Hallmark Stores are playing Amy Grant & Christian Music.

[Chicago1]

Dear All,

I went into a local Hallmark store on Chicago's North Shore and I walked in and they're playing Amy Grant's christian music. This is ridiculous and offensive. I wanted to bring it to your attention. Everyone shouldn't have to listen to this and everyone isn't a Christian. I told the employees and they agreed.

Enclosed is their address and URL.

Hallmark Customer Service
P.O. Box 419034
Mail Drop 216
Kansas City, Missouri 64141

http://www.hallmark.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/HomePageView?langId=-1&storeId=10001&catalogId=10051

[Coexist]

1. sorry, I don't really care if they play Amy Grant

and I am not Christian.

Just shop somewhere else. Your $$ is more of a vote than a complaint anyway.

[Deja Q]

13. I am Christian...

And I think it's silly. It's elevator music as far as most are concerned. Since when is elevator music NOT annoying?

And you're right about $$ being more of a vote.

[Proud2BAmurkin]

32. Didn't Amy Grant leave her family to fuck another country star?

I think I read that somewhere

[Warren DeMontague]

40. She's a sinner

http://www.jesus-is-savior.com/Evils%20in%20America/CCM/amy_grant-exposed.htm

[rpgamerd00d]

2. Um, ever heard of the 1st Amendment? They can play what they want.

Sheesh.

[HockeyMom]

6. Of course they can

but if enough people complain and tell them they will go elsewhere, that is bad for their BUSINESS and their PROFITS are the bottom line.

[rpgamerd00d]

10. I would bet money that 80% of the people wouldn't complain at all

... and that the remaining 20% would mostly not even notice for the brief period of time they are in the store.

[FreedomAngel82]

43. So what?

The store owner can play whatever they like and see fit. How do you know they don't have a disc that plays different music and Ms. Grant was on the time the person was there? When were you there? I'm getting so tired of people bashing Christians (and I am one thank you very much) and getting annoyed at every little thing. Don't like it? DO NOT SHOP THERE! I'd tell a fundie the same thing if they didn't like Hot Topic or some teen store playing teen rock music.

[Deja Q]

14. Agreed!!!!!

If the music is sickening, just shop elsewhere or tune it out. Elevator music.

I'm more enraged by parents who take toddlers out at 11PM on Saturdays to do grocery shopping. Especially if the kid is hacking and coughing, the kid needs sleep. Not to be carted around like a piece of inconvenient luggage.

[951-Riverside]

34. I walked into a 99 cents store owned by a very nice arabic family....

They were playing middle eastern but did I twitch and moan about it?

No.

I really don't care but I guess I'm not an uptight person.

[DesertRat]

3. We need to pick our battles

You said "Hallmark Stores" are playing Amy Grant. There are hundreds of these stores around the country. How do you know what they all are playing? You should also take it up with the store owner, not Hallmark's corporate offices.

This is not a big deal. Shop somewhere else.

[proud2BlibKansan]

4. I used to work in a Hallmark store

and I live in KC, the headquarters of Hallmark. I also grew up and went to school with the Hall's kids.

The stores are individually owned and operated. Hallmark merely supplies merchandise and a logo. The music in each store is a local decision. Hallmark does NOT dictate to individual store owners what music to play. In the store where I worked, we played no music at all. So complain to the store owner, not to Hallmark.

The Halls are moderate Republicans. They are not fundies. They are also wonderful philanthropists and have done many fabulous things for the KC community. Last I heard, they hadn't gone religious. LOL

[Scout1071]

20. Agreed. I've met several members of the Hall Family and I believe they

are good people. Bill Hall and his wife are a bit uptight, but they seem to be genuine. I often see them at KU games cheering on the Hawks. Last weekend I saw someone spill a plate of nachos on Bill. He was totally gracious about it and just laughed it off.

His sister, Margaret, is an absolute delight. She is a very important artistic force in Kansas City and funds incredible shows. Her gallery, Grand Arts, is one of my favorites in Kansas City. And oh yea....she is a Democrat. I know. I've had personal discussions with her about this administration.

Don't judge a greeting card by it's cover!

[proud2BlibKansan]

22. Margie was in my sister's class

And I am not surprised to hear she is a Dem. She was good people in high school. So are her parents. I was actually surprised to hear they were Repubs.

[Scout1071]

23. Yes, she is quite liberal. Besides being a leading artistic force,

if not THE leading artistic force in KC, she donates incredible amounts of money to charities and has adopted a child from Bangladesh, to whom she is a single parent.

I've also had the pleasure of being in her home and she has one of the most incredible views in this entire city. It literally takes your breath away at night.

[proud2BlibKansan]

26. Do her parents still send out ornaments in their Christmas cards?

We used to love getting those when I was a kid.

[FreedomAngel82]

44. I love their cards

My family mostly buys them for special occasions like a special birthday or something like that. They have some great artwork.

[NYCGirl]

5. If you don't like it, you have a right to leave the store. The owners have

a right to play whatever music they want.

[LiberalPartisan]

7. And this is an issue for what reason? n/t

[QC]

36. It's a chance to play the victimized drama queen.

For some people around here, that's a constant issue.

[Warpy]

I don't care what they play

(not that I'd recognize it if I heard it). All that cutesy poo crap in one place makes me gag and I'm already votng with my feet and my dollars and going to a hipper store that plays music recorded in the past half decade and sells gag cards.

My family aint real big on cheap sentiment.

[tuvor]

8. You can't be serious.

:rofl:

[Angry Girl]

9. I boycott Hallmark anyways

I won't back any corporation that makes up bullshit holidays just so they can sell their miserable, cutesy merchandise and kill more trees.

[Poppyseedman]

11. So taking your logic a step farther

Any time I walk into a retail outlet and they are playing some moronic rap song that advocates beating your women, dealing drugs, shooting cops and other various social ills that I find extremely offensive, I should post a thread demanding something be done?

Get over yourself. Go shop somewhere else or tune it out.

Oh' I forgot, it's a religious right wing conspiracy to make you listen

:argh:

[FreedomAngel82]

46. So by that

I can forget FYE and BestBuy. *giggles* I love those stores anyways though. I just drown out the music quite frankly. I'm there to shop and not listen to music. I have my IPod for that.

[OPERATIONMINDCRIME]

12. I'm Sorry, But I Find This To Be None Of Our Business, Not To Mention An

Attempt at impeding the 1st ammendment. If customers in the store are offended they have every right to complain and should, if they feel inclined to. But Hallmark can choose to play any type of music they want, and I can't condone a huge campaign because we happen to not like their choice. Honestly? I can't remember the last time I went into a store playing music that actually had something on I could rock out to, but I didn't quite get offended over it.

[meganmonkey]

15. Why don't you buy your cards and things

at a store with a little more creative and original merchandise, or make your own cards?

I don't know, I go into to stores like that and shake my head and leave. It's cheap tacky crap anyway :shrug:

[rpgamerd00d]

17. I havent gone to a Hallmark store since the invention of Super Stop&Shop

:D

[FreedomAngel82]

47. My cousin does that

She makes her own cards if it's like for a birthday or something like that. My grandmother I think is the only one who shops at Hallmark. My family does rarely if it's for something special like a special birthday or someone we know celebrating a special anniversary.

[Thtwudbeme]

16. Just the fact that they play Amycrap is enough to keep me out.

Plus all that shit like Hummel figurines that I can't figure out why people buy them.

Crazy is as crazy does I guess...

[journalist3072]

18. This is a non-issue here

So what if they are playing Amy Grant's music?

You're not going into Hallmark to hear music; you're going in there to make your purchases and get out.

I don't like some of the rap music I hear going into some stores. But it really doesn't faze me b/c I know the store has a right to play whatever music they want, and I'm not there to listen to music. I'm there to shop and make any purchases I need and leave.

There are plenty more things to get riled up about that what type of music these stores play.

[Cassandra]

19. I agree with others here.

Complain to the store manager and if you don't feel satisfied with the response, take your business elsewhere and let the store and the parent company know why you are upset. I understand that the music is annoying; I'd be annoyed, too. Other than Christmas music during Christmas season (which at least has a sell-by date) religious music in a secular store can be a good or a bad business decision. It's up to you to let them know your opinion.

[Tsiyu]

21. Just don't shop there

I haven't bought a Hallmark card in years, ever since their lawsuit with Blue Mountain Arts. Hallmark basically tried to steal BMA's ideas and format, but Hallmark LOST.

They are just another soulless corporation. Don't feed the BEAST

[AX10]

24. I don't shop at Hallmark.

Expensive crap and they are owned by Christian Fundies.

[noamnety]

25. Hallmark is a very RED company

As a result, they're on my boycott list. Here's the first page of their donations (sorted by dollar amount) from open secrets:

Contributor Occupation Date Amount Recipient
HALL, DONALD J MR JR HALLMARK CARDS INC./CHAIRMAN OF THE 9/27/2005 $12,500 Republican National Cmte
HALL, ADELE M MRS HALLMARK CARDS INC./PRESIDENT/CEO 9/27/2005 $12,500 Republican National Cmte
HALL, DONALD J MR HALLMARK CARDS/CHAIRMAN 6/20/2003 $12,500 Republican National Cmte
HALL, DONALDJ MR HALLMARK CARDS INC./CHAIRMAN OF THE 12/20/2001 $10,000 Republican National Cmte
DRUTEN, ROBERT J MR HALLMARK CARDS INC./VICE PRESIDENT 5/17/2005 $5,000 Kansas City Southern (PAC, 96% to republicans)
Hall, David Mr Hallmark Cards Inc. 11/3/2004 $2,812 Republican Party of Wisconsin
Hall, David E Mr Hallmark Cards Inc. 11/1/2004 $2,812 Republican Party of Ohio
Hall, David Hallmark Cards 10/27/2004 $2,812 Republican Party of Florida
HALL, DONALDJ MR HALLMARK CARDS INC. 12/20/2001 $2,500 RNC/Repub National State Elections Cmte
SCHAFFER, NAN E HALLMARK CARDS/OWNER 12/9/2003 $2,500 Democratic Congressional Campaign Cmte
HALL, DONALD HALLMARK CARDS INC 9/22/2004 $2,008 Republican Party of Florida
HALL, DONALD HALLMARK CARDS INC 9/22/2004 $2,008 Republican Party of Florida
HALL, DONALD HALLMARK CARDS INC 9/22/2004 $2,008 Republican Party of Florida
HALL, DONALD J HALLMARK CARDS INC./CHAIRMAN OF THE 11/12/2004 $2,000 White Mountain PAC (100% to republicans)
HALL, DONALD HALLMARK/CEO 12/25/2004 $2,000 Volunteer PAC (100% to republicans)
HALL JR, DONALD J HALLMARK CORP./EXECUTIVE 5/3/2004 $2,000 Taff, Adam (Republican)
HALL, DAVID E HALLMARK CARDS 10/19/2004 $2,000 Specter, Arlen (Republican)
ACHEE, ADRIANNE HALLMARK 9/21/2004 $2,000 Kennedy, John Neely (Democrat)
HALL, DONALD HALLMARK CARDS INC 6/28/2004 $2,000 Gregg, Judd (Republican)
HALL, DONALD HALLMARK CARDS/CHAIRMAN OF THE BOAR 10/18/2004 $2,000 Dreier, David (Republican)
HALL, DAVID HALLMARK CARDS 3/18/2002 $2,000 Dole, Elizabeth (Republican)
BALTHAZOR, JOE HALLMARK CARDS INC 6/10/2004 $2,000 Darrow, Russ (Republican)
HALL, DON HALLMARK CARDS/EXECUTIVE 3/31/2004 $2,000 Cleaver, Emanuel (Democrat)
HALL, DON JR HALLMARK CARDS/EXECUTIVE 3/31/2004 $2,000 Cleaver, Emanuel (Democrat)
HALL, DON HALLMARK CARDS/EXECUTIVE 9/29/2004 $2,000 Cleaver, Emanuel (Democrat)
HALL, DON HALLMARK CARDS/EXECUTIVE 10/11/2004 $2,000 Cleaver, Emanuel (Democrat)
HALL, DAVID HALLMARK/EXECUTIVE 9/29/2004 $2,000 Cleaver, Emanuel (Democrat)
HALL, DON HALLMARK CARDS 6/2/2003 $2,000 Cain, Herman (Republican)
HALL, DON HALLMARK CARDS 6/2/2003 $2,000 Cain, Herman (Republican)
HALL, DON JR HALLMARK CARDS 6/2/2003 $2,000 Cain, Herman (Republican)
HALL, DON JR HALLMARK CARDS 6/2/2003 $2,000 Cain, Herman (Republican)
HALL, DAVID E HALLMARK CARDS 6/3/2003 $2,000 Cain, Herman (Republican)
HALL, DAVID E HALLMARK CARDS 6/3/2003 $2,000 Cain, Herman (Republican)
HALL, DAVID E MR HALLMARK CARDS INC./VICE PRESIDENT 6/30/2003 $2,000 Bush, George W
DRUTEN, ROBERT J MR HALLMARK CARDS/BUSINESS EXECUTIVE 9/24/2003 $2,000 Bush, George W
ENGELHARDT, DANIEL A MR HALLMARK DEVELOPMENT INC./BUILDER/D 4/20/2004 $2,000 Bush, George W
HALL, DONALD HALLMARK CARDS 5/6/2004 $2,000 Brownback, Sam (Republican)
HALL, DONALD HALLMARK CARDS 5/6/2004 $2,000 Brownback, Sam (Republican)
HALL, DAVID HALLMARK CARDS INC 6/30/2003 $2,000 Bond, Christopher S 'Kit' (Republican)
HALL, DONALD HALLMARK CARDS INC 6/30/2003 $2,000 Bond, Christopher S 'Kit' (Republican)
HALL, DONALD HALLMARK CARDS INC 3/5/2004 $2,000 Bond, Christopher S 'Kit' (Republican)
HALL, DAVID HALLMARK CARDS INC 9/29/2004 $2,000 Bond, Christopher S 'Kit' (Republican)
DONALD J HALL JR HALLMARK CARDS/PRESIDENT CEO 6/30/2003 $2,000 Blunt, Roy (Republican)

I don't care how many nachos were spilled in their laps at a sports game or how graciously they reacted. I care where my money's going. It's sure as hell not going to reelect more republicans, by way of the Hall's pockets.

[Scout1071]

27. I'm sorry, but am I missing Bill and Margaret on that list somewhere?

SOME of the Hall family is red. Some are blue. Just like most famililes.

Edited to note that I have seen and experienced the generosity of the Hall Family. Even if every last one of them is a Republican, I will not bad mouth them. Based on my experience, they are kind and generous people. And they fund so many community based projects here in Kansas City that make a difference socially, artistically and economically. Republican or not, I respect them.

[noamnety]

28. Adele Hall is a Bush "Pioneer"

That post above was the first page from Open Secrets, for the most recent years (including 2004), sorted by dollar amount, with Hallmark cited as the occupation. So either Bill and Margaret aren't Hallmark employees, or they didn't donate enough to make it on the list.

When I go shopping, I keep in mind who is the ultimate recipient of my money. It's not "badmouthing" or "disrespecting" anyone to research that. The majority of the political donations from Hallmark go to Republicans. Thus, I do not shop at that company. Their family members might well be lovely people. The CEO of Walmart might also have lovely relatives who give to the community and are even democrats. Sam Walton himself might be completely gracious if someone spills lunch in his lap. That doesn't mean I'll be shopping there.


Adele Hall, Bush Pioneer. Hall is married to Donald J. Hall, chair of Hallmark Cards. Hall ranks 139 among the Forbes 400 Richest Americans. The Halls are leading GOP donors. Adele Hall held a fundraiser for Bush before he publicly announced his presidential candidacy. She flew to Austin to meet with Bush in early ‘99 along with three other Missouri Pioneers: Stephen Brauer, Sam Fox and John Mahaffey. Adele Hall vice chairs President Bush’s Points of Light Foundation. http://www.tpj.org/pioneers/adele_hall.html

[Scout1071]

29. Fair enough, but please consider this before you apply them to your banned

list:

They employ 10's of thousands of artists, poets, authors, actors, etc., worldwide. A freakishly high number of these artists and other Hallmark employees spend their lifetime working for the company. They are loyal and they are rewarded with great jobs, high salaries and awesome benefits. Hallmark has a terrific reputation for workers rights and benefits. How can they be all that bad if they happily employ so many artistic people - who are more liberal by nature?

I can understand your hesitation based on the records at Open Secrets. I wish that they hadn't donated to those Republican causes, but it doesn't surprise me to see Don listed. And I believe that a few of the Hall family members (i.e. Don and David) are more fundie than the others. But, by and large they really make a positive impact on our community. As a native Kansas Citian, I just ask that you consider these things as well as the Open Secrets records, before making your own decision about whether you want to support them. I know for a fact that they donate heavily to science, medicine, the arts and humanities, charities, youth sports foundations and much, much more.

And I'd like to note that I only relayed the nacho story as being my most recent experience with them. It happened only days ago. I'm not trying to base my point of view on him not yelling at someone because they spilled nachos. I think you are glossing over the more relevant info here.

Republican or not. Christian or not. They are kind, generous people. We would be lucky if more Republicans and so-called Christians acted as they do. They actually put their money where their mouth is when it comes to trying to make this world a better place. And I know from personal experience that some of them are not Republicans.

Last year at The University of Kansas: "The Hall Family Foundation, Kansas City, Mo., $42 million for construction of a bioscience building at the Medical Center, a building at the Edwards Campus and a new building for the Hall Center for the Humanities; also pays for a School of Business professorship." http://www2.ljworld.com/news/2004/aug/14/ku_first_fundraising/

When more than 20 children from the Children's Hospital in New Orleans were emergency evacuated with their families to Children's Mercy Hospital (which was built with Hall money directly across the street from the Hallmark headquarters) in Kansas City, who paid for them from the minute they arrived? The Hall Family.

I could go on all day searching for links, but the weather is incredibly beautiful and I'm going out into it. I understand and respect your opinion. I also try to shop at blue friendly companies, starting with Costco as often as possible. But, I do hope that I've given you something to chew on. As is often the case, sometimes there is more to the story.

[noamnety]

33. If the Halls hadn't helped put Bush in office

Maybe those evacuated from New Orleans wouldn't have NEEDED to rely on private charitable donations to survive.

It's not that hard to find companies to support that donate to charity, treat their employees well, and don't help put fascists in power.

[FreedomAngel82]

48. Notice who the only democrat they give to is

Heh heh. Trying to look all diverse when they're not. I do think they have beautiful artwork on cards but it's just so pricy for a card.

[earth mom]

30. I'm with you.

They are forcing you to hear a religious AND political statement. The fundies are stepping on all our toes, not the other way around. I don't care what religion anyone is-if it makes you happy, great-but just DO NOT force it down my throat or upon my ears! :mad:

[OPERATIONMINDCRIME]

31. Walk out of the store then. n/t

[earth mom]

41. Bottom line, it's rude behavior-Do they want customers or not?

Must be nice to NOT need customers when you are IN BUSINESS to make money. :eyes:

[bammertheblue]

35. Um, just so you know....

writing to the main Hallmark isn't going to do shit. Each Hallmark is different. They're all independent, and the managers are the ones who decide what music gets played, not the grand high poo-bah of Hallmark. It's likely they have several cds in rotation.

Yes, I work at Hallmark. I have no particular desire to defend or attack them. I'm just letting you know. Shop at a different store if you don't like it.

[SmokingJacket]

37. That's what Hallmark is.

You don't have to shop there.

Find a locally owned card and gift store, or if your town is too small, check out etsy.com for terrific handmade gifts....

[Warren DeMontague]

38. Christian I can handle. It's the "Suck" that bothers me.

But, then, that pretty much covers most of the shit on the airwaves these days.

[Warren DeMontague]

39. Yeah, I'm kind of the opinion that they can play what they want.

And of coure, you're welcome to not shop there. (I'm finding less and less reason to go anywhere except COSTCO, these days!!!)

Back in my retail days, I used to play the Dead fairly regularly in the Store I was running. Certain demographics would go positively bonkers.

[FreedomAngel82]

42. How do you know they don't play other music?

Do you go there all the time at different points of the day or just this one point in time? Before you start jumping all over everyone. Oh and Amy Grant is also a secular artist by the way. She isn't just a Christian artist even though that is who she caters to mostly. I've heard song "Baby Baby" on secular stations all the time growing up. If you don't like it don't shop there.

[Charlie Brown]

45. Hallmark is a private store

and you don't have to shop there.

They can cater to whichever customers they want.

[otohara]

49. Maybe They Sell The CD You Were Hearing

which only makes sense they were playing it. She did a Christmas CD with Hallmark - it's not a big deal. Don't shop there.

[radwriter0555]

50. Hmmm, so.... don't go in there. Why pay extra for a CARD? They're canned

sentiment, all fake and all plastic.

A hand written note is much, much nicer.

[KitchenWitch]

51. I believe most Hallmark Stores are franchises

and it is up to the franchisee what music is played in the stores. You certainly are within your rights to write to the owner of the franchise and express your displeasure. Just FYI, Hallmark as a company donates predominantly to Republican causes (87% versus 13% to Democrats). This information is from http://wwww.buyblue.org

[LSK]

52. its a private business, they can play what they want

And you have the right not to go there. I dont see what the problem is???

[oasis]

53. Stop by your local pub, down a couple of shots, then go shopping.(eom)