Articles by Alyse Thompson-Richards

Las Vegas-based Sugar Factory American Brasserie, a restaurant and retail confectionery operation, has opened a new store in Chicago’s River North neighborhood, which is just off Michigan Ave., a stretch commonly referred to as the Magnificent Mile.

Georgia Nut Co., a family-owned confections, nuts and snacks manufacturer based in Skokie, Ill., has announced changes in its sales management.

However, the run-of-the-mill peppermint flavor often makes me say “Bah! Humbug!” Thankfully, Seattle-based novelty dealer Archie McPhee and other companies are here to help.

The 2,400-sq.-ft. store, located at Michigan Avenue and Wacker Drive, now features an open floor plan and simple, elegant décor meant to draw new and repeat customers to the iconic Chicago brand, owned by 1-800-Flowers.

Clasen Quality Coatings, Inc., has changed its name to Clasen Quality Chocolate, Inc. to reflect the Madison, Wis.-based company’s push into the chocolate sector.

Edible Arrangements, known for creating fresh-cut fruit arrangements for order, has expanded into the boxed chocolate market with its newest brand, Edible Chocolate.

Holiday retail sales are expected to be especially bright this season, thanks, in part, to some Americans getting a head start on shopping, a new survey sponsored by the National Retail Federation (NRF) found.