# Nixing Online Shops Hershey's to Close Web Store, Offers Discount Until 7/31 By Marissa Brassfield | Published 2009-07-12 | Lifestyle Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/hershey-gifts References: [chicagotribune](http://www.chicagotribune.com/business/chi-tc-biz-hershey-0706-0707-jul12,0,1359035.story?track=rss) & [hersheygifts](http://www.hersheygifts.com/) [Legendary chocolate company Hershey](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/the-hershey-company-holiday-range)’s has decided to close its online retail shop, [Hershey Gifts](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/candy-shop-cocoa)—and is offering 25% off of its sweet treats until July 31. The decision to close Hershey Gifts and effectively end Hershey’s official online retail presence is a curious one, but as Hershey spokesman Kirk Saville tells the Tribune, “Hershey’s is making the strategic decision to exit the [online retail business](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/gourmet-popcorn1). The current business model is not sustainable.” This doesn’t mean that Hershey will be out of the e-commerce biz forever, however. According to the Tribune, Saville says Hershey is currently exploring strategic partnerships and licensing agreements after Hershey Gifts closes on July 31. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 1.6/10 - Popularity: 17% | Activity: 23% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial - Top markets: North America, Europe ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Lifestyle](https://www.trendhunter.com/lifestyle) > [Food](https://www.trendhunter.com/food) ## Key Themes ### Why This Trend Is Growing - **E-commerce Shift:** Hershey's decision to close its online store and explore strategic partnerships and licensing agreements indicates an opportunity for businesses to shift their e-commerce strategies. - **Brand Partnership:** Hershey's exploration of strategic partnerships presents a trend for companies to join forces to expand their reach and product offerings. - **Sustainable Business Models:** Hershey's decision to close its online retail business due to an unsustainable business model highlights an opportunity for innovation in creating sustainable e-commerce models. ### Industries Being Reshaped - **Food and Beverage:** The Hershey's announcement presents an opportunity for food and beverage companies to reassess their e-commerce strategies and explore brand partnerships. - **Retail:** The shift in Hershey's e-commerce strategy may indicate a trend for retailers to focus on brick-and-mortar sales and explore strategic partnerships for online sales. - **Technology:** The Hershey's announcement presents a trend for technology companies to develop sustainable e-commerce models and innovative solutions for brand partnerships. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Collaborative Candy-Flavored Drink Mixes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/candy-shop-cocoa.md) - [Virtual Chocolate Stores](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/virtual-chocolate-store.md) - [Whimsical Chocolate-Inspired Experiences](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/hersheys-chocolate-world1.md) - [Limited-Edition Floral Chocolates](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/hersheys-sakura-choco-donuts.md) - [Social Media-Inspired Chocolates](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/hersheys-dubaiinspired-chocolate-bar.md) - [Sweet-Themed Holiday Experiences](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/holiday-experiences.md) - [Consumer-Focused Packaging Strategies](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/consumerfocused-packaging-strategies.md) - [Branded Chocolate Cookie Kits](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/festive-cookie-kit.md) - [Celebratory Seasonal Chocolate Products](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/hershey-seasonal-treats.md)