Salem's Yum Yum Tree to close

SALEM -- A candy store that has resided on State Street for about 30 years is closing at the end of February, store managers said Friday.
The Yum Yum Tree, a Gorant Candies store at 2350 State St., has been a staple of the plaza shopping center for about three decades, serving its specialty of chocolates and unique gifts. According to the Salem Chamber of Commerce executive director Audrey Null, the Cleveland-based owner of Gorant Candies decided to close the franchise recently.
Trudi Foster, 65, has worked for 17 years at the business and said the decision to close hits everyone close to home.
"I'm sad for the town," Foster said. "It's really important to them."
Foster said that not only is she upset at finding herself to be soon unemployed, but she is also mindful of her customers, who love the unique flavor of the store.
"They are very unhappy," Foster said. "We have a close relationship with our customers. We're from a small town, and even if you don't know everyone's name, you know them."
Null said that even though the Yum Yum Tree will be dearly missed, the town has a bright future and several businesses are under negotiation to plant roots in the town.
"There are a lot of positives even with this negative," Null said.
Calls to the Yum Yum Tree's corporate headquarters were not returned.