See’s Candies Opening, But Slowly

If you are in need of a See’s Candies fix, your wait will soon be over. You might not be able to saunter into the chocolate shop in Downtown Palm Springs for one of the generous samples — just yet — but an online order could satisfy your yearning.

The See’s motto is: “Quality Without Compromise.” The company is holding true to that motto during the coronavirus pandemic, which has meant the longest closure in the company’s history.

While consumers were not able to buy the ever-popular Easter products, over the past few weeks, the company has been able to contribute product across the West to hospitals, schools, food banks, missions and organizations like Meals on Wheels, Ronald McDonald Houses and the YMCA, as well as hospital workers and first responders.

With the help of volunteers, the candy company has given away more than 100 tons of American-made candy.

“While we aren’t alone in not having answers, I am pleased to say we have a better sense of where we are going,” Pat Egan, president and CEO, told consumers in an update. “Since March, we have reconfigured how we make and sell candy. Our production floors have fewer people making and packing our candy with care. We have taken the past few weeks to review all of our operations and ensure we can work safely in all aspects of our business.”

The majority of See’s shops are still closed, but it has tested opening a few with minimal hours as the company retrains for safety.

“You will still hear a cheerful “Welcome to See’s!” but customers now pick up candy at a safe distance and see the smiling eyes of our associates over the masks we now wear,” Egan said. “It may be different, but we are as thrilled to see you, as you are to see us.”

The company intends to resume selling through www.sees.com. Because the company only makes fresh product, and it has limited supplies, it is asking for your patience as it ramps back up.

“After not being able to support your Easter traditions, we want to be there for you for Mother’s Day, birthdays, cravings days, and every day in between,” Eagan said.

The first See’s shop opened on Western Avenue in Los Angeles, in 1921. The next year, the company sent out its first catalog. So while home delivery is new for some, See’s has been taking and delivering orders through the US Mail since the beginning. See’s took our first online order in 1998.