Longtime Texarkana collectibles store closing

Rows upon rows of toys and collectibles greet those entering Lane’s Gifts and Collectibles.

Most notably—dolls of obvious high-quality make gaze back at shoppers. This is the site that has greeted shoppers since being established in its original location next to Roger’s Marine. Now at its current location on Realtor Ave. that it has occupied since the mid-90s, an era is coming to an end.

“My wife (Sue) is in her mid-70s and I’m 80, so there comes a time,” said Alan Rogers. “She’s had hip issues, so it becomes harder to manage a 17,500 square foot store. She’s managed it since the beginning and has put it all together. She was a high school athlete and she handled it. But there comes a time.”

Alan makes it clear it isn’t just his wife’s physical stamina which made Lane’s Gifts and Collectibles possible. The store is known as a place for serious, dedicated doll collectors.

“Internationally known doll artists show their wares in our store,” Alan Rogers said. “They have come in from time to time for signings. I suppose our big claim to fame is multiple appearances by Marie Osmond, who is a doll maker and her dolls are sold at our store.”

Alan credits both the quality of the dolls and the knowledge contained in the store to his wife.

“Sue has a tremendous talent for picking quality made dolls. She is the center of the store and made it what it is. I was just labor,” he said with a laugh.

Lane’s Gifts and Collectibles right now is looking at an early January closing date. On their Facebook page, a clearance sale banner declares discounts of 50-75 percent on merchandise.

“It breaks our hearts to do this but now is a good time to come in and get some really good merchandise for some great prices, just in time for Christmas,” he said.

“We are proud of this store, we thank our customers, it has been a good run,” Alan Rogers said. “This will not affect Roger’s Marine. That will stay open for a good, long time yet.”

Visit Lane’s Gifts and Collectibles on Facebook. Come by the store at 720 Realtor Ave., Texarkana, Ark. Call 870773-2123.

Staff photo by Hunt Mercier ■ Dolls stand on a shelf Friday at Lane’s Gifts and Collectibles in Texarkana, Ark. Long noted for its many treasures, but especially for its selection of dolls, Lane’s will be closing in early January.