Pacific Alley is an Asian stationery shop Colorado has needed for years. I lived in Korea and have traveled to Japan, so I know what a good stationery store feels like, and this one delivers. Since my first visit out of curiosity last year where I delightfully picked up my favorite gel pen (The UniBall One P 0.38 mm) and a Maruman Septcouleur spiral notebook, I've been back much more frequently this year. Since July, I've been by at least once or twice a month, mostly to see what's new on the rotating shelves.
The stock changes often. There are always new stickers, plus items like their super cute and functional Kakusta standing pen cases, which sell fast, especially in the pastel gummy colorways. The curated selection includes Japanese notebooks and notepads from renowned brands like Maruman, Midori MD, Daigo, Kokuyo and more, as well as BGM washi tape, sticker sheets and flake or die-cut stickers, 3D stickers, gel pens, felt tip marker pens, mechanical pencils and lead, and other paper goods. I restock a few of my favorites here: MD envelopes and Stickii Club Special Delivery Stickers, both of which are part of my regular pen pal letter writing hobby. If you write letters, journal, go through notebooks prolifically--or just like looking at cute stationery and imagining the possibilities--this is a great place to browse.
They also carry official K-pop albums, including popular new releases, collectible blind box figures, and licensed Sanrio merchandise. I'm less into K-pop now, but any K-pop fan in Colorado should make it a priority to visit this store! The owners are a local Filipino family who obviously really love K-pop and stationery, and it shows in the events they host: K-pop buy/sell/trades, cup sleeve events, idol birthday and debut anniversary celebrations, and junk journal days where they provide free materials, snacks and drinks so anyone can come and make spreads together.
Prices are more than fair. Unlike some brick-and-mortar shops that often charge steep markups for these hotly in-demand premium Japanese stationery items, Pacific Alley is very reasonable. I feel good spending my money here, knowing it goes to a family operation that gives back so much to the local community. They're also very responsive to customers. When shoppers ask for specific items, they note requests and work to stock them.
I hope to keep shopping at Pacific Alley for many years!! read more