Fannie May, which was acquired by Ferrero Group in 2017, has refreshed several of its 55 stores and totally remodeled others, including locations in the Chicago suburbs of Park Ridge, La Grange and Aurora.

What I find most interesting about these latest deals, however, is that this marks the first time that these two companies will be producing confections on U.S. soil, particularly since both of these involve giants who have production facilities scattered throughout the world.

But a week later, 1-800-Flowers.com, Fannie May’s New York-based parent company, announced it would sell the brand -- along with the Harry London brand, an Ohio manufacturing facility, two warehouses and 79 retail stores -- to Ferrero International for $115 million.

Italian group Ferrero International has announced a multimillion-dollar deal to purchase Fannie May Confections Brands, Inc., from 1-800-Flowers.com, Inc., a leading floral and gourmet gift provider.

Fannie May is undeniably among the city’s confectionery elite, not only for its signature sweets, but for its ability to underscore the company’s Chicago connection and to reach residents and tourists alike. And those are things the company never forgets to celebrate, says Fannie May President Steve Druckman.

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.

As one would expect, with the popularity of this year’s team, both products have been top performing items in-store and online, says Dave Taiclet, president of the Gourmet Food Group, 1-800-Flowers. As he points out, Fannie May and the Chicago Cubs are two iconic Chicago brands.

Chicago-based Fannie May has entered the online meal-kit market with its new Apron & Spoon collection.