Retailer Spotlight - Leclair's General Store

Our latest Volumes release, the Blackwing 6, pays tribute to the independent businesses that have made up the backbone of our communities. We partnered with several of our amazing Blackwing retailers for the rollout of this release and had the pleasure of being able to talk to some of them about their stores and their journey of starting an independent business.

Can you give us a brief bio of you and your store?

Patrick Leclair of Leclair’s General Store in Fayetteville, North Carolina.

What’s the story behind Leclair’s General Store and how did you get started?

Leclair’s General Store started as sketches and inspiration photos from my travels around the country with my previous job in visual merchandising. I would jot down ideas from my favorite stores in each city including Boston, NYC, Chicago, Los Angeles, Miami, Charleston, Savannah, etc. I could always find one thing I loved in every shop, and my idea was to combine all of my favorite concepts into one hybrid shop.

How did you fall in love with stationery?

From visiting the small stationery stores and vintage shops in my favorite cities. The vintage postcards, ledgers, envelopes, and notebooks always left me searching for a brand that could complement that. That lead me to discover the history of Blackwing which inspired us to expand this category which now continues to grow.

How did you first hear about Blackwing?

I was lucky to have a great conversation with a customer regarding Blackwing and they recommended I look into the brand. We’ve been big fans and a retailer ever since.

Do you have a favorite Blackwing Volumes pencil?

I’d say the Jackie Robinson volume as I grew up with the game of baseball and loved the story behind Volume 42.

What’s your favorite corner of your shop?

My favorite shop within my shop is the corner that features art supplies, pencils, pens, desk accessories, notebooks, journals, and local art all mixed in with eclectic vintage props & fixtures for display/sale.

Lastly, what are your favorite things about your neighborhood?

Our neighborhood within the city of Fayetteville is called Haymount. I feel lucky to be based in the center of the action in Haymount which features a great mix of small businesses. We are frequented by other local business owners along with a diverse mix of the active & retired military community. It’s been inspiring to see such a wide range of customers who appreciate and support not only our store but the many small businesses in the area!

Leclair’s General Store

1212 Fort Bragg Road
Fayetteville, North Carolina 28305
https://www.leclairsgeneralstore.com/
(910) 491-1060
@leclairsgeneralstore