KAUKAUNA (NBC26) — With more than 4,800 different types of candy and chocolate, Ashton’s Confections has enough sweets to make any adult feel like a kid in a candy store.
“Goodies from the past you can’t get at Walmart or whatever," said Mark Wickesberg, store owner. "You can’t get that any place else. Only at Ashton‘s.”
From vintage sodas to classic candies and tasty truffles, people come from as far away as Fond Du Lac and even Milwaukee to transport themselves to the past, he said.
“It gives you hope," said Wickesberg. "It gives you kind of a sense of normalcy. I think it’s just been such a long year that we all just need to enjoy life.”
With one of the largest bulk candy selections in the area, families are grateful Ashton’s is open, said Kathy DeBruyn, cashier and clerk at the store.
“It’s kind of an experience, for kids to have a candy store in Kaukauna," she said. "The little ones come in and they’re like, "Oh, you don’t get this experience in a grocery store check out lane," so it’s nice for them to have that too, but it brings the families closer.”
Valentine’s Day is always a good time of year for the shop, she said.
“They’re trying to make life better and spread the love," said DeBruyn.
Ashton's rearranged the layout of the store to make it more open and allow for social distancing, said Wickesberg. Ashton’s is also doing free same-day and next-day delivery in the local area, so everyone can get something sweet this Valentine’s Day.
“We all need that special day considering the times," he said. "And I think showing your loved ones that you care about them that’s what we try to do.”
Ashton’s confections is open Tuesday through Friday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., and they're open from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday. You can browse the shop's selection online here and place orders over the phone by calling 920-284-6339.
