Independent Guildford Stationers Are ‘Top of the Shops’

Published on: 18 May, 2024
Updated on: 20 May, 2024

Biddles’ award-winning window display

By Ian Blyth

A national competition to find the best window display has been won by Biddles, the stationery business, based on Ward Street in Guildford town centre.

Formed in 1885, Biddles is comfortably the oldest independent stationery shop in Guildford, but it was a display focusing on very current themes that scooped the top prize in the competition, organised as part of National Stationery Week, 2024.

Biddles is popular with its many customers who visit to stock up on everything from Post-it-Notes, and box files, to office furniture, and art supplies, and owners David and Neal are understandably thrilled by the award.

“One of our key initiatives in-store is the safe recycling of items like ink cartridges, and our display took inspiration from this, with the title ‘Stationery doesn’t have to cost the earth’.

“We used some of our eco-friendly products, and had a bit of a hand from ‘Felix Fox’, ‘Bertie Badger’ and friends, with the display even featuring some foliage from Neal’s garden.”

The award comes ahead of the National Stationery Show, an annual event celebrating innovation in office, and consumer stationery products, with the organisers commenting that the Biddles window “blew them away”, with its imaginative use of products, and highly relevant theme.

The display will be in place for the next week, so if you haven’t already seen it there is still time to catch the award-winning design.

Responses to Independent Guildford Stationers Are ‘Top of the Shops’

Anthony Mallard Reply

May 18, 2024 at 12:30 pm

I have used Biddles for many years and can confirm that it provides excellent service at affordable prices.

David, Neal and the team are most helpful, indeed, during the COVID pandemic were more than happy to deliver, even small purchases.

Biddles, David and Neal deserve this award and, I hope, Guildfordians will wholeheartedly agree and where possible, support this small independent shop for their stationary and other similar office supplies.
Jo Davids Reply

May 18, 2024 at 1:45 pm

Great news, well done to everyone at Biddles, it’s great to see them doing so well.
Ramsey Nagaty Reply

May 21, 2024 at 10:00 am

Great news and highly deserved. Lovely to see a positive news article, especially when it relates to a good independent shop in Guildford.

Biddles are friendly stationers who give great service and professional advice.

I highly recommend them.
Sam Peters Reply

May 22, 2024 at 9:45 am

Makes me smile every time I walk past – great that it’s received national recognition! A reminder to support our independent businesses at a time when so many are struggling to stay afloat.
Olly Azad Reply

May 22, 2024 at 2:53 pm

I’m embarrassed to say that I’ve not ventured inside the premises of Biddles before as Ryman seems to be the natural choice for your personal stationery. However, in light of such uplifting testimonies from customers and admirers alike, a visit to Biddles of Guildford is a must.

Biddles’award-winning window display, recognition rightly deserved, is just as impressive as any Harrods Christmassy window displays, if not better.