By Carol McCracken  (Post # 1,411)

For 39 years, – The Paper Patch – has sold its tasteful greeting cards and stationery from the same location on Exchange Street in the Old Port.  Last Monday, the venerable store moved from 17 Exchange to 21 Exchange Street – just one storefront away; but the relocation is transformational.

Formerly a retail store called Club 21, this space is 30% larger than next door.  The landlord gutted the interior, redid the floor, ceiling, walls and added new lightining said Rob Sevigny, the 10 year owner of the business yesterday afternoon.  “Everything here is new,” said Sevigny, clearly pleased with his new storefront.  “And almost everything is recycled as well.”

Customers were having no difficulty in finding Sevigny in his new location as they streamed in during the time mhn.com spent  there.  Because the storefront is 1,750 sq. ft., he is in the process of ordering more merchandise from the quality lines he already carries; more quality greeting cards from Caspari, Mashadi, Mundo and Lighthouse Letter Press.  One faithful customer, Catherine, who lives on the Hill said:  “It’s lovely, bright, beautiful and sunny here.”

“If you like paper, you’ll love The Patch,” said  Sevigny.  “Nothing sold here is made in China.  My merchandise is not mass marketed to WalMart and other big boxes.  I know all my vendors well.  Everything in the store costs less than $20,” he added.

“The Paper Patch” is open seven days a week from 9:30 am – 6:00pm. This summer the hours will be longer.

For more details and special orders,  please call The Paper Patch at 207 – 774-3125.