In a world of retail chains and big-box stores, Stone’s Office Supply is more than a long-standing, successful local business.
It’s a family tradition, a downtown landmark, and locally synonymous with office and art supplies.
In fact, Stone’s Office Supply’s availability of art supplies has led to the store becoming a miniature art gallery on Queen Street, its front windows featuring the work of local artists, with a new exhibit every month.
“There are so many talented people, and those windows are booked until the end of 2021. These artists get some great exposure and we’re happy to offer the space to emerging artists,” Marnie Stone, Stone’s Office Supply owner, told SooToday.
Creating her own art is on Marnie’s bucket list.
“It’s on my list for 2020. I’m going to make more time for it. I’ve gotten away from it, and I want to get into pastels. I’m not sure what I’m going to draw... I’m just going to see what moves me,” she chuckled.
Stone’s Office Supply is currently in its third location.
Harold Stone, Marnie’s grandfather, purchased Leask Office Equipment (established in 1927), turning it into Stone’s Office Supply in the late 1950s.
That shop was situated at the south end of Pilgrim Street.
From there, Stone’s moved to a location in the 500 block of Queen Street East, then to its current home at 529 Queen St. E. in 1980.
Marnie’s father Peter Stone and uncle Bob Stone (now deceased) carried on Harold’s business.
Peter, now 83, still visits the store every morning.
Marnie has been Stone’s sole owner since 1985, her daughters Sophia and Samantha coming on board as full-time employees this past summer.
“They are going to carry on the business as long as we have fabulous loyal customers that support us,” Marnie smiled.
Change in the office supply industry has been one of the most exciting aspects of the business, Marnie said.
“We’ve had to diversify over the years. I remember as a little girl straightening the carbon paper section, and now we have maybe one SKU of carbon paper. ‘The office’ has turned into ‘the paperless office,’ and that’s been challenging but fun. It’s a great business.”