The Paper Store (retailer)
| Company type | Private |
|---|---|
| Industry | Retail |
| Founded | 1964 |
| Founder | Bob Anderson |
| Headquarters | Acton, Massachusetts , United States |
Area served | Northeastern United States, Florida, Illinois |
Key people | Tom Anderson (CEO) |
| Products | Apparel, jewelry, accessories, bath and body products, stationery, gifts for babies and toddlers, children’s toys, puzzles, books, greeting cards |
The Paper Store is a privately held American retail company headquartered in Acton, Massachusetts. It manages a network of more than 100 specialty gift shops located across the northeastern United States, Florida, and Illinois. The business operates under several banners, including The Paper Store, Gifts & More at The Paper Store, and Uncharted. Its product assortment is designed to appeal primarily to women and features a diverse range of items such as apparel, jewelry, accessories, bath and body products, stationery, gifts for babies and toddlers, children’s toys, puzzles, books, and greeting cards from Hallmark Cards. Notably, The Paper Store stands as the largest independently owned collective of Hallmark Gold Crown stores nationwide. The stores also showcase well-known brands like Alex and Ani, Vera Bradley, Lilly Pulitzer, Kate Spade, Life Is Good, Vineyard Vines, Pura Vida, Hydro Flask, and Ivory Ella.[1]Cite error: The opening <ref> tag is malformed or has a bad name
History
Founded in 1964 by Bob Anderson shortly after his graduation from Babson College, The Paper Store began as a modest 700-square-foot newsstand in Maynard, Massachusetts.Cite error: The opening <ref> tag is malformed or has a bad name Early on, the Anderson family expanded their community presence by distributing local publications such as The Shopper to residences in Maynard and neighboring towns. The company’s second store opened in Clinton, Massachusetts, where the product range grew to include office supplies, books, and greeting cards.
By 1972, the company separated its thriving retail operations from its distribution services to better focus on growth. In 1989, Bob Anderson’s son John introduced plans for substantial expansion that led to the launch of multiple new stores across different states.[2]
A major strategic investment occurred in 2011 when The Paper Store allocated over $10 million to establish dedicated "shop within a shop" sections featuring the jewelry brand Alex and Ani in numerous locations.Cite error: The opening <ref> tag is malformed or has a bad name
By 2022, the company had grown to encompass 100 physical stores throughout the Northeast and Florida regions. Leadership remains within the Anderson family with Bob’s son Tom Anderson serving as CEO.[2]
Amid financial challenges induced by the COVID-19 pandemic, The Paper Store sought Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in July 2020 at the U.S. District Court in Worcester, Massachusetts.Cite error: The opening <ref> tag is malformed or has a bad name
In November 2021, the retailer expanded its footprint by acquiring 14 Hallmark stores situated in Florida.
Most recently, in November 2024, The Paper Store launched its inaugural Chicago-area location under the new Uncharted brand. Following this debut, two additional Uncharted stores have opened within the Chicago market along with one on Long Island.
Philanthropic Efforts
By 2022, The Paper Store had contributed more than $2 million to charitable causes within the communities served by its retail locations. Annually, the company organizes a "Gift of Giving" fundraiser both in its physical stores and through its online platform. This initiative benefits local food banks, shelters, and additional community services. Furthermore, The Paper Store provides direct assistance to numerous organizations near its stores, including local educational institutions and emergency responders.