Great Pen Stores in the USA

We all search for that great pen store, the one that has a good selection of pens, creates a environment to encourage trying various pens, and knows that it may be a few visits before you are quite sure of the right pen. When you come across a Great Pen Store please E-Mail Glenn Marcus with the information and I will include it on a the next update.

Great Pen Stores:
Canada | USA | Mexico | Europe | Other Countries

Stores in States A - H

Little Rock, Arkansas

Vanness
11121 North Rodney Parham Road
Little Rock, Arkansas 72212
Tel: (501) 666-0668.

This is a great store. Ask for Mike, his uncle Van or Mike's father when you are there. I am told that these three men are the most honest you will ever come across. Good knowledge of pens and a reputable store. What more would you want. You can reach the store through the following email address: vannes1938@sbcglobal.net

Phoenix, Arizona

Tucson, Arizona

Sarnoff Art & Writing
2524 North Campbell
Tucson, AZ 85719
Tel: (520) 795-1229

Originally I heard from R. Gurthrie who provided information on Sarnoff Art & Writing. In a nutshell, you will find good service and knowledgeable staff. Recently I heard from Sandy Froman who advised that Henry has doubled the size of his store devoted to pens (Mont Blanc, S.T. Dupont, Omas, Pelikan and many other brands) and ink. He also carried a high-end line of writing paper including paper of French and Italian manufacturer. This is as aspect of pen stores that I am finding more and more interesting. After all, what are we going to do with all the pens we own! Henry is charming, he loves doing what he does - he and his staff are very knowledgeable. Don't miss this store when in Tucson.

Beverly Hills, California USA

Mont Blanc Boutique
439 1/2 Rodeo Drive
Beverly Hills, California

The staff in this store are very knowledgeable on. The store's policy on exchange, repair and/or adjustments generous. Good stock. Ask for Janice Ward. (Thanks D. Sternlight)

Carmel, California USA

Bittner's
The Pleasure of Writing
7th & Mission
Carmel, California
Tel: (408) 625-3510

The stores has an incredible selection of pens and also fine handmade European stationery. A great place. Bittner's also has a web site [M. Ham]

Irvine, California USA

Sterling Art
18871 Teller Avenue
Irvine, California
Tel: (949) 553-0101

The staff here are knowledgeable about pens and will assist you. No problem trying out various lines. They carry Mont Blanc, Lamy Rotring, Shaeffer, Krone, Marlin and B&E to name the main lines. Pens, except for Mont Blanc, have a discount price. One limitation, however, is that for a nib other than a medium, you are looking at a special order. Thanks. J. Willmore

Los Angeles, California USA

LA Fountain Pen Shop
2640 South Myrtle, Unit 12
Monrovia, CA 91016-8204
Tel: (626) 294-9974

The store moved out of the downtown area and recently one of the readers noted that it is well out of time, in a little warehouse area of a fairly small one-story building. The store is located in one of the "bays' of the warehouse building. This is a great shop with a good selection of vintage pens and a lot of new stuff also. Don't give up, as the store can be a little hard to find.

Flax
1078 Gaylay Avenue, Los Angeles, California 90024
Toll Free: 866.514.3529 Telephone: 310.208-3529

No longer an art supply/pen store but a pen store with some other assessories. Reviews for visitors say it is one of top pen stores in Los Angeles. (Web Site)

Palo Alto, California

Congdon & Crome
552 Waverley Street
Palo Alto, CA 94301
Tel:(650) 326-1650

This stationery and office supplies store also has a variety of fountain pens - Cross, Parker, Sheaffer, Pelikan, Faber-Castell, Waterman, Rotring, Lamy and more. The sales staff is both friendly and knowledgeable. If you are looking for pens or paper in the Palo Alto area, this store is well worth checking out. (Thanks, Tony J.)

Edwards Luggage
Stanford Shopping Center
9 Stanford Shopping Center
Palo Alto, CA 94304
Tel: (650) 325-3308

The owners of Edward's also ran the Signatore pen store that used to be at Stanford Shopping Center. Signatore is no longer in business, but Edward's still sells pens. They have Cross, Pelikan, Dupont, Mont Blanc, Waterman and others. They have a lot more in the Stanford store than what they show on their web site. (Thanks, Tony J.)

University Art
267 Hamilton Avenue
Palo Alto, CA 94301
Tel: (650) 328-3500
Fax: (650) 328-0784

Jan Hunter is the store manager and pen buyer. He's wonderful to work with: helpful, knowledgeable and personable... all great qualities for a pen store person! Always eager to give advice and let you try out the various pens. (Thanks: K. Groves)

Pasadena, California, USA

Vroman's Fine Writing, Gifts & Stationary
667 E Colorado Blvd
Pasadena, California 91101
Tel: (626) 744-1834

Here is a store with a good selection of pens that includes Montblanc, Pelikan, Lamy and Waterman. They carry a good selection of inks such as Waterman and Private Reserve. The staff are knowledgeable and the kind of people who own and like owning a good pen. This is a store where you are welcome to dip the pen in some ink and try it out. They are right next to Vroman's Books and keep "bookstore hours". (Thanks - Steve Botts)

San Diego, California, USA

Montblanc Boutique
Fashion Valley Mall
San Diego, CA

This store has been noted for its knowledgeable and friendly staff. You'll find good customer service here. (Thanks B. Winkelmann)

San Francisco, California, USA

Flax Art and Design
1699 Market Street
San Francisco, California

Hearing positive things about Flax Art and Design. They carry a wide range of pens and often have sales. Staff are friendly and helpful. (Thanks L. Leff)

Maido
(Westfield Mall 4th floor)
845 Market St San Francisco, CA 94103
Telephone: (415) 227-4338
www.maidostationery,com

I had head about this store and posted a note, asking for comments. So I will have to see how to arrange a business trip to San Francisco. George wrote and he describes Maido as a "Japanophiles paradise". So, not an average pen store! They carry superb high end japanese pens from the major Japanese manufacturers. The selection includes various consumer levels in just about every conceivable style and colour. In addition, there are fine Japanese papers. Think it, they probably have it.

The store also stocks elegant high grade Japanese ceramics,refills for Pilot including the best ballpoint refill in the world ... BRFN-30-F.

This must be the finest Japanese stationary store outside of Japan.They have everything you could imagine and it is displayed beautifully and maintained in pristine condition. The sales staff are very helpful and have the finest manners of any store in the city. In sum its a joy to visit and is run by someone who really cares! It is a special place! [Thanks George]

Santa Monica, California

Executive Essentials
Woodfield Mall
Schaumburg, Illinois

Located at the opposite end of the mall from Colorado Pen. Store carries and extensive stock of the main lines as well as limited editions pens. They also have a good catalog which is free for the asking. Here staff make the store and store manager Pam Smith has to time to let you make the decision you have to come to. [D. Blocher].

Aspen, Colorado

Pen Perfecto
The Little Nell Hotel
645 East Durant Street
Aspen, Colorado 81611
Tel: (970) 544-9777

In July 2005 Paradise Pen Company acquired Pen Perfecto, a fine writing and gift store located in Aspen, Colorado. The announcement notes the store will continue to operated under the Pen Perfecto name but once re-done it will open under the Paradise Pen name. Paradise Pen operates some 22 retail stores across the US.

Boulder, Colorado

Two Hands Paperie
803 Pearl Street
Boulder, Colorado This store has been recommended as they have a great selection of vintage fountain pens as well as fountain pen ink. Michael Pellouchoud is the guy with collection. (Thanks - J. Barry)

Denver, Colorado

Paradise Pen
Cherry Creek Mall 3000
East 1st Avenue Denver, CO 80206
Telephone: (303) 320-4646 | Fax: (303) 320-1280

Paradise Pen
Tabor Center
1201 16th Street Denver, CO 80202
Telephone: (303) 623-2121

Washington, DC

Fahrney's
1317 F Street, NW
Washington, DC
Tel: (202) 628-9525
1-800-624-PENS | Outside USA or Canada call (301) 568-1755 | Fax: (301) 736-2926.

This is a legendary store in Washington. Staff are patient, polite, professional and knowledgeable. You come out of the store knowing more about pens then when you went in. No problem trying out the pens until you are sure which one is right for you. Specializes in new writing instruments from major manufacturers, some limited editions on hand. Prices are good with even some great sale "tables" from time to time.. Call for a catalog or to place credit card orders. [Thanks, P. Ruden]

Pen Haven
Howard Avenue
Kensington, MD
(it is a suburb of Washington, DC)

Pen Haven specializes in antique fountain pens and carries an unbelievable range of pens. There is everything from $25 Esterbrooks to expensive 1890 Waterman pens(when they are in stock). What is even better, the owner specializes in restoring pens. Go frequently, the owner likes to chat or "play" with his latest find. If you are in the area, Pen Haven is a great place to bring in one of your "finds" from a flea market or garage sale and have the store fix it up for very reasonable price. (Thanks - J. Hilton).

Delray Beach, Florida, USA

Levenger
420 S. Congress Avenue
Delray Beach, Florida
33445-4696

Web Site

This store always receives great feedback - a good company to do business with and one that gives you the attention you deserve when buying a pen. Like all great pen stores, they are there to support you when there are "difficulties". (Thanks: S. Spongberg)

Orlando, Florida

St. Hubert
Mall at Mellenia
4200 Conway Road
Orlando, Florida

Located near the Bloomingdales Department Store at the Mall at Mellenia, I am told this is a great store to visit. Hubert Obstgarten stocks a good selection of Montblanc pens and products as well the OMAS, Montegrappa, Visconti, Lamy, Faber-Castell, Cartier pen lines. You will also find accessories such as the Filo-Fax organizers. Good staff providing knowledge of pens all make up the high level of service. Stacie was exceptionally helpful. (Thanks, L. Terry).

Tampa, Florida

Atlanta, Georgia

Artlite
Northwest side of Atlanta

R. Guthrie notes this store, located a couple of miles from downtown, has a good selection of used pens and also has cases for displaying pens. Visit Artlite's Web Page.

Honolulu, Hawaii

Honolulu Pen Shop
1857 South King Street, Suite #100
Honolulu, Hawaii 96826
Tel: (808) 946-8968 | Fax: (808) 942-8969

Thanks for the more recent update (Nov 2009) on Honolulu Pen Shop.

Earl Shigemoto had passed away and his wife is currently running to the store. The opening hours of the store fluctuate so it is advisable to call if you are planning a visit to get the hours for the particular week.

The selection of pens has been downsized, for example, they no longer carry Waterman pens, but the store still offers great personalized service.

They are the last of the independent pen stores on the Island - and best wishes for their success.