FARMINGTON — Collette Daggett and Chelsea Van Gorden have opened Simply Kids and Candy Shoppe at 227 Broadway.
Chelsea Van Gorden and Collette Daggett stand behind the counter of their new store, Simply Kids & Candy Shoppe, in Farmington. (Livermore Falls Advertiser photo by Pam Harnden)
Hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday. When events are taking place on Sunday, they will be open. If school is cancelled due to the weather the store will be closed.
The store is a combination of kids boutique and old-fashioned candy shop. Some consignment items are also stocked, including lotions and soaps from Cedar Post Farm in Industry. The first day of business was Feb. 23.
At Simply Kids & Candy Shoppe in Farmington, candy is sold by the piece or choose from among those sold by the pound, some of which are seen here. (Livermore Falls Advertiser photo by Pam Harnden)
Daggett is from New Vineyard, Maine while Van Gorden lives in Harmony, Maine. The two are friends with no prior retail experience.
“The distance is worth it. I get to come to work with my best friend every day. We wanted to offer something more for kids,” Van Gorden said. “We love Farmington, it has a booming downtown with so many opportunities.”
Daggett said they want their store to give the feel of an old time candy store.
“We want to bring back memories. We’re asking what people want. We’re hoping to expand with more offerings,” Van Gorden said.
“We have a mix of vintage candy with the hip new candy kids today want,” Daggett added.
There is an entire rack of vintage candies priced at three for one dollar. One tastes just like the candy many know as Peach Blossoms.
For daring kids, or adults, there are crayon bubble gum, crick-etts and larv-ets candies and suckers filled with ants.
Some sugar free candy is stocked. The owners did a lot of research before opening. They are working on getting a larger variety. They know people want a good tasting sugar free candy.
Regina Voter and students in the Business Academy program at Foster Career and Technical Education Center will be handling the store’s marketing.
At Simply Kids & Candy Shoppe in Farmington, an assortment of clothing fills display racks. (Livermore Falls Advertiser photo by Pam Harnden)
Besides candy the store offers a little bit of everything for kids There are connecting magnetic trains, books, sunglasses, hair pieces, hats and clothes. Kids love the selection of LEGO men found at the front counter.
Daggett and Van Gorden make some items themselves. Customized shirts, birth announcement piggy banks, candy bouquets and candy gifts plus monthly milestone boards for babies and diaper cakes can be ordered.
Books, hair bows and more are found at Simply Kids & Candy Shoppe in Farmington. (Livermore Falls Advertiser photo by Pam Harnden)
They make hair bows that can be personalized or interchanged with different headbands or barrettes. There are crocheted tutus and hats (even one with a beard!).
While most clothing currently is for girls, they plan to expand their selections for boys.
Olaf, Princess Aurora and Doc McStuffins will be at the store during the Fire and Ice Festival March 9 for pictures and visits with children.
This large selection of connecting magnetic trains is found at Simply Kids & Candy Shoppe in Farmington, Maine. (Livermore Falls Advertiser photo by Pam Harnden)
For more information, call 491-6222 or visit the Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/Simply-Kids-Candy-Shoppe-535231080296093/.
pharnden@sunmediagroup.net
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