Hickory Farms, the Chicago-based specialty food gifting retailer, has opened a seasonal store at 6885 Main Street, the former home of Pier 1 Imports in Mayfaire Town Center.
 
“Our customers have been asking for this holiday favorite year after year and we couldn’t be more excited to make their Christmas wishes come true,” said Mayfaire specialty leasing manager and marketing director Paige Coniglio.
 
Hickory Farms was founded in 1951 by Richard Ransom when he began selling handcrafted cheese at local fairs. By 1959, the company added summer sausage to their lineup and opened its first retail store that year in Maumee, Ohio. 

Prior to this year, Hickory Farms operated a seasonal store at Independence Mall. For 2020 the company said it has changed course and is operating 50% of its locations in shopping centers or outdoor malls rather than enclosed malls.

“Having a location at Mayfaire offers us the ability to offer our customers a safe shopping experience and have flexible hours,” said Hickory Farms regional manager Chad Smith. “We have more control over the customer experience and can better merchandise our products.”
 
While many know the brand for its gift baskets featuring cheeses and meats, the company sells a wide variety of sweet treats and snacks as well, including holiday cookies, chocolates, flavored popcorn, seasoned nuts and peppermint candies.
 
Some of the bestselling seasonal gift boxes for 2020 include the Summer Sausage and Cheese Gift Box, the Hearty Party Gift Box and the Give Back Gift Box, of which $5 from each box sold will be donated to No Hungry Kid to provide meals to children in need.

Other seasonal favorites include specialty chocolates, cheese balls and spreads, mustards and sauces and summer sausage.
 
The Hickory Farms store is open Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. through Jan. 1, 2021. Visit www.hickoryfarms.com for online purchases and year round gifting.
 
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