Chicago area pen shops

[JMAN]

I live in the Chicago area and had a shop I liked downtown. When someone who planned to visit Chicago asked for downtown shops found out the place I frequented no longer exists.

 

What shops do people like in the Chicago area?

 

 

 

[ramshacklemann]

The only shop I go to is "Atlas Stationers" on Lake (and Franklin?). I have only bought inks and a couple cheapo roller-ball pens from them. I do all my pen buying online.

[philm]

When I travel to Chicago, I always try to stop at Century Pens / at 231 South LaSalle. Ed Hamilton is the owner and very helpful. A nice mix of new and a few vintage pens, as well as lots of inks. I would highly recommend a stop here.

 

Phil

[usonian]

If you're up for a jaunt to Oak Park, check out Pieritz Brothers Office Supplies at 401 South Boulevard. (http://www.pieritz.net/) If my memory serves correctly, they're practically across the street from the Ridgeland stop on the CTA green line.

 

Great customer service... all I bought there was a Lamy Vista, but for all the attention I received you would have thought I was buying a $270 pen, not a $27 one.

[DrPJM1]

After Levengers no longer selling any other pens but their own, I no longer stop there. Try these:

 

Gilbertson Clybourn Fine Writing

55 E. Chicago Ave.

Chicago, IL 60611

(312) 573-8075

 

Century Pens

231 South LaSalle Street

Ed Hamilton

 

 

[JMAN]

If you're up for a jaunt to Oak Park, check out Pieritz Brothers Office Supplies at 401 South Boulevard. (http://www.pieritz.net/) If my memory serves correctly, they're practically across the street from the Ridgeland stop on the CTA green line.

 

Great customer service... all I bought there was a Lamy Vista, but for all the attention I received you would have thought I was buying a $270 pen, not a $27 one.

 

Since I live in River Forest less than a mile away will have to take a look!

 

Thanks

 

[JMAN]

After Levengers no longer selling any other pens but their own, I no longer stop there. Try these:

 

Gilbertson Clybourn Fine Writing

55 E. Chicago Ave.

Chicago, IL 60611

(312) 573-8075

 

Century Pens

231 South LaSalle Street

Ed Hamilton

 

Thanks!

 

There is an office supply store in Elmhurst I used to visit for pens - will have to stop in and check them again!

 

[DrPJM1]

JMan: You may also want to stop by Paradise Pen in the Oakbrook Mall. They have very nice modern pens, but at MSRP. They are nice people and helpful, although some are not very knowledgeable about FP's.

[quattro98]

Gilbertson Clybourn & Century Pens are the only dedicated pen shops in the city, but Flax is a good source for Lamy. I haven't been there since they moved around the corner, but it might be worth a stop. You should note that Century is only open on weekdays since it's in the financial district which is quiet on weekends. Gilberton Clybourn is open on Saturdays.

 

http://www.centurypenschicago.com/

 

http://www.flaxartandframe.com/

 

[gregkoos]

I've visited Gilbertson Clyburn. Dan Collins, the manger is a very nice guy. I ened up buying a decent Azure Parker Vacumatic. It was the only viontage pen he had - they deal new pens. It's worth a visit.

[diplomat]

Excellent thread! I'll be in Chicago for business around Feb/Mar 08, and I planned to ask something about the major shops. Now I have the following question: there is any pen that is characteristic of Chicago/IL area? Maybe because the producers is from the area or because there is located a big distributor etc...?

Of course I'm thinking of "celebrate" my visit with a FP purchase, and I'd like it to be something "local"

 

Thanks

[avanides]

What I'm going to say is nothing new to this thread, but you really should go to Century Pens. Ed is an amazing guy who described his pens to me as "his children". If you're there on Nov. 1, you should come to his anniversary party. He'll be having cake and champagne in his store to commemorate a year of being open.

 

 

[Opus104]

Add to the list some suburban spots. West Suburban Office Supply, York Rd in Elmhurst. Executive Essentials in the Woodfield Mall. Both offer discounts off of MSRP on pens and both typaically have a sale/clearance display.

[JMAN]

Add to the list some suburban spots. West Suburban Office Supply, York Rd in Elmhurst. Executive Essentials in the Woodfield Mall. Both offer discounts off of MSRP on pens and both typaically have a sale/clearance display.

I agree - have been to West Suburban Office in Elmhurst and found them very helpful! I need to get back there and do some shopping. I know it's selfish but wish they had evening hours - once upon a time stores were open late on Thursday nites - Saturdays are usually spent working around the house.

 

[diplomat]

Since my business trip in Chicago is approaching, I resurrect this post with a new question:

Seems to me that all of the shops listed here so far do sell only new items. Is in the city anyone specialized in dealing with vintage pens?

 

Thank you in advance.

 

Best,

[DrPJM1]

Try http://pieritz.net/penold.html in Oak Park while visiting Frank Lloyd Wright's.

 

I have been there and the people are very nice. The pens are either hit or miss.

[diplomat]

Try http://pieritz.net/penold.html in Oak Park while visiting Frank Lloyd Wright's.

 

I have been there and the people are very nice. The pens are either hit or miss.

 

Thank you! looks interesting. I'll give it a try.

 

Best,

[gyasko]

Try http://pieritz.net/penold.html in Oak Park while visiting Frank Lloyd Wright's.

 

I have been there and the people are very nice. The pens are either hit or miss.

 

 

I don't bother much with new pens, except los cheapos. They do have some cheap ones. I wouldn't buy a modern MB, but i might buy a Lamy or a cheap Pelikan. They also have some very expensive vintage pens. They keep a decent stock of inks and notepads. Some of the art supplies are cheaper than at art supply places. And yes, they are indeed nice.

 

[Pintrok]

I have purchased from both Gilbertson and Century. Both proprietors are very pleasant and will spend time with you. Century has a bit more inventory. I would suggest either - FYI Gilbertson is open on Saturday, and Century is not. Enjoy Chicago - my second home.

[atmydesk]

and there is a Pen Show in Chicago in early May!