The impending split of Illinois-based Sara Lee Corp. into a global coffee company and a North American operation under the Hillshire Brands banner, also means the demise of its 11 outlet stores, including the longtime Cherry Creek Plaza store in Homewood.

Peter, the manager of the Sara Lee Outlet store at 5711 W. 95th St. in Oak Lawn, referred calls to a corporate media spokesman but said regular customers had been coming into the store since the news was announced Thursday, lamenting its eventual closing.

"We have some pretty loyal and regular customers," he said. "They are disappointed the store will be closing."

The Sara Lee stores carry an extensive line of discounted Sara Lee products.

Matt Pakula, senior manager for corporate communications for Sara Lee, said Friday there was no timetable for the closings but added the stores will close by the end of November.

Pakula said Hillshire Brands after the split would not be able to devote the “attention required for success in stand-alone retail operations.”

Nine of Sara Lee's outlet stores are in Illinois. Each store employs about seven people.

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