It’s nearly impossible to settle in with the classic movie “Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory” without belting out “The Candy Man Can.” There’s just something heartwarming about seeing poor Charlie pinning his hopes and dreams on his local corner candy store and seeing them come true right in front of your eyes. Whether you grew up in rural Mississippi or Chicago, chocolate stores probably hold a special place in your heart, and visiting in person will always be a treat worth the trip.
Nostalgic Appeal
The biggest reason that chocolate stores in Chicago and across the country draw a crowd is that they have such a nostalgic appeal. When you could barely see the counter and earning money was a novelty at best, the penny candy bins were still an obtainable childhood purchase, and buying your own treats made you feel mature and capable. While your life is certainly more complicated, candy shops still invoke that feeling. Simply put, candy stores are an affordable way to remember the simpler times, if only for a few moments, and that’s hard to resist in today’s busy world.
The Sensory Experience
Even if you scoff at sentimentality, it’s a rare person who can walk by a chocolate shop and not be enticed inside by the sweet scent wafting onto the street. With online shopping at an all-time high, you can purchase anything online for home delivery, but the sensory experience of visiting one of your favorite Chicago chocolate stores is something that you just can’t trade for convenience, and the iconic candy store remains a must-see destination all across America. From selection to sampling, you will get better service by visiting your local candy store in person.
While there are a few rare people that don’t like chocolate, it is one of the most widely sold candies in the world, and a go-to choice for treating yourself or giving as a gift. While you may not always think about why you love them, it’s clear that chocolate stores in Chicago and beyond still have a certain magic that makes you want to take a little break from life and enjoy yourself a little more.
