Sara Lee is exiting the outlet store business where it sells Sara Lee products at discount prices.
The company said it expects all company-owned retail outlet stores to close by the end of November. Nine of the company's 11 outlets are in the Chicago area.
The move comes as the Illinois company is splitting into a global coffee business and a North American meat business to be named Hillshire Brands.
"As a pure-play company, Hillshire brands must remain focused on production and distribution of products and cannot direct the resources and attention required for success in standalone retail operations," said spokesman Mike Cummins.
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