Give, Live, Create, Celebrate! It’s more than what we do. It’s the core of who we are. We live by our mission to inspire you to “Do Something Creative Every Day." Whether that’s by giving thoughtful gifts, living a well-organized life, creating your project, or celebrating life’s special moments, we strive to bring joy to every step of your creative journey.
Handcrafted Heritage: When Sue Lindstrom opened the first Paper Source location in Chicago in 1983, she set out to share the beauty of handcrafted papers from around the world, with the world – and we continue to carry this mission in everything we do. Over the past three decades, we’ve expanded our products, grown our team of passionate creative professionals, and connected with communities nationwide.
Paper Source Eco-Story: At Paper Source, we live for all things paper. We create, craft, color, cut, shape, and print with papers of all sizes, styles, and artisanal materials. But above all else, we cherish, protect, and adore every fiber of our paper with every fiber of our being. We take care to ensure Paper Source products put the environment first, focusing on sustainability and social responsibility while upholding our commitment to the exceptional, premium quality you’ve come to expect out of every Paper Source product and experience.
New Partnership: We are very pleased to announce that Paper Source and Barnes & Noble are now united under single ownership. Paper Source was acquired in May 2021 by the owner of Barnes & Noble and the company is now under the formal ownership of Barnes & Noble, allowing us to bring you many improvements. Paper Source will continue to operate as an independent retail experience, both in stores and online, and Barnes & Noble will remain your trusted bookseller. Together we will be able to bring customers from both retailers extended offerings and perks, including cross-redeemable gift cards and more!
Rating Reviews
Rating is calculated based on
12
reviews and is evolving.
Pros: I really appreciated the work flexibility as a part-time Sales Lead at Paper Source. It was easy to work with management on my schedule, which is a huge plus for anyone needing a balanced personal life. The creative retail environment is fun, and I learned a lot about visual merchandising and customer service. The team at the Atlanta, GA store was always supportive, and we genuinely enjoyed working together, making the daily grind much more pleasant. It's a fantastic place if you're into
Cons: While the flexibility was great, sometimes during peak seasons or holiday rushes, the workload for a Sales Lead could feel a bit overwhelming, making it hard to keep up with all the tasks even with a supportive team. There isn't always a super clear career growth path for part-time employees beyond moving into full-time, which could be a minor improvement. Pay and benefits for part-time retail roles are pretty standard, not spectacular, but fair for the industry.
Advice to Management: Consider reviewing staffing levels during peak holiday seasons to better manage workload for Sales Leads, especially part-timers. Also, exploring more defined pathways or development opportunities for part-time staff could boost morale and retention.
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Pros: I really enjoyed the collaborative team environment at Paper Source. Everyone was always willing to help out, making shifts at our Alexandria, VA, location genuinely pleasant. It felt like a close-knit group, which is a huge plus in retail. I learned a lot about inventory management and visual merchandising too, which was great for a Sales Lead PT. The flexibility of scheduling was also a major benefit. As a part-time employee, it was helpful to have some control over my hours, allowing me to
Cons: One area for improvement would be the opportunities for career progression specifically for part-time associates. While I enjoyed my Sales Lead PT role, the path to full-time or higher management within the specialty retail industry felt a bit unclear at times. Also, during peak seasons or holidays, the workload could get intense. We sometimes felt a little understaffed, making it challenging to provide the ideal customer experience without feeling rushed.
Advice to Management: Continue to foster the positive team culture that makes Paper Source a great place to work. Exploring clearer development paths for dedicated part-time Sales Leads could boost retention and morale. Recognizing extra effort during busy retail periods would also go a long way in supporting your
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Pros: Loved the creative atmosphere and the focus on community engagement. It's a great industry for anyone who appreciates stationery, gifts, and crafts. The team was usually very supportive, and I enjoyed interacting with customers who shared similar interests. The McLean, VA store location was convenient for many.
Cons: Pay isn't the most competitive for retail, and opportunities for significant career advancement within the company can feel limited. Sometimes understaffing led to increased workload, and operational efficiency could be improved.
Advice to Management: Continue fostering the creative culture and explore more structured training programs for associates looking to move up. Investing in better staffing levels would also enhance the employee experience.
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Does Paper Source offer any reimbursement for home internet costs for remote employees in the retail industry?
As a remote employee at Paper Source, I haven't seen specific internet reimbursement, but they do offer competitive benefits for their small team in the online retail space.
What's it like working in a small, independent retail store like Paper Source, especially if I'm interested in visual merchandising?
Working at Paper Source felt really hands-on; I got to help shape the store's look and feel, which was great for my visual merchandising skills in the specialty retail sector.
What's it like working at Paper Source in Chicago?
My experience at Paper Source, a mid-sized retailer in Chicago, was fantastic; the team was supportive and I learned a lot about the stationery and gift industry.
What are the employee benefits like at Paper Source, a retail company?
Paper Source offers competitive benefits for their retail associates, including health insurance and a generous employee discount on their unique stationery and gift products, making it a great perk for those passionate about the industry.
What's it like working in the retail side of the stationery industry at a company like Paper Source?
Working at Paper Source felt like being part of a creative community, offering a unique retail experience with a focus on paper goods and gifts. It's a great place to learn about inventory and customer engagement in the specialty retail sector.
What's the dress code like for retail associates at Paper Source stores in Chicago?
Working at Paper Source in Chicago, the dress code is pretty relaxed and business casual. I usually wear nice jeans or slacks with a comfortable top, and sometimes a branded t-shirt on busy days.
What is the hiring process like for a retail associate at Paper Source, a medium-sized company in a competitive market?
The hiring process for a retail associate at Paper Source typically involves an initial online application followed by a brief phone screening with HR. If that goes well, you'll usually have an in-person interview with the store manager to discuss your experience and fit for the team.
What kind of benefits can I expect as a retail associate at Paper Source, especially for part-time roles?
Paper Source typically offers benefits like paid time off and a generous employee discount on their unique products to retail associates. While comprehensive health insurance might be more geared towards full-time employees, part-time staff can often access other perks that enhance the overall compensation package.
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