The Artful Shopper: Hallmark store a gift destination

Talking shop with Jerome Ames, owner of Kay's Hallmark in south Fort Myers.

How long has your store been open?

My wife Traci and I bought the store 21 years ago and moved it across the street to a bigger location. This is one of the oldest Hallmark stores and originally opened in 1978 or 1979. We have also been a full-fledged post office for 21 years. There are only two Hallmarks left in Fort Myers; the other one is at Page Field Commons.

What do you sell?

We sell all Hallmark branded items and other gift lines including Swarovski crystals, Life is Good hats and T-shirts, the full line of Vera Bradley bags, Mud Pie nautical and baby gifts, and about 50 other companies. We have every kind of gift for everyone. It's a great Mother's Day destination for beautiful purses, Willow Tree angels and Swarovski crystal jewelry.

What are your most popular items?

Of course, the Hallmark cards and our number one gift line is Vera Bradley. The Life is Good T-shirts for women are very popular with the v-necks in a lot of pastel colors.

How is your store different from the big stores?

We're a really unique gift store wrapped around Hallmark cards. You're not going to go to Target or CVS and find the kind of stuff that we sell. That's why we've been successful over the years. We're pretty much a destination. We have regulars that have shopped with us for 20 years. We have a lot of people who buy the gift and the card and then mail it right here.

Do you have any sales coming up?

The next big event for Hallmark is the Spring Open House from April 25 to 27. We will have selected merchandise on sale for 20 percent off and a gift with purchase.

Who is your typical customer?

Our business is a she business until there is an occasion for a man such as a wedding, anniversary or birthday. My customers are usually females between the ages of 30 to 80. This is a big retirement area around the store. We have a really wonderful season and we rely on all the locals for summer business.

How is your business doing with the economy?

We've definitely started to grow again and we always appreciate new business. We love when new people find us because we figure if they shop here once, we have a customer for life.

Who is the store named after?

My mom's name is Kay and it's always been Kay's Hallmark. Just remember, when you care enough to send the very best, Kay's Hallmark.

Know of a great local store? Let us know about it! Email Evelyn at theartfulshopper@yahoo.com.

Kay's Hallmark

• Location: 11600 Gladiolus Drive at the intersection of McGregor Boulevard, south Fort Myers

• Hours: 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday to Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, and 12 noon to 4 p.m. Sunday. The post office is open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday to Friday and 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday

• Contact: Call 482-4030

• On the web: kayshallmarkshop.com