Hill’s Hallmark forges military connection | Federal Way Business Buzz

Whimsical stuffed “Gotta Hop” bunnies are perched about the warm, cream-colored interior of Hill’s Hallmark Gold Crown as customers enter the newly relocated store at the northeastern end of The Commons at Federal Way.

Flanked by the Christopher and Banks and C.J. Banks stores, the new Hallmark space is about 10 feet wider and brighter than its last space, said store manager Peggy Davis, a Federal Way resident who has been with the company for three years.

The relocation also allows Hallmark to place more seasonal merchandise and cards at the front of the store. The 3,910-square-foot store carries about 2,000 cards in 10 different brands and more than 30 different brands of gift items.

Mary Ann Aandal, an Algona resident, is the store’s assistant manager. She has worked in the mall for the past 10 years, including the past three years for Hill’s Hallmark. Aandal wears around her neck about a dozen different military pins given to her from customers connected to the military. She said Hill’s Hallmark staff members are currently discussing plans for several community giving projects — and one among them is related to helping deployed U.S. troops.

Hill’s Hallmark has been a tenant at The Commons mall since it opened as SeaTac Mall in 1975. The store is owned by two brothers, Roger Hill and Brian Hill. Their father, Don Hill, originally started Hill’s Hallmark, which also has locations in Milton, Lacey, Lakewood and Olympia.