Sweet Ways to Honor Our Military Heroes

Armed Forces Day, celebrated this year on Saturday, May 17, is a time to recognize and thank the brave men and women who serve in the U.S. military. Whether it’s this day—or any day—a small gesture can go a long way in showing your appreciation.

One simple way to celebrate is by offering a special discount or free gift for military members and their families. It could be half off a favorite treat, buy one get one free, or a sweet surprise at checkout. Even a small “thank you” offer can make someone’s day.

Don’t forget to spread the word! Share your promotion on social media, post a sign in your shop, and consider reaching out to local media to help share your message of gratitude.

Looking for another meaningful way to give back? Deliver chocolates or candies from your shop to a local veterans’ center. A personal visit with a sweet treat and a heartfelt thank you can leave a lasting impression.

Not located in the U.S.? Many countries have their own holidays to honor military service. If not, consider choosing a day to show your appreciation in your own way.

Treats with a Patriotic Twist

Add a little red, white, and blue to your sweets to make the celebration feel extra special. Here are a few sweet ideas:

Photo credit: Water’s Edge Chocolates

Patriotic Pretzels

This sweet and salty treat will be hard to pass up with the addition of colored chocolate and sprinkles to resemble the American flag. Simple, colorful and always a hit.

Photo credit: Delish.com

Freedom Bark

Swirls of red, white and blue are a beautiful sight and make for a sweetly patriotic treat. Mix in dried blueberries, cherries, cranberries or coconut for added flavor and texture while staying true to the color scheme.

Photo credit: Taste and Tell

Tie-Dye Fudge

Transform classic white chocolate fudge into a summer holiday hero! Consider a mash-up of blueberry and strawberry flavors to give it a fresh mixed berry vibe!

No matter how you choose to celebrate, taking the time to honor military members with a thoughtful gesture (and maybe a little chocolate) is a sweet way to say thank you.

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Sweet Ideas for Celebrating Mother’s Day💐

Mother’s Day is the perfect time for candy makers to help customers show love and appreciation with something sweet. Whether your customers are shopping for moms, grandmas or mother figures, a thoughtful candy gift can leave a lasting impression. Here are some ideas to make your shop stand out this Mother’s Day.

Photo credit: Fazio’s Chocolate

Create Special Flavors Just for Mom
Offer limited-time truffle or chocolate flavors inspired by the season. Think floral or fruity options like lavender honey, raspberry rose, champagne strawberry or lemon cream. You can also shape your chocolates into flowers, hearts or even spell out “Mom” for a personal touch.

Photo credit: SnowflakeChocolates

Upgrade Your Packaging
A beautiful presentation makes the gift feel even more special, such as a floral ribbon, pastel tissue paper or flower embellishments. You can also place small assortments in a pretty tea cup, a keepsake mug or a reusable tin for added value.

For a fun twist, make edible chocolate baskets and fill them with truffles, caramels or chocolate-covered nuts. Or offer custom chocolate bars with messages like “Happy Mother’s Day” or “Love You, Mom” to turn a treat into a heartfelt greeting.

Photo credit: MillCreek Chocolates

Set Up a Mother’s Day Display
Create a display that grabs attention. Include your Mother’s Day products, gift-wrapped and ready to go. Use signs like “Perfect for Mom” or “Sweeten Her Day” to guide shoppers. Add fresh flowers or framed photos of moms and kids for a warm, inviting touch.

Photo credit: Dietsch Brothers

Offer Pre-Orders and Gift Sets
Bundle bestsellers together and promote gift sets at different price points. Include a card or a tag where customers can write a message. Taking pre-orders makes things easier for your team and guarantees your customers won’t miss out.

Promote Early and Often
Start marketing now! Use your website, email list and social media to share sneak peeks of your products. Show behind-the-scenes videos of how you’re making special truffles or wrapping gifts. Use hashtags like #MothersDayGifts or #ShopLocalForMom. Consider offering free gift wrapping or a small discount for early purchases.

With a little creativity and planning, you can help your customers give a sweet and memorable gift while boosting your holiday sales. Mother’s Day is a great time to show off your craft—and remind people just how special handmade candy can be.

Looking for More Inspiration? Attend RCI’s Candy Convention!

Don’t miss out—register for RCI’s Annual Convention & Industry Expo by Friday, April 25 for the best rates! Visit retailconfectioners.org/annual to secure your spot today! For more details, call 417-883-2775. Join us for an unforgettable experience that will inspire, educate and help you grow your candy business!

Crave more? Click here to subscribe and start receiving weekly tips, like this, delivered straight to your email inbox. RCI's blog is just one of the many resources we offer to help candy makers refine their craft and build upon their business and marketing practices. Follow us on Facebook for even more sweet inspiration.

Not a member? Click here to learn how RCI can help you build your sweet business.

Better Customer Service Starts with Better Training

 

Exceptional customer service doesn’t happen by accident—it’s something you build through intentional training and clear expectations.

It’s not enough to remind employees to “treat customers how they’d like to be treated.” Go a step further and define what great service looks like in your store. For example, a simple greeting goes a long way—but one with a smile and eye contact goes even further. And when customers check out, don’t just say thank you—say, “Thank you for your business. We hope to see you again soon!” These little details leave a big impression.

Encourage your team to be proactive. Instead of waiting for customers to ask for help, train employees to approach customers and offer assistance. A warm, friendly presence will make your store feel more welcoming and professional.

Don’t forget about phone etiquette! Teach staff exactly how you want the phone answered—ideally with your business name and the employee’s name for a personal touch. And when placing a customer on hold, always ask first: “May I put you on hold for a moment?” This shows respect for their time and can keep them from hanging up and calling someone else.

Make Every Visit an Experience

Independent candy and chocolate shops have something big retailers often don’t—charm, personality and the chance to create memorable in-store experiences. Train your team to share the stories behind your products. Whether it’s how your fudge is made or where your chocolate comes from, these stories add value and spark conversation. Offering a small sample or a fun fact about a product can turn a casual visit into something special.

Empower Employees to Surprise and Delight

Give your team the freedom to go above and beyond. A simple gesture—like a complimentary chocolate for a child, remembering a regular’s favorite treat or going the extra mile to wrap a gift—can create loyal, lifelong customers. Encourage staff to look for small ways to make someone’s day. That kind of service is hard to forget.

Want to learn even more?

Customer interactions are just one piece of the puzzle. If you're looking for more ways to streamline your shop, improve operations or stay ahead of industry trends, RCI’s 2025 Annual Convention & Industry Expo is the place to be. Taking place June 16–19 in Covington, Kentucky, this event offers expert-led education designed for candy makers and confectionery retailers.

Education will cover topics like improving efficiency in your retail business, meeting labeling requirements and exploring confections made with alternative sugars and vegan ingredients. Whether you're just starting out or have been in the business for years, you'll walk away with practical ideas to strengthen your operation from the inside out.

Don’t miss out—register by April 25 for the best rates! Visit retailconfectioners.org/annual to secure your spot today! For more details, call 417-883-2775. Join us for an unforgettable experience that will inspire, educate and help you grow your candy business!

Crave more? Click here to subscribe and start receiving weekly tips, like this, delivered straight to your email inbox. RCI's blog is just one of the many resources we offer to help candy makers refine their craft and build upon their business and marketing practices. Follow us on Facebook for even more sweet inspiration.

Not a member? Click here to learn how RCI can help you build your sweet business.

5 Sweet Ways to Celebrate Small Business Week (May 4–10)

Small Business Week is a great time to celebrate what makes your candy shop special. Whether you’re known for handmade caramels, chocolate-dipped everything or seasonal treats, this week is your chance to connect with your community, attract new customers and grow your business.

Here are a few practical ways to make the most of the week:

Offer Special Treats and Limited-Time Deals
Highlight new or seasonal items just for Small Business Week. Limited-time offers—like gift bundles, “buy one, get one” deals, or free samples with purchase—can help draw attention and bring in both new and returning customers.

Above is a preview of RCI’s member-exclusive collection of graphics for small businesses.

Build Hype with Social Media
Social media is a great tool to build excitement for the week. Share “behind-the-scenes” posts on Instagram showing how your candy is made or give previews of special treats. Engage your followers with sneak peeks, announcements and even live updates. RCI Members: Click here to login and download a collection of five social media graphics to help promote your small business.

Not an RCI Member? Now is a great time to join. As a member, you’ll get tools like these, plus access to valuable resources, networking opportunities, and industry support designed specifically for candy businesses. Click here to learn more and apply for membership with RCI.

Tell Your Story
Customers love to shop small when they feel a personal connection. Share what makes your shop unique—whether it’s your family recipe, your focus on local ingredients or your passion for handcrafted sweets. A quick behind-the-scenes video or a post introducing your team can go a long way.

Partner with Local Businesses
Team up with other small businesses in your area. You might offer a joint promotion, host a sidewalk sale or swap flyers and shout-outs on social media. Supporting each other helps the whole community thrive—and gives shoppers more reasons to visit.

Reach Out with a Thank-You Email
Send a short email to thank your customers and let them know what you’re offering during Small Business Week. Include store hours, any special deals and a message of appreciation for their continued support.

Small Business Week is more than a celebration—it’s a chance to build momentum for the year ahead. Use this time to highlight what makes your business special and take steps toward an even sweeter future.

Looking for more inspiration? Attend RCI’s Candy Convention!
Join us for RCI’s Annual Convention & Industry Expo June 16–19 in Northern Kentucky to gain industry insights, join engaging discussions and learn from top experts. New to RCI? First-time attendees can save $100 on a 1-Day Education Ticket with promo code RCIFIRST. Don’t miss this chance to learn from industry experts and grow your business—register today and save!

Crave more? Click here to subscribe and start receiving weekly tips, like this, delivered straight to your email inbox. RCI's blog is just one of the many resources we offer to help candy makers refine their craft and build upon their business and marketing practices. Follow us on Facebook for even more sweet inspiration.

Not a member? Click here to learn how RCI can help you build your sweet business.

Sweeten the Celebration: Birthday Cake-Inspired Treats

Birthdays are the perfect time to indulge in something sweet, and what better way to celebrate than with birthday cake-inspired candy and chocolates? Offering festive birthday-inspired treats is a great way to delight customers and boost sales. Even better, using birthday-themed promotions can turn celebrations into business opportunities.

Why Birthday Promotions Work

Customers love feeling special on their birthday, and businesses that recognize this can see major rewards. According to Entrepreneur, setting up a marketing trigger for birthdays can increase transaction rates by 481%. Imagine the impact of sending out a personalized birthday card or email with a free gift or discount—it’s a simple yet effective way to drive loyalty and repeat sales.

“Most people look forward to birthday cards in the mail, and whether it comes from a friend or a business down the road is no different—especially if it includes a free gift or discount,” notes Entrepreneur.

5 Birthday Cake-Inspired Treats

Photo credit: Bomboy’s Home Made Candy

Birthday Cake Truffles

RCI member Bomboy’s Home Made Candy fills a milk-chocolate cup with a truffle center before topping it off with a vanilla swirl and colorful sprinkles. Bite-sized, rich, these truffles bring the taste of birthday cake in a poppable form.

Photo credit: Hercules Candies

Birthday Cake Bark

RCI member Hercules Candies blends white chocolate with crushed Birthday Cake Oreos® and mini marshmallows, all topped with rainbow sprinkles.

Photo credit: Southern Caramel

Birthday Cake Caramels

This classic chewy caramel from Southern Caramel is infused with more butter flavor and hints of vanilla reminiscent of frosted birthday cake. This special recipe was developed to celebrate the company’s 10^th anniversary.

Photo credit: Bless This Mess Please

Confetti Cake Fudge

Try this recipe from Bless This Mess Please which incorporates actual white cake mix with sprinkles to achieve that undeniable birthday cake flavor. Click here for recipe.

Photo credit: Hammond’s Candies

Birthday Cake Lollipops

Looking for a sweet way to add to your birthday-inspired offerings. Look no further than these birthday cake flavored lollipops from Hammond’s Candies. Perfect as a gift or a delicious treat, these lollipops are bursting with the classic flavor of birthday cake.

How to Market Birthday Treats to Customers

• Set Up a Birthday Club: Invite customers to sign up for birthday offers. Send an exclusive discount or freebie during their birthday month.
• Personalized Mailers: Include the recipient’s first name on the card for an instant personal touch. Studies show this small detail makes people feel extra special and increases engagement.
• Social Media and Email Campaigns: Use fun and festive messaging to remind customers of their birthday treat. Encourage them to visit in-store or online to claim their gift.
• Limited-Edition Birthday Boxes: Bundle birthday cake-themed treats into special gift sets for a premium experience.

Sweeten the Deal

Birthday promotions not only make customers feel valued but also drive foot traffic and online sales. By offering birthday cake-inspired candies and setting up birthday triggers as part of your email marketing, you can create lasting connections while growing your business. So, why not start celebrating your customers’ special day? A little sweetness goes a long way!

Don’t miss the sweetest event of the year! Register now for RCI’s 2025 Annual Convention & Industry Expo and connect with top suppliers, discover the latest trends and sample new products. Expo Ticket: Just $10 in advance ($25 onsite)! Secure your spot today and save—register now!

Crave more? Click here to subscribe and start receiving weekly tips, like this, delivered straight to your email inbox. RCI's blog is just one of the many resources we offer to help candy makers refine their craft and build upon their business and marketing practices. Follow us on Facebook for even more sweet inspiration.

Not a member? Click here to learn how RCI can help you build your sweet business.