Paper Plus

Really want to like this cute little boutique on The Avenues, but … the staff acts like you’re really imposing on their time if you venture in. No communication, rarely a hello, somebody just sits on the stool behind the counter and stares stonily ahead. Now if you’re a known quantity and have The Look (you know what I mean), they fall all over themselves being chatty and gracious but ordinary riff-​raff? Forget it.
And for what it’s worth, they mark up the cost of their greeting cards way over what they should be. I can interpret card codes. Makes me wonder how much they’re overcharging for other items.

I really want to like this place. With a good selection of letterpress and mass-​produced stationery, cards, gifts, and housewares, why shouldn’t I?
Well, for one: it’s over-​priced. There’s a ton of picture frames for sale – plastic, laminated, and wood composite comprise the majority, with a few heavier, metal frames thrown in the mix. Nothing that SHOULD be priced more than $ 30 (with the exception of the metal frames) for a 4×6, 3×5, or 5×7 photo. Prices, in actuality, run anywhere from $ 28 – 62. What?! For a small frame that looks like it could be from Anytown, USA’s TJ Maxx?
Secondly, today was probably my last time – regrettably – in the store. The owner seems to bristle at any communication with her staff or customers. I’m not one for the «customer is always right» mantra because we’re not always right, but as a business owner, you should be courteous if you expect a return on your investment. That is, if you want customers to come back and you view your store as an investment. Everybody has bad days, and I’d like to cut her a break, but this has happened every time I’ve visited Paper Plus. Maybe that’s why the store is never hoppin’ with folks?
It’s a shame. I want to buy local. I won’t be able to after one purchase here because my eyeballs have been gauged-​out from the sticker shock and I’m afraid of getting yelled at if I were to ask a question.

This charming stationary and gifts shop located at Libbie & Grove offers a wide array of cards, invitations, home accents, and other small gifts. The store itself is adorable, with a sensory overload of colorful products that truly draws your eye and makes you want to transfer the shop’s goods to your own home.
Every time I walk in I see about a hundred things that I would love to purchase… if only the wallet would allow. The products are a bit pricey, with offerings such as Kate Spade cards and personalized stationary. The shop offers monogramming for many of its products and also provides custom invitations. Perfect for weddings, showers, or even birthday parties. Just be prepared to spend much more than you would if you were to DIY your own invitations.
When I popped in a few days ago, a pair of ikat pillows caught my eye and it was difficult leaving without them. I had to remind myself that I did not «need» them… and that my boyfriend might kill me if I came home with yet another decorative pillow.
In terms of service, I’m totally neutral; I’ve never had a bad experience but I’ve also never engaged in conversation with anyone working there either. Typically I like to chat with people working at a small boutique (part of what I see as a draw to this type of store), but I don’t really get the chatty vibe here.