Sweet Dreams Do Come True at C&J’s Candy Store

A CANDY STORE REVIEW

Did you know that Menomonie has a candy store?
They are family owned and operated. You can find
Barbara and her daughter Sara, a UW-Stout
student, behind the counter or putting away the
newly arrived items. Located only a couple blocks
from the UW-Stout campus, C&J’s stocks candy from many
countries including Italy, the Philippines, Ireland, and up to 39
more, but that number is never static. Their selection and
great prices are surprising. Word on the Street had the
opportunity to interview one of the owners, Barbara Bauer-Chen, who provided us with some sweet insight.

WORD ON THE STREET (WOTS): Where did the idea to start a
candy store come from?
BARBARA: We know people all over the place and sometimes
you want to send them a package of little things, but there is
not a lot out there of little candy type items or souvenirs to
send. So noticing this was something needed and having the
open building space, we thought we would do it ourselves.
Our friend Mary, who is the owner of Collective Souls, a store
located on Main Street, also thought it was something needed
in Menomonie. She provided help in starting the store since
she has an understanding of retail.

WOTS: What is the story behind your name?
BARBARA: C&J comes from the names of my two sons, Cody
and Jamison.
JAMISON: Well, I have no part in that.

WOTS: Do you have a certain candy you feature more of?
What’s your main focus?
BARBARA: Nostalgic and international is the only way I can
answer that. We have both. Ever since we started, the
international section has taken off. It has been fun seeing that.
WOTS: Will your selections change based on holidays?
BARBARA: A little. We will offer some custom things like little
gift bundles and baskets.

WOTS: Name at least one thing a new shopper may not know
about when they first visit your store.
BARBARA: The custom bundles where you can choose what
candy to mix in together is popular. We are also constantly
getting in different items, so even if people come to the store
often they are typically surprised by something new. We also
do custom orders and always try to get things that people
request.

WOTS: Do you offer any specials for college students?
BARBARA: We do have a lot of inexpensive things. We also do
our best to keep prices low across the board. For example, you
can buy Pixy Stix for $.10 each or individually wrapped
Twizzlers for $.15 each.

WOTS: What is the most random fact about candy you know?
BARBARA: For me, it would be spicy candy. I didn’t really know
it was a thing until I got into this business. You can find all that
is offered for sour candy but in spicy form.
So, make a trip to them and satisfy your sweet (or spicy) tooth.

PRO TIP: Week days and Sundays are better to visit since
Saturdays are busier. Happy hunting!

342 1/2, Main St E, Menomonie | (715) 308-7732
www.cjscandystore.com | Facebook: @menomoniecandystore