North Babylon's "Got Candy?" Closing

It has been a short and sweet ride for North Babylon's "got candy?" shop, which will close its storefront after about six months in business.

Owner Jennifer Groh announced on the store's Facebook page Sunday night that she will be closing the doors to the Deer Park Avenue shop at the end of November.

"I started got candy? with the greatest of hopes, dreams and aspirations. I was thankful for the outpouring of support and encouragement and have enjoyed the smiles on my customers faces. I am sorry to say that I will be closing the storefront the weekend after Thanksgiving. The cost of doing business has proven to be too much to overcome," she wrote.

Groh opened "got candy?" on May 12 of this year with a selection ranging from an array of Wonka products to well-known national brands and the old favorites such as Mary Jane’s and various gummy products. Customers were delighted over specialty items such as one-pound gummy cupcake, a chocolate Han Solo, Dum Dums lollipop tree and even cricket lollipops.

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In June, Deer Park-North Babylon Patch readers voted "got candy?" their favorite "Specialty Food Store" in the Town of Babylon.

The economic crisis has hit Long Island businesses with a strong right hook. Small businesses are finding it harder to stay afloat and even major corporations are shrinking. According to a Newsday report, more than 80 public companies based on Long Island were in business in 2007, when the economic downturn began. By the end of last year, that number was down to 54.

While the "got candy?" storefront is closing, Groh said that customers will be able to place orders via phone by calling phone 631-921-0423. Online orders will also be available in the comming weeks at www.gotcandyny.com.