It was a familiar storefront for over 14 years. The Hallmark store sat next to Jewel on Route 47 in Huntley. Later, the storeowners abandoned the Hallmark brand and brought in “A New Dawn Boutique” last July. But on January 31, the boutique closed its doors.
Sun City customers were surprised and saddened to see the Hallmark store disappear, but were happy to have the boutique to shop for their cards and gifts. The drive to Randall Road to shop was not appealing to most of the Sun City residents who frequented the store.
Joe Nitty, a frequent customer, said, “I’ve been a customer of Hallmark since I was a teenager. I was sad to see It close last year and now I will miss the wonderful ladies that work here.”
Hallmark staff. (Photo provided)
Why are stores having a hard time surviving? Retail spending continues to grow steadily, but the over-supply of malls and the ease of online shopping has had an impact. Forbes magazine stated, “Four out of every $10 spent online in the U.S. is with Amazon (43%)… Currently, there are approximately 80 million Amazon Prime members – that’s 64% of households in the U.S.!”
But most of the store’s customers preferred to come in and touch the merchandise and have the employees assist them in picking out the perfect gift or card.
“I will miss the store and the very knowledgeable ladies that work here,” Joan Riffner said.
Dawn Reed, the General Manager of the store said the store was closing in part because “The sales were not as good as we had hoped during the Christmas holiday season.”
Connie Rodwell expressed her feelings for the store employees: “Thank you for having these wonderful ladies here at the store. They are amazing, helpful cheerful and they know to bring up everyone’s spirits. I will miss them.”
Marion Lovenzin said, “I am so sorry that you are leaving because the store is my to go place.”
In the last few weeks, customers came in to take advantage of the sale, but also to express their appreciation of the women who help them find the right gift in life’s moments. They expressed their feelings with words, with flowers or a box of candy.
“How sad to see this store go. It was close and had so many items to choose from,” said Shirley Moser.
Arlene Pelland, a longtime employee and Sun City resident, stated, “I have had many great years working here! I am going miss our group of girls, our customers who have become our friends.”
Most of the employees are Sun City residents, retired from other jobs, teaching, administrative, accounting and enjoyed working at the store. They loved the customers and the short commute.
Darlene Trolliet has been at the store the longest, and said, “I helped open the store and now I’m helping to close it. I’ve come full circle. I’m grateful for having met so many wonderful people. Thank you for being so loyal to us. However, I’m certainly not grateful that the store has closed. It was a wonderful place to buy cards and gifts. Now I guess our money will go to Randall Road. The store will be missed by all of us. But more than that, I will miss all the wonderful people that shopped here. Thank you so much!”
Customer after customer expressed their dismay at the store closing and loss of something intangible.
“The employees are so wonderful. They are helpful to the customers and they have such great repour with each other,” Jackie Pollack said.
“I am so sad. I’ve been coming here since this store opened as a Hallmark store. I love these ladies, and I want to stay in touch with all of them,” said Diana Gregors.
“Very sad. This is the place to go to get cards and gifts. The people who work here are fabulous and will be missed. Whoever takes the lease should hire everyone,” said Linda Davis.
