The one remaining Hallmark store in Texarkana will be shuttered at the end of this month.
All items are marked down at the store, 4278 St. Michael Drive, which is set to close Feb. 28.
"The Hallmarks in Shreveport, Bossier and Texarkana are franchise stores, locally owned," said Sharon Wooten, general manager. "The owners have decided now is the time to get out of the business. We have our closing scheduled, and the Shreveport store will close in June. However, the Bossier store will stay open for the time being."
Consumers have heard much about the tough retail environment brick-and-mortar stores are dealing with, because of changes in technology and shopping patterns. Store closures have become a common occurrence. But Wooten assures everyone that the local Hallmark stores aren't closing because of a lack of sales.
"The owners are in their 70s and have decided to retire. Also, the company is issuing some mandatory upgrades to their stores, and they don't want to participate in that process," she said.
Wooten said she would like to take ownership of the Texarkana store.
"I've worked here for 16 years and have offered to buy the Texarkana store," she said.
"So far, Hallmark corporate has said no. They have said local sales don't justify the sale. I handle the sales, and I disagree."
It isn't just locals who shop at the store.
"My customers come from El Dorado, Magnolia, Mount Pleasant, Paris, Hope and other surrounding communities, many of them who have lost their Hallmark store. I believe our numbers support this store remaining open, and I can prove it," she said.
Wooten has seen many return customers over the years at Hallmark.
"Senior citizens are a big part of it. They want to buy and mail cards. They just don't do the online cards," she said. "Our customers don't want to see this store go. They are heartbroken."
Johnie Smith, one of Wooten's long-term customers, doesn't want Hallmark to close.
"It is very sad. During the sale, I've been here every day. It is terrible," she said.
"I've been shopping here since this store opened, since they moved from State Line. I love this place."