The NEW Crazy Alan's Emporium — Local services in Chapel Hill

Crazy Alan’s Emporium is an office supplies store emphasizing both fun and down-to-business office needs. Because the inventory is so large it is difficult to pick any one main focus, but high quality Pentel products, quality ballpoints, fountain pens, and upscale supplies are well represented. It is also worth mentioning that there are lots of specialty and difficult-to-find niche products if you are looking for something you aren’t finding in Office Depot. The store’s absolutely jammed with stuff, so while you can get in and out, it would be wiser to allot yourself more time so you can look at all the shelves. Alan’s Emporium’s focus is on office over art, but there are plenty of art markers, felt tips, and other useful supplies too. It’s hard to review the store without mentioning Alan himself. He is wheeling, dealing, and ready to show you what he knows. He really loves his stock and seems to be the type to try to cut you a deal than see you leave without something you wanted. He’ll let you try most everything whether it is five bucks or several hundred. The experience is like visiting a tradeshow with an excited and knowledgeable boothsman, but expanded to a physical storefront. I visited his store with my mother. We left with 6 pens, including a retractable navy Pilot fountain pen, a Marvel Cross pen, a Faber Castel, vellum, Iroshizuku blue ink, and a small collection of useful supplies (I really like the highlighting pencils!). Alan even threw in a multicolor pack of Sheaffer ink when I discussed some second-hand pen woes with him. Unique local experience....

al is such an awesome guy - i used to live not far from this store and would walk to it with friends. i loved getting art supplies there and unfortunately ive moved out of nc but i really really miss this place and i still get to come back during the summertime so thats awesome. i wish i could work here. al if you see this i hope youre doing well

also - just a few tips for certain markers - like for example, the pentel presto jumbo pens and the sakura solid markers, - I feel like it would be best if those were put behind the checkout counter because I remember last summer when I visited, I would take the caps off of the markers and they would already be like halfway used or destroyed. I just feel like this would keep people from screwing with them and so people who actually plan on buying them wouldnt need to worry about the markers being halfway used or whatever. And then maybe if they want to test the marker they can do it at the checkout counter. this is just an idea though, I know there probably isnt a lot of room behind that counter anyways. respect to you guys either way and you all should restock the sakura solid markers in different colors! and you should also look into pilot broad markers (basically a smaller version of the jumbo)

peace

UPDATE: IM SO GLAD THIS PLACE WAS ABLE TO STAY OPEN THIS IS A DREAM COME TRUE...

What can I say other than just a genuine good shop with genuine great staff. I have purchased around 10 pens now from this store, roller balls, and mainly fountain pens. I have made it a weekly stop on my day off every Tuesday to get my supplies for my pens. Not only do they have a wide selection of writing instruments but inks, paper, pen pouches, wax seal (which I have my eye set on this week!), pencils, bags. Along with many more office and activity supplies. The people who work and run this place are just completely down to earth great people, they are extremely knowledgeable, and I would highly advise anyone to shop here wether you are looking for a $1 pen or a $500 pen. They are extremely humble and understanding, also have a great online support that has been quick to answer any questions I’ve ever had. Thank you all and see you on next and...