Lake Bluff Store Capitalizes on Candy's Ageless Appeal

There's something about kids and candy that seems to go together.

“We enjoy watching kids come in to shop” said Denise Peterson, co-owner of Sweet Things in . “They get all excited.”

But with the Sweetest Day of the year coming up in just a few weeks (Valentine's Day), candy has no age limit.

Sweet Things candy and gift store, located next to the at  615 Sheridan Road in the downtown area, opened Oct. 1 led by Peterson and co-owner Ilene Disch.

While kids are in safe range learning how to allocate spending money among such items as 10-cent twizzlers, 50-cent ring pops, giant pixie sticks, four varieties of gummies or the popular fuzzy pencils, big kids linger among a variety of nut clusters, truffles, creams, or contemplating yogurt covered, dark chocolate, milk chocolate or triple dipped malt balls.

Sweet Things' grey, black and pink decor, featuring easy to find product displays and items for every budget, offers a sweet experience for all visitors. 

Disch, who has a previously owned a salon in Highland Park and a busy gift basket operation, actually came upon the idea for Sweet Things from her daughter, Jessica.

“It is nice to have my own business where I can be creative,” said Disch, who has background in financial advising and marketing.

After two decades in insurance underwriting, Peterson was on the lookout for a fun upbeat business opportunity when Disch approached her with the idea.

“I thought it would be fun” said Peterson. “November and December did keep us busy and it was a lot of fun.”

The variety of customer requests have kept Disch and Peterson hopping.

“We continue to grow the store as we get going,” said Disch. "We have an online shop that ships nationwide and a local hand delivery option."

Beyond gifts for customer appreciation, seasonal items, birthdays and corporate promotions, Sweet Things is gaining popularity among local groups. Disch said the swim team recently purchased 80 gift certificates for its members. A piano teacher also requested 60 gift bags for her students and a women shopping for book discussion gifts stumbled upon the store when the Lake Bluff bakery, , was closed.

However, for those looking for a quick afternoon sugar rush, Disch said they offer grab and go bags for those on the run. Often big kids stop by to pick up their favorite treat, such as yogurt covered pretzels, to keep in the car to munch on throughout the week.

“I can envision doing this when I am 70 years old,” said Disch.

Disch doesn't have to look far to confirm that notion. Her father, Jack Tschewick, retired from the jewelry industry, can be found manning the front desk at Sweet Things during lunch or delivery periods.

Sweet Things participates in the Belly Rewards program. When customers spend $5 on each of their five visits, they receive a free gift.

For more information, visit Sweet Things on their website.