Gloria H.
Yelp
Highlights: Fountain pens, ink, paper, Hobonichi, washi tape, rubber stamps. Phenomenal selection, staff, and service. Honestly, I think that Yoseka Stationery is the best stationery shop in NYC, and I've had a stationery problem for 20+ years.
This is going to sound like a paid review, but I swear it's not. I'm just so excited after finding out about this shop a year ago and have made several online and in-store purchases.
As a fountain pen enthusiast, I'm always looking to find small shops to support. It is so difficult to shop for fountain pens, especially for anyone who's new to the hobby. I wish Yoseka had existed when I first got into fp's over 10 years ago. I remember walking into another well-known fp shop in NY back then and being extremely intimidated. I felt pressured and judged by the salespeople (looking young always works against me when shopping). I ended up walking out without getting any of my questions answered, and feeling almost ashamed to have tried to buy a pen without any knowledge and thinking I could spend less than $30.
Well, not at Yoseka. The shop is super cozy and inviting, and the staff is super kind. They offer a really amazing range of fountain pen (and SO MUCH STATIONERY) products from entry level to more luxury, hard-to-find pieces.
The store is set up so that you can try their entire offering of pens and inks. I can't stress how much of a luxury this is. Shopping for a fountain pen, especially your first one, is a very personal experience. You can't tell from an online photo if you will love a pen or not.
The staff is always ready to answer questions, whether you're looking to spend $15 on your first pen, or $1000+ on your umpteenth pen. There's no judging and they just genuinely want to share the love of pens, inks, and all things stationery.
To add to that, they offer some of the best Asian stationery that you will not find anywhere else. Especially when it comes to Taiwanese goods; they are one of the only places I know that have such a strong tie to Taiwanese vendors.
I can't say enough good things about this shop. And the cherry on top is that their website is actually really up-to-date and easy to navigate. They offer a very low threshold for free domestic shipping, and always ship ultra fast (with very good packaging). I love me a well designed, user-friendly website.
Side note: Can I add that most people these days have been spoiled by the big rainforest retailer's almost instant shipping? It is so expensive for small businesses to compete with, especially with the current pandemic and logistics crisis. Offering any free shipping option at all is a huge gesture, must less to keep it competitive with big corporations.
Just in general, please support your local mom-an-pop shop; support your neighbors. This place is just too good.