Yesterday I was in New York City for a conference at the Academy of Science and on my way back to the subway I stopped at the Joon Pen Shop on 61st and Lexington Ave.

Upon entering the store I was asked to participate in a survey, which took about 5 minutes. After it was done I found out I have a 1 in 30 chance of winning a $150 gift certificiate to the store. Wish me luck.

On to the store. They seem to have pens from the majority of the major manufacturers. While the use of space isn't the most efficient, the layout does lead you through the store and gives you a chance to take in all the eye candy. The salespeople were not really busy, so they were willing to give me all the attention I wanted, but I explained I really wasn't ready to make any purchases. They seemed OK with that.

It was nice to see some of the pens I had read reviews about in person, and to see the other members of the Taccia line (particularly the Andante, which is a pretty long pen). I was impressed with the Pelikan Piccidilly Circus, I don't think the pictures do this pen justice, and I felt the same about the Place de la Concorde.

If I win the gift certificate, I'll have to go back and really take the sales people up on their offer to show me any pen in the store.

Even though I didn't buy anything, it was a nice way to kill some time before catching my train home. Next time I'll have to check out the smaller Joon store in Grand Central station.

french

Next time I'm uptown, I'll have to stop in there and check them out.

I work downtown, so FPH is about as far north in Manhattan as I usually get.

The Grand Central store was a big disappointment compared to the 61st St location. In terms of size, display, and service. It's a small place, nothing special.

I'll have to check out Joon the next time I'm in New York. And hide any purchases from customs when back in the UK.

Watch it my friend, their may be a few customs sharks out there :ph34r:

Daniel

Joon was the store that helped launch my pen fetish a few years ago. In June 2001, they had a store at the path station of the World Trade Center. My tastes at the time were for roller pens and have since graduated to the fountain pen world. I still consider Joon, flagship store on 61st, one of my favorite stores to visit. The staff there has been very helpful to me. I have yet to visit them since my conversion to fountain pens.

I have purchased from Mr. Joon and son for over 20 years, and have always enjoyed the visit and friendship.
Working downtown, the Grand Central store is more convenient for pick-ups. I can call the main store, and always have the piece I want to see sent to GC for testing and pick-up on the way home.

Great selection, stock and always eager to tap their sources for that hard-to-find piece.

Regards,
Pelikanyo Paul