The Paper Store had a soft opening Friday at 6 Sims Rd. in West Hartford’s Bishops Corner, and will hold a grand opening celebration on Aug. 6.

The Paper Store in West Hartford’s Bishops Corner had a soft opening on Friday, July 29, 2016. Photo credit: Ronni Newton

By Ronni Newton

West Hartford residents now have a new place to shop for paper goods – as well as giftware, fashions, and accessories – with the opening Friday of The Paper Store on Sims Road.

The Bishops Corner space was left vacant in January when Party City closed, and as a Hallmark Gold Crown store The Paper Store will fill the void for those needing to stock up on wrapping paper and cards, but it’s also the place to shop for a large variety of other merchandise.

A large selection of agendas and tumblers from top brands greet shoppers at the Paper Store in Bishops Corner. Photo credit: Ronni Newton

“Many people look at our name and say, ‘Oh just a store that sells reams of paper,’ but the name actually is a nod to our humble beginnings over 50 years ago as a small newspaper store. We were then, and still are today a family owned and operated business, which has grown to carry the best of everything from a large selection of Hallmark cards and ornaments (we are an official Hallmark Gold Crown store), to a unique array of clothing, jewelry, home décor, kids toys, spa products and more,” Director of Marketing Vanessa Keefe said in an email.

Keefe said that The Paper Store featured brands include Vera Bradley, Lokai, Mantraband, Willow Tree, Nora Fleming, Lilly Pulitzer, and Kate Spade – with products that range from stationery, to tech gear, to fashions and accessories.

The Paper Store offers a selection of unique home accessories and decor. Photo credit: Ronni Newton

Unique home accents are also popular, and something that should appeal to West Hartford shoppers. “We always look for home décor that will speak to a customer – from rustic signage with catchy phrases, to antiqued nautical and beach inspired accents to whimsical garden décor. Our customers have come to rely on us to always show them the latest on trend items as well as classic and familiar favorites,” Keefe said.

The more-than-50-year-old chain, headquartered in Acton, MA, is currently expanding in the northeast. The West Hartford store is the company’s 62nd location, and the 10th in Connecticut. Other area stores include Canton and Bristol, and locations in Glastonbury and South Windsor will open this fall, Keefe said.

An entire section of The Paper Store is devoted to women’s fashions and accessories. Photo credit: Ronni Newton

West Hartford, and specifically the Bishops Corner Edens Shopping Center, was chosen because it fits the company’s ideal of a vibrant, outdoor shopping plaza. The Paper Store’s targeted demographic is the “busy working mother,” Keefe said, who will appreciate the opportunity the store provides as a one-stop-shop for fashions, cards, gifts, unique home décor, and jewelry.

“The Paper Sore is excellent at finding unique items from fashion to jewelry to home décor that speaks to our customers. Then they can easily come in, shop once and buy everything they need for upcoming birthdays, parties, and holidays – plus treat themselves to a little splurge,” Keefe said.

The Paper Store has recently upgraded its logo and interior look, and the West Hartford store will be one of the first to feature the new design, Keefe said. Although the look is more modern, it maintains that “cozy, in home look,” she said.

Featured brands at The Paper Store include Vera Bradley. Photo credit: Ronni Newton

“We are so excited to be serving as the premiere gift destination in the greater Hartford area. Our location in West Hartford is ideal for customers. We really want customers to come in and meet us, say hi to their new neighbor and learn about who we are,” The Paper Store Chief Operating Officer Tom Anderson said in a news release announcing the opening.

Keefe said that community involvement is a priority of The Paper Store, and they have already joined the West Hartford Chamber of Commerce and plan to join the Bishops Corner Neighborhood Association. Every November the company runs a large event called the “Gift of Giving” in support of a charity. “This event is one that is always very heartfelt to both our store employees and our customers,” she said.

A ribbon-cutting with Mayor Shari Cantor and the Chamber of Commerce will be held on Thursday, Aug. 4, at 6 p.m. The grand opening celebration begins at 9 a.m. on Saturday, Aug. 6, with a gift card giveaway to the first 100 customers. The grand opening will also include music and prizes, and radio station WTIC will be on hand from 11 a.m. until 1 p.m.

For more information about the West Hartford store, call (860) 969-3777, follow their new West Hartford Facebook page, or visit The Paper Store’s website.

Like what you see here? Click here to subscribe to We-Ha’s newsletter so you’ll always be in the know about what’s happening in West Hartford!