Apr 17, 2011

Rachel’s Rumors: Candy, Gift Shop Opening SoonBy Rachel Parker DickersonTheCabin.net

Last week, I learned about a business coming to downtown that is already gathering a following on Facebook.

Nikki Hawks Jones will open Occasions Candy and Gifts in Mountebanq Place on Oak Street. She said she has been planning this for years. Jones has a public relations degree from the University of Central Arkansas and has been in the retail business before.

The candy store will feature 78 scoop bins with everything from chocolate-covered pretzels to gummy bears. Jones has contracts with M&M and Jelly Belly, and she will be able to order custom colors for events. She contracts with a company that makes 40 different flavors of popcorn. She will also carry a large selection of sugar free and gluten free candies.

Jones will have machines for rent, including a snow cone machine, cotton candy machine, chocolate fountain and a frozen margarita mixer.

Gifts at the store will include personalized items, gift baskets, etc. She will also have candy packaging geared toward special events and be able to set up candy buffets at weddings. Jones said she will likely hold birthday parties at the store and special events, such as trick-or-treat at Halloween.

The store will open June 27 with a grand opening event on July 1 and 2. At the grand opening there will be free snow cones and cotton candy.

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