Kansas City, Missouri, is home to many iconic institutions, but few are as ingrained in the city’s cultural and commercial fabric as Halls and Hallmark. These two names represent not just businesses but also a rich heritage and a commitment to excellence that has helped shape the city's identity.
Hallmark Cards, Inc., founded in 1910 by Joyce Clyde Hall, began as a modest postcard business. Joyce Hall moved to Kansas City from Nebraska with little more than ambition and a few shoeboxes of postcards.
Over the next century, Hallmark grew into a global leader in the greeting card industry, renowned for its creativity and emotional resonance. Today, Hallmark's headquarters in Crown Center, an urban complex in Kansas City, houses one of the largest greeting card companies in the world.
Hallmark's commitment to celebrating life’s special moments extends beyond cards to include television programming, gift wrap, and various consumer goods.
The Hallmark Channel, launched in 2001, further solidified the company's place in popular culture with its feel-good movies and series.
Halls Kansas City, a luxury department store established in 1916 by Joyce Hall’s brother, Rollie Hall, has been a staple of high-end retail in the city for over a century. Originally located in the Hall brothers' downtown building,
Halls later moved to the Country Club Plaza and then to Crown Center, reflecting the city’s growth and evolution. Halls is celebrated for its curated selection of designer clothing, accessories, home décor, and gifts. The store has long been known for its exceptional customer service and a shopping experience that blends luxury with Midwestern hospitality.
The synergy between Halls and Hallmark extends beyond their shared family origins. Both institutions embody a dedication to quality, community, and the celebration of life’s special moments.
Their influence on Kansas City is profound, shaping not just the economy but also the cultural landscape. Hallmark's investment in the arts and community initiatives, alongside Halls' support of local designers and events, highlights their ongoing commitment to the city.
In Kansas City, Halls and Hallmark stand as testaments to the vision and determination of the Hall family, whose legacy continues to thrive in the heart of America.
