Extra, extra, ink and paper not just for the news

Part of The Creemore Echo’s plan to celebrate its 20th anniversary was to expand its retail into a boutique stationary store.
The pandemic put a hold on the opening of the new store, dubbed The Newsstand, originally scheduled for April 5, but the doors are now open, just with a not-so-grand opening.
Playing on the tradition of the newspaper, which has a long history in this community under various titles, The Newsstand is stocking all things paper and ink. The newspaper operates out of the same building that originally housed the large printing presses that produced Creemore’s first newspaper more than a century ago.
Owner and publisher Sara Hershoff, who is very involved in the local business community, wanted to add to the existing retail landscape and welcome more people to The Echo office.
In what Hershoff refers to as a UN of office supplies, there are pens from Germany and Switzerland, Italian scissors, notebooks from the United States, France, and Japan. In terms of specialty lines, The Newsstand carries Field Notes, Moleskin, Rhodia, Ola, Midori and Clairefontaine, to offer a range of prices and designs.
In addition to an enhanced selection of everyday office supplies and ink jet cartridges, The Newsstand will have a full magazine rack, calligraphy supplies, gift wrap and greeting cards.
The hope is that the products will inspire people to capture their own ideas and tell their stories.
A catalyst for The Newsstand was when The Echo hosted paper artist Kathryn Allyn during last year’s Creemore Festival of the Arts. Hershoff said she saw the office space transformed and how well Allyn’s work fit, in that they were connected through the common medium of paper.
“There are so many people who are working with paper and getting their ideas down,” said Hershoff.
She then brought in works by paper artist Liz Eakins, and cards by Jordan Eveland. Penpots, mugs and ashtrays by potter Jenny Clair, notebook covers by Tribute Leather and Jim Harkness’ birds round out a supply of office accessories.
“The goal is to get more people through the doors so we can meet our community as it grows and changes,” said Hershoff. “It has been a lot of fun to work with the different artists and see the creativity and learn about how people like to tell their own stories and capture their own ideas.”
The Newsstand is located within The Creemore Echo office, at 3 Caroline St. W. Hours of operation are Monday to Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., also by chance and appointment.