The Pen Shop - Belfast N Ireland

[declanh]

Was in town in Belfast the other day and spotted that "the Pen shop" - the one behind Boots is now closed.

Its been about 6 months since I was in it. Sorry to see it go as it was the only fully dedicated pen shop in belfast (yep, I know there is a pen shop francise in the House of Fraser - but its got a much more limited range of brands).

 

I guess times are tough for independent shops - I'm always happy to support the local retailer if there prices are within some acceptable margin of competitiveness. However I fear that the Pens Shops stock was all at full rrp and they were not shifting enough stock to survive.

 

Its a realy pity as this shop has been around for as long as I can remember (30+ years at any rate)

It was also my local source for Mont Blanc Violet/Lavender Purple.

 

D

[greencobra]

It's a shame to see shops go out, I hate seeing it as I'm sure we all are. Pretty hard to compete with the internet though.

[Inkier]

Yes, The Pen Shop closed just after Christmas. Very sad. A trip into town was never complete without a look in the PS window, usually at stuff that was unaffordable. And, yes, too to the House of Fraser not being the same at all.

[sirksael]

Shops are going out of business here in Belgium too. I really do want to support them, but I have a really hard time doing so at 100% rrp or even higher. Also, I often wonder when I see nos unsold pens still at the same full price. One of my local pen shops still has sheaffer legacy and watrrman man 200 at full price... Hard to justify than when you can get them on the internet for a fraction of the price.

[Zaarin]

Hmm, sad to see that - never been inside, but was by it on a recent trip to Belfast and surprised to see such a thing still going. That said, from perusing The Pen Shop chain's website, one can see why they don't do much business - they haven't gone out of their way to stock anything very interesting, and others have pointed out the pricing. When even FP enthusiasts here think your prices are too high, you're in trouble I suspect.

[da vinci]

It is a shame, but as seems to be the common view, the Pen Shop dont help themselves. We have one in Cardiff where the staff are helpful and knowledgable, but I have been very disappointed when I have bought stuff there and found it significantly cheaper on the internet.

[declanh]

Even though the shop im referring to was called "the pen shop" I don't believe it was part of the chain... As is the one in house of fraser.

[Zaarin]

Even though the shop im referring to was called "the pen shop" I don't believe it was part of the chain... As is the one in house of fraser.

Ah, I think you're right. Thanks for clearing up my misunderstanding. Cancel my views about their stock, then, that's a different lot.

[alvinlum]

It is a shame, but as seems to be the common view, the Pen Shop dont help themselves. We have one in Cardiff where the staff are helpful and knowledgable, but I have been very disappointed when I have bought stuff there and found it significantly cheaper on the internet.

yeah, I think I know which shop you're talking about. That shop is a good source for mont blanc

Edited April 4, 2011 by alvinlum