Coronavirus Causes Cutbacks for Chicagoland Retailers

Marcel’s Culinary Experience and sister retailer Marche, in Glen Ellyn, Illinois, have announced that they will be undergoing operational changes as a result of the coronavirus outbreak. Marcel’s Culinary Experience is a specialty kitchenware retailer, while Marche offers cheese, wines and charcuterie.  The changes come in response to Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker’s Sunday announcement that all bars and restaurants in the state of Illinois were to close as of the close of business on Monday, March 16 and remain closed through March 30.

“We are taking these steps to not only be in compliance with Governor Pritzker’s order but also to practice an abundance of caution and create safe spaces for our customers and staff alike. If we can do anything at all to encourage behavior that will help this crisis to pass, we want to be doing that,” Owner Jill Foucré said in her email to customers in which she announced the changes.

Effective immediately, all events in the Marcel’s kitchen have been suspended. This includes classes, private events, free demonstrations and anything else that generated deliciousness in the store. All impacted customers have been separately notified and will be issued credits to be used when we can get the classes rescheduled.

Marché will be discontinuing all table service, in compliance with the governor’s order. However, the shop will be enhancing  take out options, providing more options for packaging of cheese boards, and will be giving a delivery service a trial run.

Both Marcel’s and Marché will have reduced store hours effective Tuesday, March 17. Marcel’s hours will be Tuesday through Saturday from 12 p.m. – 6 p.m., Sunday from 12 p.m. – 5 p.m. and closed on Mondays. Marché hours will be Tuesday through Saturday from 11 a.m. – 6 p.m., Sunday from 12 p.m. – 5 p.m. and will continue to be closed on Mondays.