Hallmark in Eureka Closes

All sales are final at store in the Eureka Towne Center. This time, the signs on the store's front windows mean "final" final. The card and novelty gifts store will close permanently by Mother's Day, perhaps Memorial Day, said owner Carol Soaper on Tuesday.

Last week, Soaper started letting customers know that merchandise will go on sale from 20 percent to 60 percent off original prices. This week, all sales are final, and there are no returns, no checks and no reward points or redemptions.

Given the difficult economic situation and the continuing escalation of costs, it is time for Carol's Hallmark in to close its doors, Soaper wrote to customers in an email.

She told Patch the store closing was due to the culmination of at least four factors: lack of consumer traffic, the poor economy, effect of high gas prices, and multiple new shopping options, especially online venues.

"We decided we can't put our heads in the sand," she said. "We're certainly going to miss everybody, though."

Soaper and her staff are hoping customers will transfer their business to one of her other , 500 Old Smizer Mill Rd., or in Washington, 3008 Phoenix Center Dr. Both of those locations can be gotten to easily from Eureka via Interstate 44. She also has a Hallmark store in . Outside of the St. Louis area, she owns more Hallmark stores in Cape Girardeau and Poplar Bluff, MO.

To help customers relocate, Soaper offers an in-store flier, good for 20 percent off full-priced merchandise at her Fenton or Washington stores. This sale is good June 1 through May 31, 2013. It excludes keepsakes and sale items.

Carol's Hallmark carries unique gifts; Jim Shore items; Precious Moments figurines; religious and spiritual gifts; jewelry; scarves; wrapping paper and paper accessories; stuffed animals; birthday-themed products; mugs; Yankee brand candles; and of course, Hallmark cards.

Soaper said Eureka store manager Sherry Benson will remain on staff to work with customers' needs. "She will be available at these other locations after the Eureka store closes, and will stay in contact with customers. We will continue to email shoppers with promotions and specials to allow them to maximize the value of their trips to these other Hallmark locations."