For those of you familiar with Kate’s Paperie in New York, it’s no secret what was once the shining star of stationery came upon tough times this past two years. After handing the reigns over to the next generation, Leonard Flax watched his beloved boutiques fall into financial disrepair and near extinction.Well folks, take heart. Someone’s come in to save the day.
Angelica Berrie, the former CEO of Russ Berrie & Co., has written the check and holds the keys to all five Kate’s locations. With plans to overhaul the design of each store, update the company’s website, and create strategic partnerships with style-makers-and-shakers, odds are there will be all sorts of gawkers during next spring’s National Stationery Show.
Spring Street--the store where Leonard began the tradition--is first in line for a face lift, followed by the others throughout 2009. Part of Berrie’s plan to step things up includes commissioning artists to create window displays worthy of a museum...or by someone who’s already been in a museum, starting with sculptural artist Zoe Bradley.
Something tells me we’re in for a real treat...at least those of us who aren’t stationery retailers in Manhattan. If Kate’s can be reinvented to mirror the service and selection Leonard built, they’re gonna be pretty tough competition.
Once again, the queen returns to the throne.
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