Stories from the Card Shop: Valentine’s Edition

By Julie, Store Manager (Kerrville)

Ah, Valentine’s Day at the card shop. I know you must be thinking- romantic cards,
boxes of chocolates and perfect gifts to tell someone how much they mean to you.
Sweet moments of assisting a teenage boy finding the perfect card for his first girlfriend,
to the man rolling his eyes telling me he has spent a fortune on cards because he has
been married for 62 years; and everything in between. From planners to panickers, we
have seen it all.

Panic you ask? At the Card Shop? (and not the Disco? ) Yes, sheer
panic.

The level of panic from guys stopping in after work on Valentine’s Day- rushing
around telling me “I am already late for dinner and I need a card!” You can hear the
panic in their cry for help. And that is when we step up, save the day, and keep them out
of the doghouse.

All of these moments make me stop, laugh, and think, “Yep. This is why I love working
here.” I would like to share a few of my favorite Valentine’s ‘stories from the card shop’
over the years.

The “Wife Aisle” Moment

An older gentleman was looking for cards. Another older gentleman who was trying to be helpful, says:
“If you’re looking for wives’ (cards), they are down there. He points.
The first guy pauses and says:
“I’ve been looking for a wife since 1952.” 

True Love (and French Fries)

Best thing overheard at work today:
A man is on the phone and says:
“Would you just leave me alone so I can buy your Valentine card?”
A minute or so goes by (he is still on the phone) and then he says:
“Fine. I’ll bring you some french fries.”
He ends the call and starts reading cards.
And THAT, ladies and gentlemen, is true love.

Russell Who?

A lady comes in looking for Valentine chocolates, specifically Godiva. My associate apologizes that we don’t have Godiva at this time, but we carry Russell Stover chocolates.
The customer says:
“The actor from Gladiator makes chocolates?” 
Welp. That’s Russell Crowe… and NOT Russell Stover.

The ‘Bulldozer’ Valentine

Best thing overheard in the card aisle:
“Hey man, whatcha get your wife for Valentine’s Day?”
Other guy:
“I bought a bulldozer and a skid-steer for the ranch today. She gets the bulldozer.” 
Honestly… I’m not mad at it.

Hallmark Life in One Word

If you’re curious what it is like to work for Hallmark, I can describe it in one word: GLITTER.
It’s in my purse, on my phone, in my wedding ring, in my ponytail, in my shoes, in my Jeep… everywhere.
I feel like Tinkerbell sprinkling pixie dust wherever I go.

“Are You with Child?”

One of the most random customer interactions:
A man is shopping for a birthday card for his daughter. He asks me how old I am. He guessed 23 (bless you, sir). I told him I was 38 and his response was:
“Are you with child?” 
I wasn’t sure if he was asking if I have kids… or telling me to back off the Valentine chocolate.
My response:
“No, I’m with dog.”
He did not continue the conversation.

Valentine’s Day brings out some of the best, the funniest, and the most unexpected moments in the card aisle. While you can’t find a bulldozer or a skid steer at the card shop, we can help you select the perfect card and gifts for that special someone.
And not just at Valentine’s Day. 

See you soon for more Stories from the Card Shop!