Polk A Dot Stationers

10/24/05

Fabulous upscale "five and dime" features unusual and classic goodies.

by Joanna Currier at Citysearch

The Scene
Every available surface of artist/owner Michelle Callarman's "variety" store is covered in the quirky, the retro and the practical, from beautiful, unique office supplies to classic, coveted toys from the '70s and '80s. Products range from Ruby Gallery jewelry to expensive fountain pens to handfuls of tiny, vintage trinkets priced at 25-cents each. A giant Twister mat hangs behind the cash register.

The Goods
Callarman combs flea markets and has dibs on "dead stock" -- warehouses of unused supplies such as writing tablets from the 1950s and giant pencils from the 1980s. Artists, party planners and everyone's inner child will love her "Table of Fun," heaped with old-school toys, game pieces and novelties, such as bakelite mah jong pieces, clay poker chips and small items usually found in gumball machines. Sophisticated shoppers come here for upscale stationery, journals, pens and handmade cards.