As we move beyond Easter, we're welcoming the sunshine and gorgeous blossom across Edinburgh. The city truly shimmers at this time of year. While our local subscribers know this well, if you're further afield, consider this your invitation to visit our beautiful city this summer!

It's been a pleasure recently to reconnect with many of our talented suppliers who have been visiting Edinburgh. Sharing our unique shop locations with them, and sometimes sharing recommendations for favourite local spots, is always a highlight. These connections are part of what makes working at Paper Tiger special for me.

Looking ahead, we're eagerly anticipating the summer season. For the first time in what feels like a while – without the disruptions of lockdowns or the intense planning for new shop openings – I'm personally excited to focus on some creative projects within the business. (Though, being retail, rest assured our Christmas planning is already subtly underway in the background!). We hope you're looking forward to a wonderful summer too. Whether you pop into one of our shops or browse online at papertiger.co.uk, we're here for all your gifting and stationery needs.

Morningside Milestones
Early May marks a special occasion: our Morningside shop is celebrating its second birthday! In perfect timing, we're thrilled to announce that Kennedy, who was part of the original team that opened the shop, has been appointed as the new Shop Manager. Congratulations, Kennedy! The whole Morningside team is busy refining our stock and ranges, ensuring we continue to surprise and delight our wonderful local customers. Do stop by and say hello!

Stockbridge Settles In
It's hard to believe our Stockbridge shop only opened its doors nine months ago! It already feels like such a natural part of the neighbourhood (perhaps my past residency there helps!). Vincent and the team are enjoying getting to know the rhythm of the area and are excited to see Stockbridge blossom in the early summer sunshine. It' sure they are delighted that it has become my office too!

Lothian Road Buzz
Over on Lothian Road, Ruth and her team are noticing a real shift. Five years on from the start of the pandemic, the area is buzzing again as more people return to the nearby offices. The familiar sight of work lanyards browsing the shelves and the queues outside local sandwich shops tell a story of renewed energy. for small businesses like Paper Tiger, this is fantastic to see. The team is ready with brilliant cards, gifts, and stationery for the returning workforce, our regular customers and for visitors to the city who stay in the many hotels in the area.

West End Welcomes
The ever charming West End (and our Stafford Street shop) continues to evolve, welcoming a handful of new neighbouring businesses – a testament to the enduring appeal and resilience of our city centres. Our proximity to the beautiful Water Of Leith and the delightful Dean Village also brings lovely visitors discovering the hidden gems of this area. Barry and the team continue to offer a warm welcome and expertly curated finds to everyone who steps through the door.

Summer In The City
The next few weeks are bustling! We want to wish all our hardworking student colleagues the very best of luck as exam season approaches.

For all the stationery lovers out there, keep your eyes peeled for National Stationery Week in May – we'll be running some fun competitions and celebrating all things paper! We're also cooking up something truly special with our good friend, the wonderfully talented artist and author Catherine Rayner – more news on that soon!

Excitingly, we have some brand new Paper Tiger exclusive products in development, which we can't wait to share with you. And don't forget, Father's Day is just around the corner on Sunday, June 15th! We're already gathering a brilliant selection of gifts and cards perfect for dads. You can keep an eye on our Father's Day Collection online as new items arrive.

We also have some more trade fairs to attend, and a couple of Awards Ceremonies...Back in February, Spring Fair was celebrating '75 Years Of Excellence' serving the Home & Gift sector. I was surprised and delighted to (just about) pick up this huge award for being a Retail Ambassador. 

Thank you for being part of the Paper Tiger community. We look forward to seeing you in our shops or online soon!