In 1979, This Minnesota Candy Store Started as an Apple Stand. Today, 2 Brothers in Their 80s Still Hand-Price Every Item

In the small town of Jordan, Minnesota, a unique family-owned establishment thrives without modern technology or payment options. Minnesota’s Largest Candy Store has become a beloved fixture over the past 40 years, known not only for its vast selection of sweets but also for the special brotherly tradition that keeps its pricing system alive.

At the heart of this enterprise are 88-year-old Gil Hartmann and his 87-year-old brother Bob Hartmann, who dedicate a significant portion of their day to manually price tagging the store’s extensive inventory of candy. Without the aid of price scanners, the pair meticulously affixes labels on each item, ensuring that cashiers can enter the prices manually when customers check out.

The candy store, owned by Gil’s daughter Renee Wagner and her husband Robert Wagner, has a distinct approach to business. Operating solely on a cash basis, the establishment does not accept credit cards and has neither a phone number nor a website. This commitment to a no-frills, old-fashioned shopping experience is central to its charm and appeal, attracting visitors from far and wide.

Renee’s sister, Laurie Hartmann-Green, manages the store and shared insights into how this unique pricing method began. She explained that it originated from Gil’s desire to spend time with her. When he offered to help while chatting with her, she suggested he tag candy items. His brother Bob soon joined in, and thus their daily tagging ritual was born.

Laurie estimated that hundreds of thousands of candy pieces are now tagged by the brothers, each doing so with a distinct style. Gil is known for his quicker approach, often skipping the barcodes in favour of speed, while Bob is meticulous, ensuring every tag is perfectly placed. This difference in technique regularly leads to light-hearted debates between the two siblings about the merits of their respective methods.

Their commitment to this daily task stems from their belief in its constructive value. “It’s better than a recliner,” Bob jested, explaining how their work helps keep them active and engaged. The brothers typically work around five hours each day, and they approach their roles with a jovial spirit that resonates throughout the store.

The vibrant yellow building of Minnesota’s Largest Candy Store stands out distinctly along a highway just outside Minneapolis. Featuring a bright yellow barn and an array of colourful attractions, it is much more than a mere candy shop. Exploring its aisles, visitors can find everything from soda and popcorn to pies, alongside a selection of novelties that includes a British phone booth and a fortune-telling machine.

The store’s origins trace back to 1979 when Robert Wagner’s father initially set it up as an apple stand. Over the years, it has evolved into a vast candy emporium, drawing attention not only for its products but also for the nostalgia it evokes. The decision to maintain its traditional, hands-on techniques is a testament to the Hartmann family’s connection to the community and their commitment to preserving a simpler way of doing business.

As technology continues to dominate the retail landscape, Minnesota’s Largest Candy Store remains a testament to the charm of the past, where family values, manual labour, and cash transactions create a unique and welcoming shopping environment. For those in search of sweets and a slice of nostalgia, this family-run enterprise offers a delightful experience like no other.