UPDATE: the store will remain open for the next few weeks until the inventory and fixtures are gone. Everything is discounted 20 – 70 percent. They will vacate their space in H-Mart Plaza (formerly Mervyn’s Plaza) by June 30.

In a news release, owner Jennifer Barnhart said Lasting Memories was Washington’s first scrapbook store.

“Originally our business plan for Lasting Memories was only 7 years long. Our primary objective was to provide work and learning opportunities for our four daughters as they looked forward to college.  We called the store our ‘family farm.’  Additionally we were excited to bring a wide variety of scrapbook, photo album and paper crafting supplies and classes to our community.  We feel we have met our business and personal objectives for the store and now it is time to move on to other adventures.”

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Lasting Memories, a popular scrapbooking store near Alderwood Mall, is closing up shop in a few weeks.

The following explanation was posted on the store’s blog:

‘After 14 wonderful years, Jennifer and Lee have decided it’s time to retire so they can take care of themselves and spend more time with family. Their lease will be up in June and it seemed like the perfect time to make their exit. They shared this news with the staff on Wednesday night and there were many tears (and laughter too–we’ve had some seriously silly moments here!). We know many of you feel like a part of the Lasting Memories family, and this almost feels like losing a member of the family. But we hope you’ll see it like Lee does: ‘It’s a party, not a funeral!'”