The Hallmark store in Owen Sound remains closed, but a company official says it should be open early in June.
The store in the Heritage Place Mall was abruptly closed on May 6th after the corporation claims “Coates and Best” defaulted on it’s franchise agreement elsewhere.
According to Hallmark Canada, Coates and Best had a total of 6 franchises for Hallmark stores in Ontario.
The corporate official tells Bayshore Broadcasting News the franchisee simply shut down two stores, including one in the Ottawa area.
Hallmark calls that a violation of the franchise agreement, and the company then moved to close the other operations.
An official at Coates and Best in Owen Sound declined comment when contacted by Bayshore Broadcasting News.
Hallmark now says the Owen Sound store will re-open under the corporate banner as soon as possible and likely in June.
