Dickinson's longstanding Joan's Hallmark, a 30-year mall veteran, went up for sale Wednesday and the owner is looking for a prospective buyer by Jan. 31.
"It's a profitable store, I've just got other things I want to take care of more," said owner Brian Bolinske of Williston. "I just have other things I need to get off my plate."
Bolinske owns and manages nine other businesses, including a Hallmark in Minot and one in Williston, and said he has become too busy.
The store's lease with mall owners is up Jan. 31
"It's not like if the lease is up it's done," Bolinske said. "If a buyer comes forward (before Jan. 31) that actually would give more opportunity for the individual to negotiate with the mall owners."
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Bolinske said if no buyer comes forward before Jan. 31, his decision on keeping the store open rests on how busy the store will be over the next few months.
"Hallmark would have an option of taking it over as a corporate store," Bolinske said. "It's a good opportunity for somebody who wants to be an owner/manager."
Whether or not that will happen is unknown.
"Being it's not a corporate store, they could very well close it," said Store Manager Jody Heck, who has been employed at the Hallmark for 22 years.
Dickinson real estate agent Susie Lefor, of LaDuke & Associates, said the business is listed for $163,900. The price includes all inventory, hardware and fixtures.
"I definitely feel this opportunity will command a lot of interested buyers," Lefor said. "This business has over a 25-year track record of profitability and success."
Hallmark corporate headquarters did not return a phone call and e-mail by press time.
Bolinske said the store has been in his family since his father purchased it in 1983 when it was Evenson's.
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The store was then named after his late sister, Joan.
During her time at the store, Heck said she has amassed countless memorable experiences.
Heck said she has had several people open up to her for support and a shoulder to cry on during a difficult card-buying moment.
"I just love the customers and the people," Heck said. "You see the people at the best and at their worst. You get to be a part of a lot of people's lives in their big moments."
