City Paper Co.’s Century of Success
Published on March 3, 2025, at 5:20 p.m.
by Gracie Powell.
When you hear “paper company,” you probably think of tissue paper or paper bags. Well, City Paper Co. in Birmingham started as a company producing just that. But, over the last 128 years, it has expanded into a multimillion-dollar seller of promotional materials. Known for uniquely telling its clients’ stories, City Paper has sold all the promotional materials you can think of, from traditional retail bags and packaging to apparel and accessories. As its tagline reads, “If you can dream it, we can brand it.”
When you walk into City Paper Co., the first things you see are that tagline on the wall and its swag room. This room draws you in to notice all the brands that City Paper has worked with, including Kendra Scott, Jack’s, PGA, Bromberg’s, Café du Monde, Regions and many, many more.
The family-owned company prides itself on providing the best possible experience for its clients, from complete transparency in every transaction to finding the best quality suppliers for its products. City Paper keeps its clients in mind with every decision. Its 2025 mission is centered around four C’s: collaboration, creativity, curiosity and celebration. The first C, collaboration, focuses on collaborating with customers, working with them “to understand their needs, challenges and goals.”
Since its founding, City Paper has continued to expand, with now 30 staff members, and adapt to changes that come with time. While some businesses were shutting down in 2020, City Paper was having its most successful year in history. Distributing medical supplies, hand sanitizer and personal protective equipment, the company was able to create what its clients needed most in difficult times.
In June 2023, Stephanie Friedman became the first female CEO of City Paper, forging a new era and bright future for the company. The City Paper team operates like a family. According to the company’s website, Friedman believes “the foundation of a good company starts with employees, and that’s why she uses a lot of her time as Chief Executive Officer working with staff to make sure they’re thriving and happy.” Friedman and husband Brad Friedman, the company’s president, value every employee, and the team inspires and encourages one another to think outside the box.
In early February, City Paper announced a fresh look for its brand, encompassing its history but also looking to the future and the company’s continued growth and inspiration. One thing is for sure: City Paper Co. will continue to provide the best possible experience and products for its clients and continue to dream big.
