Nel’s Hallmark

Owner: Nelda and Richard Allen

Address: 1404 N. College Ave.,

Fayetteville, 72703

Phone: 501-443-3663

Hours: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday-

Saturday and 1-5 p.m. Sunday

Start-up date: Nov. 26

Touches of the Allen family are spread throughout Nel’s Hallmark store in Evelyn Hills, and that is just what Nel Allen wanted.

“We want people to come in and feel like a part of the family,” Allen says. “Friendly customer service is our main goal.”

To create a comfortable atmosphere for the business, the Allens all put part of themselves into the store.

While Nel Allen works in the shop quite a bit, she also works another job as a dental hygienist, and her husband, Richard, manages the Hallmark store during the days. Even the Allens’ two children, ages 9 and 6, come in after school to help.

“It’s great. [Our two girls] will grow up learning how to do this,” Nel Allen says.

Formerly PK’s Hallmark, the new owners moved and expanded the store with new merchandise and an updated floor plan. Tripling the card selection and bringing in many new giftware items, the Allens opened their doors for the first time to a crowd on the day after Thanksgiving.

Such a hearty response from customers pleased the Allens as they had planned for more than a year to open the shop.