A St. Clair Shores Hallmark store is closing after nearly a half-century in business.
Opal’s Hallmark on Harper Avenue, between 9 Mile and 10 Mile, is closing Saturday, July 18, after 49½ years. Another location on 23 Mile Road, three miles east of I-94 in a Kroger shopping center, in New Baltimore will remain open, owner Steve Beskange said.
“We are deeply grateful to our loyal customers, dedicated employees, and the entire community, for allowing us to be part of their lives and special moments, for nearly 5 decades! Your friendships, support, and memories have meant more to us than words can express,” said the store’s Facebook post May 26 announcing the closure, adding a pink heart emoji.
“Thank you for making Opal’s Hallmark a place filled with kindness, celebrations, and lasting memories throughout the years. We will always cherish the relationships and experiences we’ve shared with this community.”
Beskange of St. Clair Shores said the store was started by his father, Alfred Beskange, in 1955. The younger Beskange took over store operations in January 1977 after he said he bought it back from someone who had it between him and his father.
He said his father served in World War II in the Philippines, and he loved the opal and its multi-colors and named the store after that. He said his father had three stores at one time, including a lamp and furniture company on the far east side and another business on Kercheval in the city of Grosse Pointe.
Beskange said he’s not fully retiring, as he has the New Baltimore store, which he said has been around for about 25 years.
“It’s a process,” he said, adding about his time at the St. Clair Shores store: “You get up in the morning; you don’t mind going to work every day.”
He praised the employees and customers he has had through the years in the St. Clair Shores area, saying the time has been enjoyable. He’s not sure yet what will happen to the store’s eight employees. He said his wife, Dawn, also works with him at the store.
Sales have been ongoing at the business since the announced closure on most things, such as Christmas ornaments, Hummel figurines, Precious Moments items and Boyds Bears. There is no discount on cards, according to the store’s Facebook posts.
Contact Christina Hall: chall@freepress.com. Follow her on X, formerly Twitter: @challreporter.
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This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Opal’s Hallmark in St. Clair Shores closing after nearly 50 years
Reporting by Christina Hall, Detroit Free Press / Detroit Free Press
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
By Christina Hall, Detroit Free Press | USA TODAY Network
