Greer, Owned by Chandra Greer

When did you open your store?
"Greer Chicago opened in September of 2005."

What are some of the best-sellers in your store?
"We're always a little stunned by how many greeting cards we sell. Right now our customers are loving anything from Oddball Press, Snow & Graham, Dee & Lala, Fugu Fugu, Dude and Chick, Blue Barnhouse, Elum, and The Social Type. Pencils and pens are particularly hot. People are snapping up the sexy Palomino Blackwing, The New Black pencil set (imprinted with ironic sayings on what represents 'the new black'), artist-quality colored pencils, and Kaweco Sport fountain pens. And, any cool little gift item like Set Editions' Tiebreakers doesn't stay around for long. Our number-one-selling thank-you note is by Paper Tiger, it has a drawing of Tom Hanks and says 'T. Hanks.'"

Greer, 1657 North Wells Street (at West Eugene Street); 312-337-8000.

Photographed by Stephanie Bassos