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Stationery shops with long history
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LONG HWEE STORE
Address: 01-351 Block 162, Mei Ling Street
Tel: 6474-6061
Opened in 1969, it sells vintage items such as typewriter correction paper, tape writers and refill ink for stamp pads.
In recent years, it has also stocked newer items such as colourful files, soft toys and fashion accessories.
It is run by Madam Ker Mei Lian, 69, who lives in the same block. She says: "It's hard to make money from my business. I'm doing it mainly to pass the time."
Although she has stopped ordering items that do not sell well, she keeps unsold stock in the shop.
"You never know," she says. "Someone might still want to buy them."
Her shop sees about 50 customers daily.
"Few people use stationery now. Most people use computers and mobile phones."
She plans to retire in two years and will close the shop then.
"To be honest, there is no other route for me to go. For now, I just don't want to let go of this shop because I have been running it for so long."
USC SOLUTIONS
Address: 02-03 Henderson Industrial Park, 203A Henderson Road
Tel: 6278-3110
The company was started in 1958 by the late Mr M.Y. Moochhala, a businessman from India, under the name, United Stationery.
It sold pens, paper, files, as well as architectural stationery such as specialised rulers and drafting supplies.
In 2000, its business model was revamped because its owners felt traditional stationery was becoming obsolete.
A year later, the company was rebranded under its current name.
It now sells machines such as large-format printers, scanners and digital cutters, capable of creating giant banners and stickers.
It has an 80 per cent market share in outdoor wide-format graphics printing in Singapore.
It still sells office equipment and paper, but these account for only five per cent of its business.
The company is headed by Mr Moochhala's son, Mr A.M. Moochhala, 45.
EVERGREEN STATIONERY
This company has nine outlets - in One Raffles Place, Great World City, Suntec City Mall, Square 2, Parkway Parade, Changi City Point, Paya Lebar Square, Bukit Merah and Galaxis @ One North.
Registered in 1973, the chain employs more than 50 people and sells items such as files, ink cartridges, labelling products and office equipment.
In 2008, it started selling its products online and its Web business has seen double-digit growth every year.
Says Mr Lim Phek Jin, 50, its head of retail: "Our consumers' preference and buying habits have changed. Many now enjoy the convenience of online shopping because this is something they can do at any time.
"Our prices online are generally lower than those in our physical stores because our online products are stored in a warehouse, where the rent is cheaper."
Last year, the company started boosting its presence on mobile platforms such as messaging app WeChat.