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August 12, 2008

Are sweets recession-proof?

Check out this recent story about candy's ability to be recession-proof. Or so some say.

Some consumers say they are willing to shell out $1 or less for a candy bar or some other gourmet candy treat, despite cutting back on spending in other areas.

This may be true for at least one Roanoke area retailer. The owners of Chocolatepaper, a candy store that's opening a second local location in downtown Roanoke, told me several months ago that the shop's sales were rising. They attributed their success to the so-called "recession-proof" candy industry.

And since we have been talking about ice cream shops in the last week, I wonder if ice cream also is recession-proof. What do you think? Are you willing to splurge on a $3 ice cream treat, even if funds are tight elsewhere?

Many of you mentioned the long lines that form at Cold Stone Creamery. I've noticed those similar lines recently on trips to Maggie Moo's Ice Cream in Roanoke. These ice cream shops don't appear to be lacking business, especially during the hot summer months.

Comments

# 1

[August 12, 2008 8:38 AM]

Michelle

I think ice cream will do well in the summer no matter how bad the economy is.

# 2

[August 12, 2008 11:18 AM]

Lindsey : →http://blogs.roanoke.com/fridgemagnet/

Well, if you think about it, what do some of us want to do when we are depressed? We go get the pint of ice cream out of the freezer or snuggle up with a chocolate bar. When times are bad, it doesn't stop humans from wanting to treat themselves to something sweet. And usually a dessert is a lot cheaper than, say, an entree at a nice restaurant.

# 3

[August 12, 2008 11:46 AM]

Jesse

I know one of my first jobs 15 years ago was an ice cream scooper, and the cold winters were very hard on the store. They eventually had to close because they would spend all summer trying to catch up from getting behind on the bills from the winter, when there wasn't much business.

That may have changed in the 15 years that have passed. Seems like the trend has moved more towards these combination stores, like the Dunkin Donuts / Baskin Robbins stores, and Dairy Queen has their full food menu to sustain them in the colder months. Of course an ice cream shop in or near a mall will always do well for those looking for a dessert after their dinner or a movie. I know I enjoy ice cream no matter what time of the year it is!

# 4

[August 12, 2008 12:11 PM]

Other John

Maybe I'm weird, but i like ice cream better in the winter. You can walk around with it and it won't melt, which I like. I think you have to rush through eating it in the summer, unless you're inside, to avoid having it run out of the cone and onto the ground or your hands. But maybe it's just me...

# 5

[August 12, 2008 2:48 PM]

Heather Froeschl

I think candy sales might increase too. People have a need to splurge and a candy bar is a simple pick me up thing that isn't as expensive as others. I also think that movies, books, and music might hang in there. An escape from having to scrimp and save is a must now and then.

# 6

[August 13, 2008 10:21 AM]

Jenny

I agree with many of you. I think ice cream is a popular treat most any time of the year, though definitely summertime is when most people crave it. And location of the ice cream shop certainly matters, especially if it's near a movie theater, restaurants and other entertainment.

# 7

[August 13, 2008 1:13 PM]

Dana

There's an article in the business section that says candy isn't the only thing recession proof. http://www.roanoke.com/business/wb/172918

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