Apple Valley Archiver's Closing as Chain Folds

Fourteen years ago, Archiver's stores began popping up as moms everywhere (and some dads, too) began to dive head-first into the art of scrapbooking. 
Now, with new technology, the Minnetonka-based company has determined it can't compete in the niche market. Archiver’s announced Thursday that it will be closing its stores nationwide, including around the Twin Cities. 

“We’ve brought in new products, new brands, added more sales and coupons, introduced Archiver’s Memory Lab, and streamlined our operations,” a statement from the company read. “However, despite our best efforts, our stores simply do not generate the sales needed to support the business. As a result, we will be closing all of our stores by mid-February.”

Archiver’s filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in spring of 2013, according to Patch stories from last year. The company hoped to "retool" its business plan in order to compete. 

With the chain going out of business, Archiver’s will be having a tag sale, effectively immediately. There will be discounts and deals on used supplies, out-of-package items. Stores will also be selling fixtures like tables and chairs on a first-come, first-served basis.

The Memory Lab will remain open through late January for in-store pick-up items only. Online shopping through ArchiversAnnex.com will continue into early February. Gift cards will be honored as long as the stores are in business.

The company’s January workshops will continue as scheduled, but subsequent workshops will be cancelled.

The statement, issued via Archiver's Facebook page Thursday, is attached to this article. 

Editor Mike Schoemer contributed to this story.