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Welcome to Name Calling, where store owners around the Philadelphia area tell us the inspiration behind their shop's name. Curious to learn the story behind your favorite boutique's name? Nominate them for a feature by sending us an email at philly@racked.com.
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Midtown Village stationery boutique The Papery doesn't need a flowery, glittery name to detract from what it does so well: paper. Fresh off a move to 1219 Locust Street, the popular stationery store/gift shop continues its reign in all-things wood pulp, from cards and gift wrap to the store's specialty: custom invites and personalized stationery.
The Papery's in-house design studio channels the vibe of the store's original incarnation, a Greenwich, Connecticut stationery shop that was founded by the uncles of current store owner Carolyn Brandhorst. We wanted to know: How did Brandhorst resist the urge to swap out the name for something trendier? In essence, it was decided that if the name was good enough for Brandhorst's uncles, it was good enough for her:
When I made the move to Philadelphia, I was so excited to bring The Papery to the city I had known and loved for so long. I felt it was important to keep the name the same as it was in the original store because I wanted to bring that same energy. "The Papery" has a workshop feel to it, which resonates with the creative work we do.
· All Name Calling posts [Racked Philly]
· The Papery [Official Site]
· The Papery to Bring Its Pretty Little Things to Midtown Village [Racked Philly]