We used to LOVE coming here when this place was Powell's but after the name change I've found the employees unfriendly and unhelpful and the prices have DRAMATICALLY increased. What used to be a $10 pound of candy is now $15. And you can longer weigh it yourself but must ask an employee. I used to allow my kids 1/2 lbs. but it seemed a HUGE imposition each time we had to ask for a weigh in; the place wasn't even busy. I miss Powell's but won't be coming here again. A very unpleasant experience. read more

I and my three elementary school age children went to the store, as they earned the "good behavior" money. Our experience was far from being pleasant. 1) Apparently, my son was trying to either get more gummy to his bag by hand. Suddenly an employee ran to him, and without saying anything, snatched the bag from him, and walked back to the register without saying anything to him or me. At first we did not understand what had happened, or why he did so. So when paying for candies, I asked to the other employee and asked to her where his gummy bag went. She asked to the other employee who snatched the bag where it is, and replied to her, as he rolled his eyes with a sigh, that it is on the counter behind her, and told her that he grabbed the bag because my son was about to return gummies to the bin. We then finally learnt about his strange action of snatching the bag. When leaving, I told him that, next time if he needs to stop a customer (or in this case, a child), from improperly handling their candies, I would like him to use words first, instead of physically snatching the bag away from a child, without explaining anything to him. I told him that I did not appreciate the way he handled the situation. He was apologetic, so at least I was thankful he heard me. 2) When my daughter changed her mind from candies in a bag to a bottle of juice, she went to a cashier and asked to a female employee, what would happen if my daughter changes her mind about the candy. This employee, without any single smile or a sign of kindness, said to my daughter that, "Well... You mixed candy so we have to separate them, and also actually because you already got it that we have to throw them away, because we cannot sell them any more because of allergy or germs." The employee still accepted my daughter to return the candy ( that she did not yet purchase, but got from the bin), so that was nice, but the whole exchange was nothing close to being pleasant. In a nutshell, the whole experience was not something that we would expect from going to a fun, colorful candy store. I understand that we were probably not the best customers either, as my son may have been handling candies improperly, or as my daughter changed her mind about what she wanted, and returned the item that the store may not be able to re-sale. However, this is a candy store, and the main customers must be kids. At least I expect more pleasant customer service, even when we were not doing things correctly. read more

If you like candy or have kids, then this is a must visit destination. I love that they have some of old time favorites - jujubes, whoppers - in addition to the latest trend (sours, etc). You really can take your time a dn shop, spend a few minutes watching the Willy Wonka movie, and then try and decide what to but (so many choices!). Parking is available, but limited. BTW - Have you tried the peanut butter smores yet! read more

Wow, they have the most amazing gelato, especially the chocolate caramel flavor! Also, they had candy there that I have not had since I was a kid...like Big League Chew. And, the truffles are also great. I'll have to go back a few times to get everything I'd want... read more

Very disappointed in the service. It closes at 9 pm and the doors were locked at 8:55, with no one to be seen. Sad that our childhood candy store cant be kept open until it should be. Leif could have kept the doors open, but instead he cheated the clock and closed early. Zoonies should be better staffed and it should be unacceptable that they close early. This is raising scammers and cheaters. Our community shouldn't support this!! read more

Very poor customer service. Both people working didn't greet me, and were staring at myself and my family. The cashier was very rude. I spent over $80 here to get treated quite poorly. It's unlikely I will return with my business here again. read more

Absolutely charming. I avoid sweats but I can't help but pop in here once in a while. They have such a variety of things. Be warned that your kids will have a field day here, so keep a close eye on them. They even have a little movie time area in the back to enjoy. Places like this make me love Lafayette. read more

Fun store full of super sweet goodies. Chocolates, retro candies, fudge and a chocolate case that's beautiful to see! Left with a bag of treasures that are being savored at this very moment! read more

We love coming in here on a lazy Sunday afternoon. My kid goes crazy for the Ninja Turtle section. What 4 year old boy wouldn't? They make a mean Rocky Road in there candy case. I also enjoy the crazy colorful Fudge sticks they carry. They used to have a very good selection of sugar free candy. They had unique stuff from Germany that Id never seen anywhere else. Sadly they have downsized their sugar free selection. This is a great place to find unique gifts as well. I'm always getting a little something for a client or friend. We still love coming here, even though my diabetic husband cant be a kid in candy store anymore. That doesn't stop the 4 year old in the least. read more

Lots of candy bins w/ hard candies, gummies, taffies & the like...toys, novelty cards & you've got a small taste of what it's like to be in Powell's Sweet Shoppe Chocolate candy bars like Seattle Chocolates, Scharffen Berger, & Vosges & cases of "homemade" truffles too Milk Chocolate Pecan Turtles are incredible - the pecans have been dry-roasted so there is an intense smoky-nutty flavor Dark Chocolate Caramel - the dark choc paired so well w/ the sweet caramel Mom got a bunch of different fruity truffles - Blackberry, Strawberry, Pomegranate & others.....she thought the chocolate was good but that's all she tasted. There was no fruit taste at all - her exact words were "they all taste the same & I wouldn't get them again" Seattle Chocolates - Dark choc & PB - just okay - the choc overpowered the PB - which wasn't creamy....wouldn't get again Cote S'Or Milk Choc Bar - this was more of a fruity chocolate (if going by TCHO standards) which is not my taste. I'm more on their chocolaty wheel Overall a fun candy shoppe - just need to know which goodies to pick! I'm sticking w/ their cases of individual chocolates! read more

Are you an eccentric candy lover? Still trying to start your PEZ collection? Prefer Willy Wonka's Chocolate Factory over Charlie's (J. Depp) version? Come to Powell's Sweet Shoppe! This is a great, old fashioned, neighborhood candy store. Nice blue awning outside, front and back entries with large windows, stuffed to the rafters with every kind of candy you can imagine. Friendly, helpful service. So this is where those who benefited from Bush's tax cuts in Lamorinda spent there extra coin the past 8 years...on candy for the silver spooned off-spring! The best little secret about Powell's is..... Gelato! Yup, they serve Italian Gelato ice cream, offering about a dozen flavors. $3.95 for a healty sized helping. (Abour a medium or large in other places!) There is a Cold Stone Creamery 2 blocks away, but I will take Espresso or Vanilla Bean Gelato over plain vanilla with sprinkles and MMs, anyday. Oh, they have a little cozy corner with wooden/steel old fashioned chairs, where you can sit down and watch the continually playing Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory movie from decades ago, starring the Late Gildna Radner's husband, Gene WIlder. read more

My boyfriend, friend and I went here after a great lunch at Swad's across the street. What started out as a great nostalgic trip back to each of our childhoods was quickly interrupted by an extremely rude woman employee who told us that "if you're not going to buy that toy, then don't touch it at all". Wow. I didn't know that paying customers (I at that time had already bought two bags of candy) couldn't play with the toys in a candy/toy shop. There was no sign that stated you couldn't touch or play with the toys. While I was thinking of my childhood in that store, I didn't appreciate being treated like one. Needless to say, I don't think a cranky lady is best suited to be working at a sweet/toy shop where lots of kids will frequent. I see at least one other reviewer here who has also unfortunately experienced interacting with the rude lady. I'm only giving the place any stars at all because the candy selection was good and the guy who rang me up was nice, but I will never be stepping foot in this particular Powell's "Sour" Shoppe again because of how my friends and I were treated by that lady. read more

We stopped in here after lunch and i felt like a kid in a candy store... LITERALLY. They have all types of candies here from nostalgic ones that will make you relive your childhood to chocolates to hello kitty candies to a whole willy wonka section to imported candies from europe, asia, and more, lollipops galore, candy/gum cigarettes, candies with worms/bugs in it, huge jawbreakers of all sizes, candy by the bulk/pound full... everything and anything. They even have ice cream.gelato that didn't look too good, kinda looked melty, they have a candy/flavored soda fridge. It took a while just to look through the whole store. read more

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My inner child comes out every time I set foot in this place. Whether it's new or old, Powell's has every candy you can possibly think of. They have a knowledgable staff that is more than happy to help you out if you're looking for something in particular. Not to mention Willy Wonka & The Chocolate Factory playing on a loop towards the back. Oh and their gelato ice cream they have there as well. Talk about a one stop shop!! read more

Candy Heaven! Everything from childhood candies to fudge and salt water taffy to the crazy Twilight Vampire candy, this place has it. It's even got a whole shelf of bacon flavored/themed goodies! I could spend hours in this place reminiscing about lemonheads and laugh over all the novelty items. Fun Stuff! read more

Just got back from Powell's with my 6 year old daughter. I went to purchase 2 gifts for a birthday party my daughter was going to - one item was a stuffed animal dog in a purse. I went to the counter and asked the person behind the counter (who I am 99% positive is the owner) if they issued gift receipts. They do not. So I then asked if the person we were giving the gift to brought the items in, if they would be able to exchange it for something else. She proceeded to tell me that the item "has to be in pristine condition" or else she will "absolutely refuse to exchange it". I just looked at her.....with an appalled look on my face (I'm almost 40 - I don't need a lecture lady). She then went on to tell me how children get items dirty with their grimey little hands and how she will not be able to resell it then. And she was incredibly rude as she "explained" this to me. Really? Grimey little hands? YOU WORK IN A CANDY STORE!!!!! Where little kids come!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! If you don't like little kids touching your merchandise you are in the wrong business!!!!!!!!!!!! I told her - I'll just go buy these items somewhere else......where I don't get the hassle. She whipped around and threw the stuff on the counter behind her and said rudely "FINE". So if you are in the mood for overpriced candy that is sold to you with an incredible attitude......this is your place!!!! Powell's and I are done. read more

As I walked through Powell's I felt like a 29 year old kid in a candy store. This store carries every kind of modern and classic candies. My favorite area of the store has to be where you can fill your own bag with various candies from a huge selection against the wall. They are sorted by candy types e.g. chocolate, sour, chalky, and even an entire section for Jelly Belly. They also have a beautiful gelato counter with about twelve different varieties. Free samples are glad given. Besides the sweets the store also carries a lot of toys and other knick-knacks, like coffee mugs and lunch boxes. Probably my favorite part of the store has to be the Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory mural they have in the corner of the store. They have the movie playing, and the area around it is full of autographed pictures from the cast. This is a real deal candy store. read more

Yahoo for OLD SCHOOL SWEETS! Whistle Pops, Big League Chew, Pop Rocks, Ice Cubes, Candy Cigarettes, Orange Slices, Wax Lips, Laffy Taffy, and Zots. Yes, I bought all of that. Minus a star cuz it cost me about $25 bux and there was one kid working the register on a busy summer day! read more

Powells, I love you. Let me count the ways: I love the fact that you have lots of hard candys (I can live without chocolate) I love the fact that you have blackjack gum I love the fact that you have Willy Wonka on the TV I love the fact that you have Interesting and witty toys I love the fact that you have Afro gum... And Cat Butt gum. I love the fact that you have pink popcorn I love that fact that you focus on more than gummy candys and Jelly Bellys (which I find lame and trite) There are so many more ways... I cannot begin to enumerate. I would like to buy you a present - or take you for a mistress. read more

I went in at 6:30p last Saturday and it was PACKED! I felt sorry for the two employees that were working. I should think that management would be able to figure out trends and spikes and schedule better. I was very impressed with the selections of candy and unique sodas, and the chocolate in the case looked mighty tasty but I was on a mission for giant jaw breakers. I found what I wanted! It took quite awhile to get rung up, not due to lazy employees though. They were moving as fast as they could but they were overwhelmed. Oh and news flash to parents: this is a candy store not a chuck e cheese. It's not an appropriate place for your rug rats to run and scream and throw things wherever they please. Beware flying objects and tripping hazards. read more

this is a great place. candies from my childhood. amazing. dont tell anyone but yesterday i bought $30 worth of candy there.

Oh boy, this place is great. A little pricey for candies, but for special occasions and gifts, this place packs a punch. I got my father-in-law some retro 50s and 60s candies and they even had older package designs which made it extra special. The salesperson who helped me out was really kind and let me borrow a laminated list of candies broken down by era; which was really helpful because I didn't want to use data on my phone looking up dates etc. read more

Can I just say that I am IN LOVE with this shop! Popped in on a Thursday afternoon and was so pleasantly surprised (my favorite kind of surprises). Lots of candy: modern, old school, classics, bulk, packaged, homemade, gummies, chocolates, lollipops, taffy.. The list goes on. Also, ice cream!! (Or gelato? Not sure I didn't pay too much attention) The guy who helped me out was so charming, knowledgable, very accommodating and friendly, definitely a plus when working in customer service! And he had a cool accent. I left with tons of rock candy and gummies (my absolute faves) will definitely be back here! read more

I walked in, not a soul in the place not even an employee did the once around stayed about 10 minutes, no one came out to say hello or asked me if I needed any help etc. Honestly there was nothing there that I couldn't find at Walgreen's or CVS. I was expecting something like Fiona's not a chance. Italy, the UK, and France make some fantastic candies, didn't see them here. I think there is a better selection of better candy at Cost Plus, Trader Joe's and AG Ferarri. I honestly didn't get the appeal of the place. A Rocky Road or a Snicker's bar I can get at the gas station down the street. Big wup. read more

If you love candy as much as I do (you don't), then Powell's is a requirement. This place is Willy Wonka's wet dream. Every possible surface is overflowing with candy as you browse listeing to songs about candy, or perhaps you would like to sit and watch "Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory". Total candy sensory overload and it is awesome. They have all of your favorites, plus the old stuff your dad loved, the weird regional stuff you saw on Food Network, plus new and obscure stuff. Some of it can pretty pricey (a gummy heart that I want for my office for almost $5) but that all depends upon your self-discipline (I don't have any). They have gelato but it isn't that good. They also have the display case of candy but I don't care about candy that is $15.99/lb. Yeah, I know they have the giant peanut butter cup but they real ones are usually crap. Give me the Reese's Peanut Butter Big Cup (now King-Size , thank you very much) with the crumbly faux-peanut butter anyday. Seeing as how it is down the street from work and candy is my stress food, I have begun organzing office field trips. If only they were open at 8am so I could pick up some lunch on my way to work...... read more

I love coming here. This place is fantastic. Not only do they have a fantastic selections of candies (traditional, by the pound, retro, taffies, and more) they also have gelato and truffles. I love the chocolate covered gummy bears here. The truffles are delicious too. As far as chocolate bars, they have everything you could imagine, but I think they rotate the bars every once in awhile cause they used to have tea infused chocolates, but they weren't there last time. They're always playing Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory. The workers are great too. They always have a great attitude when I'm there. They're also open to jokes. My friend asked if they had senzu beans (from Dragon Ball Z), and the guy said they'd be coming in next week. My friend proceeded to go Super Saiyan while they guy acted like it happened all the time. When we asked him if he knew the reference, he laughed and said yes. This is my favorite candy store, hands down. read more

I love candy and ths store has just about everything that you can ask for in a candy store. They have a candy for everyone from the newest stuff to classic stuff that I had only heard about from my parents. My favorite little find was the candy ciggarettes that I used to get from the ice cream truck, that really made my day. I tend to come here for nice little gifts to give people that they don't really expect, I got a choclate frog from the harry potter movies for a friend which went over well and for some reason always makes people in a good mood. Check out the store if you are around one. read more

My NEWEST favorite sweets place! This place has got everything! Everything that you don't normally find at your normal candy store or safeway. They have everything from razzles to wonka bars to just everything you had as a kid but can never find now! The place can be a bit overwhelming with all of the candies and colors and such, but the workers seem pretty helpful so they can probably find what you want. Plus they have random stuff that I tried looking for at Urban Outfitters that they didn't have but Powell's did... like "grow a new husband" (expandable sponges that grow with water)... even "grow a new brother" just in case my brother makes me angry. :P BEST PART! THE GELATO! I was a bit hesistant at first because it didn't look very icecream-y but rather gelato-y looking.... but I went out of my box and got a kid's cup (which was PLENTY for me) of gingerbread flavor (I normally get vanilla with sprinkles). AND WOW.... YUMMMMM!!!! I would definately recommend this place to anyone who has a sweet tooth, because this place covers everything! read more

The moment you step in Zoonies feels like entering candy heaven. It conjures up fond childhood memories that make you want to explore the store even more. They played "Sugar, Sugar" by the Archies on their radio so I think that was rather fortuitous! My first time coming here, it took me 10 minutes to just admire the store, their theater seat with TV and oh did I say they have a boatload of candies? The international selection of candies they have is crazy good--candies that one cannot find in other candy stores for sure. Their items range from the conventional to that of the good 'ol days that even your knitting-loving grandma would love. I like their flavored gelatos although some were a bit soft. They have friendly and professional customer service staff since it took me 10 million samples before I decided to get my salted caramel. Zoonies is your perfect sugar fix! I highly recommend it to anyone satisfying their sweet tooth cravings! read more

Who can take a sunrise Sprinkle it in dew Cover it in chocolate and a miracle or two? The candyman The candyman can The candyman can cause he mixes it with love and makes the world taste good! this is by far one of the best candy stores i have ever seen and yes i spent about an hour looking around at everything. we have all heard the expression- like a kid in a candy store! well take one step into this sweet little place and your in cavity heaven. this is definitely a place for both young and old. i was out walking around downtown when i came came across this gem of a place. they have it all! the new as well as the old fashioned candy we all loved as kids. sour patch kids, gummy bears, candy necklaces, candy cigarettes, classic toys, bulk candy, gelato flavors, fresh chocolates and so on and so on. this is truly a place for all ages young and old and for me it makes me feel like a kid again! read more

Candy and I go back a long time. And what better way to celebrate that love than by reaching out to foreign and odd candy?! Having just returned from the UK, I must say this place represents it well. I saw many different candy bars while there that I had already seen in Powell's shop. It has buckets full of all different kinds. Taffy, twizzlers, gum, chocolate, specialty chocolate that lives behind a glass because you, as the customer, cannot control yourself. If you're bringing your kids here, I'd recommend a leash or a preemptive insulin shot (jk, don't really do that 2nd one.) If you're looking for a place to specific candy or just looking to kill time, this place is great. Plus this place can bring back memories, wax lips anyone? read more

I'm a fan of this candy store chain. Mainly because of the overwhelming selection. They pretty much have everything. Also their gellato is good (not great, not bad...good). Staff is hit and miss. Sometimes you get someone who is especially helpful, but the worst I've seen isn't bad...just not enthusiastic. This is the "go to" dessert place after a nice meal... or the place to get a special sweet you can't get elsewhere, or the place for that special present...candy bouquet. My fave is the "Look" bar, chocolate nougat bliss, especially when frozen and cracked. No five stars since their prices are high, but again it's about the selection and not the deal. It's a pity they don't sell the vintage-ish candy merchandising they use for decor...I could go for a lemon-head shirt (but I know I can probably find it on sale online). read more

THE CANDY: Yummy in my tummy! There's a huge variety of candy. There's ice cream, individual candies, and those bags that you can fill up with candy that are judged on the pound. Plus they have a TV that is constantly playing Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. I do love Willy Wonka. THE LINES: Not that long, and at night their like an average ice cream shop. THE ATMOSPHERE: Very happy, obviously, as people are happily chewing away on their candy our licking ice cream cones. ALL IN ALL: One of my favorite candy shoppes. read more

I love this place. You feel like a kid just walking in. So many choices. If you can think of it they probably have it - except what I really want which is flavored licorice. Still so many candy options, you can't go wrong :) read more

Zoonie's HasThe Best Candy! They have every sweet treat you've been thinking about during the COVID shutdown, and now that they are open again, you should indulge. The new owner just took over in 2020, and despite the challenges, he's been completely accommodating and helpful. Zoonie's fills custom and personalized candy orders, has gelato and is a really fun place to visit. Get your sugar fix and support Zoonie's. read more

Old world and new school sweets. Every type of confection you can think of. From gummy and Jelly Belly by the pound to Willy Wonka and Pez. Salt water taffy, hand-made chocolates. Gelato too! Great for little gifts. The Yelp lunch boxes would fit right in their container area. As a sweet shopper, the pricing isn't too shabby! A favorite Powell's location. read more

Love Powell's! They have a great selection of old-time candy and novelty stuff. This is my go-to for cool stocking stuffers for my nephew and nieces. I always end up picking up a bunch of stuff to satisfy my sweet tooth, too. My one complaint - and they most likely can't control it - but they don't have Fire Stick Jolly Rancher! OMG - I would so love to get my hands on one of those treats from my childhood. They have every flavor but that one. The kid I asked about it looked at me like I just landed from Mars so I'm guessing it's not an item they carry. The kids behind the counter can be typical teenagers - first job syndrome so not always the most perceptive to customer service, but who cares? You're scoring really cool candy! read more

If you want to be known as the most favorite auntie around, then take your nieces and nephews to this ultimate sweet shoppe! Serious candy heaven that takes you back to the good old days as well as dives into the future. It's so funny how excited I was picking out the pack of cigarette gum that puffs out fake smoke. I was also dazzled by finding Razzles. Every type of gummy candy is here! Pretty hysterical when my 3 year old nephew picked out a gummy snake that almost surpassed his height. You name it and Powell's has got it. The best is when I heard through the grapevine that my 2 year old niece thinks "Auntie Tiffany sure is fun!" read more

Zoonie's is fantastic! We wandered in for the first time after we had dinner at a nearby restaurant on Mt. Diablo Blvd. My fiance absolutely loves candy, so he was in absolute heaven. He immediate grabbed a bag and filled the bag to the brim with all of his favorite candies. Now, practically every time we're in the area, we have to stop by Zoonie's for candy. Zoonie's offers practically every candy you can imagine, but it also offers gelato, chocolates, and fudge. The staff is friendly, but they mainly stay behind the counter. Love this place! read more

I feel like a kid coming in here, scooping up all the delicious treats this shop has to offer. Yes, I did say shop, for it is not a store. It is not a candy store. It is a Sweet Shoppe. You come in and you immediately feel dandy. Upon walking in, a feeling of nostalgia came over me--my heart was melting and my mind was racing. Kind of how your mind raced during the scene in Willy Wonka when all the psychedelic colors were twirling around on the screen. Yup, that feeling like my mouth was beginning to water and I could tastes chocolate on my tongue. Growing up in the 80's was a real treat. Razzles, Chiclets, Swedish fish. These were my go to candies growing up. So imagine how juiced I was when I saw all of them side by side on the candy-covered tables. Any candy you've had growing up whether in this decade or not, you will find here. I bought three packs of chiclets for my kids and let them know I used to chew on these little fruity squares when I was their age. A favorite pastime on trips to Woolworth, when it was open. Took me back to those days of winter-y San Francisco taking trips with my mom and sister, my mom passing us a pack each of chiclets which we would savor the rest of the day. read more