Today I entered my local Hallmark Greeting Cards Store in search of a variety of boxed notecards.  After selecting $60 worth of cards, I went to the register and asked the 3 ladies working behind the counter to kindly direct me toward their writing pens.  The eldest woman quickly responded, “We don’t sell pens.  Go to Staples.”  I paused, holding back my outburst of laughter and amazement.  I then simply said, “Oh, thank you.”  Bewildered as to the reality that my local Hallmark Card Store sells paper note cards yet sells no pens, I could not help reminiscing over the recent news articles and stories which touted the desperate attempts at survival by the note card industry.  Seems as though e-letters and services such as SendOutCards.com have completely replaced the handwritten note card for millions of Americans amongst select generations.   Nonetheless, my local franchisee seems to prefer promoting Staples rather than serve one of her customers or even attempt to gain my business.  So without hesitation, I wandered back to the notecard section, placed my $60 in notecards back on the shelf and quickly departed the Hallmark Store, headed directly for Staples just steps away in the same parking lot!

Upon arriving at Staples I asked the clerk to direct me toward their notecard section, which he obliged by walking me directly to the notecard section of the store.  After I had thanked him, the clerk continued, “Please let me know if you need help with finding the best pen to go with your notecards.”

Aha, I knew there was a reason I have had my Rewards Account with Staples for nearly the past decade, and why I purchase all of my office supplies and equipment with Staples. True story, at 3:47 p.m. today I departed Staples completely satisfied with my $47.63 purchase of note cards and writing pens.

One notable aside:  Office Depot opened a store two doors down from this Staples last year and it failed, leaving behind an empty retail space.

Moral of the Story:  Word of mouth advertising is the best endorsement around, especially when it comes directly from the mouths of your competitor right next door.

***Hallmark’s Response:

Response Via Email(Kristen) – Next Day 02:56 PM Thank you for contacting Hallmark.

We are sorry to learn that you have had an unsatisfactory experience at a retail store that carries Hallmark products. That store is not owned by Hallmark Cards, Inc. but is licensed to carry our products and use our trademark.  Since we do not own the store or the building, we cannot interfere in its management and operation or its business practices. We will relay your comments to our Hallmark field sales group to make them aware of your concern.  However, if you require a resolution, you will need to work with the store management of that particular store.

We do understand that consumers identify us closely with their local Hallmark retailers and appreciate that you took the time to let us know what happened.

Thanks,

Hallmark Consumer Care

www.Hallmark.com

Hilarious!!