PLAZA GIFTS WILL CLOSE TWO STORES

Plaza Gifts and Office Supplies, which opened in Town Plaza Shopping Center in 1965, is closing.

Frank Klueppel, owner of the business, announced that he is closing the store and a branch store at Sikeston.

"This type of business is very competitive and the profit margin has shrunk," said Klueppel. "We have been battling the discount stores and mail-order houses."

Klueppel, who also operates an office furniture warehouse at 355 N. Kingshighway, said that store would remain open.

The Town Plaza operation has more than 22,000 square feet and employs 21 people, some part-time.

Plaza Gifts and Office Supplies provides a complete assortment of Hallmark cards, party supplies, fine gifts and jewelry, in addition to new and used office furniture.

The company at one time had three stores in Cape Girardeau, including West Park Mall from 1989 to 1991. During 1991 through 1993 the company operated a used-office-equipment business on Main Street.

Klueppel opened the Sikeston store in 1985. Three years later a branch facility was opened in Eastgate Shopping Center in Carbondale, Ill. That operation closed last year.

Plaza Gifts is the second large store to close in Town Plaza Shopping Center within the past year. Woolworth's closed its 12,000-square-foot store late last year.