Putinki

Pretty and practical paper products

TEXT: INGRID OPSTAD | PHOTOS © PUTINKI

Despite the world going more and more digital – or perhaps because of it – people crave aesthetic sensations and tangible things in their everyday lives. This is exactly what you will find in Putinki shops.

It is a very pleasant experience to step into one of the Putinki shops and to enjoy both the pretty and the practical products on display. “We have a hand-picked selection of paper products in our shops, which includes both our own products and a wide selection of imported brands,” says shop manager Laura Rasanen. “Nothing can replace the feeling you get from stroking the cover of a pretty planner or scribbling down notes in a carefully chosen notebook. I enjoy working in the shops – it is great to hear customers’ content sighs from between the shelves when they find something they like.”

The three corner shops are located in the old neighbourhoods of Helsinki: in Ullanlinna, Töölö, and the newest addition in Kallio. They are all situated near the city centre, making them perfect destinations for tourists and locals alike. “There is something for everyone, and we listen to our customers’ wishes carefully and can cater to their specific needs,” says Rasanen.

Artwork by Tove Jansson

Putinki is also a major manufacturer and importer of paper products. “We produce postcards, notebooks, calendars and planners as well as an assortment of gift wraps,” Rasanen explains. “We make our postcards here in Helsinki. Our Heidelberg letterpress printing machines lend an elegant, handmade feel to our collection of beautifully letterpressed greeting cards, postcards and bookmarks.”

She continues: “We work together with famous Finnish illustrators like Mira Mallius and Henna Adel. We have also partnered with interior design company, Pentik®, to produce a weekly planner, postcards and notebooks with their prints. Many tourists recognise our Moomin cards and posters. We use Tove Jansson’s original illustrations and colour scheme, which many Moomin fans really appreciate.”

Putinki imports several international brands to Finland and distributes both their own production and the imported merchandise to shops all over Finland. “We also have some products that we import just for our own shops. In addition to our own production, we also sell office supplies, puzzle books and jigsaw puzzles in our shops,” Rasanen adds. “Many of our products are easy to send by post, or to take with you even if you are travelling. Our cards can also be found in other shops, for example in the Moomin Shop in London.”

Putinki will take part in the PG Live exhibition, the international greeting card show for retailers, on 4-5 June 2019 in London.

putinki.fi

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Instagram: @paperikauppaputinki (Putinki shops) and @putinkihelsinki (Putinki manufacturing and importing)