Michael Rodgers, owner of The Papery in downtown Victoria for nearly a quarter of a century, has moved to a much larger space — and in the nick of time.
The Papery does about 25% of its annual business during December and the move into the former Russell Books location at 734 Fort St. last week allows the business to safely serve more customers under pandemic protocols.
“I can have up to 25 customers at a time. The old place was four,” said Rodgers. “That was the main reason for the move. Without it, we wouldn’t have made it through the year. Without Christmas, we can’t survive.”
The Papery, which sells gift wrapping, stationery, cards, notebooks and gifts, was founded by Rodgers’ mother, Sylvia, and partner Valerie Wright. It has four stores, including two in Toronto and another in Ottawa, but each is privately owned.
“I’ve been around the business since I was 10 and we’ve been here a long time with so many good customers,” said Rodgers.
He took over the main area of Russell Books’ former store, about 2,700 square feet, and even got help with the move from Russell Books co-owner Andrea DePol, who provided dolleys for the move. Russell Books moved across the street to a large new location last year.
Rodgers’ wife, Cassandra Thorogood, designed the new store.
The Papery endured an eight-week shutdown in the spring, but brought back its nine staff in June for a full reopening. It plans to expand its hours to include a Sunday opening through December.
