Paperchase (Shop) > Reviews (14)

I thought I was seeing things in Leeds Station concourse when I saw the Paperchase sign. I had thought that this chain of shops had died a death years ago (I don't get out much...not)-Paperchase used to be THE shop for teenagers in Manchester, to buy posters for your wall, and cards and paper in multi colours..it was a great place to get pressies for your friends as well as a great place to meet them. I remember buying a little jumping Woodstock (the little yellow bird from Peanuts) from there..you wound it up and if hopped along, nodding its head...so SWEET!

I also bought a huge poster of a dulux dog for my bedroom wall and took it off to Uni with me when I went. We went there for a lot of psychodelic greetings cards and post cards with stick people on ..who were saying profound studenty-type things that made us roll around laughing...

Now it's seen a bit of a revival and there are apparently 60 of these stores around but so hard to find..it's been revamped and brought up to date so I thought I'd go in and see how it was coping with the modern day. The one on Leeds station is only small but I have since visited one in London, near Victoria train station..stocking more stuff.

WHAT DO THEY SELL?
CARDS
Anyway, although you cant get the psychodelic type cards, you can still get a selection of cards for various occasions- some really good ones as well..not just stuffy formal ones. Some with photos have funny captions and there are some with animals on. About £1.50 each- good value. They do post cards as well..ok if you just want to let someone have a little note..or decorate your bedroom wall!

PAPER
For sketching on- if you are an artist..and they have other ART materials.

Wrapping paper-eg a roll of paper might cost you £3 for 3 metres. Or if you just want a sheet it's £1. There's some really nice paper in this shop..some people might be tempted to open thier presents carefully and save it!
Gift bags from £2.75
Gift boxes from £2
Tissue paper £1.50 for 3 sheets
bows and stuff to trim with from £1.50

So its not cheap stuff but it looks wonderful!

Writing paper and envelopes
Handmade paper and envelopes set £4.75, but you can pick and mix the colours of paper and envelopes to get a jazzy effect.

Paperchase also still sell note books in all sizes and these vary in price depending on size. Some are made with handmade paper and are expensive but some are recycled paper and don't break the bank. At least you feel as though you are doing something for conservation if you're not chopping down trees!

A multicoloured memo block that you tear pieces off as you use them will cost you £4. There 's a lot of paper in this little paper tower!

PENS
Some great designs from £1
There's be a design to suit everyone in there.
They also sell caligraphy sets for those people who want to write properly..or learn how to!

They do something called the BRAT PACK CARRY CASE..which contains crayons, felt tipped pens and pencils..all for £5.75. Good for a long journey!

As far as gifts are concerned, you really need to go in and look..

there are mini tables, picture frames, recipe books, diaries, photograph albums, notebooks, pens, pencil cases, mini clips in the shapes of clothes pegs,playing cards,and it would take a long time to describe it all. However you can go in and browse and nobody comes along and hassles you.

One special mention must go to the glitter dome..you put a photo in the dome and shake it to make your own storm! £4!

YOu can get festive wrapping and decorations as well, but I haven't been in to see these- just saw them whilst passing the shop..but they did look interesting so I think I'll be popping in to see what they have.

A am a bit sad that they don't seem to sell big posters any more, but maybe that was just the ones I'd been into. Not that I really want a Dulux dog or the girl playing tennis who wasn't wearing any underwear (and this was considered to be daring!) But I do like to look, and my sons still like posters for their walls.

In case you can't find the actual shop, you can go online as well, at www.paperchase.co.uk but I imagine their range isn't as large as the real shop.

Go and browse and you might find some really good Christmas presents that people will WANT!!