Marion Candy Shop Owners Looking for New Successor

A sweet 7th Avenue staple is undergoing changes in Marion.

The owners of the Chocolate Shop are set to retire, hanging up their aprons and looking for someone to take over.

Owner Gae-Sharp Richardson and her husband plan to share one last Easter holiday with customers this weekend. They've been in Uptown Marion since 2005, after moving from the previous location they bought in Atkins.

Get our free mobile app

Their website says they haven't been opening their brick-and-mortar store at 1244 7th Avenue because of the pandemic, but are going to be holding "Teeny Tiny Retail & Sidewalk Chocolate Events" on the following dates.

• April 3rd
• April 10th
• May 8th
• June 12th
• July 10th
• August 14th
• September 11th
• September 25th

Their lines are long and racks emptied quickly on a normal Easter weekend. With this being potentially their last, they expect the same this Saturday. They'll stick with the business until a proper successor is found who intends to maintain the Chocolate Shop's tradition, and dozens of inquiries have already been made. If that sounds like you, there is information in the Facebook post below on the realtor listing the business.

As for Gae, she tells KCRG she is looking forward to what's in store, for both her business and her retirement, which includes traveling and creating art.