Stationery vs Stationary

Many moons ago ['twas the last millennium, in fact] a member of our William Arthur Blog Team worked for a popular stationery retailer in the Boston area. An area newspaper held a contest where readers voted for their favorite local businesses and the stationer was chosen as one of the reader favorites. Unfortunately, the staff was disappointed when they received their award, a special framed certificate that proclaimed "Best Stationary Store." Stationary, as in store that doesn't move. Like most stores you probably shop at. In fact, the only retail business we can think of that isn't stationary is an ice cream truck.

61% of Google searches for stationery are mis-spelled "stationary." You can't even trust your spell check—usually when you've written the word "stationery," it thinks you've spelled it wrong. It's a common mistake, but one that can be avoided if you remember this helpful advice. For fine stationery like William Arthur, just remember "e is for Envelope!"

Stationery images: Embossed Cycle Notes, Letterpress Palm Tree Note, Black Bordered Yellow & White Monogramed Notes
Bike, Santa Monica Blvd, Ten Downing Street: courtesy of Google images