A long-established Oxford stationery retailer known for specialist writing instruments and premium stationery has been placed on the market as its owners prepare for retirement.
Pens Plus, located on High Street, has traded in central Oxford since the late 1960s and remains one of the city’s best-known independent writing and stationery shops.
Specialist business property adviser Christie & Co has now been instructed to market the business, with an asking price of £170,000 plus stock at valuation for the leasehold.
The business has been operated by husband-and-wife team Paul Major and Kay Major since October 2019, after they took over stewardship of the long-running retailer and continued its focus on high-quality writing products and specialist stationery.
Paul Major said:
“Building this business has been one of the great privileges of my life. What began as a simple passion for fine writing instruments has grown into a brand with loyal customers both here in Oxford and around the world. I’m incredibly proud of what we’ve achieved.
“As I move toward retirement, the time feels right to hand the business over as a thriving going concern. I’m confident that the right new owner will continue to nurture its potential and carry the company forward into its next successful chapter.”
Over the years, the shop has built a loyal customer base that includes international visitors as well as academics from the United States spending time in Oxford, helping the business maintain steady demand across both local and visiting markets.
Markus Grun, business agent for retail and leisure at Christie & Co, said:
“This is a great opportunity to acquire a thriving business with international reach. We expect interest from heritage brand operators as well as retailers looking to diversify into the luxury stationery market. We encourage all interested parties to get in touch for further information about the opportunity.”
Further details about the sale are available on Christie & Co’s website.
