(Photo of Lori and Scott Webster by Petrea Burchard of the fine Pasadena Daily Photo blog, who recently profiled Webster's Fine Stationers, and reproduced with permission)
Altadenablog welcomes its new advertisers, Webster's Fine Stationers at 2650 Lake Ave., Suite B in Altadena,
Owned by Scott and Lori Webster, it's a lot more than stationery: it has a full line of children's books and educational items, fine art supplies, UPS and FedEx shipping services, faxing and copying, and "is the only place in town where you can buy one envelope, or one file folder," Lori says.
They are also planning to expand a gourmet food selection before the holidays and increasingly emphasize home decor items.
The stationery shop is part of the new configuration of the Webster's dynasty that has done business in Altadena for 82 years. Frank Webster opened Webster's in April, 1926, as a one store pharmacy with a soda fountain, cosmetics, liquor, and photo supplies. During the 1960's and 1970's, his son William Webster expanded the stores and services up and down the block, and connected the stores by removing walls.
Starting in 2007, new walls went up to separate the stores into separate entities, both physically and as businesses. Scott Webster, who has been involved in his family's businesses for about 40 years (starting with the ice house in the parking lot), and Lori now own the stationery store. William's stepdaughter Karen and her husband Robert Myers bought the Hallmark department and repoened it at Karen's Hallmark and Gifts.
Webster's Pharmacy Corp., headed by Susan Webster Felt, retains ownership of the pharmacy, liquor store, and Hallmark Gold Crown store located in the Orangewood Village complex across from Huntington Hospital in Pasadena. Michael Miller, formerly of Fair Oaks Pharmacy in South Pasadena, will be managing the pharmacy. Gary Webster manages Webster's Fine Wine and Spirits, and his wife Dianna manages the Orangewood Hallmark.
While the businesses are becoming separate entities, what unites
them all, Lori says, is the emphasis on customer service. The staff at
Webster's Fine Stationery -- all local residents -- are knowledgeable
about what's available at the store and in the area. Lori says that
they are also emphasizing local arts and artists -- the store sells
cards by Altadena artist Donna Barnes-Roberts and photographer Athena
Metzler, and jewelry by Diana March.
While Webster's is also the best (maybe only!) local store to find
quality papers and pens, they also sell computer printer ink and
speciality paper (photographs, labels, etc.). Webster's also has
a full stock of fine art supplies (watercolors, acrylics, oils, pencils
... everything!).
Since taking over the stationery store, Scott and Lori are also working to increase Webster's involvement in the community. Besides featuring the work of local artists in the shop, Lori has just joined the board of Dr. Sandra Thomas' Quality of Life Center, and has plans for to involve it in their belated grand opening.
Despite downturns in business from the economy and customer uncertainty over the changes at Webster's, Lori and Scott are dedicated to running a thriving local business.
"I'm Altadenan at heart," Lori said. "I raised my daughter here and she went to St. Elizabeth's. We employ local people. We're trying to keep the economy in Altadena."
