I have a couple of favorite stores that I patronize when I am in Boston, Washington and New York. I also do purchase both modern and vintage pens online. I love the real shops, and I always learn something from the wonderful staff that I talk to there. It’s also fun to interact with other pen aficionados who shop in the same places. But – is this necessary?
Many pen shops around the U.S. have closed in the past 5-7 years. Perhaps some have simply lost their lease like Art Brown in NYC, or made poor business decisions. But is there a cultural trend going on here? Are these shops doomed due to succumb to online alternatives?
Let’s hope not. Thoughts?