Store with ‘nickel’ candies, low-priced toys opens in Albion

Toyz n Kandy owner says site connects to nostalgia, simpler times

Photos by Tom Rivers: Dan Conrad is opening Toyz n Kandy today in the Arnold Gregory Office Building at 243 South Main St. He is on the second floor at suite 235.

ALBION – Dan Conrad hears lots of talk about the good ole’ days. Those remembrances often involve penny candy and simple toys – nothing with electronics.

Conrad, 38, remembers as a kid walking to Fischer’s Newsstand and getting a piece of candy with his buddies. Fischer’s closed on April 30, 2015.

Conrad is opening a candy store today. Toyz n Kandy has a selection of sweets and some old-fashioned toys, including whoopee cushions, Friendship Bracelets, toy harmonicas, chalk and game balls.

Conrad tried to find penny candies, but these days the low price is a nickel for small tootsie rolls and Jolly Ranchers. He has an array of other candy with nothing more than $2.

“We’re trying to bring back the nostalgia, the good times,” Conrad said on Wednesday at the site at the Arnold Gregory Office Building. He is on the second floor next to the Tree House, a childcare and kids’ party business, and also Best of Tymes Party Rentals.

Conrad sees some crossover appeal in the other businesses on the second floor. He said the building is bustling with many other tenants.

He sees the current spot for Toyz n Kandy as the beginning of a business he hopes will expand in the future with root beer floats, ice cream and a wider selection of items. He credited his kids, ages 11 and 4, for helping to pick out the merchandise.

He pushed to open today so people could load up on treats and toys before the Memorial Day weekend. He will have a grand opening today from 2 to 7 p.m., with Golden Tickets at other businesses in the building as part of a scavenger hunt with candy prizes.

Conrad is looking to have the site also be a children’s book share, where people can borrow books for free. He also is planning to do monthly craft days, and is looking to be a vendor at local festivals and other community events.

He also is willing to supply candy and toys for birthday parties, private events and fundraisers.

Conrad will be running the store part-time while working full-time for the Arc of Genesee Orleans. He also is on the board for Hoag Library and COVA, and is president of the Albion Lions Club.

“This is just another way to do something for the kids and the community,” Conrad said about the store.

Dan Conrad on Wednesday is shown getting ready for today’s grand opening from 2 to 7 p.m.