Closing date for Haeger Potteries pushed back
To accommodate an inundation of interest in Haeger Potteries since word of its closing, President Lexy Haeger Estes said the East Dundee company is expected to remain open until early summer.
Over the past month, employees have been busy restocking shelves, filling orders and managing large crowds of people who traveled from throughout the suburbs and beyond to the factory store at 7 Maiden Lane.
Though originally planning to cease operations this month, Haeger Potteries will likely continue manufacturing until the end of June, Haeger Estes said. The salesroom is expected to remain open through part of July.
"We can continue to supply our people with the pottery they love for a little longer," said Haeger Estes, fourth-generation owner of the family-operated business. "It's been so heartwarming to see this reaction."
The factory store closed for about two weeks last month to allow employees to restock the shelves. When the store resumed normal business hours April 30, the crowds were even larger, Haeger Estes said.
"That weekend was just crazy," she said. "People stood in line, some of them for three hours. They were laughing and talking with each other and sharing their memories of Haeger."
One man arrived at 5 a.m. and waited in the parking lot for doors to open at 11 a.m., she said. In a "pay-it-forward" gesture, another man gave $50 to an engaged couple purchasing Haeger products as gifts for their wedding party. One customer gave a woman $20 after she came up short in the "cash only" line.
"I was so touched by those stories," Haeger Estes said. "I think that is so beautiful."
Business hours at the factory store 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Mondays, Thursdays and Fridays, and 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. weekends. It's closed Tuesday and Wednesday.
Whether Haeger Potteries will offer a sale with discounted prices before closing for good is up in the air, Haeger Estes said.
"We've been so overwhelmed by the people that have come out," she said. "It's been so fantastic, so we'll certainly do whatever we can to please our loyal fans."
Additionally, the Haeger Potteries museum collection in the factory store will be auctioned off during an event in Chicago later this year, Haeger Estes said. The collection includes one-of-a-kind, historic pieces, which Haeger Estes said would appeal to longtime collectors and fans of the company's products.
"I'm so thrilled," Haeger Estes said. "As heartbreaking as the decision (to close) has been, we have seen such a huge support from the community. It's been tremendous."