Blick Discount Art Retailer Opens Paramus Store

Blick Art Materials, a leading discount art supplier, opened its newest store this week at 35 Plaza, 65 Route 4 West. The Paramus super store is Blick’s 32^nd  retail location and its first in the state, offering the largest product assortment in the northern New Jersey area, according to Ed Orgozaly, president of Dick Blick Retail, Inc.

The store opened for business May 31 and store manager Steven Shutler reported a promising start. “We had customers the first morning we were open,” he said.

A grand opening celebration starts June 9 at noon, featuring the ribbon cutting with Paramus Mayor Richard LaBarbiera, said Laura Radtke, Blick’s retail events coordinator. Festivities continue through June 23 with special offers, raffles for prizes, music, food and product demonstrations.

“We are excited to be an artistic new addition to the Paramus and northern New Jersey community,” said Orgozaly, who noted that Paramus was selected as the company’s first New Jersey location because of demand by Blick’s online customers from this area for a retail location close to them.

The Illinois-based supplier offers a full range of competitively priced art supplies for professional and amateur artists as well as students and teachers. In both its retail and online services, Blick prides itself on being in stock for customers. “An in-store web register allows us access to over 70,000 items,” said Orgozaly.  The store also features a wide array of gift, paper, and custom framing and printing.

In addition to large stock and low prices, Blick lays claim to knowledgeable customer service. “More than 75 per cent of Blick retail employees are artists themselves,” said the president.

Family-owned since its beginnings in 1911, Blick emphasizes community involvement and according to Orgozaly, contributes more than $300,000 in support to communities and schools nationwide.

In that spirit, Blick is collaborating with local businesses and artists, including The Art Center of Northern New Jersey, which will be displaying pieces of artwork throughout the store during the grand opening celebration.

Regular store hours are Monday to Friday from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Closed Sundays.