I think this is a great place.
Also Atlas Stationer in Chicago too, but that would rank second.
. Their inventory changes every now and then, but I think this is a great place.