A stationer is a person who sells paper, pens, pencils, notebooks, envelopes, and other supplies used for writing and office work. The word comes from the Latin stationarius, meaning someone who had a permanent station or shop, rather than traveling around to sell goods.

In medieval times, stationers were particularly important because they sold the materials scholars needed for their work: paper (which was expensive), ink, quills for writing, and even books. Before printing presses became common, stationers sometimes employed scribes who copied books by hand. University towns always had stationers because students and professors needed a steady supply of writing materials.

Today, you might visit a stationer to buy fancy writing paper for letters, a leather-bound journal, or special pens. Some stationers specialize in wedding invitations or personalized stationery. The shop itself is called a stationery store or a stationer's shop.

Be careful not to confuse stationer (the person) with stationery (the paper and writing supplies they sell). Both words sound identical. If you remember that stationery has an “e” like “letter” and “pen,” you'll keep them straight.