With additional reporting from Chris Lundy and Brenda Ruggiero
When TDmonthly interviewed retailers in October 2011 about their best selling candy and food, a combination of unique, nostalgic, and inexpensive items made the Top-10 list. The retailers that did sell candy and food generally opted for nostalgic items, like Rock Candy from Squire Boone Village, or novelty items, like Scorpion Suckers from Hotlix. Meanwhile, four out of 13 retailers surveyed said they don't sell candy at all. "We've got a dollar general across the street from us that sells candy," June Hargrove, co-owner of Black Forest Books & Toys in Charlotte, N.C., gave as her reason for not selling any candy in her store. Betsy Ordemann, owner of Magic Box LTD in New Orleans, La., doesn't sell it either. "I don't think it is good for kids to have all that candy," she told TDmonthly. Other retailers were more positive about selling candy in their stores, like Elmer Carranza, assistant manager at Doodlehopper 4 Kids in Falls Church, Va., who says they sell up to 100 Twinkle Pops from LEO ARRETIN INC each month.
If you're thinking about selling candy in your store, or want to add something new to your selection, take a closer look at the candy and food items that made our Top-10 Most-Wanted list below.
No manufacturer paid to be included in this article. All products listed were designated by editorial staff without regard to the company's relationship with TOYDIRECTORY.com/TDmonthly Magazine.
Pop Rocks - Strawberry by POP ROCKS INC.
Pop Rocks are a powder candy that pop and fizz in your mouth. Developed by scientist William A. Mitchell in 1956, the popping candies feature tiny air pockets of carbonation As the candy melts in your mouth, the CO2 is released for a crackling feel in your mouth and popping noises you can hear. Strawberry flavor is sweet and tangy. Display box contains 36 packets. — In an October 2011 survey about bestselling food and candy, Mary Porter Green, owner of The Curiosity Zone in Ashburn, Va., told TDmonthly,"we don't typically sell food because it goes stale — but Pop Rocks do well."
Available in a wide variety of flavors and vivid colors, Rock Crystal Candy is made of sugar crystalized onto a wooden stick. The crunchy candy sparkles like real rock crystal formations. — John Blair, owner of Science Safari in Cary, N.C., told TDmonthly in a late Summer 2012 survey that Rock Candy was one of his bestselling edible treats.
Box of 36 assorted Scorpion Suckers. Blueberry, banana, apple, & strawberry flavors. Hard candy with a real scorpion inside. — In an October 2011 survey about bestselling food and candy, John Blair, owner of Science Safari in Cary, N.C. told TDmonthly that they sell a dozen of these insect lollipops each month, "sometimes to kids, sometimes to adults as a gag gift." — John Blair, owner of Science Safari in Cary, N.C., told TDmonthly in a late Summer 2012 survey that Scorpion Suckers were one of his best selling candies.
Twinkle Pops® 2-Tone Star (60 Pieces) by LEO ARRETIN INC
Twinkle Pops 2 Tone Star lollipops have a solid center color enclosed in a clear border. 7 assorted colors, 7 delicious flavors. 60 pieces per bag. Twinkle Pops is a unique clear lollipop on a 12" stick , individually wrapped with a hang tag. Kosher Certified candy. Ideal candies for wedding favors, party candy, basket stuffer or just to enjoy. — Elmer Carranza, assistant manager at Doodlehopper 4 Kids in Falls Church, Va., told TDmonthly in an October 2011 survey about candy and food that they sell about 100 Twinkle Pops each month. "They're really small, and attract little kids," he said. — In a late Summer 2012 survey, Karin Evick, owner of Kid's Ketch in Lewes, Del., told TDmonthly that Tinkle Pops were one of their bestselling candy items.
It's two lollipop treats in one with Charms Blow Pop, a chewy, bubble gum center surrounded by a delicious, fruit-flavored, hard candy shell. Available in a variety of great-tasting flavors that include traditional fruit varieties and more contemporary favorites--Way 2 Sour, Kiwi Berry Blast, Black Ice, What-a-Melon, and the brand’s most popular, Blue Razz--the pops are the world’s most popular gum-filled lollipop. Sold individually or in bags. Single pops available in .65-ounce or 1.35-ounce (Super Blow Pop) sizes. — Marc Holcomb, owner of Toys & Co. in Greensboro, N.C., told TDmonthly in an October 2011 survey about bestselling food and candy that, "Blowpops are probably the best sellers, because they're only a quarter," but also said, "We don't make a lot. We just have to have candy here.” — In a late Summer 2012 survey, four out of 12 retailers told TDmonthly that lollipops were their bestselling candy items.
Shock Your Buds Test Tube Candy by SQUIRE BOONE VILLAGE
This sour, powdered candy in test tubes comes in a variety of themes, making it ideal for shops attached to museums, aquariums, zoos, and other themed recreation venues. Candy is packed in unbreakable, reusable genuine test tubes. — In an October 2011 survey about bestselling food and candy, Mary Porter Green, owner of The Curiosity Zone in Ashburn, Va., told TDmonthly that "the various test tube candies from Squire Boone" sell well, though they don't usually sell food.
Candy dispensers shaped like your favorite train are ready for loading up with sweet treats. — Thomas & Friends Pez candy dispensers were top sellers at Totally Thomas Toy Depot in San Diego as of July 2010, according to Cynthia Wyatt, president. “Yummy and collectible,” she said. “The perfect treat for any Thomas fan.”
Peach Rings - 10lbs bulk by JELLY BELLY CANDY COMPANY
10 lb case of Peach Ringsfrom Jelly Belly. Fruity, gummy peach candy bursting with peach flavor. The vibrant, true-to-life peach taste is given a little extra kick with a light sugar sanding. 10 lb bulk case is delivered in a food grade cardboard box. All Confections by Jelly Belly are certified OU Kosher by the Orthodox Union. — Andrea Scartozzi from Hardware Toys in Paoli, Pa., told TDmonthly in an October 2011 survey about bestselling food and candy that they sell six to a dozen packages of peach rings or apple rings each month.
Writer's Bio: Justina Huddleston graduated Magna Cum Laude from Emerson College with a BA in Writing, Literature, and Publishing in 2009. After graduating she was the on-site director of the Boston Children's Museum gift store for a year, selling educational, developmental, and creative activity toys that tied in with the museum's exhibits. Justina also interned at children's book publisher Candlewick Press before moving from Boston to Los Angeles, where she is now Editorial Director of TDmonthly Magazine. Read more articles by this author
Writer's Bio: Justina Huddleston graduated Magna Cum Laude from Emerson College with a BA in Writing, Literature, and Publishing in 2009. After graduating she was the on-site director of the Boston Children's Museum gift store for a year, selling educational, developmental, and creative activity toys that tied in with the museum's exhibits. Justina also interned at children's book publisher Candlewick Press before moving from Boston to Los Angeles, where she is now Editorial Director of TDmonthly Magazine. Read more articles by this author
