Pen Shopping in Taiwan

[GabeRuaro]

Hi everyone.

 

I'm set to go to Taipei in a couple of weeks, and hailing from a fairly pen-barren country, I'd like to know if there are any prime pen-hunting locations over there.

 

Any help would be very much appreciated.

 

Gabe

[Immoteus]

Since no one has posted anything, I'll give it a shot. I don't know if you're fluent in mandarin but if you're not, try Taipei 101 (Page One on the 5th Floor and another one somewhere in the same center), Shin Kong Mitsukoshi (3 locations in Taipei), Sogo (3 Locations in Taipei), Kingstone, and Eslite. Those businesses are in tourist spots, so they usually have someone who can speak a foreign language (The prices you see will be retail and non-negotiable).

 

If you're looking for older pen shops, look for small bookstores, most of them will carry a small selection of fountain pens (usually entry-level pilot, sailor, platinum and sometimes NOS items) and a overwhelming selection of stationary (just avoid the ones with engrish). If they don't have what you're looking for, ask and they might be able to point you in the right direction. Most places with the exception of major shopping malls/retail stores/brand name stores have "negotiable" prices, so don't be afraid to haggle. Most importantly, if you happen to find a pen store at night that is located in a night market area, try to avoid it on the weekends. (Unless you enjoy being crowded and take immense pleasure in the fragrant aroma of perspiration)

Edited May 27, 2008 by Immoteus

[Excoriar]

As I'm not sure what kind of pens you're looking for, you can also try "92" on Shin Shen South Road between Shin Yi Road and Ren Ai Road. They also have another shop in the Ximending area, but you will have to call them to see where it is, as I always have a hard time finding that place. The place may look very pricey, but they give you a reasonable price on everything in their respective price range (including the watches and the pipes they sell).

 

Another place is called "P&P" located on the 5th floor of the Asia World Shopping Mall. The owner is a pen enthusiast / collector and has a nice selection for you to "see". However, if you see something you like in the shop, don't hesitate to ask him if he's willing to sell.

[ekessel]

What a timely thread (I'm in Hsin Chu for the next week and a half). Any ideas for the Hsin Chu area? (I'm planning on Taipei this weekend). The MB Boutique has a nice select, but pricey (no surprise). Does anyone know if the Pilot Capless (Decimo) is available in Taiwan?

 

Thanks,

-Eric

 

[ssmui]

there is a bookshop at the 101 building, it carries some premium brand pens -- Caren D'ache, GVFC, etc.

 

I was there last summer but did not spend much time at the shop because I was traveling with a group of people. Did not want to dwell at the book shop for hours drooling, while the others had to wait for me.....

[Immoteus]

What a timely thread (I'm in Hsin Chu for the next week and a half). Any ideas for the Hsin Chu area? (I'm planning on Taipei this weekend). The MB Boutique has a nice select, but pricey (no surprise). Does anyone know if the Pilot Capless (Decimo) is available in Taiwan?

 

Thanks,

-Eric

When I was in Hsinchu (新竹市) for a business trip, I've think I saw some in neighborhood bookstores with entry level fps. But this was in August so I don't remember the exact streets. But there is a Sogo in Hsinchu that you can try. If by chance they don't carry the Decimo, I'm pretty sure they'll apologize to the extent that it might make you feel guility asking about their lack of selection. :roflmho:

Edited May 28, 2008 by Immoteus

[ekessel]

Thanks. I'll check out the Sogo tomorrow. I checked out the Pilot website, and the incredibly helpful hotel staff called around the list of area Pilot dealers, and found the "Mega 21" mall's MB outlet sells Pilot/Namiki and Sailor pens (as well as a large selection of MB's). Other than saying "Hello", and "Thank You", my chinese is non-existant, so I'm still not sure if the Fermo or Decimo are available in Taiwan. The sales lady gave me the card for the main Namiki store in Taipei (since all she had for Pilot were two Vanishing Point, same as the US version). "Kin Chi Stationery Co" is the name of the store, the card lists ST Dupont, Omas, Aurora, Pelikan, Parker, Waterman, Sheaffer, elysee, Montgrappa, Cross, Kokuyo, as well as MB, Namiki and Pilot. My quest continues.

 

For Taipei shopping, I e-mailed the Visconti rep for Taiwan, and they e-mailed back that Hsin Chu doesn't have a Visconti dealer, but there are two in Taipei:

 

(02)27755977

Eslite (Tun-Hua) Taipei: 1F, 245, Tun-Hua South Rd., Sec.1. Taipei, Taiwan 106

 

(02)87893388,

Eslite Xin-Yi Flagship : 2F, #11, Song Kuo Rd., Hsin Yi Dist, Taipei Taiwan 110.

 

So, hopefully I'll get to Taipei this trip.

 

-Eric

 

(Oh yeah, there is a Muji at the top of the Mega 21 mall, but it didn't have any fountain pens.....)

Edited May 29, 2008 by ekessel