Barnes & Noble has acquired Levenger, adding the writing-instrument and stationery brand to a business that already owns Paper Source. A selected range is due in some Barnes & Noble stores this fall, with a wider rollout to follow.
The bookseller says an assortment will eventually reach most Barnes & Noble and Paper Source stores. It described a network of more than 720 bookstores in its announcement, but has not said how many will carry Levenger at launch or which pens and pencils will make the cut.
More shelves, with the full range still online
Founded in 1987 by Steve and Lori Leveen, Levenger will continue operating from South Florida with its existing employees. Levenger.com will retain the full catalog. The announcement does not disclose a purchase price.
The commercial opportunity is straightforward: a specialist writing brand gains access to a much larger shop network. The assortment will decide how much of that opportunity reaches writing instruments, rather than notebooks, leather goods and desk accessories.
For readers, the useful next announcement is the store list and product selection. “Most stores” is an eventual ambition, not confirmation that a nearby Barnes & Noble already has Levenger on the shelf.
Source: Barnes & Noble’s September acquisition announcement. The buyer is Barnes & Noble, Inc., not Barnes & Noble Education.
