Reseller Spotlight: Debby’s Hallmark – A Raleigh Retail Gem
Hallmark is one of the most recognised greeting card and gift brands in the world, but did you know most Hallmark stores are independently owned? This allows them to offer a more personal and community-focused shopping experience. One standout example is Debby’s Hallmark, based in the picturesque city of Raleigh, North Carolina. Nestled among the iconic oak trees and big blue skies, this family-run store has been bringing joy to its local community for over three decades. We caught up with Leslie Timberlake, manager of the North Ridge location, to talk about how Debby’s Hallmark blends heartfelt gifting with innovative products like MOVA Globes.
Tell us a little bit about how your store started.
Debby’s Hallmark started more than 30 years ago when Debby’s husband, Marty, bought a small Hallmark shop and surprised Debby with it. Over the years, their little business has expanded to four stores in the Raleigh area, with the Raleigh North Ridge location being the largest with 9,000 square feet of retail space.
Why are you proud to be a small business?
It’s the American dream! Through hard work and dedication Debby and her family has created a pleasant shopping experience for their customers that is the talk of the town.
What makes your store unique? Why do your customers love shopping there?
Debby’s strives to carry the most up-to-date and trending products. There’s a little something for everyone here! Our customers are sure to find ‘just the right’ gift or something for themselves. Long-time customers bring family and friend to our store to experience the wide variety of products we carry. It’s destination shopping at it’s finest!
With a wide selection of brands and gifts and even a full service post office at two of their locations, Debby’s Hallmark is focused on serving their customers’ gifting needs. Photo courtesy of Debby’s Hallmark Facebook page.
How are you impacting your community?
We carry products such as Vera Bradley and Life is good who’s proceeds from some sales go to charitable organizations. Hallmark also provides for Toys for Tots, as does Debby’s during the holidays.
What makes the city of Raleigh interesting, and why should people visit?
Raleigh is beautiful! The streets are lined with towering oak trees and the is dubbed The City of Oaks. There are city parks to enjoy, independent, award winning restaurants with unique, seasonal and trendy menus. Four major collage universities call Raleigh home.
When did you first discover MOVA Globes?
Three years ago, MOVA Globes first arrived in our North Ridge location after visiting the Atlanta Trade Show. Since then it’s been a favorite product in the store and we’re happy to tell everyone about it, as it attracts lots of attention!
Debby’s Hallmark carries many of our most popular MOVA Globe designs.
What are your customers’ general responses to MOVA Globes? Any memorable customer interactions?
It’s mesmerizing! Often, we will observe customers ‘gazing’ at the rotating globes, eyeing it carefully and wondering how it operates. They’re surprised that it continues to rotate when carefully removed from the base and held in hand. We’ll explain how it works and they still can’t take their eyes off of it. It’s a very popular gift for graduates, retirements and for the person who ‘thinks’ they have everything!
Which model is your favorite and why?
We love all of the globes. A personal favourite of the store manager is the [globe] with the constellations. A new favorite is the Earth with Clouds. Or, maybe it’s the Antique Terrestrial White. Hard to choose!
Is there anything else you’d like to add?
Our advice to other retailers is ‘You should have [MOVA Globes] in your store”!
Like other Hallmark Gold Crown stores, Debby’s Hallmark carries many Hallmark products, including their famous Keepsake Ornaments. Photo courtesy of Debby’s Hallmark Facebook page.
What started as a little business for the Debby’s Hallmark family is now a trend-setting business in their community. Whether you are shopping at Debby’s Hallmark or visiting the many research parks and art and university campuses around Raleigh, you will always find something to be excited about.
6116 Falls of Neuse Rd
Raleigh, NC 27609
http://www.edebbys.com/
http://www.facebook.com/debbyshallmark/
