Paper Presentation

Paper Presentation, located in downtown New York City, has been in operation since 1990.

If you can imagine seventeen thousand square feet of wrapping paper, stationery, envelopes, presentation folders, greeting cards ,
fountain pens, sealing wax and stamps, pre-printed invitations for almost any event you could imagine, notebooks, custom wedding and party invitations, correspondence cards, and accessories, all at about 10 percent less than at other paper suppliers— well, it’s not a dream, it’s real. And if you can imagine finding such a place in the middle of Manhattan, well that’s not a dream either.

To imagine the size of this store…realize these 2 pictures are not overlapping.

Totally different, not just different views.

Paper Presentation is a family-run business with an amazing story; it began in 1990 by a Persian family, the Rajaeis’, who had fled Iran to escape political persecution. The business was intended to simply be a way to make a living in New York City. What began as a small stationery and copy store, has grown to become an incredible supplier of all-things-paper and now occupies an equally incredible block-wide space in the Flatiron District on 18th street, between 5th and 6th avenues. It’s about a five minute brisk walk due west from the top end of Union Square, and another ten minutes from Madison Square Garden.

In terms of stationery, Paper Presentation’s stock and variety of paper sizes is practically unmatched with that of anyone in the business. On the upper level of the store are a handful of graphic designers and a meeting space where they create artistic and beautiful wedding invitations and custom designs for practically any event.
A busy store always, they have many regular, local customers, as well as a great deal of tourists. This mega-store requires a team of about 30 staff members, with additional staff in their offices and warehouse in New Jersey.

There are three primary buyers in the store: Nahid Rajaei, one of the floor managers and part owner of the store, handles most of the long sheet wrapping paper, party supplies, and arts and crafts items, as does Valerie Torchon. Gianfranco Settecasi is the purchasing manager and buys everything else that is ordered from outside vendors. Much of the products are actually made for Paper Presentation, so you won’t find them anywhere else. According to Gianfranco, “Across all of the products we sell in the store, over 700 different companies are represented. “ He personally created and maintains the catalogue of every company they order from. Approximately 200 of these companies are greeting card companies. “What began as a stationery store and copy house is now one of New York City’s major paper destinations, featuring a wide and constantly evolving variety of products—including invitations, gift items, notebooks, arts and crafts supplies, boxes, party and event supplies, and greeting cards.”
He continues, “Paper Presentation occupied about half of its current footprint for the first ten years of business. By 2008, the store expanded and now spans the whole width of the block. The store features a custom printing department on its mezzanine level that offers specialty printing services including letterpress and laser-cutting, and a thriving and expanding online business (paperpresentation.com). “We also recently added an in-store gift-wrapping service last holiday season.”

A sample of laser cutting which is a specialty at Paper Presentation

Paper Presentation can inspire a world of creativity with products from all over the world. Gianfranco ( who is also an up and coming theatrical producer) says, “ While we are always seeking goods that are manufactured in the U.S., we proudly offer lines from France, Germany, Spain, England, Nepal, China, Japan, Brazil, and, of course, Italy.

If you can’t find what you want in the way of paper or anything to do with correspondence here, chances are, you won’t find it anywhere. You can buy it all at Paper Presentation’s superstore in New York City, where a knowledgeable, friendly staff will help you find exactly what you’re looking for. You can also buy just about everything you need at their on-line store, as well.

In an increasingly digital world, it’s wonderful to see and support a business that unabashedly shows you how beautiful paper can be.

http://www.paperpresentation.com
STORE HOURS
Mon-Fri, 9am-7pm; Sat-Sun, 11am-6pm
NEARBY SUBWAY STOPS
1 at 18th St.; F, M at 14th St.

Come visit our superstore in New York City.
You will discover many more products!
23 West 18th Street New York, NY 10011

Tel: (212)463-7035 or (800)-PAPER-01
Fax: (212) 463-7022