In the year 2000, Papyrus celebrated its 50th anniversary. The year was an opportunity to look back proudly upon the successful growth of a family business, as well as a chance to venture into the new century as a strong and energized corporation with a single, focused goal: To become the premier destination and provider of social expression and gift products in the Specialty Retail Channel.

Today, that goal remains our guiding principle. Under the leadership of Dominique Schurman, Papyrus continues to grow and flourish, and is recognized and celebrated as one of the finest organizations in the social expression industry. Founded in 1950 as an importer of European paper products, the company is now comprised of a dynamic publishing division, Marcel Schurman, and a preeminent retail division, Papyrus. Together, these divisions offer the marketplace a diverse and ever-expanding array of products including Greeting Cards, Gift Wrap, Gift Bags, Stationery, Note Cards, Journals, Marcel Schurman Creations and unique gift products.

In both corporate divisions, tremendous growth and successful expansion have been fueled by a company-wide creative spirit that encompasses superior product planning along with targeted retail expansion and a keen focus on sales and marketing. With sales to approximately 6,000 accounts, comprised of specialty retailers, the company has established itself as the leader in the publishing and retail market channels for unique and innovative social expression products in North America. Papyrus currently has over 200 locations worldwide.

The concept of providing the very finest products has driven Papyrus from its inception. The company’s ongoing mission is to establish itself as the undisputed destination and brand of choice for social expression products and services of exceptional quality, diversity and taste. It continues to achieve this goal through the expansion of Papyrus, with its creative approach to merchandising and strong focus on customer service, supported by the provocative and wide-ranging product offering of the publishing division. All Papyrus products are designed with Papyrus customers in mind, and the stores provide a cheerful, inviting atmosphere for browsing and being treated to friendly and highly professional service.

Visitors to Papyrus and our newly established Papyrus studios, now featured at select locations of Borders Books, Marshall Field’s, Chapters, Macy’s and many other fine retailers, have an unparalleled selection at their fingertips. Papyrus Greeting Cards, the dynamic core of the company’s product line, include styles ranging from fine art to illustration, bold graphic designs to stunning photography and exquisite handmade designs. Several distinctive card brands include the humorous Laffs by Marcel; the fresh and sophisticated be real collection; the outstanding African American–themed Heritage card line; Expressions of Faith, featuring inspirational and Bible verse messages; Take 5, a smartly designed collection of playful, funny and classic greetings for the workplace; and a wide range of counter cards offering Spanish language greetings.

Product collections designed by a cutting-edge art team, and executed by artists around the globe, include a range of gift bags, wrap and stationery items that blaze with classic style, modern color and constant innovation. Specialty giftable items, designed to meet consumers’ demand for trend-right product, are offered in the Marcel Schurman Gift line. Beautifully crafted frames, plush toys, playful jewelry and seasonal novelty items, to name just a few of the products included, are offered with each new release. Marcel Schurman Creations, debuted in 2002, is a unique concept that allows customers to quickly and easily tap into the scrap booking trend, capturing the look of handmade cards, gifts, stationery and special memory albums with fresh and fun coordinated products ranging from treat boxes and specialty ribbon to our exclusive “dojiggie” adornments.

Founded by Margrit and Marcel Schurman, Papyrus and each of its uniquely creative divisions continue to uphold the principles by which the company began: To always offer products of the highest possible quality, to lead the market in product innovation, to remain focused on superior service and to strive for continued customer satisfaction.

1950	Company founded.
1965 - 1989	Company facility in Oakland, California. Housed warehouse, product packaging and all administrative departments. The original facility in Emeryville was burnt to the ground in 1965.
1973	Papyrus was established in Berkeley as the first retail store.
1982	Dominique Schurman joined the Company and worked over the years in many capacities.
2004	Papyrus store system totaled 140 stores with major presence in all key metro markets.
2006	All brands unified under the Papyrus brand.