Phidon’s Year in Review: Looking Back at 2021, and Looking Forward to 2022!

This past year has brought its fair share of unexpected highs and lows for all of us, but here at Phidon we want to look back with gratitude on all that has changed, and all that has carried through! We want to pull back the curtains and share what this past year has brought us, what we are thankful for, and what we are looking forward to.

Shifting to online was a big adjustment for Phidon that came out of necessity - however what it brought was more than expected. Phidon has always held community and connection at the center of our practices. Typically that has always been through conversations in store, collaborating with local businesses and creators, and giving back to the community that has supported us! Now, our community is that and so much more. With our online store now taking on the majority of our business, we have customers across the country, and even across the world. It has been an incredible and humbling experience to welcome so many new customers to our own Phidon community in the past year! 

Our social media and website has taken a prominent role this year more than ever. Phidon has a lot to share, and a growing community to share with! In 2021 we started to focus on showcasing our products - new, old, favourite, and unique - through our blog, Instagram posts and reels, and our new Tiktok. We strive to connect and share through these platforms and provide information on stationery with videos, tutorials, blogs, and workshops made for our customers. You’re not just getting some stationery at Phidon - but you are getting our expertise, know-how and community around it all!

In 2021, we welcomed two new staff members to the Phidon family. Phil joined Phidon just before the holiday season and is a true pen enthusiast and talented illustrator! If you see beautiful calligraphy posted online or in a thank you note, you’ll know that’s him. Phil is an incredible addition to the team, and will be working through our social media and in store to provide the know-how on everything stationery!

The other newcomer is, well, myself! I am Meghan and I have been writing the Phidon blogs and working with the team since September of this year. It is great to finally introduce myself. It has been an absolute pleasure to be a part of the Phidon team, and I have loved sharing the personality and insight that you get with Phidon through my writing. And I hope you have enjoyed reading as much as I have writing. 

Thank You

We are so thankful for each and every person who has touched Phidon in the past year, truly we would not be here if it wasn’t for the work and support from our extended community. We are thankful for the Phidon team, who has been incredible at adapting to all the year has thrown at us. Everyone has been working tirelessly behind the scenes to keep things up and running - from making sure we take care of each customer personally to just the endless packing and unpacking of boxes! Thank you for the energy, enthusiasm and warmth, I could not make a better team if I tried.

We are thankful for all the workers that have made sure all our products get to us, and that our packages get to our customers. Truly without the tireless work of Canada Post, UPS, Fedex, and all other delivery workers our business would not be up and running as it is today. 

And of course, we are thankful for our customers and supporters from all over. We appreciate the endless patience and kindness we receive from our customers, both old and new. In 2021 there were times where nothing was going our way, and it is a blessing to have continued understanding and encouragement from so many of you. Every kind word expressed, in person, over the phone, in an email, or in a letter is truly appreciated - you make us what we are. 

Thank you for supporting Phidon and thank you for sharing yourself with us. It is truly special to be a part of building a community of people who all share the same love of stationery and fountain pens! 

ONWARDS AND UPWARDS!

Phidon staff event

Phidon is looking to focus on growth and connection for the new year! The hope is to keep building our community of stationery lovers, and to continue to provide quality products, dedicated service, and meaningful connections from our Phidon family to you. 

We can’t wait to bring back fun and exciting special events to the shop and continue to partner with talented creators and showcase unique products. We also aim to build on our social media and website content to bring you fun and informative videos and blogs to keep you in the loop. Finally, what may be on the horizon is a refresh of our physical store front - so keep your eyes peeled for a whole new look here on Dickson St!

We can’t wait to see what 2022 holds in store for us, and we hope to see you there! Happy New Year!