by Amber Byrd
Although a countdown of the “days until Christmas” sits outside the doors of Ye Olde Christmas and Candy Shoppe year-round, we have officially entered the season where the reminder is needed. But can a year-round Christmas store be successful in the months outside of November and December? Owners Bill and Dianne Murphy say so. Since they opened the doors to their first location in 2012, they have already expanded to a larger location on the Marietta Square and added more to their ever-growing inventory. Learn about what keeps them on Santa’s Nice List.
Choosing downtown Marietta as the home for the Ye Olde Christmas and Candy Shoppe was an easy choice for the couple, who operate the business with their daughter. “We chose downtown Marietta because of the neighborhood feel,” said Dianne Murphy. “A small town square is a great location for a year-round Christmas shop – and a great location for a chocolate fudge and candy shop.” The shop’s original location was on Church Street, just off the bustling Square. “Before we knew it, we came to a crossroads. Our business was flourishing and we were growing out of our space,” husband Bill says. So the couple packed up and moved to North Park Square. “We have been happy with our new location; it puts us right in the middle of the Marietta Square.”
Yes, they carry a near overwhelming selection of Christmas-themed gifts and memorabilia, but upon entering the red, green and white facade, you come to realize that this is more than just a Christmas store. It’s an experience. In addition to Christmas-themed items, homemade fudge is made on-site. Chocolate covered graham crackers, Oreos, and pretzels are hand-dipped in the finest Belgian chocolate. Chocolate novelties are joined by candy and caramel apples during apple season, made with apples purchased from the Marietta Square Farmers Market held outside the shop’s front door. With the rich aroma of fresh fudge (which is impossible to refuse a sample of), the shine of candy apples, and the colorful rows of candy displays, being here takes you back to the time of being a kid. Nostalgia never tasted so good.
Walking past the temptation of sugary pleasures, you’ll find your way to the back room where you will find tree after tree dressed to the nines. The trees are simply stunning. Dianne once worked as an interior designer decorating homes for the holidays, and she works her magic with every installation. Each tree is decorated with a theme in mind, showcasing the wide variety of products the shop carries. Particularly popular are the collegiate-themed ornaments; make sure to check out the “Go Dawgs!” tree. To sum up the experience of the back room in one word, it would be “transported.” Yes, you will feel a bit like Alice in Wonderland, transported to a new world, dipped in twinkling lights and full of new things to discover.
As you might expect, there are some extra special treats in store during the holiday season. Santa’s right hand man, Mr. Elf, will be greeting the kids for weekly storytime mid-November through December. The shop will have a mailbox for children to send their very special letters to Santa. But don’t think it’s just for the kids. Dianne says, “My favorite part of the shop is seeing the delight in the eyes of those young and old. We have such a great time sharing stories with our customers about our nostalgic candies and Christmas traditions.”
Indeed there is something special here. Maybe it’s the spirit of Christmas that lingers year-round. Maybe it’s the feeling of being a kid in a candy shop. Whatever it is, it is undenaible. And we sure are glad this family is making life sweeter for us all.
Photography by hadley(s) photography.