Sugar Land

COEUR d'ALENE - The giant gumball machine in the center of Mrs. Honeypeeps Sweet Shop has 22,000 gumballs.

Well, not anymore.

"Slightly less. People have been coming in," said Susan Sommer, owner of the store, with husband Brett, that opens today at The Resort Plaza Shops.

The Sommers, owners of Figpickels Toy Emporium on Sherman Avenue and Paper Papillon Emporium, also in the Plaza Shops, are trying their talents at the retail side of candy.

They were busy Thursday straightening, sorting, and filling yet more jars with sweet stuff, stacking candy bars on displays and shelves while the word "Candy" flashed overhead in bright, colorful lights.

Adults, get ready to act like kids again. Willy Wonka comes to Idaho.

Think of any candy, and you'll find it here. Licorice from around the world, lollipops of all sizes and shapes, gumballs of every color, and chocolate cigars await.

"We're really tired of tasting sugar right now," Susan Sommer said, laughing.

"I pretty much know every candy that's out there available right now. I'm sure I'll stumble on some more."

But they're not tired of creating fun stores in Coeur d'Alene.

And since the closure of the penny candy store at Fourth and Sherman years ago, there is a need.

"It's been one of the most requested things in our store that people wish would come back here," she said.

So the vision has been there. All that was needed was the opportunity.

"All the elements came into place. The right location, the right size store, staffing," Sommer said. "It was kind of like serendipitous."

This is what she calls an "all inclusive candy store." It's not just for people who love sugar.

There will be treats suitable for kids and adults with allergies, with diabetes, or those who simply don't want their children to feast on too many treats. Organic, gluten-free, nut-free and sugar-free candy are options at Mrs. Honeypeeps.

"There are wonderful alternatives to people who need specialty candy out there," Sommer said.

But for those who prefer a sugar rush, Mrs. Honeypeeps could be your second home.

You can buy candy by the pound, and if you're a fan of Gummi treats, this is for you. They come in the form of bears, brains, alligators, dinosaurs, frogs, eggs, worms, teeth, fish, octopus and sharks. Jar after jar of them.

"And then the sours," Susan Sommer added.

She's especially excited about the retro candy, like bubble gum cigars, candy cigarettes and boxes of Baby Ruth.

"It's pretty much things thateverybody's going to have a memory," Sommer said.

Along with candy, they offer gumball machines, ice cream, old-fashioned bottled soda and gift baskets.

Mrs. Honeypeeps will employ four. It opens mid-morning today. Summer hours will be 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Saturday, and 10-6 on Sunday.

Information: 667-2732