ST. CLAIR SHORES, Mich. – A longtime small business in St. Clair Shores is preparing to close its doors after nearly five decades, prompting a rush of customers to stop in one last time to shop and share memories.
Opal’s Hallmark Shop, located at 24311 Harper Ave. in St. Clair Shores, has been a familiar stop for generations looking for cards, gifts, and seasonal items for life’s biggest moments, from graduations and birthdays to sympathy cards.
“It’s like the grocery store,” customer Tracey Moro said. “You know, it’s where you go to get your cards and your gifts. It’s going to be different, not being here.”
For years, customers described the store as more than a place to shop, a “home away from home” where staff knew regulars by name and helped people find the right words when it mattered most.
“If the walls inside Opal’s Hallmark shop could talk,” employee Lisa said. “Oh, they’ve seen some stuff.”
Shoppers, including Jacqueline Migan, said they were saddened to learn the St. Clair Shores location will permanently close at the end of the week.
“The people,” Migan said when asked what she’ll miss most. “I feel really bad for them. The people that worked here have always been very, very nice. Very helpful. And you hate to see a business close.”
Store owner Steve Beskange said the business has deep roots in the community.
He said his father started Opal’s Hallmark in 1955, when the shop was about half its current size.
“Every card was handpicked by my dad,” Beskange said. “This was one of his three stores.”
Beskange said he purchased the shop from its previous owner in 1977 and has operated the Harper Avenue location for 49.5 years. As for the decision to close now, he said simply, “It’s time.”
“I appreciate all the years of wonderful companionship between us and our customers and the city,” Beskange said. “Yeah, it’s been wonderful.”
Employees said the goodbye has been emotional, especially as longtime customers stop in to express how much the store has meant to them.
“We have so many that are so sad,” Lisa said. “They share their sadness, which brings it back to our sadness. It’s kind of hard. It’s kind of emotional, a little bit.”
Beskange said after the store closes, he plans to focus on spending time with family and traveling.
The Opal’s Hallmark location on 23 Mile Road in New Baltimore will remain open.
The St. Clair Shores store’s last day is Saturday, July 18.