The Paper Store Gifts and More
Opens new store in Westborough at Bay State Commons
By Kate Daly Assistant Editor

Chastity McHenry, a buyer-intraining at The Paper Store, displays the variety of stationery options in PS, the custom Print Studio, available in the new Westborough location at Bay State Commons. PHOTO/KATE DALY

Westborough - The Paper Store Gifts and More, a family-owned business with strong ties to the Metrowest region, opened its 22nd location in Bay State Commons earlier this month, giving residents access to a wide range of gifts, customized stationery, high-end Vera Bradley purses and bags, and Hallmark Gold Crown products.

"We like to say that we have in our stores something for all life's celebrations," said Kathleen Kane, director of marketing. "You can find wonderful gifts for everyone on your list, whether there's a new baby or somebody's graduating from high school. We have unique and great hostess gifts."

The store is stocked with brand names such as Stonewall Kitchen, Croc, Yankee Candle, Life is Good, Judy Coyote, and more. The store also offers products from regional businesses.

"We do like to support local businesses as well," Kane said.

The conglomeration of products is laid out in departments, including jewelry, books, baby, toys and stationery.

The toy department off ers a variety of books and toys, with an emphasis on items that are educational, Kane said.

The store also off ers a variety of gifts that are appropriate for men and boys, including sports items. Each store has a small book section with trade and gift books. Some sections change with the season; for example, the Westborough store has a large selection of calendars and seasonal holiday items including Christmas decorations.

One of the stores largest sections is filled with a variety of ready-to-use boxed stationery, bulk open stock stationery cards buyers can print at home or at the Print Studio (PS), and custom stationery that can be ordered and printed through PS. PS has the capability of scanning photographs for cards, and also has catalogues for a several stationery companies.

"We have books for weddings, bar mitzvahs," Kane said, noting that while PS-generated materials can usually be done in 24 to 48 hours, the catalogue products take 10 to 15 days once the proof is approved.

Those products bring to mind the store's origins more than 40 years ago in Maynard, Kane said.

"It has since changed into a gift store. That's why we call it The Paper Store Gifts and More," she said. The Andrews family, which started the store, is still involved closely with the 22 stores, she said.

"They have such a love for the company and business and pride in the store," Kane said. "They want our customers to come and have a good experience when they come in."

The Paper Store locations in Massachusetts include Shrewsbury, Hudson and Marlborough.

The new Westborough store, located at 1319 Union St. in Bay State Commons, is open Monday through Saturday 8 a.m. to 9 p.m., and Sunday 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Editor's Note: the preceding is not an endorsement and is presented for informational purposes only.