Candy Me Up — Local services in La Mesa

I give it 3-stars for the very nice female clerk that has always been friendly, and because until this last visit, we’ve enjoyed shopping at CMU. My daughters begged me to take them here when it trended on TikTok a few years ago. Since then, we’ve regularly visited—even so much as buying products and mailing them, when they are with their dad. Currently, my youngest is into their Chamoy Pickles, which cost over 6 bucks a pop. Each. Kinda pricey for someone whose kids can eat a couple of them, and they are, after all, just seasoned pickled cucumbers. Still, I’ve put a pretty penny or two towards their Chamoy Pickles. I dropped by last week to buy some more to send to my daughter when I discovered they were closed, due to being short-staffed. Yesterday, I dropped by to pick up the pickles and was surprised to see that the pickles were significantly smaller compared to the deli-sized ones they originally were. Aside from that, I was delighted to see a single box of Japanese Botan Rice Candy. I grew up eating these candies. When I put one into my mouth and bit down onto it, my anticipation for the sweet soft taste was instead met with me almost breaking my tooth. It was rock hard and obviously expired. I’m really hoping the pickles aren’t, as well. But, we’ll see. If the owner of CMU reads this: Please do a freshness audit on your products, especially the imports. I really hope you don’t continue to sell expired products, especially the Japanese ones. I grew up eating these treats and would hate to think that this could be the first impression of these products for...

Bright, clean, well-organized and an amazing variety of candies. Candies are sorted by color, making creating a themed candy buffet easy to put together. The person working (owner?) was knowledgeable, friendly and very helpful. Offered to order items for us if we didn't see what we wanted. Prices were reasonable. Props, such as over-sized glasses, were available for purchase to make overall presentation of the candy you buy look as nice as possible. The candy we purchased was fresh and tasted as good as it looked (this is not always the case when you order online or buy from other stores).

PS--Forgot to mention when I originally posted that they sell mainly sugary, colorful candies vs. chocolates. If you are looking to buy candy bars, like a Snickers bar or case of Snickers, this might not be what you are looking for. It's geared more for party favors, pinatas and those photo worthy...

I had a bridal shower I was planning and I was going to set up a designer to set up a candy table etc (I've seen it on Instagram) when I realized I couldn't afford it I was going to go to the dollar store in La Mesa. The candy looked old and faded. I walked out feeling defeated cause I could design a table with Costco candy😔 But then I saw next door they had Candy Pros. I walked in and started talking to the manager (Nema) and explained my dilemma. She was so helpful and even showed me a couple of demonstrations on what I can do for the party. Not only was her candy selection awesome but it was color-coordinated and prices were reasonable. Nema was awesome

She also explained whatever she didn't have at the store they have a huge warehouse in National city.

I wish I knew how to upload photos on this thing. But let's just say it was a Big Hit!!!

Thank you for...