BACKSTAGE PASS: Marlynn’s Hamster

For the budding Jean Paul Lemieux, Tom Thomson, or Emily Carr, you don’t have to go far to find any painting supplies you might need.

Marylynn’s Hamster on Main Street in Penetanguishene is chock full of a wide array of paints, brushes and other necessities sure to satisfy both beginners and advanced artists.

“We have been designated as a “Premier Art Centre” by Winsor&Newton/Liquitex and offer an extensive supply of art supplies,” notes store owner Bill Watters.

But with its fully stocked store shelves and brightly coloured displays, Marlynn’s Hamster doesn’t just stop there.

They also have a wide selection of office supplies, other artist’s materials, games and gifts along with computer supplies, printers and cartridges and office equipment and furniture.

“Knowledge, I suppose, sets us apart from our competition,” explains Watters, who bought the business in 1976.

“Over 45 years in the industry gives us knowledge others can’t match. As an owner-operated family business, we offer personal service not available in a box store.”

And not every store has its own mascot, but Hammie, Watters’ friendly Wheaten Terrier, is on duty each day and serves the “official greeter.”

Marlynn Specialties started in Midland in 1959 as a rubber stamp manufacturer and soon added “Jiffy Magic Markers.”

When Waters bought the business, he expanded it to include a full line of office supplies.

“We still manufacture rubber stamps in-house as well as custom printing and advertising buttons,” Watters adds.

“When Itoya Canada was looking for a dealer to handle the Canadian website traffic they chose Marlynn’s to be their premier dealer for Canada.”

And as a member of the Hamster Family, Marylynn’s has access to the largest collection of office supplies in Canada.

By being part of such a large buying group, they have the power to negotiate the best rates with thousands of leading manufacturers and are able to pass these price breaks down to all their customers.

For its part, Marlynn’s Hamster offers more than 12,000 products to its customers, in all categories: Computer supplies, printing cartridges and supplies, office equipment, writing products, stationery, office accessories, furniture, fasteners, school supplies, games and gifts.

You will find at BuroPLUS a broad range of products from the most reputable brands in the industry at huge savings.

“Although we are part of the largest buying group in Canada, we maintain an independent and family-owned business that focuses on providing quality products with excellent prices.

“Over the years Marlynn’s Hamster has gained enormous respect from consumers and businesses alike. This is due to our exclusive range of in-house products that are available to purchase on the spot at our competitive prices.”

The store also prides itself on being available to the community and offers delivery service to the local area at no additional charge.

Their 71 rue Main Street location is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday to Saturday and closed Sundays.

For more information, visit www.marlynns.ca.