EDIBLE GIFTS Edible Add-Ons Snacks and Candy at Pharmacies and Florists

By Sara Karnish

Pharmacies and florists are known for their respective core businesses. Adding other merchandise categories like snacks and candy to their store shelves not only increases revenue, it makes these businesses convenient “one-stop shops” for customers. Jill Boccella , assistant manager/buyer at Fireside Flowers and Gifts in Richboro, Pa., said bringing candy and snacks into the merchandise mix gives customers other options besides standard floral gifts for an occasion like sympathy., “We do gourmet baskets. We do tea and cookie baskets. The candy is pretty popular. Sometimes customers come in and will make their own baskets out of the loose candy. The gourmet foods and candy are also a great add-on to a floral gift,” she said. Customers can also come in and browse their selection of candy, snacks, and pasta, Boccella added.

Coker Hampton Pharmacy and Gift Shop has been a fixture in the community of Stuttgart, Ark., since 1928. “There has always been an expectation for a pharmacy to have a little candy section and stock the ‘grab and go’ items,” said Kim Bethea , Coker Hampton’s owner and buyer. Their “little candy section” has grown into a full edible gift boutique, carrying sweet and savory items ranging from timeless favorites like Hershey chocolate bars to specialty snacks like J&M Cheese Straws, appetizers, dip mixes, and unique spices. Bethea said the tried-and-true favorites remain the best sellers. “It’s hard to beat the traditional candy like Snickers and peanut M&Ms. We carry a mixture of gummies, Tootsie Rolls. We sell a lot of bulk chocolate-covered nuts—almonds, pecans, cashews. A favorite is a malted peanut butter ball which is a best-seller in the bulk items.”

Customers with a serious sweet tooth can satisfy it at Oswald’s Pharmacy in Naperville, Ill. They have an entire aisle devoted to candy and snacks, and customers love their selection of unique, hard-to-find vintage candy. “Our core best-sellers are still the staples—Snickers, M&M’s. But anything with a ‘vintage’ feel sells well. We recently carried a collection of Hershey bars with vintage NASA