After serving the community for more than 30 years, See’s Candies has announced the closure of its Sunnyvale, California store, marking the end of an era for local chocolate lovers.
The beloved candy shop, known for its signature black-and-white décor, and complimentary samples, will be shutting down at its 1238 W. El Camino Real location on Sunday, May 11, 2025.
This decision has left many lifelong devotees reflecting on the store’s longstanding presence and its role in local traditions.
A Fixture in Sunnyvale Since the 1990s
The Sunnyvale See’s Candies shop had been open since the mid-1990s and quickly became a fixture in the community. Tucked within a small shopping center, the store served generations of families, offering a go-to destination for gifts, special occasions, and everyday treats.
According to local records, the store was expected to remain on site until December 2026, so the sudden closure surprised many residents who had come to rely on its familiar presence.
Specializing in Bulk Orders and Fundraising
The Sunnyvale store was one of the few See’s stores that operated as a “Volume Savings shop,” specializing in bulk candy purchases and gifts. The shop was also a hub for fundraising, with staff members on hand to assist local organizations in planning events and securing group discounts.
This unique focus made it a popular choice for schools, community groups, and anyone who wanted large volumes of See’s signature candies.
The See’s Candies Legacy
See’s Candies was founded in Los Angeles in 1921 by Charles Alexander See, using recipes developed by his mother, Mary See. Over the past century, the company has built a reputation for quality confections and friendly service, expanding to more than 250 locations worldwide.
The Sunnyvale store was part of this legacy, selling the same traditional chocolates, truffles, nuts, and chews that people have been enjoying for generations.
Origins Rooted in Family Tradition
The origins of See’s Candy can be traced back to a family tradition when Mary See first began making sweets while operating a hotel in Ontario, Canada. The recipes were the basis of the company’s product line when Charles See opened the first shop in Los Angeles in 1921.
Mary’s image remains the face of the brand, symbolizing the same homemade quality and tradition that have defined See’s for over a century.
Innovative Early Delivery Methods
In 1928, See’s Candies pioneered a unique motorcycle delivery service in Los Angeles, hand-delivering chocolates directly to customers.
This early innovation demonstrated the company’s dedication to customer service and helped build a devoted local following long before the era of online shopping.
The Iconic Candy Kitchen Experience
In 1931, See’s launched the Mary See’s Sunlit Candy Studio in Los Angeles, where customers could watch candy being made through large plate-glass windows.
The transparent production approach created a sense of trust and engagement, turning candy shopping into an immersive experience that connected consumers to the craft behind their sweets.
Expansion into the Bay Area and Beyond
By 1936, See’s Candies had expanded into San Francisco, opening 18 stores within four years. This early growth helped establish the Bay Area as a significant market, a relationship that lasted until the recent Sunnyvale store closure.
The brand’s presence at the 1939 World’s Fair further showcased its ambition to reach a national audience.
War-Time Challenges and Post-War Growth
World War II brought production halts due to rationing of key ingredients like sugar and butter. However, after the war, See’s took advantage of the strong economy and consumer demand, expanding its retail footprint and developing mail-order services that broadened access to its chocolates beyond physical stores.
Cultural Impact Through Television
See’s Candies gained pop culture prominence in 1952 when Lucille Ball and Vivian Vance filmed the iconic “I Love Lucy” episode “Job Switching” in the See’s candy factory.
In the episode, it poked fun at candy assembly lines and introduced the brand to millions of viewers, solidifying its position in American culture.
Strategy Growth Under Berkshire Hathaway
Since Warren Buffett and Charlie Munger acquired See’s in 1972, the company has maintained a focus on quality and customer loyalty, rather than chasing rapid expansion.
This strategy has allowed See’s to remain profitable and beloved, even as many other candy makers have suffered under tough market conditions.
Modern Innovations and Product Lines
See’s Candies has kept up with the times, adding new products like the Lollypalooza lollipop line and offering online shopping in 1995.
These moves have enabled the brand to reach a new generation of customers while still preserving its traditional confectionery heritage.
Sweet Feats: Record-Breaking Achievements
In 2012, the company set a Guinness World Record by creating the largest chocolate lollipop, which weighed more than 7,000 pounds. This remarkable achievement highlighted the company’s playful spirit and its commitment to honoring its candy heritage in creative ways.
Iconic Brand and Ownership
The company’s iconic branding, featuring black-and-white checkered boxes and old-fashioned decor, is instantly recognizable.
Warren Buffett’s Berkshire Hathaway has owned See’s Candies since 1972, a relationship that has enabled the business to stay true to its pursuit of quality and customer service.
See’s has been one of Buffett’s most celebrated investments, and it has been praised for its loyal customer base and consistent performance.
No Official Comment on Closure
Despite inquiries from local media and customers, See’s Candies has not provided an official statement regarding the closure of the Sunnyvale store.
Staff members have described the decision as a “business decision,” but have not elaborated on the specific reasons behind it. The lack of comment has left many customers and community members speculating about the factors that led to the closure.
Community Reaction: “Like Losing an Old Friend”
The news of the closure has been met with disappointment and nostalgia from long-time patrons. One customer told the Mercury News that losing the store felt “like losing an old friend,” a sentiment reflecting the deep connection that many in the community feel toward the shop.
For decades, the store was a place where families marked holidays, birthdays, and special occasions with a box of See’s chocolates.
Closest Alternatives for Sunnyvale Locals
With the Sunnyvale location closing, residents must travel to nearby See’s Candies stores to satisfy their sweet tooth.
The nearest one is in Santa Clara, just a short drive away. Despite the closure, See’s maintains a strong presence in the South Bay, with several other locations remaining open to serve the region’s candy lovers.
See’s Candies in the Bay Area and Elsewhere
See’s Candies continues to thrive with more than 30 stores in the Bay Area and over 250 shop locations worldwide. The company’s headquarters are now in South San Francisco, and it remains a staple for holiday shoppers and chocoholics across California and beyond.
The closure of the Sunnyvale store is a sign of the challenges faced by even the most established retailers, but See’s overall footprint remains robust.
Commitment to American-Made Quality
Throughout its history, See’s Candies has emphasized manufacturing its chocolates in California, supporting local jobs, and maintaining consistent quality.
Its main production facilities in South San Francisco and Burlingame continue to produce the classics that have delighted customers for generations.
The End of a Chapter
The closure of the Sunnyvale See’s Candies location represents a significant chapter for both the company and the local community. While the reason for the closure is unknown, the shop will live on in the memories of those who have walked through its doors over the past 30 years.
As See’s Candies continues to adapt and grow, its commitment to quality and tradition ensures that its chocolates will remain a cherished treat for generations to come.
Discover more trending stories and Follow us to keep inspiration flowing to your feed!
Craving more home and lifestyle inspiration? Hit Follow to keep the creativity flowing, and let us know your thoughts in the comments below!