Savvy Shoppers’ Survey

RTR Packaging Corporation
27 W. 20th St., Suite 606(5th & 6th Aves.)/212-620-0011
Tues and Thurs 10am–6pm.

The Edge: The best of the best wraps and ribbons—wholesale. § This wholesale operation is retail only on Tuesday and Thursday. Find all your gift-packaging needs— paper, tissues, bags, boxes, ribbons, and more. Simply beautiful gift wrapping. Accepts credit cards for orders of $75 and up. Discounter.

Home & home office
Supplies
quality style service value: 42 42 35 48

Kroll Office Products
145 E. 54th St. (Lexington Ave.)/212-750-5300
Weekdays 8:30am–6pm, Sat 10am–6pm (closed Sat July–Aug).

The Edge: A standard office-supply store with an unbelievable range of supplies. § Carries a full range of office stationery, including multiple styles and price points in calendars, highlighters, pens, paper, office supplies, and furniture. Prices are okay. Ask for the corporate discount (10% to 15%), which is given to large customers. § “Great service.” “Has all the basics.” “It’s expensive without the corporate discount.”

Home & home office
Supplies
quality style service value: 38 36 38 31

Staples the Office Superstore
800-333-3330 x 3 for locations
www.staples.com
Weekdays 7am–7pm, Sat 9am–6pm, Sun 11am–5pm.

The Edge: Large selection that meets most home office needs. § From paper to computers, telephones to file folders—and of course, staples—the store has it all for the home office. Many locations and a helpful staff. 15% off. § “Good prices and selection.” “Best manager is at 26th Street and Park Avenue South.” “The copying service is very price competitive.” “Another large discount office supply store–they seem to be everywhere now.”

Home & home office
Superstores
quality style service value: 40 32 28 40

Office Max
800-788-8080 x4 for locations
www.officemax.com
Weekdays 7am–7pm, Sat 9am–6pm, Sun 11am–5pm.

The Edge: Large selection that meets most home office needs. § From paper to computers, telephones to file folders—the store has it all for the home office. Many locations and a helpful staff. 15% off. § “Large selection—good prices.” “Convenient.” “Another large discount office supply store–they seem to be everywhere now.”

Home & home office
Superstores
quality style service value: 40 33 27 39

Costco Warehouse
800-774-2678 for locations
www.costco.com
Mon–Thurs 11am–8:30pm, Fri 11am–9pm, Sat 9:30am–9pm, Sun 10am–6pm. Opens at 10am weekdays for business members.

The Edge: Everything from office paper to baked goods—huge quantities at significant discounts. § The only problem for New Yorkers is the huge quantity you must buy and the car you need to carry your purchases home. Terrific discounts, but significant storage required for the huge packages. Office supplies, food, cleaning supplies, computers, TVs, batteries, canned goods, health and beauty aids, tires, clothing, and more—all at discount. Consumer Reports’ readers consistently rate it high for glasses and contact lenses. There’s a $25 annual membership fee and it only accepts Discover and its own credit card, but the savings can be worth both the inconvenience and the trip. Call toll free 800-774-2678 to find a location near you. § “Good prices—but it may not have what you need when you need it.” “Great prices.” “I always buy too much here.” “Great values.” “Excellent for prescription glasses and drugs. (You don’t have to be a member to use the optical department.)” “Of course it’s great for office machines, telephones, and office supplies, but I love the food—great value if you can use the quantities.”

Home & home office
Superstores
quality style service value: 44 23 29 46

Scribe, Ink.
525 E. 82nd St. (York & East End Aves.)/212-249-1817
By appointment.  http://scribeinkcalligraphy.com/

The Edge: Perfection. � In business since 1984, Rory Kotin has done work for Vogue, Bill Blass, and Carolyne Roehm. Mostly social calligraphy for parties and weddings�envelopes, menus, place cards, and invitations.

Home & home office
Stationery

Rebecca Moss
510 Madison Ave. (53rd St.)/212-832-7671
Weekdays 10am–6pm, Sat 10am–5:30pm.

The Edge: Unique writing instruments. § The shop features a good selection of writing papers, invitations, and new and vintage pens. It has a calligraphy computer which can personalize invitations to look like handwritten calligraphy.

Home & home office
Stationery
quality style service value: 40 35 30 20

Papyrus
1270 3rd Ave. 212-717-1060 / 852 Lexington Ave. 212-717-0002 /
Weekdays 10am–7pm, Sat 10am–6pm, Sun noon–5pm.

The Edge: Wonderful cards and wraps. § Beautiful paper and cards for all occasions which show taste and class! 125
locations nationwide.

Home & home office
Stationery
quality style service value: 45 45 30 34

Mrs. John L. Strong Company
699 Madison Ave. (62nd & 63rd Sts.)/212-838-3775
By appointment.

The Edge: Well known for beautiful traditional invitations. § 100% cotton paper, with tissue paper to match or accent. Hand-lined envelopes, with inks and hand- engraved script selected by you. Beautiful wedding invitations and letter sheets. Engraving takes four to six weeks. Wedding invitations (classic size and styling) are priced at $860 for 100 invitations. Also sold at Barneys and Gumps in San Francisco. Deluxe. § “Expensive.”

Home & home office
Stationery
quality style service value: 47 45 42 27

Mont Blanc Boutique
595 Madison Ave. 212-223-8888 / Short Hills Mall 800-401-4810 / Garden City 800-758-4810
Mon–Sat 10am–6pm, Sun noon–5pm.

The Edge: Upscale stationery and writing instruments. § $275+ for 100 engraved notes and plain envelopes.

Home & home office
Stationery
quality style service value: 40 30 40 30