What's special about your fave Hmk & why?

[karenw2]

Does your favorite Hallmark store have anything unique about it? Or, what is the reason it's your favorite Hallmark?

I know The Party Shop in Warsaw has the great Keepsake orn museum and Crown Center in KC, has the great Hallmark store, the really nice Visitors' Center PLUS the Customer Service counter that sells the Mayor's Ornaments.

Around here, there's really nothing that makes stores unique. The only real difference between stores is the people who work there and the customer service you either get or don't get, that makes you come back again and again or never return.

Since it's Thanksgiving in a couple of days, I thought it might be fun to share about your favorite Hallmark stores.

Who wants to go first?

[chris dean]

Hi,
Unfortunately in Australia we don't have the luxury of Hallmark stores, however I have visited stores in Scottsdale Arizona, San Diego at Mission Valley and South Park in Charlotte Nth Carolina.
The store in Scottsdale was the most impressive.
Our Hallmark stores do not range the collectable ornaments, and are struggling against the newsagents, chain stores and department stores.
One of my first destinations when I visit the US is to track down the nearest Gold Crown store.
Have to keep saving for the next trip,
Enjoy the day and have a great Thanksgiving
Regards Chris

[karenw2]

Thanks, Mate!
Sorry to hear you don't have much in the way of Hallmark stores, "Down Under"! What was it about the Scottsdale store that was so "impressive"? Was it the size of the store, the different items they carried, or?

Off topic, are you going to see "Australia", starring Nicole and Hugh? We love Baz Luhrman's films, ever since we first saw "Strictly Ballroom" and think this may be either another big blockbuster for him, or a bit over-rated, for all the publicity it's been getting. What do you think?

[chris dean]

Hi Karen,
The Scottsdale store was well layed out, it had a mezzanine effect when you entered, and we purchased a number of ornaments however it was in early February so the range was not great. The centre where it is located is on East Camelback Rd, not sure of the name but locals will know.
As for the movie "Australia" yes we will be going probably not this weekend but next. Fantastic reports from those who have viewed, one comment was that it was Australia's "Gone with the Wind" . The word is that the young aboriginal boy steals the show from Hugh and Nicole.
Baz had a number of different endings but still take some tissues. Strictly Ballroom has been great for Ballroom dancing in our country, two of the stars have been judges and presenters on our version of Dancing with the Stars, Paul Mercurio and Sonia Kruger. Back on Hallmark have just completed my Marilyn Munroe set, my wife is a Gone with the Wind fanatic and have purchased some of these from Hooked on Hallmark, and collected others on our trips to the US.
Enjoy the day
Regards Chris

[karenw2]

Or, how about this question? If you had a guest from out of town, state, country, etc. coming for a visit, which Hallmark store would you take them to, that would be a "Must See" and why??

Then taking it a little further, if you could travel to ANY Hallmark store in the US, which one would you most want to go to and why?

I think we'd all like to have a go-to list, when it comes to doing any travel, for business or otherwise. Somehow, you can always find some time for a great Hallmark store!!