By Dylan McDonough
The Bugle Blast had the pleasure of interviewing Aunt Candy of Aunt Candy’s Toy Company located in the bright yellow building in downtown Rockford, Michigan. Her toy store is very unique in that she seems to have found the secret to the best toys.
Before she started the business, Aunt Candy, whose real name is Candace Lancioni, was a stay-at-home mom. Her inspiration was her own children. She found that quality toys were hard to find. She is called Aunt Candy because of her big family and now everyone calls her Aunt Candy.
As a kid her favorite toy was a jump rope. Now she likes the Beamo Frisbee. She also loves reading.
Her retirement plans are to travel more. She plans to go to Italy!
Aunt Candy picks the toys for her company if they have these three elements: The toy must be fun, colorful and kids can play with it over many years. It is like a three-legged stool.
With Toys R Us recently going out of business, I asked her what her secret to success was. She said that it is due to Rockford’s awesome and unique community that supports each other.
I learned that about once a day Aunt Candy is asked by charities for donations. She graciously gives to many.
There are many things I personally like about Aunt Candy’s Toy Company. First, I like the variety of toys and books. Second, I appreciate the fact that she has good toys that are not plastered with Disney characters or other cartoon brands. Third, I like how you arrive to the store as a stranger but leave as a lifelong friend with Aunt Candy and her employees.
If you are looking for the perfect toy, then you should go to Aunt Candy’s Toy Company. I guarantee you will find the perfect item to delight or inspire you.
