We Noted: Pinney Kelly Paper

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.