Successful, Central Colorado Mountain Family Business Adds F Street Location
A modern take on the penny candy stores of yore has opened in the Hively Block at 132 F Street in Salida. Blueflower Candies is a “boutique candy and treat depot that serves locals in the Arkansas Valley (Leadville to Salida), seasonal tourists and outdoor enthusiasts. They specialize in locally made (Leadville) fudge, nostalgic candy, mix-and-match candy by the pound, as well as trending candy of today, specialty drinks, and tonics.”
CRO (Chief Register Operator) Chip Green and store owner Megan Green quickly ring up sales at Blueflower Candies. Merrell Bergin photo
As soon as the store “soft opened” at 11:00 a.m. on Sat. May 25, large groups of visitors poured in, often with five or six in line to checkout. Owner Megan Green called out the purchases while the CRO (Chief Register Operator, Chip Green) ran the touch screen, handled payments and quickly had buyers on their way. Already a half dozen teenagers have applied to work in the store, with two more just on opening day.
A wall of mix and match candies at Blueflower Candies in Salida. Merrell Bergin photo
With more than 600 stockkeeping units (SKUs), choosing treats is not always easy. In addition to the wall of bulk candies, the facing “nostalgia wall” has candies organized by the decades in which they were the most popular.
Throughout the store is an array of snacks, packaged treats, and stuffed animals.
Hoodies are in stock, along with knit watch caps. Salida logo T-Shirts are expected in soon, along with an array of cold drinks.
A local Leadville family, Ted and Megan Green and their three children now have a trio of stores; the first in Leadville, followed in January, 2024 by Buena Vista, and now Salida. While each of the stores has some common lines of sweets and a colorful and fun appearance, the Salida store is the largest with the biggest variety.
In addition, each store has signage, taglines, and themes that match local attractions. For example the “Follow Your Hearts To Salida” antique signs were purchased locally, the full-wall electric sign (in Spartan purple) is Salida-inspired, and apparel will have rafting and mountain biking designs.
“I’m Done Peopling” explained
What also drew the Greens to Colorado and running candy stores was a need to get away from the high pressure and hard sell of corporate worlds. “People come inside this store in a good mood and they leave in an even better mood,” said Green. In a tongue and cheek aside, Green said “I was done with peopling in the corporate world and needed a change. We all need to relax and focus on the moment, especially these days.”
A series of chances brought this store to Salida
The Greens first came to Colorado from Chicago. Ted Green ran the Facebook retail division selling the platform to large retail corporations. Megan Green is now a school teacher in Leadville. As with many, they discovered Colorado on vacations. After setting up two stores there was no rush for another, but Ted Green happened to be fishing with friends in Salida in mid-March. A few days later, a visitor from Salida came to their store and mentioned that a space had opened up in Salida’s Historic District on F Street and suggested he check it out.
Logo courtesy Blueflower candies & provisions
General Manager, Ted Green, at right offers some suggestions to candy buyers at Blueflower Candies. Merrell Bergin photos
“The landlords were particular in wanting to find a tenant that would compliment immediate neighbors, Fay and Maye Floral/Home Decor Gifts, and Opal Boutique,” he said.
Nearby Señor Murphy Candymaker/Chocolatier on North F Street has a different focus, as does the Five and Dime, a sentiment expressed by a local Salida couple visiting at the opening.
With the addition of Blueflower Candies & Provisions, the entire west side of the 100 block of F Street is now woman-owned.
A fast startup timeline included a complete interior makeover.
Opening day at Blueflower Candies & Provisions in downtown Salida. Merrell Bergin photo
Green recounted, “I took a look at it and kept thinking that obstacles would pop up, but they never did, so we decided to go for it. It was hard to even imagine then what the space looked like, as long-time tenants Corvus Clothing and Curiosities were still operating and kept the space as almost a ‘black box theater’. All we had were photos from eight years ago.”
“Everything fell into place, including super fast response from First Street Flooring on Third, local plumbers, and electricians.”
Two pallet loads of sweets arrived Thursday and by Saturday, everything was ready. Blueflower Candies and Provisions is a member of the Heart of the Rockies Chamber of Commerce, whom Green said has been extremely helpful to them.
The store is currently open from 11:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. seven days a week and can be reached at 719-207-4134.
Featured image: The theme for Blueflower Candies & Provisions on opening day in Salida, with more merchandise on the way. Merrell Bergin photo
Wow! Quite an article about another profiteer. Just what we needed. No housing. No peace. Nothing useful for residents, but lots and lots of tourist junk. Great.
This is a wonderful new candy business in downtown Salida offering candy selections, especial the heritage candies, that can’t be found anywhere else, perhaps except online. I for one wish to spend my money in this valley and not hand it off to the Internet — going into this place is like stepping back in time to childhood. My grandparents lived in Balsam Lake, Wisconsin, a lake-tourist town, and we walked past the 5 and Dime in our swim suits to get to the town swim beach literally every summer day. While we only got our allowance once a week, we’d spend lots of time looking at the rows of candy, planning our purchases.