Popular

Popular is a little out of place at HomeSquare, where pretty much all the stores are furniture stores. If you don’t know what Popular is, it’s a bookshop and a stationery shop. There aren’t really any English books here as it is primarily catered to locals, so don’t be expecting to pick up any English books here unless you’re looking for simple picture books for kids. Popular is great for back to school shopping as they have a good variety of folders, notebooks and pens — basically everything you’d need for school. They’re doing a 20% off for all stationery as a back to school promotion, so there’s no better time than now to go there!
They also have gift-​related items such as gift bags, wrapping paper and cards. I wouldn’t say the selection is huge, and it’s not the cheapest either — I was there today and I saw that wrapping paper is $ 16, which is pretty steep compared to other local stationery stores. The designs of the wrapping paper weren’t even that nice too! The little gift bags are thoughtful and delicate, but pricey for what they are. You’re better off getting these at the $ 12 shop! If you’re into scrapbooking, they have some things like decorative tapes and stick-​on letters that you may like. Honestly I find some of their accessories a little too cartoon-​y, but that’s just me.
Today was a Saturday, so the store was actually quite crowded and I had to say ‘excuse me’ a couple of times. I have been there during weekdays though and it is much emptier then. Bottom line — if you need just basic stationery, don’t go to a place like Log On — stock up here. But if it’s pretty notebooks and fancy gifts you’re after, this isn’t the best place to be.