Ryman was the stationery retailer that Dragon's Den investor Theo Paphitis owned and helped turn around.
Paphitis acquired Ryman in 1995 and developed it into a major high-street stationery chain. The company became a central part of his business reputation and is one reason he is often described as a retail entrepreneur rather than only a television investor.
Ryman sells stationery, office supplies, cards and related products through shops and online channels. Its name is sometimes confused with WHSmith because both operate in the British stationery and book-retail market, but they are separate businesses.
Paphitis later became a Dragon on the British programme, where his retail experience shaped the kinds of businesses he examined. His background made questions about distribution, margins, stores and customer demand especially relevant during pitches.