From Hallmark favorites and unique gifts to Christmas Lane memories and more than 60 years of Kenosha history, RK News Hallmark is helping make the season merry and bright!
There's just something about walking into a Hallmark store during the holidays.
The Christmas decorations, the holiday music, the ornaments, the greeting cards, and all those gifts waiting to find their way under someone's Christmas tree.
For many of us, it's a little trip down memory lane.
And in Kenosha, RK News Hallmark has been helping families celebrate life's special moments for generations!
This locally owned family business has been part of the Kenosha community for more than 60 years, bringing together the nostalgia of Hallmark with an ever-changing selection of gifts, keepsakes, and fun surprises.
We caught up with Jessica Phillips, the current manager of RK News Hallmark, for our Visit Kenosha Holiday Q&A to talk about Christmas traditions, holiday shopping, family memories, and why supporting local businesses means so much to her.
And as Jessica will tell you, when it comes to Christmas, Hallmark knows a thing or two!
More Than 60 Years of Making Memories in Kenosha!
RK News Hallmark isn't just another place to pick up a greeting card or Christmas gift.
It's a family business with roots that go back generations.
Tell us a little about yourself and the history of RK News Hallmark.
"Hi, my name is Jessica Phillips, and I'm the current manager of RK News Hallmark!
Did you know we've been a Kenosha staple for over 60 years? My grandfather started the business in the 1950s, and we opened our first retail location in 1966.
We've had the privilege of watching Kenosha grow and change over the decades, and we've made it a priority to grow and evolve right alongside the community, adapting to what our customers need and love."
Think about that for a moment.
More than six decades of helping Kenosha families celebrate birthdays, anniversaries, weddings, graduations, Christmases, and just about every other occasion you can imagine!
That's a lot of greeting cards, gifts, and memories.
And while shopping habits and trends have changed over the years, RK News Hallmark has continued to find new ways to serve its customers while keeping that familiar, welcoming feeling.
A Little Nostalgia & Something New!
One of the fun things about RK News Hallmark is that you never quite know what you'll discover.
Sure, you'll find those classic Hallmark favorites, but there's plenty more to explore!
For someone who has never visited RK News Hallmark, what can they expect?
"When you walk through our doors, you'll find a little bit of everything!
There's a mix of nostalgia that comes with the classic Hallmark brand, paired with the excitement of discovering new products and keeping up with current trends.
We have everything you need to make any occasion special, from cards for just about every moment in life to unique gifts, keepsakes, and, of course, gift wrap to finish it all off!"
And that's what makes a stop at RK News Hallmark so much fun.
You might walk in looking for a Christmas card and leave with a gift you didn't even know you were looking for!
Whether you're shopping for someone special, picking up a little something for yourself, or just browsing, there's always something worth checking out.
It's Christmas All Year at Hallmark!
Let's face it. When you think of Hallmark, Christmas probably isn't far behind.
Between the holiday movies, ornaments, greeting cards, and decorations, Hallmark and Christmas practically go hand in hand.
And RK News Hallmark certainly embraces that holiday spirit!
How does RK News Hallmark get ready for the holidays?
"Hallmark is basically Christmas year-round!
But when November and December roll around, we really turn up the holiday spirit.
We deck out the store in Christmas decorations, keep the holiday music playing, and even get festive with our outfits.
We love making the store feel like a fun, welcoming place to kick off the holiday season!"
Now that's our kind of holiday shopping!
Christmas music playing, decorations everywhere, and plenty of festive cheer.
And if you're someone who likes to get an early start on Christmas shopping, RK News Hallmark is certainly a good place to begin.
The Famous Squishy Wall & Gifts for Everyone!
We all have that one person on our Christmas shopping list who's impossible to buy for.
But Jessica and the RK News Hallmark team are always looking for new and interesting gifts to make holiday shopping a little easier.
And there's one particular part of the store that's become quite the attraction!
What are some of the fun and unique gifts shoppers can find at RK News Hallmark?
"We can't let this question go by without giving a shout-out to our famous squishy wall!
If you know the trend, you know how hard some of these items can be to find.
We're always working to keep something new in stock, and our selection changes weekly, sometimes even daily!
We spend a lot of time keeping up with the latest trends and tracking down the next must-have items.
But beyond the squishy wall, we truly have gifts for all ages and just about everyone on your list!
We put a lot of thought into the products we carry, carefully choosing unique, meaningful, and fun gifts that we hope will make someone's day a little more special."
Wait a minute. A whole wall of squishies?
Now that's something we need to check out!
And with the selection changing so often, you never know what might show up next.
Of course, the squishy wall is just one part of the shopping experience.
From traditional Hallmark favorites to new trends, thoughtful keepsakes, and gifts for all ages, RK News Hallmark offers plenty of ways to check names off your holiday shopping list.
And don't forget the greeting cards and gift wrap!
Because sometimes finding the perfect words to go along with a gift is just as important as the gift itself.
Holiday Deals & Special Surprises!
Looking for a few extra reasons to stop by RK News Hallmark this holiday season? How about some great deals to go along with all those Christmas gifts!
Jessica and the team have some special offers lined up for Black Friday and Small Business Saturday weekend, making it a great time to check a few more names off your holiday shopping list.
Here's what shoppers can look forward to:
- Holiday Boxed Cards & Gift Wrap: Buy One, Get One 50% Off!
- Hallmark Cards: Earn 100 Bonus Points with every Hallmark card purchase!
- More Holiday Savings: Special offers throughout the store!
And with Christmas right around the corner, it's a perfect opportunity to stock up on holiday cards, wrapping paper, and a few gifts while you're at it!
Special Holiday Shopping Hours:
- Friday, November 27: 9:30 AM–7 PM
- Saturday, November 28: 9:30 AM–5:30 PM
- Sunday, November 29: 10 AM–4 PM
But the holiday fun doesn't stop there!
Are there any other holiday specials or promotions shoppers should know about?
"Absolutely! We have a variety of in-store discounts and special promotions that rotate throughout the holiday season.
We also participate in Hallmark's seasonal promotions, so there's always something fun happening!
The best way to stay in the loop is to follow us on Facebook and Instagram, where we share our latest deals, new arrivals, and upcoming events.
And of course, stopping in is the best way to see what's new!"
So whether you're stopping in for those holiday deals or just want to see what's new on the famous squishy wall, RK News Hallmark is worth adding to your holiday shopping plans!
Christmas at Grandma & Grandpa's House!
One of our favorite parts of these Holiday Q&A interviews is hearing the stories and traditions that make Christmas special for the people behind our local businesses.
And Jessica shared a childhood memory that might sound familiar to anyone who grew up celebrating Christmas with a big family.
What's one of your favorite holiday memories or traditions?
"One of my favorite childhood holiday memories is the big family gatherings at my grandparents' house, which was always a little too small for all of us!
But we didn't care.
We were all crammed in together, enjoying the best food and desserts, with the Christmas tree lit, the holiday village set up, and presents waiting under the tree.
There's just something about that kind of '90s Christmas nostalgia that feels impossible to recreate.
My sister and her husband now live in that very same house, and I'm looking forward to doing our best to recreate a little of that magic for the next generation."
Now that's a Christmas memory worth holding onto!
The crowded house, the Christmas village, the tree glowing in the corner, and everyone gathered together.
And how wonderful is it that Jessica's sister and her husband now live in the same house where those memories were made?
There's something pretty special about getting to create new Christmas memories in a place that already holds so many old ones.
It's a reminder that the holidays aren't always about the biggest gifts or the fanciest decorations.
Sometimes it's simply about being together.
A Kenosha Christmas Tradition!
Speaking of holiday memories, Jessica has another favorite tradition that's close to home.
And it's one that generations of Kenosha families have enjoyed!
Where do you take visiting friends and family to experience a little Kenosha holiday magic?
"My family loves visiting Christmas Lane!
It's a neighborhood street where the homes go all out with Christmas lights and decorations.
I've been going since I was a child, and now I love being able to share that same magic and tradition with my own kids.
It's one of those little holiday traditions that makes the season extra special!"
If you've ever taken a drive through Kenosha to look at Christmas lights, you know exactly what Jessica is talking about.
There's something about seeing homes decorated for the holidays that brings out the kid in all of us.
And getting to share a tradition you loved growing up with your own children makes it even better.
It's those little experiences that help make the Kenosha Area such a wonderful place to celebrate the holidays.
We Need a Little Christmas!
We couldn't let Jessica get away without asking about her favorite holiday music.
After all, when you're working in a store surrounded by Christmas decorations and holiday shoppers, you probably need a pretty good playlist!
Is there a holiday song that instantly gets you into the Christmas spirit?
"It's so hard to choose because I genuinely love all Christmas music!
But one of my favorites has to be 'We Need a Little Christmas.'
I usually put it on to hype myself up before a big event or a particularly busy holiday shopping day.
It's become my little pre-event pep talk in song form!"
We love that!
And considering how busy things can get during the holiday shopping season, we can certainly understand needing a little musical motivation.
Sometimes all it takes is the right Christmas song to put you in the holiday spirit!
Giving Back to the Kenosha Community!
For Jessica, one of the most rewarding parts of being involved in RK News Hallmark is the opportunity to make a difference in the community.
And that doesn't always mean something big.
Sometimes it's the smallest gestures that mean the most.
What do you love most about being part of a family-owned business in Kenosha?
"My absolute favorite thing about being part of a family-owned business is the impact we can make within our community.
Sometimes that impact is big, like adopting a family for Christmas or hosting a book drive to benefit the Kenosha Literacy Council.
But just as often, it's found in the little things, like helping a customer find just the right words to express how much someone special means to them.
Those everyday moments are just as rewarding, and they're a big part of what makes this business so special to me."
That's a wonderful way to look at it.
Whether it's supporting a local organization, helping a family during the holidays, or simply assisting someone in finding the perfect greeting card, those little moments can make a lasting impression.
And after more than 60 years in business, it's clear that RK News Hallmark has built relationships that go well beyond the checkout counter.
Why Shopping Local Matters!
With so many shopping options available these days, Jessica hopes people will remember the importance of supporting the locally owned businesses that help make Kenosha unique.
Why is shopping local so important, especially during the holidays?
"It's easy to shop at big box stores, and we're all guilty of it from time to time.
Supporting small, locally owned businesses takes a little more intention.
You have to make the choice to stop in, shop small, and support the people behind these businesses.
But it's important to remember that these are the people who are making a real difference in our community.
We've had the opportunity to collaborate with so many wonderful local business owners, and I can honestly say that they are some of the most genuine, hardworking people you'll meet.
They truly love what they do and care about the communities they're a part of.
When you support a local business, you're supporting those people, their families, and the community as a whole.
Especially during the holidays, those choices can make a really big difference."
We couldn't agree more!
When you shop at a locally owned business, you're doing more than purchasing a gift.
You're supporting the families, employees, and people who have invested their time and energy into making Kenosha a great place to live, work, and visit.
And RK News Hallmark is a wonderful example of a business that has continued to grow with the community while remaining true to its family roots.
Looking Ahead to 2027!
As another holiday season approaches, Jessica is feeling especially thankful for the people who have helped RK News Hallmark continue its story.
What are you most thankful for as 2026 comes to a close?
"Honestly, we're just incredibly thankful for the continued support of our customers and the Kenosha community.
Owning and operating a small business isn't always easy, and over the years we've experienced our fair share of ups and downs.
But we've made it through each one, and we absolutely couldn't have done that without the people who continue to choose to shop with us, year after year.
We're so grateful for the relationships we've built and for everyone who has allowed us to remain part of this community for over 60 years.
It truly means more than they know!"
And what about the new year?
What are you most looking forward to in 2027?
"I always love the fresh start that comes with a new year!
There's something exciting about the opportunity to grow, set new goals, and embrace new beginnings.
We love setting goals for ourselves and then looking back over the year to see how far we've come.
I'm looking forward to seeing what 2027 has in store for us!"
After more than six decades of serving Kenosha, it's exciting to see that RK News Hallmark is still looking for new ways to grow, evolve, and connect with its customers.
From Our Family to Yours, Happy Holidays!
Before wrapping up our Holiday Q&A, Jessica had one final message for the Kenosha community.
"We'd just love to encourage everyone to shop local this holiday season and remember to make time for the small businesses in our community.
Whether you've been shopping with us for years or have never stepped through our doors, we'd love to see you!
We're always bringing in new products, finding fun things to share, and looking for ways to make the shopping experience special.
From our family to yours, we wish everyone in the Kenosha community a very happy holiday season.
Thank you for supporting our family business and allowing us to be part of this community for over 60 years.
We look forward to many more!"
Make RK News Hallmark Part of Your Holiday Shopping!
Whether you're looking for a meaningful Christmas card, a unique gift, a fun stocking stuffer, or simply a little holiday inspiration, RK News Hallmark has plenty to discover.
Stop in, explore the latest arrivals, check out that famous squishy wall, and see what's new for the holiday season!
And don't forget those holiday shopping deals! RK News Hallmark is offering Buy One, Get One 50% Off holiday boxed cards and gift wrap, 100 bonus points with every Hallmark card purchase, and special offers throughout the store during Black Friday and Small Business Saturday weekend!
And while you're out shopping, remember to visit some of the other wonderful locally owned businesses throughout the Kenosha Area.
Because every purchase helps support the people and places that make our community special.
RK News Hallmark
5914 B 75th Street
Kenosha, WI 53142
rknews-hallmark.com
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Holiday Shopping Highlights: Hallmark greeting cards, gifts, keepsakes, gift wrap, the famous squishy wall, and rotating seasonal promotions.
Visit our archived article - What Locals Like: Jessica Phillips of RK News Hallmark
SHOP SMALL. SUPPORT LOCAL.
LOVE KENOSHA!
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