Norman's Hallmark Shop — Local services in Clarks Summit

(This a comment pertaining to this location and Norman's Hallmark locations, in general.)

I was really sad when Norman's took over for Lynn's in Clarks Summit, because Lynn's always had such unique products and everyone always seemed so dedicated, professional, and well-informed. This no longer seems to be the case. Over several visits to this location, I've noticed a lack of customer engagement, lack of informing customers of current or upcoming promotions, lack of product knowledge, yelling to other employees across the store about personal matters, lack of product uniqueness, and no assistance on the floor for customers in need, especially older customers.

On a positive note, the products that they do have are displayed well, and the store is always organized, week stocked, and clean. The cards are orderly and well taken care of.

Norman's locations in general: There seems to be way less engagement with customers, general lack of product knowledge (even how to find it/box it), unprofessional behavior such as yelling across the store, sharing personal stories with each other loudly (multiple locations), and no one to help customers on the floor. They also never inform you of promotional offers currently going on that incentivize customers to buy more or engage in the rewards program. I've actually missed out on promotions that were available to me as a rewards member. I went to a different Hallmark that same day and received much better service as well as the promotional items I had earned with my purchase. Those are the types of things that keep customers coming back.

Hallmark is a super unique store, and the customers, especially the older and most dedicated ones, need extra assistance. I've found myself helping people, especially in the card aisles.

Most notably, the products/types of items that used to be staples at the store before the ownership changed are plainly no longer available. Even the Hallmark-branded items you would expect to find, such as the items previously found at Lynn's, and the Montage location (which was a corporate store until Norman's took it over recently) are no longer available. The products sold at Norman's are not wide-ranging or very unique. They sell a lot of items similar to ones you can find in other giant retail stores at a fraction of the price. There are no longer niche items available or a family-centered focus on the selection of items sold.

Having worked for a locally owned Hallmark store for 5 years, I know that these are all trickle-down effects of ownership. Norman's owns so many locations that they can't possibly know the types of products that are popular/in-demand in our specific area. I'm not a religious person, but those unique items are always big sellers that customers now search elsewhere for. The lack of ownership engagement is also reflected in the employees. If they don't feel respected or cared about, and aren't paid well (which Hallmark is notorious for), how can they be expected to provide a high...

I shopped at the Clark’s Summit location. This is the second time in the last month I went to the store and purchased 2 mother days cards. I asked for the gold sticker to seal the back of the cards. This is the second time they mentioned they are out of stock. Now it may sound silly but this sticker makes the card presentation stand out. If they can’t keep stickers in stock why should I even shop there I should just go to the Dollar store and save money. The attendant didn’t explain it well other than saying thank you for the joke. Either stand out as a business or compete with the dollar store. Good luck in getting me to do business with...

Had to get a card for my niece, so instantly I think Hallmark, walk in the door and was greeted by not 1 but 2 store associates...besides that I was really surprised at how much merchandise they have!! I asked where I might find a card for my niece, she knew exactly where it was and mentioned the current sale, and really couldn't be any nicer...that's why I always go there!! I quickly got a great birthday card , because they have a great selection of cards, and picked up a couple of Throws that were on sale for only $9.99, and was out of there in under 10 minutes, love Norman's Hallmark and have my...