Interview with Ray Williams, JPS Stationers - Visit Chesham and villages

JPS Stationers in Market Square stocks a wide range of quality stationery, art supplies, school stationery kits, craft and model kits, TinTin and other merchandise and Chesham-themed gifts… and a lot more! We talk to Ray Williams, manager of JPS Stationers.

How did you first come to the stationery business?

I had been unemployed for six months following an enforced exit from my career in bookselling. This job was advertised in the Bucks Examiner, with a pitiful salary, but the owner had been the CEO of a previous business I had been part of. I was interviewed in Chesham’s McDonalds (long-closed), watching this man eat his chips. It was 1996!

Ray of JPS stationers, Market Square

Always lots to browse in JPS Stationers, Market Square

What brought you to Chesham initially?

My wife and I were commuting on the Met Line. We came to Chesham because we could afford a three-bedroom terrace with a garden, rather than a two-up two-down in Watford.

What do the initials JPS stand for?

John & Paul Stationers. Needless to say neither of them are involved now.

What are your most popular products in the shop or your favourite range?

Legami are very popular with all ages, a great range of Italian stationery! My current favourites are Kaweco fountain pens.

How would you describe your shop to someone who’s never visited?

There are lots of words we as staff use to describe our shop. ‘Luxury, boutique experience…. cosy…colourful.’ ‘An Aladdin’s Cave of choice.’ My favourite was from a Japanese customer (who know all about stationery) … that our shop ‘smells like a Japanese stationery store’.

What’s been one of your proudest moments running the shop?

Many memories and satisfied customers. Recently I helped a gentleman recommission his beautiful Waterman pen, a gift for his grandaughter, and I was able to provide a matching leather wallet to match. But maybe the most enduring memory is when Alex Horne asked if JPS would like to be featured on an episode of Taskmaster on TV.

shelf of different coloured Leuchtturm journals

What would you say is the best thing about the High Street and Market Square for a visitor?

Pedestrianisation, plenty of places to eat and a good range of Independent shops, but most of all JPS STATIONERS !!

What’s coming up in the future for you and JPS?

More Japanese stationery products, new card ranges, new colours of Leuchtturm journals, special editions from Legami and lots of Christmas gifts. Keeping calling in to find out!

If you’re wondering about Ray’s proudest moment in that Taskmaster episode watch it here

Whether you would like to create an outfit for £50 out of stationery, or enjoy more traditional creative or stationery pursuits…with friendly service and advice … visit JPS at:

7 Market Square, Chesham, Bucks HP5 1HG

01494 791112

JPS Stationers website

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