After closing five Ethel’s Chocolate Lounge locations last summer, Mars Retail Group will close five more in the Chicago area by the end of this month.

Citing underperformance, Mars is closing three locations in Chicago, one in Evanston and one in Naperville, leaving just the Ethel’s Chocolate Lounge at Old Orchard Mall in Skokie, Ill.; it, too, will eventually close.

Ethel’s employees will receive separation pay and job placement assistance. Eight Ethel’s Chocolate Lounges in the Las Vegas area will remain open. Ethel’s Chocolates also will be available through the Ethel’s Chocolate Web site, www.ethelschocolate.com.