Rand's Hallmark Sold, But Tinley Store Might Not Reopen

By Karen Sorensen, Joliet Patch Editor

Rand's Hallmark stores in Tinley Park and five other towns have been purchased by a large Hallmark store owner, but it's not known if all six will reopen.

Laura Sievert, marketing director for Quincy-based Kirlin’s Hallmark, told the Joliet Herald News they are evaluating each site, which also include locations in Frankfort, Homer Township, Orland Hills, Oswego and Crest Hill.

“At this time, we’re working out the details of which stores will reopen,” Sievert told the paper. “It’s a lengthy process.”

A call to the Tinley Park store at 7344 W. 191st St., was not answered.

The chain of Rand stores had been set to close June 17, but received a temporary reprieve from the bank to allow co-owner Gary Watland to attempt to finalize their sale to a new owner. 

READ: Rand's Hallmark Stores Closing Monday, Being Auctioned Off Tuesday

Although Watland was ultimately forced to close the stores before June 30, he was successful in making the sale. Had the deal not gone through, the stores would have been auctioned off.

Watland said in June that he and co-owner Val Rand, who gave up management responsibilities two years ago, had been bankrupted by the business and would not make any money off the sale, he said. His goal, he said, was to try to keep the stores open so the employees could keep their jobs.

READ: Rand's Hallmark Stores Get Reprieve, Will Stay Open for Now

The chain of Rand stores, which once numbered 18, fell on hard financial times when the 2008 recession struck, Rand said in mid-June. Watland, however, said there were other factors, including financial mismanagement, that contributed. 

Kirlin's owns 89 Hallmark stores in 10 states, according to the Herald News story.