FAMILY BUSINESS: “Customer service is the reason we are one of the few independent stores still in operation. Customers know they can count on us, and on the quality and value of our product line — including our focus on office and school supplies, and so much more.” John Roberto (left) and Andrew Mangone, co-owners of Hinkson’s, The Office Store, are proud of their long-time family business.

There aren’t many left anymore. Those familiar family-owned, independently-operated businesses that used to line Princeton’s downtown and streetscape are now largely part of its past, not its present.

Fortunately, Hinkson’s, The Office Store, continues to thrive. Quality products, personal service, a helpful, knowledgeable staff, and loyal customers are all part of the Hinkson success story. Its tradition and reputation have truly stood the test of time.

Adapting to the changing world of business and the demands of technology, while retaining its emphasis on personal service and quality products has served the store — and the customers — well. Its continuing presence as a familiar favorite contributes to the vitality of Princeton’s shopping scene.

Hinkson’s has indeed been a Princeton tradition. Originally opened in the late 1800s at 74 Nassau Street (the Upper Pyne building), it was known as Rowland’s Stationery. Later purchased by William Sinclair, the business took on his name. Then in 1919, Harold Hinkson became the owner, followed in 1960 by Bert Roberto.

Family Business

Today, the family business continues under the ownership of the late Mr. Roberto’s son, John Roberto, and Andrew Mangone, his nephew. In 2005, the business moved to 28 Spring Street.

The current owners — and cousins — really grew up in the family business, says Mr. Mangone. “I helped out in the store after school and on weekends, and I sold newspapers outside the store in the 1960s. I started working full-time with Bert in 1972.”

Learning about the business firsthand at a young age has helped both Mr. Mangone and Mr. Roberto adjust to a changing business format, with the increasing emphasis on technology and new ways of doing business.

“We are very good at what we do,” points out Mr. Mangone. “It’s very important to keep our name out there. The business changes all the time, and we always want to stay on top of it. The huge change in the business is the technology. Compared to 20 years ago, it is so different.”

In addition to the Princeton store, Hinkson’s operates a thriving on-line business. “The commercial end of our business is primarily orders placed on-line,” he adds. “You can find our Office Solutions Catalog on-line, and we have more than 40,000 items. Everything you need for the office — furniture, file cabinets, technology, computer software, toner cartridges, flash drives, paper products, water and coffee machines, etc. We ship across the country, and our on-line customers are from all across the U.S.

“We see our home office commercial business continuing to grow, and we look forward to it becoming even bigger.”

Down-To-Earth

“We are also an authorized partner of Hewlett-Packard,” adds Mr. Roberto. “We have their Inkjets and toner cartridges. The company doesn’t distribute to everyone, and the toners and cartridges are very big items for us. We are also an authorized FedEx shipping center, Customers can drop off items, and we will pack them up and ship them. We do a lot of business with this, and it really draws people to the store.”

In fact, lots of things draw customers to the store. Shoppers like the down-to-earth and warm atmosphere, with the owners on hand to help with information. The friendly environment also includes Sasha, the black cocker spaniel, always ready to greet customers.

“I always like to come to Hinkson’s because I can find what I want, and there is always a very friendly atmosphere,” says a long-time customer.

Adds another, “If you need your basic office and paper supplies — pens, pencils, markers, post-its, reams of paper, staples, tape, etc. — Hinkson’s is where you should go. The prices are reasonable, and they have a great selection of merchandise.”

Hinkson’s also has a number of items not found in other places, the owners point out. “We have things that you won’t see at Staples and other Big Box stores,” says Mr. Mangone. “We carry the high quality Clairefontaine and Moleskine journals, planners, and notebooks, which are very popular. Quo Vadis and Rhodia are other special brands. We also have custom rubber stamps, and we make copies for people, including color copies.”

Whether it’s legal pads, composition notebooks, mailing envelopes and labels, sketch books, clip boards, organizers, printer paper, or greeting cards, you will find it all at Hinkson’s. And as for pens and pencils, look no farther! Every style, size, and color are in stock. As one customer pointed out, “As I write a lot of notes, I like to have a nice selection of good pens at hand, and Hinkson’s has all sorts of pens, including Sarasa,
Pilot, le Pen, and all kinds of colors too. This is definitely a shop to go to when I want to get a little something to cheer up my desk!”

Different Generations

“People really like to walk in the store and buy something,” reports Mr. Mangone. “The retail business is important here, and we have lots of regular customers, many of long-standing. We have a very good local customer base, and they are all ages — from students to retired people.

“I really enjoy interacting with the customers. We’ve had different generations in the same family, and they have become friends.”

The store offers a very wide price range, with items from $1 on up. And as Mr. Roberto emphasizes, “We are very competitively priced and want people to know that we have the same prices or lower than some of the Big Box stores. Our cartridges and toners are always discounted.”

Both Mr. Mangone and Mr. Roberto are very pleased with the Spring Street location and look forward to being a mainstay at that address. “We love it. It’s very convenient, and this is a great area with lots of activity. We also feel very proud of carrying on the tradition of our family business. This is important to us and to our customers who count on us.”

Hinkson’s is open Monday through Friday 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., Saturday 10 to 5, and starting in September Sunday 12 to 4. (609) 924-0112. Website: www.hinksons.com.