A long-time DEMDACO partner, Feeney’s Hallmark Shop, located at 16150 West 135th Street in Olathe, Kansas, is known locally as a go-to store for unique gifts, and boutique items for all the special occasions people love to celebrate. While they began as primarily a card shop, over the years they’ve expanded their offerings to include a wide-variety of specialty gifts, including home décor, picture frames, apparel, jewelry, Christmas ornaments, candles, books, stuffed animals, and kitchen goods.
Feeney’s also carries a wide assortment of hand-sculpted Willow Tree figures and other DEMDACO products, such as fashion apparel items from the popular Giving Collection.
A CONVERSATION WITH SANDY FEENEY
Sandy Feeney owns Feeny’s Hallmark, and has run the family business for more than four decades. She was kind enough to share some of her experiences and insights from her long career in the gift industry.
How long have you been in business?
We first opened a shop in Brookside 42 years ago and moved out here to our current location (in Olathe) in 1980.
How did you get into the gift business?
My mother worked at Hallmark for more than 20 years, and I opened our first store in Brookside with my mother-in-law. We’ve been a Hallmark family for a long time.
What are your top selling DEMDACO products?
We’ve sold Willow Tree for a long time and it’s a top seller. It’s a go-to gift for nearly any occasion. We also sell items from the Giving Collection — the Giving Bear is selling pretty well, as are the blankets.
What are some top-selling gifts and popular trends in the industry and your store?
Fashion is big right now. We’re selling more handbags and traditional apparel. We carry jewelry and other fashion accessories, too.
Why do you think DEMDACO products work in the mix of your inventory?
We try to sell thoughtful gifts for thoughtful people, and those products are a good fit. Willow Tree is a thoughtful gift for most occasions.
What are the most popular reasons your customers buy gifts?
It’s all over the place, but mostly birthdays, anniversaries, bereavement, weddings — people buy gifts for all kinds of occasions, so we try to have a wide selection.
Is there an underlying theme you try to convey through the products you sell?
Really, it just goes back to finding the most meaningful gifts that appeal to thoughtful people. We try to offer special items for many different occasions.
How do you find out about new trends and products, and do you ever take big risks on new products?
We learn about what’s doing well mostly trade publications, and we try new things here and there. I’m sure there have been a few experiments over the years, but nothing specific comes to mind.
What’s the best part of owning a gift shop?
Definitely, it’s the customers. I enjoy getting out of the office, telling people about new items and and just talking to them.
What’s the key to running a successful gift shop?
You must be very organized and make the store inviting and engaging to thoughtful customers looking for just the right gift.
During more than 40 years in business, Feeney’s Hallmark Shop has been recognized as one of the nation’s top Hallmark retailers, and we’re honored to see DEMDACO products on their shelves!
For more information about Feeney’s Hallmark, visit feeneyshallmark.com, where you can also shop online.
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