Lamenting the demise of the physical store…and other options

I was recently discussing the lack of physical pen store locations with a pen representative and lamenting its inevitability in our digital world. It's amazing to me that I know of four excellent pen shops in Holland and while I do have (the wonderful) Oblation in Portland about an hour and a half away from me, it seems like we should have more options everywhere. Of course, here I am living a slightly analog life in a digital world. A handwritten note still seems so much enjoyable to me than an email or text. So, while I cannot establish a permanent physical retail location, I have added option on my website to arrange pick up or in person shopping in my local area.

Something very useful that I have just come across is the new (I believe) website I Need A Pen Store  (www.ineedapenstore.com) They have lists of pen show dates as well as a data base of physical shops searchable by location. It's wonderful and they also have an “ADD” form for people to submit shops that they know of or find in their travels. Great resource for those on the move!