NJ stamp store featured in article

Jules E. Topfer (shown at the left) is the owner of the Monmouth Stamp and Coin Shop in Red Bank, NJ. He and his shop are featured in an article, "Like the Collectibles it Sells, Stamp and Coin Shop is a Rarity," which appeared in the Asbury Park Press.

Topfer, 52, started collecting stamps when he was only 5-years-old. He began working at the shop part-time when he was nine. At 24, he borrowed money from friends and relatives and bought the store.

According to the paper, the future of Monmouth Stamp and Coin is a bit cloudy.

Joseph Savarese, executive vice president of the American Stamp Dealers Association is quoted in the article as saying, "Unfortunately, (stamp stores) are like a dinosaur. They face the high costs of rents and maintenance, so there are less and less every year."

"More and more dealers are doing business on the Internet. The hobby might not be exciting enough for a younger generation. And Topfer doesn't have children, so there is no one to hand the store to once he retires."

To read the entire article, click here.