Paper Café opens

Jo Haden-Smith, Papersmith & Son's managing director, explains that the concept of a paper café originates from the world's major capitals. "Our graphic and printing industries have the talent to compete internationally but also need world-class facilities to better carry out their work. Paper Café hopes to fill that gap," he says.

He adds that the new retail venture has also brought original papers closer to the bridal, arts and crafts and hobbies markets, which are always on the look out for premium paper.

"We are extremely pleased with the warm reception to our new paper emporium and are positive that the new enterprise will add value to our customers' experience," says Haden-Smith.

Apart from a wide selection of papers on display, graphic designers have the latest Apple Mac and proof printer technology at their disposal. This allows a designer or printer to bring a completed job on compact disc (CD), print it out on a desired paper from the gallery floor and at once evaluate the suitability of the paper.

"Our focus is on a personalised experience to assist the customer to find the right paper for the job at hand," says Tamsin Rusznyak, Paper Café manager.

The Paper Café also has a samples archive and keeps stationery for presentations such as mount boards, adhesive tapes and spray glues.

In partnership with paper manufacturer Sappi, Papersmith & Son also unveiled a new, exciting paper at the launch. Called Enigma, it is an uncoated paper that performs like a coated paper.

The new paper was introduced by Sappi Fine Paper South Africa's marketing director, Marco Eikelenboom, who congratulated Papersmith & Son on the new shop and added that Sappi was pleased to be associated with the paper merchant.

Haden-Smith describes Enigma as a revolutionary, versatile paper. "One of Enigma's best features is its unusually high bulk. For example, a 90 gsm Enigma paper has the same bulk as any other 100 gsm corporate identity paper, but costs less. So when you choose Enigma for a job, you get a premium paper and unbeatable value for money."

Paper Café is open weekdays between 08h30 - 17h30 and between 09h00-13h00 on Saturdays.

For sample requests, contact Tamsin Rusznyak, Paper Café manager, during office hours on (011) 880 6707.