Christmas is deeply woven into the fabric of family life. It is a rich tapestry of celebration, spending time with those we love, and honoring the memory of those forever in our hearts. It is a time on every level of homecoming.
For everyone who wants to open their doors and share their hospitality, there is a place that offers one-stop shopping to help deck the halls: Kristi’s Hallmark on Greater Mack Avenue in St. Clair Shores.
“We are here to help celebrate life events large and small or show someone you care in moments of need,” says Matt Dunseith, who, with their wife Kristi, has owned the store since 2019. They have three other Hallmark locations in Macomb Township, Clinton Township, and Warren.
The St. Clair Shores store is unique, smaller, and has a more neighborhood feel. “We have very loyal shoppers in this location, people who have been shopping here under the previous ownership, and it is great to continue to serve them,” Matt says. He credits his wife Kristi as the true face of the business they’ve been in for 35 years.
“I love helping people celebrate the holidays with their families and decorate their homes,” Kristi explains. She buys for all four locations, and is always looking for stock that will make Kristi’s Hallmark a warm and happy place to walk into. “I want this to be a ‘feel good store,’ a welcome environment,” she says. “Holidays are happy times, and we want our stores to reflect that.”
That is top of mind when Kristi does the buying each January for items to stock for Christmas at the end of the year. “My goal is to offer our customers a choice of items in a range of price points, so they can create memories with items they feel good about, purchases that will enhance their holiday experience.”
Budget and choice are essential.
“We try to offer a balance,” Kristi explains. “Some customers want inexpensive. Others want designer, very high-end. I look for items that will add value. People want things to help them create a memory for those they care about.” According to the Dunseiths, that’s what the Hallmark brand is all about.
Kristi’s Hallmark is on-brand there, too. The Dunseiths have been married for 28 years and have two adult children who grew up in the family business.
“They keep us on track with our family traditions,” Kristi explains, adding it is not easy. Retail is known for long hours, and Kristi maintains a presence at all four locations, which together employ 50 people.
“During the day, I love helping customers find what they want for their family and friends, helping them find joy this time of year,” Kristi says. “When I get home after work, I rely on our kids to keep up our holiday traditions.”
Being a working mom has helped make Kristi’s Hallmark a place where customers can race in after a busy day and find what they need quickly, or take their time and browse until they find something inspiring. “We try to be responsive to our customers’ needs,” Kristi explains. “We bring in unique items and a mix of promotional things, so there really is something for everybody.”
Shoppers looking for a jumpstart on Christmas will find it in July, when the Hallmark Premier ornament collection arrives, followed by full stock rollout in September. Kristi’s Hallmark hosts a Holiday Open House each November to kick off the holidays, offering a variety of specials.
Kristi’s Hallmark (23155 Greater Mack Avenue, St. Clair Shores) is open 9:30AM - 6:00PM Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday; Thursdays until 7:00PM; Sundays through Christmas 11:00AM - 4:00PM. Call for details: (586) 775-6530.
“I love helping people celebrate the holidays with their families and decorate their homes,”