Papyrus

Papyrus is a well-known brand specializing in premium greeting cards, stationery, and gift wrap. The company’s story began in 1950, when Margrit Schurman started importing fine paper goods from Europe, eventually leading to the creation of Schurman Fine Papers. Papyrus opened its first retail shop in Berkeley, California in 1973, and over the following decades, the brand built a reputation for high-quality, artisanal paper products. Its stores became a familiar presence in shopping centers across North America, recognized by the signature pink hummingbird logo and a focus on upscale, thoughtfully designed merchandise.

At its height, Papyrus operated more than 260 stores throughout the United States and Canada, with a strong footprint in major cities and high-traffic retail corridors. A significant turning point came in early 2020, when Schurman Retail Group, then the operator of Papyrus stores, closed all remaining locations due to bankruptcy and shifts in consumer habits toward digital communication. As of February 2020, Papyrus had ceased all brick-and-mortar operations.

Following these closures, American Greetings acquired the Papyrus brand and intellectual property. Papyrus now operates as an e-commerce and wholesale brand, offering its curated selection of greeting cards, stationery, and gifts online through papyrusonline.com and via select third-party retailers. There are no indications of new store openings or physical expansion as of November 2025.

Over the past five years, Papyrus has transitioned from a traditional retail model to a digital-first approach, reflecting broader changes in the specialty retail sector. The brand’s continued presence in online and select retail environments demonstrates its enduring appeal and credibility, especially for those seeking distinctive, high-quality paper goods. Papyrus’s evolution from a mall staple to a leading online brand provides insight into how established specialty retailers can adapt to changing market conditions while maintaining a strong identity and national reach.