Ben's first opened our doors in 1976 as a Ben Franklin variety store in downtown Belleville, IL, just 30 minutes from St Louis. We are locally owned and family run with three generations working at the store.  We have more than tripled in size since our opening by acquiring adjacent buildings and expanding our merchandise mix.  We now specialize in crafts, floral, framing, toys, gifts, home decor, women's fashion, and seasonal merchandise.

In 2014, we opened a USPS contract postal unit inside our store.  Now you can buy stamps or mail packages where you shop.

Our goal is to provide our customers with personalized service and a wide variety of items to choose from.  With over 35,000 square feet we are certain to have something for everyone.  Quality, service and customer satisfaction are what we strive for. We hope you will visit us soon to experience “the best kept secret in St. Clair County”.