Hershey to close own-store in Chicago to focus on larger experiential stores

By Douglas Yu

- Last updated on GMT

Hershey to close its store in Chicago by January 2017, but hasn't ruled out a return to the city. Photo: Hershey
Hershey to close its store in Chicago by January 2017, but hasn't ruled out a return to the city. Photo: Hershey

Related tags The hershey company New york city Retailing

Hershey will close its Hershey’s Chocolate World in Chicago's Michigan Avenue by January 2017 as it plans to focus on larger experiential retail stores.

Other confectionery retailers on the same avenue include Chicago’s native brand, Fannie May​, and Dylan’s Candy Bar​.

The Reese’s maker has said in a statement that Hershey’s Chocolate World Chicago will remain open throughout the holiday season this year.

Might return to Chicago

Hershey’s spokesperson, Anna Lingeris, told ConfectioneryNews the Hershey store has been in Chicago since 2005.

She added that Hershey is focusing its efforts on developing larger scale stores that “allow for more experiential interactions between our consumers and our beloved and iconic brands”.

In 2014, Hershey opened a West Coast flagship store in Las Vegas and a new, larger store in New York’s Times Square is scheduled to open in late 2017, according to the company.

“At this point in time, we have not identified a new location, but will not rule out returning to Chicago in the future,”​ Lingeris said.

Hershey posted dollar sales of $2bn for its chocolate candy box/bag/bar items under 3.5 ounces, up 3.53% year-on-year, according to IRI data for the latest 52 weeks ending Oct. 2, 2016.

Hershey's Swiss rival Lindt has previously said its own-retail segment has been crucial​ to its growth in international markets such as the US.

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