Stationer

A stationer is a retailer who sells stationery items, such as paper, pens, pencils, envelopes, notebooks, greeting cards, and related office and school supplies. Traditionally, stationers also dealt in books, but this is less common today. The role involves sourcing, stocking, displaying, and selling these goods, catering to diverse customer needs, from individual consumers to businesses. They provide advice on product selection, sometimes offering customization services like printing or engraving. The term reflects historical practices where these goods were sold at established 'stations' or fixed locations. Modern stationers may operate brick-and-mortar stores, online platforms, or a combination of both, ensuring accessibility for their customers.

Stationer meaning with examples

• Sarah visited the local stationer to purchase elegant invitations for her wedding. She spent a long time looking at the variety of paper, fonts, and decorative elements, and found the perfect design to suit her style. The stationer was very helpful with advice on wording, and suggested appropriate inks and envelope colours to complement the invites, which was much appreciated.
• The office manager placed a large order with the stationer, stocking up on printer paper, pens, and notepads for the entire team. He wanted a stationery supplier that offered competitive pricing, reliable delivery, and a wide selection of products. The stationer's ability to offer bulk discounts, and process their order quickly, meant they quickly became the office's preferred stationery provider.
• During the school holidays, the stationer had a surge in business as parents bought their children's school supplies. This included pencil cases, calculators, and exercise books. They also offered a convenient service of pre-packaging required stationery lists. This eliminated the stress and saved time for parents during the busy back-to-school period, further improving their customer satisfaction.
• With the rise of digital communication, the stationer diversified its product range by selling high-quality art supplies, calligraphy sets, and other creative tools. The stationer recognised changing consumer preferences. By incorporating these additional product lines, the stationer managed to retain its place in a world, moving more into being a location for arts and crafts supplies, in addition to all the stationery essentials.