I’m always giving away free candy. Kids visiting the store get free lollipops. I suspect they know this on some unconscious level, which is why they all love coming here. When we have a mom or dad who is worried about organics, we even supply an organic lolly to those kids.
Most recently, I gave one little guy his first lollipop. An old friend from grade-school visited the store the other day with her 11 1/2 month old son. We haven’t seen each other in a while and I hadn’t met him yet. Like any good host, I offered them a snack while they browsed. The look on his face was priceless! He broke out into a huge chubby-cheeked grin and his eyes lit up like it was the best thing in the world. It is, of course.
Adults aren’t forgotten, either. A few weeks ago, one of our regular customers who buys candy for her family from us mentioned how she really misses red licorice since being diagnosed with celiac disease. I let her try some red licorice Scottie dogs, which are gluten-free. This small sample made her smile from ear to ear.
I think our sampling policy makes the store one of the sweetest places on earth. No matter how old or young you are, everyone loves a free sample. We want everyone who walks in to have fun.
Being the candyman is sweet!