Sad closing

The Hallmark store in the Wal-Mart Neighborhood Market plaza in Gulf Breeze Proper is going to close by the end of February.  They are selling most merchandise at 50% off.  From what I can gather, their long term lease is expiring and they were unable to come to terms on a new one.  They said they and Hallmark had been looking for over a year but couldn't find a place with sufficient space, acceptable rent, and with an owner/manager willing to sign a long term lease.  They are wary of shorter leases as just an opportunity to "screw them over" at renewal time.   They mentioned New York Nick's as an example of what happens with only a five year lease.

This is a real loss to the Proper, as far as I'm concerned.  For 15 years I've counted on them for unusual greeting cards and special gifts, and hate the thought of having to run way down the highway whenever I need something, especially when it's for my husband and I'm trying to sneak in a card-and-gift-buying visit in conjunction with another local errand or appointment.  

Maybe 2016 will be the year I stop sending out Christmas cards....the ones Hallmark carried were unfailingly special and the selection was large.

I just hate that this business is basically being forced out by circumstances beyond their control.  Heck, I  just hate this, period.



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Greeting cards ?  I guess I should be happy that there are still ladies that hold on to old time traditions...so many have gone away....


cat hates musical greeting card...

https://www.bluemountain.com/

I've been on the road a lot lately what happened to New York Nick's?

polecat wrote:I've been on the road a lot lately what happened to New York Nick's?

The location will become a breezeway.....a nice breezeway. 

http://www.pnj.com/story/news/local/pensacola/2016/01/06/new-york-nicks-close-april-4/78305224/

Hate to see Hallmark closing. It is a private owned franchise frequented by Breezers.

Joanimaroni wrote:Hate to see Hallmark closing. It is a private owned franchise frequented by Breezers.

. . . . . . . . and Beachers! lol

I understand how the OP feels. Tragic, ..... truly tragic, I tell ya!

Broke my heart too when they closed up all the wheelwright's shops. Now where am I gonna get a wagon wheel repaired?

ZVUGKTUBM wrote:Just get an eCard subscription and go paperless. It is the modern trend.

Not NEARLY the same thing.

Markle wrote:

ZVUGKTUBM wrote:Just get an eCard subscription and go paperless. It is the modern trend.

Not NEARLY the same thing.

Exactly so, Markle.   I mail out Christmas cards every year to friends and loved ones near and far, love the beautiful tradition and don't plan to change it.  Look, I wouldn't hand my husband the mouse on his birthday (or on our anniversary, or Valentine's, or any special occasion) and tell him to go look at the ecard I sent.  Are you kidding me???

Besides, aside from a greeting card store Renee's Hallmark is also a full service gift shop -- one of the largest in the area -- carrying everything from Christmas ornaments to jewelry, sports themed gifts (for those who care), candles, special knick-knacks and decorative items, gift wrapping of all kinds and themes, lotions and aromatics -- virtually everything special and unique -- and I could go on and on and on.   Those of you making light of the passing of this wonderful shop in our midst -- and the loss of livelihood for all those involved -- might want to think twice.   You say you love America?  Well, this little piece of America -- this successful small business serving a specialty niche in Gulf Breeze -- is closing after being in the same place for 20 years, due solely to the greed of the shopping plaza owners.

Further, I stopped back in there this afternoon and saw YOUNG women buying dozens and dozens of greeting cards at 50% off.  So obviously not everyone under 50 has converted solely to e-cards.  Thank GOODNESS.

It's a beautiful little shop.

Yes it is, Joani.  But starting to look a bit sad and empty around the edges already....      I find myself hoping for some knight in shining armor to come along and save them, but alas, it's not likely to be.