Paradise Pen
Galleria Dallas
13350 Dallas Parkway, 2435
Dallas, Texas 75240
email: store28@paradisepen.com
Web site: www.paradisepen.com
If you are going to Dallas you won't find any pen stores in the downtown core. The legendary Neiman Marcus department stare has a small selection of Montblanc pens but nothing else. To visit a pen store you will have to travel north to the Galleria Dallas to find Paradise Pen.
The Galleria Dallas, a very larger, upscale retail mall just off the Dallas North Tollway, is located 6 1/2 miles north of downtown. There are over 200 stores in the mall with an ice rink and Westin Hotel, but the purpose of my trip was to visit Paradise Pen. The store has been at the Galleria for about eleven years but moved to a bigger location five years ago. It is the only pen store in the Dallas area.
Located on the 2nd level, at the center court of the mall, not far from the Nordstrom and Saks Fifth Avenue end of the mall, Paradise Pen is an enjoyable pen store to visit.
The store has a very pleasant decor, with light wood furnishings and glass pen walls to show the various lines of pens. The store is well staff and well stocked with pens, ink and accessories. It is a roomy store with pens from the majority of pen manufacturers.
I enjoyed talking with the Store Manager, Matt Thomas.
Matt has an in depth knowledge of pens and the pen industry. And not only Matt, but the other staff all have a real solid knowledge of pens. This is no jewellery/pen store where there is only a superficial knowledge of the products. No I rank this as a full fledge pen store with staff that know about pens and the process that one has to go through to select the pen that is right for them.
I must say I really liked the way Matt talked about the role of a pen retailer with someone who is buying a pen.
When I hear phrases like "honesty" and "impart my knowledge" I know that this is the type of store where I would like to buy a pen.
And in talking about the pen business, Matt is aware of the motivation that supports a person buying a pen -- not a need, but a want or a desire to own a particular pen.
The store carries the major lines of pens. It was only the odd brand that was not found in the store. Most pens are stocked with Medium and some with Fine nibs.
A good selection of writing inks that included Private Reserve, Montblanc and Waterman as the primary brands. Matt mentioned that the Private Reserve DC Super Show Blue and Velvet Black are tied as the current best selling inks he stocks (2010).
Paradise Pen is a solid company that has been selling pens for a number of years. It was many years ago that I first communicated with Pete Paradise, then of Colorado Pen and then later of Paradise Pen. To Paradise has 21 stores across the United States, listed on their web site (www.paradisepen.com)
Going to Dallas. Plan your schedule and work in a trip up to the Galleria Dallas and visit Paradise Pen.
Airline International
8701 Montana Avenue
Tel: (915) 778-1234
Airline International is a family-owned operation, in business since 1978. Although not a dedicated pen store, over the years I have received positive comments about the staff that warrant noting the store on this page. "Eddie Kallman and all his people are very knowledgeable." (Thanks: J. Wilhite)
Dromgoole's
2515 Rice Boulevard
Houston, Texas
Tel: 800-322-2038
Located in Rice Village, near Rice University. The owners, Larry and Christine both love pens and enjoy talking with other pen lovers. They have a good selection of pens, inks and writing products. They are always helpful and encourage you to try different pens and nibs before buying. The store carries Aurora, Cross, Montblanc, Parker, Pelikan, Shaeffer, Sensa, Tombow, Rotring, Visconti, Waterford and Waterman. Prices are fair and shoppers report it is a pleasure to do business with them. I get ongoing good reviews about this store. The store has a very good selection of inks. They carry Noodler and Private Reserve.
Feedback in 2010 confirms this is a place "I would go back to anytime." Good a showing their pens and letting you try them out. [Thanks, J. Hubbard]
Patria stationery
A nice friend place, office products and of course a good selection of fountain pens. (Thanks: G. Rodriguez)