If you’ve ever driven down Route 4 in Bergen County, you know the vibe. It’s a chaotic stretch of North Jersey highway where everyone is in a rush to get to the mall or avoid the GWB traffic. Nestled right in the middle of that asphalt madness is a spot that feels like a total gear shift. I’m talking about Blick Art Materials Paramus NJ.
Most people think it’s just another big-box hobby shop. You know, like the ones where you buy pre-made frames or plastic flowers. But honestly? That’s not what’s happening here. If you’re a professional painter, a student at Bergen Community College, or just someone who likes to mess around with watercolors on the weekend, this place is kinda the "Mecca" of the local art scene.
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Why Blick Art Materials Paramus NJ Hits Different
Shopping for art supplies online is fine, I guess. It’s convenient. But have you ever tried to pick out a single tube of professional-grade oil paint through a screen? You can't see the true viscosity. You can't tell if the "Phthalo Blue" is actually as deep as you need it for that sky you’re working on.
The Paramus store—located at 65 E. State Route 4, in the 35 Plaza—is one of those rare places where you can actually touch the paper. You can feel the tooth of the Arches cold-press versus the hot-press.
One thing that really sets this location apart is the staff. They aren't just retail workers scanning barcodes. Most of them are working artists. Seriously. I’ve gone in there confused about which gesso to use for a weird mixed-media project, and the person behind the counter gave me a five-minute breakdown on chemical bonding that was better than anything I learned in high school.
The Open Stock Secret
Most big retailers force you to buy sets. You want a 6B pencil? Cool, buy this $20 tin of twelve pencils you’ll never use.
Blick doesn't do that. Their open stock selection is massive. You can walk in and buy one specific Copic marker or a single sheet of decorative handmade paper. It’s basically candy for adults who like to get their hands dirty.
Navigating the Route 4 Chaos
Look, let’s be real. Getting to anything on Route 4 involves some level of strategy. The Paramus Blick is in the 35 Plaza (Unit #4), and if you miss that turn-off near the 17 interchange, you’re basically headed to New York City whether you like it or not.
- Monday – Saturday: 10 AM – 7 PM
- Sunday: Closed (Jersey blue laws, gotta love ‘em)
Pro tip: if you’re coming from the west, stay in the right lane long before you think you need to. The plaza comes up fast. Parking is usually okay, but on a Saturday afternoon? It gets a little tight.
Does it actually save you money?
There’s this misconception that professional art stores are "expensive." Kinda true, but also not.
Blick has this thing called the Preferred Customer Program. It sounds like some corporate fluff, but it’s actually how you get the "real" prices. If you're a student or an educator at a local school (think Fairleigh Dickinson or Ramapo College), you get an extra 10% off.
They also do this "Web Match Rebate." Basically, if the price on DickBlick.com is lower than the store price, they’ll match it right there at the register. You don't even have to ask most of the time; the system just does it. It’s a nice way to avoid that "I should have just ordered this from my couch" regret.
Real Talk: The Selection
You won't find aisles of cheap plastic knick-knacks here. This is a serious supply shop. They carry the heavy hitters:
- Golden and Liquitex acrylics (the good stuff, not the craft paint that cracks in two days).
- Utrecht oils (Blick actually owns Utrecht now, so the selection is huge).
- Gamblin mediums—essential if you want your oil paintings to actually dry before the next century.
- A ridiculous amount of markers (Posca, Copic, Prismacolor).
I once saw a guy spend forty-five minutes just testing out different fountain pen nibs. Nobody bothered him. That’s the kind of environment it is. You're allowed to be a nerd about your tools.
The Community Hub Aspect
Blick Art Materials Paramus NJ isn't just a warehouse. It’s sort of the glue for the local creative community. They often host in-store demos. Sometimes it’s a representative from a brand like Winsor & Newton showing how to use masking fluid, other times it’s a local illustrator doing a workshop.
They also support local arts organizations. They’ve been known to partner with groups like MarbleJam Center or local school districts for art shows and supply drives.
If you're an art teacher in Bergen County, you probably already know the "Classroom Shopping" lists. Teachers can actually set up lists so their students know exactly which charcoal or sketchpads to buy for the semester. It saves everyone a lot of headaches.
What Most People Get Wrong
The biggest mistake? Thinking you have to be a "pro" to shop here.
I’ve seen parents come in totally overwhelmed because their kid wants to start "real" painting. The staff is surprisingly patient with that. They’ll steer you toward a decent starter set of student-grade paints (like Blick Studio) rather than letting you drop $300 on professional pigments that a ten-year-old is just going to waste.
Also, the custom framing. People forget they do framing. It’s not the cheapest in town, but they know how to handle original art. They won’t use tape that ruins your paper in five years.
Actionable Steps for Your Next Visit
If you're planning a trip to the Paramus store, don't just wing it.
- Check the website first: Look for the "In-Store Promotions" page. Sometimes they have coupons that are specific to the retail locations.
- Bring your ID: If you are a student or a teacher, have your school ID ready. That 10% adds up fast when you’re buying canvases.
- Ask about the "scratch and dent": Sometimes they have canvases with a tiny poke in the back or slightly bent pads of paper for a massive discount.
- Sign up for the rewards: Just do it. It’s free and it links your in-store purchases with your online account.
Whether you're looking for a specific shade of spray paint or just want to browse the aisles for inspiration, the Paramus Blick is one of the last few "real" stores left in an increasingly digital world. It’s messy, it’s colorful, and it smells like linseed oil. It’s perfect.