Encino’s Hallmark Store to Close

After 10 and a half years in business, at the Encino Marketplace will be closing June 28.

“It is closing because we couldn't come to a lease agreement with the landlord,” Toni Ferro, the Strategic Communications Consultant for Hallmark, told Encino Patch. “Hallmark is looking to replace distribution in the area, but we do not have a definite location or date at this time.”

Caruso Affiliated, which owns the shopping center at Ventura Boulevard and Hayvenhurst Avenue, did not return a phone call from Patch asking which store is expected to take Hallmark’s place.

The Hallmark Creations store has a loyal local customer base because the stock of cards, gift items, stuffed animals, costume jewelry and knick-knacks is constantly changing.

On Monday, the entire store was marked down 40 percent, except for graduation and Father’s Day cards.

“I am so upset, as are many of my friends and neighbors,” local resident JoAnn Freedman said in an email to Patch. “First Barnes and Noble, then M. Fredric and now Hallmark! I don't know who the owner is, but he is literally ruining our neighborhood shopping plaza.”