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 pens@marcuslink.com with the information and I will include it on a the next update.

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

Castro Valley (San Francisco Bay), California

Penopoly
San Francisco Bay Area

Penopoly Okay, this is not a store that you can just stroll by and visit, it is more of a unique pen experience. A show room, by invitation only. Once there, enjoy sitting at the pen bar. There are over 2,000 vintage and new pens. They have pens, they have ink and they also do pen repairs.

There is a lot of experience here, in fact Roger will be writing the pen repair section for Pen World Magazine starting in June 2005. Their motto mirrors what I tell many people: "It is the nib that makes the pen". Oh a point that is so often missed as folks miss out the real experience in buying a fountain pen, trying it out and finding the right nib. So, if you are planning to be in the San Francisco Bay Area a booking to visit Penopoly may be just what you need.

Web Site: www.penopoly.com E-Mail: roger@penopoly.com

Chicago, Illinois

Century Pens
231 South La Salle Street
Chicago, Illinois

Web Site: www.centurypenschicago.com

Century Pens Chicago This new pen store in Chicago opened November 1st and is one of the largest that long time pen retailed Ed Hamilton has operated.

The store has over 1,400 square feet and is located in the financial district of Chicago at 231 S. La Salle Street across the street from the Board of Trade. The Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago and the Federal Plaza are in the same area.

Located in a small mall with 10 retail stores. The store carries pens from over 25 companies. Ed continues the popular tradition of Pen Days that he started at Stevens. in 1994. Ed plans to have a bulletin board for updating my customers on future pen events on the site.

I regularly hear good comments on the stores. Comments such as:

"The store is a wonderful boutique and the proprietor is tremendously helpful. While I was only buying a new piston converter for my Dupont, he was so enthusiastic about the new pens, he insisted that I try writing with a few. A great experience and a wonderful store."
Thanks- A. Jackson

describe the good experience people have at Century Pens.

Gilbertson Clybourn
55 E Chicago Avenue
Chicago, Illinois 60611
Tel: (312) 573-8075

Gilbertson Clgbourne I had the opportunity to visit this store on my 2006 visit to Chicago. It is relatively easy to find. Just walk the Miracle Mile north in the same direction of the John Hancock building. Then just before you reach that building, turn west on East Chicago. It is located just over a block of Michigan as you head towards State Street.

Daniel Collins is the Manager and the store has been is business for at this location for eight years and operating in Chicago for some 25 years. The store may have a "bare bones" look when you view it through the window, but go inside and you will find a fair selection of pens and they are willing to order a particular item if it is not in stock.

Previously Scott Powell wrote to tell me that "Mr. Collins is knowledgeable and friendly. He'll take plenty of time with you. You will be a customer for life. Good selection of inks." This is only confirmed as a colleague of mine, Bob Nakagawa, recently visited the store, getting a great new Delta - the Planet Series - in the process, and confirms: great service, no rush, no problem dipping all the pens you want to try out. Good selection of pens and inks.

This is the only independent pen store left in Chicago, and it is the place to go when in town.

Indianapolis, Indiana

Fort Madison, Iowa

Pendemonium
619 Avenue G
Fort Madison, Iowa 52627
Tel: 319.372.0881
Toll Free: 1.888.372.2050

Sam and Frank Fiorella run this great pen store in Fort Madison and they also travel frequently to pen shows across the US. They over new as well as a good stock of vintage pens. The web site offers lots of good information including new of pen shows etc. You will find a good selection of stationary - and important part of the overall pen experience. Visit their store and you may find yourself coming away with a number of cherished items. I have purchased ink and had it shipped up to Canada with great service and everything arriving intact.

Baltimore, Maryland

Kensington Maryland

Bertram's Inkwell
White Flint Mall
Kensington, Maryland

Telephone: 800-782-7680
Web Site: www.bertramsinkwell.com

Bertram's has been in the pen business since 1985. A store with knowledgeable staff and the store receives positive reviews. The website, one of the first sites for a major pen store, offers a very good range of products, information about pen shows and a Frequently Asked Questions section.

Bromfield Pen Shop
5 Bromfield Street
(between Washington Street and the Boston Common)
Boston, MA 02108
Tel: 617.482.9053
Fax: 617.482.3693

I have received many positive comments on Bromfield Pen so in June 1999, when I was in Boston, a visit to the store was a must. No disappointment here. Bromfield Pen -- Where the customer always write. I met store owner Fred Rosenthal who talked about how the store has been in his family for over 50 years. Fred remembers being in the store as a kid when his father ran the business. Originally, the business included wholesale, but now concentrates on retail sales.

Bromfield offers one of the largest pen selections you will find. Not only are their limited editions, a wide range of current pen lines. There has always been a repair technician on site for pen restoration and repair. The store also carries a wide range of nibs, a full selection of inks as well as pen accessories.

Recent comments (2006) indicate that Bromfield no longer sells vintage pens and the overall selection has been reduced. I will have to find a conference to attend in Boston so that I can checkout the store.

The store is easy to find, it is just a block up from the Downtown Crossing main retail area. Open Monday to Friday 8:30 - 5:30 and Saturdays from 10 - 5.

The London Harness Company
60 Franklin Street
Boston, MA 02110
Tel: 617.542.9234
Fax: 617.542.5418

This is not a typical pen store, but I am including it because they have a respectable pen selection as well as a fantastic selection of desk furnishings. The store, located in the Downtown Crossing section of Boston has a good sized pen counter. They stock Waterman, Aurora, Montblanc etc. No, this is not the place to get a special nib, but when it comes to pens and ink etc. the selection is good. The store also carries really fine desk furnishings. The stocks a large section of leather desk pads, pen holders, briefcases etc. If you are in Boston, this is well worth a visit.

Flowood, Mississippi

Pen & Ink of Mississippi
Flowood, Mississippi

Located just outside of Jackson, this is a store that you will enjoy the experience to visiting and chatting with the owner. The store has a vast selection of pens from a number of different companies. Also, it carries the fine stationary that you need to put that pen to use! "She doesn't just sell pens...she is what most would call an aficionado of fine writing instruments." (Thanks J. Hughson)

Kansas City, Missouri

Pen Place
2450 Grand Blvd., Suite 111
Kansas City, MO 64108
816-474-7500
800-660-3051

Website: www.penplace.com

Carries all the major US brands as well as Aurora, Namiki, Waterman with a good supply of refills, converters, cartridges and bottled inks. One of the staff specializes in vintage pen restoration. [J. Manager II].

Lincoln, Nebraska

Las Vegas, Nevada

Wynn Hotel
31`31 Las Vegas Boulevard, South
Las Vegas, Nevada 89109
Tel: 702.770.3583 | 702.770.1542

A small store in the Wynn Hotel, so it will be easy to find. The store has a quality feel. They have an array of Omas and Mont Blanc fountain pens, along with some very unusual limited editions from Omas, Mont Blanc, Krone, Montegrappa. They may be moving to a larger location. Brandon Evans, one of the sales associates, is noted for exceptional knowledge and assistance. (Thanks S. Lipoff)

Reno, Nevada

Oakman's
Wells Avenue
Reno, Nevada

Oakman's has a great selection of pens and the staff are very helpful. [Thanks: P. Farrar]

Albuquerque, New Mexico

Pen and Pad
8230 Menaul Bd. NE
Albuquerque, New Mexico
Tel: 505.293.1144

This store has been around for a while giving good service. Never in a hurry and always with the best interests of the customer in mind. Of course they meet the ultimate test. They are there for you when something goes wrong. "I wouldn't buy a pen anywhere else, because I know that when I buy a pen at Pen and Pad, the staff will make sure that I'm happy with my purchase." Thanks J. Galloway... I guess that makes this store as a "Great Pen Store" and a place to visit when in Albuquerque.

Santa Fe, New Mexico

Santa Fe Pens
Sanbusco Market
Santa Fe, New Mexico
Tel: (505) 989-4742

There is a great pen store in Santa Fe, New Mexico. There are new and wonderful vintage pens with complete restoration service on premises. Neal Frank, the owner attends all of the pen shows in US and is extremely knowledgeable. Prices are consistent with those at the major shows. Neal warranties all of his work. Its a great place to visit when touring the Southwest and beautiful Santa Fe. [Thanks - Gene]

Huntington, New York

Huntington Business Products Center
Main Street
Huntington, New York

Located on Long Island, depending on where you are coming from, this store can be easier to get to than fighting the traffic in Manhattan. The store carries a good stock of Waterman, Montblanc, Montegrappa, OMAS and others. The store give the usual discounts and has nice sales on close out selections from time to time.

New York, New York

Art Brown
2 West 45th Street
New York, New York 10036
Tel: (212) 575-5555
1-800-772-PENS
Fax: (212) 575-5825
E-Mail
On Line Catalog Ordering

In August 2008 the store moved, one block over from 46th to 45th Street.

The store has an excellent display of new pens from all the major manufacturers, plus a more modest selection of antique pens. Prices are fair, but more importantly, the staff is friendly, knowledgeable and allow you to browse. When in New York you'll like its midtown location. (S. Schneider.)

Fountain Pen Hospital
10 Warren Street
New York, NY
Tel: (212) 964-0580
1-800-253-PENS

Located in the Wall Street area of New York, the store has a good selection of pens and gives good service. In fact, pen shoppers have written in to say that the selection and service here is clearly above the rest. Plan your time in New York wisely, as the Fountain Pen Hospital is NOT open on Saturdays.

The store also has a catalog which includes used classic pens. I regularly hear feedback on the store and its service. Mostly it is very positive, such as "Very nice to deal with" - R. Guthrie. "Above the rest in respect to selection and service..." - J. Holland. "... they treat all their customers well; but when you become a 'regular' customer, you are like royalty to them." - B. Scheiner. Sometimes I hear that on general inquires the store can be a little curt. I have passed on comments to the store, and by their response they show they appreciate the feedback and are always working to provide good service.

They also have a Web Site

Joon
3 Locations

782 Lexington Avenue
at 61st St (diagonally across from Bloomingdales)
Tel: (212) 935-1007
Fax: (212) 754-2499

Trump Tower
725 Fifth Avenue at 57th Street
Tel: (212) 980-3932

Wall Street, New York, NY

Excellent selection of new pens. They also have a great catalog. Mail order service is prompt and accurate. Pricing is competitive with other similar shops. Highly recommended (N. Lippman) Others say that Joon is hands down the best. Friendly staff, courteous, knowledgeable and competent. [D Le]. Joon also now has a web site with on-line ordering, specials and a FAQ section.

Charlotte/Douglas International Airport, North Carolina

Time to Write
Charlotte/Douglas International Airport

Thanks to Lisa Woung who has purchased a number of pens from Time To Write and tips us all that when ever in that Airport, to check out this great little store. Small, with a fairly reasonable assortment of brands that includes MontBlanc, Pelikan, ST Dupont, Shaeffer, Waterman and others. The staff are friendly and patient and will to call other stores for any item you might need. They are also willing to ship. Need a refill or out of ink? Drop by this handy location. Recent reviews notes the store only stocks fountain pens with Medium Nibs.

Cincinnati, Ohio

Appointments
Tower Place Mall
441 Vine Street 2nd Floor
Carew Tower
Cincinnati, Ohio 45202
Tel (513) 421-7430

A wonderful store that will satisfy the whims of the most discriminating pen lover. Ambiance allows for a relaxing journey trying different nibs and pens. Helpful, gracious, accommodating and willing staff. The store is the only "five-star" Waterman/Parker dealer in Ohio. Staff will help to find unique and specialized items. [Bernadine]

When I wandered into this place less than a year ago I was looking for a refill for a Waterman roller ball. Three hours later I left with a new hobby and a passion for fountain pens.... never tried to sell us anything. He just talks to us and shows us things and lets us spend as much time as we want trying them out. In addition, he is just as enthusiastic showing us a $70 special as he is showing a $3,000 limited edition. -- doesn't that say it all for what a great pen store is all about. Don's recent comments reflect the comments received from others about Appointments. [D Burns]

Dayton, Ohio

S & V
341 S. Jefferson Street
Dayton, Ohio 45401
Tel: (937) 223-9475
Fax: (937) 223-9404

This stores receives mixed reviews. Some some report the store is be great. Others report that the staff don't show enough interest in the customer. It is a large store, the people are sometimes friendly, pen-literate and like to talk about pens with you. The store operates a yearly pen show with Cross and Parker complete with refreshments and representatives from some of the pen companies. The prices are good running about 25-30% off normal retail. The store carries Parker, Waterman, Schaeffer, Namiki, Eversharp, Montblanc and others but does not carry any vintage pens. The store also carries office supplies and furniture.

Norman, Oklahoma

Copelin's Office Centre
425 West Main Street
Norman, Oklahoma 73069
Tel: (405) 364-7011

The pen store is actually located in the centre of a locally-owned office supply store. But don't let that steer you the wrong way. The pen selection and service rivals that of dedicated pen stores. (Thanks: M. Ferrier)

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Holt's Cigars 1522 Walnut Street Philadelphia, PA 19102 2154-732-8500
	Don't be fooled by the name, Holt's Cigars, the store also has a very good selection of the leading brands of pens and is one of the few places in the downtown core of Philadelphia where you can find pens. Located on Walnut Street, between 15th and 16th Street, the pen is a pleasant walk from Market Street, one of the main streets that run from the old City Hall and the historic section of Philadelphia with the Liberty Bell and Independence hall. Walnut Street is just three blocks over from Market, running parallel.

Holt's has been at the Walnut Street location fro the past twelve years. Adam Alalouf told me that he started with Holt's shortly after the move and he has been building up their pen business ever since. He's doing a fine job. While the aroma of fine cigars is definitely in the area, the pen selection is in the front section of the store. There are a number of pen counters with a good selection of Omas, Visconti, Cross, Montegrappa, Aurora, Parker and Waterman to mention the lines that immediately caught my eye. I visited the store in May 2008 and Adam explained that they were in the process of closing out the Montblanc line - part of Montblanc's retail re-alignment that was taking place with a number of pen stores. So while they had a good selection of Montblanc at the time of my visit, they will not be carrying the line in the future, Holt's also carries a broad selection of inks that include Omas, Aurora, Visconti, Noodler and Waterman. Of course with ink being such a topic of interest to those to use pens I had to ask Adam what brand he liked the most. Noodler was one of the brands that he found to be very popular. You won't see any of the inks out so be sure to ask when you are in the store. Most of the pens they stock are in medium and fine nibs and Adam encourages the option of manufacture nib exchanges as the type of nib in a pen is one of the primary distinctions in writing experience. I asked Adam about his predictions of what he saw in store for the pen business. He is optimistic noting that the pen business in what he has seen has had cycles but he is impressed with the product lines available. As I sat in a nearby Starbucks and complied by notes of the visit I thought how encouraging it was that a relatively young guy is leading the pen business at Holt's and he is very knowledgeable and optimistic about the pen business. Do stop by Holt's when you are in Philadelphia.