Feb 10, 2009

Chattanooga: Sweet hop north Candyland gains in move to FrazierBy Amy WilliamsTimesFreePress.com

Dealing with the rent and little parking for his customers, downtown Chattanooga candy store owner J. Maddox packed up his jelly beans and gummy bears at the end of November and moved across the river.

In his new home three-fifths of mile away on Frazier Avenue, Candyland’s owner said he has lower rent and a lot behind his building with free parking.

Already Mr. Maddox says he has an increase in business just from people in the neighborhood.

“Over there, if they could stop, maybe they would if there was an open meter, but now knowing they can any time, I’m seeing an increase in local clientele,” he said.

Mr. Maddox hopes the money he will save in rent will help to brace his business against the downturn in the economy. While people are still buying candy, his business has suffered from expenses to the point they would wipe out his checking account, he said.

“Instead of all our profit going to overhead, we’ll be able to build up some capital and enhance our business more here,” he said.

Candyland moved in November from its former spot at 200 Market St. across from the Tennessee Aquarium to 115 Frazier Ave.

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