A Candy Store Straight Out of the Past

Wendell, NC – Stepping into The Candy Store in downtown Wendell is like stepping back in time. The handmade gifts, vintage toys, and the bushel baskets of “penny candy” wrapped in wax paper are reminiscent of a slower time, where people communed at the local general store to fellowship with friends and neighbors. And that is exactly the feel store volunteers want to recreate.

“People who drop by, and bring their kids or grandkids, all say they enjoy the old-fashioned look and atmosphere of the store. They said it reminds them of growing up. They begin to reminisce, telling stories of how downtown Wendell looked growing up, remembering some of the stores they loved that are no longer around,” said Ginna Gray, town commissioner and liaison to the Wendell Chamber.

The Candy Store, in its third year, was the idea of chamber members as a way to provide a service for its town, in addition to raising money for the chamber. “Everything we sell is donated,” explained Regina Harmon, who oversees the project. “Everything associated with the store involves volunteers and donations.” Since it was started, it has also been a huge success, said Harmon. “Last year, we raised about $9,000, and that is impressive thinking that it was collected in 40 days.”