Beloved card shop closes after 37 years blaming skyrocketing costs – as customers scream, ‘last of my childhood places’

An AMADO card retailer in California has officially closed its doors after a series of financial difficulties and rising costs.

Shoppers were heartbroken by the news, saddened by the closure of a childhood memory.

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A Hallmark store in Fresno, California, closed at noon on May 9 after being open for 37 years, according to the Fresno Bee.

The card shop was opened in 1987 by owner Tom Pearce’s parents.

Called Margie’s Hallmark Shop, it was named after Pearce’s mother.

When the store closed its doors for the last time, the gift shelves were empty and only a few greeting cards remained.

FINANCIAL STRUGGLES

“There is no profit in this. I’m paying to have a business,” said the store owner.

“The costs are too high,” he said, noting that all of his bills have apparently increased.

Your utility bill has increased by 30% this year despite reduced energy use.

Additionally, Pearce’s lease had expired and the landlord requested that he renew it with a lease with a 3% annual increase.

The store owner also lost $4,000 when a marketing company he frequently employed failed to deliver and went bankrupt.

The minimum wage increase and high labor costs also took a toll on Pearce’s finances.

“People don’t understand: as a homeowner, you’re matching Social Security; you’re equating Medicare,” he said.

Although his bills increased, his income decreased.

The store’s profits have dropped 20% to 30% in the last six months compared to last year.

The store owner partially attributed the drop in sales to shoppers purchasing Hallmark’s collectible ornaments and other gifts online.

Pearce also had problems with Hallmark’s supply chain.

Another problem was related to recent traffic, as the retailer received complaints about congestion in the mall due to a nearby tobacco shop.

Remarkable story

Hallmark was created in 1910 by Joyce Hall. It is the oldest and largest greeting card manufacturer in the US.

Based in Kansas City, Missouri, the company began as a greeting card company and later expanded into television and film.

In 1951, Hallmark launched Hallmark Hall of Fame, a television series that featured quality entertainment including plays, operas, and dramas.

In 2001, the Hallmark Channel was created, known for its family-oriented programming and original films.

Today, Hallmark operates more than 1,000 stores across the US.

Pearce considered moving his store to a new location, but Hallmark wanted him to spend about $50,000 on upgrades like new shelves if he did so.

“It’s sad,” Pearce said. “I wasn’t really thinking about closing.”

Shoppers were also saddened by the store’s closure.

“This breaks my heart,” local resident Sarah Soghomonian commented on the store’s Facebook page.

“You are the last places from my childhood in Sunnyside to be in their original location.”

After the closure was announced, the store’s merchandise quickly sold out at 75% off.

The remaining shelves and items were sold to other Hallmark locations.

Two Hallmark stores remain in the city, both corporate-owned.

In related news, Mighty Dollar Store says it began liquidating all inventory after closing the store for good — they couldn’t get a new lease.

Additionally, it’s the last day before Waffle House closes a restaurant, as the chain can’t explain the reason for the sudden closure.