BLOOMINGTON - After 26 years in business, Terry and May Peggy May will close Peggy's Hallmark early next year. The couple will retire and intend to travel in their new recreational vehicle.

"We will take off and see as much of the U.S. as we can, probably starting in the west," Terry May said.

May, 61, said he and his wife will miss not only customers but employees of the store at 1701 E. Empire St., Bloomington.

May said the store, named after his wife, began in Farmer City, where the couple reside.

There have since been four locations in Bloomington-Normal, including one at the former College Hills Mall. That store, open for about 17 years, closed in 2003.

While May said the poor economy did not play a part in the decision to close, he said he and his wife feel fortunate to have made the decision to retire a year ago.

"We looked into selling the business," May said, adding, however, that they had no takers and that the poor economy didn't help their efforts.

May said the doors will close in late February, when their lease expires. In the meantime, merchandise is reduced 11 percent to 60 percent.