Atlas Stationers is a destination for pen lovers
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Chicago's Atlas Stationers has done the nearly impossible — kept the business in the family and stayed relevant for over 86 years.
The big picture: Atlas started as an office supplies business and morphed into a destination stop for paper, stationery, journals, sketchbooks, arts and crafts supplies and pens (lots and lots of pens).
Driving the news: Friday is Fountain Pen Day and the store has a full day of events planned.
Flashback: Current owners Brian and Brendan Schmidt's great-grandfather started Atlas in 1939 with the practical mission to sell something people will always need — pens.
- Brian and Brendan's grandfather and dad eventually took over the business and moved it from Wacker and LaSalle to its current location at Lake and Franklin. The brothers took it over earlier this year when their dad retired.
Friction point: The pandemic proved to be a critical turning point for the business as downtown foot traffic diminished and office supply orders dropped to zero overnight.
- The brothers leaned into social media, going live on Instagram and TikTok and built a new website to sell products online.
State of play: The pen and paper world is an active subculture attracting more young people, a trend Brendan attributes to the appeal of analog for younger generations who have spent their entire lives online.
Reality check: Just as their great-grandfather predicted, Brian and Brendan say their most profitable category is pens, specifically fountain pens.
- The price range for the store's pens is $2 to $10,000. Yes, 10 grand.
If you go: Atlas Stationers' Fountain Pen Day celebrations start at 10am Friday and include games, giveaways and in-store deals.
- Atlas is located at 227 W. Lake St. and open Monday-Saturday.