Williams-Sonoma kicks off the official start of the holiday shopping season, declaring the Friday following Thanksgiving “Bark Friday” in honor of the top-selling status of its famous Peppermint Bark confection. Peppermint Bark was first introduced in 1998 and became an instant favorite. Now, in its 16th year, Peppermint Bark, which is marketed for just twelve weeks of the entire selling calendar, continues to be a customer favorite with over five million 1-lb packages sold in the last decade. Williams-Sonoma is launching an Instagram contest online beginning on “Bark Friday,” until Christmas calling for posts with the tag #barkyeah based on the cult success of a seasonal blog, peppermintbark.tumblr.com, the brand began last year.

The team at Williams-Sonoma conceived an early concept for Peppermint Bark and working alongside renowned Bay Area chocolatier Guittard, the inimitable recipe was perfected. At the Guittard Chocolate Company, Master Candy Makers pour semisweet chocolate onto a confectioner's table then add a layer of creamy white chocolate, both infused with peppermint oil. Peppermint candy bits on top offer delicious texture to the rich, smoothness of the world-class chocolate. Williams-Sonoma President, Janet Hayes comments, “The arrival of Peppermint Bark at Williams-Sonoma stores is one of the most highly anticipated launches every year. It’s a beloved seasonal tradition and a delicious part of holiday hospitality.”

Each year Peppermint Bark is introduced in October and receives a spotlight in stores by December. This year, Williams-Sonoma expands the Peppermint Bark product line with a limited edition 2-lb tin and Peppermint Bark Cups, bite-sized versions of the original in paper cups. Customer appreciation for Williams-Sonoma’s excellence in developing sweet foods is based on the brand’s continued commitment to quality and creativity. Since the introduction of Peppermint Bark in 1998 the product line now includes the 1-lb and 2-lb tins of Peppermint Bark, individually wrapped Peppermint Bark Bites, Peppermint Bark Paws (clusters of the bark combined with cocoa puffed rice), Peppermint Bark Marshmallows, Peppermint Bark Cookies, Peppermint Bark Hot Chocolate, and Peppermint Bark Cups. For pricing and details on the complete assortment of confections, visit www.williams-sonoma.com.

About Williams-Sonoma

Since its founding by Chuck Williams in 1956, the Williams-Sonoma brand has been bringing people together around food. A member of Williams-Sonoma, Inc. (NYSE:WSM) portfolio of brands, Williams-Sonoma is a leading specialty retailer of high-quality products for the kitchen and home, providing world-class service and an engaging customer experience. Products include cookware, cooks’ tools, cutlery, electrics, bakeware, food, tabletop and bar, outdoor, cookbooks, as well as furniture, lighting and decorative accessories. Each store has a professional demonstration kitchen for cooking classes and tastings conducted by expert culinary staff. Williams-Sonoma Cooking Schools, located in select locations in the U.S. and Australia, offer hands-on classes led by professional chefs. A comprehensive gift registry program for weddings and other special events is available in stores and online. On williams-sonoma.com and the Williams-Sonoma blog, Taste, customers can find recipes, tips and techniques that help them create delicious meals and wonderful memories.