Article by Heather Chamberlain, WLBA President and Owner and CEO Theresa’s Gingerbread House Childcare Centers
One of the most popular destination sites in all of Logan and surrounding counties, and the cornerstone of retail shopping experiences in the village of West Liberty is the incredible candy store Marie’s Candies which has been in business since 1956! When you walk through the door you are greeted with a friendly face, a sample of candy, the overwhelming incredible smell of chocolate, and one of the most beautiful retail spaces you will ever see! Each season you are welcomed with a new theme and elaborate decorations to go with the season! The staff are helpful, kind and willing to make sure you have the very best experience you possibly can, and they go the extra mile to make sure you leave with all the incredible and tasty candies you could ever want! The candy store is an original train depot which was built in 1926 and was originally located in the southwest corner of the village. According to their website, Jay and Kathy King purchased the Depot in 1992, moved it through town in 1993 to its current location and renovated it for 3 years until they opened the newly renovated space Thanksgiving weekend in 1996. Rebecca Craig, a third generation co-owner with her brother Shannon King explains the history of Marie’s Candies and how their family came to open and operate this incredible candy store. Husband and wife Winfred and Marie King dealt with paralyzing polio for Winfred. They gave gifts of homemade candy to helpful friends and neighbors. Marie’s Candies officially opened its doors in 1956 and provided a living for the Kings. Husband and wife, Jay (son of Winfred and Marie) and Kathy King took ownership in 1977 and had the vision and creativity for the growth of Marie’s Candies. They dedicated their lives to improving candy production, increasing candy options, and designing candy gifts. They also moved and restored a train depot that became the business’s retail space in 1996. Brother and sister, Shannon King and Rebecca Craig (children of Jay & Kathy) became co-owners in 2016 and continue the legacy of their grandparents and parents. How many employees do you have? 25-35, depending on the season. What is the history of your business in West Liberty? Winfred and Marie first sold candy from their farmhouse kitchen on State Route 507. Ten years later, they needed more space, so they built a house and candy shop combination at the present location on US Highway 68. That building is now completely devoted to candy production. What does your business offer customers? We like to greet our customers with a sample. We make over 100 different kinds of chocolates and candy. We have fun creating seasonal displays and gifts. We also offer a great selection of products from other candy makers. Do you offer classes, specials, or any other service that your town may not know about? We send a monthly email newsletter that includes a coupon. You can sign up on our website www.mariescandies.com or by texting MARIESCANDIES to 22828. Our website has almost all the products we carry in our store with the option of ordering online and picking up in the store. How are you involved with the community in West Liberty? We enjoy supplying candy and prizes for Easter egg hunts, coloring contests, trick-or-treating, pictures with Santa, and more. What are your hours of operation? 10am-6pm Monday-Saturday When you aren’t at your business, what are you doing? (Hobbies, etc) When Shannon isn’t at work, he’s spending time with his family. When Rebecca isn’t at work, she’s spending time with her husband and enjoying her kids’ sporting events. What is your favorite thing about owning a business in our small town? Rebecca’s favorite thing about owning a business in West Liberty, is being able to give back to the community who was such a big help to her grandparents. Maries Candies gives so much to our community and we are so very thankful and blessed to have them as part of our community. We are honored to name them November’s Business of the Month for the Village of West Liberty! Please stop by and visit them today! Local: 937-465-3061 Toll Free: 866-465-5781 Fax: 937-465-3336 Email: [email protected] Hours: 10am - 6pm, Monday - Saturday |
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