Amy’s Hallmark in the Appleseed Center off of Lexington Ave. is closing its doors on Feb. 28.
Hallmark Communications Consultant Toni Ferro stated that the reason for the closure is because the store is “no longer meeting financial requirements.”
Ferro added, “Markdowns started shortly after the first of the year.”
The store was previously owned by Matt and Julie Petty from 1995-2005 under the title “Petty’s Hallmark,” said Matt Petty.
In the summer of 2006, the store became corporate-owned.
About 85 percent of the more than 2,400 Hallmark stores in the United States are privately owned, and owners make business decisions based on their own circumstances, as stated on the Hallmark website.
“Difficult lease negotiations, slowing sales during economic slumps, and changes in the trade area can challenge profitability and lead to a decision to close any store, independent or corporately owned.
At the same time, new opportunities arise and Hallmark seeks strong business people interested in opening new stores,” said Ferro of store closings.
The other Richland County Hallmark store located in the Richland Mall remains open.
According to the Hallmark website, Hallmark is a $4 billion business with greeting cards and other products sold in 39,000 retail stores across the U.S. and in 100 countries worldwide. The headquarters are based in Kansas City, Missouri, and the company is still privately held and still led by founding family members.
CEO of Skilken Properties Ken Gold, who owns the property, was unavailable to comment on what would replace Hallmark’s spot in the Appleseed Center.
