Great staff - when they know something, they really know it, and even better - when they don't,…read morethey admit it! It's so refreshing to talk to salesmen that treat you like a human being, and that act like human beings themselves. I never feel like I'm being ridiculous when I ask about strange art supplies, even when I probably am, and whilst it's not always possible to fill those odd requests, I never feel stupid for making them. The selection on offer is enormous and wide-ranging, and pretty good for it's cost - I never feel like I'm being sold the cheap stuff at bargain prices, it's all at a quality that matches the asking price.

A good place to go for all your basic stationary needs. They sell your usual pens, envelopes,…read morepaper, diaries, rubbers etc... Be warned though, most of the items here are pretty basic, if you fancy a cute, or quirky notebook, I'd recommend heading over to Paperchase instead. Another thing to watch out for is that this store can be a bit pricey in comparison to places like Staples, and your local supermarket. Where Pen and Paper excels however, is in its art materials. If you're studying art in school, University, or even if you're a professional, this is definitely the place to go. The supplies are all of the best quality, and what's more the staff really know their product, and can advise you on what would suit your particular need (which you really wouldn't get at the large chain stores). Perhaps a little randomly, Pen and Paper also has a fantastic selection of jigsaws! Now personally I'm not particularly in to jigsaws, but if they are your thing, you'll just love this store!

It was a pleasant surprise to bump into a Paperchase store, while on the upper level of the St…read moreDavid's Mall in Cardiff, being quite a regular to my local branch in Manchester, which is one of there three flagship branches alongside London and Glasgow, Paperchase are more of a high-end store with stores even in the USA, expanding from the UK as well as big name and high end department stores such as Selfridges and House of Fraser. This branch did seem much smaller, and not as nice as the branch I am used to in Manchester, with three large floors but still it did have some good stuff in and basic essentials, such as a nice selection of lever arches on a good offer, which has been three for two for a while now, as well as a decent selection of both pens and cards. This store didn't seem to stock as much London Tube gear as other stores do, which is a shame as in a way it is letting down the people of Cardiff, to what Paperchase is really like in other cities, and it is sad to see them getting this treatment, with Cardiff of course being the capital of Wales and in the top ten largest cities in the whole of the United Kingdom. The staff didn't seem too welcoming or friendly, this store basically is more of a card shop rather than being a stationary mecca, which I normally associate with Paperchase, so sadly I feel this branch has only done enough to earn two stars.

Most Paperchase shops are pretty much the same in terms of stock, so if you've been to one you have…read morea pretty good grasp of what all the others have on offer. This is a fairly large store, long and thin, with plenty of good cards on sale as well as all the usual patterned notepads, pens, pencils, pencil cases, tins and other accessories that I find hard to resist buying. I last visited this branch because I'd bought a birthday card which I found didn't have an envelope inside the sealed up plastic packet it was in. I went back - receipt and card in hand - to see if I could get the matching envelope, but they didn't have the same card and the assistant couldn't find an alternative envelope to fit the card. I ended up just buying a different, new card instead! Although she was very pleasant, I did think I should have been offered a refund because the she had actually said that the envelope ought to have been inside the plastic packet! So, despite loving this shop, it has to lose a star because I ended up shelling out double just for a birthday card!

Since I was a teenager I have loved the Paperchase chain. Their quirky stationary, their…read morebeautifully designed wrapping paper and their comical cards makes them my number one choice when it comes to birthday, Christmases and Bar mitzvahs. But what I love most about the Clifton branch is how they go to town on their window displays. Situated on the edge of Clifton Triangle, their fairy lights and neon signs shine out from the sea of bland and beige. Paperchase have stayed true to their vision of offering top-end design at a high street price which is why this small shop is always packed to the rafters whenever I go in.

After the demise of Boarders the place to buy Paperchase products narrowed to just House of Fraser…read moreuntil this dedicated store opened up on the Triangle, just a few doors down from where Boarders used to be. I'm a sucker for stationary anyway but Paperchase makes the experience of buying birthday cards or wrapping paper way more fun. The choice of cards and paper in this store is huge - way bigger than in a department store concession, although it can be a little on the pricey side. Having said that, if you like something like a diary or notepad it is worth waiting a few weeks as the sales here are fantastic, with products often being reduced by more than 50%. The travel journals and notebooks are a particularly nice way of showcasing a trip or holiday, though these are not often in the sale.

The Copyzone is a one-stop shop for anyone needing office equipment or technical gizmos. There is…read moresuch a huge selection of things here and Copyzone is a much cheaper alternative to WHSmith. I was really pleased with my purchase of document wallets for only 55p. The shop is fairly large and stocks more unusual items such as Flipcharts which are also a bargain at only £10. If you are starting a new uni term or need some equipment for your office then I would definitely go to Copyzone for all the basics.

I have to admit a secret - I really like going into shops like this and just looking at their…read moreselection of stationary. I think it comes from having an odd enjoyment in things like filing and general organisation if it involves folders and pens and pieces of paper. Weird, I know. Anyway, The Copyzone is a great place for people like me, or people who just want to nip in and out and grab a ring binder. It's also quite nice to be able to use a more independent company.

This is a good sized store with a wide range of products…read more They sell a good selection of DVD's and CD's, and quite have good offers on cheap DVD's. There is a brilliant selection of books, although unless on offer these can quite often be found cheaper else where. There is some gorgeous stationary ranges for both adults and children, loads of cards, giftwrap, magazines, sweets, printer consumables etc. Pretty much anything you might need stationary wise could probably be found in here with friendly and helpful staff if you need them.

This Wh Smiths is on the ground floor of the Mall. It is a…read moreone of their large stores and all on one level At the weekend it can get vey busy though and there are long queues at the check out. Its stocks a wide range of Dvds, Magazine, Games and many of the promotional Hardback best sellars at very good discountsIt does not have a huge stock of just easy read paperbacks unless they are on the recent published list. I find Waterstone has a lot better stock.

This brings it all back! I remember the days when a 7UP pencil cas was a must have, when if you…read moredidn't have an earaser and corrector pen you were nobody, and when your rubber was a statement of your personality! What a hayday of stationary, and when you speak about your stationary past to your friends you all seem to share that glint of pleasure in your eye... wonderful! Stationary world is a more adult version of those wonderful childhood experiences, you can get some fantastic artistic materials, like mini canvases, binded drawing books and a wide array of paintbrushes. But have no fear, if you head in there are still many things your inner child will appreciate!

Back in the day when the first week of September was set aside for being measured for school…read moreuniforms and buying a new cartridge pen, my childhood self would often be found in Stationary World. But that was over 10 years ago and with the increase of Paperchases, Whsmiths and Scribblers I thought my much loved stationers would be just a distant memory. That was until I came across this little beauty on Park Street. As soon as I walked in I was taken back my school days, where having a cool pencil case was extremely important and buying glitter pens was considered to be very chic. I loved the fact that it was exactly how I remembered it - full to the brim of watercolour palates, colour pencils and sketch pads. All their items are reasonably priced for the quality, but are probably a bit higher than the average high-street stationers. I'm pleased it's still going strong for future generations. But sadly, I'd probably pop along to Paperchase to pick up my stationary these days.

A nice little shop (with 4 people working inside when I went in!) with an impressive stationary…read morerange. The price is a little more than I would want to spend, but I feel happier buying my stationary goods from somewhere like this rather than a big chain outlet. Also "HAPPY BIRTHDAY PAUL!" have no idea who this particular paul is but a birthday message was displayed to him on the shop window! so lets all hope he had a good stationary full day!

A lovely local shop which is used by local businesses and students alike - just full of your…read moreeveryday stationery needs - pens, some art card, a few kits for children and the like. It also offers photocopying, fax and binding services. Whenever I have needed something for study or felt a little creative, I can normally find what I need here without having to go into town - perfect!

I word of recommendation about going in to Hobbycraft. Please don't go in if you don't know what…read moreyou want to buy beforehand. You need a plan of attack. Head straight to the help desk and then to where they send you with blinkers on. Hobbycraft is a massive warehouse of, well, everything that you could possibly need to any hobby ever. Their problem is certainly not being able to supply us with our needs, but rather, they over supply. You stand in the middle of this store and want to scream: Argh! I know I should be using all these creativity to make something, but I don't know what! It's all on overload. That being said, I know people who live in these stores. And yes, their houses are full to bursting with ribbons and gibbons and squibbons and such, but they're always prepared and kinda nifty with a needle. So, in short. Get in. Get out. Or pay the price. Dun dun duuun.

So this Hobbycraft gives you two floors of everything arty you can think of from standard drawing…read morematerials, to specialist model making materials, framing equipment, soft furnishing stuff and lots, lots more. It is a bit of a maze and they really don't make it easy for you to navigate this store. Apart from one sign by the stairs, they is no signage through the shop and that really annoys me. They obviously want to tempt you to buy other stuff but its so frustrating when your just after something specific. I spend a good 5 minutes walking around the upstairs with no sign of any staff members to help guide me. Eventually I found the section I was after but I was disappointed by how expensive everything was. I took myself to the checkout to pay and the checkout staff were busy chatting so I was barely acknowledged. Good selection but i'd rather get what I need online for cheaper.