Helanders Stationers Will Close After 94 Years in Lake Forest

LAKE FOREST, IL - The North Shore’s “finest stationery store” will close its doors for the final time later this month after nearly a century in business in Lake Forest.

Helanders Stationers has announced its swan song - the final day in business - will be March 19, the Daily North Shore reports.

“It’s bittersweet, that’s for sure,” said third generation owner Chuck Helander. “We need to smell the roses a little. It’s hard to do with a seven day a week retail store. The responsibility can be overwhelming.”

The family business - currently at 222 East Westminster Avenue - dates back to 1922, when Helander’s grandfather opened a radio shop in Lake Forest.

MaryLee Helander, Chuck’s wife, says competition from larger stores in the region and the increase in orders being made online were big factors in the decision to close.

“It’s difficult being a small store,” she said. “Who can sell around the convenience of buying in your family room at 2 a.m. where there is a good price, often free delivery, usually no tax and it arrives in two days.”

Store goods are marked down 30 percent until March 12, and likely until the March 19 closing date. The business’s gold stamping and engraving services will continue.

more via the Daily North Shore