New store makes area a little sweeter By BRENDA SAVAGE Neighborhood News Group Posted October 11, 2008 If variety is the spice of life, then Ruth Amore's brand new Candy Bouquet store located in the Emporium Shoppes on Okeechobee Boulevard will certainly add a wide and welcome selection of spicy sweetness to the West Palm Beach business scene. The bouquets of candy are attractive and practical at the same time. Unlike flowers, the bouquets can last for weeks – or at least until the recipient devours them! Along with the candies, keepsakes, toys, and other gifts can be inserted into the arrangements. Customers can also bring their own containers or special gifts to Amore, who will insert them into the bouquets. Amore is constantly adding products to her fast growing inventory. She stocks bulk candy and sugar-free candy and is particularly excited about her growing collection of 'Retro' candy, including Candy Buttons, Charm Bracelets, Wax Lips and Jaw Breakers. Her signature Ganache chocolates have already proven to be popular, and she has plans to add an exclusive line of locally made chocolates, fudge and fresh strawberries dipped in chocolate. Amore, who owned a plumbing and heating shop in New Jersey for eighteen years, moved to South Florida several years ago and quickly realized she wanted to own her own business again. She had always enjoyed crafts, and after extensive research, found that she was attracted to Candy Bouquet International, a franchise out of Little Rock, Arkansas. Beginning this past February and operating from her home, Amore worked to grow her customer base. She visited corporations, attended networking meetings, sent out letters and emails, placed ads in newspapers, and of course, gave away samples. Soon after customers were calling, asking to see the arrangements she was creating. "That's what made me want to open a retail store," she explains. She attributes her success to "the quality of the candy and the arrangements. People love them." Amore chose the Emporium Shoppes because, she says, "There is a lot of foot traffic, and that's what I was looking for. And the mall is food-oriented." Candy Bouquet is located at 4611 Okeechobee Blvd. in the Emporium Shoppes and is open Monday through Saturday.