See's Candies Continues Response to COVID-19

See's Candies announced today that due to ongoing shelter in place orders and similar social distancing measures throughout the United States, its retail locations will remain closed as they continue to help combat the spread of COVID-19.

As a result, See's has made the difficult decision to furlough its retail employees as of April 1, 2020. See's has paid for all hours that employees were scheduled to have worked in shops over the last two weeks since closing stores, and has continued to pay all associated benefits and health care premiums. They will continue to provide all eligible employees with health benefits through the end of May, with the hope that they will be able to bring every employee back when operations resume. See's delayed the furlough implementation until April 1 to ensure their ability to pay the premium covering health care benefits for two full months.

"As the COVID-19 virus continues to impact communities we serve, we have taken any and all necessary steps to do our part in slowing it down," said Pat Egan, President & CEO, See's Candies. "In each case, we closed retail shops the day the applicable shelter in place order initially took effect. In the rest of our operations, we have also strictly adhered to all CDC and WHO recommendations as well as federal, state and local guidelines. Our number one priority is the health and safety of our employees and our customers."

"Closing our retail shops has taken a big toll at a critical time for See's," said Egan. "See's customers know we provide the best candy and the best service you can find anywhere. This decision was wrenching, but not being able to sell our product led us to this point."

Furloughing at this time also ensures impacted employees will be able to access the additional $2,400 per month ($600/week in addition to the state weekly unemployment insurance benefit) included in the federal stimulus bill expanded unemployment benefits passed into law last week.

See's is also providing support to its affected employees including direct access to personnel for questions and direction, materials outlining how to secure unemployment insurance and details on their extended benefits coverage. They will be communicating often and providing updates when available.

This decision is the most recent in a series of precautionary measures See's has taken to slow the spread of COVID-19. The company will continue to assess the virus' impact on its business and take any additional steps necessary to ensure the safety of their employees and the local communities. "Our motto is ‘Quality Without Compromise,'" said Egan. "While this step is unprecedented, it is a result of something we've never done before, closing stores for a sustained period. We did that because our commitment to public health, including the health of our employees, had to be uncompromising in these times. We're supporting our employees by ensuring access to health care. See's will be back, and we will find a way to operate in these challenging times, but we respect and will follow the direction set by our communities, and are focusing our attention now on how we will operate in this new environment."

About See's Candies:

Delivering delicious candies since 1921, we happily continue to make candy Mary See's way, using only the finest ingredients. Our American-made delicious chocolates and treats are crafted in our own candy kitchens. From decadent truffles and chocolate-covered nuts to lollypops and crunchy Peanut Brittle, it's Quality Without Compromise that you can taste in every piece.

Step inside one of our shops, and you'll see a crisp, clean black-and-white checkered motif inspired by Mary's original kitchen. Each day, visitors are welcomed with the friendliest service and a free sample of candy.

Headquartered in sunny California, we have over 240 retail shops across the country and an online shop that serves See's fans around the world. We continue to uphold our commitment to delivering the highest level of taste, quality, tradition and service.

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