Once upon a time, Michigan’s Great Southwest was blessed with multiple Hallmark stores operated by entrepreneurs based in the Niles area, but as time marched on, one by one those stores ended up closing, and Hallmark fans — especially those who loved collecting Gold Crown points as frequent buyers — ended up on the sidelines in their own hometowns. Now, however, comes outstanding news from the owner and operator of Banner Books Parable Christian Store in the Southtown neighborhood of St. Joseph, Lorraine Valk.
Lorraine has been working around the clock since mid-January to acquire licensing for the creation of Hallmark Gold Crown Store right inside of her Parable store along Niles Avenue behind Qdoba and Buffalo Wild Wings in St. Joseph.
All of the Hallmark products, perks and exclusives will be right at your fingertips at the shop at 2913 Niles Avenue in Southtown. The new enterprise is due to up and running in about two and a half weeks headed toward the final week to ten days in April.
Lorraine tells me that Gold Crown points can be earned on all purchases, and can also be redeemed in her store.
They are currently working diligently on the process of painting and moving fixtures in preparation for the addition of the Hallmark Gold Crown product line into her existing location.
The store will still offer laser engraving on site as well as their full line of inspirational gifts, books and Bibles.
It’s an exciting time for the team at Banner Books Parable Christian Store even in spite of recent news that LifeWay Christian Stores is closing all 170 of their stores in America. Lorraine reminds us, “We are independently owned, and have been run by the same family for the last 48 years.” She adds, “We are committed to staying fresh and innovative,” noting, “We enthusiastically serve our great community and thank you for faithfully shopping locally, and helping us avoid the retail apocalypse!”
Lorraine says that in a time when the vast majority of Christian book stores have ceased operations, she and her team have had a series of discussions with fellow industry professionals and garnered wise counsel was she “proceeded through the Hallmark maze,” in record-setting time. She tells friends, “It’s been a work of love, sweat, crushed fingers & fixture moving…we are excited…tireless, in our pursuit to make our store even more enjoyable & engaging. We need YOU more than ever.”
The target for completion of the Hallmark Gold Crown addition in the store is April 25th, so make plans to head in and see their brand new layout and Hallmark offerings. Stay tuned!
