Pens Plus, 69-70 High Street, Oxford, OX1 4BD

A rare opportunity to acquire a highly regarded specialist pen shop in the heart of Central Oxford, serving a diverse customer base from the city’s academic, professional, visitor and international pen‑enthusiast communities. Much‑loved locally and recognised worldwide, the shop attracts visitors from as far as South America and benefits from a constantly renewing audience of visiting academics, particularly from the United States. An iconic presence on Oxford’s High Street for over 60 years with the current owners as custodians for the last six it maintains a strong reputation for quality, expertise and personal service. Offering premium fountain pens, limited editions, luxury stationery and accessories, it is both a local institution and an international destination. With its prime location, established reputation and opportunities for growth through enhanced online activity, events and B2B engagement with Oxford’s professional‑services sector, this is a rare chance to acquire a thriving specialist retailer in one of the UK’s most prestigious city centres.

Central Oxford sits at the heart of one of the UK’s most historic and well‑connected cities, benefitting from excellent transport links in every direction. The city is easily accessed via the A34, which connects to both the M40 and the wider national motorway network, offering straightforward routes to London, the Midlands and the South Coast. Frequent Park & Ride services ring the city, providing convenient access to the centre from all major approaches, including Pear Tree, Thornhill, Seacourt, Redbridge and Oxford Parkway, each linking directly into the heart of Oxford within 10-15 minutes.

The shop offers a beautifully presented, predominantly 'L' shaped retail area of approximately 861 sq.ft, designed to showcase a curated range of writing instruments and luxury stationery. Display cabinets and presentation counters are arranged to provide clear sightlines and an inviting customer flow, creating an elegant, boutique feel throughout the space. The ground floor also includes a staff office and kitchen area towards the back in separate rooms. The interior was further enhanced in 2025 with a new Montblanc refit, providing an elevated display environment for premium products and strengthening the store’s luxury brand presentation.

We are advised by our clients that the fixtures and fittings are wholly owned and will be included within the sale.

To the rear there is delivery access and staff car parking for 2 cars included in the lease.

This well‑established and highly respected business has been under the same ownership for six years, continuing a legacy that has seen it remain an iconic presence on Oxford’s High Street for over 60 years. It enjoys strong loyalty from the local community while also attracting international visitors, academics and professionals drawn by Oxford’s global reputation. There remains excellent potential for further growth through extended opening hours, an expanded online offer, increased international engagement, and opportunities to supply Oxford’s professional‑services sector on a B2B basis.

The business is run with the assistance of full and part time members of staff.

The Transfer of Undertakings Protection of Employment (TUPE) regulations shall apply to all employees, requiring purchasers to offer continuity of employment to all staff.

Accounts for period ending 31/05/2025 show sales of £480,643.

Further accounting information may be provided upon request.

Shop opening hours:

Monday to Saturday: 10.15am - 6:00pm
Sunday: 12:00pm - 5:00pm

The VOA lists the Rateable Value as £23,500 from 1 April 2023, rising to £32,750 from 1 April 2026.