Hallmark Gold Crown

Offering cards, gift wraps and gifts

Ribbon cutting at noon on Wednesday, June 27

Where: The Co-op Farm & Garden, 216 E. Washington St.

Contact: The Co-op at 360-683-4111

For many Sequim shoppers such as Betty Switzer, the return of Hallmark cards is long-awaited.

“There’s nothing like a Hallmark,” Switzer said. She had spent the morning perusing the many cards and gifts for birthday and graduation cards at the Hallmark Gold Crown department at the Co-op Farm & Garden at 216 E. Washington St.

Switzer said she has always loved the Hallmark brand for its quality cards and stops at a Hallmark store when there is one in close proximity. She no longer has to go out of town to shop for her favorite cards after the Co-op announced earlier this month that it partnered with Hallmark Cards Inc.,to open a Hallmark Gold Crown department at its store.

“We’re excited to bring Hallmark to our customers to help them communicate, connect and celebrate their special times,” Ken Garling, Co-op Farm & Garden store general manager, said in a press release.

The new Hallmark department has cards for year-round occasions and holidays, gift wrap and a variety of gift items. There will be a ribbon cutting ceremony at noon on Wednesday, June 27, hosted by the Co-op with the Sequim-Dungeness Valley Chamber of Commerce.

Garling said the space where the Hallmark department now fills was part of the toy department which was pushed farther back in the store. He said the “Gold Crown” label allows members to earn reward points for discounts on products and provides the store with the brand’s trademark Christmas ornaments when the season comes.

Before the Hallmark opened at the Co-op, Garling said there was a void for the card service in the community for about four to five years after Mike and Willa Phillips closed their Hallmark store in Sequim at 680 W. Washington Street in 2013. Before the Co-op’s recent addition, the closest Hallmark store is located in Poulsbo and Silverdale.

Store representatives said by adding Hallmark to its store it will create more choice and convenience for its shoppers.

“We understand the diverse needs of our customers and are constantly seeking ways to enhance their shopping experience,” Garling said.

“By bringing Hallmark products to the Co-op Farm and Garden, we are continuing to show our commitment to our customers by providing exciting and unexpected options.”

The Co-op’s Hallmark Gold Crown department is located in the gift section of the store. The store hours are 8 a.m. – 6 p.m. Monday – Friday; 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. on Saturday and 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. on Sunday.

Betty Switzer of Sequim peruses through cards at the new Hallmark department at the Co-op Farm & Garden store. Sequim Gazette photo by Erin Hawkins

The new Hallmark Gold Crown department at the Co-op Farm & Garden is a 764 square foot retail space in the gift section of the store where part of the toy department was pushed back. Sequim Gazette photo by Erin Hawkins