Godiva To Close Bridgewater, All NJ Locations Due To Pandemic

BRIDGEWATER, NJ — Chocolatier Godiva is melting away in New Jersey as it became the latest victim of the coronavirus pandemic. Godiva announced plans to close all of its 128 North American stores, including its Bridgewater Commons mall location.

"Demand for the in-person shopping experience offered through Godiva's brick and mortar locations has waned as a result of the pandemic and its acceleration of changes in consumers' shopping behavior," said the company's CEO Nurtac Afridi in a written statement.

As a result, all of the U.S. stores will be closed by the end of the 2021 first quarter. However, Godiva will keep its brick-and-mortar locations open through Valentine's Day, the busiest time of the year for sales.

Godiva will also continue to keep retail stores open across Europe, the Middle East, and Greater China.

"Of course, this decision was difficult because of the care we have for our dedicated and hard-working chocolatiers who will be impacted. We are grateful for all they have done to make wonderful moments for our consumers and spread happiness through incredible customer service and living our values and behaviors," said Afridi.

Godiva would not say how many employees will be impacted by the closures.

The New Jersey locations slated for closure after Valentine's Day include:

• Bridgewater: Bridgewater Commons
• Edison: Menlo Park Mall
• Hackensack: Riverside Square Mall
• Jersey City: Newport Centre
• Lawrence: Quaker Bridge Mall
• Paramus: Garden State Plaza Mall
• Rockaway: Rockaway Townsquare
• Short Hills: The Mall at Short Hills

Chocolate lovers will still be able to find their favorite Godiva treats online and at retail partners, the company announced.

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