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Tuesday, December 22, 2020

Stories about McMinnville’s popular Kathleen’s Hallmark, owned by David Toth, son of Les and Kathleen (store namesake) Toth of McMinnville

 

Stories about McMinnville’s popular Kathleen’s Hallmark, owned by David Toth, son of Les and Kathleen (store namesake) Toth of McMinnville

Along the Street: Hallmark shop searching for new storefront

(McMinnville N-R, Dec 18, 2020)

Customers of Kathleen’s Hallmark, a longtime McMinnville business, reacted with sympathy and outrage last week after learning the store had been given 30 days to vacate its location in the Town Center shopping center.

The timeline has been extended to the end of January, said David Toth, who owns the store with his father, Les Toth. But the gift, card and collectible shop still needs to relocate.

Toth has been heartened by the support shown by his customers.

“This shows what a strong community we have,” he said. “It shows me we’ve done something right, and it makes me feel good.”

The Toths have owned the Hallmark store for 11 of the 35 years it’s been in operation, all in the Town Center.

After trying to negotiate a lease extension since mid-2019, the Toths started paying month-by-month when their contract expired in February, unable to reach a deal with property managers, Toth said. There were forced to close March 23 to May 15 because of the pandemic.

He was upset when he received notice to vacate Nov. 23, followed by a formal 30-day notice Dec. 1. But he was pleasantly surprised when customers began asking what they could do — everything from sending letters pleading for more time to the property company to offering to help pack and move boxes.

Toth said the holiday season is always the store’s busiest time of year, so it’s been difficult to think about moving this month. Even with the extension until the end of January, there’s a rush to find a new storefront and make plans to relocate.

He expects to place everything in storage for a while before displaying merchandise in the new location, wherever in McMinnville that turns out to be.

For now, Kathleen’s Hallmark will continue to operate at 1321 N.E. Highway 99W. Hours are 9:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Saturday, through the Christmas season, and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sundays. Curbside pickup is available, as well as in-store shopping.

For more information, call the store, at 503-434-5813.

Client Spotlight: Kathleen's Hallmark Shop

(First Fed Customer News, Thur., Dec 17,, 2020 at 3:26 PM)

What started out as a simple errand to purchase an Anniversary card turned into a new venture for Les and David Toth in 2009. The father and son duo had been searching for an investment opportunity when they stopped in to shop at their local Hallmark Shop and discovered it was for sale. They jumped at the chance to purchase the businesses and have since transformed it into a McMinnville icon.

David's store is known around the community as "the thoughtful gift-giving store." He strives to not only stock unique merchandise, but truly special items with the recipient's joy in mind.

When it was time to open the businesses bank accounts, it was an easy decision to choose First Federal. David shares, "It felt like a community bank with lots to offer to businesses. The Baker Creek branch staff knows me and my team and how we each like to conduct our transactions. I particularly like that deposits show up immediately and that I get a notification on my phone the moment something processes."

"As a Kiwanian, I also appreciate how First Federal is an active member of the community. Every year I look forward to the Customer Ballot in January because, as a customer, I get to help give away $40,000 to our community."

A staple during the holiday season, Kathleen's Hallmark Shop is located at 1321 NE Hwy 99W in McMinnville. Their shop houses 150 linear feet of cards, kids products, women's accessories, specialty candies, and of course holiday gifts and décor. Customers can also shop with them online at www.Hallmark.com and pick up purchases at the McMinnville storefront.

Visit Kathleen's Hallmark Shop for that perfect gift for everyone on your list!

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