Editor's Letters Features

Many of you have heard about the Gift Shop® Plus and Stationery Trends Sample Box. Introduced earlier this year, it’s received rave reviews from brands and retailers alike. The most recent (and rather enormous) box arrived on my doorstep about six weeks back, and I will be a lifelong customer for one of its products. Peppofoot Stick Moisturizing Foot Balm from Rinse Bath & Body completely invigorates the feet and preps them for summer, and I would never, ever have found it otherwise. If I owned a shop, this mighty balm would be prominently placed and greatly promoted.

Stationery Trends readers can now receive their own curated sample box. We’ve named it The Paper Society, and as a “society” it speaks to every segment of our readership and unites us in a completely fresh way.

While a maker’s product can still be experienced by a buyer without either party ever physically leaving her respective workspaces, because this is a Stationery Trends product, the unboxing and sampling experience will be as polished as this publication.

First, while these are free to retailers, these are limited edition and thus limited in supply. Next, I have been opening mailings since 1997. The Paper Society is not just a bunch of miscellaneous stationery thrown in a box, it is a slow-living experience to be savored, considered and enjoyed. Thus, every last content will be presented with the same love I’ve given to every product in the last 69 issues of Stationery Trends.

While sales sheets with product and sales info can be accessed online thanks to a QR code, tucked inside every box will be what I am calling a micro-publication of Stationery Trends. Its editorial might dive deep into one brand’s distinctive risograph printing process, or fill recipients in on a brand’s big anniversary and proud artistic heritage.

Finally, since a rising tide lifts all ships, I’m recruiting an ambassador network of retailers. By thoughtfully collaborating and sharing videos that are by turns informative and entertaining — tagging all relevant parties of course — brand and store awareness is raised as the praises of stationery are sung.

In a time when negativity often rules, The Paper Society can authentically promote us all. If you are interested in being a part of our box or an ambassador, please give Brian or me a shout.

Until next issue,