The Pen Shop opens 25th UK store

Newcastle company, The Pen Shop are moving in the ‘write’ direction as they announce the opening of their 25th UK store.

Over 60 years since the first store was opened in Newcastle in 1946, the writing instrument specialists are launching a flagship shop in Trinity Leeds.

As the first major shopping centre to open in the UK for 18 months, Trinity Leeds represents a major city centre shopping development and The Pen Shop enjoyed a large footfall of customers on its opening day.

Director of Finance, Andy Briggs, said: “The economic downturn has meant that the past three years have been difficult for all retailers but this is a significant moment in The Pen Shop’s history.

“We have been looking to develop a new site in Leeds and it was vital that we found the right location at the right time in order to continue to grow the business.

“The positioning for the new store was extremely important in order to attract the right footfall and maintain a strong visibility in the shopping centre.”

During theexpansion into the new Trinity Leeds, Sintons LLP agreed the terms of leases between all parties.

Andrew Walker, Partner in Sintons’ Real Estate Department, said: “We are proud to have been working with The Pen Shop for many years, acting on all of their leases and it’s extremely exciting to have been a part of the business’ development into its new Trinity Leeds store.

“Our strong and long term relationship with The Pen Shop’s management is an important factor in all of the work we do for them.”

Although the North East company’s e-commerce arm represents a significant part of the business, shop sales remain strong

Managing Director Colin McClymont said: “In the modern day era of electronic communication, everyone texts and emails, so receiving a handwritten note is often even more special.

“As well as being collector’s items, luxury and premium pens and associated gifts have become fashionable accessories – with our extensive new product launches and range of iconic brands, there truly is a pen out there for everyone.

“The needs of shoppers have changed significantly in recent years and it was vital for The Pen Shop’s development plans to expand into the right location as well as continuing to grow our web sales division.

“To be part of Trinity Leeds, the UK’s major new shopping centre, is a fantastic step forward for us.”