See's Candies shuts down all operations due to coronavirus

A window display at a See's Candies shop in Palm Springs, California, includes boxes of chocolates. Founded in Los Angeles in 1921, the company is now headquartered in San Francisco. The company will be shutting down operations for only the second time in company history. less A window display at a See's Candies shop in Palm Springs, California, includes boxes of chocolates. Founded in Los Angeles in 1921, the company is now headquartered in San Francisco. The company will be ... more Photo: Robert Alexander/Getty Images Photo: Robert Alexander/Getty Images Image 1 of / 49 Caption Close See's Candies shuts down all operations due to coronavirus 1 / 49 Back to Gallery

See's Candies is temporarily shutting down all operations due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The South San Francisco candy company told customers Friday it will temporarily shut down for only the second time in its history; See's previously ceased operations during World War II due to rationing.

"See’s is always focused on bringing joy to our customers," the company wrote on its website. "We are very sorry to have to say that sees.com is not taking orders at this time. In recognition of the guidance provided by local health authorities, See’s has suspended production and shipping of product. We will work to keep you updated as we develop plans to safely resume operations."

Customers who placed online orders with credit cards will receive a refund within the next two weeks, and those who used a gift card or check will be contacted.

See's was founded in Los Angeles in 1921, and first opened operations in San Francisco in 1936.

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Eric Ting is an SFGATE digital reporter. Email: eric.ting@sfgate.com | Twitter:@_ericting