Papyrus to close stores nationwide, including in Atlanta

The company plans to close up shop within the next six weeks; website is offering 20% off

While some metro Atlanta malls appear to be doing well, others are slipping further into scary territory. The evidence this holiday season is as clear as proliferating vacant store spaces, quiet corridors and virtually empty parking lots. Although, consumers are bumping up their spending. (Credit: AJC file photos)

Papyrus, a chain store selling stationery and greeting cards, is the latest brick-and-mortar victim of the retail apocalypse.

The company announced this week that it will shutter all remaining locations, including its two stores in Atlanta.

The company's CEO, Dominique Schurman, told USA Today that the company could no longer support its standalone stores, despite its best efforts.

"Despite our Herculean efforts to realign our Papyrus and American Greetings stores to fit today's shopping environment, Schurman Retail Group had to make the difficult decision to close all 254 of our stores in North America," the statement reads.

The greeting card company has two locations in Atlanta — at Lenox Square Mall and Phipps Plaza.

Although the exact date of when the stores will close is unclear, the company said it expects to close up shop within the next six weeks.

USA Today reports that Papyrus-branded products will continue to be sold at more than 300 other retailers throughout North America “without interruption.”

The company was founded in 1950 by Marcel and Margrit Schurman in Goodlettsville, Tennessee.

Currently, Papyrus’ website is promoting 20% off everything sitewide. All sales are final.

The Greeting Card Association reported that Americans purchased about 6.5 million cards in 2019, with the most popular card-giving occasions being birthdays,  Valentine's Day, Mother's Day and Father's Day.