OUR TOWN
Bobbi’s Hallmark celebrates 25 years
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by Melissa Peaker-Whitten
Owner of Bobbi’s Hallmark, Carol Rodgers, helps a customer with some Christmas gifts.
Photos by Casey Christie
Tom and Carol Rodgers know the reason they have had a successful business is due to the people of Bakersfield. Their business, Bobbi’s Hallmark, celebrates its silver anniversary this year, and it couldn’t have been possible without the support of Bakersfield’s residents. In fact, they say it was the people that made them want to make Bakersfield their home in the first place. The Rodgers first came to Bakersfield when Texaco brought Tom out for a yearlong assignment. But they liked Bakersfield so well, they asked the company to transfer them back here if they ever had an opening. A year and a half later, they were back in Bakersfield – this time permanently. “We loved the people, the friendliness of the area, it felt like home,” said Carol. “We found a wonderful church, great friendships and when the year was over we just hated to leave.” While still living in Oklahoma, the couple learned of an opportunity with the Hallmark Corporation through a friend. They opened their first Hallmark store in Fayetteville, Arkansas in 1976. They went on to open a second store in Ft. Smith, Arkansas. They eventually sold that store and moved the Fayetteville store to their home town of Tulsa, OK. They sold the store when they moved to California. 74
Bakersfield Life
December 2011
Once settled in Bakersfield, their friends Bob and Bobbi Williams asked if the Rodgers would like to partner with them in opening a Hallmark store here. This is where the name Bobbi’s originated. The store opened its doors on Sept. 15, 1987 at the Stockdale location where it’s still flourishing today. Along with the Williams, they also operated two Hallmark stores in the Valley Plaza for several years, eventually selling them and expanding their current location. After 10 years partnering with their friends, the Williams retired and sold their share of the corporation to the Rodgers. When they opened the 8,500 square foot store, it was the largest store in the Hallmark family at that time. And Carol’s goal was to make it a destination store. A place where people could come and find the things they needed for all of life’s celebrations. “Our slogan is ‘We’re more than just a great Hallmark store,’” said Carol. “Most people will walk into our doors and tell us they’ve never been to a Hallmark store like this.” Some customers come from out of town, making a special trip just to come to their store. While some Hallmark stores are company owned, others are independently owned, but have an agreement with the company to carry their products. Bobbi’s is owned and operated by the Rodgers which is part of the reason it is so unique.