Hallmarks are hard to come by where I live now. I actually drove to one in Orange County (I promise you I did have other things to do while down there) , hoping to get one of their complimentary datebooks with my purchase since the Hallmark site said they were available in their Gold Crown Stores. Pretty much all of the Hallmarks are Gold Crown, so this was a no-brainer, or so I thought. While in-shop, I was informed they haven't had them for years, so this was frustrating after going by what their own website said. I even reached out to corporate to correct them in their mistake, but received a canned, generic response, lacking customer service completely.
On the flip side, fast forward to Norman's Hallmark in Pottstown. We had some errands to run within this shopping center, so we made this our first stop. Walking in took me back where people actually bought cards, and it was actually somewhat busy since it was Christmas Eve day. After breezing by the counter, I did see the datebooks in a couple different places. I picked one up in addition to purchasing a glitter-bomb pen in rose gold (I'll never lose it due to the extreme sparkle). Associates were very nice and helpful!
It felt good being back in Hallmark; sure they had the datebook I've been searching for so I won't have to buy one on ebay, but seeing the ornaments and other gifts took me to a time when this was the place to visit before Christmas, birthdays, on any special occasion. I think I'm the only person who still actually enjoys giving cards (more than receiving nowadays) since this is a lost 'art' now.
In contrast to the CA shop and the reply from corporate, this particular store has a welcoming and helpful environment, and I would like to keep my memory of Hallmark this way. read more