Opinion
Strong candy sales defy economy, bring back memories of childhood
March 26, 2009
While vegging out in my dorm room one day this past week, after many hours of classes, I decided to watch the news. More bailout issues, other problems with the economy, murders, bills that President Obama signed, flood prevention efforts, nothing out of the ordinary.
But there was one particular story that I found interesting. Despite the hard economic times that everyone is going through, people are still paying up to enjoy one of the simple pleasures in life: candy. It was nice to finally hear a story that was somewhat uplifting and positive instead of the usual negative and depressing ones.
Hershey’s kisses, Mallo Cups, Necco Wafers, Bit-O-Honeys, Swedish Fish, Jelly Beans, Gummy Bears, all have withstood the recession so far. Even though the economy is continually shutting down companies that were once strong, candy sales continue to rise.
Why are the sales rising?
Some say that sugar lifts the low spirits caused by the economy. Others say that with all of the economic hardships that we are all going through, we need an escape, something to take our minds off of the difficult times and take us back to happier times, times when we were kids and the simplest joy in life was enjoying the taste of a piece of candy.
Not to mention that it’s pretty cheap. It may seem overly simplistic and elementary, but it rings true and does make sense. But the story not only reminded me of the times that I enjoyed a piece of candy or a nice cold ice cream cone in the heat of a summer day. It brought me back to all of the other happy childhood memories that, now being a stressed out college student, begin to sound pretty great.
It reminded me of all the times my sister and I were perfectly happy just playing house with our dolls in a cardboard box, having sleepovers with friends, taking naps in the middle of the day, riding a bike for hours in the yard, climbing trees, going out for recess in elementary school, playing hide and seek with my dad, baking cookies with my mom, playing Candyland and Pretty Pretty Princess, getting excited over a new toy for your birthday, listening for Santa Claus on Christmas Eve, playing dress up and playing with a puppy.
While you’re a kid, your life is simple and free of any responsibilities or problems from school, work, relationships, extra-curricular activities and anything else that comes along with growing up and becoming an adult. Enjoying the simple pleasures in life may go farther than what we think. Who would have thought that it would be as simple as a piece of candy that can help make the day go a little bit better?
Christie Lauer is a student at UW-River Falls.