Paperchase

A homogenous paper paradise, if you need a colourful notebook go grab it here, just don’t expect that you’ll be the only one with it. They do art materials, all sorts of stationary (from the very useful to the just fun), some of the best greeting cards and lots of nice gift-​wrap. I am often in a rush to buy those finishing touches for presents and a trip to Paperchase ensures that it will be pretty cool and you won’t end up with something that says ‘Happy Birthday Big Boy’ for your auntie.

Visit Paperchase as I did — looking for an emergency witty birthday card for a brother that has seen them all — and you will not be disappointed. There’s a fantastic range of original cards on offer, regardless if its jokes your looking for or not. Its nice to be able to buy a card for my Dad that doesn’t have the generic golfing/​car image or a weak «your getting old!» joke. You’ll also find a whole host of stationary items and gift wrapping necessities, as well as a huge selection of colourful paper to rifle through if you so desire. My one complaint, is that its all a little pricey…
Sheets of paper should cost a few pennies a piece in my mind, and never be approaching the £1 mark, no matter how fancy and colourful they are. Personally, I get most of my cards from Card Factory, or Party Me on London Road, just because I don’t like losing too much money when sending generic cards. But for those special celebrations, Paperchase may well be ideal.

I’d never heard of Paperchase before this afternoon, but I appear to be in the minority. The store was swarming with people who must have known the wealth of Christmas decorations, cards, and gift wrap that were going to be on sale. Prices were pretty decent — I picked out a really nice ‘tree topper’ for £4.50.
Of course, the shop isn’t always centred on Christmas supplies. They have a huge selection of notebooks, loose paper, pens, fancy mechanical pencils, art supplies, day planners, journals… everything to do with paper. I also saw some office décor — picture frames, small clocks and paperweights.
I’ll definitely remember this shop when I need more school supplies and the Christmas rush is over.

Fans of Paperchase’s flagship stores in London and Manchester might be surprised by the size of their Brighton branch. The small square footage means there’s no room for the gorgeous range of pastels, paints and art paper the shop specialises in.
Instead, there’s a small selection of cool and quirky diaries, travel journals, stationary and giftware at the back of the store and a large selection of fab greeting cards at the front. The stock isn’t as unique as in Malarkey in the North Laines but there’s still a great range of birthday, good luck, get well and condolences cards as well as seasonal ranges like Christmas, Halloween and Valentines. Personally, I’m a big fan of the Bikini range they stock with 50s and 60s pin-​up girls and boys covered in glitter.

This is my first point of call when I want to buy a card !
They aren’t the cheapest cards around (I’d guess the average price is around £2) — but they offer such contemporary and original designs that I don’t mind paying a little bit extra. Cards are largely split in half between those paperchase produce themselves and those by other designers. Cards are at the upper end in terms of quality.
Store also stocks really nice stationary (but again it isn’t particularly cheap) and other paperwear products (eg: wrapping paper and gift bags). They also stock a few small gifts (mainly novelty items) — so you could come in here with nothing and leave with the full set up ie: present, gift wrap and card ! Stock seasonal items (eg: Christmas cards and decorations)
Shop is very relaxed and staff are friendly.