Decades-Old Chester, Hackettstown Specialty Stores Shutting Doors

Two long-standing locally owned businesses in the area are set to close their doors over the next few weeks, leaving a loyal fan base having to travel out of the area to fulfill their needs.

Clark’s Hallmark of Chester, owned by Alfred Clark, and Baron’s Hallmark in Mansfield, owned by Norm Baron, will both shut their doors after decades of business.

Clark’s Hallmark will actually have its final day of operations on Wednesday, Jan. 14, and is currently under liquidation of the store’s merchandise and equipment. The store, located adjacent to the ShopRite in Chester on Rt. 206, has been open for two and-a-half years following a five-year stint in a different location. Prior to that half decade change, the store was in the Chester Springs Shopping Mall location for 13 years. The business has been operating with five employees.

Senior sales associate Carissa Jones said Tuesday the store began letting customers know about the closing just before Christmas, and started marking down its goods on Dec. 26.

Baron’s Hallmark announced it will close its doors in February, but has not set a specific date. It is also undergoing liquidation with as much as 70-percent off store items.

Baron’s has been a staple in the community for more than four decades, opening its doors 43 years ago. Norm Baron is retiring from the business.

Once the stores close, the nearest Hallmark brand store will be found in Succasunna at 275 Route 10 at The Paper Store.

Pictured: The exterior of Baron’s Hallmark in Mansfield. Photo Courtesy Baron’s Hallmark Facebook page.