Celebrating 20 Years of Stationery Supplies: A Heartbeat of Marple’s Community
Sarah established the Marple shop after leaving a career in nursing to pursue her dream of running an independent business. Since then, her passion for stationery and community has only grown. In 2020, she expanded by opening a second branch in Wilmslow, bringing the same personal touch and quality products to a wider audience.
To mark this incredible 20-year milestone, we asked Sarah Laker some questions to reflect on her journey, the challenges she has overcome, and the role Stationery Supplies plays in the community.
“It feels pretty incredible to be honest and also slightly mind-blowing. When I first opened the shop back in 2005, I had no idea where it would take me or what I was doing. I left behind a career in nursing to follow my dream and so to still be here 20 years later means everything. It shows that the people of Marple really value having an independent shop at the heart of their community. For me, it’s not just about selling stationery, it’s about the friendships, the conversations, and the sense of belonging that’s grown over the years.”
A Team Effort and Community Connection
Reaching 20 years is not only a personal achievement for Sarah but also a testament to the dedication of her team. She says:
“It’s a huge achievement and one I don’t take for granted. Running a small business has its ups and downs, but having such a loyal, supportive team around me makes all the difference. We’re proud that Stationery Supplies has become part of so many people’s daily lives and celebrations, from back-to-school to birthdays and beyond.”
The journey has had its challenges, from changing trends in stationery to broader economic pressures:
“The stationery world has changed so much since 2005. Traditional office products like accounts books and filing systems have declined, so I had to diversify into greeting cards, gift stationery, and gifts. And then there were the big hurdles: the recession, Brexit, the pandemic, the paper crisis caused by the war in Ukraine, and now the cost-of-living squeeze. What’s kept us going is showing up every day, keeping regular hours, being consistent, having great products, keeping up with trends and customer needs and making sure our social media helps people feel connected to the shop even when they can’t visit in person.”
Sarah emphasises the importance of community and support in sustaining the business:
“I couldn’t have done it without them. The suppliers who really ‘get’ independent shops and go the extra mile for us are absolute gold. And the support of my customers has been incredible. Being part of a community means giving back too, so I try to do my bit, whether that’s through our charity calendar, mystery card bag sales, or donating raffle prizes to local schools or the many other initiatives we do. It’s a two-way relationship that makes us all stronger.”
The Unique Role of Independent Retailers
Independent shops bring something special to their communities, Sarah explains:
“It’s the personal touch. We know our customers, we care about them, and often we’re the only person they chat to that day. It’s not just about buying a pen or a notebook, it’s about the smile, the conversation, and the experience of being welcomed into a space where you’re more than just a transaction. Not forgetting the specialist knowledge that reassures our customers that they are in safe hands.”
Sarah’s dedication to independent retail has been widely recognised. She has been crowned Independent Retailer of the Year three consecutive years at the Boss Awards, a testament to her commitment to excellence, creativity, and community engagement in the industry.
Looking ahead, she sees independent retail evolving while maintaining its human connection:
“I think it’s all about continuing to offer what can’t be found online: the personal service, the human connection, the specialist knowledge, being a part of the local community, the chance to browse and discover something lovely you didn’t even know you wanted. Indie shops will keep being those destination places where people come for the experience as much as the products.”
Championing Stationery and Creativity
Beyond her shops, Sarah has been a passionate advocate for the stationery industry, playing a key role co-ordinating National Stationery Week, celebrating and promoting the joy of stationery across the UK. Through this initiative, she encourages people to reconnect with the tactile, creative, and personal experience of writing, gifting, and sharing stationery.
Looking Back, Moving Forward
As Stationery Supplies celebrates 20 years of service, creativity, and community, it stands as a testament to Sarah Laker’s vision, the dedication of her team, and the loyalty of the local community.
BOSS are proud to have Stationery Supplies as a valued member of our community and wish Sarah and her team every continued success as Stationery Supplies celebrates 20 wonderful years.
