Each month, we ask our Facebook fans to nominate their favorite Utah-owned businesses and select one to feature here. This month we asked fans to tell us their favorite stationery store. Want us to write about a business you love? Follow us on Twitter, Facebook, Pinterest or Instagram @utahbusiness.
For the custom stationery addict, crafter or simply needer-of-thank-you-cards, Salt Lake City’s The Write Image is a paper paradise. Racks and rows filled with embossed cards, foil-inlaid stationary and brightly colored envelopes, pens and planners line the walls and dot the floors. No two products are the same; many unique styles are represented.
And owner Miriam Footer loves all of it.
“The Write Image is a stationary boutique, and it actually started with the concept of selling custom fine stationary online,” Footer says. “It was a concept my husband and mother- in-law brewed up. We [sell] cards, gifts, pens, [and] we specialize in custom fine stationary.”
Carrying brands like Vera Wang, MaeMae Paperie, Spark and smock, The Write Image’s greeting cards cover bar and bat mitzvahs, birthdays, holidays, and a myriad of condolences and celebratory occurrences. “Our greetings are not generic. We take pride in having specialty brands. We have a lot of letterpress cards, whether it’s humor or a style people are attracted to. We are particular about the brands we carry,” says Footer.
Even with so many brands, designs and options, it can still be hard to choose something that fits a specific occasion or need. The Write Image works with customers on customization and has in-store laser and digital printing.
“In-store printing can be a simple birthday invitation; it can be personal stationary or a wedding invitation,” says Footer. “Traditionally, someone comes in and they’ll ask us what they’re looking for. They’ll tell us the colors they like. [We will] send them an electronic version of the product and they approve it, check the spelling and then they send it back.”
Whatever the occasion, the Write Image strives to fit the customer’s needs. Sold alongside the custom stationary and wide card selection are many other sorts of supplies. “We have calendars , planners, box stationary, thank you notes, journals, guest books, photo albums, picture frames, recipe boxes, frames, wrapping, ribbon, some jewelry, magnets … fun things you typically find in a stationary store,” she says.
Even with all of its wares, Footer believes it’s the store’s individuality and customer service that set it apart from the rest. “Our customer service is excellent. We get to know the customer and we care about what they want and we listen to their needs,” she says. “That really helps them set the tone for their event. I think we’re pretty good at helping the customer find what really suits their needs.”
The Write Image’s brick-and-mortar store is located at 2205 E. 2100 South, Salt Lake City and can be found online at https://twio.com/.
Read more of Utah Business’ Readers’ Choice here.