Zimmerman's Nuts and Candies — Local services in Penbrook

My Experience at This Store

I have been a customer at this store for several years, but unfortunately, my experiences have consistently been negative. From the beginning, I noticed that the staff would closely monitor me and others while shopping, often following us around the store. It is widely known that the store has a rule limiting the number of children allowed inside at one time, which has always felt unwelcoming.

One particular incident stood out and made me uncomfortable returning. A group of friends and I visited the store, and as per their policy, we left our bags outside before entering. While we were browsing, a staff member suddenly accused one of my friends—specifically, the only dark-skinned individual in our group—of stealing. He yelled across the store claiming my friend had put something in his pocket. Confused, we all turned around. My friend emptied his coat pockets and showed that he only had a Ziploc bag containing a crushed Oreo—an item the store does not even sell.

Despite us calmly asking for proof and requesting to see the security footage, the staff member kept avoiding the request. After repeated attempts, he said he would show us the footage after his break and told us to return in 30 minutes. When we came back, we were again asked to wait. During that time, we noticed a police car circling the area, and we strongly suspect the employee had contacted the police under false pretenses.

There was also another troubling incident involving a friend of mine during the early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic. A staff member allegedly told my friend’s grandmother, “Aren’t you the people who started COVID?”—a deeply offensive and discriminatory comment.

Even outside of the store, I continue to feel unwelcome. When I walk past the shop, the owner often stares in an aggressive and uncomfortable manner—long, deliberate stares that make it clear I am not welcome.

Overall, my experiences with this business have been marked by racism, false accusations, and disrespect. I would strongly advise others, especially families and people of color, to consider these experiences...

Located in Pennbrook, just East of Harrisburg PA, Zimmerman's has to be experienced. It is difficult to put an adequate description into words. First off, it is smack dab in the middle of a residential neighborhood. The exterior of the building looks different from any other sort of shop you have seen. It is almost as if they have a purposeful urban camouflage generator washing over the exterior. Inside, it feels like you have stepped into Dr. Who's TARDIS - plain unassuming exterior, delightful otherworldly interior. Here you will find all manner of delectable mouth treats. You will giggle as you come across treats from your childhood similar to as if you were trekking through the Amazon rain forest and you saw a creature thought to be long ago extinct. I last went there with my wife who was shopping for a work Halloween party, so we picked up the usual necessities - jelly candy brains, a wrapped cardboard with several dozen confectionery eyeballs dotted upon it. Jelly frogs. We were going to get some jelly rats, but all they had left was one 6 inch jelly rat. They make their own peanut butter too - salted and unsalted. The local churches get their bulk chocolate here to make all of the chocolate Easter eggs that will be hopping off shop counters around here very shortly after the start of the new year (yes I am talking about Easter 2019, you have to plan early if you are going to beat the Presbyterians next year in egg sales!). When we were about to leave, a couple of discrete older gentlemen were there picking up some special orders. One wanted a 50 lb bag of roasted peanuts... "around back at the loading dock", came the hushed response. Another guy was picking up some sort of cinimon powder coated marshmallows which I was able to catch a surreptitious glance of. So, in short, if you are worthy, then seek this place out and it may graciously reaveal itself to you and...

This place is a gem. Adults and children alike will enjoy a visit here. Homemade peanut butter available. Almost any candy you can think of, they offer. Baking ingredients available (ex: chocolate wafers for melting). One of the greatest features is that this is a family owned company and it shows in their staffing. I have never had an unfriendly, unhelpful person assisting me. Their prices are reasonable. Fair sugar free selection for those diabetic and/or watching their sugars. Parking can be slightly annoying, on street only, but that's the only draw to this place so it's easy to deal with. And if you like clear toy candy, they make it for holidays in different seasonal shapes, so tasty! They do accept cash and...