
For three decades, a charming candy store in Sunnyvale was a favorite spot for locals seeking treats and traditions. Located along the busy stretch of West El Camino Real, the store, with its signature black-and-white tiles, quietly closed its doors shortly after Mother’s Day 2025.
Locals who once enjoyed free samples and stocked up on holiday treats from this store are now left wondering why such a comforting fixture vanished. This closure marks so much more than just the loss of a store; this is an emotional new chapter for families, employees, and the community. But one big question remains: what caused this iconic candy store, backed by a powerful investment giant, to close its doors for good?
More Than a Retailer

This store was more than just a retailer. Over the years, it supported local fundraisers, birthday parties, and holiday traditions. Its closure now leaves a genuine void among the families in Sunnyvale who counted on filling gift baskets and sweetening celebrations here.
Longtime customers and community groups are feeling the ripple effects, as the once-familiar shop, where countless memories were made, now lives on only in nostalgia.
A Name Synonymous with California Sweets

For three decades, this popular candy shop was a staple for many Californians, predating even some of the country’s most iconic coffee chains.
Known for its chocolate lollipops, truffle hearts, and bulk “Volume Savings,” it was a favorite spot for countless families. To many, it offered more than just sweets; it was a cherished part of local culture and a symbol of childhood memories that linger long after the last box of chocolates.
Pressures Mount in a Changing Retail World

But just like many other retailers, this beloved candy shop struggled with rising rent costs, evolving consumer behavior, and steep operating costs. Nowadays, even strong legacy brands are struggling to keep up as shopping habits shift toward online convenience and experiential retail.
The Sunnyvale closure highlights the growing challenges traditional retailers face as they struggle to stay relevant in today’s fast-evolving business landscape.
See’s Candies

But what store is it? It’s See’s Candies, which is owned by Warren Buffett’s Berkshire Hathaway. After 30 years of serving loyal customers, the Sunnyvale store closed its doors in 2025, signaling the end of an era.
This quiet exit stunned many who saw the shop as a local cornerstone in a busy shopping center.
Local and Regional Impact

This Sunnyvale location stood out for its bulk candy options, which played a role in supporting school and charity fundraisers over the years.
Although other See’s stores remain in the area, the loss of this particular shop leaves a noticeable gap in the community. Local residents now face longer trips or must find new options to satisfy their sweet tooth and replace a store that once felt like a neighborhood staple.
Franchisees and Employees in Transition

The store’s employees, many of which have built strong relationships with customers, are now facing uncertain futures. The company’s brief statement called the closure a “business decision,” but the closure suprised both staff and patrons, disrupting a three-decade legacy of steady service and smiles.
Competition in a Crowded Market

Over the years, the candy sector has become more competitive, with artisanal shops, national chains, and e-commerce brands all capturing customers’ attention. Traditional stores like See’s have had to innovate while honoring their heritage, a delicate balance in a rapidly shifting market.
Customers Crave Experience—Beyond the Box

This store closure takes away more than just candy and chocolates; it removes a beloved in-store experience that many Californians loved, from friendly advice to free samples. This store made shopping feel special.
For many candy retailers, evolving to meet demands for novelty and convenience without losing warmth is a major challenge.
Sweet Legacy, Uncertain Future

Warren Buffett has long praised See’s Candies as a dream business. However, with closures like Sunnyvale’s, fans wonder: how many local institutions can survive today’s market? For now, we’re not sure.
See’s future remains a question mark as it tries to preserve its sweet legacy amid changing times.