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Candy store in West Seattle

Started 2 years ago by Chocolategoat
Latest reply from ws4ever

Chocolategoat
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Would West Seattle-ites shop at a locally owned Candy store? One that had local, handcrafted really interesting stuff? plus some of the hard to find candy everyone loves?

Posted 2 years ago #
hollyplace
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Hmmmm....Right now for good chocolate we have the bakery and the grocery store. I know Husky Deli has candy. When I want chocolate I usually pick up some Fran's at Thriftway. I would definitely check it out - even better if you would be located in the junction and made really good fresh carmel corn. I know the smell would bring me into the store and I would grab a bag everytime I was up there and probably some candy too.

Posted 2 years ago #
changingtimes
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omg! put in the junction! the kind where u have all the barrels and pay by the weight! and have a frequent buyer card!! hahaha

Posted 2 years ago #
bfranklin4206
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one word..no

Posted 2 years ago #
brown crow
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Yes! Yes! Yes! Do this! Candy store would be great! Have old fashioned candy too like wax lips and pixie stix (yeah, I know I can buy them at Rite Aid but more fun to buy in candy store with all your other candy and chocolate needs) But I dont know about putting it in the Junction. There is already Husky deli and the Cup cake place. Hmmmm??? Gatewood district perhaps.

Posted 2 years ago #
WSB
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Anyone been to Max and Quinn's Atomic Boys in the Admiral District lately? They had retro candy galore when they opened last year.

Posted 2 years ago #
The Velvet Bulldog
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Put it near Lincoln Park--all those walkers/runners/bikers will feel justified in buying candy 'cuz they've worked off all the calories. Business will boom! Oh--you've got the people waiting in line for the ferry too. Damn, maybe I'LL open a candy store...

Posted 2 years ago #
JanS
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I walk by Atomic Boys all the time (sugar not good for me, so I refrain from going in - lol)...and he has tons of stuff...

but if we're talking interesting chocolates, things like that, well, yeah, I'd be tempted :) Junction? hmmm...it's gotta be somewhere. I was thinking someplace like where Georgia Blu's is (she's closing soon).

Posted 2 years ago #
Chocolategoat
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Wow, what great ideas all of you! Except bfranklin4206...why no?
I didn't know Georgia Blu's is closing...do you know why? There are a lot of changes going on in West Seattle retail and I'm a bit scared of it!

Posted 2 years ago #
angelescrest
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Guilty: we have been known to drive to U Village just to go to The Confectionery. Chocolategoat, are you familiar with its delectable selection and beautiful displays? It has everything.

Posted 2 years ago #
Traci
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I hate to be a dissenting opinion on this one, but my opinion is that unless you come up with a killer niche or atmosphere, chances are you'll get lost in the junction (note: Bakery Nouveau, Husky Deli, Cupcake Royale, Sugar Rush, PCC cupcakes, shoofly, and ALL the coffee shops that sell locally baked goods as well)...It's overwhelming!

Posted 2 years ago #
westseattledood
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Chocolategoat

If you could possibly conjure up something that could compete with Bakery Nouveau's twice-baked chocolate almond croissant or their dark dipped dried orange candy; or a slice of Shoofly's chocolate pie; or Husky Deli's Swiss orange chocolate ice cream or Kokora's baklava, I'll be there. I have chocolate love to spare and will go anywhere in WS to share it, as needed.

I think WS could possibly use a cookie specialist. Good cookies are few and far between. I would love a centralized location in which to satisfy that need for light, crisp, cookie goodness. It could be an untapped market. Even if the cookies are not all
chocolate. ;).

Posted 2 years ago #
bfranklin4206
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to the Chocolategoat and all you who approve of this candy store idea. dont get me wrong candy is yummy and all but west seattle is already way to full of overpriced, cupcaked, twice baked, chocolate, sugary garbage and bottom line is its just unhealthy to have stupid junkfood all over my neighborhood and you wonder why everybody and their children are fat.

Posted 2 years ago #
JanS
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hey, bfranklin...if it's someplace you don't want to go to, then don't go. Sort of like turning the TeeVee off if you don't like what's on. :)

Posted 2 years ago #
JanS
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Chocolategoat, I understand it's closing so she can spend more time with family, kids...

Posted 2 years ago #
bfranklin4206
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do what you will but my tv is always off

Posted 2 years ago #
WSB
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Re: Georgia Blu, our report from a month ago:

http://westseattleblog.com/blog/?p=19179

Posted 2 years ago #
hollyplace
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Yeah, cookies would be good too. I haven't found anywhere to buy a really good cookie in West Seattle

Posted 2 years ago #
flowerpetal
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I wonder if this is a fiscally risky time to start a business of high end designer chocolates. People are waxing nostalgic for the good ole days when you could buy wax lips, pixie stix, and candy cigarettes.

Posted 2 years ago #
mpento
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Yes but it has to be something worthwhile for me to turn off the tv and get out of bed. Hey maybe do delivery like the pizza guys. American candy and chocolate sucks.

Posted 2 years ago #
ToddinWestwood
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I say do it. But from a more realistic approach, it may be a tough biz to stand on its own in a place where there is so many choices of deserts and treats.
Maybe open up in a corner of another business? Talk a coffee shop or another treat shop into some counter space and start slowly to gauge interest. If things take off in a small space, then think about opening up your own storefront. Less risk that way.
If you do it, good luck.

p.s. Atomic Boys has Wonka Bottle Caps, that is why I cannot go there very often. (I will eat my own weight in them if I had a chance )

Posted 2 years ago #
Jeannie
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Atomic Boys has the old-fashioned chocolate cigarettes - not exactly Belgian-quality chocolate, but fun in a decadent way. It is a nice prop for re-enacting "Mad Men," too! And they have those weird candy dots that are stuck on a long piece of paper - sort of like adding-machine tape. I used to think those were sheer bliss. The classic old candies weren't as tasty as today's high-end chocolates, but they were sure fun to eat.

But regarding the chocolate shop, I tend to agree with Todd about starting very small. Cookies are a good idea, except you can get them at Great Harvest and Nouveau.

Posted 2 years ago #
Chocolategoat
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Unfortunately, it's hard to "start small" because you have to buy a minimum from enough companies to have a nice selection. Traci and others mentioned all the other "sugary" things already available in the Junction, but none of it is candy, it's all baked goods. I'd like to support the small chocolate/candy maker who makes unique quality stuff, not dots on paper. The atmosphere of my "imaginary" store is a "less pink" version of the U-Village candy store. That store is isn't very exciting to me. I'd want to have an ever changing menu of local candies and goodies so you never knew what might be in the store on a given day. Eventually I'd want to add my own line of goodies to the mix. I love to make Marshmallows and caramels w/ nuts!

thanks for all the input...I'm still thinking about it. Maybe WS isn't the right spot. Maybe there's too much sugar there already!

Posted 2 years ago #
ToddinWestwood
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Who would have thought that candy companies had a minimum order. Wow.

You are right about W.S. not having candy. Try it, make it hip and fun, sell chocolate covered insects. W.S. will be there. Dont let a bunch of us spoil your vision. If it doesnt work, at least you can say you tried, right?

Posted 2 years ago #
JenV
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i would totally eat chocolate covered bugs.

Posted 2 years ago #
Chocolategoat
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hadn't thought of chocolate covered bugs....
Hey ToddinWestwood, what do you think of Westwood Village mall as a location?

Posted 2 years ago #
Crowe
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I think they would have said the same thing about another bakery in WS when Bakery Nouveau moved in. I say, follow your vision. Too many of us just don't. I think it is a wonderful idea. Maybe think about delivery. My vision: Bicycle with a basket of chocolates delivered to Beveridge Place. Heck set up shop and I'll be your delivery girl! :O)

Posted 2 years ago #
westseattledood
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hey chocolategoat-

I haven't been to the Admiral Theater but once right after the new management started, but is there a candy concession there? I only recall the wine bar they had set up the night I was there for a show. Which maybe why I don't remember the concession stand.

Could be a perfectly unique location to start, maybe?

If cookies just aren't your thing, then perhaps some lurking
baker of consistently exceptional and interesting cookies who has an entreprenuerial bent will take the notion to heart and open a shop. They could have milk on tap:). OK. Enough of the cookie concept. ;)

Posted 2 years ago #
JenV
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Westwood Village would be a great spot for a candy store - I am sure there are a ton of kids who back in the day used to spend their allowance in the candy aisle at Pay-n-Save in Westwood Village. Make it a combination coffee shop/wine bar like Cafe Bella in Belltown and you've got a customer right here.

Posted 2 years ago #
Gina
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Skaret's Sweet Shoppe at Westwood Village did alright. I think they left because the owners retired.

They sold candy and fancy dolls and nuts.

Posted 2 years ago #
MargL
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Well there's an idea and an under-served market area. Boutique chocolates in Westwood Village! I like it!
It wouldn't draw me to the Junction area but I shop enough in the Westwood Village area that I'd more than likely stop in there for a piece of interesting chocolate. We already have a boutique clothing shop, Chico's, and a boutique eatery, Eats Market, so why not chocolate?
BTW - we looooove dark chocolate sea foam but the only place I know to get it reliably is Boehm's down in Burien. They also do killer chocolate/nut dipped ice cream bars!

Posted 2 years ago #
hollyplace
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we would definitely check it out if it were in Westwood or the junction. You have to have foot traffic to make it with a candy store. I always think that the Moxie paper store looks cute, but it isn't near anything else I want to visit so I never take the time to stop.

Posted 2 years ago #
MargL
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Oh - just had a thought. The spot Wyatt's Jewelers is currently in will be opening up when they move to their new storefront in Westwood Village. The open spot will be right across the walk from 24 Hour Fitness! That would be a GREAT spot for a candy store :-D.

Posted 2 years ago #
suzanne
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I would love a chocolate shop in Westwood Village. I especially like buying dark chocolate in fun molds and shapes to give as gifts. You would also probably get a lot of traffic from the kids at Sealth and Denny as a lot of them hang out there.

Posted 2 years ago #
voodoo
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I live near Westwood Village and, to answer the original poster's question, will say no, I would not patronize a candy store there, or elsewhere in West Seattle. (Why BFranklin deserved a slap on the wrist for saying the same I do not understand.) It is simply not a business I would use.

Posted 2 years ago #
Lex
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Absolutely!! Especially if there is old school candy ie Now or Laters, Gobstoppers like Farrels use to have. My current fav candy store is Bruce's in Cannon Beach. You mirror that shop and you have a customer and many to follow for life!!!

Posted 2 years ago #
carterbiosea
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Honestly, not in the Junction. The Husky has a ton of different candies, chocolates too. I think it would be easier to find demand for a candy/chocolate/malt shop in Westwood Village.

Posted 2 years ago #
Lex
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Also While I love Bakery Nouveau for their baked goods the chocolate is over priced and not enough variety. so go for a chocolate/candy store that appeals to all ages and all sweet tooths.

Posted 2 years ago #
CrystalizedGinger
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There is a handmade chocolate/icecream/espresso storefront on mainstreet in Enumclaw. Loved thier handmade chocolates, which I was delighted and disappointed at the same time to learn they came from Theo's in Fremont. I wanted more local!
ChocolateGoat, maybe you can put in smaller orders if you order candy locally, and supplement your stock with your own creations.
I second Westwood Village idea. When I'm tooling around on foot in that area, there are no real dessert-focused areas- I usually have to go to Eats Market for a cupcake, Barnes and Noble or the grocery store...What I want is like a Fran's Chocolate place with tables for chatting, but more affordable like the Confectionary.
Good Luck!

Posted 2 years ago #
p2
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i'd like a local place to buy good fudge. when i used to frequent malls i'd always stop at sees candies for a chunk of walnut fudge (that i really didn't and don't now need). metro market has carried some that i found around the holidays. they also recently had some crazy good dark chocolate toffee that i splurged on. the question for me is - would i pay a special visit to a store that specializes in delectable fudge/toffee or am i more likely to only purchase what i see in front of me at the grocery store and cannot talk myself out of ...

Posted 2 years ago #
ellenater
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Not in the junction. Westwood, for sure. Please carry taffy. Agreed about Bruce's! I was thinking of that before!!!! Yes to seafoam! yes to any and all chocolate. I love the varying it idea.

Posted 2 years ago #
brown crow
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Not just chocolate items but great choices of candy. How about an expert taffy puller. Good old fashioned saltwater taffy. And jelly beans. licorice sticks for my husband. by the by, my whole family is a bunch of skinny people. We can handle it.
(but dont forget to brush your teeth children.)

Posted 2 years ago #
caramelgoat
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Recent Update: I started this post a year ago...and now I have opened an online candy store!
Hope you'll visit us at http://www.fixsugar.com

thanks for all your great ideas...hope to have a real store in West Seattle one day.

Posted 1 year ago #
JanS
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caramelgoat....your candies look yummy....congratulations on getting this up and running :)

Posted 1 year ago #
MarySheely
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Yay! I think I saw something about that on Cakespy! Congrats. I hope you're looking into This Charming Candy if you haven't already. : )

Posted 1 year ago #
ws4ever
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Great presentation! Good luck, caramelgoat.

Posted 1 year ago #